Battery module, battery pack and automobile
The battery module design with a vent structure divides cells into groups with independent gas discharge passages, addressing gas discharge and heat propagation issues, enhancing safety and manufacturing efficiency.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024521862
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-08-10
- Filing Date
- 2023-07-10
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-22
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-07-10
AI Technical Summary
Conventional battery modules fail to control gas discharge direction and are prone to rapid heat propagation and chain reactions during thermal runaway, leading to fires.
A battery module design that includes a vent structure dividing cells into groups with independent gas discharge passages, featuring a first vent structure covering the module case opening and a second structure forming gas exhaust passages, creating a zigzag path for gas movement.
Controls gas discharge direction, delays heat propagation, and prevents chain reactions, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs by providing independent gas exhaust passages for each cell group.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0099862, filed on August 10, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety in the specification and drawings thereof.
[0002] The present invention relates to a battery module, a battery pack, and an automobile, and more particularly to a battery module including a plurality of chargeable and dischargeable battery cells, and a battery pack and an automobile including such a battery module. [Background technology]
[0003] Generally, a secondary battery refers to a battery that can be repeatedly charged and discharged, such as a lithium-ion battery, lithium polymer battery, nickel-cadmium battery, nickel-metal hydride battery, nickel-zinc battery, etc. The output voltage of a battery cell, which is the most basic secondary battery, is about 2.5V to 4.2V.
[0004] Recently, as such secondary batteries are applied to devices requiring high output voltage and large charging capacity, such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS), battery modules configured by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series, parallel, or a combination of series and parallel, and battery packs configured by connecting such battery modules in series, parallel, or a combination of series and parallel, have become widely used.
[0005] However, as disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2022-0052183, the conventional technology has a problem in that it is not possible to control the discharge direction of gas generated in the battery cells because the battery module is manufactured by simply storing multiple battery cells stacked in one direction inside the battery module case.
[0006] Furthermore, such conventional technology has the problem that if thermal runaway occurs in any one of the multiple battery cells, heat will spread to other battery cells or other battery modules within a short period of time, resulting in a chain reaction of thermal runaway and fire in the other battery cells or other battery modules. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery module that controls the gas discharge direction of battery cells housed in the battery module in a desired direction, and a battery pack and a vehicle including such a battery module.
[0008] Another technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery module that can delay heat propagation time when thermal runaway occurs in a battery cell, thereby preventing chain reaction thermal runaway or fire in other battery cells or other battery modules, and a battery pack and a vehicle including such a battery module. [Means for solving the problem]
[0009] A battery module according to one aspect of the present invention includes a module case having an internal space and an opening connected to the internal space, the module case configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells in the internal space, and a vent structure configured to divide the plurality of battery cells accommodated in the internal space into a plurality of cell groups, each including at least one battery cell, and to provide an independent gas discharge passage for each cell group.
[0010] In one embodiment, the vent structure may include a first vent structure configured to cover the opening of the module case and divide the plurality of battery cells into the plurality of cell groups, and a second vent structure configured to combine with the first vent structure to form a plurality of gas discharge passages corresponding to the plurality of cell groups.
[0011] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of gas exhaust passages may be configured to provide a zigzag or meandering gas travel path.
[0012] In one embodiment, the first vent structure can include a first plate that covers the opening, and at least one blocking wall that extends from a first surface of the first plate adjacent to the internal space toward the internal space, divides the plurality of battery cells into the plurality of cell groups, and is configured to block gas movement between the cell groups.
[0013] In one embodiment, the first plate may have a plurality of gas inlets corresponding to the plurality of cell groups, and each of the plurality of gas inlets may be provided adjacent to a corresponding one of the plurality of cell groups and configured to be connected to one of the plurality of gas exhaust passages.
[0014] In one embodiment, the first vent structure may further include a partition structure configured to protrude from the second surface of the first plate, be in close contact with the second vent structure, and form the plurality of gas exhaust passages.
[0015] In one embodiment, the first plate and the partition structure may be integrally formed.
[0016] In one embodiment, the second vent structure may include an insertion groove configured to insert at least a portion of the partition structure so that the at least a portion of the partition structure fits tightly.
[0017] In one embodiment, the second vent structure may include a plurality of gas exhaust ports corresponding to the plurality of gas exhaust passages.
[0018] In one embodiment, the second vent structure may include a second plate facing the second surface of the first plate, and a partition structure protruding from the second plate, in close contact with the second surface of the first plate, and configured to form the multiple gas exhaust passages.
[0019] In one embodiment, the second plate of the second vent structure and the bulkhead structure may be integrally formed.
[0020] In one embodiment, the module case may include at least one guide groove configured to receive and guide an edge of the at least one insulating wall body.
[0021] A battery pack according to another aspect of the present invention includes a battery module according to any of the above-described embodiments.
[0022] A motor vehicle according to yet another aspect of the present invention includes a battery module according to any of the above-described embodiments. [Effects of the Invention]
[0023] According to the present invention, the vent structure covering the opening of the module case is configured to divide the multiple battery cells housed in the internal space of the module case into multiple cell groups each including at least one battery cell, and to provide an independent gas exhaust passage for each cell group, thereby making it possible to control the exhaust direction of gas generated in the battery cells in a desired direction, and if thermal runaway occurs in one of the multiple cell groups, it is possible to delay the heat propagation time to other cell groups and prevent chain reaction thermal runaway and fire in other cell groups and other battery modules.
[0024] In addition, a first vent structure included in the vent structure is configured to be combined with the module case to cover the opening of the module case and divide the plurality of battery cells into a plurality of cell groups, and a second vent structure included in the vent structure is configured to be combined with the first vent structure to form a plurality of gas exhaust passages corresponding to the plurality of cell groups, respectively. This simplifies the manufacturing process of a battery module having an independent gas exhaust passage for each cell group, and reduces the manufacturing time and manufacturing costs of the battery module.
[0025] Furthermore, since the plurality of gas exhaust passages are each configured to provide a zigzag or serpentine gas movement path, the thermal energy of high-temperature gas or flame moving through the gas exhaust passages can be appropriately dispersed, and the flame can be prevented from being discharged outside the battery module.
[0026] Furthermore, a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand from the following description that various embodiments of the present invention can solve various technical problems not described above. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0027] [Figure 1]1 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the battery module shown in FIG. 1; [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view showing a module case of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a first vent structure of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view showing a second vent structure of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view showing a second vent structure according to a modified embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the battery module shown in FIG. 1 taken along line A-A'. [Figure 8] 1 illustrates a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 illustrates a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] Hereinafter, in order to clarify the solution to the technical problem of the present invention, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, when describing the present invention, if the description of related prior art makes the gist of the present invention unclear, the description of such art may be omitted. Furthermore, the terms used in this specification are defined in consideration of the function of the present invention, and may vary depending on the intentions or practices of designers, manufacturers, etc. Therefore, the terms used below should be defined based on the contents of this specification as a whole.
[0029] On the other hand, the same reference numerals shown in the accompanying drawings indicate the same components. Also, the components or parts of the components of the present invention shown in the accompanying drawings may be exaggerated, reduced, or simplified in order to effectively explain the technical features of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a battery module 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] 1, a battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a module case 120 that accommodates a plurality of battery cells, and vent structures 130 and 140 that cover openings of the module case 120. Depending on the embodiment, the battery module 100 may further include an extension member 150.
[0032] The module case 120 may include an internal space and an opening connected to the internal space, and may be configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells in the internal space. The module case 120 may also include terminals 120a and 120b electrically connected to the battery cells accommodated in the internal space.
[0033] The vent structures 130, 140 may be configured to cover the openings of the module case 120, divide the plurality of battery cells housed in the internal space of the module case 120 into a plurality of cell groups each including at least one battery cell, and provide an independent gas discharge passage for each cell group.
[0034] In this way, by providing an independent gas exhaust passage for each of the plurality of cell groups for gas exhaust, the exhaust direction of the gas generated in the battery cells can be controlled in the desired direction, and if thermal runaway occurs in one of the plurality of cell groups, the heat propagation time to other cell groups can be delayed, thereby preventing chain reaction thermal runaway and fire in other cell groups and other battery modules.
[0035] As will be described later, the vent structures 130, 140 may include a first vent structure 130 and a second vent structure 140 that are interconnected to form a plurality of gas discharge passages that correspond one-to-one to the plurality of cell groups. In this manner, the plurality of gas discharge passages formed by the connection of the first vent structure 130 and the second vent structure 140 may be configured independently of each other to block gas movement between the gas discharge passages.
[0036] The extension member 150 may be configured to change the electrical connection position of the battery module 100. To this end, the extension member 150 may be made of a conductive material. The extension member 150 may extend along one surface of the battery module 100, with one end electrically connected to the terminal 120b located at one end of the battery module 100 and the other end disposed at the other end of the battery module 100. In this case, the other end of the extension member 150 may be electrically connected to another battery module, an external electric circuit, or the like.
[0037] FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the battery module 100 shown in FIG.
[0038] 2, the module case 120 of the battery module 100 may accommodate two or more battery cells 110 in its internal space. In addition, at least some of the battery cells accommodated in the module case 120 may be stacked in the thickness direction (X-axis direction) of the battery cells. In this case, the battery cells may include pouch-type battery cells.
[0039] In this way, the battery cells housed in the module case 120 can be electrically connected to the terminals 120 a and 120 b provided on the module case 120 .
[0040] The vent structures 130, 140 may be configured to divide the battery cells accommodated in the internal space of the module case 120 into a plurality of cell groups each including at least one battery cell, and to provide an independent gas discharge passage for each cell group. To this end, the vent structures 130, 140 may include a first vent structure 130 and a second vent structure 140.
[0041] The first vent structure 130 may be configured to cover an opening of the module case 120 and divide the battery cells housed in the module case 120 into a plurality of cell groups. To this end, the first vent structure 130 may include a first plate 132 and a blocking wall body 134, and may further include a partition wall structure 136 depending on the embodiment.
[0042] The first plate 132 may be configured to couple with an edge of the module case 120 that defines the shape of the opening of the module case 120 and cover the opening of the module case 120 .
[0043] The blocking wall 134 may extend from the bottom surface of the first plate 132 adjacent to the internal space of the module case 120 toward the internal space, divide the multiple battery cells housed in the internal space into multiple cell groups, and block the movement of gas between the cell groups.
[0044] For this purpose, the insulating wall 134 may have a height and a length corresponding to the height and the length of the internal space, respectively. Also, the insulating wall 134 may be made of a flame-retardant material. For example, the insulating wall 134 may be made of a material containing aluminum.
[0045] In one embodiment, the first vent structure 130 may be integrally formed, that is, the first plate 132 and the blocking wall body 134 of the first vent structure 130 may be integrally formed with each other.
[0046] In another embodiment, the first plate 132 and the blocking wall 134 of the first vent structure 130 may be provided separately. In this case, the blocking wall 134 may be configured to be inserted between battery cells and then coupled to the first plate 132 that covers the upper ends of the battery cells. In another embodiment, the blocking wall 134 may be configured to be inserted between battery cells after being coupled to the first plate 132. The first plate 132 and the blocking wall 134 may be coupled using various coupling methods, such as an adhesive method, a fitting method using a groove structure and a protrusion structure, or a fastening method using screws or bolts.
[0047] The first vent structure 130 may include one or more such blocking wall bodies 134. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the first vent structure 130 may include three blocking wall bodies to divide the battery cells housed in the module case 120 into four groups.
[0048] The partition structure 136 may be configured to protrude upward from the upper surface of the first plate 132 and be in close contact with the second vent structure 140 to form a plurality of gas discharge passages. Depending on the embodiment, the first plate 132 and the partition structure 136 may be integrally configured.
[0049] The second vent structure 140 may be configured to be coupled to the first vent structure 130 and to form a plurality of gas exhaust passages corresponding to the plurality of cell groups together with the first vent structure 130. To this end, the second vent structure 140 may include a second plate 142 coupled to the first vent structure 130 and facing an upper surface of the first vent structure 130.
[0050] The second plate 142 may include a plurality of gas exhaust ports 144 corresponding to the plurality of gas exhaust passages. In this case, each gas exhaust port 144 may be connected to a corresponding gas exhaust passage and configured to exhaust gas that has moved through the corresponding gas exhaust passage to the outside.
[0051] In this way, the first vent structure 130 and the second vent structure 14 are configured to be coupled to each other to form a plurality of gas exhaust passages corresponding to the plurality of cell groups, respectively, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process of a battery module having an independent gas exhaust passage for each cell group and reducing the manufacturing time and manufacturing costs of the battery module.
[0052] Meanwhile, the second vent structure 140 may include a seating groove 146 into which the extension member 150 is inserted and seated. As described above, the extension member 150 may be configured to change the electrical connection position of the battery module 100. That is, the extension member 150 extends along the upper surface of the second vent structure 140, one end of which is electrically connected to the terminal 120b located at one end of the module case 120, and the other end of which is disposed at the other end of the module case 120. In this case, the other end of the extension member 150 may be electrically connected to another battery module, an external electric circuit, etc.
[0053] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a module case 120 of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0054] 3, the module case 120 may include an internal space 122 and an opening 124 connected to the internal space 122. A plurality of battery cells may be accommodated in the internal space 122. The module case 120 may also include terminals 120a and 120b electrically connected to the battery cells accommodated in the internal space.
[0055] An edge of the module case 120 that defines the shape of the opening 124 may be provided with a coupling structure 126 configured to couple with the first vent structure 130 .
[0056] In one embodiment, guide grooves 128a configured to receive and guide both side edges of the blocking wall body 134 may be provided on the inner surface of the module case 120. In this case, the number of guide grooves 128a provided on the inner surface of the module case 120 may vary depending on the number of blocking wall bodies 134 provided in the first vent structure 130.
[0057] In addition, the bottom surface of the module case 120 may be provided with insertion grooves 128b into which at least the lower end portions of the blocking wall bodies 134 are inserted and the lower end portions are in close contact with each other. In this case, the number of insertion grooves 128b provided on the bottom surface of the module case 120 may vary depending on the number of blocking wall bodies 134 provided in the first vent structure 130.
[0058] In one embodiment, a sealant (not shown) may be disposed or applied to the inner surface of at least one of the guide groove 128 a and the insertion groove 128 b. In this case, the sealant may be made of a synthetic resin that is airtight and heat-resistant.
[0059] In this way, by providing guide groove 128a and insertion groove 128b on the inner surface of module case 120, into which the edge of blocking wall body 134 is inserted, gas movement between cell groups divided by blocking wall body 134 can be efficiently blocked.
[0060] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a first vent structure 130 of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0061] 4, the first vent structure 130 may be configured to cover the opening of the module case 120 and divide the battery cells housed in the module case 120 into a plurality of cell groups. To this end, the first vent structure 130 may include a first plate 132 and a blocking wall body 134.
[0062] The first plate 132 may be configured to couple with an edge of the module case 120 that defines the shape of the opening of the module case 120 and cover the opening.
[0063] The first plate 132 may also include a plurality of gas inlets 132a corresponding to the plurality of cell groups. In this case, each gas inlet 132a may be provided at a position adjacent to a corresponding one of the plurality of cell groups and configured to be connected to one of the plurality of gas exhaust passages.
[0064] In one embodiment, a through hole 132b may be provided in an edge region located outside the region where the plurality of gas discharge passages are formed, among the entire region of the first plate 132. The through hole 132b may be configured to allow one end of the extension member 150 to pass through.
[0065] In one embodiment, a coupling structure 138 may be provided in an edge region of the first plate 132 that is located outside the region where the plurality of gas discharge passages are formed. The coupling structure 138 may be configured to couple with an edge of the module case 120 that forms an opening in the module case 120. For example, the coupling structure 138 may be configured to couple with the coupling structure 126 of the module case 120 using a fastening member such as a bolt or a rivet.
[0066] The blocking wall 134 may extend from the bottom surface of the first plate 132, which is arranged adjacent to the internal space of the module case 120, toward the internal space, and may be configured to divide the multiple battery cells housed in the internal space into multiple cell groups and block the movement of gas between the cell groups.
[0067] Such a barrier wall 134 may be made of a flame-retardant material, for example, a metal material including aluminum.
[0068] Depending on the embodiment, the blocking wall body 134 may be integrally formed with the first plate 132 .
[0069] The first vent structure 130 may include one or more insulating walls 134. In one embodiment, fire pads made of a fire-resistant material may be disposed on both sides of each insulating wall 134.
[0070] The partition structure 136 may be configured to protrude upward from the upper surface of the first plate 132 and to be in close contact with the bottom surface of the second vent structure 140, thereby forming a plurality of gas discharge passages that are independent from one another.
[0071] In this case, each of the plurality of gas discharge passages may be configured to provide a zigzag or meandering gas movement path, and for this purpose, the partition structure 136 may include a main partition 136a and a sub-partition 136b.
[0072] The main partitions 136a may be configured to form the overall outline of each gas discharge passage, and the sub-partitions 136b may be configured to be distributed within each gas discharge passage and to form a zigzag or serpentine gas movement path.
[0073] Depending on the embodiment, the partition structure 136 may be integral with the first plate 132 .
[0074] FIG. 5 shows a bottom perspective view of a second vent structure 140 of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0075] 5, the second vent structure 140 may be configured to be coupled to the first vent structure 130 and form a plurality of gas exhaust passages corresponding to the plurality of cell groups together with the first vent structure 130. To this end, the second vent structure 140 may include a second plate 142 coupled to the first vent structure 130 and facing the upper surface of the first vent structure 130.
[0076] The second plate 142 may be provided with gas exhaust ports 144 for exhausting gas that has moved through the gas exhaust passage to the outside. The number of gas exhaust ports 144 provided in the second plate 142 may correspond to the number of gas exhaust passages formed by combining the first vent structure 130 and the second vent structure 140.
[0077] As described with reference to FIG. 2, the upper surface of the second plate 142 may be provided with a seating groove 146 into which the extension member 150 is inserted and seated.
[0078] In one embodiment, the second plate 142 may include an insertion groove 148 configured to insert at least a portion of the partition structure 136 provided in the first vent structure 130 so as to closely contact at least the portion of the partition structure 136. In this case, the insertion groove 148 may have a shape corresponding to the main partition 136a of the partition structure 136 that forms the outline of the gas discharge passage.
[0079] FIG. 6 shows a bottom perspective view of a second vent structure 140' according to a modified embodiment of the present invention.
[0080] As shown in FIG. 6, the second vent structure 140' may include a second plate 142', a gas outlet 144', and a seating groove 146'.
[0081] The second plate 142', gas outlet 144' and seating groove 146' of the second vent structure 140' can be described in the same manner as the second plate 142, gas outlet 144 and seating groove 146 of the second vent structure 140 described in connection with Figure 5.
[0082] In particular, the second vent structure 140 may include a partition structure 148′. The partition structure 148′ may be configured to protrude from a bottom surface of the second plate 142′ and be in close contact with the first plate 132 of the first vent structure 130 to form a plurality of gas exhaust passages corresponding to the plurality of cell groups.
[0083] In this case, each of the plurality of gas discharge passages may be configured to provide a zigzag or meandering gas movement path, and for this purpose, the partition structure 148' may include a main partition 148'a and a sub-partition 148'b.
[0084] The main partitions 148'a may be configured to define the overall outline of each gas discharge passage, and the sub-partitions 148'b may be configured to be distributed within each gas discharge passage and to define a zigzag or serpentine gas movement path.
[0085] In some embodiments, the partition structure 148' described above may be integral with the second plate 142'.
[0086] When such a second vent structure 140' is applied to a battery module 100, the partition structure 136 of the first vent structure 130 described in relation to Figures 2 and 4 can be configured in mirror symmetry with the partition structure 148' of the second vent structure 140' or can be omitted.
[0087] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the battery module shown in FIG. 1 taken along line AA'.
[0088] 7, the battery cell 110 may be stacked with other battery cells in one direction (X-axis direction) and housed in a module case 120. The battery cells housed in the module case 120 may be divided into a plurality of cell groups each including at least one battery cell by the blocking wall body 134 of the first vent structure 130.
[0089] Gas generated in each of the divided cell groups can be discharged to the outside of the battery module 100 through a gas discharge passage P provided for each cell group. For example, when gas is generated in a battery cell 110 of a specific cell group among the plurality of cell groups, the gas may flow into the gas discharge passage P corresponding to the specific cell group through a gas inlet 132a provided in the first vent structure 130. The gas that has flowed into the gas discharge passage P moves along a zigzag or serpentine path provided by the partition structure 136 and can be discharged to the outside through a gas discharge port 144 of the second vent structure 140.
[0090] In this way, the gas generated in each cell group does not move in the stacking direction of the battery cells (X-axis direction), but moves only in the Y-axis and Z-axis directions through the gas exhaust passage P corresponding to that cell group and is discharged, thereby delaying the heat propagation to other cell groups and preventing chain reaction thermal runaway and fires in other cell groups and other battery modules.
[0091] FIG. 8 shows a battery pack 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0092] 8, a battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a battery module 100 according to the present invention and a pack case 12 that accommodates one or more battery modules 100. In this case, the pack case 12 may have a plurality of mounting spaces that accommodate and mount a plurality of battery modules.
[0093] The battery pack 10 may further include various electrical components (not shown) that control the charge / discharge operation of the battery modules 100 housed in the pack case 12 or the battery cells 110 included in the battery modules 100, or monitor the SOC (State Of Charge), SOH (State Of Health), etc. Such electrical components may be housed in the pack case 12 together with the battery modules 100.
[0094] FIG. 9 shows a vehicle 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0095] 9, an automobile 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes one or more battery modules 100 according to the present invention. In this case, the automobile 2 may include a battery pack 10 including one or more battery modules 100 according to the present invention, as described in relation to FIG. 8.
[0096] In this way, the battery pack 10 provided in the automobile 2 can provide the electrical energy required for various operations of the automobile 2.
[0097] For reference, the battery module 100 according to the present invention can be applied to battery packs used in various electrical devices and systems other than automobiles, and can also be applied to ESS (Energy Storage System).
[0098] As described above, according to the present invention, the vent structure covering the opening of the module case is configured to divide the multiple battery cells housed in the internal space of the module case into multiple cell groups, each including at least one battery cell, and to provide an independent gas exhaust passage for each cell group. This makes it possible to control the exhaust direction of gas generated in the battery cells in a desired direction, and if thermal runaway occurs in one of the multiple cell groups, it is possible to delay the heat propagation time to other cell groups and prevent chain reaction thermal runaway and fire in other cell groups and other battery modules.
[0099] In addition, a first vent structure included in the vent structure is configured to be combined with the module case to cover the opening of the module case and divide the plurality of battery cells into a plurality of cell groups, and a second vent structure included in the vent structure is configured to be combined with the first vent structure to form a plurality of gas exhaust passages corresponding to the plurality of cell groups, respectively. This simplifies the manufacturing process of a battery module having an independent gas exhaust passage for each cell group, and reduces the manufacturing time and manufacturing costs of the battery module.
[0100] Furthermore, since the plurality of gas exhaust passages are each configured to provide a zigzag or serpentine gas movement path, the thermal energy of high-temperature gas or flame moving through the gas exhaust passages can be appropriately dispersed, and the flame can be prevented from being discharged outside the battery module.
[0101] Furthermore, it goes without saying that the embodiments of the present invention can solve various other technical problems in the related technical field in addition to the technical problems described in this specification.
[0102] The present invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will clearly understand that various modifications are possible within the technical scope of the present invention. Therefore, the above-disclosed embodiments should be considered from an illustrative perspective, not a restrictive one. That is, the true scope of the technical concept of the present invention is defined by the appended claims, and all variations within the scope of equivalents thereto should be construed as being included in the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]
[0103] 2. Automobiles 10 Battery Pack 12 pack case 14 Second vent structure 100 Battery Module 110 battery cells 120 module case 120a, 120b Terminal 122 Interior Space 124 Aperture 126 Bonded structure 128a Guide groove 128b Insertion groove 130 First vent structure 132 Plate 1 132a Gas inlet 132b Through hole 134 Insulating wall 136 Bulkhead structure 136a Main bulkhead 136b Sub-bulkhead 138 Bonded structure 140, 140' Second vent structure 142, 142' Second plate 144, 144' Gas outlet 146, 146' Rest Ditch 148 Insertion groove 148' bulkhead structure 148'a Main bulkhead 148'b sub-bulkhead 150 Extension member P Gas exhaust passage
Claims
1. A battery module including a plurality of battery cells, a module case including an internal space and an opening connected to the internal space, the module case configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells in the internal space; a vent structure configured to divide the plurality of battery cells accommodated in the internal space into a plurality of cell groups each including at least one battery cell, and to provide an independent gas discharge passage for each cell group; The vent structure includes: a first vent structure configured to cover the opening of the module case and divide the plurality of battery cells into the plurality of cell groups; a second vent structure configured to couple with the first vent structure to form a plurality of gas exhaust passages corresponding to the plurality of cell groups; The first vent structure body includes: a first plate covering the opening; at least one insulating wall extending from a first surface of the first plate adjacent to the internal space toward the internal space, dividing the plurality of battery cells into the plurality of cell groups, and configured to block gas movement between the cell groups.
2. A battery module having a plurality of battery cells, a module case including an internal space and an opening connected to the internal space, the module case configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells in the internal space; a vent structure configured to divide the plurality of battery cells accommodated in the internal space into a plurality of cell groups each including at least one battery cell, and to provide an independent gas discharge passage for each cell group; The vent structure includes: a first vent structure configured to cover the opening of the module case and divide the plurality of battery cells into the plurality of cell groups; a second vent structure configured to couple with the first vent structure to form a plurality of gas exhaust passages corresponding to the plurality of cell groups; Each of the plurality of gas discharge passages is A battery module configured to provide a zigzag or meandering gas transfer path.
3. The first plate is a plurality of gas inlets corresponding to the plurality of cell groups; Each of the plurality of gas inlets is 2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the gas discharge passage is provided adjacent to a corresponding one of the plurality of cell groups and is configured to be connected to one of the plurality of gas discharge passages.
4. The first vent structure body includes:
2. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising a partition structure protruding from the second surface of the first plate, in close contact with the second vent structure, and configured to form the plurality of gas discharge passages.
5. The second vent structure includes: The battery module according to claim 4 , further comprising an insertion groove configured to insert at least a portion of the partition structure so that the at least a portion of the partition structure is in close contact with the insertion groove.
6. The second vent structure includes: The battery module according to claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of gas exhaust ports corresponding to the plurality of gas exhaust passages.
7. The second vent structure includes: a second plate facing the second surface of the first plate; a partition structure protruding from the second plate, closely contacting the second surface of the first plate, and configured to form the plurality of gas discharge passages.
8. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein the second plate and the partition structure are integrally formed.
9. The module case includes: The battery module according to claim 1 , further comprising at least one guide groove configured to receive and guide an edge of the at least one insulating wall body.
10. A battery pack comprising a 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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