Battery Module

Abstract

A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a frame providing an internal space, battery cells housed in the frame and including a body and electrode leads protruding forward from the body, a bus bar frame assembly located in front of the battery cells and electrically connected to the electrode leads, and a fire-resistant coating layer provided on at least a portion of the battery cells and having fire resistance.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0166949 filed on December 2, 2022, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0042346 filed on March 30, 2023, and the contents disclosed in the specifications and drawings of those applications are incorporated herein in their entirety. [Background technology]

[0003] With the rapid increase in demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, video cameras, and mobile phones, and the full-scale commercialization of robots and electric vehicles, active research is being conducted on high-performance secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged.

[0004] Currently commercially available secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries. Of these, lithium secondary batteries are attracting attention due to their advantages of being free to charge and discharge because they have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, an extremely low self-discharge rate, and a high energy density.

[0005] Such lithium secondary batteries mainly use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively. The lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate, each coated with the positive and negative electrode active materials, are arranged with a separator sandwiched between them, and an exterior material, i.e., a battery case, that seals and houses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

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

[0007] Recently, secondary batteries have been widely used for driving and storing energy not only in small devices such as portable electronic devices but also in medium- to large-sized devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS). A battery module can be configured by electrically connecting multiple secondary batteries and storing them together inside a module case. A battery pack can also be configured by connecting multiple battery modules.

[0008] However, when multiple secondary batteries (battery cells) or multiple battery modules are densely packed in a small space, they may be vulnerable to thermal events. In particular, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs in one of the battery cells, high-temperature gas, flames, and heat may be generated. If such gas, flame, or heat is transmitted to other battery cells included in the same battery module, an explosive chain reaction such as thermal propagation may occur. Furthermore, such a chain reaction may not only cause accidents such as fire or explosion in the battery module itself, but may also cause fires or explosions in other battery modules.

[0009] Furthermore, in the case of medium- to large-sized battery packs such as those for electric vehicles, the risk of thermal chain reactions may be even greater because a large number of battery cells and battery modules are included to increase output and / or capacity. In addition, in the case of battery packs installed in electric vehicles, users such as the driver may be present in the vicinity. Therefore, if a thermal event occurring in a specific battery module cannot be properly controlled and a chain reaction occurs, it may cause serious property damage and even loss of life. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] The present invention is directed to solving the above-mentioned problems and other problems.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery module capable of suppressing heat propagation.

[0012] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a battery module that can maintain safety even when exposed to flames or vent gases. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a frame providing an internal space, battery cells housed within the frame and including a body and electrode leads protruding forward from the body, a bus bar frame assembly located in front of the battery cells and electrically connected to the electrode leads, and a fire-resistant coating layer provided on at least a portion of the battery cells and having fire resistance.

[0014] The battery cell may further include a front terrace portion extending forward from the body and surrounding the electrode lead, and the coating layer may include a first coating layer covering the front terrace portion and the electrode lead.

[0015] The fire-resistant coating layer may also include a second coating layer covering at least a portion of the rear surface of the bus bar frame assembly.

[0016] The bus bar frame assembly may also include a slit, the electrode lead may pass through the slit, and the second coating layer may extend to cover the area between the slit and the electrode lead.

[0017] The coating layer may further include a third coating layer extending from the second coating layer and covering a front surface of the bus bar frame assembly.

[0018] The frame may be open to the front, and the battery module may further include an end plate located in front of the bus bar frame assembly and coupled to a front side of the frame.

[0019] The battery cell may further include an upper seal portion extending upward from the body, and the coating layer may include a fourth coating layer covering at least a portion of the upper seal portion.

[0020] The battery cell may further include an adhesive member that folds and fixes the upper seal portion, and the fourth coating layer may extend to cover the adhesive member.

[0021] The battery module may further include a barrier covering a side surface of the battery cell and closely contacting a rear surface of the bus bar frame assembly, and the coating layer may further include a fifth coating layer covering the rear surface of the bus bar frame assembly and a side surface of the barrier adjacent to the rear surface.

[0022] The bus bar frame assembly may include holes formed to be elongated in the vertical direction, the battery module may further include barriers covering side surfaces of the battery cells and penetrating the holes of the bus bar frame assembly, and the coating layer may further include a sixth coating layer covering a rear surface of the bus bar frame assembly and a side surface of the barrier adjacent to the rear surface.

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

[0024] An automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the battery module of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, a battery module capable of suppressing heat propagation can be provided.

[0026] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, a battery module capable of suppressing heat propagation can be provided.

[0027] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, a battery module can be provided that includes a fire-resistant coating layer that can protect the bus bar frame assembly from flames and vent gases.

[0028] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, a battery module including a fire-resistant coating layer that can maintain a barrier function that can suppress heat propagation can be provided.

[0029] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, a battery module can be provided that includes a fire-resistant coating layer that seals gaps of slits through which electrode leads of battery cells pass.

[0030] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a battery module including battery cells that can maintain safety even when exposed to flames or vent gases.

[0031] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, a battery module can be provided that includes a fire-resistant coating layer for vent control.

[0032] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to further understand the technical concepts of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to only the matters described in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1]1 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is an exploded view showing a partial configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a view showing a bus bar frame assembly of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram illustrating a battery cell of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a part of the cross-sectional configuration taken along the line AA' in FIG. [Figure 7] 2 is a diagram showing a modified embodiment of the cross-sectional configuration taken along the line AA' in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 8] 2 is a diagram showing a modified embodiment of the cross-sectional configuration taken along the line AA' in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 9] 2 is a diagram showing a modified embodiment of the cross-sectional configuration taken along the line AA' in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 10] 2 is a diagram showing a modified embodiment of the cross-sectional configuration taken along the line AA' in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 11] 1 is a diagram illustrating a battery cell of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating modified embodiments of a battery cell of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are views showing vents in battery cells of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a part of the cross-sectional configuration taken along the line AA' in FIG. [Figure 15] 2 is a diagram showing a modified embodiment of the cross-sectional configuration taken along the line AA' in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 16] 1 is a view showing a bus bar frame assembly of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 17]2 is a diagram showing a modified embodiment of the cross-sectional configuration taken along the line AA' in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 18] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a barrier and a battery cell of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the coupling of a barrier and a battery cell of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] 10 is a front view illustrating a combination of a barrier and a battery cell of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, the terms and phrases used in the specification and claims should not be construed as being limited to their ordinary and dictionary meanings, but should be construed as having meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical ideas of the present invention, in accordance with the principle that the inventors themselves can appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe the invention.

[0035] Therefore, it should be understood that the configurations shown in the embodiments described in this specification are merely the most desirable embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical idea of ​​the present invention, and that there may be various equivalents and modifications that can be substituted therefor at the time of this application.

[0036] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is an exploded view showing a partial configuration of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a view showing a partial configuration of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a view showing a bus bar frame assembly 300 of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figs. 1 to 4, a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a frame 400, battery cells 100, the bus bar frame assembly 300, and a fire-resistant coating layer 900.

[0037] The frame 400 may include an upper frame 420 and a lower frame 410. The lower frame may include a bottom plate and a pair of side plates extending from the bottom plate. The lower frame may form an interior space. The upper frame 420 and the lower frame 410 may be connected by welding. The upper frame 420 may be connected to the pair of side plates of the lower frame 410. Alternatively, the frame 400 may be formed as a single unit. The frame 400 may be configured in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The frame 400 may also provide an interior space. The frame 400 may form the exterior of the battery module. The frame 400 may extend to have an elongated shape in the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction. The frame 400 may also be configured in a shape that is open in the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction.

[0038] The plurality of battery cells 100 may be configured to be accommodated in an internal space provided by the frame 400. Here, each battery cell 100 may refer to a secondary battery. Each battery cell 100 may include a body 110 and electrode leads 120 protruding in the front-rear direction or the X-axis and -X-axis directions of the body 110. The battery cell 100 may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a battery case. In this case, the electrode assembly, the electrolyte, and the battery case may constitute the body 110. The battery cell 100 may be a pouch-type secondary battery. The plurality of battery cells 100 may generate heat during charging or discharging. The plurality of battery cells 100 may function as a heat source. The plurality of battery cells 100 may constitute a battery module. The battery module may include one or more battery cells 100 and may be configured to store and release energy. The plurality of battery cells 100 may be arranged or stacked in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction.

[0039] The bus bar frame assembly 300 may be positioned in front of the plurality of battery cells 100. The electrode leads 120 of each of the plurality of battery cells 100 may be electrically connected to the bus bar frame assembly 300. The bus bar frame assembly 300 may be configured to include a frame body 310, a bus bar 320, and a module terminal 330. The frame body 310 may be configured to cover the front side of the plurality of battery cells 100. The bus bar 320 may be provided, coupled, or fastened to the front surface of the frame body 310. A plurality of bus bars 320 may be configured. The module terminal 330 may be electrically connected to the bus bar 320. The module terminal 330 may function as an input / output terminal of the battery module. The frame body 310 may include a slit 311 formed to have an elongated shape in the up-down direction or the Z-axis direction. The slit 311 may be configured to penetrate the frame body 310 in the front-back direction or the X-axis direction. A plurality of slits 311 may be formed and positioned along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. The electrode leads 120 of each of the plurality of battery cells 100 may pass through the slits 311. The electrode leads 120 may pass through the slits 311 and be electrically connected to a bus bar 320 provided on the front surface of the frame body 310. The bus bar frame assemblies 300 may be formed in pairs. The bus bar frame assemblies 300 may be provided on the front and rear sides of the plurality of battery cells 100, respectively.

[0040] The fire-resistant coating layer 900 may be provided on each of the plurality of battery cells 100. The fire-resistant coating layer 900 may be provided on at least a portion of each battery cell 100 and may have fire resistance. For example, the fire-resistant coating layer 900 may be made of a material such as epoxy, non-flammable PCM, FPC 5060, Locitite EA9400, or ceramic. The fire-resistant coating layer 900 may also be formed by being sprayed onto the battery cells 100 in a liquid form. In this case, the fire-resistant coating layer 900 may be configured to have a thickness of approximately 0.05 mm to 2.2 mm.

[0041] According to this configuration of the present invention, the battery cells 100 can be safely protected even when exposed to flame or vent gas g. Referring to FIG. 3, when a thermal event occurs in a battery cell 100, the flame or vent gas g may be transmitted to an adjacent battery cell 100. In this case, the fire-resistant coating layer 900 can protect the battery cell 100 from the flame or vent gas g. Therefore, even if a thermal event occurs in a battery cell 100, heat propagation to other battery cells 100 can be effectively suppressed, delayed, or prevented. This can improve the thermal safety of the battery module.

[0042] 1 to 4, a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a barrier 200, an end plate 600, an insulating sheet 700, or a resin 800.

[0043] The barrier 200 may be rectangular. The barrier 200 may extend in the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction. A plurality of barriers 200 may be provided. Each barrier 200 may be disposed between a plurality of battery cells 100. The barriers 200 may be disposed or stacked in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. The front and rear sides of the barrier 200 may contact, be coupled to, fastened to, inserted into, or attached to the bus bar frame assembly 300, respectively. The barrier 200 may be composed of one part or multiple parts. When the barrier 200 is composed of multiple parts, it may be referred to as a barrier assembly 200. The barrier 200 may suppress, delay, or prevent the propagation of flame or vent gas g in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. The barrier 200 may be made of a material that is not easily damaged when exposed to flame or vent gas g.

[0044] The end plates 600 may be formed in pairs. The end plates 600 may be provided on the front and rear sides of the plurality of battery cells 100, respectively. The end plates 600 may be fastened, coupled, or welded to the front or rear side of the frame 400, respectively. Alternatively, the end plates 600 may be fastened, coupled, or welded to the open ends of the frame 400, respectively. The frame 400 can seal the interior by fastening, coupling, or welding to the end plates 600.

[0045] The insulating sheet 700 may be configured to be positioned between the end plate 600 and the bus bar frame assembly 300. The insulating sheet 700 can electrically isolate the end plate 600 and the bus bar frame assembly 300. The insulating sheet 700 may be configured in pairs. The insulating sheet 700 may be provided between the front end plate 600 and the front bus bar frame assembly 300, and between the rear end plate 600 and the rear bus bar frame assembly 300, respectively.

[0046] The resin 800 may be configured to be formed inside the frame 400. The resin 800 may be configured to be positioned between the plurality of battery cells 100 and the lower frame 410. The resin 800 may also be configured to be positioned between the plurality of battery cells 100 and the upper frame 420. The resin 800 may also be configured to be positioned between the plurality of barriers 200 and the lower frame 410. The resin 800 may also be configured to be positioned between the plurality of barriers 200 and the upper frame 420. The resin 800 may fix the positions of the plurality of battery cells 100 or the plurality of barriers 200. The resin 800 may also transfer heat generated from the plurality of battery cells 100 to the frame 400, thereby cooling the plurality of battery cells 100. The resin 800 may be injected into the frame 400 through the holes 411 and 421 in the upper frame 420 and the lower frame 410. In addition, the flame or vent gas g generated inside the battery module can be discharged to the outside through the holes 411 and 421.

[0047] The buffer pad 500 may be disposed between the outermost barrier 200 and the lower frame 410. Alternatively, the buffer pad 500 may be disposed between the outermost battery cell 100 and the lower frame 410. The buffer pad 500 may be configured in pairs. When swelling occurs in the multiple battery cells 100, the buffer pad 500 is elastically deformed to stably support the multiple battery cells 100. For example, the buffer pad 500 may be made of a silicone material.

[0048] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a battery cell 100 of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a portion of a cross-sectional configuration taken along line A-A' in Fig. 1. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a modified embodiment of the cross-sectional configuration taken along line A-A' in Fig. 1. Referring to Figs. 5 to 7, the battery cell 100 of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a front terrace portion 130 extending forward from the body 110 and surrounding the electrode lead 120, and the coating layer 900 may be configured to include a first coating layer 901 covering the front terrace portion 130 and the electrode lead 120.

[0049] Each battery cell 100 may include a seal portion 140 extending from the body 110. The seal portion may be formed along the periphery of the body 110. In particular, the seal portion protruding forward from the body 110 may be referred to as a front terrace portion 130. Also, the seal portion protruding upward from the body 110 may be referred to as an upper seal portion 140. Also, the seal portion protruding rearward from the body 110 may be referred to as a rear terrace portion 130. The upper seal portion 140 may be configured to be folded and fixed to the body by an adhesive member 150. The front terrace portion 130 and the rear terrace portion 130 may each be configured to surround an electrode lead 120.

[0050] The first coating layer 901 may be configured to surround the terrace portion 130. Alternatively, the first coating layer 901 may be configured to surround both sides of the terrace portion 130. Furthermore, the first coating layer 901 may be configured to extend to surround the portion of the electrode lead 120 adjacent to the terrace portion 130.

[0051] This configuration of the present invention can protect the terrace portion 130, which is susceptible to damage from flames and vent gases g, thereby effectively suppressing, delaying, or preventing the propagation of a thermal event.

[0052] Furthermore, according to this configuration of the present invention, the first coating layer 901 extends to the portion of the electrode lead 120 adjacent to the terrace portion 130, thereby preventing flames and vent gases g from penetrating between the terrace portion 130 and the electrode lead 120. This further improves the thermal safety of the battery module.

[0053] Furthermore, with this configuration of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the flame or vent gas g generated inside the battery cell 100 from being discharged to the front and rear sides.

[0054] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a modified embodiment of the cross-sectional configuration taken along the line A-A' in Fig. 1. Referring to Fig. 8, a fire-resistant coating layer 900 of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a second coating layer 902 covering at least a portion of the rear surface of the bus bar frame assembly 300. The first coating layer 901 and the second coating layer 902 may be configured separately or continuously.

[0055] According to this configuration of the present invention, the bus bar frame assembly 300 can be protected from flames and vent gases g. For example, the frame body 310 can be made of a plastic material. Therefore, if the frame body 310 is exposed to flames or vent gases g, the frame body 310 may be damaged. The second coating layer 902 covers the rear surface of the frame body 310, thereby improving the fire resistance of the frame body 310.

[0056] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a modified embodiment of the cross-sectional configuration taken along line A-A' in Fig. 1. Referring to Fig. 9, a bus bar frame assembly 300 of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes slits 311, the electrode leads 120 pass through the slits 311, and a second coating layer 902 may be configured to extend to cover the area between the slits 311 and the electrode leads 120.

[0057] The slits 311 may be formed in the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction. The slits 311 may penetrate the frame body 310. The second coating layer 902 may cover the area between the slits 311 and the electrode lead 120 and may be configured to extend around the electrode lead 120.

[0058] According to this configuration of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs, it is possible to prevent flames and vent gases g from being ejected through the slits 311. This effectively suppresses, blocks, delays, or reduces heat propagation.

[0059] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a modified embodiment of the cross-sectional configuration taken along the line A-A' in Fig. 1. Referring to Fig. 10, the coating layer 900 of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to further include a third coating layer 903 extending from the second coating layer 902 and covering the front surface of the bus bar frame assembly 300.

[0060] The third coating layer 903 may be configured to cover the front surface of the frame body 310. The third coating layer 903 may also be configured to cover the portion of the electrode lead 120 that passes through the slit 311. The third coating layer 903 may also be configured to cover the bus bar 320 that is electrically connected to the electrode lead 120.

[0061] According to this configuration of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs, it is possible to more reliably prevent flames and vent gases g from being ejected through the slits 311. This makes it possible to effectively suppress, block, delay, or reduce heat propagation.

[0062] 6 to 10, the frame 400 of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to be open toward the front. Furthermore, the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an end plate 600 located in front of the bus bar frame assembly 300 and coupled to the front side or open end of the frame 400. The end plate 600 and the insulating sheet 700 may be located to cover the frame body 310 or the slits 311.

[0063] According to this configuration of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs, flames and vent gases g are prevented from being ejected through the slits 311, and damage caused by the flames and vent gases g to the insulating sheet 700 or the end plate 600 can be suppressed, blocked, delayed or reduced.

[0064] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a battery cell 100 of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an alternative embodiment of the battery cell 100 of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a vent of the battery cell 100 of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figs. 11 to 13, the battery cell 100 of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include an upper seal portion 140 extending upward from the body 110. In addition, the coating layer 900 may be configured to include a fourth coating layer 904 covering at least a portion of the upper seal portion 140.

[0065] The fourth coating layer 904 can be configured to be separate or continuous from the first coating layer 901. For example, the fourth coating layer 904 can be configured to extend from the first coating layer 901 and be formed on the front side of the upper seal portion 140.

[0066] According to this configuration of the present invention, when a flame or vent gas g occurs in the battery cell 100, it can be prevented from being ejected toward the first coating layer 901 and the fourth coating layer 904. As a result, the flame or vent gas g can be induced to eject upward near the center of the battery cell 100. As a result, venting can be easily controlled, and the thermal safety of the battery module can be improved.

[0067] 11 to 13, the battery cell 100 of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention further includes an adhesive member 150 that folds and fixes the upper seal portion 140, and the fourth coating layer 904 may be configured to extend to cover at least a portion of the adhesive member 150.

[0068] The upper seal portion 140 may be configured to be folded and fixed to the body 110 by an adhesive member 150. For example, the battery cell 100 may be configured to include two adhesive members 150. One adhesive member 150 may be disposed adjacent to the front edge of the body 110, and the other adhesive member 150 may be disposed adjacent to the rear edge. For example, the fourth coating layer 904 may be configured to extend from the first coating layer 901 to a portion that can cover the adhesive member 150. No adhesive member 150 may be disposed in the central portion of the body 110.

[0069] According to this configuration of the present invention, the fourth coating layer 904 extends further to the central portion of the body 110, which can more strongly induce the upward ejection of flame or vent gas g near the center of the battery cell 100. This makes it easier to control the vent, and can improve the thermal safety of the battery module.

[0070] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a cross-sectional configuration taken along line A-A' in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 14, a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to further include a barrier 200 that covers side surfaces of the battery cells 100 and is in close contact with a rear surface of the bus bar frame assembly 300. The coating layer 900 may further include a fifth coating layer 905 that covers the rear surface of the bus bar frame assembly 300 and a side surface of the barrier 200 adjacent to the rear surface of the bus bar frame assembly 300. The fifth coating layer 905 may cover an exposed front edge of the barrier 200. The fifth coating layer 905 may be configured to be separate from or continuous with the second coating layer 902. The fifth coating layer 905 may be configured to extend in the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction.

[0071] According to this configuration of the present invention, the gap between the barrier 200 and the frame body 310 can be sealed, thereby suppressing, blocking, delaying or reducing the propagation of flames and vent gases g.

[0072] Furthermore, with this configuration of the present invention, the front edge of the barrier 200 is not exposed to flames or vent gas g, which allows the heat resistance or fire resistance of the barrier 200 to be stably maintained.

[0073] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a modified embodiment of the cross-sectional configuration taken along line A-A' in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 15, a frame body 310 of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a slot 312 protruding rearward. The slot 312 may extend in an elongated shape along the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction. The barrier 200 may be fitted or inserted into the slot 312. In addition, a fifth coating layer 905 may coat the area between the slot 312 and the side surface of the barrier 200. The fifth coating layer 905 may be configured to extend along the slot 312 in the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction.

[0074] This configuration of the present invention allows the gap between the slot 312 and the barrier 200 to be sealed, thereby inhibiting, blocking, slowing or reducing the propagation of flames and vent gases g.

[0075] Furthermore, with this configuration of the present invention, the front edge of the barrier 200 is not exposed to flames or vent gas g, which allows the heat resistance or fire resistance of the barrier 200 to be stably maintained.

[0076] FIG. 16 is a view showing a bus bar frame assembly 300 of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a view showing a modified embodiment of the cross-sectional configuration taken along line A-A' of FIG. 1. Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the bus bar frame assembly 300 of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to have holes 313 formed to be elongated in the vertical direction. In addition, the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to further include barriers 200 covering side surfaces of the battery cells 100 and penetrating the holes 313 of the bus bar frame assembly 300. In addition, the coating layer 900 may be configured to further include a sixth coating layer 906 covering a rear surface of the bus bar frame assembly 300 and a side surface of the barrier 200 adjacent to the rear surface of the bus bar frame assembly 300.

[0077] The holes 313 may be configured to penetrate the frame body 310. The holes 313 may extend in the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction. The holes 313 may be formed to be larger than the slits 311. The holes 313 may also be formed to be longer than the slits 311. A plurality of holes 313 may be configured, and the plurality of holes 313 and the plurality of slits 311 may be arranged alternately.

[0078] The barrier 200 may be positioned so as to be inserted into or pass through the hole 313. The sixth coating layer 906 may be configured to be separate from or continuous with the second coating layer 902. The sixth coating layer 906 may be configured to extend in the up-down direction or the Z-axis direction. The sixth coating layer 906 may also be configured to extend along the periphery of the hole 313 or the barrier 200.

[0079] This configuration of the present invention can seal the gap between the barrier 200 and the hole 313, thereby inhibiting, blocking, delaying or reducing the propagation of flames and vent gases g.

[0080] Furthermore, with this configuration of the present invention, the front edge of the barrier 200 is not exposed to flames or vent gas g, which allows the heat resistance or fire resistance of the barrier 200 to be stably maintained.

[0081] Furthermore, with this configuration of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs, it is possible to prevent flames and vent gases g from being ejected through the holes 313. This effectively suppresses, blocks, delays, or reduces heat propagation.

[0082] 16 and 17 , the sixth coating layer 906 of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to extend to cover the area between the hole 313 and the barrier 200. The sixth coating layer 906 may be configured to cover the area between the hole 313 and the barrier 200, and to extend around the hole 313 or the barrier 200.

[0083] Furthermore, the coating layer 900 of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to further include a seventh coating layer 907 extending from the sixth coating layer 906 and covering the front surface of the bus bar frame assembly 300. The seventh coating layer 907 may be configured to be separate from or continuous with the third coating layer 903. The seventh coating layer 907 may be configured to extend in the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, the seventh coating layer 907 may be configured to extend along the periphery of the hole 313.

[0084] The seventh coating layer 907 may be configured to cover the front surface of the frame body 310. The seventh coating layer 907 may also be configured to cover the portion of the barrier 200 that has passed through the hole 313. The seventh coating layer 907 may also be configured to cover the bus bar 320 that is electrically connected to the electrode lead 120.

[0085] This configuration of the present invention can more reliably prevent flames and vent gases g from being ejected through the holes 313 when a thermal event occurs, thereby effectively suppressing, blocking, delaying, or reducing heat propagation.

[0086] Fig. 18 is a diagram showing a barrier 200a and a battery cell 100 of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 19 is a diagram showing a combination of a barrier 200a and a battery cell 100 of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 20 is a front view showing a combination of a barrier 200a and a battery cell 100 of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figs. 18 to 20, a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a barrier 200a made of a single material.

[0087] The barrier 200a may be configured to have a corrugated board shape, a corrugated board structure, or a corrugated structure. The barrier 200a may be made of fire-resistant paper. The barrier 200a may be configured to include a pair of paper sheets and a corrugated paper sheet glued between the pair of paper sheets. The barrier 200a may be formed in a corrugated structure having peaks and valleys. The plurality of battery cells 100 may be arranged to be located at the peaks and valleys, respectively. The plurality of battery cells 100 and the barrier 200a may be configured to be in close contact with each other.

[0088] In this case, the length of the barrier 200a in the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction may be configured to be longer than the length of the body 110 of the battery cell 100 in the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction. As a result, the barrier 200a may be configured to cover the entire side surface of the battery cell 100 and to cover at least a portion of the electrode lead 120. The front edge or the rear edge of the barrier 200a may be tightly attached to, in contact with, coupled to, fastened to, or inserted into the bus bar frame assembly 300.

[0089] According to this configuration of the present invention, the barrier 200a has a corrugated cardboard structure, and therefore can be configured to be deformable in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. As a result, when swelling occurs in the battery cell 100, the barrier 200a is compressed in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction, thereby enabling the battery cell 100 to be stably supported.

[0090] A battery pack according to the present invention may include two or more of the above-described battery modules according to the present invention.

[0091] In addition, the battery pack according to the present invention may further include various other components, such as a BMS, a bus bar, a pack case, a relay, a current sensor, and other battery pack components known at the time of filing of the present invention, in addition to the battery sub-module.

[0092] An automobile according to the present invention may include two or more battery modules according to the present invention. The battery module according to the present invention may be applied to automobiles such as electric automobiles and hybrid automobiles. That is, an automobile according to the present invention may include a battery module according to the present invention or a battery pack according to the present invention. Furthermore, an automobile according to the present invention may further include various other components included in an automobile in addition to the battery module or battery pack. For example, an automobile according to the present invention may further include a vehicle body, a motor, a control device such as an ECU (electronic control unit), etc. in addition to the battery module according to the present invention.

[0093] Meanwhile, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used in this specification, these terms are used for convenience of explanation, and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art of the present invention that these terms may change depending on the position of the object in question, the position of the observer, etc.

[0094] As described above, the present invention has been described using limited embodiments and drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and it goes without saying that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can make various modifications and variations within the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the following claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 100 battery cells 110 Body 120 Electrode Lead 130 Terrace 140 Seal part 150 adhesive material 200, 200a barrier 300 Busbar Frame Assembly 310 frame body 311 Slit 312 Slots 313 holes 320 Busbar 330 Module Terminal 400 frames 410 Lower Frame 411 holes 420 Upper Frame 421 holes 500 cushioning pads 600 End Plate 700 Insulation Sheet 800 resin 900 fire-resistant coating layer 901 First coating layer 902 Second coating layer 903 3rd coating layer 904 4th coating layer 905 5th coating layer 906 6th coating layer 907 7th coating layer g Vent gas

Claims

1. A frame that provides internal space and a battery cell accommodated in the frame and including a body and electrode leads protruding forward from the body; a bus bar frame assembly located in front of the battery cell and electrically connected to the electrode lead; a fire-resistant coating layer provided on at least a portion of the battery cell and having fire resistance; a barrier that covers a side surface of the battery cell and is in close contact with a rear surface of the bus bar frame assembly, The fire-resistant coating layer is a fifth coating layer covering a rear surface of the bus bar frame assembly and a side surface of the barrier adjacent to the rear surface;

2. The battery cell a front terrace extending forward from the body and surrounding the electrode lead; The fire-resistant coating layer is The battery module according to claim 1 , further comprising a first coating layer covering the front terrace portion and the electrode lead.

3. The fire-resistant coating layer is The battery module according to claim 1 , further comprising a second coating layer covering at least a portion of the rear surface of the bus bar frame assembly excluding a portion where the fifth coating layer is provided.

4. The bus bar frame assembly includes: Equipped with a slit, The electrode lead is Passing through the slit, The second coating layer is The battery module according to claim 3 , wherein the insulating layer extends to cover a space between the slit and the electrode lead.

5. The fire-resistant coating layer is The battery module according to claim 3 , further comprising a third coating layer extending from the second coating layer and covering a front surface of the bus bar frame assembly.

6. The frame is open forward, The battery module includes: The battery module according to claim 1 , further comprising an end plate located in front of the bus bar frame assembly and coupled to a front side of the frame.

7. The battery cell further including an upper seal portion extending upwardly from the body; The fire-resistant coating layer is The battery module according to claim 1 , further comprising a fourth coating layer covering at least a portion of the upper seal portion.

8. The battery cell further comprising an adhesive member for folding and fixing the upper seal portion; The fourth coating layer is The battery module according to claim 7 , wherein the adhesive member extends to cover the adhesive member.

9. A frame that provides an interior space; a battery cell accommodated in the frame and including a body and electrode leads protruding forward from the body; a bus bar frame assembly positioned in front of the battery cell, electrically connected to the electrode lead, and having a hole formed to have an elongated shape in a vertical direction; a fire-resistant coating layer provided on at least a portion of the battery cell and having fire resistance; a barrier covering a side surface of the battery cell and passing through a hole in the bus bar frame assembly; The fire-resistant coating layer is a sixth coating layer covering a rear surface of the bus bar frame assembly and a side surface of the barrier adjacent to the rear surface.

10. A battery pack comprising the battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A motor vehicle comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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