Battery module, battery pack including same, and automobile

Abstract

The present invention may include a plurality of battery cells stacked on top of each other, each having a storage portion and a sealing portion; a module case that stores the plurality of battery cells in an internal space; and a pressure member having at least one surface 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 at least another surface arranged to face at least one surface of the module case, and configured to pressurize the terrace portion 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. 10-2023-0151094 filed on November 3, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0104120 filed on August 5, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety in their specifications and drawings. [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 achieve the above object, the present invention may include a plurality of battery cells stacked on one another, each having a storage portion and a sealing portion; a module case that stores the plurality of battery cells in an internal space; and a pressure member having at least one surface 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 at least another surface arranged to face at least one surface of the module case, and configured to pressurize the terrace portion when the internal pressure of the battery cell increases.

[0014] The module case may include an upper plate disposed to cover an upper portion of the battery cell, and the pressing member may be configured to contact the upper plate.

[0015] The pressure member may be configured to surround at least a portion of the terrace portion.

[0016] At least a portion of the pressure member may be disposed above the sealing portion.

[0017] The pressure member may have a groove formed therein configured to receive at least a portion of the folding region of the sealing portion.

[0018] The pressure member may be configured such that venting occurs at a central portion of the battery cell when vent gas is discharged upward from the battery cell.

[0019] The pressing member may have an upper end extending toward a central portion of the battery cell.

[0020] The pressure member may be configured to surround all four sides of the terrace portion.

[0021] The battery may further include a bus bar assembly located on a side of a terrace portion in which an electrode lead is located in the sealing portion of the battery cell and electrically connected to the electrode lead, wherein the pressing member may be located inside the bus bar assembly.

[0022] The battery pack may further include a barrier member interposed between adjacent battery cells, and the pressure member may face at least one surface of the barrier member.

[0023] The pressure member may comprise a thermally insulating or heat resistant material.

[0024] The pressure member may comprise two or more different materials.

[0025] The pressure member may include two or more materials having different strengths.

[0026] The present invention also provides a battery pack including the battery according to the present invention.

[0027] The present invention also provides a motor vehicle including a battery pack according to the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] According to another aspect of the present invention, the pressure member is configured to be coupled to the bus bar assembly, which facilitates assembly of the pressure member and simplifies the manufacturing process.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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]

[0037] [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 3] 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a battery cell included in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view showing a portion of a battery module including a pressing member according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5]3 is a front view of a pressing member included in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 1 is a top cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a pressing member according to an embodiment of the present invention is coupled to a battery cell; [Figure 7] 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing a portion of a battery module including a compression member according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8a] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pressure member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8b] 1 is an enlarged view of an upper portion of a pressure member according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 9] 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing a portion of a battery module including a compression member according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front view of a pressure member according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a front view of a pressing member included in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a pressing member included in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a partial configuration of a battery module including a pressing member according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a front view of a pressure member according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 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 16] 10 is a perspective view of a battery module including a compression member according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a front view of a pressing member included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] 10A to 10C are views illustrating a process of coupling a lower surface of an upper plate and a pressure member according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 19]10A and 10B are views illustrating a process of joining a lower surface of an upper plate and a pressure member according to still another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 20] 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a battery pack including a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] 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

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] Furthermore, throughout the specification, unless otherwise specified, each element may be singular or plural.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] Throughout the specification, "A and / or B" can mean "A," "B," or "A and B," unless otherwise specified.

[0048] 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.

[0049] Although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back 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.

[0050] 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. 3 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a battery cell 100 included in the battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] 1 to 3, a battery module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a battery cell 100, a module case 200, a bus bar assembly 300, and a pressing member 400.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] Specifically, referring to FIG. 3 , the battery cell 100 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 in a center portion 102 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, and the electrode assembly may be mounted in this internal space. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 , the cell casing 110 has a double-cup shape in which the receiving portion R is formed on both sides thereof, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to this shape of the cell casing 110. For example, the battery cell 100 may have a single-cup shape in which the receiving portion R is formed on only one side of the cell casing 110.

[0055] 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. 3 , 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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. Here, the terrace portion T may refer to the sealing portion S extending vertically from the front and / or rear of the battery cell 100.

[0058] 3, the sealing portion S may include two terrace portions T and an upper sealing portion S1. Here, the two terrace portions T may refer to the front sealing portion and the rear sealing portion of the battery cell 100.

[0059] 3, the upper sealing portion S1 may be folded at least once. That is, the upper sealing portion S1 may be partially folded to form a folding region F. The front sealing portion or the rear sealing portion, i.e., the terrace portion T, is where the electrode lead 120 is located, and therefore may be stored in the module case 200 without being folded. In contrast, the upper sealing portion S1 may be stored in the module case 200 in a folded state.

[0060] A plurality of battery cells 100 may be included in the battery module 10. 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).

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] The busbar assembly 300 may be configured to be electrically connected to the electrode leads 120. The busbar assembly 300 may be configured to allow the electrode leads 120 of a plurality of battery cells 100 to be connected to one another. More specifically, the busbar assembly 300 may be configured to support the electrode leads 120, facilitate interconnection of the electrode leads 120, and enable sensing of voltage and the like from the electrode leads 120.

[0066] The busbar assembly 300 may be disposed adjacent to a terrace portion T on which the electrode lead 120 is located in the sealing portion S of the battery cell 100. For example, the busbar assembly 300 may be disposed adjacent to a terrace portion T on which the electrode lead 120 is located in the sealing portion S facing the front surface (the surface facing the -Y axis direction) of the battery cell 100.

[0067] The busbar assembly 300 may include a busbar terminal 310 and a busbar frame 320, as shown in FIG.

[0068] The bus bar terminal 310 may be configured to electrically connect two or more electrode leads 120 together, or to be connected to one or more electrode leads 120 and transmit sensing information to a control unit such as a BMS (battery management system).

[0069] The busbar frame 320 may be made of an electrically insulating material, for example, a plastic material. The busbar frame 320 may be configured to mount the busbar terminals 310. Furthermore, busbar slits 321 may be formed in the busbar frame 320. The busbar terminals 310 may be attached to the outer side of the busbar frame 320, for example, on the front side (-Y-axis direction). In this case, the electrode leads 120 may contact the busbar terminals 310 located on the outer side through the busbar slits 321 of the busbar frame 320. In particular, the electrode leads 120 may be coupled and fixed to the busbar terminals 310 singly or in a stack of two or more. In this case, the electrode leads 120 and the busbar terminals 310 may be coupled and fixed by laser welding, ultrasonic welding, or various other fastening methods may be used.

[0070] The pressure member 400 may be located inside the bus bar assembly 300. Specifically, referring to Fig. 6, the pressure member 400 may be located inside the bus bar frame 320, and the bus bar terminal 310 may be located outside the bus bar frame 320. In other words, the pressure member 400 and the bus bar terminal 310 may be arranged in opposite directions across the bus bar frame 320. In this case, the electrode lead 120 may contact the bus bar terminal 310 located outside through the bus bar slit 321 of the bus bar frame 320.

[0071] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of a battery pack including a pressing member according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a front view of a pressing member included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a top cross-sectional view showing a state in which a pressing member according to an embodiment of the present invention is coupled to a battery cell. Fig. 7 is a side cross-sectional view showing a portion of a battery pack including a pressing member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] 4 and 5, at least a portion of the pressing member 400 may be disposed to face at least one surface of the terrace portion T. The pressing member 400 may be configured to pressurize the terrace portion T from both sides of the terrace portion T. One surface of the pressing member 400 may be disposed to face the first surface 111 of the terrace portion T, and the other surface of the pressing member 400 may be disposed to face the second surface 112 of the terrace portion T opposite the first surface 111. 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). For example, as indicated by the arrows in the drawings, the portion of the pressing member 400 disposed on the left side of the terrace portion T may press the terrace portion T rightward, and the portion of the pressing member 400 disposed on the right side of the terrace portion T may press the terrace portion T leftward.

[0073] The pressing member 400 may be configured to pressurize the terrace portion T when the internal pressure of the battery cell 100 increases. The pressing member 400 may not only pressurize the electrode lead 120, but also pressurize the entire terrace portion T or a part of the terrace portion T to prevent the terrace portion T from opening.

[0074] According to the embodiment of the present invention, the pressing member 400 may be configured to suppress opening or separation of the terrace portion T. In particular, the sealing portion S (e.g., the terrace portion T) of the battery cell 100 is a welded portion and has lower resistance to 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 400, so that it is possible to prevent or prevent the influence of vent gases, fire, etc. discharged from other battery cells 100. Therefore, in this case, it is possible to effectively prevent the propagation of thermal runaway between the battery cells 100 inside the battery module 10.

[0075] Furthermore, by applying pressure from both sides (e.g., the left side and the right side) of the terrace portion T, it is possible to prevent the terrace portion T from opening in both directions or from moving in one direction. When the terrace portion T is pressurized from both sides in this way, the terrace portion T is reliably compressed, thereby further improving the sealing performance of the terrace portion T.

[0076] 5, the pressure member 400 may be disposed such that at least one surface thereof faces at least one surface of the module case 200. That is, at least one surface of the pressure member 400 may be formed to extend toward the module case 200.

[0077] 4, one side of the battery cell 100 and one side of the module case 200 configured to house the battery cell 100 may be spaced apart by a specified distance. That is, a space g may be formed between one side of the battery cell 100 and one side of the module case 200 configured to house the battery cell 100. When a thermal event occurs, vent gas or flames emitted from the battery cell 100 may travel to other nearby battery cells 100 through the space g.

[0078] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs in any one of the battery cells 100, it is possible to prevent the emitted high-temperature gas, flames, etc. from being transferred to other battery cells 100 through the space g between the module case 200 and the battery cell 100. Therefore, it is possible to prevent and / or delay a chain reaction of explosions of the battery cells 100.

[0079] 4, the pressure member 400 may be configured to extend in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) along the terrace portion T. In order to prevent the vent gas from venting from the terrace portion T, the pressure member 400 may be configured to extend in the vertical direction along the shape of the terrace portion T and to pressurize the entire terrace portion T. For example, the vertical length of the pressure member 400 may be substantially the same as or longer than the vertical length of the terrace portion T.

[0080] That is, the pressurizing member 400 applies continuous pressure to the entire terrace portion T from the lower end to the upper end, thereby preventing the entire terrace portion T from opening or bursting. According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, venting of the terrace portion T, such as vent gas or flame, can be completely blocked, and bursting of the terrace portion T due to the pressure of the vent gas or flame can be more reliably prevented.

[0081] There may be a plurality of pressure members 400. The pressure members 400 may be arranged at regular intervals along the stacking direction (X-axis direction) of the battery cells 100.

[0082] 4 and 5, the module case 200 may include an upper plate 210 (e.g., a top plate). The upper plate 210 may be disposed to cover the upper portions of the battery cells 100. In this regard, referring to the portion indicated by B in FIG. 5, the pressing member 400 may be configured to contact the upper plate 210 of the module case 200. That is, the upper surface of the pressing member 400 may be in direct contact with the upper plate 210.

[0083] 2 and 7, the battery cell 100 may be divided into approximately front and rear edge portions 101 and a central portion 102 therebetween. The pressing member 400 is configured to extend in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) up to the upper plate 210 and may pressurize the edge portions 101 in the longitudinal direction Y, even within the upper portion of the battery cell 100 (e.g., upper sealing portion S1).

[0084] The pressure member 400 may induce high-temperature gas or flames generated in the battery cells 100 to be vented upward when an abnormality occurs in the battery module 10. When the front and / or rear terrace portions T of the battery cells 100 are pressurized by the pressure member 400, venting in directions other than the front and / or rear of the battery module may be induced. For example, in this case, top venting that induces directional venting upward of the battery module may be more preferably applied.

[0085] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent not only forward and / or backward venting from the terrace portion T but also venting from the front and / or rear edge portion 101 above the battery module 10. At the same time, it is possible to induce venting from the center portion 102 above the battery cell 100, excluding the front and / or rear edge portion 101.

[0086] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent high-temperature gases, flames, etc. emitted from any one battery cell 100 from transferring to other battery cells 100 through the space g between the upper plate 210 and the battery cell 100. Therefore, it is possible to prevent and / or delay a chain reaction of explosions of the battery cells 100.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the upper surface of the pressure member 400 and the lower surface of the upper plate 210 may be coupled together using an adhesive. For example, an adhesive member (not shown), such as an adhesive or adhesive tape, may be disposed between the upper surface of the pressure member 400 and the lower surface of the upper plate 210. However, the coupling method between the pressure member 400 and the upper plate 210 is not limited to the above embodiment and may be variously modified.

[0088] The pressure member 400 may include a heat insulating or heat resistant material. For example, the pressure member 400 may be made of or include a heat insulating or heat resistant material. For example, the pressure member 400 may include at least one of materials with strong heat insulating and / or heat resistant (including fireproof) properties, such as plastic, rubber, silicone, aerogel, metal, and glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP). For example, the pressure member 400 may include a metal material that has rigidity and heat resistance to physically or chemically prevent the terrace portion T from bursting.

[0089] 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 pressure member 400 having heat insulating or heat resistant properties.

[0090] However, the material of the pressure member 400 is not limited to the above embodiment, and there is no particular limitation on the material as long as it exhibits a predetermined heat insulating performance or heat resistance performance.

[0091] Figures 8a and 8b are perspective and enlarged views of a pressure member according to an embodiment of the present invention, respectively, and show an enlarged view of an upper portion of the pressure member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] 5 and 8a, the pressure member 400 may be configured to surround at least a portion of the periphery of the terrace portion T. The pressure member 400 may surround at least three sides of the terrace portion T. The pressure member 400 may surround both sides of the terrace portion T and one side therebetween. For example, the pressure member 400 may surround the first surface 111, the second surface 112 of the terrace portion T, and one side therebetween (e.g., the top surface).

[0093] The pressure applying member 400 may include a first pressure applying portion 410 arranged to face the first surface 111 of the terrace portion T, a second pressure applying portion 420 arranged to face the second surface 112 opposite the first surface 111 of the terrace portion T, and a third pressure applying portion 430 connecting the first pressure applying portion 410 and the second pressure applying portion 420.

[0094] The first pressure applying unit 410 and the second pressure applying unit 420 may be arranged side by side with the terrace portion T in between. The third pressure applying unit 430 may be arranged perpendicular to the first pressure applying unit 410 and the second pressure applying unit 420. For example, the pressure applying member 400 may be U-shaped.

[0095] The pressure member 400 may further include a slit 432 surrounded by the first pressure member 410, the second pressure member 420, and the third pressure member 430. The terrace portion T may penetrate the pressure member 400 through the slit 432.

[0096] The slit 432 may be formed to extend elongatedly in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The upper part of the slit 432 may be blocked by the third pressure member 430, and the lower part of the slit 432 may be open. As a result, when attaching the pressure member 400 to the battery cell 100, the pressure member 400 may be attached from above downward, and the terrace portion T may pass through the slit 432 that is open downward.

[0097] The width (length in the X-axis direction) W1 of the slit 432 may be substantially the same as the thickness (length in the X-axis direction) of the terrace portion T, or may be wider than that.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the width (length in the X-axis direction) W1 of the slit 432 may be wider than the thickness (length in the X-axis direction) of the terrace portion T. That is, one surface of the pressing member 400 may be disposed to be spaced a predetermined distance from the terrace portion T. Here, the predetermined distance may refer to a distance that allows for an expanded volume when the battery cell 100 swells, but prevents the battery cell 100 from opening due to thermal runaway.

[0099] Therefore, the swelling phenomenon in which the battery cell 100 expands above a certain level can be absorbed or tolerated to some extent. In addition, even if the internal pressure of the battery cell 100 increases during thermal runaway in a specific battery cell 100, the pressure member 400 can prevent the welded (sealed) portion of the sealing portion from opening.

[0100] According to another embodiment, the width (length in the X-axis direction) W1 of the slit 432 may be substantially the same as the thickness (length in the X-axis direction) of the terrace portion T. That is, the pressing member 400 may be configured to contact at least one surface of the terrace portion T. The pressing member 400 may be in close contact with at least one surface of the terrace portion T. In this case, the pressing member 400 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 400 may be configured to always contact the terrace portion T and press the terrace portion T with a pressure equal to or greater than a certain level.

[0101] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the pressing member 400 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.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the first pressure member 410, the second pressure member 420, and the third pressure member 430 of the pressure member 400 may be integrally formed. According to another embodiment, the first pressure member 410, the second pressure member 420, and the third pressure member 430 of the pressure member 400 may be adhesively bonded together using an adhesive or the like. However, the bonding method of the pressure member 400 is not limited to the above embodiment and may be variously modified in design.

[0103] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, instead of multiple pressing members 400 pressing one terrace portion T, each pressing member 400 presses the terrace portion T from different directions, which makes it easier to apply pressure and provides a relatively large pressure. Also, it is easier to fix and couple the pressing members 400 to the battery cell 100.

[0104] At least a portion of the pressure member 400 may be disposed on the upper portion of the sealing portion S. At least a portion of the pressure member 400 may be located above the upper sealing portion S1. That is, the pressure member 400 may cover at least a portion of the upper sealing portion S1.

[0105] Specifically, the third pressurizing member 430 may be disposed above the first pressurizing member 410 and the second pressurizing member 420. The third pressurizing member 430 may be located above the upper sealing portion S1. That is, the vertical height of the pressing member 400 may be greater than the vertical height of the battery cell 100.

[0106] According to the embodiment of the present invention, the upper sealing portion S1 may be formed to protrude upward from the receiving portion R of the battery cell 100. Therefore, it may be preferable in terms of space utilization that the pressing member 400 protrudes upward from the battery cell 100.

[0107] The pressure member 400 may have a groove 431 formed therein, into which at least a portion of the folding region F of the upper sealing portion S1 is inserted. The groove 431 may be formed in the third pressure portion 430 of the pressure member 400. The groove 431 may extend from the slit 432 of the pressure member 400 and have an upwardly recessed structure.

[0108] The size of the groove 431 may be substantially the same as or larger than the size of the folding region F of the sealing portion S. For example, the groove 431 may extend from the slit 432 and have a shape extending rightward (in the +X-axis direction) from the slit 432 to correspond to the shape of the folding region F. For example, the groove 431 may have a rectangular shape consisting of horizontal and vertical surfaces. For example, the groove 431 may include an inclined surface corresponding to the shape of the folding region F. For example, the groove 431 may be formed with at least a curved surface. However, the shape and size of the groove 431 are not limited by the above embodiment and may be any shape and size into which the upper sealing portion S1 (e.g., the folding region F) can be inserted.

[0109] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the pressure member 400 can protect the upper portion of the sealing portion S, i.e., the upper sealing portion S1, and can prevent the folded portion of the folding region F in the upper sealing portion S1 from opening or being deformed.

[0110] The pressure member 400 may be configured such that venting occurs at the center 102 of the battery cell 100 when vent gas is discharged upward from at least one battery cell 100 .

[0111] The pressure member 400 can induce high-temperature gases or flames generated in the battery cells 100 to be vented upward when an abnormality occurs in the battery module 10. When the front and / or rear terrace portions T of the battery cells 100 are pressurized by the pressure member 400, venting in directions other than the front and / or rear of the battery module 10 can be induced. For example, in this case, top venting that induces directional venting upward in the battery module 10 may be more preferably applied.

[0112] If vent gas is discharged above the battery cell 100, the edge 101 of the upper sealing part S1 may burst. In this case, the same problem as when venting occurs from the terrace part T may occur. For example, if vent gas is discharged from the edge 101 (front and rear) of the upper sealing part S1, the vent gas may move toward the terrace part T, where a relatively large space exists, in the internal space of the battery module 10. In addition, the space on the terrace part T may cause the vent gas or a flame to spread to other battery cells 100.

[0113] According to the embodiment of the present invention, the pressing member 400 surrounds the edge portion 101 of the upper sealing portion S1, thereby suppressing venting due to the edge portion 101. Furthermore, according to the embodiment of the present invention, top venting can be induced and venting can occur in the center portion 102 of the battery cell 100.

[0114] FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view showing a portion of a battery pack including a pressing member according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0115] The pressing member 400 may be formed such that an upper end (an upper end in the vertical direction) extends toward the center 102 of the battery cell 100. That is, the third pressing portion 430 may be formed to extend toward the center 102 of the battery cell 100. The third pressing portion 430 may extend in a direction perpendicular to the first pressing portion 410 and the second pressing portion 420. For example, the pressing member 400 may be in the shape of a parenthesis (").

[0116] In the third pressurizing unit 430, the length of a portion extending in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) toward the center 102 of the battery cell 100 may be a first length L1. For example, the first length L1 may be a predetermined length that allows upward venting of vent gas discharged from the battery cell 100 but restricts venting toward the edge portion 101. For example, the first length L1 may be 2% or more and 25% or less of the length (length in the Y-axis direction) of the battery cell 100. For example, the first length L1 may be 5% or more and 20% or less of the length (length in the Y-axis direction) of the battery cell 100.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the area surrounded by the pressing member 400 (third pressing portion 430) in the upper sealing portion S1 may be relatively increased compared to Fig. 7. According to the embodiment of the present invention, venting toward the central portion 102 in the upper portion of the battery cell 100 may be further induced, and venting toward the edge portion 101 may be effectively prevented.

[0118] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a pressure member according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0119] The pressure member 400 may be configured to surround all four sides of the terrace portion T. The terrace portion T may be surrounded by the pressure member 400 on all sides, top, bottom, left, and right.

[0120] 10C, the pressure member 400 may further include a fourth pressure member 440 that connects the first pressure member 410 and the second pressure member 420 and is disposed below the first pressure member 410 and the second pressure member 420. The fourth pressure member 440 may be disposed perpendicular to the first pressure member 410 and the second pressure member 420. The fourth pressure member 440 may be disposed alongside the third pressure member 430. For example, the pressure member 400 may be square-shaped.

[0121] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, it is easier to assemble the pressing member 400. In addition, the fixing force between the pressing member 400 and the battery cell 100 is further strengthened, and the terrace portion T can be more effectively prevented from swinging upward or downward.

[0122] 11 is a front view of a pressing member included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG 12 is a cross-sectional view of a pressing member included in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0123] The battery module 10 may further include a barrier member 500. The barrier member 500 may be interposed between adjacent battery cells 100. For example, the barrier member 500 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 500 may be interposed between the stacked battery cells 100. For example, when a plurality of battery cells 100 are stacked in the X-axis direction, the barrier member 500 may be inserted between adjacent battery cells 100. One or more barrier members 500 may be provided in one battery module 10. In particular, when three or more battery cells 100 are included, a plurality of barrier members 500 may be provided, one for each battery cell 100.

[0124] The barrier member 500 may be configured to suppress the transmission of heat, flame, pressure, impact, etc. between the battery cells 100. For example, the barrier member 500 may be configured as a thermal barrier to block the transmission of heat or flame between the battery cells 100. Alternatively, the barrier member 500 may be a compression pad configured to absorb pressure or shape deformation due to swelling between the battery cells 100. The barrier member 500 according to the present invention may employ various components interposed between the battery cells 100 in a conventional battery module or battery pack (e.g., the battery pack 1 of FIG. 19).

[0125] In particular, the barrier member 500 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 central portion 102, and the barrier member 500 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.

[0126] According to one embodiment, at least one side of the barrier member 500 may extend so as to protrude from between the receiving portions R of the adjacent battery cells 100 to between the sealing portions S, particularly the terrace portions T, of the adjacent battery cells 100 .

[0127] The pressure member 400 may face at least one surface of the barrier member 500. The pressure member 400 may be attached to one surface of the barrier member 500. According to an embodiment, the battery module 10 according to the present invention may further include an adhesive member 501 disposed between the pressure member 400 and the barrier member 500. That is, the pressure member 400 may be adhesively fixed to the barrier member 500. Alternatively, the pressure member 400 may be fixed to the barrier member 500 using various other fastening methods.

[0128] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the pressure member 400 may be supported by the barrier member 500. Furthermore, since the pressure member 400 is attached to the barrier member 500, the fixing force of the pressure member 400 is further improved.

[0129] Fig. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a battery module including a pressure member according to another embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 14 is a front view of a pressure member according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a battery module including a pressure member according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0130] According to one embodiment, the pressure member 400 may include two or more different materials and may be constructed from multiple layers.

[0131] 13 and 14, the pressure member 400 may include a first pressure layer 401 including a first material and a second pressure layer 402 including a second material different from the first material. For example, the first pressure layer 401 may be disposed to face the sealing portion S (e.g., the terrace portion T) and the upper sealing portion S1, and the second pressure layer 402 may be disposed to face the barrier member 500.

[0132] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, by using different materials for different layers of the pressure member 400, the pressure member 400 can have the function of supporting the adjacent terrace portions T as well as the function of absorbing swelling of the battery cell 100 when it occurs.

[0133] According to one embodiment, the pressure member 400 may include two or more materials having different strengths. For example, the first material and the second material may have different strengths. Here, the term "strength" may be used interchangeably with "hardness," "strength," "firmness," "elasticity," etc. 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 401 facing the terrace portion T may have a lower hardness than the second material of the second pressure layer 402.

[0134] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the first pressure layer 401 facing the terrace portion T is made of a material having a relatively lower hardness than the second pressure layer 402, and when a swelling phenomenon occurs in which the battery cell 100 expands above a certain level, the first pressure layer 401 is compressed to absorb or tolerate the swelling of the battery cell 100 to some extent. However, since the second pressure layer 402 has a higher hardness than the first pressure layer 401, 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.

[0135] According to another embodiment, referring to FIG. 15 , the pressure member 400 may further include a third pressure layer 403 including a third material different from the second material. For example, the first pressure layer 401 and the third pressure layer 403 may be disposed to face the adjacent terrace portion T or the barrier member 500, 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 401 and the third pressure layer 403 may have a relatively lower hardness than the second pressure layer 402.

[0136] 14 , the first and second pressure members 410 and 420 are configured with the first and second pressure layers 401 and 402, respectively, while the third pressure member 430 may be configured with only the second pressure layer 402. The third pressure member 430 does not need to directly face the swelling portion of the battery cell 100 when the battery cell 100 swells. Therefore, the third pressure member 430 may be made of a material suitable for ensuring structural or mechanical stability of the pressure member 400 rather than for dealing with swelling.

[0137] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the swelling phenomenon in which the battery cell 100 expands above a certain level is tolerated, and when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 100, the terrace portion T of the battery cell 100 can be prevented from opening.

[0138] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a part of a pressure member according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0139] The surface of the third pressure member 430 facing the -X axis may be flat without a groove (e.g., groove 431 in FIG. 8a). That is, the upper sealing portion S1 and / or the folding region F surrounded by the third pressure member 430 may not be exposed to the outside. When viewed from the X axis direction, the upper sealing portion S1 and / or the folding region F are not visible.

[0140] The third pressure member 430 may be configured to protrude leftward (in the negative X-axis direction) from the first pressure member 410 and / or the second pressure member 420. The third pressure member may protrude a predetermined length L2 from the first pressure member 410 and / or the second pressure member 420. For example, the pressure member 400 of FIG. 8a may further include a cover that can cover the upper sealing portion S1 and / or the folding region F. However, the protruding shape and protruding length of the third pressure member are not limited to those of the above embodiment and may be variously modified.

[0141] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to reliably block the movement of vent gas, flames, and the like into the space on the terrace portion T side. In addition, it is possible to suppress venting by the edge portion 101 of the upper sealing portion S1.

[0142] Fig. 17 is a front view of a portion of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 18 is a view showing a state in which the lower surface of the upper plate and the pressure member are separated in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 19 is a view showing a process in which the lower surface of the upper plate and the pressure member are coupled together according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0143] The upper plate 210 may include at least one protruding member 211 protruding downward (in the −Z axis direction) from the lower surface 210a of the upper plate 210. The protruding member 211 may be disposed between the pressure members 400.

[0144] A plurality of protruding members 211 may be provided. The plurality of protruding members 211 may be arranged to be spaced apart at predetermined intervals along the stacking direction (X-axis direction) of the battery cells 100. In this case, the spacing distance G1 between the protruding members 211 may be substantially the same as or wider than the width W2 of the pressing member 400 in the X-axis direction.

[0145] 18 , the protruding member 211 may be formed to extend in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery cell 100. The extension length (length in the Y-axis direction) L4 of the protruding member 211 may substantially correspond to the width length L3 of the pressing member 400. For example, the extension length (length in the Y-axis direction) L4 of the protruding member 211 may be substantially the same as, or may be shorter or longer than, the width length L3 of the pressing member 400. Multiple protruding members 211 may be disposed on both sides of the pressing member 400. That is, the pressing member 400 may be inserted between the protruding members 211.

[0146] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the position of the pressing member 400 can be stably fixed by the protruding member 211. In particular, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 100, pressure may be applied to the pressing member 400. According to the above embodiment, even in such a situation where pressure is applied, the pressing member 400 does not move away from its position and can stably maintain its position. Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, structural rupture of the pressing member 400 due to high-temperature gas, flame, etc. can be more effectively prevented.

[0147] According to one embodiment, the protruding member 211 may be configured such that the fixing force to the pressure member 400 weakens as it moves inward (toward the central portion 102). In other words, the protruding member 211 may be configured such that the fixing force to the pressure member 400 strengthens as it moves outward (toward the front in FIG. 19). For example, referring to FIG. 19, the protruding member 211 may have a portion where the distance between the protruding member 211 and the pressure member 400 gradually increases as it moves inward. That is, the separation distance G2 of the inner end of the protruding member 211 may be wider than the width W2 of the pressure member 400 in the X-axis direction.

[0148] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to more easily implement top venting for the battery cell 100. That is, according to the above embodiment, the fixing force of the pressing member 400 weakens as it goes inward (toward the center portion 102), so that venting can be stably induced in the center portion 102 of the upper sealing portion S1 of the battery cell 100. Meanwhile, in the above embodiment, venting can be effectively prevented from occurring in the front or rear edge portion 101 of the upper sealing portion S1 of the battery cell 100.

[0149] FIG. 20 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a battery pack 1 including a battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0150] 20, 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.

[0151] Furthermore, the battery pack 1 according to the present invention may further include a pack case 11, as indicated by PC in Fig. 15. 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.

[0152] FIG. 21 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a battery pack 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0153] 21, 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 1 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.

[0154] FIG. 22 is a schematic perspective view of an automobile V including a battery pack 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0155] 22, 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.

[0156] 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 pressure member configured to pressurize a terrace portion when an internal pressure of the battery cell increases, thereby preventing venting to the terrace portion side, a battery module in which at least one surface of the pressing member is arranged to face at least one surface of the terrace portion of the sealing portion of the battery cell on which an electrode lead is located, and at least another surface of the pressing member is arranged to face at least one surface of the module case.

2. the module case includes an upper plate disposed to cover an upper portion of the battery cell; The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the pressure member is configured to contact the upper plate.

3. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the pressure member is configured to surround at least a portion of the periphery of the terrace portion.

4. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the pressing member is disposed above the sealing portion.

5. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the pressing member has a groove formed therein into which at least a portion of the folding region of the sealing portion is inserted.

6. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the pressure member is configured such that venting occurs at a central portion of the battery cell when vent gas is discharged upward from the battery cell.

7. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the pressing member has an upper end extending toward a center portion of the battery cell.

8. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the pressure member is configured to surround all four sides of the terrace portion.

9. a bus bar assembly located on a side of a terrace portion on which an electrode lead is located in the sealing portion of the battery cell, the bus bar assembly being electrically connected to the electrode lead; The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the pressure member is located inside the bus bar assembly.

10. further including a barrier member interposed between adjacent battery cells; The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the pressure member faces at least one surface of the barrier member.

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

12. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the pressure member comprises two or more different materials.

13. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the pressure member comprises two or more materials having different strengths.

14. A battery pack comprising the battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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

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