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

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a battery module comprising: a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells; module terminals electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells and disposed on at least one of the six faces of the cell assembly; and a module frame configured to house the cell assembly and comprising a first frame configured to cover a portion of the faces of the cell assembly, including the face of the cell assembly on which the module terminals are located, and a second frame configured to cover the remaining portion of the faces of the cell assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module, a battery pack including the battery module, and a vehicle.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0033429 filed on March 8, 2024, and all of the content disclosed in the specification and drawings of the application is incorporated herein.

Background Art

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

[0005] When a plurality of battery cells are connected in series / parallel to form a battery pack, first, a battery module including at least one battery cell is formed, and other components are added to such at least one battery module to form a battery pack or a battery rack. This method is common.

[0006] Conventional battery modules consist of a modular frame made up of various parts, including a frame body with open front and rear ends, a top plate, and end plates that connect to the front and rear of the frame body. When a modular frame is made up of various parts in this way, it is necessary to manufacture multiple plates separately and perform welding processes multiple times to connect the multiple plates, which leads to a problem of reduced productivity.

[0007] Furthermore, if welds are formed in multiple locations, and an event such as thermal runaway occurs in any of the battery cells, the internal pressure of the module frame may increase due to the high-temperature vent gas and flames, potentially causing the module frame to break.

[0008] Furthermore, if the weld breaks, external oxygen can flow into the module frame, potentially intensifying the flames inside the battery module. This could lead to a fire or explosion of the battery module or battery pack. Such fires or explosions of battery modules or battery packs can cause not only property damage but also loss of life. For example, a fire or explosion in an electric vehicle battery pack could endanger the safety of the user, such as the driver. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] Therefore, the present invention was devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a battery module, a battery pack including the battery module, and an automobile, which can improve productivity by minimizing the components of the module frame of the battery module and ensure safety by stably maintaining the coupling state of the module frame.

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

[0011] To solve the above-mentioned problems, a battery module according to one aspect of the present invention includes a cell assembly comprising a plurality of battery cells, module terminals electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells and disposed on at least one of the six faces of the cell assembly, and a module frame comprising a first frame configured to house the cell assembly and covering a portion of the faces of the cell assembly, including the face of the cell assembly on which the module terminals are located, and a second frame configured to cover the remaining portion of the faces of the cell assembly.

[0012] The first frame may be configured to cover the front, rear, and bottom surfaces of the cell assembly, and the second frame may be configured to cover the top, left, and right sides of the cell assembly.

[0013] The first frame may be configured in a form that is integrated to cover the front, rear, and bottom surfaces of the cell assembly.

[0014] The second frame may be configured in a form that is integrated to cover the top, left, and right sides of the cell assembly.

[0015] At least one of the first frame and the second frame may be configured in a way that it is folded to cover different sides of the cell assembly.

[0016] At least one of the first frame and the second frame may be configured in a U-shape with three open sides.

[0017] The second frame may be formed with vent holes configured to discharge vent gas generated in the battery cell to the outside.

[0018] The vent holes may be provided above the cell assembly.

[0019] It may further include a frame cover configured to at least partially cover the module frame.

[0020] The frame cover may be formed with cover holes formed at positions corresponding to the vent holes.

[0021] The frame cover may include a cover member configured to cover the cover holes and open and close the cover holes by vent gas.

[0022] The first frame may be configured in a form in which at least a part thereof is open on the surface where the module terminals are located.

[0023] The first frame may include a protruding portion configured to at least partially protrude upward and contact the second frame on the surface where the module terminals are located.

[0024] The first frame may be configured in a form in which the front surface and the rear surface are rotationally symmetric.

[0025] The first frame may be configured in a form in which at least a part thereof is open on the opposite surface of the surface where the module terminals are located.

[0026] Welding portions may be formed at the open ends where the first frame and the second frame face each other.

[0027] Another aspect of the present invention provides a battery pack including a battery module according to an aspect of the present invention.

[0028] Another aspect of the present invention provides an automobile including a battery module according to an aspect of the present invention.

Advantages of the Invention

[0029] According to an aspect of the present invention, by minimizing the number of parts of the module frame and covering all surfaces of the cell assembly, it is possible to reduce manufacturing costs, manufacturing time, etc. of the battery module. Thereby, productivity can be improved and the convenience of management can be enhanced.

[0030] Also, according to an aspect of the present invention, even if impacts, vibrations, etc. occur in the battery module, the module frame can stably maintain the coupled state without being damaged or broken. Thereby, the structural stability of the battery module can be ensured.

[0031] Thereby, according to an aspect of the present invention, even if a thermal event such as vent gas or flame occurs in the battery module, by minimizing leakage of vent gas, flame, etc. to the outside from the damaged or broken part of the module frame, propagation of thermal runaway between battery modules can be effectively prevented.

[0032] In particular, according to an aspect of the present invention, even if a thermal event such as vent gas or flame occurs in the battery module and any one of a plurality of module frame parts is separated from the cell assembly, the other one can maintain a state of covering a partial surface of the cell assembly, particularly the surface provided with the module terminals. Thereby, the safety and reliability of the battery module can be ensured.

[0033] Furthermore, according to an aspect of the present invention, in the battery module, it is possible to effectively prevent oxygen, etc. from flowing through the damaged or broken part of the module frame and spreading a fire.

[0034] In addition, the present invention can produce a variety of other effects. These will be described in each embodiment, but effects that can be easily inferred by those skilled in the art will not be described.

[0035] The following drawings accompanying this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and are intended to facilitate a better understanding of the technical concept of the invention, along with the detailed description of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be construed as being limited solely to what is shown in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0036] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing an overall battery module according to one 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 cross-sectional view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This is an exploded perspective view of the module frame of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention with a frame cover applied. [Figure 6] This is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a disassembled perspective view of the lower side of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a front view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a schematic perspective view showing the first frame of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a rear view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11]This is a schematic perspective view showing a first frame of a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a front view of a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a rear perspective view showing a frame cover applied to a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This figure illustrates how a portion of the frame cover opens when a thermal event occurs in a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This diagram shows a welded joint of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This figure shows how the module frame of a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is separated. [Figure 17] This is a cross-sectional view showing the coupling portion of the module frame of a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] This is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] This is a schematic perspective view of an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0037] 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.

[0038] Therefore, the embodiments and illustrated configurations described herein 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] For example, in the embodiment of the present invention, the illustrated X-axis direction may represent the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction may represent the front-back direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction on the horizontal plane (XY plane), and the Z-axis direction may represent 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.

[0042] Figure 1 is an overall perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along line I-I' in Figure 1. And Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the module frame of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the battery module 10 according to the present invention includes a cell assembly 100, module terminals 200, and a module frame 300.

[0044] The cell assembly 100 may comprise at least one battery cell 110, and more particularly, multiple battery cells 110. Here, each battery cell 110 may mean a single rechargeable battery itself, or a group of multiple rechargeable batteries. In this specification, the description will be based on the assumption that each battery cell 110 is a single rechargeable battery.

[0045] Multiple battery cells 110 may include an electrode assembly, a cell case 111 housing the electrode assembly, and electrode leads 112 connected to the electrode assembly and extending outwards from the cell case 111 to function as electrode terminals.

[0046] In this case, the shape of the cell case 111 can be diverse, and depending on the shape of the cell case 111, the battery cell 110 can be classified into pouch-type cells, cylindrical cells, prismatic cells, etc. Since such types of battery cells 110 are well known at the time of filing of the present invention, a detailed explanation will be omitted. Although the drawings in this specification show a pouch-type battery cell, the present invention is applicable to all diverse forms of secondary batteries known at the time of filing of the present invention and is not limited to any particular type of secondary battery.

[0047] In the cell assembly 100, the multiple battery cells 110 may be arranged in a unidirectional stacked configuration. For example, the multiple battery cells 110 may be stacked in a configuration aligned in the left-right direction (±X axis direction). Such a cell assembly 100 may include six faces. That is, the cell assembly 100 may be configured in a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0048] Furthermore, the multiple battery cells 110 provided in the cell assembly 100 can be electrically connected to each other in series and / or parallel via a bus bar 520 or the like, which will be described later.

[0049] On the other hand, the module terminal 200 may be configured to be electrically connected to the electrode leads 112 of the battery cell 110. The module terminal 200 may include a positive terminal and a negative terminal. Furthermore, the module terminal 200 may be configured to be electrically or communicatively connected to a control device such as a battery management system (BMS).

[0050] The module terminals 200 may be located on at least one of the six faces of the cell assembly 100. For example, the module terminals 200 may be located on the side from which the electrode leads 112 of the battery cell 110 are drawn out. As an example, the electrode leads 112 of the battery cell 110 are drawn out in the front-to-back direction, and the module terminals 200 may be located on the front side of the cell assembly 100.

[0051] On the other hand, the module frame 300 may be configured to accommodate the cell assembly 100. Specifically, the module frame 300 may have a housing space formed therein, and the cell assembly 100 may be housed in the housing space. For example, the module frame 300 may be configured such that a plurality of parts are joined together to form a rectangular parallelepiped. In this way, the module frame 300 may be configured to cover six sides of the cell assembly 100. The module frame 300 may be made of metal and / or plastic material, at least in part.

[0052] More specifically, referring to Figures 1 to 4, the module frame 300 may comprise a first frame 310 and a second frame 320. The first frame 310 and the second frame 320 are joined together to form the exterior of the module frame 300, and a cell assembly 100 can be housed inside. In this case, various fastening methods such as welding, bonding, bolting, and hooks can be used to join and fix the first frame 310 and the second frame 320.

[0053] The first frame 310 and the second frame 320 may be configured to divide and cover six faces of the cell assembly 100. When the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 are joined together, the first frame 310 may be configured to cover a portion of the faces of the cell assembly 100, and the second frame 320 may be joined to the first frame 310 to cover the remaining portion.

[0054] In particular, the first frame 310 may be configured to cover the surface of the cell assembly 100 on which the module terminals 200 are located. For example, if the module terminals 200 are located on the front side of the cell assembly 100, the first frame 310 may be configured to cover the front surface of the cell assembly 100.

[0055] For example, as shown in the embodiments in Figures 1 to 4, the first frame 310 may be configured to cover three sides of the cell assembly 100, including the front surface, and the second frame 320 may be configured to cover the remaining three sides of the cell assembly 100.

[0056] In other words, the battery module 10 according to this embodiment can be configured such that the six sides of the cell assembly 100 are covered by only the first frame 310 and the second frame 320.

[0057] According to this embodiment, the module frame 300 can be constructed using only two components, the first frame 310 and the second frame 320, to cover all surfaces of the cell assembly 100. This minimizes the number of components in the module frame 300, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and time for the battery module 10. Consequently, productivity can be improved and management convenience can be enhanced.

[0058] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by minimizing the bonding areas between components of the module frame 300, damage or breakage of the module frame 300 can be prevented even if shocks or vibrations occur in the battery module 10. This ensures the structural stability of the battery module 10.

[0059] In particular, according to this embodiment, even if a thermal event such as vent gas or flame occurs in the battery module 10, the coupling state of the module frame 300 can be stably maintained. This prevents the module frame 300 from separating and leaking vent gas or flame to the outside. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to effectively prevent oxygen or other substances from flowing into the interior through damaged or broken parts of the module frame 300 and spreading a fire. This ensures the safety of the battery module.

[0060] As a more specific example, referring mainly to Figures 1 and 4, the first frame 310 may be configured to cover the front, rear, and bottom surfaces of the cell assembly 100. The second frame 320 may be configured to cover the top, left, and right sides of the cell assembly 100.

[0061] According to this embodiment, the front and rear surfaces of the cell assembly 100 can be completely covered by the first frame 310. This minimizes the spread of vent gases, flames, etc., through the front and rear surfaces of the module frame 300 to adjacent battery modules 10 when a thermal event occurs in the battery module 10.

[0062] In particular, according to this embodiment, the first frame 310 covers the front surface of the cell assembly 100 on which the module terminals 200 are provided, thereby minimizing damage to the module terminals 200 from heat such as vent gas or flames when a thermal event occurs in another battery module 10. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the safety of the battery module 10 can be more effectively ensured.

[0063] In such a case, the first frame 310 may be configured in a form that is integrated to cover the front, rear, and bottom surfaces of the cell assembly 100. The second frame 320 may also be configured in a form that is integrated to cover the top, left, and right sides of the cell assembly 100.

[0064] In other words, at least one of the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 may be configured in a folded form that covers different faces of the cell assembly 100. The first frame 310 may be configured in a folded form that covers the front, rear, and bottom faces of the cell assembly 100. In this case, the folded portion of the first frame 310 may be positioned in the front-rear direction. The second frame 320 may be configured in a folded form that covers the top, left, and right faces of the cell assembly 100. In this case, the folded portion of the second frame 320 may be positioned on the left and right sides.

[0065] As a more specific example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 4, at least one of the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 may be configured in a U-shape with three open sides. The first frame 310 and the second frame 320 may each be configured to have three edges at their open ends. For example, the first frame 310 located at the bottom may be configured in a substantially U-shape when viewed from the left and right sides. Similarly, the second frame 320 may be configured in a substantially n-shape when viewed from the front and rear.

[0066] On the other hand, in such a case, the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 may be configured to be connected to each other along the vertical direction (±Z axis direction). This allows the open ends of the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 to interlock and connect when the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 are connected. That is, the three edges on the left and right sides of the first frame 310 and the three edges on the front and rear sides of the second frame 320 may be configured to face each other. This allows the module frame 300 to take on a rectangular parallelepiped shape. According to this embodiment, the joint configuration of the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 can be realized using only the simple shapes of the first frame 310 and the second frame 320. This improves the ease of assembly of the first frame 310 and the second frame 320.

[0067] In particular, the second frame 320 may be configured in a form that is symmetrical in the vertical, horizontal, and vertical directions. According to such an embodiment, the second frame 320 can be combined with the first frame 310 to form the module frame 300 regardless of the direction in which it is rotated. This further improves productivity during the manufacturing of the module frame 300.

[0068] On the other hand, the module frame 300 may have a vent hole VH formed on at least one side. Such a vent hole VH may be configured to discharge vent gas generated in the battery cell 110 to the outside of the module frame 300.

[0069] For example, the vent hole VH may be formed in a completely open form so as to penetrate both the inside and outside of the module frame 300. However, the vent hole VH may not be completely open, but rather be configured to be closed under normal conditions and then open in response to changes in pressure, temperature, etc.

[0070] Multiple vent holes VH may be provided. Multiple vent holes VH may be arranged in multiple columns and rows. In addition, the vent holes VH may be formed in a form that extends long in one direction. For example, the vent holes VH may be formed in a form that extends long in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 110.

[0071] According to this embodiment, the vent hole VH prevents the internal pressure of the battery module 10 from increasing and causing it to explode. In addition, in this case, the direction of the vent gas discharge can be guided.

[0072] In particular, the vent hole VH may be formed in the second frame 320. For example, such a vent hole VH may be formed on the upper surface of the module frame 300. That is, the vent hole VH may be located above the cell assembly 100. This allows for the upward discharge of vent gases and other substances from inside the battery module 10.

[0073] According to this embodiment, the second frame 320, in which the vent hole VH is formed, and the first frame 310, which covers the surface of the cell assembly 100 on which the module terminals 200 are provided, can be composed of separate parts. Therefore, even if the second frame 320 is separated due to an upward force applied by the pressure of vent gas or flame discharged from the vent hole VH, the state in which the first frame 310 covers the side of the module terminals 200 is maintained. As a result, according to this embodiment, the safety of the battery module 10 can be ensured.

[0074] In particular, referring to Figures 2 and 3, if the battery cell 110 is a pouch-type battery cell, the cell case 111 may include a storage section 111a and a sealing section 111b. The storage section 111a may be configured to house the electrode assembly, and the sealing section 111b may be configured such that the outer edge of the storage section 111a is heat-sealed. For example, one cell case 111 may include a storage section 111a that houses the electrode assembly by folding the central portion and sandwiching the electrode assembly between the folds, and a sealing section 111b in which three sides of the outer casing of the storage section 111a are sealed.

[0075] On the other hand, the electrode leads 112 are provided in pairs, and the pair of electrode leads 112 can be drawn out from both ends of the battery cell 110, i.e., in the longitudinal direction. In this case, the pair of electrode leads 112 may be a positive electrode lead and a negative electrode lead. If necessary, the battery cell 110 may be configured such that the two electrode leads 112 are located only at one end in the longitudinal direction, for example, the end in the +Y axis direction.

[0076] In this case, the sealing portion 111b may include a portion from which the electrode leads 112 are drawn out and a portion from which the electrode leads 112 are not drawn out. For example, as in the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the portion of the sealing portion 111a from which the electrode leads 112 are drawn out may be provided on both sides along the front-rear direction of the cell case 111, and the portion from which the electrode leads 112 are not drawn out may be provided at the top. That is, multiple battery cells 110 can be stacked face-to-face with the electrode leads 112 drawn out in the front-rear direction and the sealing portion 111a from which the electrode leads 112 are not drawn out facing upward.

[0077] At this time, the vent gas generated in the battery cell 110 can be discharged to the outside through the sealing portion 111a from which the electrode leads 112 are not extended. This can guide the vent gas to be discharged upward. According to this embodiment, the vent gas discharged upward from the battery cell 110 can be discharged to the outside of the battery module 10 through the vent hole VH provided at the top.

[0078] According to this embodiment, the venting direction of the battery cell 110 can be more effectively guided upward. As a result, when the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 are assembled in the front-to-back direction, even if a thermal event such as vent gas or flame occurs in the battery module 10, the separation of the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 due to the pressure of vent gas or flame is minimized. Therefore, the structural stability of the battery module 10 can be further ensured.

[0079] Referring to Figure 2, the battery module 10 of the present invention may further include a busbar frame assembly 500. The busbar frame assembly 500 is provided inside the module frame 300 and may be configured to cover at least one side of the plurality of battery cells 110. The busbar frame assembly 500 may be located on the side from which the electrode leads 112 of the battery cells 110 are drawn. For example, the busbar frame assembly 500 may be coupled to the front and rear of the plurality of battery cells 110.

[0080] The busbar frame assembly 500 may include a busbar frame 510 and a plurality of busbars 520. The busbar frame 510 may be configured to be coupled to the front and rear of a plurality of battery cells 110. The busbar frame 510 may have slits that allow the electrode leads of the battery cells 110 to be drawn out in the front-rear direction.

[0081] Furthermore, the busbar frame 510 may be formed from, for example, a plastic material that has electrical insulating properties, and may be configured so that the busbar 520 can be attached to its outer surface.

[0082] On the other hand, the multiple busbars 520 are means for connecting multiple battery cells 110 in series and / or parallel, and are made of a metallic material such as copper, aluminum, or nickel, and may be rod-shaped.

[0083] The electrode leads 112 of multiple battery cells 110 are drawn out through slits in the busbar frame 510 to the outside of the busbar frame 510, and the drawn-out portions can be attached to the surface of the busbar 520 by welding or other means.

[0084] Figure 5 shows a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention with a frame cover applied, and Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the battery module 10 according to this embodiment may further include a frame cover 400. The frame cover 400 may be configured to at least partially cover the module frame 300. The frame cover 400 may be provided on the outside of the module frame 300.

[0086] Specifically, the frame cover 400 may be configured to cover at least one of the six surfaces of the module frame 300. The frame cover 400 may be configured to cover at least the second frame 320. The frame cover 400 may be configured to have the same shape as the second frame 320. For example, as in the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the frame cover 400 may be configured in a U-shape.

[0087] The frame cover 400 may be configured to suppress the diffusion of vent gases, flames, etc., emitted when a thermal event occurs within the battery module 10 to other battery modules 10. For this reason, the frame cover 400 may be made of a material with excellent heat resistance and / or fire resistance, such as a mica sheet or a silicone composite material.

[0088] As a result, the frame cover 400 can maintain its morphological stability without deforming even when high temperatures are generated, and can reliably block high-temperature gases and flames generated in the battery cell 110.

[0089] According to this embodiment, the frame cover 400 is made of a rigid and heat-resistant material, thereby minimizing deformation caused by high-temperature gases, flames, and the like.

[0090] On the other hand, a cover hole CH may be formed in the frame cover 400. The cover hole CH may be configured to discharge vent gas, which is discharged through the vent hole VH, to the outside of the battery module 10.

[0091] Multiple cover holes CH may be provided, spaced at regular intervals from each other in the horizontal direction (X-axis and Y-axis directions). In particular, the cover holes CH may be formed at positions corresponding to the vent holes VH. The cover holes CH may be formed on the upper surface of the frame cover 400. As a result, according to this embodiment, vent gas, flames, etc., can be quickly directionally vented in a specific direction through the vent holes VH and cover holes CH.

[0092] On the other hand, the frame cover 400 may include a cover member 410. The cover member 410 may be configured to cover the cover hole CH. The cover member 410 may be configured to individually cover the cover hole CH. The cover member 410 may be configured to be inserted into the cover hole CH, as in the embodiment shown in Figure 5. In this case, the frame cover 400 may have notches or cut lines in the portion corresponding to the vent hole VH.

[0093] Alternatively, unlike this embodiment, the cover member 410 may be provided between the vent hole VH and the cover hole CH. In this case, the cover member 410 may be in sheet form and placed on the module frame 300. The cover member 410 may be configured to cover multiple cover holes CH at once. The cover member 410 may be attached to the inside of the frame cover 400 or attached to the module frame 300.

[0094] Such a cover member 410 may be configured to open and close the cover hole CH by vent gas or a flame, as in the embodiment shown in Figure 6. Specifically, at least a portion of the cover member 410 may be configured to rupture due to the pressure and heat of the vent gas directed toward the vent hole VH. Alternatively, the cover member 410 may be configured to be separated from the main body of the frame cover 400.

[0095] According to this embodiment, if a thermal event occurs in a specific battery cell 110, a cover member 410 provided on one side of the specific battery cell 110 may rupture, opening at least one of the multiple vent holes VH. This allows vent gas and the like to be discharged to the outside of the module frame 300 through the opened vent hole VH.

[0096] Furthermore, the cover member 410 can prevent gases and flames discharged to the outside of the module frame 300 from flowing back into the battery module 10. In other words, the vent hole VH provided on the battery cell 110 side where no thermal event is occurring can remain closed without being opened.

[0097] This fundamentally prevents vent gases and flames discharged to the outside through the open vent holes VH from flowing back into the battery module 10. Furthermore, the remaining portion of the cover member 410 that has not ruptured can block not only heat, but also high-temperature gases, flames, and discharges generated in the battery cell 110.

[0098] According to this embodiment, when thermal runaway occurs in the battery module 10, not only are the vent gases and flames generated inside the battery module 10 smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery module 10, but it is also prevented from the discharged vent gases and flames flowing back into the battery module 10. Therefore, heat propagation to adjacent battery cells 110 and the battery module 10 is minimized, effectively preventing or delaying the propagation of thermal runaway.

[0099] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the lower side of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 8 is a front view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the first frame 310 may be configured in a way that at least a portion of the surface on which the module terminals 200 are located is open. Alternatively, the surface of the first frame 310 opposite to the surface on which the module terminals 200 are located may be configured in a way that is completely closed.

[0101] As a more specific example, the first frame 310 may include a protrusion P and a first opening O1. The protrusion P and the first opening O1 may be provided on the surface where the module terminals 200 are located. Furthermore, the protrusion P may be configured to protrude upward so that at least a portion of it contacts the second frame 320.

[0102] Specifically, the front surface of the first frame 310 covers a portion of the lower part of the front surface of the cell assembly 100, while the remaining upper portion is at least partially open to form the first open portion O1.

[0103] As a result, when the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 are joined together, the left edge, right edge, and protrusion P of the front surface of the first frame 310 can come into contact with the second frame 320. At this time, the lengths D1 of the left edge and right edge of the front surface of the first frame 310 that come into contact with the second frame 320 can be set to be smaller than the height of the second frame 320 or the height of the cell assembly 100.

[0104] In this case, multiple first openings O1 may be provided. Furthermore, multiple first openings O1 may be arranged to be separated from each other in the left-right direction by protruding portions P. The first openings O1 may be formed by cutting out a portion of the first frame 310. For example, the first openings O1 may be formed by cutting out the left and right corners from the front surface of the first frame 310.

[0105] Such a first opening O1 may be configured to expose control devices and electrical or communication connection devices of the battery module 10, such as module terminals 200 and connectors, to the outside. That is, the module terminals 200 may be configured so that at least a portion of them passes through the first opening O1.

[0106] According to this embodiment, the module terminals 200 are exposed to the outside on the front side of the first frame 310 through the first opening O1, and at the same time, the protrusion P is provided, which minimizes the exposure of the internal components of the module frame 300 on the front side.

[0107] On the other hand, referring to Figure 7, the battery module 10 according to this embodiment may further include an insulating cover 600. The insulating cover 600 may be configured to electrically insulate the module frame 300, which is made of a metal material, from the busbars 520 and electrode leads 112. The insulating cover 600 may be made of a plastic material.

[0108] The insulating cover 600 may be provided inside the module frame 300, particularly the first frame 310. The insulating cover 600 may be provided between the module frame 300 and the cell assembly 100 and the busbar frame assembly 500.

[0109] As in this embodiment, by sandwiching the insulating cover 600 between the module frame 300 and the cell assembly 100 and busbar frame assembly 500, assembly can be improved compared to the conventional configuration in which the insulating cover is provided on the inside of the end plates that form the front and rear surfaces of the module frame in the battery module, and the insulating cover and end plates are welded to the cell assembly.

[0110] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the internal pressure of the battery module 10 increases, the front and rear surfaces of the first frame 310 support the insulating cover 600, thereby minimizing the possibility of separation of the insulating cover 600 and ensuring electrical insulation or structural stability.

[0111] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, separation of the cell assembly 100 and the insulating cover 600 due to vent gas or flames is suppressed, and vent gas or flames are prevented from being discharged towards the front of the battery module 10. This prevents the propagation of thermal runaway between the battery modules 10.

[0112] Such an insulating cover 600 may include a first insulating cover 600A provided on the front side of the cell assembly 100 where the module terminals 200 are located, and a second insulating cover 600B provided on the rear side of the cell assembly 100 opposite to the side where the module terminals 200 are located.

[0113] The first insulating cover 600A may be configured to electrically insulate the module frame 300 from the module terminals 200. The first insulating cover 600A may be configured to surround the outer edge of the portion of the module terminals 200 that is exposed to the outside.

[0114] Referring also to Figure 8, the first insulating cover 600A may be provided with a through-hole 610. The through-hole 610 may be configured to allow the module terminal 200 to pass through to the outside. The through-hole 610 may be located in a position corresponding to the first opening O1. This may configure the module terminal 200 to be at least partially exposed to the outside through the first opening O1 and the through-hole 610.

[0115] Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view showing the first frame of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 10 is a rear view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0116] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the first frame 310 may be configured in a manner in which the front and rear surfaces are rotationally symmetrical. For example, as shown in the embodiment in Figure 9, the rear surface of the first frame 310 may be configured in a manner in which the front surface of the first frame 310 is rotated 180° horizontally. That is, when the first frame 310 is viewed from the front and the rear, the front and rear surfaces of the first frame 310 may be configured in the same manner.

[0117] According to this embodiment, when manufacturing the battery module 10, it is not necessary to always orient the first opening O1 of the first frame 310 toward the module terminals 200 in order to expose a portion of the module terminals 200 to the outside of the first frame 310. In other words, the first frame 310 can be coupled with the second frame 320 regardless of the position or orientation of the first opening O1. As a result, according to this embodiment, the assembly of the module frame 300 during manufacturing is simplified, and productivity can be improved.

[0118] According to this embodiment, the first frame 310 may be configured such that at least a portion of it is open on the side opposite to the side where the module terminals 200 are located. That is, a second open portion O2 may be formed on the rear surface of the first frame 310.

[0119] More specifically, a first opening O1, as shown in the embodiment in Figure 8, is formed on the front surface of the first frame 310, and a second opening O2 can be formed on the rear surface of the first frame 310 by having the same structure as the front surface of the first frame 310. Referring to Figure 10, the second opening O2 can be formed in a position where the position of the first opening O1 is reversed left to right.

[0120] Such a second opening O2 may be configured to allow vent gas discharged from the battery cell 110 to flow out. That is, the second opening O2 may be configured to discharge heat to the outside along with the vent hole VH when a thermal event occurs in the internal space of the battery module 10.

[0121] According to this embodiment, the vent gas discharged from the battery module 10 can be dispersed and discharged upwards and backwards. This prevents a concentrated increase in temperature in a specific part outside the battery module 10. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the internal pressure of the battery module 10 from increasing and causing it to explode. In addition, in this case, the location of vent gas discharge can be restricted.

[0122] In particular, within the battery module 10, the cell assemblies 100 can be stacked horizontally while being vertically positioned, as shown in Figure 2. In this case, the vent gas discharged from at least one battery cell 110 contained in the cell assembly 100 tends to accumulate in the front or rear of the battery module 10, which is the space where the electrode leads 112 are located. In this case, as in this embodiment, by positioning the second opening O2 on the rear side of the battery module 10, the vent gas can be discharged more quickly and smoothly through the second opening O2. In addition, in this case, it is possible to suppress or block heat such as vent gas and flames from moving toward the front side of the battery module 10 where the module terminals 200 are provided.

[0123] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the insulating cover 600, i.e., the second insulating cover 600B, may be configured to cover the second opening O2 from the inside. According to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent moisture, foreign matter, etc. from flowing into the inside of the battery module 10 through the second opening O2.

[0124] Furthermore, at least a portion of the insulating cover 600 may be configured to open when a thermal event such as vent gas occurs inside the battery module 10. For example, the second insulating cover 600B may be partially melted and opened by heat such as vent gas or a flame.

[0125] According to this embodiment, in the normal state of the battery module 10, the second insulating cover 600B maintains insulation between the module frame 300 and the electrode leads 112, and in the event of a thermal event, a part of the second insulating cover 600B opens to quickly discharge vent gas, flames, etc. to the outside.

[0126] Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view showing the first frame of a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 12 is a front view of a battery module according to yet another embodiment.

[0127] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the front and rear surfaces of the first frame 310 may be configured in a manner in which a portion is completely cut off. More specifically, the first opening O1 and the second opening O2 may be configured in a manner in which they extend linearly along the left-right direction. One first opening O1 and one second opening O2 may be provided.

[0128] As a result, when the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 are joined together, the left and right edges of the front and rear surfaces of the first frame 310 can come into contact with the second frame 320. In this case, the lengths D2 of the left and right edges of the first frame 310 that come into contact with the second frame 320 can be set to be smaller than the height of the second frame 320 or the height of the cell assembly 100.

[0129] According to this embodiment, the module frame 300 can be manufactured by bending a single plate without a separate cutting process, thus simplifying the manufacturing process. Furthermore, this embodiment allows for large openings (first opening O1, second opening O2), making it applicable to any structure regardless of the position of components exposed to the outside of the module frame 300, such as module terminals 200 and connectors. This reduces the manufacturing cost and time of the battery module 10, thereby improving productivity.

[0130] Figure 13 is a rear perspective view showing a frame cover applied to a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating how a part of the frame cover opens when a thermal event occurs in a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0131] On the other hand, as in the embodiments shown in Figures 9 and 11, if a second opening O2 is formed on the rear surface of the first frame 310, when a thermal event occurs in the adjacent battery module 10, vent gas, flames, etc. may flow in through the second opening O2.

[0132] Therefore, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the frame cover 400 may be configured to cover not only the second frame 320 but also the rear surface of the first frame 310. That is, the frame cover 400 may be configured to cover the second opening O2 from the outside.

[0133] The frame cover 400 shown in Figures 13 and 14 is identical in all other features to the frame cover 400 shown in Figures 5 and 6, except that it further covers the rear surface of the first frame 310; therefore, a redundant explanation will be omitted.

[0134] The frame cover 400 may be provided with a first cover hole CH1 formed at a position corresponding to the vent hole VH, as well as a second cover hole CH2 formed at a position corresponding to the second opening O2. Furthermore, the cover member 410 may include a first cover member 411 configured to cover the first cover hole CH1, and a second cover member 412 configured to cover the second cover hole CH2.

[0135] As a result, according to this embodiment, when thermal runaway occurs in the battery module 10, as indicated by the thick arrow in Figure 14, the first cover member 411 and the second cover member 412 are opened, and the vent gas and flames generated inside the battery module 10 are discharged not only upwards but also to the rear.

[0136] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to fundamentally prevent vent gas and flames discharged to the outside through the opened second opening O2 from flowing back into the battery module 10. Therefore, heat propagation to adjacent battery cells 110 and battery module 10 can be minimized, effectively preventing or delaying the propagation of thermal runaway.

[0137] Figure 15 shows a welded joint of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0138] On the other hand, referring to Figure 15, a welded joint W can be formed at the open ends where the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 face each other. That is, the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 can be configured so that their open ends abut each other. Then, by welding the abutting portions of the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 in this manner, a welded joint W can be formed.

[0139] The welded joint W may be formed on at least six of the twelve edges of the module frame 300. For example, as in the embodiment shown in Figure 15, the welded joint W may be formed on all of the upper, left, and right sides of the front and rear of the battery module 10, where the inner open ends of the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 face each other.

[0140] The welded joint W may be linear in shape. For example, the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 may be linear in shape, extending along their opposing edges.

[0141] According to this embodiment, the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 are more stably connected. In this case, leakage of vent gas, flames, etc., from between the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 can be more effectively prevented.

[0142] According to this embodiment, the length of the weld W can be increased. Therefore, the bonding strength of the weld W is further improved, and the bonding strength between the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 is increased. In addition, the sealing performance of the weld W can be further improved.

[0143] In particular, in this embodiment, since the welded portion W is formed to be long in both the horizontal and vertical directions, the tensile stress on the fastening portion between the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 can be improved.

[0144] Figure 16 is a diagram showing the module frame of a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention separated, and Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view showing the joined portion of the module frame of a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0145] On the other hand, the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 may be configured such that one component supports the other component from the outside. For example, one of the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 may be configured to be inserted into or placed on the other component.

[0146] As a more specific example, referring to Figures 16 and 17, a bent portion B may be provided at the open end of the first frame 310. The bent portion B may be formed by folding the end portion of the first frame 310 inward. The bent portion B may be provided on at least a portion of the open edge of the first frame 310. The bent portion B may be configured to extend along the open edge of the first frame 310.

[0147] Furthermore, the recess G may be configured to be at least partially recessed inward from the open end side of the second frame 320. The recess G may be configured so that the bent portion B is inserted. The recess G may be configured to correspond to the position, shape, size, etc., of the bent portion B. In this way, the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 may be configured to fit together with each other.

[0148] With this configuration of the present invention, since one component of the module frame 300 supports the other component from above (outward), the contact state between the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 can be stably maintained during the welding process. Therefore, weldability can be improved.

[0149] Furthermore, as shown in the embodiment in Figure 16, such a support configuration between the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 can be formed on all edges of the first frame 310 or the second frame 320, for example, the upper, lower, left, and right sides. In this case, since the bent portion B is inserted into the interior (recess G) of the second frame 320, the insertion fastening configuration between the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 can be realized on the module frame 300 as a whole. Therefore, the mechanical bonding force or ease of assembly between the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 can be further improved.

[0150] On the other hand, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 17, the welded portion W formed on the upper surface of the module frame 300 may be formed at the portion where the outermost part of the recess G of the second frame 320 abuts against the bent portion B of the first frame 310. As a result, the welded portion W may be located inside the outermost edge of the module frame 300. This makes it possible to maintain a more stable joint structure between the first frame 310 and the second frame 320.

[0151] Figure 18 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0152] Referring to Figure 18, a battery pack 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include at least one battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention as described above. The battery pack 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a pack case 2. The pack case 2 may be configured to house a plurality of battery modules 10. The pack case 2 may be formed in the shape of a rectangular box.

[0153] Although not shown in the diagram, the pack case 2 may also be configured to house components such as a battery management system (BMS), a current sensor, and a fuse for integrated control of the charging and discharging of at least one battery cell 110.

[0154] Figure 19 is a schematic perspective view of an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0155] Referring to Figure 19, an automobile 3 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include at least one battery pack 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The automobile 3 according to the present invention may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The automobile 3 may include four-wheeled vehicles and two-wheeled vehicles. The automobile 3 can be operated by receiving power from the battery pack 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0156] 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 belongs.

Claims

1. A cell assembly containing multiple battery cells, A module terminal electrically connected to a plurality of the battery cells and located on at least one of the six sides of the cell assembly, A module frame comprising a first frame configured to house the cell assembly and to cover a portion of the surface of the cell assembly, including the surface of the cell assembly on which the module terminals are located, and a second frame configured to cover the remaining portion of the surface of the cell assembly, The second frame has vent holes formed therein, which are configured to allow vent gas generated by the battery cell to be discharged to the outside. A battery module in which the second frame and the first frame are composed of separate components.

2. The first frame is configured to cover the front, rear, and bottom surfaces of the cell assembly. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the second frame is configured to cover the top, left, and right sides of the cell assembly.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein the first frame is configured to be integrated so as to cover the front, rear, and bottom surfaces of the cell assembly.

4. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein the second frame is configured to be integrated so as to cover the top, left, and right sides of the cell assembly.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first frame and the second frame is configured in a way that it is folded to cover different sides of the cell assembly.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first frame and the second frame is configured in a U-shape with three open sides.

7. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the vent hole is provided above the cell assembly.

8. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising a frame cover configured to at least partially cover the module frame.

9. A cell assembly comprising a plurality of battery cells, A module terminal electrically connected to a plurality of the battery cells and located on at least one of the six sides of the cell assembly, A module frame comprising a first frame configured to house the cell assembly and to cover a portion of the surface of the cell assembly, including the surface of the cell assembly on which the module terminals are located, and a second frame configured to cover the remaining portion of the surface of the cell assembly, The second frame has vent holes formed therein, which are configured to allow vent gas generated by the battery cell to be discharged to the outside. The system further includes a frame cover configured to at least partially cover the module frame, The frame cover has cover holes formed in it at positions corresponding to the vent holes, in the battery module.

10. The aforementioned frame cover is The battery module according to claim 9, further comprising a cover member configured to cover the cover hole and to allow the cover hole to be opened and closed by vent gas.

11. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the first frame is configured such that at least a portion of the surface on which the module terminals are located is open.

12. A cell assembly comprising a plurality of battery cells, A module terminal electrically connected to a plurality of the battery cells and located on at least one of the six sides of the cell assembly, A module frame comprising a first frame configured to house the cell assembly and to cover a portion of the surface of the cell assembly, including the surface of the cell assembly on which the module terminals are located, and a second frame configured to cover the remaining portion of the surface of the cell assembly, The first frame is configured such that at least a portion of the surface on which the module terminals are located is open, The battery module comprises a first frame having a projection configured such that at least a portion of it protrudes upward and contacts the second frame on the surface where the module terminals are located.

13. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the first frame is configured such that its front and rear surfaces are rotationally symmetrical.

14. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the first frame is configured such that at least a portion of it is open on the side opposite to the side where the module terminals are located.

15. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein a welded portion is formed at the open ends where the first frame and the second frame face each other.

16. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. An automobile comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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