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 stacked in a first direction, and a module frame comprising a first frame and a second frame configured to house the cell assembly by being coupled together along a second direction which is horizontally orthogonal to the first direction.

Description

【Technical Field】 , , , 【0005】 【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. 10-2024-0033430 filed on March 8, 2024, and all the contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the application are incorporated into this application. 【Background Art】 【0003】 Secondary batteries with high applicability for each product group and having electrical characteristics such as high energy density are 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 due to energy use and are attracting attention as a new energy source for improving energy efficiency. 【0004】 Currently, secondary batteries such as lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel cadmium batteries, nickel metal hydride batteries, and nickel zinc batteries are widely used. When a high output voltage is required, a plurality of battery cells are connected in series to form a battery module or a battery pack. Also, in order to increase the charge / discharge capacity, a plurality of battery cells may be connected in parallel to form a battery module or a battery pack. 【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, which is a common method. 【0006】 In conventional battery modules, the module frame is composed of various parts, and welds are sometimes formed to connect these parts. In this case, the welding process to connect multiple plates must be performed several times, which leads to a decrease in productivity. 【0007】 Furthermore, in battery modules where multiple battery cells are densely packed into a small space, ensuring safety in the event of a thermal event is a crucial issue. In particular, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs in any of the battery cells, high-temperature gases, flames, and heat are generated and emitted. 【0008】 At this time, the internal pressure of the module frame increases due to the high-temperature vent gas and flames, which can cause the module frame to break. Furthermore, if the welded joints break, external oxygen can flow into the module frame, potentially intensifying the flames inside the battery module. This can 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, if a fire or explosion occurs in an electric vehicle battery pack, it could endanger the safety of the user, such as the driver. [Overview of the project] [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 that can ensure safety by stably maintaining the coupling state of the module frame of the battery module, a battery pack including the battery module, and an automobile, etc. 【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 stacked in a first direction, and a module frame comprising a first frame and a second frame configured to house the cell assembly by being coupled to each other along a second direction which is horizontally orthogonal to the first direction. 【0012】 The front side of the cell assembly may be covered by a first frame, the rear side of the cell assembly may be covered by a second frame, and the top, bottom, and left and right sides of the cell assembly may be divided and covered by the first frame and the second frame. 【0013】 The first frame may be configured to accommodate a portion of the cell assembly from one side, and the second frame may be coupled to the first frame to accommodate the remaining portion of the cell assembly from the other side. 【0014】 The venting direction of the vent gas generated in the battery cell may be configured to be perpendicular to the second direction. 【0015】 A vent hole may be formed on at least one upper surface of the first frame and the second frame, configured to discharge vent gas generated by the battery cell. 【0016】 Multiple battery cells can be stacked face-to-face with the electrode leads extended in the front-to-back direction, and the sealing portion from which the electrode leads are not extended facing upward. 【0017】 The first frame and the second frame each have an open end on the inner side, and can be configured such that the inner open end of the first frame faces the inner open end of the second frame. 【0018】 A welding part may be formed at the inner open ends where the first frame and the second frame face each other. 【0019】 The welding part may be configured in a linear shape that is at least partially bent. 【0020】 It may further include a terminal that is electrically connected to the electrode lead of the battery cell and is configured such that at least a part thereof protrudes outside the first frame. 【0021】 The first frame may include a terminal hole configured such that the terminal passes through it. 【0022】 It may further include an insulating cover provided between the first frame and the terminal and configured to electrically insulate the first frame and the terminal. 【0023】 The insulating cover may include a through hole configured to allow the terminal to pass through to the outside. 【0024】 Another aspect of the present invention provides a battery pack including a battery module according to an aspect of the present invention. 【0025】 Still 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】 【0026】 According to an aspect of the present invention, by minimizing the number of parts of the module frame, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost and manufacturing time of the battery module, etc. Thereby, productivity can be improved and the convenience of management can be enhanced. 【0027】 Also, according to one aspect of the present invention, even if impacts, vibrations, etc. occur in the battery module, the module frame can be stably maintained in a coupled state without being damaged or broken. Thereby, the structural stability of the battery module can be ensured. 【0028】 Thereby, according to one aspect of the present invention, even if a thermal event such as vent gas or flame occurs in the battery module, by minimizing the leakage of vent gas, flame, etc. to the outside from the damaged or broken part of the module frame, the propagation of thermal runaway between battery modules can be effectively prevented. 【0029】 Also, according to one 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 the spread of fire. Thereby, the safety of the battery module can be ensured. 【0030】 Also, according to one aspect of the present invention, even when swelling occurs in the battery cell, the coupled state of the module frame can be stably maintained. 【0031】 In addition, the present invention can exhibit various other effects. This will be described in each embodiment, but the effects that can be easily inferred by those skilled in the art will be omitted from the description. 【0032】 The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and are for the purpose of making it easier to further understand the technical idea of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be construed as being limited only to the matters described in the drawings. 【Brief Description of the Drawings】 【0033】 [[ID=2D]] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing the whole 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 diagram illustrates the direction of vent induction when a thermal event occurs in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This diagram shows a welded joint of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from above. [Figure 7] This is a view from above of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This figure shows how the module frame of a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is separated. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a front perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a disassembled front perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a front view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This is a schematic perspective view of an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention] 【0034】 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. 【0035】 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. 【0036】 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. 【0037】 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. 【0038】 For example, in the embodiment of the present invention, the illustrated X-axis direction may mean the left-right direction, i.e., the first direction; the Y-axis direction may mean the front-back direction that is orthogonal to the X-axis direction on the horizontal plane (XY plane), i.e., the second direction; and the Z-axis direction may mean the up-down direction (vertical direction) that is orthogonal to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, i.e., the height direction of the battery cell. 【0039】 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. 【0040】 Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the battery module 10 according to the present invention includes a cell assembly 100 and a module frame 200. 【0041】 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. 【0042】 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. 【0043】 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. 【0044】 In the cell assembly 100, the multiple battery cells 110 may be configured in a stacked manner in a first direction. For example, the multiple battery cells 110 may be stacked in a manner arranged side by side in the left-right direction (±X axis direction), as shown by arrow D1 in Figure 2. Furthermore, the multiple battery cells 110 provided in the cell assembly 100 may be electrically connected to each other in series and / or parallel via a busbar 420 or the like, which will be described later. 【0045】 On the other hand, the module frame 200 may be configured to accommodate the cell assembly 100. Specifically, the module frame 200 may have a housing space formed therein, and the cell assembly 100 may be housed in that housing space. For example, the module frame 200 may be configured such that a plurality of parts are joined together to form a rectangular parallelepiped. The module frame 200 may be made of at least part metal and / or plastic material. 【0046】 Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the module frame 200 comprises a first frame 210 and a second frame 220. The first frame 210 and the second frame 220 can be assembled together to form the appearance of the module frame 200. 【0047】 In this case, the first frame 210 and the second frame 220 can be coupled to each other along a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction. For example, the second frame 220 can be positioned behind the first frame 210 and move forward to be coupled. That is, the first frame 210 and the second frame 220 can be coupled to each other along the front-back direction (±Y axis direction), as shown by arrow D2 in Figure 2. 【0048】 The first frame 210 and the second frame 220 may be configured to divide and accommodate the cell assembly 100. More specifically, the top, bottom, and left and right sides of the cell assembly 100 may be divided and covered by the first frame 210 and the second frame 220. 【0049】 For example, after at least a portion of the cell assembly 100 is housed in the first frame 210 or the second frame 220, the remaining second frame 220 or the first frame 210 can be joined together to house the cell assembly 100 inside the module frame 200. In this case, various fastening methods such as welding, bonding, bolting, and hooks can be used to join and secure the first frame 210 and the second frame 220. 【0050】 In other words, according to this embodiment, the module frame 200 is constructed using only two components, the first frame 210 and the second frame 220, and the cell assembly 100 can be accommodated as a whole. This minimizes the number of components in the module frame 200, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost and time of the battery module 10. This improves productivity and enhances ease of management. 【0051】 Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by minimizing the bonding areas between components of the module frame 200, damage or breakage of the module frame 200 can be prevented even if shocks or vibrations occur in the battery module 10. This ensures the structural stability of the battery module 10. 【0052】 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 200 can be stably maintained. This prevents the module frame 200 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 module frame 200 through damaged or broken parts and spreading a fire. This ensures the safety of the battery module. 【0053】 Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the first frame 210 and the second frame 220 are coupled in a direction perpendicular to the swelling direction of the battery cell 110, the coupling state of the module frame 200 can be stably maintained even when swelling occurs in the battery cell 110. 【0054】 As a more specific example, the first frame 210 may be configured to accommodate a portion of the cell assembly 100 from one side, and the second frame 220 may be configured to be coupled to the first frame 210 to accommodate the remaining portion of the cell assembly 100 from the other side. For example, as in the illustrated embodiment, the first frame 210 may be configured to accommodate a front portion of the cell assembly 100, and the second frame 220 may be configured to accommodate the rear remaining portion of the cell assembly 100. 【0055】 In other words, the first frame 210 may be configured to surround the top, bottom, and parts of the left and right sides of the cell assembly 100, and the front of the cell assembly 100, while the second frame 220 may be configured to surround the remaining parts of the top, bottom, and left and right sides of the cell assembly 100, and the rear of the cell assembly 100. As a result, the front side of the cell assembly 100 may be covered by the first frame 210, and the rear side of the cell assembly 100 may be covered by the second frame 220. 【0056】 According to this embodiment, the remaining portion of the cell assembly 100, particularly the front and rear sides, excluding the area where the first frame 210 and the second frame 220 are joined, can be completely covered by the first frame 210 and the second frame 220. This prevents vent gases, flames, etc., from traveling through the front and rear sides of the module frame 200 to adjacent battery modules 10 when a thermal event occurs in the battery module 10. Therefore, the propagation of thermal runaway between battery modules 10 can be minimized. 【0057】 Figure 4 illustrates the direction of vent induction when a thermal event occurs in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. 【0058】 A battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured such that the venting direction of the vent gas generated in the battery cell 110 is perpendicular to the second direction, which is the assembly direction of the first frame 210 and the second frame 220. For example, as shown by arrows D2 and D3 in Figure 4, the first frame 210 and the second frame 220 are assembled moving inward along the front-rear direction, and the venting direction may be upward. 【0059】 According to this embodiment, the coupling region between the first frame 210 and the second frame 220 in the venting direction can be minimized. That is, the exhaust direction of vent gas or flame does not coincide with the assembly direction of the first frame 210 and the second frame 220, so that the separation of the first frame 210 and the second frame 220 due to pressure from vent gas or flame can be minimized. Therefore, 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 200 can be stably maintained, and the structural stability of the battery module 10 can be ensured. 【0060】 The venting direction will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 4. The module frame 200 may have vent holes H formed on at least one side. For example, the vent holes H may be formed in at least one of the first frame 210 and the second frame 220 of the module frame 200. Such vent holes H may be configured to discharge vent gas generated in the battery cell 110 to the outside of the module frame 200. 【0061】 For example, the vent hole H may be formed in a completely open form so as to penetrate both the inside and outside of the module frame 200. However, the vent hole H 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. 【0062】 Multiple vent holes H may be provided. Furthermore, the vent holes H may be formed in a configuration that extends elongated in one direction. For example, as shown by arrow D2 in Figure 4, the vent holes H may be formed in a configuration that extends elongated in the longitudinal direction (second direction) of the battery cell 110. 【0063】 According to this embodiment, the vent hole H 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. 【0064】 Such vent holes H may be formed on the upper surface of the module frame 200. That is, as indicated by arrow D3 in Figure 4, the venting direction of the battery module 10 may be upward. In this case, the coupling direction between the first frame 210 and the second frame 220 may be the front-to-back direction (second direction), which is perpendicular to the upward direction. 【0065】 According to this embodiment, when the first frame 210 and the second frame 220 are assembled in the front-rear direction, guiding the venting direction upward minimizes the separation of the first frame 210 and the second frame 220 due to pressure from vent gas or flames. Therefore, according to this embodiment, even if a thermal event such as vent gas or flames occurs in the battery module 10, the coupling state of the module frame 200 is stably maintained, and the structural stability of the battery module 10 can be ensured. 【0066】 On the other hand, referring further to Figure 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. 【0067】 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 (second 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 second direction, for example, at the end in the +Y axis direction. 【0068】 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 second direction (front-to-back 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 so that the electrode leads 112 are drawn out in the front-to-back direction and the sealing portion 111a from which the electrode leads 112 are not drawn out faces upward. 【0069】 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 H provided at the top. 【0070】 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 210 and the second frame 220 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 210 and the second frame 220 due to the pressure of vent gas or flame is minimized. Therefore, the structural stability of the battery module 10 can be further ensured. 【0071】 Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the battery module 10 of the present invention may further include a busbar frame assembly 400. The busbar frame assembly 400 is provided inside the module frame 200 and may be configured to cover at least one side of the plurality of battery cells 110. The busbar frame assembly 400 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 400 may be coupled to the front and rear of the plurality of battery cells 110. 【0072】 The busbar frame assembly 400 may include a busbar frame 410 and a plurality of busbars 420. The busbar frame 410 may be configured to be coupled to the front and rear of a plurality of battery cells 110. The busbar frame 410 may have slits that allow the electrode leads of the battery cells 110 to be drawn out in the front-rear direction. 【0073】 Furthermore, the busbar frame 410 may be formed from, for example, a plastic material that has electrical insulating properties, and may be configured so that the busbars 420 can be attached to its outer surface. 【0074】 On the other hand, the multiple busbars 420 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. 【0075】 The electrode leads 112 of multiple battery cells 110 are drawn out through slits in the busbar frame 410 to the outside of the busbar frame 410, and the drawn-out portions can be attached to the surface of the busbar 420 by welding or other means. 【0076】 The coupling structure between the first frame 210 and the second frame 220 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 5 and 6. 【0077】 Figure 5 shows a welded portion of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 6 is a view of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention from above. 【0078】 Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the first frame 210 and the second frame 220 may each have an open end on the inside. When the first frame 210 and the second frame 220 are joined together, the inside open end of the first frame 210 and the inside open end of the second frame 220 may be configured to face each other. 【0079】 In this case, a welded joint W may be formed at the inner open ends where the first frame 210 and the second frame 220 face each other. The welded joint W may be formed in the central part of the module frame 200. 【0080】 Specifically, the first frame 210 and the second frame 220 may be configured such that one component supports the other. The first frame 210 and the second frame 220 may be configured so that their ends abut each other. Then, by welding the abutting portions of the first frame 210 and the second frame 220 in this manner, a welded portion W may be formed. 【0081】 As a more specific example, the first frame 210 and the second frame 220 may each be configured to have four edges. For example, in the embodiment of Figure 5, the first frame 210, located at the front, may be approximately rectangular when viewed from the rear. Similarly, the second frame 220 may be approximately rectangular when viewed from the front. Therefore, it can be said that the first frame 210 and the second frame 220 each have edges on the top, bottom, left, and right sides, for a total of four edges. 【0082】 In this configuration, the first frame 210 and the second frame 220 may have a welded joint W formed on at least one of their four edges. In particular, the first frame 210 and the second frame 220 may have a welded joint W formed on the portion where the four edges face each other. That is, the welded joint W may be formed on all of the upper, lower, left, and right portions where the inner open end of the first frame 210 and the inner open end of the second frame 220 face each other. 【0083】 According to this embodiment, the first frame 210 and the second frame 220 can be connected more stably. In this case, leakage of vent gas, flames, etc., from between the first frame 210 and the second frame 220 can be prevented more effectively. 【0084】 Figure 7 is a view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. 【0085】 The welded portion W can be formed in a variety of forms other than those described above. For example, the welded portion W may be composed of a linear shape that is at least partially bent. In particular, the welded portion W may be formed in a zigzag shape. That is, as shown in the embodiment of Figure 7, on one surface (top surface) of the battery module 10, the welded portion W may be formed in a zigzag shape that protrudes forward and backward from the central portion (inside) of the battery module 10. 【0086】 Referring to Figure 7, a more specific embodiment, the first frame 210 may be provided with a first projection P1. The second frame 220 may be provided with a second projection P2. Such projections (first projection P1, second projection P2) may be formed to project in the direction of connection between the first frame 210 and the second frame 220, that is, inward from the module frame 200. In other words, the inner ends of the first frame 210 and the inner ends of the second frame 220 may be configured with an uneven surface. In this case, the first projection P1 and the second projection P2 may be arranged alternately along the left-right direction (first direction). 【0087】 According to this embodiment, the length of the weld W can be increased. Specifically, referring to the embodiment in Figure 7, the length of the weld W can be formed to be longer than the width of the module frame 200 in the left-right direction. Therefore, the bonding strength of the weld W is improved, and the bonding strength between the first frame 210 and the second frame 220 is increased. 【0088】 In particular, in this embodiment, since the welded portion W is distributed over a wide area along the joining direction between the first frame 210 and the second frame 220, the tensile stress on the fastening portion between the first frame 210 and the second frame 220 can be improved. 【0089】 Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a fitted configuration is achieved between the first frame 210 and the second frame 220, further improving the fixing force between them. In addition, the sealing performance of the welded joint W can be further improved. 【0090】 On the other hand, the bent linear weld W shown in Figure 7 can be provided not only on the upper surface of the module frame 200, but also on the side and bottom surfaces. Furthermore, unlike the embodiment in Figure 7, the weld W between the first frame 210 and the second frame 220 according to the present invention may be formed in a variety of other forms. 【0091】 Figure 8 shows the module frame of a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention separated, and Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. 【0092】 On the other hand, the first frame 210 and the second frame 220 may be configured such that one component supports the other component from the outside. Specifically, one of the first frame 210 and the second frame 220 may be configured to rest on the other component. That is, when the cross-section of the module frame 200 is viewed from the side, the inner open end of the first frame 210 and the inner open end of the second frame 220 may be configured alternately in the vertical direction. 【0093】 For example, as shown in the embodiment in Figure 9, the front end of the second frame 220 may be configured to rest on the first frame 210. Specifically, the rear end of the first frame 210 may be provided with a recess G formed to protrude rearward (+Y-axis direction). The recess G may be configured to be recessed inward from the rear end of the first frame 210. In addition, the front end of the second frame 220 may be formed with a mounting portion S that protrudes forward (-Y-axis direction) and is configured to rest on the recess G of the first frame 210. The mounting portion S may be configured to correspond to the length of the recess G. 【0094】 In this case, the welded portion W may be formed in the portion where the first frame 210 and the second frame 220 support each other in the front-rear direction. That is, the welded portion W may be formed at the point where the outermost part of the mounting portion S of the second frame 220 abuts against the recess G of the first frame 210. 【0095】 With this configuration of the present invention, one component of the module frame 200 (e.g., the first frame 210) supports the other component (e.g., the second frame 220) upward (outward), so that the contact state between the first frame 210 and the second frame 220 can be stably maintained during the welding process. Therefore, weldability can be improved. 【0096】 Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the provision of the recess G prevents damage to the battery cells 110 housed inside the module frame 200 during the welding process. 【0097】 Furthermore, such a support structure (recess G) between the first frame 210 and the second frame 220 can be formed on all edges of the first frame 210 or the second frame 220, for example, the top, bottom, left side, and right side. In this case, since the recess G is inserted into the interior of other components, an insert fastening configuration between the first frame 210 and the second frame 220 is realized. Therefore, the mechanical bonding force or ease of assembly between the first frame 210 and the second frame 220 can be improved. 【0098】 On the other hand, Figures 8 and 9 show an embodiment in which a recess G is provided on the first frame 210 and a mounting portion S is provided on the second frame 220. However, unlike this embodiment, the recess G may be provided on the second frame 220 and the mounting portion S may be provided on the first frame 210. 【0099】 Of course, in this embodiment, the recess G, mounting portion S, and welded portion W may be composed of various shapes, not only the straight shape shown in Figure 8, but also at least partially bent lines. 【0100】 Figure 10 is a front perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of the front side of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 12 is a front view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. 【0101】 Referring to Figures 10 to 12, a battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include terminals 300. Terminals 300 may be configured to be electrically connected to the electrode leads 112 of the battery cell 110. Terminals 300 may include a positive terminal and a negative terminal. Terminals 300 may also be configured to be electrically or communicatively connected to a control device such as a Battery Management System (BMS). 【0102】 Terminal 300 may be provided on the side from which the electrode leads 112 of the battery cell 110 are drawn out. For example, terminal 300 may be provided on the front side of the module frame 200. Terminal 300 may be provided on the busbar frame 410. Terminal 300 may be the two outermost busbars 420 among a plurality of busbars 420. 【0103】 The first frame 210 may be configured to at least partially cover the terminals 300. According to this embodiment, by configuring the first frame 210 to protect the terminals 300, it is possible to minimize the directing of high-temperature vent gases, flames, etc., towards the terminals 300 of the battery module 10 in the event of an abnormal condition in the adjacent battery module 10. 【0104】 Furthermore, the terminal 300 may be configured so that at least a portion of it protrudes outside the first frame 210. More specifically, the first frame 210 may have a terminal hole 211 through which the terminal 300 passes. The terminal hole 211 may be configured so that at least a portion of the top, front, left side, and right side of the first frame 210 passes through. Two terminals 300 may be provided, and the terminal holes 211 may be provided on both sides of the first frame 210 in the left-right direction. 【0105】 A battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include an insulating cover 500. The insulating cover 500 may be configured to electrically insulate the module frame 200 from the busbars 420 and electrode leads 112. For example, the first frame 210 may be made of a metal material such as aluminum, and the insulating cover 500 may be made of plastic. 【0106】 In particular, the insulating cover 500 may be configured to electrically insulate the first frame 210 from the terminal 300. The insulating cover 500 may be configured to surround the outer edge of the portion of the terminal 300 that is exposed to the outside. 【0107】 On the other hand, referring to Figure 11, the insulating cover 500 may be provided with a through hole 510. The through hole 510 may be configured to allow the terminal 300 to pass through to the outside. The through hole 510 may be located in a position corresponding to the terminal hole 211. This may configure the terminal 300 to be at least partially exposed to the outside through the terminal hole 211 and the through hole 510. 【0108】 The insulating cover 500 may be provided inside the module frame 200, particularly the first frame 210. That is, the insulating cover 500 may be provided between the first frame 210 and the terminals 300. Specifically, the insulating cover 500 may be inserted into the first frame 210 and assembled together with the first frame 210 to form the cell assembly 100 and the busbar frame assembly 400. 【0109】 As in this embodiment, by sandwiching the insulating cover 500 between the first frame 210 and the cell assembly 100 and busbar frame assembly 400, 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, thus ensuring ease of assembly. 【0110】 Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the possibility of the insulating cover 500 separating when the internal pressure of the battery module 10 increases is minimized, thereby ensuring electrical insulation or structural stability. 【0111】 Furthermore, according to this embodiment, separation of the cell assembly 100 and the insulating cover 500 due to vent gas or flames is suppressed, and vent gas or flames are prevented from being discharged toward the front of the battery module 10. This prevents the propagation of thermal runaway between the battery modules 10. 【0112】 Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. 【0113】 Referring to Figure 13, 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. 【0114】 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. 【0115】 Figure 14 is a schematic perspective view of an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention. 【0116】 Referring to Figure 14, 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 operate by receiving power from the battery pack 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. 【0117】 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

[Claim 1] A cell assembly including multiple battery cells stacked in a first direction, A module frame comprising a first frame and a second frame configured to house the cell assembly, which are interconnected along a second direction that is horizontally orthogonal to the first direction, A battery module comprising a plurality of the battery cells, wherein electrode leads are drawn out from both ends of the battery cell in the second direction. [Claim 2] The front side of the cell assembly is covered by the first frame. The rear side of the cell assembly is covered by the second frame. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the top, bottom, and left and right surfaces of the cell assembly are divided and covered by the first frame and the second frame. [Claim 3] The first frame is configured to accommodate a portion of the cell assembly from one side, The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the second frame is configured to be coupled to the first frame and to house the remaining portion of the cell assembly from the other side. [Claim 4] The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the venting direction of the vent gas generated in the battery cell and the second direction are orthogonal to each other. [Claim 5] The battery module according to claim 1, wherein at least one upper surface of the first frame and the second frame has a vent hole formed therein, configured to discharge vent gas generated by the battery cell. [Claim 6] A cell assembly comprising a plurality of battery cells stacked in a first direction, A module frame comprising a first frame and a second frame configured to house the cell assembly, which are interconnected along a second direction that is horizontally orthogonal to the first direction, A battery module in which multiple battery cells are stacked face-to-face with the electrode leads extending in the front-to-back direction and the sealing portion where the electrode leads are not extended facing upward. [Claim 7] The first frame and the second frame each have an open end on the inside, The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the inner open end of the first frame and the inner open end of the second frame are configured to face each other. [Claim 8] The battery module according to claim 1, wherein a welded portion is formed at the inner open ends where the first frame and the second frame face each other. [Claim 9] The battery module according to claim 8, wherein the welded portion is composed of at least a partially bent line. [Claim 10] The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising terminals electrically connected to the electrode leads of the battery cells and configured such that at least a portion of them protrudes outside the first frame. [Claim 11] The battery module according to claim 10, wherein the first frame is provided with terminal holes configured for the terminals to pass through. [Claim 12] The battery module according to claim 11, further comprising an insulating cover provided between the first frame and the terminals and configured to electrically insulate the first frame and the terminals. [Claim 13] The battery module according to claim 12, wherein the insulating cover has through holes configured to allow the terminals to pass through to the outside. [Claim 14] A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 13. [Claim 15] An automobile comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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