Battery module, battery pack including said battery module, and automobile

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a battery module including: a plurality of battery cells; a modular case having an open top and configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells; and a top plate coupled to the open top of the modular case, the top plate having a plurality of vent passages configured to allow vent gas generated in the battery cells to flow and be separated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module, a battery pack including the battery module, and a vehicle. Specifically, the present invention relates to a battery module capable of suppressing heat propagation in the battery module, a battery pack including the battery module, and a vehicle.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0161281 filed on November 20, 2023, and all of the content disclosed in the specification and drawings of the application is incorporated into this application.

Background Art

[0003] Secondary batteries with high applicability for each product group and having electrical characteristics such as high energy density are not only applied to portable devices but are also widely applied to electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) driven by an electric drive source. Such secondary batteries not only have a primary advantage of significantly reducing the use of fossil fuels but are also environmentally friendly in that they do not generate any by-products due to energy use and are attracting attention as a new energy source for improving energy efficiency.

[0004] Currently, secondary batteries such as lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel cadmium batteries, nickel metal hydride batteries, and nickel zinc batteries are widely used. When a high output voltage is required, a plurality of battery cells are connected in series to form a battery module or a battery pack. Also, in order to increase the charge / discharge capacity, a plurality of battery cells may be connected in parallel to form a battery module or a battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery module or pack can be variously set according to the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] On the other hand, because battery cells undergo chemical reactions during charging and discharging, their performance may degrade if used in environments with temperatures higher than the appropriate temperature. If the heat cannot be controlled to the appropriate temperature, there is a risk of unexpected ignition or explosion. Furthermore, battery modules have a structure in which such battery cells are densely housed inside a module housing. Therefore, if a thermal event occurs in one battery cell, the emitted high-temperature gases and flames may spread to adjacent battery cells, potentially causing a chain reaction of battery cell explosions, which is extremely dangerous.

[0006] Therefore, it is necessary to develop a structure that can reliably partition and isolate battery cells, and that can suppress or delay heat propagation so that even if a thermal event occurs in some battery cells within the battery module, gases or flames will not spread to other battery cells within the battery module and cause thermal runaway. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] Therefore, the problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a battery module that can reliably partition and isolate battery cells and effectively prevent or delay the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells.

[0008] Another problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a battery pack and an automobile that include such a battery module.

[0009] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to the purposes described above, and other purposes and advantages not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To solve the above problems, a battery module according to one aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of battery cells, a module case having an open top and configured to house the plurality of battery cells, and a top plate coupled to the open top of the module case, the top plate being provided with a plurality of vent channels configured to separate vent gas generated in the battery cells while flowing.

[0011] The top plate may include partitions configured to divide the vent passage into multiple sections.

[0012] The partition wall may be configured to guide the vent gas to the outside of the top plate.

[0013] The top plate may have at least one vent hole formed therein, configured to allow the vent gas to be discharged from the containment space towards the vent flow path.

[0014] The vent holes may be arranged along multiple rows, and the partition walls may be provided between the vent holes and spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction.

[0015] The top plate may include a lower plate on which the partition wall is placed and on which the vent hole is formed, and an upper plate that is separated upward from the lower plate and is configured to cover the vent hole.

[0016] The top plate may include a discharge hole configured to connect the vent passage with the outside of the top plate.

[0017] The discharge holes may be provided at least one of the longitudinal ends of the top plate.

[0018] The battery cell is a pouch-type battery cell including electrode leads on at least one side in the longitudinal direction, the partition wall is configured to extend along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell, the partition wall, a lower plate, and an upper plate are connected to form a plurality of vent passages, and the plurality of vent passages can be isolated from each other such that both ends in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell are open.

[0019] The partition wall, the lower plate, and the upper plate can be integrally formed by extrusion molding.

[0020] The system may further include a blocking member provided between the battery cells and configured to contact the top plate.

[0021] The upper end of the blocking member may be configured to be inserted into the top plate.

[0022] Another aspect of the present invention provides a battery pack including a battery module according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0023] The battery pack may include a pack case having an open top to accommodate the battery module and including a plurality of frames provided on the front and rear sides of the battery module, and a pack cover coupled to the open top surface of the pack case, wherein the vent gas discharged to the outside from the vent passage is discharged to the outside of the pack case through the frames or the space between the battery module and the pack cover.

[0024] Furthermore, yet another aspect of the present invention provides an automobile including a battery module according to one aspect of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to one aspect of the present invention, by reliably partitioning and separating the battery cells in the battery module, even if a thermal event occurs in some of the battery cells in the battery module, it is possible to effectively prevent or delay the propagation of gas, flame, etc. to other battery cells in the battery module and cause thermal runaway. Thereby, the safety and reliability of the battery module can be ensured.

[0026] Also, according to one aspect of the present invention, high-temperature gas, flame, etc. generated in the battery cells in the battery module can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery module.

[0027] Also, according to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent high-temperature gas, flame, etc. discharged to the outside of the battery module from flowing back into the inside of the battery module.

[0028] Also, according to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent or delay events such as fires and explosions due to thermal runaway phenomena in battery packs including a plurality of battery modules or devices to which the battery packs are attached.

[0029] In addition, the present invention can exhibit various other effects. This will be described in each embodiment, but effects that can be easily analogized by those skilled in the art will be omitted from the description.

[0030] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and are for the purpose of more easily understanding 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

[0031] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]This is a perspective view of a disassembled battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing a cross-section of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing a cross-section of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a top perspective view of the top plate included in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a bottom perspective view of the top plate included in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a partial cross-sectional view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a partial cross-sectional view of a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a bottom perspective view of a top plate included in a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack containing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, it shows the direction in which gases and other substances are discharged to the outside of the battery pack when the battery module experiences thermal runaway. [Figure 12] This is a schematic perspective view of an automobile including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] 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 a manner limited to their general and dictionary meanings, but in accordance with the principle that inventors themselves may appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe their invention, and shall be interpreted in a manner and concept corresponding to the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0033] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the drawings represent only one of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the invention. It should be understood that there are various equivalents and modifications that can substitute for them at the time of filing this application.

[0034] Furthermore, the present invention includes a variety of embodiments. In each embodiment, redundant explanations of substantially identical or similar configurations will be omitted, and the explanation will focus on the differences.

[0035] On the other hand, while terms such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used in this specification to indicate direction, these terms are used for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that they can change depending on the position of the object being examined, the position of the observer, etc.

[0036] For example, in the embodiment of the present invention, the illustrated X-axis direction may mean the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction may mean the front-back direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction on the horizontal plane (XY plane), i.e., the longitudinal direction of the battery cell, and the Z-axis direction may mean the up-down direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, i.e., the height direction of the battery cell.

[0037] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a cross-section of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] First, referring primarily to Figure 2, the battery cell 100 may include multiple units. Although not shown, the multiple battery cells 100 may also include electrode assemblies, cell cases housing the electrode assemblies, and electrode leads connected to the electrode assemblies and extending outwards from the cell cases to function as electrode terminals. In this case, the multiple battery cells 100 may be electrically connected to one another.

[0039] The battery cell 100 may be a pouch-type rechargeable battery. The cell case of such a pouch-type rechargeable battery may be constructed in a pouch form in which a metal layer containing aluminum material is sandwiched between polymer layers.

[0040] Multiple battery cells 100 can be arranged in a front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) while standing vertically (Z-axis direction), as shown in Figure 2.

[0041] On the other hand, the present invention is not limited by the specific type or form of such battery cell 100, and a variety of battery cells 100 known at the time of filing of the present invention can be used in the configuration of the battery pack 20 of the present invention. In this embodiment, as shown in the figure, a pouch-type secondary battery with high energy density and easy stacking is targeted, but of course, cylindrical secondary batteries or prismatic secondary batteries can also be applied as battery cells 100.

[0042] On the other hand, referring to Figure 2, the module case 200 may be configured to accommodate multiple battery cells 100. Specifically, the module case 200 may have a housing space S formed within it, and multiple battery cells 100 may be housed in the housing space S.

[0043] Specifically, the module case 200 may consist of a U-shaped frame configured to be open at the top. When the module case 200 consists of a U-shaped frame, it may be provided to cover both sides and the bottom of the battery cell stack. The module case 200 may include a left plate and a right plate that cover both sides of the battery cell stack, and a bottom plate that covers the bottom. The left plate, the right plate, and the bottom plate may be configured to be integrated with each other. In this case, the top and front and rear surfaces of the module case 200 may be open.

[0044] Such a module case 200 may be made of a rigid and heat-resistant metallic material to physically or chemically protect the housed battery cells 100.

[0045] On the other hand, the battery module 10 may include end plates 400 provided on the open front and rear surfaces of the module case 200. The end plates 400 may be joined to the module case 200 by welding.

[0046] Although not shown in the illustration, the battery module 10 may also include a busbar assembly and / or module terminals electrically connected to a plurality of battery cells 100 housed inside.

[0047] A battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a top plate 300. The top plate 300 may be coupled to the open upper part of the module case 200. This allows the top plate 300 to form the upper surface of the module case 200. The top plate 300 may be coupled to the module case 200 by welding. In this case, the coupled form of the top plate 300 and the module case 200 may be a rectangular tube with open front and rear surfaces.

[0048] The top plate 300 may be made of a material with excellent heat resistance and / or fire resistance. For example, the top plate 300 may be made of a fire-resistant plastic material.

[0049] A vent channel P may be formed in the top plate 300. The vent channel P may be configured to allow vent gas generated in the battery cell 100 to flow. The vent channel P may be configured to connect the containment space S with the outside of the battery module 10. That is, as shown by the thick arrow in Figure 3, if a thermal event occurs in a battery cell 100, vent gas and flames may be discharged into the vent channel P, and the vent gas and flames in the vent channel P may be discharged to the outside of the battery module 10.

[0050] Multiple vent channels P may be provided. These multiple vent channels P may be configured to be separated from each other. This allows vent gas to flow in each vent channel P, and prevents vent gas flowing in one vent channel P from moving to an adjacent vent channel P.

[0051] According to this embodiment, by separating the multiple vent channels P from each other, when a thermal event occurs in a battery cell 100, the propagation of vent gas, flames, etc., to adjacent battery cells 100 is prevented, thereby effectively preventing or delaying the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells 100.

[0052] Furthermore, by providing each vent channel P independently, it is possible to prevent high-temperature gases and flames discharged to the outside of the containment space S from flowing back into the containment space S. This ensures the safety and reliability of the battery module 10.

[0053] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since vent gas and the like are smoothly discharged into the vent channel P, heat accumulation inside the battery module 10 can be prevented or suppressed.

[0054] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a cross-section of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] More specifically, the top plate 300 may include partition walls 310 configured to divide the vent channel P into multiple sections. The partition walls 310 may be provided inside the vent channel P formed in the top plate 300. Referring to Figure 4, multiple partition walls 310 may be provided spaced apart from each other along one direction. Here, "one direction" can be defined as the direction in which the battery cells 100 are stacked, i.e., the left-right direction (X-axis direction).

[0056] According to this embodiment, the vent channels P are separated from each other by the partition wall 310, thereby preventing vent gas from moving to adjacent vent channels P. This prevents vent gas and other substances from moving to adjacent battery cells 100, and thus effectively prevents or delays the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells 100.

[0057] The partition wall 310 may be configured to guide the vent gas to the outside of the top plate 300. Referring to Figure 5, the partition wall 310 may be configured to extend along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery cell 100. The length of the partition wall 310 may correspond to the length of the top plate 300.

[0058] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, vent holes H may be formed in the top plate 300. The vent holes H may be configured to discharge vent gas generated in the battery cell 100 from the containment space S to the vent flow path P. The vent holes H may be provided in the top plate 300 to enable directional venting in a specific direction.

[0059] Specifically, as shown by the arrows in Figure 4, vent gases generated in the battery cell 100 can flow from the containment space S into the vent channel P through the vent hole H. Such vent gases can then be discharged to the outside of the battery module 10 in both directions through the vent channel P, as shown by the arrows in Figure 5.

[0060] According to this embodiment, since the vent gas and other substances discharged from the vent hole H move directly to the vent channel P formed in the top plate 300, the vent gas and other substances can be discharged to the outside of the battery module 10 more quickly.

[0061] Multiple vent holes H may be provided. The vent holes H may be provided at regular intervals from each other in the horizontal direction (X-axis, Y-axis direction). The vent holes H may be arranged in multiple rows. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the vent holes H may be arranged in a single row along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 100, and multiple vent holes H arranged in a single row may be arranged in multiple rows along the stacking direction of the battery cell 100.

[0062] According to this embodiment, no matter where a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 100, the vent gas and flame can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery module 10 through a specific vent hole H provided on the upper side of the battery cell 100.

[0063] The widthwise thickness of the partition wall 310 may be configured to correspond to the spacing between the vent holes H. In this case, the partition wall 310 may be provided between the vent holes H and spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction. The partition wall 310 may be positioned along the stacking direction of the battery cells 100. The partition wall 310 may be configured to block the movement of vent gas and the like in the stacking direction of the battery cells 100.

[0064] According to this embodiment, by providing a partition wall 310 between vent holes H, it is possible to prevent vent gas and other substances inside the vent channel P from flowing back into the module case 200 through the vent holes H of adjacent vent channels P. As a result, even if a thermal event occurs in any of the battery cells 100, the possibility of vent gas and heat moving to other battery cells 100 is reduced. In other words, according to this embodiment, the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells 100 can be effectively prevented or delayed.

[0065] Figure 6 is a top perspective view of the top plate included in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 7 is a bottom perspective view of the top plate included in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the top plate 300 may include a lower plate 320 and an upper plate 330 in addition to the partition wall 310. The lower plate 320 may be configured on which the partition wall 310 rests. The lower plate 320 may form the lower surface of the top plate 300. Vent holes H may be formed in the lower plate 320.

[0067] The upper plate 330 may be provided at an upward distance from the lower plate 320. The upper plate 330 may be configured to cover the vent hole H. The upper plate 330 may form the upper surface of the top plate 300. The upper plate 330 may be a flat plate. The upper plate 330 may be configured to prevent the vent gas discharged from the vent hole H from moving upward.

[0068] In this case, the vent channel P can be defined as the space formed by the lower plate 320, the upper plate 330, and the partition wall 310. According to this embodiment, the vent gas and other substances in the vent channel P can flow only within a single vent channel P without moving to the side of other adjacent battery cells 100. This makes it possible to restrict the movement of vent gas and other substances between vent channels P that are adjacent to each other in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) with a partition wall 310 in between.

[0069] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent vent gas and other substances discharged through the vent passage P via the vent hole H from flowing back into the battery cell 100 housing space S through vent holes H provided in other vent passages P.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the partition wall 310, the lower plate 320, and the upper plate 330 can form a plurality of vent channels P that are isolated from each other and have both longitudinal ends of the battery cell 100 open.

[0071] Specifically, the top plate 300 may include a discharge hole 340. The discharge hole 340 may be configured to connect the vent passage P with the outside of the top plate 300. That is, vent gas and the like in the vent passage P can be discharged to the outside of the top plate 300 through the discharge hole 340.

[0072] The discharge holes 340 may be provided at least one of the longitudinal ends of the top plate 300. The discharge holes 340 may be configured with both longitudinal ends of the vent passage P open. The discharge holes 340 may be provided at different positions depending on the direction in which the vent gas is discharged in the vent passage P. As shown in the embodiments in Figures 6 and 7, the discharge holes 340 are provided at both longitudinal ends of the top plate 300 so that the vent gas in the vent passage P can be discharged in both directions. In this case, the partition wall 310 can guide the vent gas to flow toward the discharge holes 340 provided at both ends of the vent passage P.

[0073] According to this embodiment, vent gas can be discharged in a single target direction, for example, in the direction in which the discharge hole 340 is formed. That is, since the area surrounding the discharge hole 340, excluding the vent hole H, is closed off, directional venting of the vent gas toward the discharge hole 340 can be guided more effectively. As a result, according to this embodiment, the vent gas can be quickly guided from inside the vent flow path P toward the discharge hole 340 and discharged to the outside.

[0074] On the other hand, the open end of the partition wall 310 may be provided in a diagonal shape. The partition wall 310 may be configured to include a portion in which its longitudinal length is shorter towards the top. That is, the end of the partition wall 310 may be configured to form an acute angle with the lower plate 320. As a result, the discharge hole 340 may also be configured to form an acute angle with the lower plate 320. In this case, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the length of the upper plate 330 may be shorter than the length of the lower plate 320, corresponding to the diagonal shape of the end of the partition wall 310.

[0075] According to this embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the discharge hole 340 is larger than when both ends of the partition wall 310 are arranged in a straight line. As a result, a larger amount of vent gas can be discharged through the discharge hole 340, and the vent gas can be discharged more smoothly to the outside of the battery module 10.

[0076] Alternatively, although not shown, the upper plate 330 may be provided so as to protrude outward from the partition wall 310. In this case, the protruding upper plate 330 can block the upward movement of the vent gas discharged from the discharge hole 340. This can further induce directional venting of the vent gas.

[0077] Furthermore, the partition wall 310, the lower plate 320, and the upper plate 330 can be integrally formed by extrusion molding. That is, the top plate 300 can be extruded, and the partition wall 310, the lower plate 320, and the upper plate 330 can be integrally formed. By extruding the top plate 300, the partition wall 310 can be extended linearly along the extrusion direction (the longitudinal direction of the top plate 300). Also, by extruding the top plate 300, an exhaust hole 340 can be formed at the end of the top plate 300.

[0078] According to this embodiment, since the partition wall 310 is integrally provided on the lower plate 320 and the upper plate 330, the process of joining various components is omitted, and defects at the joint between the partition wall 310 and the lower plate 320 and the upper plate 330 can be minimized.

[0079] Figure 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 10 is a bottom perspective view of a top plate included in a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Referring to Figures 2, 4, and 8, a battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a blocking member 500. The blocking member 500 is provided between battery cells 100 and may be configured to partition off the space between multiple battery cells 100. In particular, at least one blocking member 500 may be included in a single battery module 10. Multiple blocking members 500 may be provided along one direction in which the battery cells 100 are arranged.

[0081] The blocking member 500 may be placed for at least one battery cell 100. For example, as shown in Figure 4, in a battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, a blocking member 500 is placed for every two battery cells 100, and a plurality of vent holes H may be formed in a row along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery cell 100 on the upper surface of the battery cell 100 between adjacent blocking members 500.

[0082] The shielding member 500 may consist of an insulating pad thinner than the battery cell 100. The shielding member 500 may be made of a material with excellent heat resistance and / or fire resistance. Alternatively, the shielding member 500 may be made of a compressible pad form, such as a material like silicone or aerogel.

[0083] According to this embodiment, by partitioning or separating the battery cell 100, it is possible to prevent gas, flames, etc. from moving to the shut-off member 500 and other shut-off members 500 adjacent to it. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the shut-off member 500 can contribute to the structural rigidity of the battery cell 100 by compressing the battery cell 100 when the battery cell 100 experiences swelling.

[0084] In this case, as shown in the embodiments in Figures 8 and 9, the blocking member 500 may be provided so as to be in contact with the top plate 300. Specifically, the upper end of the blocking member 500 may be configured to be in contact with the lower plate 320 of the top plate 300. In addition, the partition wall 310 may be provided above the blocking member 500 in a manner corresponding to the number of blocking members 500. As a result, the blocking member 500 may be provided below the partition wall 310 provided between the vent holes H.

[0085] As a result, gases and flames ejected from the battery cells 100 housed between adjacent shut-off members 500 are discharged to the outside of the module case 200 only through the vent holes H located between the adjacent shut-off members 500.

[0086] According to this embodiment, the gap between the shut-off member 500 and the top plate 300 is minimized, reducing the vent gas flow space and preventing the propagation of thermal runaway to other adjacent battery cells 100. This ensures the safety and reliability of the battery module 10.

[0087] In particular, referring to Figure 9, the upper end of the blocking member 500 may be configured to be inserted into the top plate 300.

[0088] In this case, the blocking member 500 may extend further vertically than the battery cell 100. That is, the vertical height of the blocking member 500 may be greater than the vertical height of the battery cell 100. This allows the blocking member 500 to block both sides of the battery cell 100, thereby blocking the movement of vent gas and other substances inside the module case 200.

[0089] Specifically, referring to Figures 9 and 10, an insertion groove 350 may be formed in the top plate 300. The insertion groove 350 may be configured so that the upper end of the blocking member 500 is inserted into it. The insertion groove 350 may be provided in the form of a groove formed by recessing at least a portion of the lower plate 320. In such a case, when the top plate 300 is coupled to the module case 200, the upper end of the blocking member 500 can be tightly fitted into the insertion groove 350 without any gaps.

[0090] Furthermore, the insertion groove 350 can be extended in a straight line along the longitudinal direction of the blocking member 500. Such an insertion groove 350 can be extended in a straight line along the extrusion direction (Y-axis direction in Figure 10) by the compression manufacturing of the top plate 300. In this case, the length of the insertion groove 350 can be configured to correspond to the length of the blocking member 500.

[0091] According to this embodiment, since the upper end of the blocking member 500 is inserted into the insertion groove 350 of the top plate 300, the battery cells 100 can be more reliably partitioned and separated from one another.

[0092] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the shut-off member 500 is fixed to the top plate 300, it is possible to suppress bending deformation of the shut-off member 500. Even if a thermal event occurs, the possibility that the resulting high-temperature, high-pressure vent gas or flame will press against the shut-off member 500 and move towards other battery cells 100 can be reduced. As a result, when thermal runaway occurs in the battery module 10, the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells 100 can be effectively prevented or delayed.

[0093] Furthermore, the insertion groove 350 is located inside the battery module 10 and does not increase the height of the battery module 10, nor does it cause any change in the external shape of the battery module 10. Therefore, it does not affect the energy density of the battery module 10.

[0094] Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack containing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, Figure 11 shows the direction in which gases and other substances are discharged to the outside of the battery pack when the battery module experiences thermal runaway.

[0095] Referring to Figure 11, a battery pack 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes one or more battery modules 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention as described above. The battery pack 1 according to the present invention may further include a battery management system (BMS) for integrated control of the charging and discharging of one or more battery modules 10, a current sensor, a fuse, and a pack case 2 for housing the above-mentioned components.

[0096] Multiple battery modules 10 can be arranged adjacent to each other in multiple rows along the front-to-back and / or left-to-right directions inside the pack case 2. For example, as shown in Figure 11, multiple battery modules 10 can be arranged in four rows along the left-to-right direction (X-axis direction) and two rows along the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction).

[0097] The pack case 2 may be configured to have an open top and accommodate the battery module 10. The pack case 2 may be made of a material that can ensure mechanical rigidity, such as steel or SUS (Steel Use Stainless), or plastic, or may include such materials.

[0098] The pack case 2 may include multiple frames. At least some of these frames may be provided on both sides of the battery module 10. The frames may include side frames 21, a center beam 22, and a cross beam 23.

[0099] The side frame 21 may extend upward from each side of the base frame that forms the bottom surface of the pack case 2. The side frame 21 may form the side surface of the pack case 2. The side frame 21 may comprise a plurality of unit walls and be arranged to surround a plurality of battery modules 10.

[0100] Furthermore, the center beam 22 and the cross beam 23 may be provided to partition off the spaces between multiple battery modules 10. For example, the center beam 22 may be formed as a partition wall extending in the stacking direction (X-axis direction) of the battery modules 10 and interposed between battery modules 10 that are adjacent to each other in the front-rear direction. Similarly, the cross beam 23 may be formed as a partition wall extending in the front-rear direction and interposed between battery modules 10 that are adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery modules 10.

[0101] According to this embodiment, the storage space is separated by the center beam 22 and the cross beam 23, which prevents heat and flames from directly moving between the battery modules 10.

[0102] Furthermore, the pack case 2 may be equipped with an exhaust section 24. The exhaust section 24 may be configured to discharge vent gas generated in the battery module 10 to the outside of the pack case 2. The exhaust section 24 may be provided in the form of a hole that penetrates the inside and outside of the pack case 2. Alternatively, the exhaust section 24 may be configured to be attachable to a hole in the pack case 2 and may be in the form of a vent device that operates when exhaust is generated inside the pack case 2.

[0103] The discharge section 24 may be provided on the side of the pack case 2, i.e., on the side frame 21. Multiple discharge sections 24 may be provided. The discharge section 24 may be located on at least some of the unit walls among the multiple unit walls of the side frame 21. Furthermore, the discharge section 24 may be formed on two or more unit walls, or two or more may be formed on a single unit wall.

[0104] According to this embodiment, when an abnormal condition occurs in the battery cell 100, the vent gas can be discharged to the outside of the pack case 2 more quickly and easily.

[0105] On the other hand, the number and position of the discharge section 24 described based on the embodiment in Figure 11 are merely examples, and it goes without saying that they can be changed to a variety of numbers and positions.

[0106] The pack cover 3 may be configured to cover the tops of multiple battery modules 10. The pack cover 3 may be configured to cover the open top of the pack case 2. The pack cover 3 may be coupled to the side frame 21. The pack cover 3 and the center beam 22 may also be configured to be spaced apart at a predetermined distance.

[0107] The pack cover 3 protects the components housed inside the pack case 2, such as the battery module 10, and prevents waste discharged from the battery module 10 from being discharged to the outside of the pack case 2, particularly to the top.

[0108] Specifically, as indicated by the arrows in Figure 11, the present invention can be configured such that vent gas discharged from the vent channel P to the outside of the battery module 10 is discharged to the outside of the pack case 2. The vent gas can be configured to be discharged to the outside of the pack case 2 through the space between the frame, for example, the center beam 22, and the pack cover 3 and / or the space between the battery module 10 and the pack cover 3. In this case, the space between the battery module 10 and the pack cover 3 may mean the space between the discharge hole 340 and the pack cover 3.

[0109] As a result, if a thermal event occurs in the housing space S of the battery module 10, vent gas and other substances flow through the vent hole H into the vent channel P and are discharged to the outside of the battery module 10 through the discharge hole 340. In addition, the vent gas and other substances move to the discharge section 24 of the pack case 2 through the vent channel provided in the internal space of the pack case 2 and are discharged to the outside of the pack case 2.

[0110] In this configuration, the other parts of the battery module 10, excluding the discharge hole 340, such as the upper plate 330, may be configured to be in complete contact with the pack cover 3. This prevents vent gases discharged from the battery module 10 from spreading in all directions inside the pack case 2, but instead concentrates them in the vent channel of the pack case 2 and guides them to move straight towards the discharge section 24. According to this embodiment, since vent gases and other substances are prevented from flowing into other battery modules 10 and causing heat to dissipate, heat propagation between battery modules 10 can be effectively prevented or delayed. This ensures the safety and reliability of the battery pack unit.

[0111] Figure 12 is a schematic perspective view of an automobile including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0112] Referring to Figure 12, an automobile V according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs 1 or battery modules 10 according to one 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 operates by receiving power from a battery pack 1 or battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] As described above, the present invention has been explained with limited embodiments and drawings, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited thereto, and that various modifications and variations are possible within the equivalent scope of the technical idea and claims of the present invention by persons with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

Claims

1. Multiple battery cells, A module case configured to have an open top and house multiple battery cells, A top plate coupled to the open upper part of the module case, the top plate being provided with a plurality of vent channels configured to separate the vent gas generated in the battery cell while it flows, The top plate has at least one vent hole formed therein, configured to allow the vent gas to be discharged from the containment space towards the vent flow path. The vent holes extend along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell, The multiple vent holes are arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell. The plurality of vent holes, arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell, are arranged in a plurality of rows along the stacking direction of the battery cell. The top plate includes a discharge hole configured to connect the vent passage with the outside of the top plate. The discharge holes are provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the top plate, The aforementioned discharge holes are provided for each of the multiple vent passages in the battery module.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the top plate includes partitions configured to divide the vent passage into a plurality of sections.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein the partition wall is configured to guide the vent gas to the outside of the top plate.

4. The vent holes are arranged along multiple rows, The battery module according to claim 2, wherein the partition wall is provided between the vent holes and is spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction.

5. The aforementioned top plate is A lower plate on which the partition wall is placed and on which the vent hole is formed, The battery module according to claim 2, comprising: an upper plate that is spaced upward from the lower plate and configured to cover the vent hole.

6. The aforementioned battery cell is a pouch-type battery cell that includes electrode leads on at least one side in the longitudinal direction. The partition wall is configured to extend along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell, The battery module according to claim 5, wherein the partition wall, the lower plate, and the upper plate are connected to form a plurality of vent passages, and the plurality of vent passages are isolated from each other such that both ends in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell are open.

7. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein the partition wall, the lower plate, and the upper plate are integrally formed by extrusion molding.

8. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising a blocking member provided between the battery cells and configured to contact the top plate.

9. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein the upper end of the blocking member is configured to be inserted into the top plate.

10. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A pack case having an open top to accommodate the battery module, and including a plurality of frames provided on the front and rear sides of the battery module, The pack case includes a pack cover that is attached to the open top surface of the pack case, The battery pack according to claim 10, wherein the vent gas discharged to the outside from the vent passage is configured to be discharged to the outside of the pack case through the frame or the space between the battery module and the pack cover.

12. An automobile comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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