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

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a battery module comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a module case configured to house the plurality of battery cells and having a plurality of vent holes formed on at least one surface; and a barrier member provided inside the module case, the barrier member configured to divide the plurality of battery cells into a plurality of cell groups and cover the corresponding vent holes for each cell group.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module, a battery pack including the battery module, and a vehicle. Specifically, the present invention relates to a battery module capable of suppressing heat propagation in the battery module, a battery pack including the battery module, and a vehicle.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0061373 filed on May 9, 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), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), etc. driven by an electric drive source. Such secondary batteries not only have the primary advantage of significantly 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. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery module or pack is variously set according to the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] On the other hand, battery cells undergo chemical reactions during charging and discharging, so if they are used in an environment with a temperature higher than the appropriate temperature, their performance may deteriorate, and if the heat cannot be controlled to the appropriate temperature, there is a possibility of unexpected ignition or explosion. Furthermore, battery modules have a structure in which such battery cells are densely housed inside a module housing. Therefore, if a thermal event occurs in one battery cell, the emitted high-temperature gas and flames may propagate to adjacent battery cells, potentially causing a chain reaction of battery cell explosions, which is extremely dangerous.

[0006] Therefore, conventional battery modules have vent holes on the top or bottom of the module case to expel vent gases and flames to the outside of the module case when thermal events occur in the battery cells. However, with such conventional battery modules, not only is excessive heat concentrated on the vent hole side, but the expelled flames and sparks re-enter through the vent hole, accelerating heat transfer to adjacent battery cells.

[0007] Therefore, even if a thermal event occurs in some battery cells within a battery module, there is a need to develop a structure that can suppress and delay heat propagation to prevent gases, flames, etc., from spreading to other battery cells within the battery module and causing thermal runaway. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] Therefore, the problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a battery module that can reliably partition and isolate battery cells, thereby effectively preventing or delaying the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells.

[0009] Another problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a battery pack and an automobile that include the aforementioned battery module.

[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 plurality of battery cells, a module case configured to house the plurality of battery cells and having a plurality of vent holes formed on at least one surface, and a barrier member provided inside the module case, the barrier member configured to divide the plurality of battery cells into a plurality of cell groups and cover the corresponding vent holes for each cell group.

[0012] The module case may include a first vent hole formed on one side of the module case and a second vent hole formed on the other side of the module case.

[0013] The first vent hole and the second vent hole may be arranged alternately.

[0014] The barrier member may be constructed by bending a single plate multiple times.

[0015] The barrier member may be configured to be folded multiple times to form multiple accommodation spaces, and each of these accommodation spaces may house the cell groups.

[0016] The aforementioned containment space may be configured to open toward the opposite side of the vent hole.

[0017] The open portions of the aforementioned containment space may be arranged alternately with the vent holes.

[0018] The barrier member may be in a bent form and comprise a horizontal portion configured to extend along the stacking direction of the battery cells and cover the vent hole, and a vertical portion configured to extend along the height direction of the battery cells.

[0019] The horizontal portion may include a first horizontal portion configured to cover the lower part of the cell group and a second horizontal portion configured to cover the upper part of the cell group.

[0020] The first horizontal section and the second horizontal section may be arranged alternately.

[0021] The barrier member may include an inclined portion in which the horizontal portion is at least partially inclined toward the vent hole.

[0022] The horizontal portion may be configured in a mesh pattern, at least partially.

[0023] Another aspect of the present invention provides a battery pack including a battery module according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0024] Furthermore, yet another aspect of the present invention provides an automobile including a battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to one aspect of the present invention, high-temperature gases and flames generated in the battery cells within the battery module are vented in multiple directions and smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery module. This prevents or delays the rise in internal pressure of the battery module and the propagation of thermal runaway. This ensures the safety and reliability of the battery module.

[0026] Also, according to one aspect of the present invention, by covering the vent hole with a barrier member, it is possible to prevent vent gas, flame, spark, etc. from re-flowing into the battery module through the vent hole. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a fire inside the battery module.

[0027] Also, according to one aspect of the present invention, the cell groups in the battery module are reliably partitioned and separated by the barrier member, so that even if a thermal event occurs in some of the battery cells in the battery module, gas, flame, etc. can be effectively prevented from diffusing to other battery cells in the battery module and causing thermal runaway, or the diffusion can be delayed.

[0028] Also, according to one aspect of the present invention, since the barrier member is bent multiple times and configured in a zigzag shape, a plurality of cell groups can be partitioned, so that the productivity during the manufacture of the battery module can be improved.

[0029] Also, according to one aspect of the present invention, by fixing the cell group with the barrier member, it is possible to prevent the battery cell from being deformed or damaged when thermal runaway occurs in the battery module or when swelling of the battery cell occurs. Therefore, the structural stability of the battery module can be ensured.

[0030] Also, according to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent or delay an event due to a thermal runaway phenomenon of a battery pack including a plurality of battery modules or a device on which these are mounted, such as a fire or an explosion.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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]

[0033] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view from above of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of a disassembled battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' in Figure 1. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of a barrier component included in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is an exploded perspective view of a barrier component and cell group included in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is an enlarged view of section A in Figure 4. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view of a battery module to which a barrier member according to another embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view of a barrier member included in a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view of a battery module to which a barrier member according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 11] This is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack containing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a schematic perspective view of an automobile containing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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 focus will be on the differences.

[0037] 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.

[0038] For example, in embodiments of the present invention, the illustrated X-axis direction may mean the left-right direction, i.e., the stacking direction of the battery cells; the Y-axis direction may mean the front-to-back direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction on the horizontal plane (XY plane), i.e., the longitudinal direction of the battery cells; and the Z-axis direction may mean the up-and-down direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to both the X-axis and Y-axis directions, i.e., the height direction of the battery cells.

[0039] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below; and Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along line I-I' in Figure 1.

[0040] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, a battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery cell 100, a module case 200, and a barrier member 300.

[0041] Multiple battery cells 100 may be provided. Multiple battery cells 100 may be arranged in a stacked configuration in one direction. For example, as shown in Figure 3, multiple battery cells 100 may be stacked along the left-right direction (X-axis direction).

[0042] The battery cell 100 may be a pouch-type secondary battery. The battery cell 100 may include an electrode assembly and a cell case that houses the electrode assembly. The cell case may have a housing portion configured to house the electrode assembly and a sealing portion formed by heat-sealing the periphery of the housing portion. The sealing portion may be provided on three of the four sides of the battery cell 100.

[0043] Furthermore, each of the multiple battery cells 100 may be provided with an electrode lead 110. The electrode lead 110 can be connected to an electrode assembly and extended to the outside of the cell case to function as an electrode terminal.

[0044] The electrode leads 110 are provided in pairs, and the pair of electrode leads 110 can be drawn out from both ends of the battery cell 100, i.e., in the longitudinal direction (±Y direction). In this case, the pair of electrode leads 110 may be a positive electrode lead and a negative electrode lead. If necessary, the battery cell 100 may be configured such that the two electrode leads 110 are located only at one end in the Y-axis direction, for example, at the end in the +Y-axis direction.

[0045] The battery cell 100 may be erected with the side without the sealing portion facing downwards. As shown in Figure 3 and other figures, multiple battery cells 100 may be arranged side by side in the left-to-right direction (X-axis direction) while erected vertically (Z-axis direction). In this case, each battery cell 100 may have its sealing portion facing in the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction) and upward (+Z-axis direction), and its housing portion facing in the left-to-right direction (X-axis direction).

[0046] By arranging the battery cells 100 in this manner, the venting direction can be easily controlled to either side, and cooling performance can be ensured by performing edge cooling through the surface where the sealing portion is not provided.

[0047] The present invention is not limited by the specific type or form of such battery cell 100, and a variety of battery cells 100 known at the time of filing the application of the present invention may be used. In this embodiment, as shown in the figure, a pouch-type secondary battery with high energy density and easy stacking is targeted, but of course, cylindrical secondary batteries or prismatic secondary batteries can also be applied as battery cells 100.

[0048] Furthermore, the battery cell 100 of the present invention may mean one battery or a group of more batteries.

[0049] On the other hand, referring to Figure 3, the battery module 10 of the present invention may further include a busbar frame assembly 400. The busbar frame assembly 400 is provided inside the module case 200 and may be configured to cover at least one side of the plurality of battery cells 100. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the busbar frame assembly 400 may be coupled to the front and rear of the plurality of battery cells 100.

[0050] The busbar frame assembly 400 may include a busbar frame 410 and a plurality of busbars 420. The busbar frame 410 may be configured to be coupled to the front and rear of a plurality of battery cells 100. The busbar frame 410 may have slits that allow the electrode leads 110 of the battery cells 100 to be drawn out in the +Y axis direction or the -Y axis direction. The busbar frame 410 may also be formed from, for example, an electrically insulating plastic material and configured to allow the busbars 420 to be attached to its outer surface.

[0051] Multiple busbars 420 are means for connecting multiple battery cells 100 in series and / or parallel, and are made of a metallic material such as copper, aluminum, or nickel, and may be rod-shaped. The electrode leads 110 of the multiple battery cells 100 are drawn out to the outside of the busbar frame 410 by passing through slits in the busbar frame 410, and the drawn-out portions may be attached to the surface of the busbars 420 by welding or other means.

[0052] The module case 200 may be configured to house a plurality of battery cells 100. Specifically, the module case 200 may have an internal space, and the plurality of battery cells 100 may be housed in the internal space.

[0053] Vent holes H may be formed in the module case 200. Multiple vent holes H may be provided, spaced at regular intervals from each other in the horizontal direction (X-axis and Y-axis direction). The vent holes H may be configured to discharge vent gas generated in the battery cell 100 to the outside of the module case 200.

[0054] The vent holes H may be formed on at least one surface of the module case 200. For example, as shown in Figures 1 to 4, the vent holes H may be formed on the top and bottom surfaces of the module case 200. This allows for directional venting of the battery module 10 in both upward and downward directions through the vent holes H.

[0055] The barrier member 300 may be provided inside the module case 200. The barrier member 300 may be configured to group a plurality of battery cells 100. The barrier member 300 may be configured to partition a plurality of battery cells 100 into a plurality of cell groups G. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the barrier member 300 may be configured to group the battery cells 100 into groups of four. That is, one cell group G may contain four battery cells 100.

[0056] According to this embodiment, by partitioning or separating the multiple cell groups G, it is possible to prevent gases, flames, etc., generated in one cell group G from moving to other adjacent cell groups G and causing heat propagation. This prevents or delays the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells 100.

[0057] Such a barrier member 300 may be made of a material with excellent heat resistance and / or fire resistance. For example, the barrier member 300 may be made of mica material. This allows the airtight structure to be maintained without deformation even under high heat and pressure.

[0058] Furthermore, the barrier member 300 may be made of a compressible material. For example, the barrier member 300 may be made of one of the following materials: silicone, aerogel, polyurethane, etc. This allows the barrier member 300 to be configured to be in complete contact with the adjacent battery cell 100.

[0059] Furthermore, the barrier member 300 may be made of an electrically insulating material. This makes it possible to ensure electrical insulation between the battery cells 100.

[0060] On the other hand, the vent holes H may be provided to correspond to each cell group G. In this case, the barrier member 300 may be configured to cover the vent holes H corresponding to each cell group G.

[0061] More specifically, the barrier member 300 may be configured to cover a portion of the six faces of the cell group G. In this case, the barrier member 300 may be configured to cover one face of the cell group G located on the side of the vent hole H. For example, if the vent hole H is located at the top of the cell group G, the barrier member 300 may be configured to cover the left side, right side, and top side of the cell group G.

[0062] According to this embodiment, the barrier member 300 covers the vent hole H, preventing vent gas and flames discharged to the outside through the vent hole H from flowing back into the battery module 10. Therefore, heat transfer to adjacent battery modules 10 can be minimized, effectively preventing or delaying the propagation of thermal runaway, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of the battery module 10.

[0063] In particular, if flames or sparks enter the battery module 10 again through the vent hole H, they may come into contact with oxygen inside the battery module 10 and accelerate an explosion. However, according to this embodiment, the barrier member 300 prevents sparks and the like from entering the battery module 10, thereby suppressing the occurrence of a fire inside the battery module 10.

[0064] On the other hand, referring to Figure 3, the module case 200 may comprise a case body 210 and a top plate 220. The case body 210 may be configured so that at least the top surface is open. For example, the case body 210 may be configured so that the top, front, and rear surfaces are open. That is, the case body 210 may consist of a U-frame.

[0065] Such a case body 210 may be made of a rigid and heat-resistant metal material to physically or chemically protect the housed battery cells 100.

[0066] The top plate 220 may be provided to form the upper surface of the module case 200. The top plate 220 may be coupled to the open upper surface of the case body 210. The top plate 220 may be coupled to the case body 210 by welding. In this case, the configuration in which the top plate 220 and the case body 210 are coupled may be a rectangular tube with open front and rear surfaces.

[0067] On the other hand, the module case 200 may include end plates 230 provided on the open front and rear surfaces of the case body 210. The end plates 230 may be joined to the case body 210 by welding. On the other hand, although not shown for convenience, the end plates 230 may include, for example, an insulating material on the inside and a metallic material on the outside. The end plates 230 may also have holes or slits in part to expose components that are exposed to the outside, such as the positive terminal, negative terminal, or connector of the battery module 10.

[0068] Furthermore, the module case 200 can take on a variety of other forms. For example, the module case 200 may comprise a box-shaped lower case with an open upper end, and an upper cover that closes the open upper end of the lower case. Alternatively, the module case 200 may consist of a single frame.

[0069] On the other hand, the module case 200 may be equipped with a first vent hole H1 and a second vent hole H2. The first vent hole H1 may be formed on one side of the module case 200. The second vent hole H2 may be formed on the other side of the module case 200. In other words, the first vent hole H1 and the second vent hole H2 may be formed on different sides of the module case 200. This allows vent gas generated in the cell group G to be discharged in various directions, rather than just one.

[0070] In particular, the first vent hole H1 and the second vent hole H2 may be formed on opposite sides of the module case 200. That is, the first vent hole H1 and the second vent hole H2 may be formed on sides of the module case 200 that face each other. According to this embodiment, since the vent paths are separated in both directions, heat concentration in one direction can be prevented. This makes it possible to suppress or prevent heat propagation in the battery module 10.

[0071] In this case, as shown in Figures 1 to 4, the first vent hole H1 may be formed on the upper surface of the module case 200, for example, on the top plate 220. The second vent hole H2 may be formed on the lower surface of the module case 200. This allows vent gas and flames generated in the cell group G to be discharged upwards or downwards through the vent holes H provided at the upper or lower part of the cell group G.

[0072] According to this embodiment, by preventing vent gases and flames from moving in the stacking direction of the battery cells 100, it is possible to prevent them from moving to other adjacent cell groups G. Furthermore, vent gases and flames can be smoothly discharged vertically without interference from other adjacent structures.

[0073] Furthermore, the first vent hole H1 and the second vent hole H2 may be arranged alternately. That is, the first vent hole H1 and the second vent hole H2 may be arranged alternately in the horizontal direction, for example, along the stacking direction of the battery cells 100. The first vent hole H1 and the second vent hole H2 may be provided in opposite positions for each cell group G.

[0074] More specifically, referring to Figure 4, the barrier member 300 may be configured to separate the first cell group G1 and the second cell group G2. The first cell group G1 and the second cell group G2 may be arranged alternately along the stacking direction of the battery cells 100 by the barrier member 300.

[0075] In this case, the first vent hole H1 may be provided at the top of the first cell group G1. The barrier member 300 may be configured to cover the upper surface of the first cell group G. Also, the second vent hole H2 may be provided at the bottom of the second cell group G2. The barrier member 300 may be configured to cover the lower surface of the second cell group G2.

[0076] According to this embodiment, by arranging the first vent hole H1 and the second vent hole H2 alternately, the heat from vent gases and flames directed toward other cell groups G can be minimized.

[0077] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a barrier member included in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the barrier member and cell group included in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is an enlarged view of part A in Figure 4.

[0078] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the barrier member 300 may be constructed by folding a single plate multiple times. The barrier member 300 may be constructed by folding a single plate back and forth multiple times in the opposite direction. The barrier member 300 may be constructed by folding a single plate 180°. As a result, the barrier member 300 may be constructed in a zigzag shape. The barrier member 300 may also be constructed in a Z shape.

[0079] Multiple such barrier members 300 can be provided inside the module case 200. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 6, a single barrier member 300 may be provided inside the module case 200 and configured to cover all the battery cells 100.

[0080] According to this embodiment, the barrier member 300 is folded multiple times to form a zigzag shape, which allows for easy partitioning of multiple cell groups G. This improves the productivity during the manufacturing of the battery module 10.

[0081] More specifically, multiple accommodation spaces S can be formed by bending the barrier member 300 multiple times. In other words, multiple accommodation spaces S can be formed by bending the barrier member 300 multiple times. Multiple accommodation spaces S can be arranged alternately along the stacking direction of the battery cells 100.

[0082] A containment space S may be configured to accommodate a cell group G. Each cell group G may be provided in each containment space S. As a more specific example, a first containment space S1 may be configured to accommodate a first cell group G1, and a second containment space S2 may be configured to accommodate a second cell group G2.

[0083] In this case, each containment space S may be configured to open in different directions. The open portions of the containment spaces S may be arranged alternately. The open portions of the containment spaces S may be arranged alternately toward either the upper or lower side. For example, the first containment space S1 may be configured to open toward the lower side, and the second containment space S2 may be configured to open toward the upper side.

[0084] On the other hand, referring to Figure 7, multiple vent holes H may be located individually for each containment space S. In this case, the containment space S may be configured to open toward the opposite side of the vent hole H. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the first vent hole H1 may be located at the top of the first cell group G1, and the first containment space S1 may open toward the bottom of the first cell group G1. Conversely, the second vent hole H2 may be located at the bottom of the second cell group G2, and the second containment space S2 may open toward the top of the second cell group G2.

[0085] According to this embodiment, the first cell group G1 and the second cell group G2 can be configured to have different venting directions. As a result, vent gas generated in the cell group G within the containment space S is guided and discharged only towards the vent hole H, without moving to the other cell group G.

[0086] Furthermore, the open portions of the containment space S may be arranged alternately with the vent holes H. The open portions of the containment space S and the vent holes H may be arranged alternately in the horizontal direction, for example, along the stacking direction of the battery cells 100. Each open portion of the containment space S may be interposed between adjacent vent holes H.

[0087] For example, as shown in Figure 7, the open portions of the first containment space S1 may be arranged alternately with the second vent holes H2. Alternatively, the closed portions of the first containment space S1 may be configured to face the first vent holes H1.

[0088] In this configuration, the first containment space S1 may be configured to communicate with the second vent hole H2. The second containment space S2 may also be configured to communicate with the first vent hole H1. In particular, the barrier member 300 may be configured to be separated from the first vent hole H1 by a predetermined distance. As a result, vent gas and flames generated in the second cell group G2 within the second containment space S2 move to both sides in the left-right direction and are discharged upward through the first vent hole H1.

[0089] According to this embodiment, when a thermal event occurs in a battery cell 100 within a cell group G, the vent gas and flame generated in the battery cell 100 are discharged to the outside of the battery module 10 through vent holes H provided on both the left and right sides of each cell group G. As a result, the high-temperature gas and flame are vented in many directions and smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery module 10, thereby preventing or delaying the rise in internal pressure of the battery module 10 and the propagation of thermal runaway.

[0090] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since heat is discharged in both directions, heat concentration on one side is prevented, thereby more effectively suppressing or preventing heat propagation in the battery module 10.

[0091] The structure of the barrier member 300 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 5 and 7. The barrier member 300 is in a folded form and may include a horizontal section 310 and a vertical section 320. That is, the horizontal section 310 and the vertical section 320 may be defined by the barrier member 300 being folded multiple times.

[0092] The horizontal portion 310 may be configured to extend along the stacking direction of the battery cells 100. The horizontal portion 310 may be flat.

[0093] The vertical portion 320 may be configured to extend along the height direction of the battery cell 100. The vertical portion 320 may extend upward from the horizontal portion 310. The angle between the vertical portion 320 and the horizontal portion 310 may be approximately 90°. The vertical portion 320 may be flat.

[0094] The storage space S may be formed by one horizontal section 310 and two vertical sections 320. The vertical sections 320 may be provided between adjacent cell groups G. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the vertical section 320 may be provided between the first cell group G1 and the second cell group G2. The vertical sections 320 may be provided on both sides in the left-right direction of the cell group G. That is, the vertical sections 320 may be configured to partition and separate multiple cell groups G.

[0095] According to this embodiment, heat propagation between battery cells 100 can be suppressed by configuring the cell group G in such a way that it is at least partially surrounded by a vertical portion 320 and a horizontal portion 310.

[0096] Furthermore, the vertical portion 320 may be configured to fix the cell group G from both sides. According to this embodiment, when swelling occurs in the battery cell 100, the barrier member 300 can suppress the swelling of the battery cell 100 by compressing the cell group G from both sides. In this way, the barrier member 300 can contribute to the structural rigidity of the battery cell 100.

[0097] The horizontal section 310 may comprise a first horizontal section 311 and a second horizontal section 312. The first horizontal section 311 may be configured to cover the lower part of the cell group G. That is, the first horizontal section 311 may be located below the second horizontal section 312. The first horizontal section 311 may be configured on which the second cell group G2 is placed. The first horizontal section 311 may also be configured to face the second vent hole H2.

[0098] Furthermore, the second horizontal section 312 may be configured to cover the upper part of the cell group G. That is, the second horizontal section 312 may be provided on top of the first horizontal section 311. Also, the second horizontal section 312 may be configured to face the first vent hole H1.

[0099] The first horizontal section 311 and the second horizontal section 312 may be arranged alternately. The first horizontal section 311 and the second horizontal section 312 may be arranged alternately in the horizontal direction, for example, along the arrangement direction of the cell group G. For example, the first horizontal section 311 may be located at the bottom and the second horizontal section 312 may be located at the top. Such first horizontal section 311, second horizontal section 312, and vertical section 320 may be formed by configuring the barrier member 300 in a Z shape.

[0100] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module to which a barrier member according to another embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0101] In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, the barrier member 300 may include an inclined portion 330. The inclined portion 330 may be a portion of the horizontal portion 310 that is at least partially inclined. The inclined portion 330 may be formed by bending the horizontal portion 310 of the barrier member 300 multiple times. The inclined portion 330 may be configured to guide vent gas, flames, etc., towards the vent hole H. The inclined portion 330 may be configured to be inclined towards the vent hole H. The inclined portion 330 may be configured in a diagonal shape.

[0102] According to this embodiment, vent gas and flames generated in the cell group G are guided to the vent hole H by the inclined portion 330 and quickly discharged to the outside of the battery module 10 through the vent hole H.

[0103] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, directional venting in both directions can be more effectively induced. This allows heat to dissipate rapidly within the cell group G, preventing heat transfer between the battery cells 100.

[0104] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a barrier member included in a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module to which the barrier member according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0105] In yet another embodiment, the horizontal section 310 may be configured in a mesh form at least partially. That is, the barrier member 300 may include a mesh member M. The mesh member M may be configured to filter flames and allow vent gases to pass through. Such a mesh member M may be configured in the form of a plate-shaped member with a large number of pores formed thereon, or in the form of a large number of wires woven together in a mesh. In this case, the large number of pores may be configured to be sized to filter flames discharged from the cell group G to the outside of the barrier member 300.

[0106] In particular, the mesh member M may be provided at a position corresponding to the vent hole H. That is, the mesh member M can prevent flames from being discharged to the outside of the module case 200 through the vent hole H and acting as a cause of ignition.

[0107] According to this embodiment, the passage of flames is suppressed to the greatest extent possible through the mesh structure formed at the position corresponding to the vent hole H, while allowing vent gas to pass through. Therefore, not only can the exposure of flames to the outside of the module case 200 be minimized, but the vent gas can also be discharged quickly.

[0108] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by providing the mesh member M on the barrier member 300, a screening function can be achieved to filter out particles (discharges) such as sparks. That is, it effectively guides the internal gas to flow out to the outside through the mesh structure formed on the barrier member 300, and at the same time, it effectively achieves not only physical blocking of ignition factors such as high-temperature particles and sparks, but also restraint or capture, thereby effectively reducing and suppressing the outflow of particles such as sparks to the outside. In addition, it is possible to suppress particles such as sparks discharged to the outside from other vent holes H from flowing back into the cell group G side through the vent holes H.

[0109] Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack that includes a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] Referring to Figure 11, a battery pack 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery modules 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 for housing the above-mentioned components, along with a battery management system (BMS) for integrated control of the charging and discharging of one or more battery modules, a current sensor, a fuse, and the like.

[0111] Figure 12 is a schematic perspective view of an automobile containing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0112] Referring to Figure 12, an automobile 3 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs 1 or battery modules 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. An automobile 3 according to one embodiment of the present invention may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The automobile 3 includes four-wheeled vehicles and two-wheeled vehicles. The automobile 3 operates by receiving power from a battery pack 1 or battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] 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. Multiple battery cells, A module case configured to house multiple battery cells, having multiple vent holes formed on at least one surface, A battery module comprising a barrier member provided inside the module case, wherein the barrier member is configured to divide the plurality of battery cells into a plurality of cell groups and cover a corresponding vent hole for each cell group.

2. The aforementioned module case is A first vent hole formed on one side of the module case, The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising a second vent hole formed on the other side of the module case.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein the first vent holes and the second vent holes are arranged alternately.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the barrier member is formed by bending a single plate multiple times.

5. The barrier member is folded multiple times to form multiple containment spaces. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein each of the cell groups is configured to be housed in the aforementioned housing space.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein the housing space is configured to open toward the opposite side of the vent hole.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein the open portions of the housing space are arranged alternately with the vent holes.

8. The barrier member is in a folded form, and A horizontal portion is configured to extend along the stacking direction of the battery cells and cover the vent hole, The battery module according to claim 1, comprising a vertical portion configured to extend along the height direction of the battery cell.

9. The horizontal section is, A first horizontal portion configured to cover the lower part of the cell group, The battery module according to claim 8, further comprising a second horizontal portion configured to cover the upper part of the cell group.

10. The battery module according to claim 9, wherein the first horizontal section and the second horizontal section are arranged alternately.

11. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein the barrier member comprises an inclined portion configured such that the horizontal portion is at least partially inclined toward the vent hole.

12. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein the horizontal portion is configured in a mesh configuration at least partially.

13. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. An automobile comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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