Battery module

Abstract

The present invention discloses a battery module. A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a frame having a top plate and extending along the front-to-back direction to provide internal space, a plurality of battery cells located inside the frame and stacked along the left-to-right direction, and an elastic partition compressed between the plurality of battery cells and the top plate and extending along the front-to-back direction.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0060515 filed on May 8, 2024, and all the contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated into this application.

Background Art

[0003] As the demand for portable electronic products such as smartphones, tablet computers, and smartwatches has rapidly increased, and as electric vehicles have become widely popular, research on batteries mounted on these products, particularly rechargeable secondary batteries, has been actively conducted.

[0004] Currently, commercially available secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, lithium secondary batteries, etc. Among these, lithium secondary batteries have attracted attention because they can be freely charged and discharged because they hardly exhibit a memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, have a very low self-discharge rate, and have a high energy density.

[0005] Such lithium secondary batteries mainly use a lithium-based oxide and a carbon material as a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material, respectively. A lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate coated with such a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode plate coated with a negative electrode active material are arranged with a separator interposed therebetween, and an exterior material that hermetically houses the electrode assembly together with an electrolytic solution, for example, a battery case.

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

[0007] In recent years, secondary batteries have been widely used not only in small devices such as portable electronic devices, but also in medium and large-scale devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS), for propulsion and energy storage. Such secondary batteries are electrically connected and housed together inside a module case to form a single battery module. Each secondary battery within this battery module can be called a battery cell. Furthermore, multiple such battery modules are connected to form a single battery pack.

[0008] However, when a battery pack contains numerous battery modules, and each battery module contains numerous battery cells, the connections between battery modules or between battery cells are vulnerable to chain reactions. For example, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs inside one battery module, that runaway may propagate to other battery modules or battery cells. If the propagation of thermal runaway between battery modules or between battery cells cannot be suppressed, an event occurring in a specific battery module or battery cell could trigger a chain reaction in other battery modules or battery cells, potentially leading to or escalating explosions or fires.

[0009] In particular, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs in one battery module, gases and flames may be randomly released to the outside. If the release of these gases and flames is not properly controlled, they may be released towards other battery modules, potentially causing a chain reaction of thermal reactions in those modules. Specifically, module terminals are located on the front of a battery module, and configurations for electrical connection with other battery modules or battery packs, such as module busbars, may be provided. Therefore, if flames are released in front of such a battery module, they can damage the module terminals within the battery pack and cause a short circuit. Also, because other battery modules may be located in front of a particular battery module, if flames are released in front of a specific battery module, the released flames may be released towards other battery modules, easily leading to the spread of fire between battery modules.

[0010] If heat transfer between battery modules or between battery cells cannot be adequately controlled, a sudden voltage drop can occur in the battery modules or battery pack. This can also cause a sudden interruption in the equipment containing the battery modules or battery pack, potentially leading to unexpected damage. For example, if a sudden voltage drop occurs in the battery pack while an electric vehicle is in operation, there may not be enough time to move the electric vehicle to a safe location.

[0011] Furthermore, if heat transfer between battery modules or battery cells cannot be controlled, and a fire or explosion occurs suddenly, it is highly likely to result in loss of life. For example, if thermal runaway occurs in an electric vehicle, if a certain amount of time cannot be secured before it progresses to a full-blown fire, occupants will not be able to escape safely. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0012] The present invention was devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a battery module with an improved structure that can appropriately control the discharge of flames and other debris generated inside the battery module, a battery pack including the battery module, and an automobile, etc.

[0013] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a structure that blocks the propagation of a thermal event to an adjacent battery cell when a thermal event occurs inside the battery module.

[0014] Furthermore, another objective of the present invention is to provide a structure that can smoothly discharge vent gas generated inside the battery module.

[0015] Furthermore, another objective of the present invention is to provide a structure that can prevent externally generated vent gas from flowing into the inside of the battery module.

[0016] However, the technical 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]

[0017] To solve the above problems, a battery module according to one aspect of the present invention includes a frame having a top plate and extending along the front-to-back direction to provide internal space, a battery array located inside the frame and including a plurality of battery cells stacked along the left-to-right direction, and an elastic partition compressed between the battery array and the top plate and extending along the front-to-back direction.

[0018] Furthermore, the elastic partition may include a bar extending in the front-to-back direction and a front guard extending from the front of the bar in the left-to-right direction.

[0019] Further, the elastic partition may further include a rear guard extending along the left-right direction from the rear side of the bar.

[0020] Further, a plurality of the elastic partitions may be provided, and the plurality of elastic partitions may be arranged along the left-right direction.

[0021] Further, the top plate may be provided with vent holes.

[0022] Further, the vent holes may be located between two adjacent elastic partitions among the plurality of elastic partitions.

[0023] Further, a plurality of the vent holes may be provided, and the plurality of vent holes may be arranged along the left-right direction.

[0024] Further, the battery module may further include an internal cover located between the elastic partition and the top plate.

[0025] Further, the internal cover may be provided with a separation line.

[0026] Further, the vent holes may expose the separation line.

[0027] Further, the separation line may extend along the periphery of the vent holes.

[0028] Further, the internal cover may be configured to expose a part of the battery array when a thermal event occurs.

[0029] Further, a plurality of the vent holes may be provided, and a plurality of the separation lines may be formed so as to correspond one-to-one to the plurality of vent holes.

[0030] Further, the internal cover may entirely cover the battery array.

[0031] A battery pack according to another aspect of the present invention includes a battery module according to an aspect of the present invention.

[0032] An automobile according to yet another aspect of the present invention includes a battery module according to one aspect of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0033] According to one aspect of the present invention, when gas or flame is generated inside a battery module, the discharge of gas or flame can be appropriately controlled.

[0034] According to one aspect of the present invention, the electrical safety of a battery module can be improved.

[0035] According to one aspect of the present invention, heat propagation can be suppressed.

[0036] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the transmission of thermal events by flames or gases outside the battery module.

[0037] 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]

[0038] [Figure 1] This diagram shows a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This diagram shows a portion of the battery module in Figure 1, separated into its components. [Figure 3] This diagram shows a portion of the battery array configuration separated from Figure 2. [Figure 4] This figure shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' in Figure 1. [Figure 5] This figure shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' in Figure 1. [Figure 6]This figure shows the battery module with the top plate and internal cover removed. [Figure 7] This figure shows the deformed form of Figure 6. [Figure 8] This diagram shows the battery module with the top plate removed (Figure 1). [Figure 9] Figure 1 is a plan view of the battery module. [Figure 10] Figure 1 is a plan view of the battery module. [Figure 11] This diagram shows the battery module in Figure 1 when a thermal event occurs. [Figure 12] This figure shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line B-B' in Figure 11. [Figure 13] This figure shows the deformation of part C in Figure 1. [Figure 14] This figure shows other deformation forms of section C in Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0039] 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.

[0040] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the drawings 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 this application.

[0041] Figure 1 shows a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the battery module in Figure 1 separated, and Figure 3 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the battery array 200 in Figure 2 separated.

[0042] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a frame 100, a plurality of battery cells 201, and an elastic partition 300.

[0043] The frame 100 may be rectangular in shape. The frame 100 may also be referred to as the case 100. The frame 100 may provide internal space. The frame 100 may also extend long in the front-to-back direction or along the X-axis direction. The frame 100 may comprise a top plate 130, a bottom plate 110, and a pair of side plates 120. The frame 100 may also have an open front and rear surface. The top plate 130 and the bottom plate 110 may be arranged facing each other. The pair of side plates 120 may connect the top plate 130 and the bottom plate 110.

[0044] The bottom plate 110 and the pair of side plates 120 may be formed integrally. In this case, the bottom plate 110 and the pair of side plates 120 may also be referred to as the lower frame 100 or U-frame 100. The top plate 130 may be fastened, joined, assembled, attached, or fixed to the lower frame 100 or U-frame 100. For example, the top plate 130 may be joined to the lower frame 100 or U-frame 100 by welding.

[0045] Multiple battery cells 201 may be provided. Multiple battery cells 201 may constitute a battery array 200. The battery array 200 may be located inside the frame 100. Alternatively, the battery array 200 may be located on the upper surface of the bottom plate 110.

[0046] Each battery cell 201 may extend along the front-to-back direction or the X-axis direction. Multiple battery cells 201 may be stacked in the left-to-right direction or the Y-axis direction. In this case, a battery cell 201 may represent a secondary battery. A battery cell 201 may include a housing 210 containing an electrode assembly and an electrolyte. A battery cell 201 may also include a first sealing portion 220 extending forward and backward from the housing 210. A battery cell 201 may also include a second sealing portion 240 extending above the housing 210. The electrode leads 230 of the battery cell 201 may protrude forward and backward from the first sealing portion 220, respectively. In particular, a battery cell 201 may be a pouch-type secondary battery. Each battery cell 201 may extend along the front-to-back direction or the X-axis direction. The electrode leads 230 may protrude forward and backward from each battery cell 201. However, the shape of the battery cell 201 is not limited to a pouch type, but can be various shapes such as cylindrical or rectangular.

[0047] The battery array 200 may include a first adhesive member 202 positioned between battery cells 201. The first adhesive member 202 can fix adjacent battery cells 201 together. The battery cells 201 may include a second adhesive member 250. The second adhesive member 250 can fold and fix a second sealing portion 240 toward the storage portion 210.

[0048] The space between multiple battery cells 201 and the top plate 130, or the space between the battery array 200 and the top plate 130, may be referred to as the vent space VS (see Figure 5).

[0049] The elastic partition 300 may be located between a plurality of battery cells 201 or battery array 200 and the top plate 130. The elastic partition 300 may have a shape that extends long in the front-to-back direction or along the X-axis direction. The elastic partition 300 may partition the space between the plurality of battery cells 201 or battery array 200 and the top plate 130. The elastic partition 300 may also be compressed or fixed between the plurality of battery cells 201 or battery array 200 and the top plate 130. The elastic partition 300 may also be attached to the upper surface of the battery array 200. The elastic partition 300 may be in contact with the second sealing portion 240 or the second adhesive member 250. The elastic partition 300 may also be attached to the lower surface of the top plate 130.

[0050] The elastic partition 300 may include an elastic material. For example, the elastic partition 300 may include a polyurethane material. Alternatively, the elastic partition 300 may include a silicone material.

[0051] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module can be improved. When a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 201, vent gas g is discharged into the vent space VS. At this time, the elastic partition 300 divides the vent space VS, preventing the vent gas g from moving to other adjacent vent spaces VS. This suppresses heat propagation inside the battery module.

[0052] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a busbar frame assembly 150, a heat transfer member 160, and an end cover 140.

[0053] The busbar frame assembly 150 may be provided in front of and behind the multiple battery cells 201, respectively. The busbar frame assembly 150 may be electrically connected to the electrode leads 230 of the multiple battery cells 201.

[0054] The heat transfer member 160 may be positioned below the plurality of battery cells 201 or battery array 200. Alternatively, the heat transfer member 160 may be positioned between the bottom plate 110 and the plurality of battery cells 201 or battery array 200. The heat transfer member 160 may include a material with high thermal conductivity. For example, the heat transfer member 160 may be resin. Furthermore, the heat transfer member may be used to fix the plurality of battery cells 201 or battery array 200.

[0055] A pair of end covers 140 can be attached to the front and rear of the frame 100, respectively. The pair of end covers 140 can cover the front and rear surfaces of the frame 100. The end covers 140 may be rectangular in shape.

[0056] Figure 4 shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' in Figure 1, and Figure 5 also shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' in Figure 1.

[0057] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, a battery array 200 is placed on a lower frame 100 or U-frame 100 of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, and the elastic partition 300 may be placed on the battery array 200. The elastic partition 300 can be compressed and installed by coupling the top plate 130 to the lower frame 100 or U-frame 100. The thickness t1 of the elastic partition 300 before installation may be greater than the thickness t2 after installation.

[0058] According to this configuration of the present invention, the elastic partition 300 can more reliably block the vent gas g from moving to other adjacent vent spaces VS.

[0059] Figure 6 shows the battery module in Figure 1 with the top plate 130 and internal cover 400 removed.

[0060] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, a plurality of elastic partitions 300 may be provided in the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. The plurality of elastic partitions 300 may be arranged along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. The plurality of elastic partitions 300 may divide the vent space VS into multiple sections. For example, the elastic partitions 300 may be arranged so that one vent space VS corresponds to every four battery cells 201.

[0061] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module can be improved. By dividing the vent space VS into multiple sections, the elastic partition 300 can further restrict the range of movement of the vent gas g. This makes it possible to more reliably suppress heat propagation inside the battery module.

[0062] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the elastic partition 300 of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a bar 310 and a front guard 321. The bar 310 may extend along the longitudinal direction or the X-axis direction. The front guard 321 may extend from the front of the bar 310 along the lateral direction or the Y-axis direction. Alternatively, the front guard 321 may extend from the front end of the bar 310 along the lateral direction or the Y-axis direction. The bar 310 and the front guard 321 may be formed integrally. At least some of the front guards 321 of the multiple elastic partitions 300 may extend to the left or in the -Y-axis direction. At least some of the front guards 321 of the multiple elastic partitions 300 may extend to the right or in the +Y-axis direction.

[0063] According to this configuration of the present invention, the movement of vent gas g can be further restricted. The front guard 321 can block the vent gas g from diffusing through the space in front of the storage compartment 210. This makes it possible to more reliably suppress heat propagation inside the battery module.

[0064] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the elastic partition 300 of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a rear guard 322. The rear guard 322 may extend from the rear side of the bar 310 in the left-right direction or along the Y-axis direction. Alternatively, the rear guard 322 may extend from the rear end of the bar 310 in the left-right direction or along the Y-axis direction. The bar 310 and the rear guard 322 may be formed integrally. At least some of the rear guards 322 of the plurality of elastic partitions 300 may extend to the left or in the -Y-axis direction. Also, at least some of the rear guards 322 of the plurality of elastic partitions 300 may extend to the right or in the +Y-axis direction. Furthermore, the front guard 321 and the rear guard 322 may extend in the same direction. Also, the front guard 321 and the rear guard 322 may be arranged to face each other.

[0065] According to this configuration of the present invention, the movement of vent gas g can be further restricted. The rear guard 322 can block the vent gas g from diffusing through the space behind the storage compartment 210. This makes it possible to more reliably suppress heat propagation inside the battery module.

[0066] Figure 7 shows a modified form of Figure 6.

[0067] Referring to Figure 7, in one embodiment of the present invention, the centrally located elastic partition 300a of a plurality of elastic partitions 300, 300a in a battery module may include a bar 310a, a front guard 321a, and a rear guard 322a. The front guard 321a may extend to the left and right from the front end of the bar 310a. Alternatively, the front guard 321a may extend in the +Y-axis direction and the -Y-axis direction from the front end of the bar 310a. The rear guard 322a may extend to the left and right from the rear end of the bar 310a. Alternatively, the rear guard 322a may extend in the +Y-axis direction and the -Y-axis direction from the rear end of the bar 310a.

[0068] According to this configuration of the present invention, the movement of vent gas g can be further restricted. The front guard 321a can block the vent gas g from diffusing through the space in front of the storage compartment 210. This makes it possible to more reliably suppress heat propagation inside the battery module.

[0069] Furthermore, this configuration of the present invention can further restrict the movement of the vent gas g. The rear guard 322a can block the vent gas g from diffusing through the space behind the storage compartment 210. This makes it possible to more reliably suppress heat propagation inside the battery module.

[0070] Figure 8 shows the battery module of Figure 1 with the top plate 130 removed, and Figures 9 and 10 are plan views of the battery module of Figure 1. Referring to Figures 5 to 10, the top plate 130 according to one embodiment of the present invention may be provided with vent holes 131.

[0071] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module can be improved. The vent gas g discharged in the vent space VS is discharged to the outside of the battery module through the vent hole 131. This suppresses heat propagation inside the battery module.

[0072] Referring to Figures 5 to 10, a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include an internal cover 400. The internal cover 400 may be located between the elastic partition 300 and the top plate 130. The battery module may selectively include the internal cover 400. The internal cover 400 may be in the form of a plate or a sheet. The internal cover 400 may include a material with high fire resistance. The internal cover 400 may also include a material with high thermal insulation. The internal cover 400 may also include a material with low elasticity.

[0073] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module can be improved. When a thermal event occurs inside the battery module, the internal cover 400 ruptures or breaks. As a result, the vent gas g is discharged to the outside of the battery module through the vent hole 131. On the other hand, if the battery module is exposed to high-temperature gas generated externally, the internal cover 400 can block the vent hole 131, thereby preventing the high-temperature gas from flowing into the inside of the battery module.

[0074] Referring to Figures 5 to 10, the internal cover 400 of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a score line 401. The term score line 401 may be used to encompass and collectively refer to a perforated line, notching line, cutting line, shredding line, tear line, or separation line. The score line 401 may be configured to be easily separated by pressure applied to the internal cover 400.

[0075] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module can be improved. When a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 201, the separation line 401 is separated, connecting the vent space VS and the vent hole 131. As a result, the vent gas g is discharged to the outside of the battery module through the vent hole 131. The smooth discharge of the vent gas g suppresses heat propagation inside the battery module.

[0076] Referring to Figures 5 to 10, the internal cover 400 of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention can completely cover a plurality of battery cells 201 or a battery array 200. Furthermore, multiple separation lines 401 may be provided in the internal cover 400. Each of the multiple vent spaces VS may correspond to at least one or more separation lines 401.

[0077] With this configuration of the present invention, the internal cover 400 can completely block the inflow of high-temperature gas into the battery module. Furthermore, the internal cover 400 can smoothly discharge the vent gas g regardless of which of the multiple vent spaces VS experiences a thermal event.

[0078] Referring to Figures 5 to 10, a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may have multiple vent holes 131. Multiple vent holes 131 may be arranged along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. Alternatively, multiple vent holes 131 may be arranged along the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction. Each of the multiple vent spaces VS may correspond to at least one or more vent holes 131.

[0079] According to this configuration of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs in any one of the multiple vent spaces VS, the vent gas g separates the vent space VS from the corresponding separation line 401 and is discharged to the outside of the battery module through the vent hole 131 corresponding to the vent space VS.

[0080] Referring to Figures 5 to 10, at least some of the multiple vent holes 131 of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may be located between two adjacent elastic partitions 300. The vent holes 131 may be positioned to correspond to the vent space VS.

[0081] According to this configuration of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs in any one of the multiple vent spaces VS, the vent gas g separates the vent space VS from the corresponding separation line 401 and is discharged to the outside of the battery module through the vent hole 131 corresponding to the vent space VS.

[0082] Referring to Figures 5 to 10, the vent holes 131 of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention can expose the separation wires 401. Each of the multiple vent holes 131 can expose the separation wires 401. For example, the separation wires 401 can be formed in multiple straight lines. Furthermore, each of the straight separation wires 401 can be exposed by the multiple vent holes 131.

[0083] According to this configuration of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs, the vent gas g can be easily discharged.

[0084] Referring to Figures 5 to 10, the bars 310 of the elastic partition 300 of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may be formed with a width W1 in the left-right or Y-axis direction that is the same as or smaller than the spacing W2 between adjacent vent holes 131 in the left-right or Y-axis direction.

[0085] With this configuration of the present invention, the elastic partition 300 no longer obstructs the flow of vent gas g discharged through the vent hole 131.

[0086] Figure 11 shows the battery module in Figure 1 when a thermal event occurs, and Figure 12 shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line B-B' in Figure 11.

[0087] Referring to Figures 11 and 12, when a thermal event occurs in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, the vent gas g can pull away the separation line 401. This allows the internal cover 400 to expose some of the multiple battery cells 201 or part of the battery array 200 to the outside. The internal cover 400 can also connect the vent space VS and the vent hole 131.

[0088] Figure 13 shows a modified form of part C in Figure 1. Referring to Figures 1 and 13, multiple separation lines 402 can be provided. Furthermore, multiple separation lines 402 can be formed to correspond one-to-one with multiple vent holes 131. In addition, each vent hole 131 can expose a separation line 402. In this case, the separation line 402 may have a fishbone shape.

[0089] Figure 14 shows another variation of section C in Figure 1. Referring to Figures 1 and 14, multiple separation lines 403 may be provided. Furthermore, multiple separation lines 403 may be formed to correspond one-to-one with multiple vent holes 131. In addition, each vent hole 131 may expose a separation line 403. In this case, the separation line 403 may be circular or elliptical in shape.

[0090] A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention includes one or more battery modules according to the above embodiment of the present invention. For example, a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a pack housing and to contain a plurality of battery modules according to one embodiment of the present invention inside it. In this case, the provision of battery modules according to one embodiment of the present invention provides excellent protection against heat transfer between battery modules in emergency situations such as thermal runaway, and allows sufficient time for users to respond or escape.

[0091] Furthermore, a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include, in addition to such a battery module, a variety of other components, such as a battery management system (BMS), busbars, relays, current sensors, and other components of a variety of battery packs known at the time of filing of the present invention.

[0092] A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention can be applied to automobiles such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles. That is, an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention or a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include various other components included in the automobile in addition to such a battery module or battery pack. For example, an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include, in addition to the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle body, a motor, an electronic control unit (ECU), and other control devices.

[0093] 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 pertains.

Claims

1. A frame that has a top plate and extends along the front-to-back direction to provide internal space, A battery array including multiple battery cells located inside the frame and stacked along the left-right direction, A battery module comprising an elastic partition compressed between the battery array and the top plate and extending along the front-to-back direction.

2. The aforementioned elastic partition is A bar extending along the front-to-back direction, The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising a front guard extending from the front of the bar in a left-right direction.

3. The aforementioned elastic partition is The battery module according to claim 2, further comprising a rear guard extending from the rear of the bar in a left-right direction.

4. Multiple elastic partitions are provided, The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of elastic partitions are arranged along the left-right direction.

5. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein the top plate is provided with vent holes.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein the vent hole is located between two adjacent elastic partitions among the plurality of elastic partitions.

7. Multiple vent holes are provided, The battery module according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of vent holes are arranged along the left-right direction.

8. The battery module according to claim 5, further comprising an internal cover located between the elastic partition and the top plate.

9. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein the internal cover is provided with a separation wire.

10. The battery module according to claim 9, wherein the vent hole exposes the separation wire.

11. The battery module according to claim 10, wherein the separation line extends along the periphery of the vent hole.

12. The aforementioned internal cover is The battery module according to claim 9, configured to expose a portion of the battery array when a thermal event occurs.

13. Multiple vent holes are provided, The battery module according to claim 9, wherein the separation lines are formed in multiple locations so as to correspond one-to-one with the multiple vent holes.

14. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein the internal cover covers the entire battery array.

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

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

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