Battery module

Abstract

The present invention discloses a battery module. A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a frame that provides space inside, a plurality of battery cells located inside the frame, a barrier covering at least one of the plurality of battery cells, a thermal insulation member having a plurality of holes, and a barrier housing the thermal insulation member and having a vacuum inside.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0068743 filed on May 27, 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 the 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 have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, allowing for free charge and discharge, having a very low self-discharge rate, and a high energy density.

[0005] Such lithium secondary batteries mainly use a lithium-based oxide and a carbon material as the positive electrode active material and the 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, for example, a battery case, for hermetically storing the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0006] Generally, lithium secondary batteries can be divided into 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 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 Initiative] [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 battery module that includes a barrier for blocking heat transfer between battery cells.

[0014] Furthermore, another objective of the present invention is to improve the productivity of battery modules by integrally manufacturing a three-dimensional barrier shape.

[0015] Furthermore, another objective of this invention is to enhance the heat insulation effect by creating a vacuum inside the barrier.

[0016] Furthermore, another objective of the present invention is to provide a battery module that allows for easy control of the venting direction by a barrier.

[0017] 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]

[0018] To solve the above problems, a battery module according to one aspect of the present invention includes a frame that provides space inside, a plurality of battery cells located inside the frame, and a barrier that covers at least one of the plurality of battery cells, comprising a heat insulating member having a plurality of holes, and a case that houses the heat insulating member and is configured to be a vacuum inside.

[0019] Further, the plurality of battery cells are stacked along the left - right direction, and each of the plurality of battery cells extends in the front - rear direction, and includes a storage portion that houses an electrode assembly, and an electrode lead that protrudes forward from the storage portion. The barrier may include a heat insulation portion located between the storage portions of adjacent battery cells among the plurality of battery cells.

[0020] Further, the barrier may further include a pressing portion that extends forward from the heat insulation portion and covers the front of the storage portions of the adjacent battery cells.

[0021] Further, the width of the pressing portion in the left - right direction may be configured to be wider than the width of the heat insulation portion in the left - right direction.

[0022] Further, the heat insulation portion may be recessed inward and have an accommodation space facing the storage portions of the adjacent battery cells.

[0023] Further, at least a part of the storage portions of the adjacent battery cells may be accommodated in the accommodation space when a thermal event occurs.

[0024] Further, the depth of the recess of the accommodation space may become deeper toward the central portion in the up - down direction height of the heat insulation portion.

[0025] Further, the depth of the recess of the accommodation space may become deeper toward the central portion in the front - rear direction length of the heat insulation portion.

[0026] Further, to solve the above problems, a battery pack according to another aspect of the present invention includes a battery module according to an aspect of the present invention.

[0027] Further, to solve the above problems, an automobile according to still another aspect of the present invention includes a battery module according to an aspect of the present invention.

Advantages of the Invention

[0029] According to one aspect of the present invention, by integrally manufacturing a three-dimensional barrier shape, the productivity of the battery module can be improved.

[0030] According to one aspect of the present invention, by configuring the inside of the barrier to be vacuum, the heat insulation effect can be enhanced.

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[0035] [Figure 1]

[0036] [Figure 2]

[0037] [Figure 3]

[0038] [Figure 4] ​​​​​​​​​

[0039] [Figure 5] This figure shows the barrier of a battery module according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] [Figure 6] This figure shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line C-C' in Figure 5.

[0041] [Figure 7] This figure shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' in Figure 3.

[0042] [Figure 8] This figure shows the barrier of a battery module according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] [Figure 9] This figure shows the barrier of a battery module according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] [Figure 10] This figure shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line D-D' in Figure 9.

[0045] [Figure 11] This figure shows the deformation of the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line B-B' in Figure 3.

[0046] [Figure 12] This figure shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line E-E' in Figure 9.

[0047] [Figure 13] This figure shows the deformation of the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' in Figure 3.

[0048] [Figure 14] This figure shows the barrier of a battery module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] [Figure 15] This figure shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line F-F' in Figure 14.

[0050] [Figure 16] This figure shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line G-G' in Figure 14. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] Figure 1 shows a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 shows a separate view of some of the components of the battery pack in Figure 1.

[0054] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a pack case 100, a battery module 200, a partition wall 300, and a vent device 600.

[0055] The pack case 100 may include a base plate 110, side walls 120, and a pack cover 150. The base plate 110 may be rectangular in shape. The base plate 110 may be flat. The base plate 110 may form the exterior of the battery pack. The base plate 110 may provide the internal space of the battery pack.

[0056] The side walls 120 can be installed, fastened, joined, fixed, or attached to the upper surface of the base plate 110. Four side walls 120 may be provided. The side walls 120 may be arranged along the periphery of the base plate 110. The side walls 120 may form the exterior of the battery pack. The side walls 120 may provide internal space.

[0057] The pack cover 150 may be rectangular or flat. The pack cover 150 may form the exterior of the battery pack. The pack cover 150 may cover the internal space of the battery pack.

[0058] The battery module 200 may include a plurality of battery cells 220. In this case, the battery cells 220 may represent rechargeable batteries. In particular, the battery cells 220 may be pouch-type rechargeable batteries. However, the shape of the battery cells 220 is not limited to pouch type, and may be various shapes such as cylindrical or rectangular parallelepiped.

[0059] The partition wall 300 may include a first partition wall 310 and a second partition wall 320. Multiple partition walls 300 may be provided. The partition wall 300 may be installed, fastened, fixed, joined, or attached to the upper surface of the base plate 110. The partition wall 300 may partition the internal space of the battery pack. A battery module 200 or battery cell 220 may be located in the space partitioned by the partition wall 300.

[0060] The vent device 600 may be provided on the side wall 120. For example, the vent device 600 may be provided on the front side wall 120. For example, the vent device 600 may be a gas valve. The vent device 600 opens to release gas when the internal pressure of the pack case 100 becomes high. The vent device 600 can also block outside air from flowing into the pack case 100. Multiple vent devices 600 may be provided.

[0061] Figure 3 shows the battery module 200 of Figure 2, Figure 4 shows a separated view of a part of the battery module 200 of Figure 3, Figure 5 shows the barrier 400a of the battery module 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 6 shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line C-C' of Figure 5.

[0062] Referring to Figures 3 to 6, the battery module 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a frame, a plurality of battery cells 220, and a barrier 400a.

[0063] The frame 210 may be rectangular in shape. The frame 210 may also be called a module case 210. The frame 210 may provide internal space. The frame 210 may comprise a top plate, a bottom plate, and a pair of side plates. The frame 210 may also have an open front and rear.

[0064] The frame 210 may have vent holes 211 in its top plate. The vent holes 211 can connect the inside and outside of the frame 210. Multiple vent holes 211 may be provided.

[0065] The battery cells 220 can be housed inside the frame 210. Multiple battery cells 220 can be stacked in the left-right direction or in the X-axis direction. The battery cell 220 may include a housing portion 221 with an electrode assembly, a first sealing portion 222 protruding forward and backward from the housing portion 221, and a second sealing portion 223 protruding above the housing portion 221. The battery cell 220 may also include electrode leads 224 protruding forward and backward from the first sealing portion 222, respectively. Each battery cell 220 may extend along the front-rear direction or the Y-axis direction. The electrode leads 224 may protrude forward and backward from each battery cell 220.

[0066] The barrier 400a may be positioned to cover at least one of the multiple battery cells 220. The barrier 400a may be located inside the frame. The barrier 400a may include an insulating member 420 and a case 410.

[0067] The thermal insulation member 420 may have multiple pores. Alternatively, the thermal insulation member 420 may include a porous material. For example, the thermal insulation member 420 may include a porous material containing at least one of silicone material, aerogel, or glass fiber. The thermal insulation member 420 may also include a fire-resistant material.

[0068] The case 410 can house the thermal insulation member 420. The case 410 may be configured to completely enclose the thermal insulation member 420. The interior of the case 410 may be a vacuum. The interior of the case 410 may be at a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure. For example, the interior of the case 410 may be reduced to approximately 50 mTorr. The case 410 may contain metal foil. For example, the case 410 may contain aluminum foil material. By creating a vacuum inside the case 410, air inside the multiple pores of the thermal insulation member 420 can be removed. Alternatively, the case 410 may contain a fire-resistant sheet. Alternatively, the case 410 may contain a hygroscopic sheet.

[0069] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module 200 can be improved. The barrier 400a can suppress heat propagation when a thermal event occurs. By removing the air inside the barrier 400a, the heat insulation effect of the barrier 400a can be enhanced. This makes it possible to suppress heat transfer between the battery cells 220 by conduction or convection.

[0070] Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' in Figure 3. Referring to Figures 3 to 7, the barrier 400a of the battery module 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a heat insulating portion 401 located between the housing portions 221 of adjacent battery cells 220 among a plurality of battery cells 220. The barrier 400a may also cover the housing portions 221. The heat insulating portion 401 may include at least a part of the heat insulating member 420 and at least a part of the case 410.

[0071] Multiple barriers 400a may be provided. Multiple barriers 400a may be provided for every two battery cells 220. In addition, a barrier 400a may cover the housing portion 221 of the outermost battery cell 220 among the multiple battery cells 220.

[0072] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module 200 can be improved. The barrier 400a is positioned between the storage sections 221, thereby improving the heat insulation effect.

[0073] Referring to Figures 3 to 7, the battery module 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a busbar frame assembly 230 and an end cover 240.

[0074] The busbar frame assembly 230 may be provided in front of and behind the multiple battery cells 220, respectively. The busbar frame assembly 230 may be electrically connected to the electrode leads 224 of the multiple battery cells 220.

[0075] A pair of end covers 240 can be attached to the front and rear of the frame 210, respectively. The pair of end covers 240 can cover the front and rear surfaces of the frame 210. The end covers 240 may be rectangular in shape.

[0076] Referring to Figures 3 to 7, the barrier 400a of the battery module 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention may further include a pressurized portion 402. The pressurized portion 402 may extend forward from the heat insulating portion 401. The heat insulating member 420 constituting the pressurized portion 402 and the heat insulating portion 401 may be formed integrally. The pressurized portion 402 may cover the front of the housing portion 221 of an adjacent battery cell 220. Alternatively, the pressurized portion 402 may contact the first sealing portion 222 of an adjacent battery cell 220. Alternatively, the pressurized portion 402 may cover the first sealing portion 222 of an adjacent battery cell 220. Alternatively, the pressurized portion 402 may pressurize the first sealing portion 222 of an adjacent battery cell 220.

[0077] Furthermore, the pressurized sections 402 may be composed of a pair. The pressurized sections 402 may extend rearward from the heat insulating section 401. The pressurized sections 402 extending rearward may cover the rear of the housing section 221 for the adjacent battery cell 220. The heat insulating member 420 that constitutes the pair of pressurized sections 402 and the heat insulating section 401 may be formed integrally.

[0078] According to this configuration of the present invention, the venting of the battery cell 220 can be easily controlled. The pressurizing unit 402 pressurizes the first sealing portion 222 of the battery cell 220, thereby inducing upward venting of the battery cell 220.

[0079] Furthermore, this configuration of the present invention can improve the productivity of the battery module 200. Due to the properties of the porous material, the heat insulating member 420 can be easily molded or manufactured into various shapes. Also, the barrier 400a can be easily manufactured into various shapes by covering the heat insulating member 420 with the case 410 and then manufacturing it through vacuum packaging. Therefore, by integrally forming the pressurized portion 402 and the heat insulating portion 401, the barrier 400a will have a three-dimensional shape. Since the barrier 400a is integrally formed, the number of parts in the battery module 200 is reduced, and the productivity of the battery module 200 can be improved.

[0080] Referring to Figures 3 to 7, the width of the pressurizing portion 402 of the battery module 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be wider in the left-right direction or in the X-axis direction than the width of the heat insulating portion 401 in the left-right direction or in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, the pressurizing portion 402 may extend along the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction. Having a wider width for the pressurizing portion 402 than for the heat insulating portion 401 allows for effective coverage and pressurization of the first sealing portion 222 of the adjacent battery cell 220.

[0081] According to this configuration of the present invention, the venting of the battery cell 220 can be easily controlled.

[0082] Figure 8 shows the barrier 400b of the battery module 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 8, in the barrier 400b of the battery module 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the pressurized portion 402 can be formed only in front of the heat insulating portion 401. Furthermore, the pressurized portion 402 is not formed behind the heat insulating portion 401.

[0083] According to this configuration of the present invention, the venting of the battery cell 220 can be easily controlled. By forming the pressurized section 402 only in front of the heat insulating section 401, venting can be guided to the upper or rear side of the battery cell 220.

[0084] Figure 9 shows the barrier 400c of the battery module 200 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, Figure 10 shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line D-D' of Figure 9, Figure 11 shows a modified form of the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line B-B' of Figure 3, Figure 12 shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line E-E' of Figure 9, and Figure 13 shows a modified form of the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' of Figure 3.

[0085] Referring to Figures 9 to 13, the barrier 400c of the battery module 200 according to the third embodiment of the present invention may include a housing space 401a. The housing space 401a may be formed by recessing at least a portion of the heat insulating portion 401 inward. The housing space 401a may be formed on both sides of the heat insulating portion 401. The housing space 401a may also face the housing portion 221 for the battery cells 220.

[0086] Furthermore, the barrier 400c may further include a pressurizing section 402 at least one of the front and rear of the heat insulating section 401.

[0087] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module 200 can be improved. When a thermal event occurs, swelling may occur in the battery cells 220. Due to the swelling, the battery cells 220 may bulge out in the left-right direction or in the X-axis direction. At this time, at least a portion of the swollen battery cells 220 can be housed in the housing space 401a. The barrier 400c can improve the thermal safety of the battery module 200 by absorbing the swelling of the battery cells 220 that it is in contact with or facing.

[0088] Referring to Figures 10 and 11, the depth of the recess in the housing space 401a of the battery module 200 according to the third embodiment of the present invention can be formed to be deeper towards the central portion of the heat insulating portion 401. In this case, the central portion may refer to the central portion of the height of the heat insulating portion 401 in the vertical or Z-axis direction. The depth of the recess becomes deeper towards the central portion, and the heat insulating portion 401 may form a curved surface overall along the vertical or Z-axis direction.

[0089] According to this configuration of the present invention, the barrier 400c can absorb swelling while simultaneously enhancing the heat insulation effect. When swelling occurs in the battery cell 220, the central part of the storage section 221 bulges the most. At this time, the heat insulation section 401 is configured to form a curved surface, which allows it to effectively absorb the swelling while simultaneously maintaining the thickness necessary for heat insulation.

[0090] Furthermore, according to this configuration of the present invention, the productivity of the battery module 200 can be improved. Since the heat insulating member 420 contains a porous material that is easy to process, the heat insulating member 420 can be manufactured to have a curved surface. In addition, the heat insulating member 420 can be formed integrally. Furthermore, by having the case 410 cover and enclose the heat insulating member 420 and creating a barrier 400c through vacuum packaging, the heat insulating portion 401 can be formed to have a curved surface. In addition, since the barrier 400c is formed integrally, the number of parts in the battery module 200 is reduced, and the productivity of the battery module 200 can be improved.

[0091] Referring to Figures 12 and 13, the depth of the recess in the housing space 401a of the battery module 200 according to the third embodiment of the present invention may be formed to be deeper towards the central portion of the heat insulating portion 401. In this case, the central portion may refer to the central portion of the length of the heat insulating portion 401 in the front-to-back direction or the Y-axis direction. The depth of the recess becomes deeper towards the central portion, and the heat insulating portion 401 may form a curved surface overall along the front-to-back direction or the Y-axis direction.

[0092] According to this configuration of the present invention, the barrier 400c can absorb swelling while simultaneously enhancing the heat insulation effect. When swelling occurs in the battery cell 220, the central part of the storage section 221 bulges the most. At this time, the heat insulation section 401 is configured to form a curved surface, which allows it to effectively absorb the swelling while simultaneously maintaining the thickness necessary for heat insulation.

[0093] Furthermore, according to this configuration of the present invention, the productivity of the battery module 200 can be improved. Since the heat insulating member 420 contains a porous material that is easy to process, the heat insulating member 420 can be manufactured to have a curved surface. In addition, the heat insulating member 420 can be formed integrally. Furthermore, by having the case 410 cover and enclose the heat insulating member 420 and creating a barrier 400c through vacuum packaging, the heat insulating portion 401 can be formed to have a curved surface. In addition, since the barrier 400c is formed integrally, the number of parts in the battery module 200 is reduced, and the productivity of the battery module 200 can be improved.

[0094] Figure 14 shows the barrier 400d of the battery module 200 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, Figure 15 shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line F-F' in Figure 14, and Figure 16 shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line G-G' in Figure 14.

[0095] Referring to Figures 14 to 16, the depth of the recess in the housing space 401a of the battery module 200 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention can be formed to be constant. Furthermore, the housing space 401a can be recessed to have a rectangular shape. Alternatively, the housing space 401a can be recessed to have a circular or elliptical shape.

[0096] According to this configuration of the present invention, the barrier 400d can absorb the swelling of the battery cell 220 while simultaneously providing a uniform heat insulation effect.

[0097] Furthermore, this configuration of the present invention can improve the productivity of the battery module 200. Since the heat insulating member 420 contains a porous material that is easy to process, the heat insulating member 420 can be formed integrally. In addition, since the case 410 covers and encloses the heat insulating member 420 and the barrier 400d is manufactured through vacuum packaging, the barrier 400d can have a three-dimensional shape.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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 provides space inside, Multiple battery cells located inside the frame, A battery module comprising a barrier covering at least one of a plurality of battery cells, the barrier comprising a thermal insulation member having a plurality of holes, and a case housing the thermal insulation member and having an internally vacuum-formed structure.

2. Multiple of the aforementioned battery cells are stacked along the left-right direction. Each of the aforementioned battery cells is, A storage section extending in the front-to-back direction and equipped with an electrode assembly, The collection portion includes an electrode lead that protrudes forward, The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the barrier includes an insulating portion located between the housing portions of adjacent battery cells among the plurality of battery cells.

3. The aforementioned barrier, The battery module according to claim 2, further comprising a pressurizing portion that extends forward from the heat insulating portion and covers the front of the adjacent battery cell housing portion.

4. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein the width of the pressurizing portion in the left-right direction is wider than the width of the heat insulating portion in the left-right direction.

5. The aforementioned heat insulating section is The battery module according to claim 3, comprising a recessed interior space facing the storage area for the adjacent battery cell.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein at least a portion of the adjacent battery cell housings is housed in the housing space when a thermal event occurs.

7. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein the depth of the recess in the housing space increases towards the central part of the vertical height of the heat insulating section.

8. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein the depth of the recess in the housing space becomes deeper towards the center of the length of the heat insulating portion in the front-to-back direction.

9. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. An automobile comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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