Battery Module

Abstract

A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a case having an opening at a front thereof and providing an internal space, a battery cell disposed in the internal space, a mounting part provided at the opening and having an exhaust port, and a gas valve having a cover movable in a front-rear direction and opening and closing the exhaust port, the cover including a first part configured to expand in diameter as it becomes farther from the exhaust port.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0187372, filed on December 24, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The present invention relates to a battery module. [Background technology]

[0002] As demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, video cameras, and mobile phones has grown rapidly and robots, electric vehicles, and other products have become commercially available, active research is being conducted into high-performance secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged.

[0003] 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 able to be freely charged and discharged since they have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, as well as their extremely low self-discharge rate and high energy density.

[0004] Such lithium secondary batteries mainly use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively, and include an electrode assembly in which positive and negative electrode plates coated with the positive and negative electrode active materials are arranged with a separator interposed therebetween, and an exterior material, such as a battery case, that hermetically houses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0005] Generally, secondary batteries are classified into can-type batteries, in which the electrode assembly is housed in a metal can, and pouch-type batteries, in which the electrode assembly is housed in a pouch made of an aluminum laminate sheet, depending on the shape of the exterior material.

[0006] 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 is formed by electrically connecting a plurality of secondary batteries and storing them together inside a module case. A battery pack is also formed by connecting a plurality of such battery modules.

[0007] However, when multiple secondary batteries (battery cells) or multiple battery modules are packed into a small space, they are vulnerable to thermal events. In particular, if a thermal runaway occurs in one battery cell, high-temperature gas, flames, and heat may be generated. If such gas, flame, or heat is transferred to other battery cells in the same battery module, an explosive chain reaction such as thermal propagation may occur. This chain reaction may not only cause accidents such as fire or explosion in the battery module itself, but may also trigger fires or explosions in other battery modules.

[0008] Furthermore, in the case of medium- to large-sized battery packs such as those used in electric vehicles, a large number of battery cells and battery modules are included due to increased output and / or capacity, which increases the risk of thermal chain reactions. Furthermore, in the case of battery packs installed in electric vehicles, users such as drivers are present in the vicinity. Therefore, if a thermal event occurring in a specific battery module is not properly controlled and a chain reaction occurs, it may lead to damage to property as well as loss of life. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The present invention is directed to solving the above and other problems.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a battery module that can dissipate heat when a thermal event occurs.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery module that can suppress the emission of pyrotechnic material or sparks when a thermal event occurs.

[0012] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a battery module including a structure capable of capturing pyrotechnic debris and sparks when a thermal event occurs.

[0013] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a battery module capable of preventing the propagation of a thermal event. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] In order to achieve the above object, a battery module according to one aspect of the present invention includes a case having an opening at the front and providing an internal space, battery cells arranged in the internal space, a mounting portion provided at the opening and having an exhaust port formed therein, and a gas valve having a cover movable in the forward and backward directions and opening and closing the exhaust port, the cover including a first part configured to expand in diameter as it moves away from the exhaust port.

[0015] The cover may further include a second part extending forward from the first part and configured to decrease in diameter as it extends away from the outlet.

[0016] The cover may further include a third part extending forward from the second part and having a constant diameter.

[0017] The cover may further include a fourth part extending forward from the first part and having a constant diameter.

[0018] The receiving portion may also include a spark pocket configured to collect particles traveling along a surface of the first part.

[0019] The spark pocket may be formed along the periphery of the outlet, with at least a portion of the spark pocket facing the first part.

[0020] The spark pocket may also include an inwardly projecting protrusion.

[0021] The gas valve may also include a spring that applies a restoring force to the cover that presses the cover rearward.

[0022] The battery module may further include a stopper that limits the forward movement range of the cover.

[0023] The first part may have a plurality of grooves formed on its outer circumferential surface.

[0024] The first part may have a plurality of protrusions formed on its outer circumferential surface.

[0025] To achieve the above object, a battery pack according to another aspect of the present invention includes a battery module according to the present invention.

[0026] In order to achieve the above object, a motor vehicle according to yet another aspect of the present invention includes a battery module according to the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a battery module capable of dissipating heat when a thermal event occurs can be provided.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a battery module that can suppress the emission of pyrotechnic ejections and sparks when a thermal event occurs.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a battery module can be provided that includes a structure capable of capturing pyrotechnic ejection or sparks when a thermal event occurs.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a battery module capable of preventing the propagation of a thermal event can be provided.

[0031] 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]

[0032] [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 perspective view showing a partial configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 3 is a diagram illustrating a partial configuration of a gas valve of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention in an isolated state. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a part of the cross-sectional configuration taken along line AA' in FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a cross-sectional configuration along line AA' of FIG. 1 in a state where a gas valve of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention is open. [Figure 6] 6A and 6B are schematic diagrams showing variants of the cover of FIG. 5; [Figure 7] 6 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of another variation of the cover of FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 8] 6 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of yet another variation of the cover of FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 9] 6 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of yet another variation of the cover of FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a variation of the spark pocket of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of another variation of the spark pocket of FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of yet another variation of the spark pocket of FIG. [Figure 13] 6A and 6B are schematic diagrams illustrating variations of the coupling bar of FIG. 5; [Figure 14] 6A and 6B are schematic diagrams illustrating other variations of the coupling bar of FIG. 5; [Figure 15] 6A and 6B are schematic diagrams illustrating further variations of the coupling bar of FIG. 5; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, the terms and words 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 explain the invention.

[0034] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred 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.

[0035] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a partial configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 3 is a view showing a partial configuration of a gas valve 300 of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention in an separated state. Referring to Figs. 1 to 3, a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a case 100, battery cells 200, and a gas valve 300.

[0036] The case 100 may include a frame 110 and a pair of end plates 120. The case 100 may be used as a term collectively referring to the frame 110 and the end plates 120. The frame 110 may be rectangular parallelepiped-shaped. The frame 110 may have an open front and rear. The frame 110 may provide an interior space 111. The end plates 120 may be connected to the front and rear of the frame 110, respectively. The end plates 120 may be connected to the frame 110 by welding. The end plates 120 may have openings 121. Each of the end plates 120 may have two openings 121. The case 100 including the frame 110 and the pair of end plates 120 may provide the interior space 111 by having an opening 121 at the front.

[0037] The battery cell 200 may be disposed in the internal space 111 provided by the case 100. A plurality of battery cells 200 may be provided. Each of the plurality of battery cells 200 may have at least one electrode lead protruding forward or in the +X-axis direction. Each of the plurality of battery cells 200 may have another electrode lead protruding backward or in the -X-axis direction. The plurality of battery cells 200 may be stacked in the left-right direction. Alternatively, the plurality of battery cells 200 may be stacked in the Y-axis direction. The plurality of battery cells 200 may be a pouch-type secondary battery. Such a pouch-type secondary battery may have an electrode assembly and an electrolyte housed inside a pouch exterior material. The pouch exterior material may be configured to seal the peripheries of two pouches with the electrode assembly and the electrolyte housed inside. The pouch-type secondary battery may have a central housing portion and a sealing portion surrounding the periphery. The pouch-type secondary battery may be configured in a rectangular shape having four edges, and three or all of the four edges may be sealed.

[0038] The gas valve 300 may include a mounting portion 310 and a cover 320. The mounting portion 310 may be attached to the opening 121. An exhaust port 311 may be formed in the mounting portion 310. The cover 320 may be movable in the forward / backward direction or the X-axis direction. The exhaust port 311 connects the interior space 111 of the case 100 to the outside. The cover 320 may open and close the exhaust port 311. The cover 320 may include a first part 323 configured to increase in diameter in a direction away from the exhaust port 311 or in the +X-axis direction. Alternatively, the cover 320 may include a first part 323 configured to increase in diameter in a cross section perpendicular to the +X-axis direction or in a direction away from the exhaust port 311. The cover 320 may open the exhaust port 311 by moving forward or in the +X-axis direction. The cover 320 may close the exhaust port 311 by moving backward or in the -X-axis direction.

[0039] According to this configuration of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs inside the battery module, the gas valve 300 can be opened. When a thermal event occurs, venting gas g (see FIG. 5), pyrotechnic discharge, sparks S (see FIG. 5), etc. generated from the battery cells 200 push the cover 320 of the gas valve 300 forward or toward the +X axis, and the venting gas g, pyrotechnic discharge, sparks S, etc. are discharged to the outside through the outlet 311. If the venting gas g, pyrotechnic discharge, sparks S, etc. are not properly discharged to the outside, a chain reaction explosion may occur in multiple battery cells 200 inside the battery module. Therefore, opening the gas valve 300 improves the thermal stability of the battery module.

[0040] Furthermore, with this configuration of the present invention, the venting gas g, pyrotechnic discharged matter, sparks S, etc. can flow along the first part 323 of the cover 320. Because the high-pressure venting gas g, pyrotechnic discharged matter, sparks S, etc. flow at high speeds, they form jet streams and can flow along the surface of the first part 323 of the cover 320. This can offset the tendency of the venting gas g, pyrotechnic discharged matter, and sparks S to travel in a straight line.

[0041] Fig. 4 is a view showing a portion of a cross-sectional configuration taken along line A-A' in Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a view showing a portion of a cross-sectional configuration taken along line A-A' in Fig. 1 when gas valve 300 of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention is in an open state. Referring to Figs. 3 to 5, gas valve 300 of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a spring 350 that applies a restoring force to cover 320 to press cover 320 rearward.

[0042] The mounting portion 310 may include a coupling portion 312 that protrudes rearward. A screw thread may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the coupling portion 312. In addition, a screw thread may be formed on the inner circumferential surface of the opening 121 of the case 100. The screw thread of the opening 121 of the case 100 and the screw thread of the coupling portion 312 of the mounting portion 310 may be coupled or interlocked with each other.

[0043] A support portion 330 may be coupled to the inside of the coupling portion 312. The support portion 330 may include a hole 331. The coupling bar 340 may pass through the hole 331 of the support portion 330. The coupling bar 340 may include a bar 341 extending in the front-to-rear direction or the X-axis direction, a first fixing portion 342 provided on the rear side of the bar 341, and a second fixing portion 343 provided on the front side of the bar 341. The first fixing portion 342 of the coupling bar 340 may have a larger diameter than the hole 331 of the support portion 330. The first fixing portion 342 may be fixed, restrained, or supported by the hole 331 of the support portion 330.

[0044] The cover 320 may have a hole 321 formed at the rear. The bar 341 may pass through the hole 321 of the cover 320. The hole 321 of the cover 320 may face the hole 331 of the support portion 330. The cover 320 may provide an internal space 322. The internal space 322 of the cover 320 may be open to the front. The internal space 322 of the cover 320 may communicate with the hole 321.

[0045] The spring 350 may be located in the internal space 322 of the cover 320. The spring 350 may be coupled to the connecting bar 340. The spring 350 may be located between the second fixing portion 343 and the hole 321 of the cover 320. The rear of the spring 350 may be supported by the cover 320, and the front of the spring 350 may be supported by the second fixing portion 343. Such a spring 350 provides a restoring force that presses the cover 320 rearward.

[0046] The cover 320 may be coupled to the coupling bar 340 so as to be movable in the forward / backward direction or the X-axis direction along the bar 341. The mounting portion 310 may include a support portion 313 extending forward of the coupling portion 312. The support portion 313 may be formed along the periphery of the exhaust port 311. The support portion 313 may support the first part 323 of the cover 320. The support portion 313 may be configured in a shape that expands the diameter of the exhaust port 311 toward the +X-axis or forward, corresponding to the shape of the first part 323. When the gas valve 300 is closed, the support portion 313 may come into contact with the first part 323. The first part 323 presses the support portion 313 due to the restoring force of the spring 350, thereby sealing the internal space 111 of the battery module. When the gas valve 300 is opened, the support portion 313 and the first part 323 are separated. The movement position of the cover 320 in the front-rear direction is limited by the support portion 313, the spring 350, and the second fixing portion 343.

[0047] According to this configuration of the present invention, even if the cover 320 of the gas valve 300 opens the exhaust port 311 due to an increase in the internal pressure of the battery module, the exhaust port 311 is closed again when the internal pressure of the battery module decreases.

[0048] Furthermore, according to this configuration of the present invention, the degree of opening of the gas valve 300 can be limited by adjusting the restoring force of the spring 350. This allows the position of the cover 320 to be controlled so that the gas valve 300 is optimally opened.

[0049] 4 and 5, the cover 320 of the gas valve 300 of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a second part 324 extending forward from a first part 323 and configured to have a diameter that decreases as it moves away from the outlet 311.

[0050] The cover 320 may include a second part 324 configured to decrease in diameter in a direction away from the exhaust port 311 or in the +X-axis direction. Alternatively, the cover 320 may include a second part 324 configured to decrease in diameter in a cross section perpendicular to the +X-axis direction or in a direction away from the exhaust port 311. The first part 323 and the second part 324 may be integrally formed. Thus, the cover 320 may be configured to increase and then decrease in diameter in a direction away from the exhaust port 311 or in the +X-axis direction. Alternatively, the curvature formed by the outer circumferential surface of the cover 320 may increase and then decrease in diameter in a direction away from the exhaust port 311 or in the +X-axis direction.

[0051] According to this configuration of the present invention, the shape of cover 320 can create the Coanda effect. The high-pressure venting gas g, pyrotechnic discharge, sparks S, etc. flow at high speeds, forming jet streams that can flow along the shape of cover 320. That is, the high-pressure venting gas g, pyrotechnic discharge, sparks S, etc. change their flow direction according to the curvature of the outer peripheral surface of cover 320.

[0052] Furthermore, with this configuration of the present invention, the cover 320 can separate the flow of venting gas g from the flow of pyrotechnic material and sparks S. Particles of pyrotechnic material and sparks S may have a larger mass than particles constituting the venting gas g. Therefore, pyrotechnic material and sparks S that flow along the first part 323 may not flow further along the second part 324. The pyrotechnic material and sparks S may flow in the tangential direction (t) of the first part 323 due to inertia. On the other hand, the venting gas g will flow along the first part 323 and then flow along the second part 324.

[0053] Furthermore, with this configuration of the present invention, the gas valve 300 can block the discharge of ignition material or sparks S to the outside of the battery module, thereby reducing the risk of fire or explosion outside the module.

[0054] Fig. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating a modified form of the cover of Fig. 5. Referring to Fig. 6, the cover 320 of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to further include a third part 325 that extends forward from the second part 324 and has a constant diameter.

[0055] The cover 320 may include a third part 325 configured to have a constant diameter in a direction away from the exhaust port 311 or in the +X-axis direction. Alternatively, the cover 320 may include a third part 325 configured to have a constant diameter of a cross section perpendicular to the direction away from the exhaust port 311 or the +X-axis direction. The first part 323, the second part 324, and the third part 325 may be integrally formed. Therefore, the cover 320 may be configured such that its diameter increases, decreases, and then remains constant in a direction away from the exhaust port 311 or in the +X-axis direction. Alternatively, the curvature formed by the outer circumferential surface of the cover 320 may be configured such that it increases, decreases, and then remains constant in a direction away from the exhaust port 311 or in the +X-axis direction.

[0056] According to this configuration of the present invention, the shape of the cover 320 can create a Coanda effect, and the cover 320 separates the flow of venting gas (g) from the flow of pyrotechnic ejection material and sparks (S). The separated flow of venting gas (g) flows along the third part 325 and is discharged in a direction parallel to the X-axis. This makes it possible to easily control the heat discharge from the battery module.

[0057] Fig. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating another modified example of the cover of Fig. 5. Referring to Fig. 7, the cover 320 of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to further include a fourth part 326 that extends forward from the first part 323 and has a constant diameter.

[0058] The cover 320 may include a fourth part 326 configured to have a constant diameter in a direction away from the exhaust port 311 or in the +X-axis direction. Alternatively, the cover 320 may include a fourth part 326 configured to have a constant diameter of a cross section perpendicular to the direction away from the exhaust port 311 or the +X-axis direction. The first part 323 and the fourth part 326 may be integrally formed. Therefore, the cover 320 may be configured such that its diameter increases and then remains constant in a direction away from the exhaust port 311 or in the +X-axis direction. Alternatively, the curvature formed by the outer circumferential surface of the cover 320 may be configured such that it increases and then remains constant in a direction away from the exhaust port 311 or in the +X-axis direction.

[0059] According to this configuration of the present invention, the shape of the cover 320 can create a Coanda effect, and the cover 320 separates the flow of venting gas g from the flow of pyrotechnic material and sparks S. The separated flow of venting gas g flows along the fourth part 326 and is discharged in a direction parallel to the X-axis. This makes it possible to easily control the heat discharge from the battery module.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 5, the mounting portion 310 of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a spark pocket 314 configured to capture particles moving along the surface of the first part 323.

[0061] Here, particles may refer to materials generated by a thermal event, excluding venting gas (g). Alternatively, particles may refer to pyrotechnic material or sparks (S) generated by a thermal event. Spark pocket 314 may be formed in front of support portion 313. Joining portion 312, support portion 313, and spark pocket 314 may be integrally formed. Spark pocket 314 may form collection space 314d therein. When gas valve 300 is opened, spark pocket 314 may be configured such that collection space 314d is located in the flow direction (t) of pyrotechnic material and sparks (S) separated by cover 320.

[0062] According to this configuration of the present invention, the pyrotechnic discharge material and sparks S can be collected in the collection space 314d provided by the spark pocket 314. This makes it possible to prevent the pyrotechnic discharge material and sparks S from being discharged to the outside of the battery module.

[0063] 4 and 5, the spark pocket 314 of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may be formed along the periphery of the exhaust port 311, with at least a portion of the spark pocket 314 facing the first part 323.

[0064] Spark pocket 314 may include a first portion 314a extending from support 313 in a radial direction of exhaust port 311 or away from cover 320. Spark pocket 314 may also include a second portion 314b extending forward from first portion 314a. Spark pocket 314 may also include a third portion 314c extending from second portion 314b in an opposite radial direction of exhaust port 311 or toward cover 320. First portion 314a, second portion 314b, and third portion 314c may be integrally formed. First portion 314a, second portion 314b, and third portion 314c may face cover 320. Alternatively, first portion 314a, second portion 314b, and third portion 314c may surround cover 320. The first portion 314a, the second portion 314b, and the third portion 314c may form a collection space 314d therein. The collection space 314d may surround the cover 320.

[0065] When the gas valve 300 is closed, the first portion 314a, the second portion 314b, and the third portion 314c may face the second part 324 of the cover 320. Alternatively, the first portion 314a, the second portion 314b, and the third portion 314c may surround the second part 324 of the cover 320. The collection space 314d may surround the second part 324 of the cover 320. In this case, at least a portion of the collection space 314d formed by the spark pocket 314 may be configured to be located in the flow direction (t) of the pyrotechnic discharge or spark S or in the tangential direction (t) of the first part.

[0066] When the gas valve 300 is opened, the first portion 314a, the second portion 314b, and the third portion 314c may face the first part 323 of the cover 320. Alternatively, the first portion 314a, the second portion 314b, and the third portion 314c may surround the first part 323 of the cover 320. The collection space 314d may surround the first part 323 of the cover 320. In this case, at least a portion of the collection space 314d formed by the spark pocket 314 may be configured to be located in the flow direction (t) of the pyrotechnic discharge or spark S or in the tangential direction (t) of the first part.

[0067] According to this configuration of the present invention, the pyrotechnic discharge material and sparks S can be collected in the collection space 314d provided by the spark pocket 314. This prevents the pyrotechnic discharge material and sparks S from being discharged to the outside of the battery module.

[0068] Fig. 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating yet another modified example of the cover 320 of Fig. 5. Referring to Fig. 8, the first part 323 of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to have a plurality of grooves 327 formed on its outer circumferential surface.

[0069] The groove 327 may also be referred to as a groove 327 or a dimple 327. The groove 327 may be formed on the entire outer circumferential surface of the cover 320. A plurality of grooves 327 may be formed from the first part 323 to the second part 324 of the cover 320.

[0070] According to this configuration of the present invention, the grooves 327 reduce the resistance to the flow of venting gas (g), pyrotechnic particles, sparks (S), etc. Therefore, the venting gas (g) is discharged to the outside of the battery module at a high flow rate. In addition, pyrotechnic particles and sparks (S) are also quickly collected. As a result, when a thermal event occurs, the battery module can quickly ensure thermal stability.

[0071] Fig. 9 is a diagram schematically illustrating yet another modified example of the cover 320 of Fig. 5. Referring to Fig. 9, the first part 323 of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to have a plurality of protrusions 328 formed on its outer circumferential surface.

[0072] The protrusion 328 may be formed on the entire outer circumferential surface of the cover 320. A plurality of protrusions 328 may be formed on the cover 320 from the first part 323 to the second part 324.

[0073] According to this configuration of the present invention, the pyrotechnic discharge and sparks S are scattered, dispersed, repelled, or collided by the protrusions 328. Meanwhile, the venting gas g can flow over the protrusions 328 or between the protrusions 328. This allows the flow of the venting gas g to be easily separated from the flow of the pyrotechnic discharge and sparks S. This allows the pyrotechnic discharge and sparks S to be effectively collected in the spark pocket 314.

[0074] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a variation of the spark pocket 314 of Figure 5. Referring to Figure 10, the spark pocket 314 of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention can be configured to include an inwardly projecting protrusion 314f.

[0075] The spark pocket 314 may have an inlet 314e facing the first part 323 through which pyrotechnic discharge or sparks S flow. A protrusion 314f may be formed, protrude, or extend from the third portion 314c toward the inside of the spark pocket 314. The sparks S may flow along the arrow S indicated by the dotted line.

[0076] According to this configuration of the present invention, the protrusion 314f can block the pyrotechnic discharge material or sparks S that have flowed into the spark pocket 314 from flowing out of the spark pocket 314.

[0077] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of another variation of the spark pocket 314 of Figure 5. Referring to Figure 11, the spark pocket 314 of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include an inwardly projecting protrusion 314g.

[0078] When the gas valve 300 is open, the protrusion 314g may extend along the outer periphery of the second part 324 of the cover 320 and then form, protrude, or extend toward the inside of the spark pocket 314. The spark S may flow along the arrow S shown by the dotted line.

[0079] According to this configuration of the present invention, the protrusion 314f can more effectively block the pyrotechnic discharge material or sparks S that have flowed into the spark pocket 314 from flowing out of the spark pocket 314.

[0080] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating yet another variation of the spark pocket of Figure 5. Referring to Figure 12, spark pocket 314 of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include first and second protrusions 314h and 314i that protrude inward.

[0081] When the gas valve 300 is open, the first protrusion 314h may extend along the outer periphery of the second part 324 of the cover 320 and then form, protrude, or extend toward the inside of the spark pocket 314.

[0082] Spark pocket 314 may also include a second protrusion 314i formed, protruding, or extending from first portion 314a toward the inside of spark pocket 314. Second protrusion 314i may provide a second collection space 314j distinct from first collection space 314d.

[0083] If the flow velocity of the pyrotechnic discharge or spark S is very high, the pyrotechnic discharge or spark S may bounce or collide inside the spark pocket, causing it to flow out of the spark pocket. The spark S may flow along the arrow S shown by the dotted line.

[0084] According to this configuration of the present invention, even if the flow velocity of the pyrotechnic ejection material or sparks S is very high and bounces or collides inside the spark pocket 314, the pyrotechnic ejection material or sparks S will flow into the second collection space 314j. The first protrusion 314h can guide the pyrotechnic ejection material or sparks S to flow toward the second collection space 314j.

[0085] Furthermore, according to this configuration of the present invention, the second protrusion 314i can block the outflow of the ignition discharge material or sparks S that has flowed into the first collection space 314d to the outside.

[0086] Fig. 13 is a diagram schematically illustrating a modified form of the connecting bar 340 of Fig. 5, Fig. 14 is a diagram schematically illustrating another modified form of the connecting bar 340 of Fig. 5, and Fig. 15 is a diagram schematically illustrating yet another modified form of the connecting bar 340 of Fig. 5. Referring to Figs. 13 to 15, a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include stoppers (341b, 344, 345) that limit the range of forward movement of the cover 320.

[0087] 13 , the first stopper 344 may extend rearward from the periphery of the second fixing portion 343 of the connecting bar 340. The first stopper 344 may be located in the internal space 322 defined by the cover 320. The first stopper 344 may be formed along the periphery of the second fixing portion 343. The first stopper 344 may be located outside the spring 350. Alternatively, the first stopper 344 may be formed to surround the spring 350.

[0088] When the gas valve 300 is opened, the cover 320 may move forward until it contacts the first stopper 344. Alternatively, when the cover 320 moves forward to its maximum extent, the cover 320 may contact the first stopper 344. When the gas valve 300 is closed, the cover 320 may be separated from the first stopper 344.

[0089] 14, the second stopper 341b may be formed on the bar 341 of the connecting bar 340. The bar 341 may include a first bar 341a that passes through the hole 331 of the support portion 330 and the connecting hole 321 of the cover 320, and a second bar 341b that extends forward from the first bar 341a and is configured to have a larger diameter than the first bar 341a. The second bar 341b may be referred to as the second stopper 341b. The second bar 341b may be configured to be formed between the first bar 341a and the second fixing portion 343.

[0090] When the gas valve 300 is opened, the cover 320 may move forward until it contacts the rear side of the second bar 341b. Alternatively, when the cover 320 moves forward to its maximum extent, the cover 320 may contact the rear side of the second bar 341b. When the gas valve 300 is closed, the cover 320 may be separated from the second bar 341b.

[0091] 15 , the third stopper 345 may be formed in front of the second fixing portion 343. The third stopper 345 may be configured to have a larger diameter than the second fixing portion 343. The diameter of the third stopper 345 may be configured to be larger than the diameter of the internal space 322 provided by the cover 320.

[0092] When the gas valve 300 is opened, the front side of the second part 324 of the cover 320 may move forward until it contacts the rear side of the third stopper 345. Alternatively, when the cover 320 moves forward to its maximum extent, the front side of the second part 324 of the cover 320 may contact the rear side of the third stopper 345. When the gas valve 300 is closed, the cover 320 may be separated from the third stopper 345.

[0093] If the cover 320 moves too far forward without the stops (341b, 344, 345), the spark pocket 314 may not be aligned with the cover 320. This may prevent pyrotechnic discharge or sparks S from flowing into the spark pocket 314 and may result in the discharge of sparks S outside the battery module.

[0094] This configuration of the present invention limits the range of forward movement of cover 320, thereby facilitating alignment of cover 320 with spark pocket 314. Stoppers (341b, 344, 345) can limit the position of cover 320 to prevent pyrotechnic discharge or spark S from flowing into spark pocket 314.

[0095] A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may include the battery module according to the present invention described above. The battery pack according to the present invention may further include various other components in addition to the battery module, such as a battery management system (BMS), bus bars, a pack case, a relay, a current sensor, and other battery pack components known at the time of filing of the present invention.

[0096] A vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention may include the battery module according to the present invention. The battery module according to the present invention may be applied to vehicles such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles. In addition to the battery module, the vehicle according to the present invention may further include various other components included in the vehicle V. For example, the vehicle according to the present invention may further include a vehicle body, a motor, a control device such as an electronic control unit (ECU), etc.

[0097] Meanwhile, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and rear are used in this specification, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms are used for the convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the position of the object of interest, the position of the observer, etc.

[0098] Although the present invention has been described above using limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited to these, and it goes without saying that various modifications and variations can be made by a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains within the technical spirit of the present invention and the scope of equivalents of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 100 cases 110 frames 111 Interior Space 120 End Plate 121 Opening 200 battery cells 300 Gas Valve 310 Placement section 311 Outlet 312 Joint 313 Support part 314 Spark Pocket 314a First Potion 314b Second Potion 314c Third Potion 314d 1st collection space 314e Inlet 314f protrusion 314g protrusion 314h 1st protrusion 314i 2nd protrusion 314j 2nd collection space 320 Cover 321 holes 322 Interior Space 323 Part 1 324 Part 2 325 Third Part 326 4th Part 327 Grooves, grooves, depressions 328 Protrusion 330 Support part 331 holes 340 Joint Bar 341 Bar 341a 1st Bar 341b Second bar, second stopper 342 1st fixed part 343 Second fixed part 344 First Stopper 345 Third Stopper 350 spring g Venting gas S Spark V Automobile

Claims

1. A case with an opening at the front that provides internal space, a battery cell disposed in the interior space; a mounting portion provided at the opening and having a discharge port formed therein; and a gas valve having a cover that is movable in a front-back direction in front of the discharge port and that opens and closes the discharge port, the cover includes a first part configured such that a diameter of a cross section perpendicular to a front-to-rear direction increases toward the front, the mounting portion includes a support portion formed along a periphery of the discharge port and supporting the first part, the support portion corresponding to an outer peripheral surface of the first part and having a shape that causes a diameter of the discharge port to increase forward; The battery module, wherein the mounting portion includes a spark pocket configured to capture particles moving along the outer peripheral surface of the first part.

2. 2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the cover further includes a second part extending forward from the first part and configured such that a diameter of a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction decreases forward.

3. The battery module according to claim 2 , wherein the cover further includes a third part extending forward from the second part and having a cross section perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction with a constant diameter in the front-to-rear direction.

4. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the cover further includes a fourth part extending forward from the first part and having a cross section perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction with a constant diameter in the front-to-rear direction.

5. A case with an opening at the front that provides internal space, a battery cell disposed in the interior space; a mounting portion provided at the opening and having a discharge port formed therein; and a gas valve having a cover that is movable in a front-back direction in front of the discharge port and that opens and closes the discharge port, the cover includes a first part configured such that a diameter of a cross section perpendicular to a front-to-rear direction increases toward the front, The battery module, wherein the mounting portion includes a spark pocket configured to capture particles moving along the outer peripheral surface of the first part.

6. 6. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein the spark pocket is formed along a periphery of the outlet, and at least a portion of the spark pocket faces the first part.

7. 6. The battery module of claim 5, wherein the spark pocket includes a protrusion that protrudes toward an interior of the spark pocket.

8. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the gas valve includes a spring that applies a restoring force to the cover that presses the cover rearward.

9. The battery module according to claim 8 , further comprising a stopper that limits a forward movement range of the cover.

10. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the first part has a plurality of grooves formed on an outer circumferential surface thereof.

11. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the first part has a plurality of protrusions formed on an outer circumferential surface thereof.

12. A battery pack comprising the battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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

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