Enhanced safety battery module

Abstract

The present invention discloses a battery module having an improved structure to enhance safety when a thermal event occurs inside the battery module. A battery module according to one aspect of the present invention includes a module case forming an internal space, a plurality of battery cells accommodated in the internal space of the module case and arranged in at least one direction, and a guide plate connected to at least one side of the module case and having a shape extending in an oblique direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module, and more specifically, to a battery module with enhanced safety using an improved structure for discharging vent gas or the like.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0130264 filed on October 12, 2022, and all the contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated into this application.

Background Art

[0003] The demand for portable electronic products such as notebook computers, video cameras, and mobile phones that use electricity as a driving source has been rapidly growing. As mobile robots, electric bicycles, electric carts, electric vehicles, etc. are commonly commercialized, research on high-performance secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged has been actively conducted.

[0004] [[ID=二十]]Currently, commercially available secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, lithium secondary batteries, etc. Among them, lithium secondary batteries have the advantages that they can be freely charged and discharged because they hardly have a memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, have a very low self-discharge rate, have a high energy density, and have a high operating voltage. Therefore, not only more intensive research has been conducted compared to other types of secondary batteries, but they have also been more extensively applied to actual products.

[0005] Recently, secondary batteries have been widely used not only in small devices such as portable electronic devices but also in medium and large-sized devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS).

[0006] In this case, battery modules in which multiple electrically connected secondary batteries are housed together inside a module case are primarily used. Furthermore, when high power or high capacity is required, battery packs in which multiple such battery modules are electrically connected are also used.

[0007] Although secondary batteries, possessing these advantages, are increasingly being used in various forms, their behavioral characteristics mean that they are susceptible to problems such as swelling, the application of rush current, overheating due to Joule heating, or thermal runaway due to the decomposition reaction of the electrolyte.

[0008] Furthermore, if events such as a short circuit between secondary batteries or an excessive rise in temperature occur, a large amount of vent gas may be generated. If this becomes severe, not only may flames be produced, but high-temperature particles containing electrode active materials and aluminum particles may also be released. Therefore, ensuring the safety of battery modules is considered even more important.

[0009] Battery modules and battery packs are particularly vulnerable to thermal events because multiple secondary batteries (battery cells) or multiple cell assemblies are densely packed together in a spatially intensive manner. In particular, if thermal runaway occurs inside a battery module, high-temperature gases, flames, and heat are generated. If these are not quickly controlled, thermal propagation can cause a chain reaction of fires and explosions not only in the affected battery module but also in adjacent battery modules.

[0010] In the case of medium- and large-sized battery packs applied to vehicles such as electric vehicles that carry passengers, numerous battery cells and battery modules are more densely mounted to increase output and capacity. This raises concerns not only about the possibility of large-scale fires but also about the risk of personal injury. Therefore, there is a strong need to suppress and control thermal events that may occur in battery modules and other components more strongly from the initial stages.

[0011] Although conventional battery modules include structures such as vents to release thermal events such as vent gas or flames to the outside, they have an overall sealed or closed structure. Therefore, if a thermal event exceeding the discharge capacity of the vents occurs in a short period of time, there is a risk of fatal safety problems occurring, such as the collapse of the battery module's structure or the battery module itself exploding. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0012] The present invention was created to solve the aforementioned problems against the background described above, and aims to provide a battery module with enhanced safety that can adaptively respond to even large amounts of vent gas, by applying an improved structure that effectively secures sufficient exhaust space or area.

[0013] The technical problems that this invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other problems not mentioned should be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] A battery module according to one aspect of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned objectives may include a module case forming an internal space, a plurality of battery cells housed in the internal space of the module case and arranged in at least one direction, and a guide plate connected to at least one side of the module case and having a shape extending diagonally.

[0015] The module case includes side plates configured to cover both sides of the plurality of battery cells, and the guide plate may have a shape that extends diagonally and is connected to the side plates.

[0016] Furthermore, the guide plate of the present invention may include one or more through holes through which vent gas is discharged, in which case it is preferable that the through holes of the present invention are formed at the upper end of the guide plate.

[0017] Specifically, the guide plate of the present invention may include a first plate having a shape extending diagonally, and a second plate connected to the upper part of the first plate, positioned horizontally, and in contact with the upper frame of the pack housing.

[0018] Preferably, the second plate of the present invention may include one or more through holes formed inward from the position of the first plate.

[0019] In this case, it is preferable that the through-hole communicates with a vent channel formed inside the upper frame and is formed at a position corresponding to an inlet formed on the lower surface of the upper frame.

[0020] Furthermore, the guide plate of the present invention may have one or more groove lines extending horizontally formed on its inner surface, or one or more protrusions projecting outward from its inner surface.

[0021] A battery pack according to another aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object includes a battery module according to the present invention.

[0022] Furthermore, a vehicle according to still another aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object includes a battery module according to the present invention.

Advantages of the Invention

[0023] According to the present invention, it is possible to secure sufficient space for discharging vent gas, flame, etc. generated in a battery cell or cell assembly, and even if a fairly large-scale thermal event occurs in a short time, it is possible to adaptively respond thereto, and it is possible to provide a battery module with enhanced safety that can prevent structural collapse or disintegration of the battery module itself.

[0024] Also, in the case of the present invention, by applying a mechanical structure that causes a reverse flow and increases the contact area, the temperature of the vent gas can be naturally lowered and its physical force can be weakened in the process of discharging the vent gas along the guide plate, and the safety of the battery module can be further enhanced.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, by applying a structure that is organically coupled to the upper frame of the pack housing to the battery module, not only can the process efficiency of packaging the battery module in the pack housing be increased, but also the structural rigidity of the battery module itself as well as the physical rigidity of the battery pack itself can be improved.

[0026] In particular, by configuring the guide plate to be organically connected to the vent channel of the pack housing, it is possible to more simply integrate the battery pack-level flow path for discharging vent gas, etc. without adding other structures.

[0027] In addition to these, the present invention can have various other effects, and for these, they will be described in the column of each implementation configuration, or for effects that can be easily analogized by those skilled in the art, such descriptions will be omitted.

[0028] The drawings attached to this specification illustrate desirable embodiments of the present invention and are for the purpose of further understanding the technical idea of the present invention together with the content of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be construed as being limited only to the matters described in the drawings. On the other hand, the shapes, sizes, scales, or ratios of elements in the drawings attached to this specification may be exaggerated for the purpose of emphasizing a clearer explanation.

Brief Explanation of Drawings

[0029] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing the overall state of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is an exploded perspective view showing the internal configuration of the battery module shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] In a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is a diagram showing a schematic state in which vent gas or the like is discharged. [Figure 4] It is a diagram for explaining the overall structure of a guide plate according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a diagram for explaining the overall structure of a guide plate according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a diagram for explaining the guide plate of the present invention that is coupled to the upper frame of the pack housing. [Figure 7] It is a diagram for explaining the structure of the upper frame of the pack housing that is physically coupled to the guide plate of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a diagram for explaining the structure of the upper frame of the pack housing that is physically coupled to the guide plate of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a diagram for explaining the guide plate according to an embodiment of the present invention that is coupled to the upper frame of the pack housing. [Figure 10] This figure illustrates the structure of a guide plate according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This figure illustrates the structure of a guide plate according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] 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 ordinary or dictionary sense, but rather in the sense and concept corresponding to the technical idea of ​​the present invention, in accordance with the principle that the inventor may appropriately define the concept of terms in order to best describe the invention.

[0031] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the drawings represent only 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 be substituted for these embodiments at the time of filing this application.

[0032] It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the axes shown in the illustration, the terms referring to those axes, and the terms indicating direction, such as upper, lower, front, back, and vertical, which are described in relation to those axes, are merely for presenting relative standards for describing embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to specify a direction or position on an absolute basis, and it goes without saying that they may differ relatively depending on the position of the object in question, the position of the observer, the viewing direction, etc.

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with the Z-axis defined as the vertical or up-down reference, as described above, and from a corresponding viewpoint, embodiments of the present invention will be described with the Y-axis defined as the forward or backward reference, and the X-axis defined as the left or right reference. When the references are defined in this way, the XY plane becomes the horizontal plane in the embodiments of the present invention, and the Y-axis direction becomes the longitudinal direction (long axis reference) of the battery cell 110 or cell assembly 100.

[0034] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a battery module 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the internal configuration of the battery module 1000 shown in Figure 1, and Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the schematic manner in which vent gas and the like are discharged from the battery module 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] As shown in the figure, the battery module 1000 includes a module case 300 that functions as a case, and a cell assembly 100 containing one or more battery cells 110 and guide plates 200 (200A, 200B) provided in the internal space of the module case 300.

[0036] The battery cell 110 refers to a secondary battery including an electrode assembly, electrolyte, and battery case. In the figure, a pouch-type secondary battery, which has a high energy density and is easy to stack, is shown as an example, but it goes without saying that cylindrical or prismatic secondary batteries can also be used as battery cells 110.

[0037] As shown in Figure 2 and other figures, the cell assembly 100 can be configured in a manner in which battery cells 110, with their short axes oriented vertically (Z-axis with reference to the figure), are arranged (stacked) in a left-right direction (X-axis with reference to the figure).

[0038] The figure shows an example in which a cell assembly 100 consisting of a 1x1 matrix based on the vertical (X-axis) and horizontal (Y-axis) is housed in a module case 300. However, depending on the spatial characteristics, electrical capacity, power level, etc., of the device to which it is applied, cell assemblies 100 with a wide variety of arrangements, such as 1x2 or 2x3 matrices, can be deployed in the module case 300.

[0039] Furthermore, when multiple battery cells 110 are grouped together, it goes without saying that leads corresponding to the same polarity of individual battery cells 110 can be connected to each other by well-known methods and means, so that a common electrode portion in the cell assembly 100 dimension can be formed.

[0040] Depending on the embodiment, a heat shield plate 500 having an upright shape in the vertical direction (relative to the Z-axis) may be interposed between the battery cells 110 or cell assemblies 100. This heat shield plate 500 functions to block or reduce the propagation of heat, gas, flame, etc., that may occur between the battery cells 110 or cell assemblies 100, or to delay the time of such propagation.

[0041] This heat shield plate 500 may be made from a ceramic material such as mica or a material such as silicon, and may include a metal core plate and a flame-retardant material portion provided on the outside of the core plate to enhance rigidity and durability.

[0042] In order to effectively suppress thermal events propagating to adjacent battery cells 110, it is preferable that the height (in the Z-axis direction) of the heat shield plate 500 be configured to be even greater than the height of the individual battery cells 110.

[0043] Furthermore, it is preferable that the heat shield plate 500 is configured to be even longer than the length in the long axis direction (Y axis direction) of the battery cell 110 or cell assembly 100 in order to suppress the propagation of vent gas generated in the battery cell 110 or cell assembly 100 to adjacent battery cells 110 or cell assembly 100, and to guide the generated vent gas to move upward.

[0044] The module case 300 is a component for housing one or more cell assemblies 100 and may consist of a lower plate 320, an end plate 330, and side plates 340, 350, as shown in the figure. The end plate 330 and side plates 340, 350 may form the sides of the module case 300, and the lower plate 320 may be configured to form the lower surface of the module case 300. The module case 300 of the present invention may have a structure in which the upper plate is omitted in order to ensure sufficient space for the discharge of vent gas and the like and to guide the discharge of vent gas and the like toward an upward direction.

[0045] The end plate 330 and one or more of the lower plate 320 and side plates 340, 350 may be formed in the shape of a plate, or they may be formed in the shape of a polyhedron (e.g., a rectangular parallelepiped) having a certain thickness or more, and the side plates 340, 350 may be arranged so that their respective lower ends are connected to the lower plate 320.

[0046] At least a portion of the lower plate 320 and the side plates 340 and 350 may be formed in a shape that is integrated with each other. For example, one or more of the left plate 340 and the right plate 350 may be formed in a shape that is integrated with the lower plate 320. In this case, the left plate 340, the right plate 350 and the lower plate 320, which are integrated with each other, may be referred to by terms such as U-plate (frame) depending on their shape characteristics.

[0047] The front plate 330A and the rear plate 330B are end plates 330, which can be connected to the open portions at the front and rear ends of the U-plate, respectively. Needless to say, the connection between adjacent plates can be performed not only by flange and bolt fastening, but also by methods such as laser welding and ultrasonic welding.

[0048] The lower plate 320 and one or more of the side plates 340 and 350 may have their inner surfaces made of clad metal, or a flame-retardant material such as glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) may be attached to their inner surfaces.

[0049] One or more of the plates 320 to 350 constituting the module case 300 may be made from a metal material such as high-strength stainless steel (SUS), a plastic material such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS) with high heat resistance, temperature resistance, and impact resistance, or other types of plastic materials, in order to effectively provide physical protection for internal components, and it goes without saying that depending on the embodiment, different parts may be made from different materials.

[0050] It goes without saying that the module case 300 of the present invention can be realized to have various structures and shapes, including the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, depending on the shape, structure, size, number of members to be connected, etc.

[0051] To realize the main technical concept of the present invention, a guide plate 200 is provided on at least one side of the module case 300. In particular, the guide plate 200 may be provided on one or more of the side plates 340 and 350, blocking a portion of the left or right side of the module case 300, and may have a shape that extends diagonally.

[0052] As shown in Figure 3, the guide plate 200 of the present invention guides vent gas and other gases generated in the battery cell 110 or cell assembly 100 to be quickly discharged upward, thereby preventing the generated vent gas and other gases from spreading to adjacent battery cells 110 or cell assembly 100.

[0053] In particular, when a battery pack contains multiple battery modules 1000, the battery modules 1000 can be arranged along the left-right direction where the side plates 340 and 350 are provided, rather than along the front-to-back direction where the end plate 330 is provided. Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, by extending the guide plate 200 to the side plates 340 and 350, it is possible to suppress the spread of vent gas and the like to adjacent battery modules 1000.

[0054] The guide plate 200 can be provided by bending the side plates 340 and 350. In such cases, the guide plate 200 can be easily provided by modifying the module case 300.

[0055] As shown in Figure 3, the guide plate 200 of the present invention is connected to the left plate 340 or the right plate 350 and has a shape that extends diagonally, so that sufficient space can be formed in the upper left or right direction, as shown in Figure 3.

[0056] Since the guide plate 200 of the present invention is plate-shaped, the space provided by the guide plate 200 relative to the cell assembly 100 has a shape that widens in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction). Therefore, even if a large amount of vent gas is generated in a short time, the vent gas can be effectively discharged to the outside through the sufficiently secured space.

[0057] The guide plate 200 of the present invention may be provided in multiple units. For example, as shown in Figure 2, multiple guide plates 200 may extend from the left plate 340 and the right plate 350, respectively. To deepen understanding and improve ease of explanation and efficiency, as shown in Figure 2, the guide plates 200 are distinguished by the reference numerals 200A and 200B, respectively, depending on the position (left side, right side) (relative to the X-axis) in which they are provided. Details of the guide plate 200 of the present invention and related configurations of the present invention will be described later. As shown in the same figure, the guide plates 200A and 200B of the present invention have a shape in which the inclined surface portion extends inward, so they have a relatively narrow spacing between them compared to the internal width (X-axis direction) of the module case 300. Therefore, when mounting the battery cell 110 or cell assembly 100 in the module case 300, it is preferable to widen the spacing between them using a jig or the like before mounting the battery cell 110, etc. in the module case 300.

[0058] After the battery cells 110 and other components have been installed, the jig and other fixtures can be removed, and the guide plate 200, made of a metal or other material, can return to the shape or posture shown in the figure due to its own elastic force.

[0059] Depending on the embodiment, the left guide plate 200A and the right guide plate 200B may be configured to be connected to each other by one or more wires (not shown) having a shape extending in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction).

[0060] According to this embodiment of the present invention, the position-fixing force of the left guide plate 200A and the right guide plate 200B can be improved, and the durability of the module case 300 can be firmly maintained even if a strong pressure vent gas or the like is applied to one or both sides.

[0061] Furthermore, in order to improve the efficiency of the process of mounting the cell assembly 100 or battery cell 110 onto the module case 300, it is preferable that the wire be configured to be detachably connected to one or more of either the left guide plate 200A or the right guide plate 200B.

[0062] Depending on the embodiment, the wire is preferably made of a shape memory alloy (SMA) that deforms in a way that causes it to shrink when the ambient temperature rises.

[0063] With this implementation configuration, even if the temperature and pressure of the battery module 1000 increase due to the emission of vent gases, the module case 300 can be physically supported more robustly, suppressing or delaying phenomena such as damage or collapse of the module case 300.

[0064] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate the overall structure of the guide plate 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 6 illustrates the guide plate 200 of the present invention coupled to the upper frame 10 of a pack housing (not shown).

[0065] In the following explanation, the detailed structure and contents of the guide plate 200 of the present invention will be described using the right-side guide plate 200B as a reference. Since the left-side guide plate 200A has a structure corresponding to the right-side guide plate 200B, it goes without saying that the contents of the right-side guide plate 200B described later are applicable to the left-side guide plate 200A.

[0066] As shown in Figure 4, the guide plate 200 of the present invention has one or more through holes 211 through which vent gas and the like are discharged, and it is preferable that these through holes 211 are formed at the upper end of the guide plate 200.

[0067] Thus, if through holes 211 are formed in the guide plate 200, vent gas and other gases generated in the battery module 1000 will move through these through holes 211, making it possible to guide the movement of vent gas and other gases in a specific direction.

[0068] Furthermore, when the through-hole 211 is formed at the upper end of the guide plate 200, organic linkage with the vent channel VC provided on the upper frame 10 of the pack housing (not shown) can be achieved even more effectively without the addition of other complex components or structures. This will be discussed later.

[0069] The guide plate 200 of the present invention may include a first plate 210 having a shape extending diagonally and a second plate 220 connected to the upper part of the first plate 210, positioned horizontally, and in contact with the upper frame 10 of a pack housing (not shown). Here, "in contact" may mean contacting while facing each other, contacting in correspondence, and contacting while facing each other.

[0070] Thus, when the guide plate 200 includes the second plate 220, the contact area with the upper frame 10 of the pack housing can be increased, and when packaged in a battery pack, this not only improves the physical support force of the battery module 1000 but also improves its positional fixing force.

[0071] Furthermore, since the guide plate 200, which is structured in a complex manner with both horizontal and diagonal vertical directions, is physically in contact with or connected to the upper frame 10 of the pack housing, the structural rigidity and other structural engineering aspects of the battery pack can be effectively enhanced.

[0072] The second plate 220 is connected to the first plate 210, but may have a shape that widens in both the forward and backward directions (relative to the Y-axis), or, depending on the embodiment, may have a shape that widens in either the forward or backward direction.

[0073] Even if the second plate 220 has a shape that extends in one direction or is bent in one direction relative to the first plate 210, it is preferable that, in order to enhance structural rigidity and other factors, the second plate 220 extends or bends in a direction opposite to the diagonal direction formed by the first plate 210, as shown in Figure 5, etc., that is, the first plate 210 and the second plate 220 are configured to form an acute angle with each other.

[0074] Thus, when the guide plate 200 consists of a first plate 210 and a second plate 220, the through hole 211, which functions as an outlet for discharging vent gas and the like, can be formed in the second plate 220, as shown in Figure 5.

[0075] In this case, it is preferable that the through-hole 211 is formed on the surface of the second plate 220, inward from the position of the first plate 210. When the through-hole 211 is provided inward from the position of the first plate 210, as will be described later, the structural connection relationship with the upper frame 10 of the pack housing can be realized in a more organic way, thereby allowing vent gas and the like to be guided to the vent channel VC more effectively.

[0076] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the structure of the upper frame 10 of the pack housing which is physically coupled to the guide plate 200 of the present invention, and Figure 9 illustrates a guide plate according to an embodiment of the present invention which is coupled to the upper frame 10 of the pack housing.

[0077] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the upper frame 10 of the pack housing (not shown) includes an outlet 11 from which vent gas flows out and an inlet 13 into which vent gas flows in, and a vent channel VC is formed inside, which includes one or more ribs 12 that are structures arranged in a perpendicular direction or the like. For reference, the pack housing refers to the case or housing of a battery pack that houses one or more battery modules 1000.

[0078] Depending on the embodiment, the upper frame 10 of the pack housing may include a first frame 10A provided at the top and a second frame 10B that connects with the first frame 10A at the bottom, as illustrated in Figures 7 and 8.

[0079] In this case, the outlet 11 may be formed in the first frame 10A, the inlet 13 may be formed in the second frame 10B, and structures and components that form the vent path, including the ribs 12, may be formed at the bottom of the first frame 10A. In this state, if the first frame 10A and the second frame 10B are physically connected to each other from top to bottom, the upper frame 10 as a whole will form a closed space inside it, and this space will function as a vent channel VC.

[0080] Thus, when a vent channel VC is formed in the upper frame 10, the path for the vent gas is widened or extended, so that the physical properties of the vent gas, such as its temperature or pressure, are attenuated during the process of its discharge. Furthermore, if a flame is discharged along with the vent gas, the strong straight-line characteristic of the flame's behavior is broken down, thereby weakening the flame itself.

[0081] Furthermore, when flammable elements (sparks, particles, etc.) are present along with the vent gas, their movement is suppressed by the physical structure forming the vent channel VC. These elements can adhere to or be captured, effectively preventing them from flying and scattering, and also more effectively preventing the chain reaction of thermal events.

[0082] When the battery module 1000 is housed in a battery pack housing (not shown), the upper opening of the battery module 1000 may be covered by the upper frame 10 of the pack housing.

[0083] In this case, as shown in Figure 9, one or more through holes 211 formed in the guide plate 200, specifically the second plate 220, are in contact with the upper frame 10, but are configured to be physically connected to the inlet 13 formed on the lower surface of the upper frame 10 or the like.

[0084] In this configuration, the discharge structure performed in the dimension of individual battery modules 1000 can be integrated into the discharge structure of the entire battery pack by simply bringing the upper frame 10 of the pack housing into contact with the guide plate 200 of the present invention.

[0085] Figures 10 and 11 illustrate the structure of a guide plate 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] As shown in Figure 10, the inner surface of the guide plate 200 of the present invention, specifically the first plate 210, may have one or more groove lines 213 having a shape that extends in the horizontal longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the inner surface.

[0087] This groove line 213 has a shape in which grooves formed in a concave shape from the outer surface toward the interior extend in the longitudinal direction, and as shown in the figure, multiple grooves can be provided at appropriate intervals with respect to the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

[0088] The groove line 213 may consist of a single unit extending continuously along the horizontal longitudinal direction, as illustrated in the figure, or it may consist of two or more part units. Furthermore, although the figure illustrates a groove line 213 with constant spacing and line (lane) width, it goes without saying that a wide variety of other shapes can be adopted, as long as eddy and vortex phenomena can be induced, as will be discussed later.

[0089] Because vent gases and the like have a high temperature, they tend to move upward. Since the guide plate 200 of the present invention has a directional orientation that is tilted diagonally, the vent gases and the like generated in the battery cell 110 are moved upward more effectively by the guide plate 200 of the present invention.

[0090] Furthermore, the vent gas and the like will move upward along the surface of the guide plate 200 of the present invention, and in this process, the vent gas and the like will come into hydrodynamic contact with the grooves of the groove line 213.

[0091] In this case, resistance from the groove line 213 and physical collisions create relatively small vortices or eddies with opposing components around the groove line 213. These vortices continue to be generated continuously while heat and other fluids flow in, and the stronger and faster the thermal flow, the more the generation of vortices is promoted.

[0092] Therefore, as the vent gas passes through the guide plate 200, a considerable portion of it is weakened by the vortices formed by the groove lines 213, and furthermore, as the movement path is widened by the groove lines 213, its temperature decreases due to heat loss caused by the increased contact area.

[0093] The number, shape, depth, width, and length of the groove lines 213 are preferably designed to be variable according to attribute information such as the specifications of the battery cell 110, the characteristics of the heat generated, and the size, material, and thickness of the guide plate 200.

[0094] As shown in Figure 11, the guide plate 200 of the present invention may be provided with one or more protrusions 215 having a shape that protrudes outward with respect to the inner surface. In this way, when protrusions 215 are formed on the guide plate 200, specifically on the first plate 210, a combination of physical blocking or obstruction of thermal flow occurs, thus producing an effect corresponding to the effect of the groove line 213 of the present invention described above.

[0095] The battery pack according to the present invention may include one or more of the battery modules according to the present invention as described above. In addition to such battery modules, the battery pack according to the present invention may further include various other components, such as a battery management system (BMS), busbars, pack case, relays, current sensors, and other components of a battery pack known at the time of filing the present invention.

[0096] The battery module according to the present invention is applicable to automobiles such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles. That is, an automobile according to the present invention may include the battery module or battery pack according to the present invention. In addition to such battery modules or battery packs, an automobile according to the present invention may further include various other components included in the automobile. For example, an automobile according to the present invention may further include, in addition to the battery module according to the present invention, a vehicle body, a motor, an electronic control unit (ECU), and other control devices.

[0097] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited thereto, and that various modifications and variations can be made by persons with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains, within the equivalent scope of the technical concept and claims of the present invention.

[0098] The accompanying drawings and other illustrations for the purpose of describing the present invention and illustrating its embodiments may be shown in a somewhat exaggerated form to emphasize or highlight the technical content of the present invention. However, considering the content described above and the illustrated matters, it is understood that a wide variety of modified application forms can be adopted by someone at the level of an ordinary engineer in this art.

[0099] Furthermore, in describing the present invention, it is self-evident that terms and phrases such as first, second, upper, lower, or top and bottom are merely instrumental conceptual terms and phrases used to relatively distinguish each component from one another, and are not terms or phrases used to indicate a specific order, priority, or anything like that, nor are they terms or phrases used to physically distinguish each component according to an absolute standard. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 10 Top frame 10A First Frame 10B Second Frame 11 Outlet 12 Ribs 13 Inlet 100 cell assembly 110 battery cells 200 Guide Plate 200A Left-side guide plate 200B Right-side guide plate 210 First Plate 211 Through hole 213 Groove line 215 Protrusion 220 Second Plate 300 Module Case 320 Lower Plate 330 End Plate 330A Front Plate 330B Rear Plate 340 Left side plate 350 Right side plate 500 Heat Shield Plate 1000 Battery Modules VC Vent Channel

Claims

1. A module case that forms the internal space, The module case contains a plurality of battery cells arranged in at least one direction, A guide plate is directly connected to at least one side of the module case and has a shape that extends diagonally from the side of the module case, A battery module, including the battery module.

2. The aforementioned module case is Includes side plates configured to cover both sides of the plurality of battery cells, The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the guide plate is connected to the side plate and has a shape that extends diagonally.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the guide plate includes one or more through holes through which vent gas is discharged.

4. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein the through hole is formed at the upper end of the guide plate.

5. The aforementioned guide plate is A first plate having a shape that extends diagonally, A second plate is connected to the upper part of the first plate, positioned horizontally, and in contact with the upper frame of the pack housing, The battery module according to claim 1, including the following:

6. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein the second plate includes one or more through holes formed inward from the position of the first plate.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, wherein the through-hole communicates with a vent channel formed inside the upper frame and is formed at a position corresponding to an inlet formed on the lower surface of the upper frame.

8. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the guide plate has one or more groove lines extending horizontally formed on its inner surface.

9. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the guide plate has one or more protrusions that project outward from the inner surface portion.

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

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

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