Battery module

Abstract

A battery module is disclosed. A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a frame that defines an internal space and is open on the front side, the frame having a top plate in which vent holes are formed, a plurality of battery cells housed in the internal space and arranged in the left-right direction, an end cover coupled to the front side of the frame, and a filling member that fills the space between the plurality of battery cells and the end cover.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0119905 filed on September 8, 2023, and all the content disclosed in the specification and drawings of that application is incorporated into this application.

Background Art

[0003] As the demand for portable electronic products such as notebook computers, video cameras, and mobile phones has rapidly increased, and as the commercialization of robots, electric vehicles, etc. has become full-fledged, research on high-performance secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged 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 have a memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, have a very low self-discharge rate, and have a high energy density.

[0005] As lithium secondary batteries have attracted attention as an energy source for various types of electronic products, robots, and electric vehicles, various studies have been conducted to improve the safety of lithium secondary batteries.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a battery module with improved electrical safety when a thermal event occurs in the battery module.

[0007] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a battery module that can discharge vent gas, flammable particles, and flames to the upper side of the battery module when a thermal event occurs in the battery module.

[0008] Furthermore, another objective of the present invention is to provide a battery module that includes a structure capable of maintaining electrical insulation between the end cover and the battery cells when a thermal event occurs in the battery module.

[0009] Furthermore, another objective of the present invention is to provide a battery module that allows for easy control of venting when a thermal event occurs in the battery module. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To solve the above-mentioned problems, a battery module according to one aspect of the present invention includes a frame that defines an internal space and is open on the front side, and has a top plate in which vent holes are formed; a plurality of battery cells housed in the internal space and arranged in the left-right direction; an end cover coupled to the front side of the frame; and a filling member that fills the space between the plurality of battery cells and the end cover.

[0011] Furthermore, the frame may include monitoring holes that expose the filling member to the outside and allow the filling member to be monitored from the outside.

[0012] Furthermore, the vent holes can expose the upper surfaces of the multiple battery cells.

[0013] Furthermore, each of the plurality of battery cells includes a body and a front terrace portion that protrudes forward from the body, and the filling member can be filled so as to cover and enclose the front terrace portion.

[0014] Furthermore, each of the plurality of battery cells includes a body and electrode leads protruding forward from the body, and the filling member can be filled so as to cover and enclose the electrode leads.

[0015] Furthermore, the filling member may extend to cover at least a portion of the upper surface of the plurality of battery cells.

[0016] Furthermore, it may further include partition walls that divide the internal space and extend in the front-to-back direction.

[0017] Furthermore, the partition wall and the frame can be formed as a single unit.

[0018] Furthermore, the frame further comprises a bottom plate facing the top plate, and the partition wall can connect the top plate and the bottom plate.

[0019] Furthermore, multiple vent holes may be provided and each may be located in the space partitioned by the partition wall.

[0020] Furthermore, each of the plurality of battery cells includes a body and electrode leads protruding forward from the body, and the partition wall may protrude further forward than the body of the plurality of battery cells.

[0021] Furthermore, the filling member can be filled so as to cover and enclose the front side of the partition wall.

[0022] Furthermore, the frame may include a front wall that protrudes inward from the top plate.

[0023] A battery pack according to another aspect of the present invention includes a battery module according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0024] 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]

[0025] According to one aspect of the present invention, the electrical safety of the battery module can be improved as compared with the conventional battery module.

[0026] According to one aspect of the present invention, the bending of the battery module can be easily controlled.

[0027] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and are for the purpose of making it easier to further understand the technical idea of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be construed as being limited only to the matters described in the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view showing a partially disassembled configuration of the battery module of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view showing a frame of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a front view of the frame of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view showing an enlarged battery module of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] It is a view of the battery module of FIG. 1 seen from below. [Figure 7] It is a view showing a part of the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] It is a view showing a part of the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line B-B' of FIG. 1. [Figure 9] It is a view showing a part of the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line C-C' of FIG. 1. [Figure 10] It is a view showing a part of the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line C-C' of FIG. 1. [Figure 11] It is a view showing a part of the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line D-D' of FIG. 1. [Figure 12] This figure shows the deformed form of Figure 11. [Figure 13] This figure shows the frame of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This figure shows a partial configuration of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] In some of the accompanying drawings, corresponding components are given the same reference numerals. Those skilled in the art will understand that these drawings are intended to show elements simply and clearly, and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, to aid in understanding the various embodiments, the dimensions of some elements shown in the drawings may be exaggerated compared to others. Also, elements of prior art that are useful or essential in commercially viable embodiments may often be omitted so as not to detract from the spirit of the various embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, the terms and words used in this specification and in the claims are not to be limited to their general and dictionary meanings, but are to be described in terms and concepts that correspond to the technical idea of ​​the present invention, in accordance with the principle that the inventor himself may define the concepts of terms as appropriate in order to best describe the invention.

[0031] 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.

[0032] Lithium-ion secondary batteries primarily use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as positive electrode active materials and negative electrode active materials, respectively. A lithium-ion secondary battery comprises an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate coated with such positive electrode active material and a negative electrode plate coated with such negative electrode active material are arranged with a separator in between, and an outer material, such as a battery case, that seals and houses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0033] Generally, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into two types based on the shape of their outer casing: can-type secondary batteries, in which the electrode assembly is housed in a metal can, and pouch-type secondary batteries, in which the electrode assembly is housed in a pouch made of aluminum laminate sheet.

[0034] 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. These secondary batteries are electrically connected and housed together inside a module case to form a single battery module. Furthermore, multiple such battery modules are connected to form a single battery pack.

[0035] When multiple secondary batteries (battery cells) or multiple battery modules are densely packed into a relatively small space, they can be vulnerable to thermal events. For example, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs in one battery cell, high-temperature gases, flames, and heat may be generated. If such gases, flames, and heat spread to other battery cells within the same battery module, an explosive chain reaction such as thermal propagation may occur. Furthermore, such a chain reaction could not only cause accidents such as fires and explosions in the battery module in question, but could also cause fires and explosions in other battery modules.

[0036] Furthermore, in the case of medium to large battery packs, such as those found in electric vehicles, the risk of chain reactions is even higher because they contain a large number of battery cells and battery modules in an attempt to increase output and / or capacity. Moreover, in the case of battery packs installed in electric vehicles, there may be users such as drivers in the vicinity. Therefore, if a thermal event occurring in a specific battery cell or module cannot be properly controlled and a chain reaction occurs, it could lead to not only significant property damage but also loss of life.

[0037] In conventional battery modules, an insulating cover is sometimes placed where the electrode leads of each battery cell are located to ensure insulation between the electrode leads and the module case. However, these insulating covers are mainly made of injected plastic material and have a problem of being susceptible to flames. Therefore, if flames or vent gases emitted from a particular battery cell are directed towards the insulating cover, the insulating cover may melt, failing to reliably protect the weld between adjacent electrode leads.

[0038] Furthermore, internal ejecta generated as the battery cell ignites, such as residue from the melting of the battery cell or busbar housing, can lead to internal short circuits if they are directed towards the electrode leads. Also, if the electrode leads move during the venting gas ejection process, they may come into contact with other unconnected electrode leads, potentially causing internal short circuits. Moreover, the area where the electrode leads are located, i.e., the terrace portion of the battery cell, is relatively spacious, making it highly likely that flames and vent gases will concentrate and flow into this area. Consequently, flames and gases can induce thermal runaway in other battery cells.

[0039] Furthermore, module terminals and connector terminals are often located where the electrode leads are situated, and vent gases and flames can be discharged to the outside of the battery module through gaps and voids formed in these module and connector terminals. In this case, the likelihood of thermal runaway propagation between battery modules increases.

[0040] Embodiments of the present invention provide battery modules with improved electrical safety and facilitate venting control of battery modules.

[0041] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an exploded view of a part of the battery module 10 of Figure 1. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a frame 100, a battery cell 300, an end cover 200, and a filling member 400.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the frame 100 forms the exterior of the battery module 10 and may be rectangular in shape. The frame 100 may also have an open front and rear shape, and may define a space inside for housing, for example, a battery cell 300. The frame 100 may include a top plate 110 that constitutes the upper surface, and the top plate 110 may include vent holes 102. In this case, there may be multiple vent holes 102, and they may be circular or elliptical in shape. The frame 100 may also include a bottom plate 120 that constitutes the lower surface.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the battery cell 300 may refer to a pouch-type secondary battery, and a plurality of them may be provided. The battery cell 300 may extend in the front-to-back direction or in the X-axis direction, and may be stacked, arranged, or aligned in the left-to-right direction or in the Y-axis direction. A plurality of battery cells 300 may be housed in the internal space of the frame 100.

[0044] The end covers 200 may consist of a pair and may be provided coupled to the open portions of the frame 100, for example, the front and rear sides, respectively.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the filling member 400 can be filled between a plurality of battery cells 300 and an end cover 200. In this case, the filling member 400 may contain resin. For example, typical filling members 400 include urethane-based and silicone-based materials, and may further contain fillers considering heat resistance / fire resistance performance. Furthermore, depending on the location and purpose in which the filling member is used, not only heat resistance / fire resistance but also electrical insulation performance and chemical resistance may be required.

[0046] According to this configuration of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs, the filling member 400 filled between the multiple battery cells 300 and the end cover 200 can suppress the ejection of vent gas, flammable particles, or flames in the front-to-back direction or the X-axis direction. As a result, the vent gas, flammable particles, or flames are discharged to the upper side of the battery cells 300 and to the outside of the battery module 10 through vent holes 102 in the top plate 110, etc. Therefore, the filling member 400 according to one embodiment of the present invention can easily control the venting of the battery module 10.

[0047] Referring next to Figures 1 and 2, a battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a busbar frame assembly 500 and an insulating cover 600. The busbar frame assembly 500 can be electrically and physically connected to a plurality of battery cells 300. According to one embodiment, the insulating cover 600 is positioned between the end cover 200 and the busbar frame assembly 500 to prevent electrical contact or short circuits between the end cover 200 and the busbar frame assembly 500.

[0048] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the frame 100 of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 4 is a front view of the frame 100 of Figure 3 as seen from the X-axis direction. Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the frame 100 of the battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include partition walls 130. The partition walls 130 partition the internal space defined by the frame 100 and may extend in the front-to-back direction or in the X-axis direction. Multiple partition walls 130 may be provided, and multiple partition walls 130 may be arranged or aligned in the left-to-right direction or in the Y-axis direction. Multiple battery cells 300 can be housed in the internal space partitioned by the partition walls 130. For example, multiple battery cells 300 can be housed in multiple groups by the partition walls 130.

[0049] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module 10 can be ensured. For example, by controlling thermal events in units of space partitioned by the partition wall 130, the propagation of thermal events can be suppressed.

[0050] For example, even if a thermal event occurs in one space partitioned by the partition wall 130, it is possible to suppress the propagation of the thermal event to other spaces adjacent to that space.

[0051] Furthermore, by providing vent holes 102 on the upper side of the frame 100, vent gas, flammable particles, or flames are discharged to the outside of the battery module without propagating to other adjacent spaces. This limits the scope of damage from a thermal event to the space housing the battery cell 300 where the thermal event occurred.

[0052] Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the battery module 10 in Figure 1, and Figure 6 is a partially exploded perspective view of the battery module 10 in Figure 1 viewed from below. Referring to Figures 3 to 6, a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may be provided with a monitoring hole 101.

[0053] In addition, the frame 100 may have holes distinct from the vent holes 102. In this case, multiple holes may be provided, some of which may be injection holes 104 into which the filling material 400 is injected, and the remaining holes may be monitoring holes 101. The injection holes 104 or monitoring holes 101 may be formed on at least one of the top, bottom, or side surfaces of the frame 100.

[0054] The monitoring hole 101 exposes the filling material 400 to the outside, allowing it to be monitored from the outside. The filling material 400 is fluid at high temperatures and can solidify at room temperature. The filling material 400 can be filled into the battery module 10 through the injection hole 104 while in a fluid state. It is also possible to confirm through the monitoring hole 101 whether the filling material 400 has been sufficiently injected. If the filling material 400 has been sufficiently injected, it can be exposed to the outside through the monitoring hole 101. With this configuration of the present invention, it is possible to easily confirm through the monitoring hole 101 whether the filling material 400 has been properly filled. This improves the productivity and safety of the battery module 10.

[0055] Figure 7 shows a portion of the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' in Figure 1. Referring to Figure 7, each of the multiple battery cells 300 of the battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a body 310 and a terrace portion 320. The terrace portion 320 is where the terminals of the electrodes inside the battery cell 300 are gathered according to their polarity, and the gathered terminals become electrode leads for electrical connection. Since the terrace portion 320 is also used as a space to absorb vent gas generated inside the battery cell 300, the filling material 400 may, in some cases, be a silicone-based material that allows for some deformation even after curing.

[0056] The body 310 may include an electrode assembly and a cover enclosing the electrode assembly. The body 310 may extend in the front-rear direction or in the X-axis direction. The terrace portion 320 may project from the body 310 in the front-rear direction or in the X-axis direction. The terrace portion 320 may include a front terrace portion 320 and a rear terrace portion 320. The filling member 400 may be filled so as to enclose the front terrace portion 320 or the rear terrace portion 320.

[0057] According to this configuration of the present invention, venting of the battery module can be easily controlled. For example, when a thermal event occurs, the filling member 400 covers the front terrace portion 320 or the rear terrace portion 320, so that the discharge of vent gas, flammable particles, or flames from the front terrace portion 320 or the rear terrace portion 320 can be suppressed. As a result, the vent gas, flammable particles, or flames are discharged to the upper side of the battery cell 300 through the vent holes 102, etc.

[0058] Referring to Figure 7, each of the battery cells 300 of the battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include electrode leads 330.

[0059] The electrode leads 330 may protrude from the body 310 in the front-rear direction or in the X-axis direction. The terrace portion 320 may include the front electrode lead 330 and the rear electrode lead 330, and the filling member 400 may be filled so as to cover and surround the electrode leads 330.

[0060] According to this configuration of the present invention, venting of the battery module 10 can be easily controlled. For example, when a thermal event occurs, the filling material 400 covers and encloses the electrode lead 330, thus suppressing the discharge of vent gas, flammable particles, or flame from the electrode lead 330. As a result, the vent gas, flammable particles, or flame are discharged to the upper side of the battery cell 300 through the vent holes 102, etc.

[0061] Referring to Figure 7, the partition wall 130 of the battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to protrude further forward in the X-axis direction than the body 310 of the multiple battery cells 300.

[0062] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module 10 can be ensured. For example, by having the partition wall 130 protrude forward of the body 310 of the battery cell 300, the compartmentalization of the space becomes more reliable. This makes it possible to suppress the propagation of thermal events to adjacent compartmentalized spaces even if a thermal event occurs.

[0063] Referring to Figure 7, the filling member 400 of the battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention can be filled so as to cover and enclose the front side of the partition wall 130. The filling member 400 can also fill the space between the partition wall 130 and the front terrace portion 320, and can also fill the space between the partition wall 130 and the electrode leads 330.

[0064] According to this configuration of the present invention, the venting of the battery module 10 can be easily controlled. For example, when a thermal event occurs, the filling material 400 is filled to cover and surround the partition wall 130, thereby suppressing the discharge of vent gas, flammable particles, or flames through the partition wall 130. As a result, the vent gas, flammable particles, or flames are discharged to the upper side of the battery cell 300.

[0065] Furthermore, according to this configuration of the present invention, the filling member 400 can prevent electrical contact or short circuits between the partition wall 130 and the electrode leads 330. The filling member 400 can also prevent electrical contact or short circuits between the partition wall 130 and the front terrace portion 320. This improves the electrical safety of the battery module.

[0066] Figure 8 shows a portion of the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line B-B' in Figure 1. Referring to Figure 8, the filling member 400 of the battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention can be filled up to the height of the body 310. According to one embodiment, the filling member 400 can be filled so as to completely cover the front terrace portion 320 or the rear terrace portion 320 of the battery cell 300.

[0067] According to this configuration of the present invention, venting of the battery module can be easily controlled. For example, when a thermal event occurs, the filling member 400 completely covers the front terrace portion 320 or the rear terrace portion 320, thereby suppressing the discharge of vent gas, flammable particles, or flames through the front terrace portion 320 or the rear terrace portion 320. As a result, the vent gas, flammable particles, or flames are discharged to the upper side of the battery cell 300.

[0068] Figures 9 and 10 show a portion of the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line C-C' in Figure 1. Referring to Figures 9 and 10, the vent hole 102 of the battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention can expose the upper surfaces of multiple battery cells 300.

[0069] With this configuration of the present invention, the venting of the battery module 10 can be easily controlled. For example, when a thermal event occurs, vent gas, flammable particles, or flames are discharged from the upper terrace portions 340 or upper surfaces of the multiple battery cells 300. The vent gas, flammable particles, or flames are also discharged to the outside of the battery module through the vent holes 102. This suppresses the propagation of thermal events to battery cells 300 in adjacent compartment spaces.

[0070] Referring to Figures 9 and 10, the partition wall 130 of the battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention may be formed integrally with the frame 100. For example, the frame 100 and the partition wall 130 may be manufactured by extrusion. In addition, according to one embodiment, the frame 100 and the partition wall 130 may include a metal material.

[0071] According to this configuration of the present invention, the partition wall 130 divides the internal space of the frame 100, and the divided space can stably maintain its shape against expansion pressure. For example, even if a thermal event or swelling occurs in one divided space, the partition wall 130 can withstand it due to its high rigidity, and can block the spread of damage to the battery cells 300 in adjacent divided spaces. This improves the thermal safety of the battery module 10.

[0072] Referring to Figures 9 and 10, the frame 100 of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a top plate 110 and a bottom plate 120 that are configured to face each other. In addition, a plurality of partition walls 130 may each connect the top plate 110 and the bottom plate 120.

[0073] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module can be further improved.

[0074] Referring to Figures 9 and 10, a battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention may have multiple vent holes 102. Furthermore, multiple partition walls 130 may divide the internal space of the frame 100 into multiple spaces. Each of these partitioned spaces may have at least one vent hole 102.

[0075] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module can be improved. For example, even if a thermal event occurs in any of the spaces partitioned by the multiple partition walls 130, vent gas, flammable particles, or flames will not spread to adjacent partitioned spaces but will be discharged to the outside through the vent holes 102 of the partitioned space.

[0076] Figure 11 shows a portion of the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line D-D' in Figure 1. Referring to Figure 11, when a thermal event occurs in the battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the filling member 400 suppresses the discharge of vent gas, flammable particles, or flames forward or backward, and the vent gas, flammable particles, or flames are discharged through the upper surface or upper terrace portion 340 of the battery cell 300. With this configuration of the present invention, the venting of the battery module 10 can be easily controlled.

[0077] Figure 12 shows a modified form of Figure 11. Referring to Figure 12, the filling member 400 of the battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention may extend to cover at least a portion of the upper surface of the plurality of battery cells 300. Alternatively, the filling member 400 may extend to cover at least a portion of the upper terrace portion 340 of the plurality of battery cells 300. In this case, the filling member 400 may be filled up to the frontmost vent hole 102 of the plurality of vent holes 102, or it may be filled up to the rearmost vent hole 102 of the plurality of vent holes 102.

[0078] According to this configuration of the present invention, the filling member 400 more effectively suppresses the discharge of vent gas, flammable particles, or flames forward or backward, and guides them to discharge upward, thereby making it easier to control the venting of the battery module.

[0079] Figure 13 shows the frame 100 of a battery module 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 14 shows a partial configuration of a battery module 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figures 13 and 14, the frame 100 of a battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a front wall 140 that protrudes inward from the top plate 110.

[0080] The front wall 140 may protrude from the lower surface of the top plate 110 and may extend along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. Such a front wall 140 may, for example, cover at least a portion of the partition wall 130 or cover the front end of the partition wall 130. The front wall 140 may also be connected to a plurality of partition walls 130 and may protrude so as to contact, be in close contact with, or be adjacent to the upper surface or upper terrace portion 340 of a plurality of battery cells 300.

[0081] According to this configuration of the present invention, the front wall 140 can restrict the filling position of the filling member 400. For example, the front wall 140 can control the filling of the filling member 400 by blocking the fluid filling member 400 from flowing beyond the front wall 140 or filling the area behind it.

[0082] A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention described above. Furthermore, a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a variety of other components in addition to the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention described above, such as a battery management system (BMS), busbars, pack case, relays, current sensors, and other components of a battery pack known at the time of filing of the present invention.

[0083] On the other hand, the terms "battery module 10" and "battery pack" are not strictly distinguished terms, and depending on the context, they may be used interchangeably. For example, a battery pack without a BMS may mean a battery module, and when considering embodiments of a battery module, if the battery module functions as a battery pack, then "battery module" may mean a battery pack.

[0084] An automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the battery module 10 according to the present embodiment of the present invention described above. The battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention can be applied to automobiles such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles. Furthermore, an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a variety of other components included in the automobile in addition to such a battery module 10, such as a vehicle body, motors, and control devices such as an electronic control unit (ECU).

[0085] On the other hand, while terms indicating direction such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used in this specification, 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.

[0086] 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. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0087] 10 Battery Modules 100 frames 101 Monitoring hole 102 Vent holes 104 Injection hole 110 Top Plate 120 Bottom Plate 130 Partition wall 140 Front wall 200 End Cover 300 battery cells 310 Body 320 Terrace section 330 Electrode Leads 340 Upper terrace section 400 Filling material 500 Busbar Frame Assembly 600 Insulating Cover

Claims

1. A frame that defines an internal space and has an open front side, and is equipped with a top plate in which vent holes are formed, Multiple battery cells housed in the aforementioned internal space and arranged in the left-right direction, An end cover is attached to the front side of the frame, A battery module including a filling member that is filled between the plurality of battery cells and the end cover.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the frame further comprises a monitoring hole for exposing the filling member to the outside and monitoring the filling member from the outside.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the vent holes expose the upper surfaces of the plurality of battery cells.

4. Each of the aforementioned plurality of battery cells includes a body and a front terrace portion that protrudes forward of the body, The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the filling member is filled so as to cover and enclose the front terrace portion.

5. Each of the aforementioned battery cells includes a body and electrode leads protruding forward from the body. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the filling member is filled so as to cover and surround the electrode leads.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the filling member extends to cover at least a portion of the upper surface of the plurality of battery cells.

7. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising a partition wall that divides the internal space and extends in the front-to-back direction.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein the partition wall and the frame are formed integrally.

9. The frame further comprises a bottom plate facing the top plate, The battery module according to claim 7, wherein the partition wall connects the top plate and the bottom plate.

10. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein a plurality of vent holes are provided, each located in a space partitioned by the partition wall.

11. Each of the aforementioned battery cells includes a body and electrode leads protruding forward from the body. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein the partition wall protrudes forward from the bodies of the plurality of battery cells.

12. The battery module according to claim 11, wherein the filling member is filled so as to cover and enclose the front side of the partition wall.

13. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the frame includes a front wall that protrudes inward from the top plate.

14. A battery pack comprising the 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.

16. A frame that defines an internal space and has an open front side, comprising a top plate with vent holes formed therein, and a bottom plate facing the top plate, A partition wall that divides the internal space and extends in the longitudinal direction of the frame, configured to connect the top plate and the bottom plate, Multiple battery cells housed in the aforementioned internal space and arranged in the left-right direction, An end cover is coupled to the open front side of the frame, The system includes a filling member capable of suppressing vent gas, flammable particles, or flames between the plurality of battery cells and the end cover, with reference to the position in which the plurality of battery cells are housed in the internal space, Each of the aforementioned battery cells includes a body and electrode leads protruding forward from the body. The battery module is provided with the filling material so as to cover and surround the electrode leads of each of the plurality of battery cells.

17. The battery module according to claim 16, wherein a urethane-based or silicone-based substance is used as the filling member.

18. A frame comprising an internal space defined to accommodate multiple battery cells, with an open front side, a top plate having vent holes formed therein, and a bottom plate facing the top plate, A partition wall that divides the internal space and extends in the longitudinal direction of the frame, configured to connect the top plate and the bottom plate, An end cover is coupled to the open front side of the frame, A battery module frame comprising a filling member capable of suppressing vent gas, flammable particles, or flames between the plurality of battery cells and the end cover, with reference to the position in which the plurality of battery cells are housed in the internal space.

19. The battery module frame according to claim 18, wherein a urethane-based or silicone-based substance is used as the filling member.

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