Battery module, battery pack including same, and automobile

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery module including a plurality of battery cells stacked on one another, each having a storage section and a sealing section; a module case that stores the plurality of battery cells in an internal space; and a pressure member that is arranged to face at least one surface of a terrace section on which an electrode lead is located in the sealing section of the battery cell, and is configured to pressurize the terrace section when the internal pressure of the battery cell increases.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0151099 filed on November 3, 2023, Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0104119 filed on August 5, 2024, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0152849 filed on October 31, 2024, and the contents disclosed in the specifications and drawings of those applications are incorporated into this application in their entirety. [Background technology]

[0003] Secondary batteries, which have high applicability to various products and electrical properties such as high energy density, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) that are driven by electrical sources.

[0004] Such secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source that not only has the primary advantage of dramatically reducing the use of fossil fuels, but also is environmentally friendly because they do not produce any by-products associated with energy use and can improve energy efficiency.

[0005] Currently, widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. When a high output voltage is required, a battery module or a battery pack may be configured by connecting multiple battery cells in series. To increase the charge / discharge capacity, a battery module or a battery pack may be configured by connecting multiple battery cells in parallel. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in a battery module or a battery pack can be varied depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0006] However, because battery cells undergo chemical reactions during charging and discharging, their performance may deteriorate if they are used in an environment that is higher than the appropriate temperature, and if heat is not controlled to the appropriate temperature, there is a risk of unexpected fire or explosion. Furthermore, because battery modules are constructed with these battery cells collectively housed inside a module frame, if a thermal vent occurs in one battery cell, the emitted high-temperature gas and flames can spread to adjacent battery cells, causing a chain reaction of battery cell explosions, which is extremely dangerous.

[0007] In particular, when a battery module includes multiple battery cells, high-temperature gases, flames, sparks, etc. generated during thermal runaway in a specific battery cell are likely to be ejected toward the front and rear of the battery cell where the electrode leads of the battery module are located, which can cause thermal damage to components located on both ends of the battery module, such as end plates and components adjacent to the bus bar frame, and can lead to structural collapse.

[0008] Furthermore, a flame emitted to the outside through the end plate may cause heat transfer to adjacent battery modules. In particular, if a flame generated in a specific battery module spreads to the end plate of another battery module, the possibility of heat transfer or chain fires between modules may increase. This may cause a thermal runaway condition to spread throughout the entire battery pack containing multiple battery modules.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need to develop a structure that can prevent the emission of high-temperature gases or flames from a battery cell when a thermal event occurs in any one of the battery cells, or that can appropriately control the emission direction to delay thermal runaway between battery cells or battery modules. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] The present invention aims to provide a battery module with improved safety and reliability by effectively preventing heat transfer between battery cells or battery modules by appropriately controlling the venting direction of high-temperature gases or flames generated in battery cells when an abnormality occurs in the battery module.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack including a battery module with an improved structure and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0012] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description of the invention. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention may provide a battery module including: a plurality of battery cells each having a storage portion and a sealing portion and stacked on one another; a module case that stores the plurality of battery cells in an internal space; and a pressure member that is arranged to face at least one surface of a terrace portion on which an electrode lead is located in the sealing portion of the battery cell, and is configured to pressurize the terrace portion when the internal pressure of the battery cell increases.

[0014] The pressure applying member may include a first pressure applying member arranged to face a first surface of the terrace portion, and a second pressure applying member arranged to face a second surface of the terrace portion opposite the first surface.

[0015] The first pressure member and the second pressure member may be configured to be connectable to each other.

[0016] At least one of the first pressure member or the second pressure member may include fastening portions extending toward each other.

[0017] The fastening portion may include a hinge fastening portion having one end connected to the first pressure member so as to be hinged and the other end connected to the second pressure member.

[0018] The first pressure member and the second pressure member may be integrally formed.

[0019] The pressure member may include a hole configured to allow the terrace portion to pass therethrough.

[0020] The pressure member may be configured in plural, and at least two of the plural pressure members may be integrally formed.

[0021] The battery module may further include a barrier member interposed between adjacent battery cells, and the pressure member may be attached to the barrier member.

[0022] The pressure member may be located between the terrace portion of the battery cell and the barrier member.

[0023] The pressure member may be in contact with at least one surface of the terrace portion and apply pressure to the terrace portion.

[0024] The plurality of battery cells may be stacked in a second direction perpendicular to a first direction while standing in a first direction, and the pressing member may extend in the first direction along the terrace portion.

[0025] The pressure member may comprise a thermally insulating or heat resistant material.

[0026] The pressure member may comprise a composite layer comprising different materials.

[0027] The battery module may further include a bus bar assembly positioned between the plurality of battery cells and the module case, and the pressing member may be disposed to be surrounded by the bus bar assembly, the receiving portion, and the sealing portion.

[0028] The bus bar assembly may include a module bus bar electrically connected to the electrode lead and a bus bar housing configured to mount and fix the module bus bar, and at least one surface of the pressing member may be disposed to face an inner surface of the bus bar housing. A length of the pressing member in a front-rear direction may be longer than a length of the terrace portion in the front-rear direction. A vertical height of the pressing member may be greater than a vertical height of the battery cell. The vertical height of the pressing member may be greater than a separation distance between an upper plate and a lower plate of the module case, and the pressing member may be configured to be pressed in the vertical direction by the upper plate and the lower plate.

[0029] The present invention also provides a battery pack including the battery according to the present invention.

[0030] The present invention also provides a motor vehicle including a battery pack according to the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0031] According to one aspect of the present invention, when an abnormal situation such as thermal runaway occurs in a battery cell, it is possible to prevent or suppress the emission of vent gas, flame, etc. toward the terrace portion. In particular, in the internal space of a battery module, a relatively large space may exist on the terrace portion side of the battery cell. However, according to the above aspect, since vent gas, flame, etc. are not emitted toward the terrace portion side from a battery cell in which a thermal event has occurred, it is possible to suppress or block the propagation of thermal runaway caused by vent gas, flame, etc. to other battery cells through the space on the terrace portion side.

[0032] In particular, according to one embodiment of the present invention, even if the internal pressure of the battery cell increases, the pressure member prevents the welded (sealed) portion of the sealing portion from opening, thereby preventing the sealing portion from being unsealed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the discharge of high-temperature gas or flames to components arranged adjacent to the terrace portion, particularly electrical components arranged on the outer side in that direction, such as bus bar assemblies and module terminals. This prevents damage to various components arranged in that direction and also prevents unintended interruption of electrical connections between battery cells or battery modules.

[0033] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, directional venting, which discharges vent gases and the like in a desired direction, can be more easily implemented. For example, according to one embodiment of the present invention, gases and flames can be discharged upward from a battery cell or a battery module. In this case, the safety and reliability of a battery module including a plurality of battery cells can be further improved.

[0034] Furthermore, according to yet another aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent other battery modules from being thermally damaged by high-temperature gases or flames generated in a specific battery module. In particular, according to this aspect of the present invention, the propagation of thermal runaway between modules is effectively prevented or delayed.

[0035] Therefore, in this case, it is possible to prevent or delay a thermal event, such as a fire or explosion, caused by a thermal runaway phenomenon in a battery pack including a plurality of battery modules or in a device to which the battery pack is attached.

[0036] In particular, in the case of electric vehicles, by suppressing or delaying the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells or battery modules, it is possible to ensure sufficient time for passengers to escape and for the vehicle to operate.

[0037] In addition, the present invention has various other effects, which will be explained in each embodiment, and explanations of effects that can be easily inferred by those skilled in the art will be omitted.

[0038] 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 concept of the present invention, so the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the matters described in the drawings.

[0039] 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 concept of the present invention, so the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the matters described in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0040] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a partial configuration of the battery module of FIG. 1. [Figure 3a] 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a battery cell and a pressing member included in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3b] 10 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a battery cell and a pressing member included in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4a] 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a terrace portion of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 4b] 1 is a side view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a partial configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a partial configuration of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7a] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of portion A2 of FIG. 6 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7b] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of part A2 of FIG. 6 according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a partial configuration of a battery module including a barrier member according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a partial configuration of a battery module including a barrier member according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a partial configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 1 is a side view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a side view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13a] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a pressure member according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13b] 10 is a side view schematically illustrating a partial configuration of a battery module including a pressing member according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14a] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a pressure member according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14b] 10 is a side view schematically illustrating a partial configuration of a battery module including a pressing member according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a state in which a pressing member according to still another embodiment of the present invention is assembled to a battery cell. [Figure 16a] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a pressure member according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16b] 10 is a side view schematically illustrating a partial configuration of a battery module according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a partial configuration of a battery module including a pressing member according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18]10 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a partial configuration of a battery module including a pressing member according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a battery pack including a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] 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 interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted 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.

[0042] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiment 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 for them at the time of this application.

[0043] The present invention includes various embodiments, and redundant descriptions of configurations that are substantially the same as or similar to the embodiments will be omitted, and the following description will focus on differences from the previously described embodiments.

[0044] In order to facilitate understanding of the invention, the accompanying drawings may be drawn not to scale but with some components exaggerated, and the same reference numerals may be used for the same components in different embodiments.

[0045] Terms such as "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, but these terms do not limit the components. These terms are used to distinguish only one component from another, and unless otherwise specified, the first component may be the second component.

[0046] Furthermore, throughout the specification, unless otherwise specified, each element may be singular or plural.

[0047] When any structure is placed "on top (or bottom)" of a component or "above (or below)" a component, it may mean that the structure is placed directly on the top (or bottom) surface of the component, but also that other structures may be interposed between the component and any structure placed above (or below) the component.

[0048] Furthermore, when a component is described as being "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly coupled or connected to each other, but that other components may be "intervening" between the components, or that each component may be "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" by other components.

[0049] As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprise" or "include" are not necessarily interpreted as including multiple components or multiple steps described in the specification, and some components or steps may not be included, or additional components or steps may be further included.

[0050] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specified, "A and / or B" means "A," "B," or "A and B," and "C through D" can mean "at least C and up to D," unless otherwise specified.

[0051] Meanwhile, in this specification, unless otherwise specified, the X-axis direction in which multiple battery cells 100 are stacked will be described as the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction, which is the horizontal direction perpendicular to the cell stacking direction, will be described as the front-rear direction, and the Z-axis direction, which is perpendicular to the XY plane, will be described as the up-down direction (vertical direction). Furthermore, in the case of a pouch-type cell, the Y-axis direction may be referred to as the longitudinal direction of the cell. Furthermore, the left-right direction, front-rear direction, and up-down direction may also be referred to as the first direction, second direction, and third direction, respectively.

[0052] 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 indicate relative positions and are used only for convenience of explanation, and may vary depending on the position of the object in question, the position of the observer, etc.

[0053] In addition, this specification includes various embodiments, and detailed descriptions of parts that are identically or similarly applicable to other embodiments will be omitted, and the description will focus on the differences from each embodiment.

[0054] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the battery module 10 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3a is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a battery cell 100 and a pressing member 300 included in a battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3b is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a battery cell 100 and a pressing member 300 included in a battery module 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4a is an enlarged perspective view of a terrace portion T of a battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4b is a side view of a battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a portion of the configuration of a battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a cross-sectional configuration taken along line A1-A1' of FIG. 1.

[0055] 1 to 5, a battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a battery cell 100, a module case 200, and a pressing member 300.

[0056] The battery cell 100 may include an electrode assembly, a cell case 110 that houses the electrode assembly, and an electrode lead 120 that connects to the electrode assembly and is pulled out to the outside of the cell case 110 to function as an electrode terminal.

[0057] The battery cell 100 may be a pouch-type secondary battery. Such a pouch-type secondary battery may have a cell case 110 in the form of a pouch in which a metal layer made of aluminum material is sandwiched between polymer layers.

[0058] Specifically, referring to FIG. 3a, the cell casing 110 may include a receiving portion R and a sealing portion S. Here, the receiving portion R may refer to a portion in which an electrode assembly and an electrolyte are accommodated. For example, the cell casing 110 may have two pouches, e.g., a left pouch and a right pouch, with the receiving portion R located at the center thereof, and the periphery of the receiving portion R may be sealed. In this case, the receiving portion R of at least some of the two pouches may have a recessed surface facing the electrode assembly, thereby providing an internal space, into which the electrode assembly may be attached. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3a, a double-cup shape in which the receiving portion R is formed on both sides of the cell casing 110 is illustrated, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to this shape of the cell casing 110. For example, the battery cell 100 may be configured as a single-cup shape in which the receiving portion R is formed on only one side of the cell casing 110.

[0059] The sealing portion S can be said to be a portion where the periphery of the storage portion R is heat-sealed in a form that surrounds the periphery of the storage portion R. That is, the sealing portion S can be provided by sealing the outer edge of the storage portion R. In particular, the battery cell 100 can be said to have four sides (edges) centered around the storage portion R. In this case, all four sides may be sealed, or only three sides may be sealed. In this case, a cell with four sealed sides is referred to as a four-sided sealed cell, and a cell with three sealed sides is referred to as a three-sided sealed cell. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3a, the battery cell 100 can be configured in an upright state, with the front, rear, and top ends of the left and right pouches sealed, and the bottom ends of the left and right pouches unsealed and folded in a connected state. In this case, the battery cell 100 can be said to be sealed on three sides.

[0060] Each battery cell 100 may include an electrode lead 120. The electrode lead 120 includes a positive electrode lead and a negative electrode lead, and the positive electrode lead and the negative electrode lead may be provided to protrude from the same side (edge) or different sides of the battery cell 100. In this case, when the positive electrode lead and the negative electrode lead are located on the same side, it is called a unidirectional cell, and when the positive electrode lead and the negative electrode lead are located on different sides, particularly opposite sides, it is called a bidirectional cell.

[0061] The electrode lead 120 may be configured to be drawn out to the front and / or rear of the sealing portion S of the battery cell 100. In this case, the sealing portion S from which the electrode lead 120 is drawn out may be defined as a terrace portion T.

[0062] A battery module may include a plurality of battery cells 100. The plurality of battery cells 100 may be stacked on one another in at least one direction. For example, the plurality of battery cells 100 may be arranged side by side in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) while standing upright in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). In particular, in the case of a three-sided sealed cell, each battery cell 100 may be arranged to stand with the side that does not include the sealing portion S facing downward. In this case, the sealing portion S of each battery cell 100 may face the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction) and upward (+Z-axis direction), and the storage portion R may face the left-right direction (X-axis direction).

[0063] Meanwhile, the present invention is not limited by the specific type or shape of the battery cell 100, and various battery cells 100 known at the time of filing of the present invention may be used to realize the cell assembly of the present invention. In this embodiment, as shown in the drawings, a pouch-type secondary battery that has high energy density and is easy to stack is targeted, but it goes without saying that cylindrical or prismatic secondary batteries can also be used as the battery cell 100.

[0064] 1 and 2, the module case 200 may be configured to house a plurality of battery cells 100 in an internal space. That is, the module case 200 may have a space formed therein, and may house a plurality of battery cells 100 in the internal space. For example, the module case 200 may include an upper plate, a lower plate, a left plate, a right plate, a front plate, and a rear plate to define the internal space. The plurality of battery cells 100 may be positioned in the defined internal space. Here, the module case 200 may include a metal and / or plastic material.

[0065] Furthermore, at least some of the plates constituting the modular case 200 may be integrally formed. For example, referring to FIG. 2 , the modular case 200 may be formed as a monoframe in which an upper plate, a lower plate, a left plate, and a right plate are integrated with each other. In this case, the front and rear of the monoframe are open, and the front and rear plates may be coupled to the front and rear openings of the monoframe as end frames to seal the interior space of the monoframe. In another example, the modular case 200 may be formed as a U-shaped frame in which the lower plate, the left plate, and the right plate are integrated with each other. In this case, the upper plate, the front plate, and the rear plate may be coupled to the top, front end, and rear end of the U-shaped frame. Various fastening methods, such as welding or bolting, may be used to connect the components of the modular case 200. However, the present invention is not limited to a specific material, shape, or joining method of the modular case 200.

[0066] According to one embodiment, although not shown, at least one of the plates constituting the module case 200, for example, the top plate, may include at least one vent area through which vent gas discharged from the battery cells 100 is discharged. For example, the vent area may be one of a vent hole or a preliminary break line. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a vent area may be provided in the top plate of the module case 200 to induce upward directional venting of the battery module 10.

[0067] The pressing member 300 may be disposed outside the battery cell 100 and configured to pressurize at least a portion of the battery cell 100. Furthermore, the pressing member 300 may be configured to pressurize the sealing portion of the battery cell, in particular the terrace portion T. In other words, the pressing member 300 may be configured to suppress the opening or separation of the terrace portion T. In particular, the pressing member 300 may be configured to pressurize the terrace portion T so that the welded state of the terrace portion T is not damaged or separated when the internal pressure of the battery cell 100 increases.

[0068] The pressing member 300 may be disposed in a space in which the terrace portion T is disposed inside the module case 200, for example, at the front (e.g., in the −Y-axis direction) and / or the rear (e.g., in the +Y-axis direction) of the module case 200. Referring to FIG. 3a, the pressing member 300 may be provided in both the front sealing portion S and the rear sealing portion S of the battery cell 100.

[0069] 3b, the pressing member 300 may be located only in front of or only in rear of the battery cell 100. In particular, the pressing member 300 may be located only in front of the battery cell 100.

[0070] The pressing member 300 may be arranged to face at least a portion of the surface of the battery cell 100. In particular, the pressing member 300 may be arranged to face the sealing portion S side of the battery cell 100. Furthermore, the pressing member may be arranged adjacent to a terrace portion T of the sealing portion S of the battery cell 100, where an electrode lead is located. The pressing member 300 may be arranged to face at least one surface of the terrace portion T on the outside of the terrace portion T. In other words, the pressing member 300 may fill an empty space around the space where the terrace portion T is arranged inside the module case 200. For example, the pressing member 300 may be located between the terrace portion T (which may be defined as the "first terrace portion") of the battery cell 100 (which may be defined as the "first battery cell") and the terrace portion T (which may be defined as the "second terrace portion") of the battery cell 100 (which may be defined as the "second battery cell") arranged alongside the first battery cell.

[0071] The pressure member 300 may be arranged so as to be surrounded by the bus bar assembly 500, the storage portion R, and the sealing portion S.

[0072] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when an abnormal situation such as thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell 100 and the internal pressure increases, venting to the terrace portion T side can be prevented or suppressed.

[0073] In particular, the space in which the terrace portion T is disposed inside the module case 200 may have more empty space than other parts of the battery cell 100, particularly the space in which the storage portion R is located. Therefore, vent gas and flames emitted from the battery cell 100 may be more likely to concentrate.

[0074] Therefore, it can be said that the terrace portion T is more susceptible to thermal chain reactions than other portions of the battery cell 100. However, in the embodiment of the present invention, even if the internal pressure of the battery cell 100 increases, the terrace portion T is configured to be pressurized by the pressing member 300, so that venting to the terrace portion T can be suppressed or blocked.

[0075] Therefore, according to the above embodiment, it is possible to reduce the transfer of thermal damage from an event-occurring battery cell 100 to an adjacent battery cell 100, thereby suppressing heat transfer between the battery cells 100 and preventing or delaying a thermal runaway phenomenon in the battery module 10. Therefore, according to the above aspect of the present invention, the safety and reliability of the battery module 10 are improved.

[0076] In particular, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3a, when both the front and rear terraces T of the battery cell 100 are pressurized by the pressurizing member 300, venting in a direction other than the front and rear of the battery module 10 may be induced. For example, this may be more suitable for top venting, which induces upward venting of the battery module 10. Also, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3b, when the pressurizing member 300 is provided only on the front terrace T and the rear terrace T is not pressurized by the pressurizing member 300, directional venting toward the rear (e.g., rear venting) may be induced. Therefore, according to this embodiment of the present invention, a directional venting structure that induces venting in a desired direction can be easily implemented by appropriately disposing the pressurizing member 300. Furthermore, another battery module 10 may be disposed in front of the battery module 10, or an electrical connection structure, such as a module terminal or a bus bar between modules, for connecting to another battery module 10 may be present. However, when forward venting is blocked or suppressed as in the above embodiment, it is possible to prevent or reduce the propagation of high-temperature gases, flames, etc. to other battery modules 10 or electrical connection structures.

[0077] A plurality of pressure members 300 may be provided. The pressure members 300 may be arranged at regular intervals along the stacking direction of the battery cells 100. The shapes of the pressure members 300 may be substantially the same. That is, the pressure members 300 may have substantially the same size and shape regardless of their arrangement positions, spatial configurations, or dimensions. According to the above embodiment of the present invention, mass production or manufacturing of the pressure members 300 is simple and easy.

[0078] The pressure member 300 may include a first pressure member 310 and a second pressure member 320. The first pressure member 310 may be disposed to face a first surface 111 of the terrace portion T. The second pressure member 320 may be disposed to face a second surface 112 opposite to the first surface 111 of the terrace portion T. Here, the first surface 111 of the terrace portion T may be a surface facing leftward (e.g., in the −X-axis direction), and the second surface 112 may be a surface facing rightward (e.g., in the +X-axis direction).

[0079] That is, the first pressure member 310 and the second pressure member 320 may be located on both sides of the terrace portion T. In such an embodiment, the pressure member 300 may be configured to press the terrace portion T from both sides of the terrace portion T. For example, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 4b, the first pressure member 310 located on the left side of the terrace portion T may press the terrace portion T toward the right, and the second pressure member 320 located on the right side of the terrace portion T may press the terrace portion T toward the left.

[0080] In this embodiment, the first pressure member 310 and the second pressure member 320 may have substantially the same shape.

[0081] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, pressure is applied from both sides of the terrace portion T, thereby preventing the terrace portion T from opening in both directions or moving in one direction. That is, when pressure is applied from both sides of the terrace portion T in this manner, the terrace portion T is reliably compressed, thereby further improving the sealing performance of the terrace portion T.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the pressing member 300 may extend in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) along the terrace portion T. Here, the terrace portion T may refer to a sealing portion S extending vertically from the front and / or rear of the battery cell 100. To prevent vent gas from venting from the terrace portion T, the pressing member 300 may extend vertically along the shape of the terrace portion T and be configured to pressurize the entire terrace portion T. For example, the vertical length of the pressing member 300 may be substantially the same as or longer than the vertical length of the terrace portion T. That is, the pressing member may continuously pressurize the entire terrace portion T from the lower end to the upper end, thereby preventing the entire terrace portion T from opening or bursting.

[0083] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to completely block venting from the terrace portion T, such as vent gas or flame, and more reliably prevent the terrace portion T from bursting due to the pressure of the vent gas or flame, etc. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 3b, it is possible to more reliably block venting to the front side (-Y axis direction) of the battery cell.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the pressure member 300 may include a heat insulating or heat resistant material. For example, the pressure member 300 may include at least one of materials with strong heat insulating and / or heat resistant (including fire resistant) properties, such as plastic, rubber, silicone, aerogel, metal, and glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP). The pressure member may also include a soft material to prevent damage to the battery cells and enhance adhesion when in contact with the battery cells. The pressure member 300 may also include a metal material with rigidity and heat resistance to physically or chemically prevent the terrace portion T from bursting. However, the material of the pressure member 300 is not limited by the above embodiment and may be any material that exhibits predetermined heat insulating or heat resistant properties.

[0085] The above-described embodiment of the present invention makes it possible to more stably ensure the heat or flame blocking performance of the terrace portion T. More specifically, the above-described embodiment makes it possible to effectively block the transfer of vent gas, flame, and the like in the space surrounding the terrace portion T to other nearby battery cells 100 by using the pressing member 300 having heat insulating or heat resistant properties.

[0086] In particular, the sealing portion S (e.g., terrace portion T) of the battery cell 100 is a welded portion and has lower durability against high temperatures, pressure, fire, etc. than the storage portion R of the battery cell 100. However, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the terrace portion T of the battery cell 100 is protected by the pressing member 300, so that it is possible to prevent or prevent the influence of vent gas, fire, etc. discharged from other battery cells 100. Therefore, in this case, it is possible to effectively prevent the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells 100 inside the battery module 10. Furthermore, by including heat resistance, it is possible to maintain structural rigidity and the function of pressing the terrace portion T even when high-temperature vent gas, fire, etc. are discharged. The specific structure and shape of the pressing member 300 will be described in detail below.

[0087] The battery module according to the present invention may further include a busbar assembly 500, as shown in FIG. 2. The busbar assembly 500 may be configured to allow the electrode leads 120 of the plurality of battery cells 100 to be connected to one another. More specifically, the busbar assembly 500 may be configured to support the electrode leads 120, facilitate connection between the electrode leads 120, and enable sensing of voltages and the like from the electrode leads 120. In particular, the busbar assembly 500 may include a module busbar 510 and a busbar housing 520, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0088] Here, the module bus bar 510 may be configured to electrically connect two or more electrode leads 120 to each other, or to connect to one or more electrode leads 120 and transmit sensing information to a control unit such as a BMS (battery management system).

[0089] The bus bar housing 520 may be made of an electrically insulating material, for example, a plastic material. The bus bar housing 520 may be configured to have the module bus bar 510 attached and fixed thereto. In this case, at least one surface of the pressing member 300 may be disposed to face the inner surface of the bus bar housing 520. A slit may be formed in the bus bar housing 520. The module bus bar 510 may be attached to the outside, for example, the front, of the bus bar housing 520. In this case, the electrode lead 120 may contact the module bus bar 510 located on the outside through the slit in the bus bar housing 520. In particular, the electrode lead 120 may be coupled and fixed to the module bus bar 510, either singly or in a stack of two or more. In this case, the electrode lead 120 and the module bus bar 510 may be coupled and fixed by laser welding, ultrasonic welding, or various other fastening methods.

[0090] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the pressure member 300 can prevent the opening of the welded (sealed) portion of the sealing portion S (e.g., terrace portion T) due to the internal pressure of the battery cell 100, thereby minimizing the unsealing of the sealing portion S (e.g., terrace portion T). Therefore, damage to the bus bar assembly 500 disposed outside the sealing portion S (e.g., terrace portion T) and various components included therein can also be prevented.

[0091] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a partial configuration of a battery module 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a cross-sectional configuration taken along line A1-A1' in FIG. 1. FIG. 7a is an enlarged view of portion A2 in FIG. 6 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7b is an enlarged view of portion A2 in FIG. 6 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The embodiments of FIGS. 6 to 7b can be partially combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 5.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the battery module 10 according to the present invention may further include a barrier member 400. The barrier member 400 may be interposed between adjacent battery cells 100 or between the battery cell 100 and the module case 200. For example, the barrier member 400 may be in the form of a vertically standing plate. That is, when the battery cells 100 are stacked in at least one direction, the barrier member 400 may be interposed between the stacked battery cells 100. For example, referring to the configuration of FIG. 6 , when a plurality of battery cells 100 are stacked in the X-axis direction, the barrier member 400 may be interposed between adjacent battery cells 100. One or more barrier members 400 may be provided in one battery module 10. In particular, when three or more battery cells 100 are included, a plurality of barrier members 400 may be provided, one for each battery cell 100.

[0093] The barrier member 400 may be configured to suppress the transmission of heat, flame, pressure, impact, etc. between the battery cells 100. For example, the barrier member 400 may be configured as a thermal barrier to block the transmission of heat or flame between the battery cells 100. Alternatively, the barrier member 400 may be a compression pad configured to absorb pressure or shape deformation due to swelling between the battery cells 100. The barrier member 400 according to the present invention may employ various components interposed between the battery cells 100 in a conventional battery module 10 or battery pack (e.g., the battery pack 1 of FIG. 19).

[0094] In particular, the barrier member 400 may be interposed between the storage portions R of adjacent battery cells 100. That is, as described above, each battery cell 100 has a storage portion R in the center, and the barrier member 400 may be interposed between the storage portions R of the battery cells 100 and disposed so as to face the storage portion R of the adjacent battery cell 100.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the barrier member 400 may extend so as to protrude from between the storage portions R of adjacent battery cells 100 on at least one side to the sealing portions S, particularly between the terrace portions T, of the adjacent battery cells 100. For example, referring to FIG. 7 , in this case, the barrier member 400 may include a first portion 401 interposed between the storage portions R of the battery cells 100, and a second portion 402 extending from the first portion 401 to between the sealing portions S. For example, the second portion 402 may be configured to protrude and extend toward the terrace portion T on which the electrode lead 120 is located in the sealing portion S of the battery cell 100. For example, the second portion 402 may be configured to vertically contact the bus bar housing 520. According to one embodiment, the pressure member 300 may be located between the terrace portion T of the battery cell 100 and the barrier member 400.

[0096] Meanwhile, the barrier member 400 may be configured such that at least one side end thereof contacts the bus bar assembly 500. For example, referring to FIG. 7a, the front end of the barrier member 400 may directly contact the inner (rear) surface of the bus bar assembly 500 located in front of the plurality of battery cells 100. In particular, the barrier member 400 may contact the inner surface of a bus bar housing 520 provided in the bus bar assembly 500.

[0097] The above-described embodiment of the present invention can further improve the safety of the battery module 10. More specifically, when high-temperature vent gas or flames are emitted from a battery cell 100, the effects on other surrounding battery cells 100 can be effectively blocked. In particular, the sealing portion S of the battery cell 100 is a welding portion, and may have lower durability against high temperatures, pressure, flames, etc. than the storage portion R of the battery cell 100.

[0098] However, according to the above aspect of the present invention, the sealing portion S of the battery cell 100 is protected by the protruding and extended second portion 402 of the barrier member 400, and therefore, it is possible to prevent or prevent the influence of vent gas or flames discharged from other battery cells 100. Therefore, in this case, it is possible to effectively prevent the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells 100 inside the battery module 10.

[0099] According to one embodiment, referring to FIG. 7a, the length L1 of the pressing member 300 in the front-rear direction may be shorter than the length L2 of the terrace portion T in the front-rear direction. The pressing member 300 may be configured to apply pressure to a center portion of the terrace portion T in the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction). The center portion of the pressing member 300 in the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction) may substantially coincide with the center portion of the terrace portion T in the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction). According to the embodiment of the present invention, the pressing member 300 may be configured to apply pressure intensively to the welded (sealed) portion of the sealing portion S (e.g., the terrace portion T).

[0100] According to another embodiment, referring to FIG. 7b, the length L1 of the pressure member 300 in the front-rear direction may be longer than the length L2 of the terrace portion T in the front-rear direction. The pressure member 300 may be configured to pressurize the terrace portion T and the electrode lead 120. According to this embodiment of the present invention, the pressure member 300 presses not only the welded (sealed) portion of the sealing portion S (e.g., the terrace portion T) but also the electrode lead 120, thereby fixing the position of the electrode lead 120 and protecting the electrode lead 120 from being cut by vent gas, flame, etc., or from being subjected to impact. However, the size of the pressure member 300 is not limited by the above embodiment and can be variously modified in design.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the pressure member 300 may be attached to one surface of the barrier member 400. For example, the pressure member 300 may be attached to the second portion 402 of the barrier member 400. According to this embodiment of the present invention, the pressure member 300 is attached to the barrier member 400, thereby further improving the fastening force of the pressure member 300. According to one embodiment, the battery module 10 according to the present invention may further include an adhesive member 403 disposed between the pressure member 300 and the barrier member 400. That is, the pressure member 300 may be adhesively fixed to the barrier member 400. Alternatively, the pressure member 300 may be fixed to the barrier member 400 using various other fastening methods.

[0102] The barrier member 400 may have a left side (e.g., a side facing the -X-axis direction) and a right side (e.g., a side facing the +X-axis direction). In this case, one pressure member 300 may be attached to the left side of the barrier member 400, and another pressure member 300 may be attached to the right side. That is, the barrier member 400 may have pressure members 300 attached to both sides.

[0103] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a partial configuration of a battery module 10 including a barrier member 400 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a partial configuration of a battery module 10 including a barrier member 400 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. The embodiments of Figures 8 and 9 may be partially combined with various embodiments described above, for example, the embodiments of Figures 6 and 7b.

[0104] The barrier member 400 may further include a coupling portion 410. The coupling portion 410 may be configured to couple and / or insert the pressure member 300. In particular, the coupling portion 410 may be configured to fix the position of the pressure member 300 and support the pressure member 300.

[0105] The coupling portion 410 may be formed on at least one surface of the barrier member 400. For example, the coupling portion 410 may be formed on both the left and right surfaces of the barrier member 400.

[0106] Referring first to the embodiment of FIG. 8, the coupling portion 410 may be provided as at least one protrusion.

[0107] Furthermore, the barrier member 400 may have a plurality of coupling portions 410p1, 410p2 spaced apart by a predetermined distance along the longitudinal direction. The pressure member 300 may be positioned between the coupling portions 410p1, 410p2. For example, the coupling portion 410 may include a front protrusion 410p2 and a rear protrusion 410p1 formed at positions corresponding to the front and / or rear surfaces of the pressure member 300. In this case, the pressure member 300 may be fixed in position by being inserted between the front protrusion 410p2 and the rear protrusion 410p1. In particular, the coupling portion 410 may be configured in a position and / or shape that allows it to fit with the pressure member 300.

[0108] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the pressure member 300 can be fixed to the barrier member 400 without the need for a separate fastening member such as an adhesive, which facilitates bonding and / or assembly.

[0109] 9, the coupling portion 410 may have at least one bent portion. In particular, the barrier member 400 may be formed to extend longitudinally in the front-rear direction, and the coupling portion 410 may have a shape in which a portion thereof is bent leftward (negative X-axis direction) and / or rightward (positive X-axis direction).

[0110] Furthermore, the barrier member 400 may have a plurality of connecting portions 410f1, 410f2 arranged along the longitudinal direction. For example, the connecting portion 411 may extend along the front-rear direction and be bent first to the left (negative X-axis direction) and then to the right (positive X-axis direction). More specifically, the connecting portion 410 may include a front bent portion 410f2 and a rear bent portion 410f1 formed at positions corresponding to the front and / or rear surfaces of the pressure member 300. The pressure member 300 may be inserted between the front bent portion 410f2 and the rear bent portion 410f1 to be fixed in position. In other words, the second pressure member 320 may be located on the left side of the barrier member 400 and inserted between the front bent portion 410f2 and the rear bent portion 410f1 that are bent to the left (negative X-axis direction) to be fixed in position. The first pressure member 310 is located on the right side of the barrier member 400, and may be inserted between the front bent portion 410f2 and the rear bent portion 410f1 that are bent to the right (+X-axis direction) to fix its position.

[0111] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the barrier member 400 can be easily manufactured because a bent portion can be formed by applying pressure to a single plate, and the pressure member 300 can be fixed to the barrier member 400 without the need for a separate fastening member such as an adhesive, which facilitates bonding and / or assembly.

[0112] 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a partial configuration of a battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment of FIG. 10 may be partially combined with various embodiments described above, for example, the embodiments of FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0113] The pressing member 300 may be configured to contact at least one surface of the terrace portion T. The pressing member 300 may be in close contact with at least one surface of the terrace portion T. In this case, the pressing member 300 may be configured to press and / or compress the terrace portion T from the beginning. That is, even when no thermal event occurs in the battery cell 100, the pressing member 300 may be configured to always contact the terrace portion T and press the terrace portion T with a pressure above a certain level. For example, as shown in part C1 in FIG. 10 , the pressing member 300 may be attached to at least one surface of the terrace portion T. For example, before the pressing member 300 is interposed between the barrier member 400 and the terrace portion T, the length W1 of the pressing member 300 in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) may be substantially equal to or longer than the length W2 between the barrier member 400 and the terrace portion T.

[0114] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the pressing member 300 pressurizes the terrace portion T even in a steady state, so that the terrace portion T is already pressurized from the early stage of thermal runaway occurrence. This more reliably prevents the terrace portion T from separating, thereby fundamentally preventing vent gas and the like from escaping from the terrace portion T. Furthermore, even in a normal state in which thermal runaway does not occur, the terrace portion T is pressurized, so that the position of the terrace portion T of each battery cell 100 is more stably fixed, and further, movement of the battery cell 100 can also be prevented.

[0115] Fig. 11 is a side view showing a battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 12 is a side view showing a battery module 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The embodiments of Figs. 11 and 12 may be partially combined with various embodiments described above, for example, the embodiment of Fig. 10.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the first pressure member 310 and the second pressure member 320 may be configured to be connectable to each other. For example, the first pressure member 310 and the second pressure member 320 may be connected to each other at their ends. In particular, the first pressure member 310 and the second pressure member 320 may be fixed by connecting their upper and lower ends to each other.

[0117] According to this embodiment, the positions of the first pressure member 310 and the second pressure member 320 are fixed relative to each other, thereby improving the coupling and assembly properties between the battery cell 100 and the pressure member 300. In addition, in this case, the width between the first pressure member 310 and the second pressure member 320 can be maintained constant.

[0118] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the first pressure member 310 and the second pressure member 320 are coupled together, thereby preventing the terrace portion T disposed between the first pressure member 310 and the second pressure member 320 from being separated or opened. Specifically, this effectively prevents or delays the rupture of the terrace portion T caused by venting of vent gas or flame to the terrace portion T, which is a relatively weak portion.

[0119] According to an embodiment, at least one of the first pressure member 310 and the second pressure member 320 may include fastening portions 301, 302. The fastening portions of the unit pressure members 310, 320 may be configured to extend toward each other, thereby reducing the distance between them.

[0120] The first pressure member 310 may include a first fastening portion 301. The first fastening portion 301 may extend toward the second pressure member 320. In this case, the second pressure member 320 may be coupled with the first fastening portion 301 of the first pressure member 310.

[0121] Additionally, the second pressure member 320 may include a second fastening portion 302. The second fastening portion 302 may extend toward the first pressure member 310. In this case, the first pressure member 310 may be coupled to the second fastening portion 302 of the second pressure member 320.

[0122] More specifically, referring to FIG. 11 , the first pressure member 310 and the second pressure member 320 may be disposed on the left and right sides of the terrace portion T of the battery cell 100. In this case, the first pressure member 310 may be disposed on the left side of the terrace portion T and may include a first fastening portion 301 at an end thereof. The first fastening portion 301 may extend from an end of the first pressure member 310 toward the second pressure member 320, i.e., toward the right (e.g., the +X-axis direction in FIG. 11 ). The second pressure member 320 may be disposed on the right side of the terrace portion T and may include a second fastening portion 302 at an end thereof. The second fastening portion 302 may extend toward the left (e.g., the −X-axis direction in FIG. 11 ) toward the first pressure member 310 and be configured to be coupled with the first fastening portion 301. That is, the first and second fastening portions 301 and 302 are configured to be coupled to each other, so that the first and second pressure members 310 and 320 can be coupled to each other.

[0123] In this case, the second fastening portion 302 may include a protrusion 3021 protruding toward the first fastening portion 301, and the first fastening portion 301 may include a recess 3011 configured to correspond to and engage with the protrusion 3021. According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the first pressure member 310 and the second pressure member 320 may be detachable from each other by fastening the fastening portions. However, the manner in which the first pressure member 310 and the second pressure member 320 are coupled together is not limited to the above embodiment and may be variously modified.

[0124] For example, referring to FIG. 11, the first fastening portion 301 and / or the second fastening portion 302 may be disposed above the first pressure member 310 and / or the second pressure member 320 (e.g., in the +Z-axis direction in FIG. 11).

[0125] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the fastening portions 301, 302 arranged on the upper side are configured to surround at least a portion of the sealing portion S protruding upward, thereby protecting the sealing portion S. Furthermore, the fastening portions 301, 302 are arranged in the direction of the protruding sealing portion S, thereby improving space utilization.

[0126] However, the location of the fastening portion is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be provided on at least one of the top, bottom, left, and right of the first pressure member 310 or the second pressure member 320.

[0127] 12, the fastening portion may further include a hinge fastening portion 303. The hinge fastening portion 303 may be configured so that the first pressure member 310 and the second pressure member 320 are hinged to each other. For example, as shown in part C2 of FIG. 12, one end of the hinge fastening portion 303 may be hingedly coupled to the first pressure member 310. The other end of the hinge fastening portion 303 (for example, the right end in FIG. 12) may be coupled to the second pressure member 320.

[0128] In particular, the hinge fastening portion 303 may have a right side fixedly connected to the second pressure member 320 and a left side extending toward the first pressure member 310. The left end of the portion extending from the hinge fastening portion 303 may be hinge-rotatably connected to the first pressure member 310 by providing a hinge axis A. For example, the hinge fastening portion 303 may be connected to the lower surface of the second pressure member 320 and extend from the lower surface of the second pressure member 320 toward the lower surface of the first pressure member 310, with the end of the extended portion being hinge-rotatably connected to the lower surface of the first pressure member 310. In this case, the first pressure member 310 and the second pressure member 320 may be connected by the hinge fastening portion 303, and the second pressure member 320 may be hinged and fixed in a state where it is arranged next to the first pressure member 310.

[0129] For example, a hinge fastening part 303 may be coupled to the underside of the first pressure member 310 and the second pressure member 320, and a first fastening part 301 and / or a second fastening part 302 may be coupled to the upper side of the first pressure member 310 and / or the second pressure member 320. In this case, the first pressure member 310 and the second pressure member 320 may be connected by the hinge fastening part 303, and the first fastening part 301 and / or the second fastening part 302 may be fastened so that the second pressure member 320 is hinged and fixed in a state of being arranged next to the first pressure member 310.

[0130] In this case, since the first pressure member 310 and the second pressure member 320 are connected by the hinge fastening portion 303, assembly is relatively easy, and even when disassembled, storage is easy.

[0131] However, the fastening portion is not limited to the above embodiment or shape, and may be variously modified in design, such as a protruding shape, a recessed shape, a hook shape, or a hole.

[0132] Fig. 13a is a perspective view showing a pressing member 330 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 13b is a front view schematically showing a partial configuration of a battery module 10 including a pressing member 330 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 14a is a perspective view of a pressing member 330 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 14b is a side view schematically showing a partial configuration of a battery module 10 including a pressing member 330 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 15 is a view schematically showing a state in which a pressing member 330 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is assembled into a battery cell.

[0133] 13a to 15, the first compression member 310 and the second compression member 320 may be integrally formed. In this case, it can be said that the battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an integral compression member 330. The embodiments of Figures 13a to 15 may be partially combined with the various embodiments described above, for example, the embodiments of Figures 11 and 12.

[0134] In this embodiment, the first and second pressure members 310 and 320 may be integrally formed from the beginning of manufacturing, rather than being coupled to each other in a separate state. The integral pressure member 330 may be configured to cover the front or rear surface of the battery cell 100.

[0135] According to one embodiment, the integrated pressure member 330 may have a groove 331 formed therein, through which the terrace portion T passes. The groove 331 may be a portion where the first pressure member 310 and the second pressure member 320 are not connected to each other. For example, referring to portion C3 of FIG. 13b, the first pressure member 310 and the second pressure member 320 may be integrally formed by connecting their lower ends to each other. In this case, the groove 331 may be a portion where the first pressure member 310 and the second pressure member 320 are not connected to each other. That is, the groove 331 may be a portion spaced a predetermined distance apart between the first pressure member 310 and the second pressure member 320, which are arranged in the left-right direction. Furthermore, in the embodiment of FIG. 13b, the groove 331 may be a portion cut downward a predetermined distance from the top end of the central portion of the integrated pressure member 330. In this case, the integrated pressure member 330 may be formed similarly to a U-shaped plate.

[0136] Furthermore, for example, although not shown, the groove 331 may be a portion cut a predetermined distance upward from the lower end of the central portion of the integrated pressure member 330. In this case, the integrated pressure member 330 may be formed similarly to an n-shaped plate.

[0137] According to one embodiment, referring to FIG. 14a, the integrated pressure member 330 may have a hole 332 formed therein, through which the terrace portion T passes. The hole 332 may be surrounded by the integrated pressure member 330 on all sides, including the top, bottom, left, and right. For example, referring to portion C4 of FIG. 14b, the first pressure member 310 and the second pressure member 320 may be integrally formed by connecting their upper and lower ends to each other. In this case, the hole 332 may be formed in the center where the first pressure member 310 and the second pressure member 320 are not connected to each other.

[0138] In this case, the fixing force between the pressing member 330 and the battery cell 100 is further strengthened, and the terrace portion T can be more effectively prevented from shaking upward or downward. Also, the position of the battery cell 100 can be more easily fixed.

[0139] 15 , the integrated pressing member 330 may be coupled to the battery cell 100 by inserting the terrace portion T through the slit-shaped groove 331 or hole 332. According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the rigidity of the integrated pressing member 330 is further improved, and the fixing force between the integrated pressing member and the battery cell is strengthened. In addition, the manufacturing and assembly of the battery module is simplified, and the opening of the terrace portion T during thermal runaway of the battery cell can be more reliably prevented.

[0140] Figure 16a is a perspective view of a pressing member according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 16b is a side view schematically illustrating a partial configuration of a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0141] 16a and 16b, a plurality of pressure members may be provided, and at least two of the pressure members may be integrally formed. In this case, the battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be said to include an integrated pressure member 340. The embodiments of FIGS. 16a and 16b may be partially combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 13 to 15.

[0142] That is, according to one embodiment, the battery module 10 may be integrally formed with a plurality of adjacent pressure members 300 coupled to a plurality of adjacent battery cells 100. In such an embodiment, the plurality of adjacent pressure members may be integrally formed from the beginning of manufacturing, rather than being coupled to each other in a separate state. The combined pressure member 340 may be configured to cover the front or rear surface of the battery cell 100.

[0143] 16b, the battery module 10 may include a first battery cell 101, a second battery cell 102, and a third battery cell 103 arranged side by side. In this case, the combined pressure member 340 may be configured to entirely cover the first battery cell 101, the second battery cell 102, and the third battery cell 103. That is, the pressure member coupled to the first battery cell 101, the pressure member coupled to the second battery cell 102, and the pressure member coupled to the third battery cell 103 may be formed as a single plate. In this case, it can be said that one combined pressure member is configured to press both the left and right sides of each of the terrace portions of the plurality of battery cells.

[0144] In the above embodiment, the length of the combined pressure member 340 in the width direction (X-axis direction) may be increased depending on the number of battery cells 100. For example, referring to FIG. 16a, the combined pressure member 340 may be provided with a plurality of holes (or grooves) 341a, 341b, 341c configured to cover a plurality of battery cells 100.

[0145] The combined pressure member 340 configured to cover the plurality of battery cells 100 in this manner is easy to assemble and detach, and has relatively high rigidity, thereby enhancing fixing force.

[0146] Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a partial configuration of a battery module 10 including a pressing member according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a partial configuration of a battery module 10 including a pressing member according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0147] 17 and 18 , the compression member may include multiple layers including different materials. In this case, the battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be referred to as a multi-layer compression member 350. In this case, the battery module 10 may be said to include the multi-layer compression member 350.

[0148] The multi-layer pressure member 350 may be composed of multiple layers. The multi-layer pressure member 350 may include a first pressure layer 351 including a first material and a second pressure layer 352 including a second material different from the first material. The first pressure layer 351 may be disposed to face the terrace portion T, and the second pressure layer 352 may be disposed to face the barrier member 400. For example, the first material and the second material may have different hardnesses. For example, the first material and the second material may have different elastic forces. In this case, the first material of the first pressure layer 351 facing the terrace portion T may have a lower hardness than the second material of the second pressure layer 352.

[0149] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the first pressurizing layer 351 facing the terrace portion T is made of a material having a relatively lower hardness than the second pressurizing layer 352, and when a swelling phenomenon occurs in which the battery cell 100 expands above a certain level, the first pressurizing layer 351 is compressed to absorb or tolerate the swelling of the battery cell 100 to some extent. However, since the second pressurizing layer 352 has a higher hardness than the first pressurizing layer 351, it can limit the swelling of the battery cell 100. Therefore, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 100, the terrace portion T of the battery cell 100 can be prevented from opening completely or from being released.

[0150] According to another embodiment, referring to FIG. 18 , the pressure member 300 may further include a third pressure layer 353 including a third material different from the second material. For example, the first pressure layer 351 and the third pressure layer 353 may be disposed to face the adjacent terrace portion T or the barrier member 400, respectively. For example, the third material may have a different hardness from the second material. For example, the third material may have a different elastic force from the second material. For example, the first material and the third material may be different materials or may be substantially the same material. According to one embodiment, the first pressure layer 351 and the third pressure layer 353 may have a relatively lower hardness than the second pressure layer 352.

[0151] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the first pressure layer 351 and the third pressure layer 353 constituting the outer surface are made of a material having a relatively lower hardness than the second pressure layer 352 located in the center, thereby allowing the swelling phenomenon in which the battery cell 100 expands above a certain level, and preventing the terrace portion T of the battery cell 100 from opening when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 100.

[0152] Fig. 19 is a side cross-sectional view of a battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 20 is a side cross-sectional view of a battery module 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 21 is a side cross-sectional view of a battery module 10 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0153] 19 , the vertical height H1 of the pressing member 300 may be greater than the vertical height H2 of the battery cell 100. According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, by vertically pressing the entire surface of the battery cell 100, it is possible to reliably prevent any part of the terrace portion T from bursting.

[0154] 20 , the vertical height H1 of the pressing member 300 may be lower than the vertical height H2 of the battery cell 100. According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, by applying pressure intensively to the center of the terrace portion T of the battery cell 100, which is more likely to burst, it is possible to prevent the terrace portion T from bursting in a concentrated manner.

[0155] 21 , the vertical height H1 of the pressing member 300 may be greater than the distance g between the upper and lower plates of the module case 200. That is, the pressing member 300 may be pressed vertically by the upper and lower plates of the module case 200. The vertical height of the pressing member 300 may decrease from a height H1 before pressing to a height H3 after pressing. The height H3 of the pressing member 300 after pressing may be substantially equal to the distance g between the upper and lower plates of the module case 200. According to this embodiment of the present invention, the position of the pressing member 300 is securely fixed by being pressed by the upper and lower plates of the module case 200, and it does not shake due to external impact. Therefore, even if an external impact or thermal runaway occurs, the position of the pressing member 300 does not change, and the terrace portion T can be pressed.

[0156] FIG. 22 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a battery pack 1 including a battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0157] 22, a battery pack 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery modules 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention as described above. The battery pack 1 according to the present invention may further include various components in addition to the battery module 10 according to the present invention. For example, the battery pack 1 according to the present invention may further include components of a battery pack 1 that are known at the time of filing of the present invention, such as a BMS (Battery Management System), bus bars, relays, current sensors, etc.

[0158] 22, the battery pack 1 according to the present invention may further include a pack case 11. Such a pack case 11 may provide a space for accommodating the battery modules 10 according to the present invention. In particular, when the battery pack 1 includes a plurality of battery modules 10, the pack case 11 may be partitioned into spaces for separately accommodating the plurality of battery modules 10 by cross beams or the like.

[0159] FIG. 23 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0160] 23, a battery pack 1 according to the present invention includes a battery module 10 according to the present invention, but does not include a separate pack case, and the module case 200 of the battery module may be configured to function as the pack case. In this case, battery pack components such as a BMS, bus bars, and relays may be included inside the module case 200. This type of battery pack is also called a cell-to-pack (CTP) type because the battery cells 100 are directly housed in the pack case. Recently, development of such CTP-type battery packs 1 has been active, and the present invention can also be applied to such CTP-type battery packs 1.

[0161] FIG. 24 is a schematic perspective view of an automobile V including a battery pack 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0162] 24, an automobile V according to an embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention or battery modules 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The automobile V according to the present invention may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The automobile V includes four-wheeled vehicles and two-wheeled vehicles. The automobile V may operate by receiving power from the battery packs 1 or battery modules 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0163] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is of course possible for a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains to make various modifications and variations within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims.

Claims

1. a plurality of battery cells stacked on one another, each battery cell having a housing portion and a sealing portion; a module case that houses the plurality of battery cells in an internal space; a pressing member disposed in the sealing portion of the battery cell so as to face a terrace portion on which an electrode lead is located, and configured to pressurize the terrace portion when an internal pressure of the battery cell increases, The pressure member is configured to guide venting to the terrace portion or the sealing portion where the pressure member is not disposed.

2. A battery module as described in claim 1, characterized in that the pressure member is configured to apply pressure to the terrace portion and the electrode lead.

3. The pressure member is a first pressure member disposed to face a first surface of the terrace portion; The battery module according to claim 1 , further comprising: a second pressure member disposed to face a second surface of the terrace portion opposite to the first surface.

4. The battery module according to claim 3 , wherein the first and second pressure members are configured to be connectable to each other.

5. The battery module according to claim 4 , wherein at least one of the first compression member and the second compression member includes fastening portions extending toward each other.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein the fastening portion includes a hinge fastening portion having one end connected to the first pressing member so as to be hinged and the other end connected to the second pressing member.

7. The battery module according to claim 3 , wherein the first and second pressure members are integrally formed.

8. The battery module according to claim 7 , wherein the pressure member includes a hole through which the terrace portion passes.

9. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein the pressure members are composed of a plurality of pressure members, and at least two of the plurality of pressure members are integrally formed.

10. further including a barrier member interposed between adjacent battery cells; The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the pressure member is attached to the barrier member.

11. The battery module according to claim 10 , wherein the pressing member is located between the terrace portion of the battery cell and the barrier member.

12. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the pressing member is configured to contact the terrace portion and pressurize the terrace portion.

13. The plurality of battery cells are stacked in a second direction perpendicular to a first direction while standing in a first direction, The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the pressing member extends in the first direction along the terrace portion.

14. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the pressure member comprises a heat insulating or heat resistant material.

15. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the pressure member comprises a composite layer including different materials.

16. further comprising a bus bar assembly positioned between the plurality of battery cells and the module case; The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the pressing member is disposed to be surrounded by the bus bar assembly, the receiving portion, and the sealing portion.

17. the bus bar assembly includes a module bus bar electrically connected to the electrode lead and a bus bar housing configured to mount and fix the module bus bar, The battery module according to claim 16, wherein at least one surface of the pressing member is disposed to face an inner surface of the bus bar housing.

18. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein a length of the pressing member in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell is longer than a length of the terrace portion in the longitudinal direction.

19. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein a height of the pressing member in a height direction of the battery cell is greater than a height of the battery cell in the height direction.

20. Before being pressurized by the upper and lower plates that define the internal space of the module case, the height of the pressing member in the height direction of the battery cell is higher than the separation distance between the upper and lower plates of the module case, The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the pressure member is disposed between the upper plate and the lower plate by being pressed in the height direction by the upper plate and the lower plate.

21. A battery pack comprising the battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

22. A motor vehicle comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

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