Battery modules, battery packs including such battery modules, and automobiles

Abstract

A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a cell assembly including a battery cell, a module case that houses the cell assembly and is provided with a vent portion for discharging flames and gases, and a bus bar assembly that is connected to the module case away from the vent portion, is electrically connected to the battery cell, and is configured to cover a portion of the cell assembly in which the electrode leads of the battery cell are arranged, from two adjacent directions in the module case.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module, a battery pack including such a battery module, and a vehicle, and more particularly, to a battery module with improved safety against thermal events, a battery pack including such a battery module, and a vehicle.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0170908 filed on December 8, 2022, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0038010 filed on March 23, 2023, and all the contents disclosed in the specifications and drawings of the applications are incorporated into this application.

Background Art

[0003] Secondary batteries that are easy to apply according to product groups and have electrical characteristics such as high energy density are widely applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles (EVs, Electric Vehicles) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs, Hybrid Electric Vehicles) driven by an electric drive source. Such secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for environmental consideration and improving energy efficiency not only because of the main advantage of dramatically reducing the use of fossil fuels but also because no by-products are generated due to energy use.

[0004] Currently widely used types of rechargeable batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of such a unit rechargeable battery cell is approximately 2.5V to 4.5V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells may be connected in series to form a battery pack. Alternatively, multiple battery cells may be connected in parallel to form a battery pack depending on the required charge and discharge capacity. Thus, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be set in various ways according to the required output voltage or charge and discharge capacity.

[0005] On the other hand, when configuring a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel, it is common practice to first configure a battery module containing at least one battery cell, and then use this at least one battery module to add other components and configure a battery pack or battery rack.

[0006] However, when multiple secondary batteries (battery cells) or multiple battery modules are densely packed into a small space, they can become vulnerable to thermal events. In particular, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs in any of the battery cells, high-temperature gases, flames, and heat may be generated. If such gases, flames, and heat are transferred to other battery cells contained within the same battery module, an explosive chain reaction situation such as thermal propagation may occur. Furthermore, such a chain reaction could not only cause accidents such as fires and explosions in the battery module in question, but could also cause fires and explosions in other battery modules.

[0007] Furthermore, in the case of medium to large battery packs, such as those found in electric vehicles, the risk of thermal chain reactions is even higher because they contain a large number of battery cells and battery modules to increase output and / or capacity. In addition, in the case of battery packs installed in electric vehicles, there may be drivers or other users in the vicinity. Therefore, if a thermal event occurring in a particular battery module cannot be properly controlled and a chain reaction occurs, it could cause not only significant property damage but also loss of life.

[0008] This necessitates exploring ways to provide battery modules with improved safety against thermal events. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a battery module that can improve safety against thermal events, and a battery pack and automobile including the same.

[0010] However, the technical problems that this invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] To solve the above objectives, the present invention provides a battery module comprising: a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells; a module case housing the cell assembly and provided with a vent for discharging flames and gases; and a busbar assembly connected to the module case at a distance from the vent, electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells, and configured to cover a portion of the cell assembly where the electrode leads of the battery cells are arranged from two adjacent directions in the module case.

[0012] Preferably, the busbar assembly may also include a busbar frame through which the electrode leads of the battery cell pass and which faces the cell assembly; a sensing busbar provided on one side of the busbar frame and connected to the electrode leads of the battery cell; and a busbar cover spaced apart from the vent and configured to cover one side of the busbar frame in the module case and a portion of the cell assembly adjacent to the busbar frame.

[0013] Preferably, the vent portion is provided on the upper surface of the module case, and the busbar cover is spaced apart from the vent portion and can cover the upper ends of both side edges of the cell assembly.

[0014] Preferably, each of the multiple battery cells includes an electrode assembly, a pair of electrode leads connected to the electrode assembly and connected to the sensing busbar, a case body housing the electrode assembly, and a cell case extending from the case body and having a case terrace from which the pair of electrode leads protrude, wherein a portion of the busbar cover may be positioned between the portion of the case terrace from which the pair of electrode leads of the multiple battery cells protrude and the module case.

[0015] Preferably, the busbar cover may include a first cover that covers one side of the busbar frame, and a second cover that is folded from the first cover and covers a portion of the cell assembly adjacent to the busbar frame.

[0016] Furthermore, preferably, the busbar cover may be formed from a fire-resistant plastic material.

[0017] Furthermore, preferably, the busbar cover may be hook-connected or hinge-connected to the busbar frame.

[0018] Preferably, the busbar cover can be hooked to the upper part of the busbar frame.

[0019] Preferably, the busbar cover may be hinged to the bottom of the busbar frame.

[0020] Furthermore, the present invention provides a battery pack comprising a battery module according to the above-described embodiment and a pack case for housing the battery module.

[0021] Furthermore, the present invention provides an automobile, which includes a battery pack according to the above-described embodiment. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] Through the various embodiments described above, it is possible to provide a battery module that can improve safety against thermal events, as well as a battery pack and an automobile including the same.

[0023] Specifically, a busbar cover that covers one side of the busbar frame and a portion of the cell assembly adjacent to the busbar frame, according to various embodiments of the present invention, can temporarily prevent the collapse of the structure due to flames during thermal runaway caused by a thermal event.

[0024] Furthermore, the busbar cover according to various embodiments of the present invention can prevent the ejection of gas and flames near the cell assembly and busbar assembly provided on both sides of the battery module other than the vent portion of the module case, and can guide the directional vent toward the vent portion.

[0025] Furthermore, the present invention can have various other effects, which will be described in each embodiment, or effects that can be easily inferred by those skilled in the art will not be described.

[0026] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate desirable embodiments of the present invention and serve to further understand the technical idea of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be construed as being limited only to the matters described in the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a partial exploded perspective view of the battery module of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a side sectional view of the battery module of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a diagram for explaining a bus bar cover of a bus bar assembly of the battery module of FIG. 2. [Figure 5] It is a diagram for explaining a bus bar cover of a bus bar assembly of the battery module of FIG. 2. [Figure 6] It is a diagram for explaining a mechanism for blocking the movement path of flames and gases by a bus bar cover during a thermal event of a battery cell of the battery module of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] It is a diagram for explaining a mechanism for blocking the movement path of flames and gases by a bus bar cover during a thermal event of a battery cell of the battery module of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] It is a diagram for explaining a mechanism for blocking the movement path of flames and gases by a bus bar cover during a thermal event of a battery cell of the battery module of FIG. 1. [Figure 9] It is a diagram for explaining a bus bar cover of a bus bar assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] It is a diagram for explaining a bus bar cover of a bus bar assembly according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] It is a diagram for explaining a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12]This is a diagram illustrating an automobile relating to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and in the claims shall not be interpreted in their usual and dictionary sense, but rather in a sense and concept appropriate to the technical idea of ​​the present invention, in accordance with the principle that the inventor himself may appropriately define the concept of terms in order to best describe the invention.

[0029] Therefore, it should be understood that the configurations shown in the embodiments described herein represent only one of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the present invention, and that there are various equivalents and modifications that can be substituted therein at the time of filing this application.

[0030] On the other hand, while this specification uses terms to indicate directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back, these terms are for convenience of explanation and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that they may change depending on the position of the object in question, the position of the observer, etc.

[0031] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the battery module 10 of Figure 1, and Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the battery module 10 of Figure 1.

[0032] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the battery module 10 may include a cell assembly 100, a module case 200, and a busbar assembly 300.

[0033] The cell assembly 100 may include a plurality of battery cells 110. Each of the plurality of battery cells 110 can be provided as a pouch-type secondary battery and stacked on top of each other to constitute the cell assembly 100. The specific configuration of each battery cell 110 will be discussed in more detail in the related descriptions below. On the other hand, although not shown, the cell assembly 100 may further include cooling fins provided between the battery cells 110 and compression pads for controlling the cell swelling phenomenon of the battery cells 110.

[0034] The module case 200 can accommodate the cell assembly 100. To this end, the module case 200 may be provided with a predetermined accommodation space capable of accommodating the cell assembly 100.

[0035] The module case 200 may be equipped with a vent section 205 for discharging flames and gases. Such a vent section 205 can rupture or melt at a predetermined temperature or pressure above a predetermined level to discharge the high-temperature gases and flames. The vent section 205 is for discharging high-temperature gases, flames, particles, etc., ejected from the overheated battery cell 110 when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 110, such as a thermal runaway situation due to overheating of the battery cell 110, to the outside of the module case 200. When such a thermal event occurs, the vent section 205 can rupture or melt from the module case 200 to more quickly discharge high-temperature gases such as vent gases and flames to the outside of the module case 200.

[0036] The busbar assembly 300 is for sensing the voltages of the multiple battery cells 110 of the cell assembly 100 and can be electrically connected to the multiple battery cells 110. In this embodiment, the busbar assembly 300 may be provided on both sides (in the X-axis direction) of the module case 200.

[0037] The busbar assembly 300 may be connected to the module case 200 at a distance from the vent portion 205. Alternatively, the busbar assembly 300 may be configured to cover a portion of the cell assembly 100, in which the electrode leads 113 of the battery cell 110 are located, from two adjacent directions between the module cases 200.

[0038] In the portion of the battery cell 110 where the electrode leads 113 are positioned, a predetermined step exists due to the shape unique to pouch-type secondary batteries. This step will be examined in the configuration of the battery cell 110 described later, but it is due to the height difference between the case body 117 and the case terrace 119 of the cell case 115 that forms the exterior of the battery cell 110. In the case of the case terrace 119, the electrode leads 113 are made to protrude outside the cell case 115 and sealed by heat fusion or the like, resulting in a predetermined step between the case terrace 119 and the case body 117 that houses the electrode assembly 111. Due to this step between the case body 117 and the case terrace 119, a predetermined space S1 (see Figure 8) is formed in the portion of the cell assembly 100 where the electrode leads 113 of the battery cell 110 are positioned.

[0039] When the aforementioned thermal event occurs, the predetermined space S1 (see Figure 8) may promote convection of the gas, flame, particles, etc. This may cause unintended ejection of the gas, flame, particles, etc. to the outside in the portion of the module case 200 closer to the predetermined space S1, rather than in the vent portion 205 of the module case 200.

[0040] The busbar assembly 300 of the present invention is configured to cover a portion of the cell assembly 100, where the electrode leads 113 of the battery cell 110 are located, from two adjacent directions between the module cases 200, thereby allowing the movement of gases, flames, particles, etc., caused by convection in the predetermined space S1 to be preferentially blocked over the module cases 200 when the thermal event occurs.

[0041] As a result, the busbar assembly 300 of the present invention can effectively prevent the ejection of gas, flame, particles, etc. to the outside from other parts of the module case 200, rather than from the vent portion 205 of the module case 200, by first blocking the movement path of gas, flame, particles, etc. in the predetermined space S1, i.e., a part of the cell assembly 100 where the electrode leads 113 of the battery cell 110 are located, before the module case 200.

[0042] Furthermore, the busbar assembly 300 of the present invention guides the smooth movement of gas, flames, particles, etc., toward the vent section 205 when the thermal event occurs, and effectively guides directional venting in a specific direction. On the other hand, the directional venting will be discussed in more detail in the related explanation below.

[0043] The busbar assembly 300 according to this embodiment will be examined in more detail below.

[0044] The busbar assembly 300 may include a busbar frame 310, a sensing busbar 330, and a busbar cover 350.

[0045] The busbar frame 310 may be positioned to face the cell assembly 100. Such a busbar frame 310 allows the electrode leads 113 of the battery cell 110 to pass through. To allow the electrode leads 113 to pass through, the busbar frame 310 may be provided with lead slots 313 having predetermined openings and widths. The number of lead slots 313 may correspond to the number of electrode leads 113. After passing through the corresponding lead slots 313, the electrode leads 113 of the battery cell 110 may be connected to a sensing busbar 330, described later, on the side opposite to the side facing the cell assembly 100.

[0046] The sensing busbar 330 may be connected to the electrode leads 113 of the battery cell 110. The sensing busbar 330 may be provided on one side of the busbar frame 310. The one side of the busbar frame 310 may be the side opposite to the side facing the cell assembly 100. The electrode leads 113 may be bent after passing through the lead slot 313 and connected to the sensing busbar 330 by laser welding or the like.

[0047] The busbar cover 350 may be configured to cover one side of the busbar frame 310 and a portion of the cell assembly 100 adjacent to the busbar frame 310 between the module cases 200. Here, the one side of the busbar frame 310 and the portion of the cell assembly 100 adjacent to the busbar frame 310 between the module cases 200 may be a portion of the cell assembly 100 in which the electrode leads 113 of the battery cell 110 are located between the module cases 200. This is because, in the cell assembly 100, the case terrace 119 of the cell case 115, described later, is located in the portion adjacent to the busbar frame 310, and the ends of the electrode leads 113 of the battery cell 110 are exposed outside the one side of the busbar frame 310 for connection with the sensing busbar 330.

[0048] Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention, the busbar cover 350 preferentially blocks the movement of ejected materials such as gas, flames, and particles due to the convection phenomenon, and guides such ejected materials toward the vent portion 205 of the module case 200, thereby guiding the directional vent.

[0049] The directional vent of the present invention described above will be examined in more detail below.

[0050] The battery module 10 of the present invention has a top venting structure and a directional vent structure via the upper end (+Z axis direction) of the battery cell 110. For such a top vent, the cell assembly 100 may be provided with a cell vent section on the upper side of the battery cell 110 that ruptures or melts at a predetermined temperature or pressure above a predetermined level. Furthermore, the upper side (+Z axis direction) of the battery module 10 may be provided with components related to fire suppression and fire extinguishing functions that can control ejected materials G (see Figure 7) such as gas, flames, and particles discharged to the upper side (+Z axis direction) of the battery module 10.

[0051] The vent portion 205 of the module case 200 may be provided on the upper surface of the module case 200 for the upper directional vent. Specifically, the vent portion 205 is provided near the center of the upper surface of the module case 200, and may be provided as one or more portions. In this embodiment, the description will be limited to the case in which multiple vent portions 205 are provided near the center of the upper surface of the module case 200.

[0052] The busbar cover 350 is spaced apart from the vent portion 205 and can cover the upper ends of both sides (+X-axis direction) of the cell assembly 100. Therefore, the busbar cover 350 of the present invention covers the upper ends of both sides of the cell assembly 100 within the module case 200, blocking the movement of ejected materials such as gas toward both sides (X-axis direction) of the module case 200, and can concentrate the ejected materials such as gas toward the vent portion 205 near the center of the upper surface of the module case 200.

[0053] Therefore, the busbar cover 350 according to this embodiment can effectively guide the ejection of ejected materials such as gas toward the vent portion 205 side of the module case 200 provided in the top vent structure.

[0054] The following will examine in more detail the plurality of battery cells 110 provided as the pouch-type secondary battery in the cell assembly 100.

[0055] Each of the battery cells 110 may include an electrode assembly 111, a pair of electrode leads 113, and a cell case 115.

[0056] The electrode assembly 111 may consist of a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, a separator, and the like. Since the electrode assembly 111 is well known, a detailed explanation will be omitted below.

[0057] The pair of electrode leads 113 are connected to the electrode assembly 111 and may protrude to a predetermined length outside the cell case 115, which will be described later. Such a pair of electrode leads 113 may be connected to the sensing busbar 330 for electrical connection with the busbar assembly 300.

[0058] The cell case 115 forms the external appearance of the battery cell 110 and can accommodate the electrode assembly 111 and a portion of the electrode leads 113. Such a cell case 115 may include a case body 117 and a case terrace 119.

[0059] The case body 117 can accommodate a portion of the electrode assembly 111 and the electrode lead 113. For this purpose, the case body 117 may be provided with a housing space capable of accommodating a portion of the electrode assembly 111 and the electrode lead 113.

[0060] The case terrace 119 extends from the case body 117, and a pair of electrode leads 113 can protrude from the case terrace 119 to a predetermined length. The case terrace 119 is a part for sealing the cell case 115 and is sealed by heat fusion or the like, thereby sealing the inside of the case body 117. As a result, the case terrace 119 and the case body 117 have a predetermined step difference from each other, as discussed above. As a result, in the cell assembly 100, a predetermined space S1 (see Figure 8) can be formed on the side of the case terrace 119 from which the electrode leads 113 of the battery cell 110 protrude, due to the step difference with the case body 117.

[0061] A portion of the busbar cover 350 may be positioned between the module case 200 and the portion of the case terrace 119 from which a pair of electrode leads 113 of the battery cells 110 protrude. In other words, a portion of the busbar cover 350 may be positioned between the module case 200 and a predetermined space S1 (see Figure 8) formed by the step between the case body 117 and the case terrace 119. More specifically, a portion of the busbar cover 350 may be positioned on the inner wall of the upper edge of the module case 200 and provided to cover the predetermined space S1 (see Figure 8).

[0062] Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 110, the busbar cover 350 can preferentially block, before the module case 200, ejected high-temperature gas, flames, particles, and other ejected material that rises due to convection in the predetermined space S1 (see Figure 8). As a result, in one embodiment of the present invention, the busbar cover 350 can effectively prevent the risk of ejected material caused by convection in the predetermined space S1 (see Figure 8) being ejected outside the upper edge of the module case 200.

[0063] The busbar cover 350 according to this embodiment will be examined in more detail below.

[0064] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate the busbar cover 350 of the busbar assembly 300 of the battery module 10 shown in Figure 2.

[0065] Referring to Figures 4, 5 and Figures 1 through 3, the busbar cover 350 may include a first cover 352 and a second cover 356.

[0066] The first cover 352 can cover one side of the busbar frame 310. Such a first cover 352 can have an area that can cover the entire side of the busbar frame 310.

[0067] The second cover 356 may extend integrally from the first cover 352 and be formed by bending substantially perpendicularly from the first cover 352. This allows the busbar cover 350 to have a substantially L-shape as an integrated structure. The second cover 356 can cover a portion of the cell assembly 100 adjacent to the busbar frame 310.

[0068] Thus, the busbar cover 350 according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided in an integrated folded structure of the first cover 352 and the second cover 356, and as a single component, it can cover both the busbar frame 310 and a portion of the cell assembly 100 adjacent to the busbar frame 310.

[0069] On the other hand, the busbar cover 350 can be hook-coupled to the busbar frame 310. Specifically, the busbar cover 350 can be hook-coupled to the upper part of the busbar frame 310. For such hook coupling, the busbar cover 350 may be provided with coupling hooks 355. The coupling hooks 355 may be formed on the inner surface of the bottom of the second cover 356, provided in pairs, and positioned at a predetermined distance apart from each other. In addition, the busbar frame 310 may have a pair of hook holes 315 into which the pair of coupling hooks 355 engage. The coupling hooks 355 may be formed near the bent portion between the first cover 352 and the end of the second cover 356, at a predetermined distance from the end, so that they do not easily detach from the hook holes 315 after coupling.

[0070] Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention, the busbar cover 350 and the busbar frame 310 can be connected to each other by the hook coupling, and the efficiency of the assembly process can be improved by simplifying the coupling structure between the busbar cover 350 and the busbar frame 310.

[0071] The busbar cover 350 may be formed from a fire-resistant plastic material. Specifically, the busbar cover 350 may be made of a plastic injection molding containing a fire-resistant material. Such a busbar cover 350 can improve the fire resistance of the battery module 10 and minimize the weight increase due to the addition of the busbar cover 350, thereby making the battery module 10 lighter.

[0072] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the busbar frame 310 may also be made of the same material as the busbar cover 350. That is, the busbar frame 310 may also be made of plastic injection molding containing fire-resistant material. Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the fire resistance of the entire busbar assembly 300 can be improved, the structure of the busbar assembly 300 can be made lighter, and the overall weight of the battery module 10 can be reduced. Moreover, in one embodiment of the present invention, by making the busbar frame 310 and the busbar cover 350 from the same material and manufacturing method, the assembly process of the entire battery module 10 can be simplified and the overall efficiency of the process can be greatly increased.

[0073] In the following, we will examine in more detail a mechanism for blocking the movement path of flames, gases, and the like using the busbar cover 350 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Figures 6 to 8 illustrate the mechanism for blocking flame and gas movement paths using the busbar cover 350 when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 110 of the battery module 10 shown in Figure 1.

[0075] Referring to Figures 6 to 8, when a thermal event occurs in the battery module 10, high-temperature flames, gases, particles, and other ejected materials G may be generated in at least some of the battery cells 110 of the cell assembly 100. If such high-temperature flames, gases, particles, and other ejected materials G remain inside the module case 200, there is a risk of serious dangers such as the explosion of the entire battery module 10 due to thermal runaway. Therefore, it is necessary to quickly discharge the high-temperature flames, gases, particles, and other ejected materials G generated during such thermal events to the outside of the module case 200. However, it is also important to control the direction of discharge of the ejected materials G, as it is dangerous if the discharge directions of the ejected materials G are different. In the present invention, the ejected materials G can be discharged only towards the upper central part of the module case 200 through a vent portion 205 provided near the center of the upper surface of the module case 200.

[0076] However, due to the convection action in a predetermined space S1 caused by the step difference between the case body 117 and the case terrace 119 of the cell case 115 of the cell assembly 100, ejected materials G such as high-temperature flames, gases, and particles may move to the side edges of the module case 200. At this time, the busbar cover 350 can block the ejected materials G in the predetermined space S1 with priority over the module case 200, effectively preventing the ejected materials G from moving toward the side edges of the module case 200. Furthermore, because the busbar cover 350 prevents the ejected materials G from moving toward the side edges of the module case 200, the direction of movement of the ejected materials G can be guided relatively toward the center of the upper surface of the module case 200 where the vent portion 205 is provided. Therefore, the busbar cover 350 according to one embodiment of the present invention can guide the ejected materials G toward the center of the upper surface of the module case 200.

[0077] On the other hand, the ejected material G in the predetermined space S1 may move outside one surface of the busbar frame 310 via the lead slot 313 of the busbar frame 310. That is, the ejected material G may move by convection to the predetermined space S2 above one surface of the busbar frame 310 as disclosed in Figure 8. The busbar cover 350 according to one embodiment of the present invention also covers one surface of the busbar frame 310, so that the ejected material G that has moved to the predetermined space S2 above one surface of the busbar frame 310 can be blocked preferentially over the module case 200.

[0078] In short, the busbar cover 350 according to one embodiment of the present invention can significantly reduce the possibility of ejected materials G, such as high-temperature gases, flames, and particles rising due to the convection action, being discharged to the outside in the areas of both side edges of the module case 200, by preferentially blocking them from the module case 200.

[0079] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating a busbar cover 550 of a busbar assembly 500 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Since the busbar assembly 500 according to this embodiment is similar to the busbar assembly 300 in the above embodiment, redundant explanations of configurations that are substantially the same or similar to those in the above embodiment will be omitted, and the following discussion will focus on the differences from the above embodiment.

[0081] Referring to Figure 9, the busbar assembly 500 may include a busbar frame 510, a sensing busbar 530, and a busbar cover 550.

[0082] The busbar frame 510 can be hinged to the busbar cover 550, which will be described later. Such a hinged connection structure will be discussed in detail in the related description of the busbar cover 550 below.

[0083] Since the sensing busbar 530 is similar to the sensing busbar 330 in the above embodiment, redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0084] The busbar cover 550 can be hinged to the busbar frame 510. Specifically, the busbar cover 550 can be hinged to the bottom of the busbar frame 510.

[0085] The following provides a more detailed examination of the structure of the busbar cover 550 with respect to the hinge connection.

[0086] The busbar cover 550 may include a first cover 552 and a second cover 556. The bottom of the first cover 552 may be provided with a hinge portion 555. The hinge portion 555 can rotatably connect the first cover 552 from the busbar frame 510. The second cover 556 may be bent and extend from the first cover 552, as in the above embodiment.

[0087] Thus, the busbar cover 550 can also be connected to the busbar frame 510 by a hinge connection structure. By simplifying this hinge connection structure and the mutual connection structure between the busbar cover 550 and the busbar frame 510, the convenience of the assembly process can be improved.

[0088] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating a busbar cover 650 of a busbar assembly 600 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] Since the busbar assembly 600 in this embodiment is similar to the busbar assembly 300 in the above embodiment, redundant explanations of configurations that are substantially the same or similar to those in the above embodiment will be omitted, and the following discussion will focus on the differences from the above embodiment.

[0090] Referring to Figure 10, the busbar assembly 600 may include a busbar frame 610, a sensing busbar 630, and a busbar cover 650.

[0091] Since the busbar frame 610 and the sensing busbar 630 are similar to those in the above embodiment, redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0092] The busbar cover 650 may include a first cover 652, a second cover 656, and a third cover 658. The busbar cover 650 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include the third cover 658, unlike the above embodiment. The third cover 658 may be folded from the bottom of the first cover 652 and provided on the inner surface of the module case 200. Such the third cover 658 may be parallel to the first cover 652 and have the same length as the first cover 652. In other words, at the upper end of the first cover 652, the second cover 656 may be folded and extended to a predetermined length, and at the lower end of the first cover 652, the third cover 658 may be folded and extended to a predetermined length. Such a structure of the first cover 652 to the third cover 658 can form a U-shaped structure.

[0093] Such a busbar cover 650 can be fitted to the inner surface of the module case 200 by inserting the busbar frame 610 inside it. Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the coupling structure between the busbar cover 650 and the busbar frame 610 can be further simplified.

[0094] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the battery module 10 may include an end plate 400.

[0095] The end plates 400 are provided in pairs and can cover the busbar assembly 300 and connect to both ends of the module case 200. Such a pair of end plates 400, together with the module case 200, can form the appearance of the battery module 10. Furthermore, the pair of end plates 400 may be provided with components such as terminals for connecting the busbar assembly 300 to external electrical components.

[0096] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating a battery pack 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating an automobile V according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] Referring to Figures 11 and 12, the battery pack 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include at least one or more of the battery modules 10 according to the above embodiment, and a pack case 50 that houses the battery modules 10.

[0098] Such a battery pack 1 may further include electrical components such as a BMS for controlling the battery module 10, and a cooling unit such as a heat sink for cooling the battery module 10.

[0099] A battery pack 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include various other components of a battery pack 1 known at the time of filing of the present invention. For example, a battery pack 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include components such as a current sensor, a fuse, and a service plug.

[0100] Furthermore, an automobile V according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs 1 according to the present invention. In addition, an automobile V according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include various other components included in the automobile in addition to such battery packs 1. For example, an automobile V according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a vehicle body, a motor, an ECU (electronic control unit) or other control device in addition to the battery pack 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] Furthermore, it goes without saying that the battery pack 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention can be installed not only in the automobile V, but also in other devices, mechanisms, and equipment such as energy storage systems that use secondary batteries.

[0102] As described above, since the battery pack 1 and the automobile V according to one embodiment of the present invention include the battery module 10 of the above embodiment, safety against the thermal events described above can be ensured even at the battery pack 1 and automobile V level.

[0103] Through the various embodiments described above, we can provide a battery module 10 that can improve safety against thermal events, and a battery pack 1 and automobile V including the same.

[0104] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made by persons with ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs without departing from the gist of the invention as claimed in the claims. Moreover, such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical idea or outlook of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0105] 1 Battery Pack 10 Battery Modules 50 pack case 100 cell assembly 110 battery cells 111 Electrode assembly 113 Electrode Leads 115 Cell Case 117 Case Body 119 Case Terrace 200 Module Case 205 Vent section 300 Busbar Assembly 310 Busbar Frame 313 Lead Slots 315 hook holes 330 Sensing Busbar 350 Busbar Cover 352 Cover 1 355 Connecting Hook 356 Second Cover 400 End Plate 500 Busbar Assembly 510 Busbar Frame 530 Sensing Busbar 550 Busbar Cover 552 Cover 1 555 Hinge section 556 Second Cover 600 Busbar Assembly 610 Busbar Frame 630 Sensing Busbar 650 Busbar Cover 652 Cover 1 656 Second Cover 658 Third Cover G ejecta S1 Predetermined space S2 Specified space V Automobile

Claims

1. A cell assembly comprising a plurality of battery cells, A module case housing the cell assembly and equipped with a vent for discharging flames or gases, A busbar assembly that is separated from the vent portion and connected to the module case, the busbar assembly being electrically connected to a plurality of battery cells, In a battery module comprising, A battery module comprising a busbar cover having a one-piece folded structure and configured to cover a portion of the cell assembly where the electrode leads of the battery cells are located, from two adjacent directions within the module case.

2. The aforementioned busbar assembly is The electrode leads of the battery cell pass through the busbar frame facing the cell assembly, A sensing busbar is provided on one side of the busbar frame and is connected to the electrode leads of the battery cell, It further includes, The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the busbar cover is spaced apart from the vent portion and is configured to cover one surface of the busbar frame in the module case and a portion of the cell assembly adjacent to the busbar frame.

3. The aforementioned vent section is, The module case is provided on the upper surface of the module case, The aforementioned busbar cover is The battery module according to claim 2, which is spaced apart from the vent portion and covers the upper ends of both side edges of the cell assembly.

4. Each of the aforementioned battery cells is, Electrode assembly and A pair of electrode leads connected to the electrode assembly and connected to the sensing busbar, The cell case includes a case body for housing the electrode assembly, and a case terrace extending from the case body and having a pair of electrode leads protruding from it. A part of the aforementioned busbar cover is The battery module according to claim 2, wherein a pair of electrode leads of a plurality of battery cells are arranged between the protruding portion of the case terrace and the module case.

5. The aforementioned busbar cover is A first cover that covers one side of the busbar frame, The battery module according to claim 2, comprising: a second cover folded from the first cover and covering a portion of the cell assembly adjacent to the busbar frame.

6. The aforementioned busbar cover is The battery module according to claim 2, which is formed from a fire-resistant plastic material.

7. The aforementioned busbar cover is The battery module according to claim 2, wherein it is hook-connected or hinge-connected to the busbar frame.

8. The aforementioned busbar cover is The battery module according to claim 7, which is hook-connected to the upper part of the busbar frame.

9. The aforementioned busbar cover is The battery module according to claim 7, which is hinged to the bottom of the busbar frame.

10. A battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 9, A battery pack comprising a pack case for housing the aforementioned battery module.

11. An automobile comprising the battery pack described in claim 10.

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