Battery module, battery pack, and automobile including the same

Abstract

To provide a battery module, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the same, which are configured to ensure structural stability even when a thermal event occurs. A battery module according to one aspect of the present invention includes a cell assembly including at least one battery cell, and a module frame configured to accommodate the battery cell in a cell accommodating portion such that a portion of the cell accommodating portion is open.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0052364, filed on April 27, 2022, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0051624, filed on April 19, 2023, and the contents disclosed in the specifications and drawings of said applications are incorporated herein in their entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery module, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the same, and more particularly to a battery module, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the same that are configured to ensure structural stability even when a thermal event occurs. [Background technology]

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

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

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

[0006] Lithium secondary batteries are classified into can-type secondary batteries, in which the electrode assembly is housed in a metal can, and pouch-type secondary batteries, in which the electrode assembly is housed in an aluminum laminated sheet pouch, depending on the shape of the battery case. Can-type secondary batteries are further classified into cylindrical batteries and prismatic batteries depending on the shape of the metal can.

[0007] The pouch of a pouch-type secondary battery is generally divided into a lower sheet and an upper sheet covering the lower sheet. The pouch contains an electrode assembly formed by stacking and winding a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator. After the electrode assembly is contained, the edges of the upper and lower sheets are sealed by thermal welding or the like. Electrode tabs extending from each electrode are connected to electrode leads, and an insulating film may be attached to the electrode leads at the portions in contact with the sealing portions.

[0008] In this way, pouch-type secondary batteries have the flexibility to be configured in various shapes, and also have the advantage that a secondary battery with the same capacity can be realized with a smaller volume and mass.

[0009] In order to provide high voltage and high current, the lithium secondary battery is used as a battery module or a battery pack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked or laminated by themselves or in a state of being mounted in a cartridge or the like to form a dense structure, and the battery modules or battery packs are electrically connected.

[0010] One of the most important issues in such battery pack configurations is safety. In particular, if a thermal event occurs in one of the multiple battery cells included in the battery pack, it is necessary to suppress the propagation of such an event to other batteries. If the thermal propagation between battery cells is not properly suppressed, this may lead to a thermal event in other battery cells included in the battery pack, which may cause larger problems such as a fire or explosion of the battery pack. Furthermore, a fire or explosion occurring in the battery pack may cause serious damage to surrounding people and property. Therefore, such battery packs require a configuration that can properly control the above-mentioned thermal events. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a battery module, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the same that are configured to ensure structural stability even when a thermal event occurs.

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

[0013] To achieve the above-mentioned object, a battery module according to one aspect of the present invention includes a cell assembly including at least one battery cell, and a module frame configured to accommodate the battery cell in a cell accommodating portion, with a portion of the cell accommodating portion being open.

[0014] In one embodiment, the cell receiving portion may be configured such that a portion located above or below the received battery cell is open.

[0015] In one embodiment, a plurality of the battery cells may be provided, a plurality of the cell accommodating portions may be provided, the battery cells may be accommodated in the plurality of cell accommodating portions, and the plurality of cell accommodating portions may be configured such that, when viewed from the stacking direction of the battery cells, portions located above the accommodated battery cells and portions located below the accommodated battery cells are alternately open.

[0016] In one embodiment, the plurality of cell accommodating portions may be configured to be separated from each other by partition walls when viewed in a stacking direction of the battery cells.

[0017] In one embodiment, the partition wall may be formed in a multiply folded structure when viewed in the stacking direction of the battery cells.

[0018] In one embodiment, the battery cell may include a cell case having an accommodating space for accommodating an electrode assembly therein and from which electrode leads electrically connected to the electrode assembly protrude to the outside, and the cell case may be configured to fit closely to the inside of the cell accommodating portion in a stacking direction of the battery cells.

[0019] In one embodiment, the cell receiving portion may be formed to be longer than the cell case in a longitudinal direction of the battery cell.

[0020] In one embodiment, the cell receiving portion may be configured such that portions located on both sides of the received battery cell in a longitudinal direction are open.

[0021] In an embodiment, the battery module may further include a cell fixing member configured to surround the cell assembly and the module frame.

[0022] In an embodiment, the battery module may further include a heat shielding member disposed on at least one of both sides of the cell case when viewed in a stacking direction of the battery cells inside the cell receiving portion.

[0023] In an embodiment, the battery module may further include a guide portion provided on at least one of both longitudinal sides of the cell receiving portion and bent in a stacking direction of the battery cells.

[0024] In one embodiment, the battery module further includes a bus bar frame supporting a bus bar electrically connected to an electrode lead of the battery cell accommodated in the cell accommodating portion of the module frame, and the bus bar frame may include a fixing groove into which an end of the module frame is inserted and fixed by a predetermined length.

[0025] In one embodiment, the bus bar frame may include a first bus bar frame having a first fixing groove into which one end of the module frame is inserted and fixed, and a second bus bar frame having a second fixing groove into which the other end of the module frame is inserted and fixed.

[0026] A battery pack according to another aspect of the present invention includes one or more of the battery modules described above.

[0027] Furthermore, a vehicle according to yet another aspect of the present invention includes one or more of the battery packs described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, by guiding vent gas and / or flame to be discharged to a certain region of the cell receiving section, it is possible to suppress ignition factors within the battery module and strengthen the structural stability of the battery module.

[0029] Furthermore, according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent adjacent battery cells from catching fire simultaneously.

[0030] Furthermore, various other additional effects can be achieved by various embodiments of the present invention. These various effects of the present invention will be described in detail in each embodiment, but explanations of effects that can be easily understood by those skilled in the art will be omitted.

[0031] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate 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. Therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to only the matters described in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 is a diagram showing a cell assembly provided in the battery module of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a diagram showing a module frame provided in the battery module of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a diagram showing a cell fixing member provided in the battery module of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 7] 2A to 2C are diagrams showing an assembly process of the battery module of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] 2A to 2C are diagrams showing an assembly process of the battery module of FIG. 1. [Figure 9] 2A to 2C are diagrams showing an assembly process of the battery module of FIG. 1. [Figure 10] 2A to 2C are diagrams showing an assembly process of the battery module of FIG. 1. [Figure 11] 2A to 2C are diagrams showing an assembly process of the battery module of FIG. 1. [Figure 12] 2A to 2C are diagrams showing an assembly process of the battery module of FIG. 1. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a battery module according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a battery module according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 16 is a diagram showing a state in which the module frame of the battery module shown in FIG. 15 is fixed by a bus bar frame. FIG. [Figure 17] 1 illustrates a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, the terms and phrases used in the specification and claims should not be construed as being limited to their ordinary and dictionary meanings, but should be construed as having meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical ideas of the present invention, in accordance with the principle that the inventors themselves can appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe the invention.

[0034] Therefore, it should be understood that the configurations shown in the embodiments described in this specification are merely the most desirable embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical idea of ​​the present invention, and that there may be various equivalents and modifications that can be substituted therefor at the time of this application.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module 10 of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a cell assembly 100 provided in the battery module 10 of FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a module frame 200 provided in the battery module 10 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of portion A of FIG. 1.

[0036] 5 is a diagram showing how the module frame 200 in the battery module 10 of the present invention guides the discharge of vent gas and / or flame caused by thermal runaway of the cell assemblies 100. In this regard, in FIG. 5, vent gas is indicated by the reference symbol "V" and flame is indicated by the reference symbol "F."

[0037] In an embodiment of the present invention, the X-axis direction shown in the drawings may refer to a longitudinal direction of a battery cell 110, which will be described later, the Y-axis direction may refer to a stacking direction in which battery cells 110 standing vertically on an XY plane are stacked, and the Z-axis direction may refer to a vertical direction perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0038] 1 to 5, a battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a cell assembly 100 and a module frame 200.

[0039] The cell assembly 100 may include at least one battery cell 110. Here, the battery cell 110 may refer to a secondary battery. The battery cell 110 may be provided as a pouch-type battery cell, a cylindrical battery cell, or a prismatic battery cell. For example, the battery cell 110 may be a pouch-type battery cell.

[0040] In one embodiment, the cell assembly 100 may include a plurality of battery cells 110, and the plurality of battery cells 110 may be stacked and arranged side by side in one direction (Y-axis direction).

[0041] The module frame 200 may be configured to accommodate the battery cells 110. To this end, the module frame 200 may have an empty space and may include a cell receiving portion S that receives the battery cell 110 in the empty space. The empty space of the cell receiving portion S may have a shape corresponding to the shape and size of the battery cell 110 so as to receive the battery cell 110. Furthermore, the battery cell 110 may be received in the cell receiving portion S thus provided.

[0042] At this time, the cell receiving portion S may be configured to be partially open. That is, the cell receiving portion S may be configured to have an empty space formed therein, and a portion of this empty space may be open. In particular, the open portion of the cell receiving portion S may be formed to allow the battery cell 110 to be inserted into the cell receiving portion S. Therefore, the open portion of the cell receiving portion S may have a size and shape that allows the battery cell 110 to be inserted.

[0043] Furthermore, the module frame 200 may include a material that is excellent in heat resistance and rigidity.

[0044] In a typical battery module, an event such as a thermal runaway phenomenon may occur in a specific battery cell among the battery cells constituting a cell assembly. In this case, high-temperature and high-pressure vent gas is generated inside the specific battery cell, and if the vent gas comes into contact with oxygen, a fire may occur inside or outside the battery cell.

[0045] In this case, there is a high risk that such a flame may spread to other batteries adjacent to a particular battery cell, which may result in simultaneous ignition of multiple battery cells. Meanwhile, conventional battery modules have a structure in which multiple battery cells are arranged in a sealed module case, which makes them vulnerable to the above-mentioned simultaneous ignition.

[0046] To solve this problem, the module frame 200 of the present invention accommodates the battery cell 110 inside the cell accommodating portion S, which is configured to be partially open, and can guide the vent gas and / or flame generated from the battery cell 110 when a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs to be discharged through the open portion of the cell accommodating portion S.

[0047] According to this embodiment of the present invention, vent gas and / or flame can be induced to be discharged to a certain region (open portion of the cell receiving portion S) of the cell receiving portion S. This can suppress ignition factors within the battery module 10 and enhance the structural stability of the battery module 10.

[0048] In particular, the cell accommodating portion S may be configured so that a portion of the cell accommodating portion S located above or below the battery cell 110 accommodated in the cell accommodating portion S is open. The battery cell 110 can be inserted into the cell accommodating portion S through the open portion of the cell accommodating portion S. This facilitates the insertion of the battery cell 110 into the module frame 200. In this manner, the open portion of the cell accommodating portion S that allows the battery cell 110 to be inserted into the cell accommodating portion S is referred to as a cell insertion portion O in the embodiment of the present invention. That is, the cell insertion portion O may be formed in a portion of the cell accommodating portion S located above or below the battery cell 110 accommodated in the cell accommodating portion S.

[0049] In one embodiment, the battery cell 110 may be formed so that the length extending along the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) is longer than the length of a portion including an electrode lead 114, which will be described later. In addition, the cell insertion portion O may be formed in a portion of the cell accommodating portion S located above or below the battery cell 110 based on the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the battery cell 110. Therefore, the cell insertion portion O may be formed with a larger area than a portion of the cell accommodating portion S corresponding to a portion including an electrode lead 114 of the battery cell 110, which will be described later.

[0050] In this way, the vent gas and / or flame can be guided to be more quickly discharged to the outside of the cell accommodating portion S through the cell insertion portion O, which is formed wider than the portion of the cell accommodating portion S corresponding to the portion including the electrode lead 114 of the battery cell 110. This makes it possible to more reliably suppress the causes of ignition within the battery module 10.

[0051] 1, 2, 4, and 5, a plurality of the battery cells 110 may be provided, and a corresponding plurality of the cell receiving portions S may be provided. In this case, the plurality of cell receiving portions S may be configured independently.

[0052] Specifically, the plurality of battery cells 110 may be accommodated in the plurality of cell accommodating portions S, respectively.

[0053] Furthermore, the plurality of cell accommodating portions S may be configured such that, when viewed in the stacking direction of the battery cells 110, a portion of the first cell accommodating portion located above the battery cell accommodated in the first cell accommodating portion and a portion of the second cell accommodating portion located below the battery cell accommodated in the second cell accommodating portion adjacent to the first cell accommodating portion are alternately opened. That is, the cell insertion portion O may be formed alternately in a portion located above the battery cell 110 accommodated in one cell accommodating portion S and a portion located below the battery cell 110 accommodated in another adjacent cell accommodating portion S. In this case, the cell insertion portions of the plurality of cell accommodating portions S may be configured to have the same shape and size.

[0054] This configuration may induce vent gas and / or flame to be discharged in opposite directions (toward the upper or lower side of the battery module 10) between adjacent battery cells 110. This may prevent the adjacent battery cells 110 from catching fire simultaneously.

[0055] The detailed structure of the module frame 200 will now be considered in more detail.

[0056] Referring again to FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5, the module frame 200 may include a first frame 220 and a second frame 240.

[0057] The first frame 220 may constitute a side surface of the cell receiving portion S in the stacking direction of the battery cells 110.

[0058] The second frame 240 may be connected to the first frame 220 and may form an upper or lower surface of the cell receiving portion S. The second frame 240 may be formed in a flat shape.

[0059] For example, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 4 and 5, two first frames 220 and one second frame 240 may form a cell receiving portion S. In this case, the second frame 240 may connect the upper ends of the two first frames 220 or the lower ends of the two first frames 220.

[0060] More specifically, when the second frame 240 connects the upper ends of the two first frames 220, the cell insertion portion O may be formed in a portion located below the battery cell 110 accommodated in the cell receiving portion S. Also, when the second frame 240 connects the lower ends of the two first frames 220, the cell insertion portion O may be formed in a portion located above the battery cell 110 accommodated in the cell receiving portion S.

[0061] Furthermore, the first frame 220 and the second frame 240 may be configured as an assembly to form a partition wall. Such a partition wall may refer to a side surface of the cell receiving portion S in the stacking direction of the battery cells 110, or an upper or lower surface of the cell receiving portion S. As an example, the first frame 220 and the second frame 240 may be joined to each other by welding or may be integrally formed by injection molding, but are not limited to such a manufacturing method.

[0062] Meanwhile, a plurality of first frames 220 and second frames 240 may be provided in the stacking direction of the battery cells 110. In this case, the second frames 240 may be connected to the first frames 220 so as to alternately configure the upper and lower surfaces of the cell receiving portions S when viewed from the stacking direction of the battery cells 110.

[0063] The above-described plurality of cell receiving portions S may be configured to be separated from each other by a partition wall formed by the first frame 220 and the second frame 240 when viewed from the stacking direction of the battery cells 110.

[0064] With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the adjacent battery cells 110 from catching fire simultaneously in the stacking direction of the battery cells 110.

[0065] In particular, such a partition wall may be formed in a structure that is folded multiple times when viewed from the stacking direction of the battery cells 110.

[0066] Specifically, the partition wall formed by the assembly of the first frame 220 and the second frame 240 may be configured in a shape in which an overall "Z"-shaped or "2"-shaped structure is repeated when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 110 or the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the module frame 200.

[0067] 1, 2, 4, and 5, the battery cells 110 may be accommodated in the cell accommodating portions S, which are the folded portions of the partition walls. Therefore, the size of the module frame 200 can be made more compact than in a non-folded frame structure.

[0068] In addition, the module frame 200 can be easily configured with a multi-folded structure without providing a separate structure for preventing flame propagation between adjacent battery cells 110. In addition, simultaneous ignition of adjacent battery cells 110 can be effectively prevented by simply inserting the battery cells 110 into the cell receiving portion S through the open portion (cell insertion portion O) of the cell receiving portion S formed in the module frame 200.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 1-5, a battery cell 110 may include a cell casing 112 .

[0070] The cell case 112 has an accommodating space for accommodating an electrode assembly (not shown) therein, and electrode leads 114 electrically connected to the electrode assembly may protrude to the outside. The electrode assembly may include a first electrode plate having a first polarity, a second electrode plate having a second polarity, and a separator interposed between the first and second electrode plates.

[0071] The cell case 112 may be configured to fit closely to the inside of the cell receiving portion S in the stacking direction of the battery cells 110. Specifically, the cell case 112 may fit closely to the first frame 220 that forms the side of the cell receiving portion S in the stacking direction of the battery cells 110.

[0072] In this way, since the cell casing 112 is in close contact with the inside of the cell receiving portion S in the stacking direction of the battery cells 110, the vent gas and / or flame can be blocked by the first frame 220 forming a partition wall. Therefore, the vent gas and / or flame can be guided to be more effectively discharged to the open portion (cell insertion portion O) of the cell receiving portion S.

[0073] In particular, the cell receiving portion S may be formed to be longer than the cell case 112 in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 110. Specifically, the first frame 220 may be formed to be longer than the cell case 112 in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 110.

[0074] As a result, vent gas and / or flame generated on both sides of the battery cell 110 in the longitudinal direction may collide with the longitudinal ends of the two first frames 220 arranged opposite to each other in the stacking direction of the battery cells 110 and be discharged to the cell insertion portion O side. In addition, vent gas and / or flame generated on both sides of one battery cell 110 in the longitudinal direction may collide with the longitudinal ends of the first frames 220, thereby preventing the vent gas and / or flame from spreading to other battery cells 110 adjacent to each other in the stacking direction of the battery cells 110.

[0075] According to this embodiment of the present invention, not only can the vent gas and / or flame be more quickly induced to be discharged to the outside of the cell accommodating portion S, but simultaneous ignition of adjacent battery cells 110 in the stacking direction of the battery cells 110 can also be minimized.

[0076] Referring again to Figures 1, 2, 4 and 5, the cell receiving portion S may be configured such that portions located on both sides of the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 110 received in the cell receiving portion S are open.

[0077] In an embodiment of the present invention, the cell receiving portion S may be configured so that only a portion (cell insertion portion O) located above or below the battery cell 110 received in the cell receiving portion S is open. Alternatively, the cell receiving portion S may be configured so that only portions located on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 110 received in the cell receiving portion S are open. Furthermore, the cell receiving portion S may be configured so that both a portion located above or below the battery cell 110 received in the cell receiving portion S and portions located on both sides in the longitudinal direction are open.

[0078] In this way, when the portions located on both sides of the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 110 accommodated in the cell accommodating portion S are also opened, the vent gas and / or flame can be induced to be more quickly discharged to the outside of the cell accommodating portion S.

[0079] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a cell fixing member 300 provided in the battery module 10 of FIG.

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 6, the battery module 10 may further include a cell fixing member 300.

[0081] The cell fixing member 300 may be configured to surround the cell assembly 100 and the module frame 200. For example, the cell fixing member 300 may include a material having excellent heat resistance and rigidity. One or more cell fixing members 300 may be provided in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 110.

[0082] In this way, the cell assembly 100 can be fixed to the module frame 200 having a multiple-fold structure by the cell fixing member 300, so that the battery module 10 can be stably accommodated in a battery pack consisting of an assembly of multiple battery modules without requiring a separate case structure.

[0083] 7 to 12 are diagrams showing the assembly process of the battery module 10 of FIG.

[0084] The assembly process of the battery module 10 of the present invention will be briefly described below as an example.

[0085] First, as shown in FIG. 7, a module frame 200 formed in a multi-folded structure is prepared.

[0086] 8, the battery cells 110 are first inserted into some of the cell accommodating portions S of the module frame 200. At this time, each battery cell 110 may be inserted into the corresponding cell accommodating portion S through the cell insertion portion O of the corresponding cell accommodating portion S.

[0087] When the battery cells 110 have been completely inserted into some of the cell accommodating sections S, the module frame 200 is rotated 180 degrees as shown in FIG.

[0088] 10, the battery cells 110 are secondarily inserted into the remaining cell receiving portions S among the plurality of cell receiving portions S into which no battery cells 110 have been inserted. At this time, each battery cell 110 may be inserted into the corresponding cell receiving portion S through the cell insertion portion O of the corresponding cell receiving portion S.

[0089] When the insertion of the battery cells 110 into the remaining cell receiving portions S is completed in this manner, the module frame 200 is rotated again by 180 degrees as shown in FIG.

[0090] 12, the cell assembly 100 is fixed to the module frame 200 via the cell fixing member 300. This allows the battery module 10 to be assembled as shown in FIG.

[0091] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the battery module 10 can be constructed by simply inserting the battery cells 110 into the module frame 200 in order through the open portions of the module frame 200, which has a multiply folded structure, and then fixing the battery cells 110 and the module frame 200 with the cell fixing member 300. This allows for easy assembly of the battery module 10, and also makes it possible to prevent simultaneous ignition of adjacent battery cells 110 with a simple structure.

[0092] In addition, as described above, since the second frame 240 of the module frame 200 is configured in a flat shape, the battery cell 110 can be stably seated within the module frame 200 even while the module frame 200 with the battery cell 110 inserted therein rotates during the assembly process of the battery module 10.

[0093] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a battery module 12 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] Since the battery module 12 according to this embodiment is similar to the battery module 10 according to the above-described embodiment, redundant explanations of configurations that are substantially identical or similar to those of the above-described embodiment will be omitted, and the following discussion will focus on the differences from the above-described embodiment.

[0095] The battery module 12 shown in FIG.

[0096] The heat-shielding member T may be disposed on at least one of both side surfaces of the cell casing 112 when viewed from the stacking direction of the battery cells 110 inside the cell receiving portion S. Specifically, the heat-shielding member T may be disposed between the cell casing 112 and the first frame 220 in the front-rear direction of the battery cell 110.

[0097] The thermal blocking member T may be configured to block a fire caused by thermal runaway of the battery cell 110. For example, the thermal blocking member T may be provided in the form of a thermal barrier coating. In particular, a thermal barrier coating agent may be applied or attached to the thermal blocking member T.

[0098] In the battery module 12 according to the present embodiment, the heat shielding member T for blocking a flame caused by thermal runaway of the battery cell 110 can primarily delay the spread of the flame to other adjacent battery cells 110, and the partition wall can secondarily suppress the spread of the flame to other adjacent battery cells 110. This makes it possible to more stably maintain the structural stability of the battery module 12.

[0099] 14 is a diagram showing a battery module 14 according to another embodiment of the present invention, in which vent gas is indicated by the reference character "G" and flame is indicated by the reference character "F."

[0100] Since the battery module 14 according to this embodiment is similar to the battery module 10 according to the above-described embodiment, redundant descriptions of configurations that are substantially identical or similar to those of the above-described embodiment will be omitted, and the following discussion will focus on the differences from the above-described embodiment.

[0101] The battery module 14 shown in FIG.

[0102] The guide portion G may be provided on at least one of both sides in the longitudinal direction of the cell receiving portion S, and may be formed by bending in the stacking direction of the battery cells 110.

[0103] Specifically, the guide portion G may be provided on both longitudinal end portions of the first frame 220 or on only one longitudinal end portion of the first frame 220.

[0104] Such a guide portion G can more easily guide the discharge of vent gas and / or flame generated on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 110 toward the cell insertion portion O. That is, as shown in Fig. 14, the vent gas and / or flame generated on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 110 can be discharged toward the cell insertion portion O while colliding with the guide portion G bent in the stacking direction of the battery cells 110. In addition, the vent gas and / or flame generated on both sides in the longitudinal direction of one battery cell 110 can be prevented from spreading to another adjacent battery cell 110 by the guide portion G bent in the stacking direction of the battery cells 110.

[0105] 14 , a pair of guide portions G may be provided at longitudinal ends of two first frames 220 arranged opposite each other in the stacking direction of the battery cells 110. In this case, the pair of guide portions G may be formed by bending them to face each other in the stacking direction of the battery cells 110.

[0106] In this case, not only can the vent gas and / or flame be induced to be more quickly discharged to the outside of the cell accommodating portion S, but simultaneous ignition of adjacent battery cells 110 in the stacking direction of the battery cells 110 can be minimized.

[0107] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a battery module 16 according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] Since the battery module 16 according to this embodiment is similar to the battery module 10 described above, redundant descriptions of configurations that are substantially identical or similar to those of the above embodiment will be omitted, and the following discussion will focus on the differences from the above embodiment.

[0109] 15 , compared to the above-described battery module 10, the battery module 16 may further include a bus bar frame 400. Such a bus bar frame 400 may be configured to be coupled to a bus bar 410 electrically connected to the electrode lead 114 of the battery cell 110 accommodated in the cell accommodating portion S of the module frame 200, and to support the bus bar 410.

[0110] In addition, the bus bar frame 400 may include slots 402 into which the electrode leads 114 of the battery cells 110 accommodated in the cell accommodating portions S of the module frame 200 are inserted. Ends of the electrode leads 114 that are inserted into and pass through the slots 402 may be connected to the bus bars 410.

[0111] In particular, the bus bar frame 400 may have fixing grooves 404 into which the longitudinal end (X-axis direction) of the module frame 200 accommodating the battery cells is inserted and fixed by a predetermined length. The fixing grooves 404 may be configured to have a shape that fits with the end of the module frame 200.

[0112] In one embodiment, the bus bar frame 400 may include a first bus bar frame 400A and a second bus bar frame 400B.

[0113] The first bus bar frame 400A may be coupled to one end of the module frame 200 based on the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the module frame 200. The second bus bar frame 400B may be coupled to the other end of the module frame 200 located opposite to the one end based on the longitudinal direction of the module frame 200.

[0114] In this case, the first bus bar frame 400A may have a first fixing groove into which one end of the module frame 200 is inserted and fixed, and the second bus bar frame 400B may have a second fixing groove into which the other end of the module frame 200 is inserted and fixed.

[0115] In this way, by providing the bus bar frame 400 with fixing grooves 404 into which the ends of the module frame 200 are inserted and fixed, deformation of the module frame 200 (for example, deformation of the cell accommodating section S) due to the load of the battery cells 110 or external forces can be prevented, and the number of cell fixing members 300 that surround and fix the module frame 200 can be reduced or the cell fixing members 300 can be omitted.

[0116] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a state in which the module frame of the battery module shown in FIG. 15 is fixed by a bus bar frame.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 16, both longitudinal ends of the module frame 200 accommodating the battery cells are inserted and fixed into the first bus bar frame 400A and the second bus bar frame 400B, respectively, thereby preventing deformation of the module frame 200 (e.g., deformation of the cell accommodating section S) due to the load of the battery cells 110 or external forces.

[0118] Although Figures 15 and 16 show the battery module 16 including the cell fixing member 300, when the above-described bus bar frame 400 is applied to the battery module 16, the cell fixing member 300 may be omitted from the battery module 16.

[0119] As discussed above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, by directing vent gas and / or flame to be discharged to a certain region of the cell accommodating section S, it is possible to suppress ignition factors within the battery modules 10, 12, 14, and 16 and enhance the structural stability of the battery modules 10, 12, 14, and 16.

[0120] Furthermore, according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent adjacent battery cells 110 from catching fire simultaneously.

[0121] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a battery pack 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 17, a battery pack 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery modules 10, 12, 14, 16 according to the present invention.

[0123] In this case, the battery pack 2 may include various devices for controlling the charging and discharging of the battery modules 10, 12, 14, and 16, such as a BMS (Battery Management System), a current sensor, and a fuse.

[0124] The battery pack 2 may include pack cases 2A and 2B that accommodate one or more battery modules 100.

[0125] The pack cases 2A and 2B may include a pack tray 2A having an accommodation space S1 for accommodating a plurality of battery modules, and a pack lid 2B for covering an upper end opening of the pack tray 2A.

[0126] The battery pack 2 may also include various electrical components (not shown) that control the charge / discharge operations of the battery modules 10, 12, 14, and 16 housed in the pack cases 2A and 2B or the battery cells included in the battery modules 10, 12, 14, and 16, or monitor the SOC (State Of Charge), SOH (State Of Health), etc. These electrical components may be housed in the pack cases 2A and 2B together with the battery modules 10, 12, 14, and 16.

[0127] As described above, the battery pack 2 according to the present invention is manufactured in a cell-to-pack manner, thereby reducing the total weight and volume of the battery pack and improving the energy density.

[0128] Such a battery pack 2 can be applied to automobiles such as electric vehicles, that is, an automobile according to the present invention can include one or more battery packs 2 according to the present invention.

[0129] As described above, the present invention has been described using limited embodiments and drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and it goes without saying that various modifications and variations can be made by a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains within the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims described below.

[0130] Meanwhile, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc. are used in the present invention, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms are used for convenience of explanation and may change depending on the position of the object in question, the position of the observer, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 2 battery packs 2A Pack tray 2A Pack Case 2B pack lid, pack case 10, 12, 14, 16, 100 Battery Module 100 Cell Assembly 110 battery cells 112 Cell Case 114 Electrode Lead 200 Module Frame 220 1st Frame 240 2nd frame 300 Cell fixing member 400 busbar frame 400A 1st bus bar frame 400B Second bus bar frame 402 Slots 404 Fixed groove 410 Busbar G guide part O Cell insertion part S Cell storage section S1 Containment Space T Heat insulating material

Claims

1. a cell assembly including at least one battery cell; a module frame configured to accommodate the battery cells in cell accommodating portions, with a portion of the cell accommodating portion being open; a guide portion provided on at least one of both longitudinal sides of the cell receiving portion and bent in a stacking direction of the battery cells, The cell storage section The battery cell is configured to have a portion located above or below the accommodated battery cell opened, a plurality of the battery cells are provided, and a plurality of the cell accommodating portions are provided; The battery cell Each of the plurality of cell housing portions is housed therein, The plurality of cell housing units include: When viewed from a stacking direction of the battery cells, a portion located above the accommodated battery cells and a portion located below the accommodated battery cells are alternately opened, The plurality of cell housing units include: When viewed from the stacking direction of the battery cells, the battery cells are separated from each other by a partition wall, The partition wall is A battery module having a structure in which the battery cells are folded multiple times when viewed from a stacking direction of the battery cells.

2. The battery cell a cell case having an accommodating space for accommodating an electrode assembly therein and from which electrode leads electrically connected to the electrode assembly protrude; The cell casing is The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the battery module is configured to be in close contact with the inside of the cell accommodating portion in a stacking direction of the battery cells.

3. The cell storage section The battery module according to claim 2 , wherein the battery cells are formed longer than the cell cases in a longitudinal direction thereof.

4. The cell storage section The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein portions located on both sides in a longitudinal direction of the accommodated battery cells are configured to be open.

5. The battery module according to claim 1 , further comprising a cell fixing member configured to surround the cell assembly and the module frame.

6. The battery module according to claim 2 , further comprising a heat shielding member disposed on at least one of both sides of the cell case when viewed from the stacking direction of the battery cells inside the cell receiving portion.

7. a cell assembly including at least one battery cell; a module frame configured to accommodate the battery cells in cell accommodating portions, with a portion of the cell accommodating portion being open; the battery module further includes a bus bar frame supporting bus bars electrically connected to electrode leads of the battery cells accommodated in the cell accommodating portions of the module frame, the bus bar frame has a fixing groove into which an end of the module frame is inserted by a predetermined length and fixed; The cell storage section The battery cell is configured to have a portion located above or below the accommodated battery cell opened, a plurality of the battery cells are provided, and a plurality of the cell accommodating portions are provided; The battery cell Each of the plurality of cell housing portions is housed therein, The plurality of cell housing units include: When viewed from a stacking direction of the battery cells, a portion located above the accommodated battery cells and a portion located below the accommodated battery cells are alternately opened, The plurality of cell housing units include: When viewed from the stacking direction of the battery cells, the battery cells are separated from each other by a partition wall, The partition wall is A battery module having a structure in which the battery cells are folded multiple times when viewed from a stacking direction of the battery cells.

8. The bus bar frame is a first bus bar frame having a first fixing groove into which one end of the module frame is inserted and fixed; The battery module according to claim 7 , further comprising: a second bus bar frame having a second fixing groove into which the other end of the module frame is inserted and fixed.

9. A battery pack comprising one or more battery modules according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A vehicle comprising one or more battery packs according to claim 9.

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