Battery module

Abstract

The present invention discloses a battery module including: a housing that accommodates a plurality of battery cells and has a vent hole formed therein; a top cover that is movably installed on the housing to open and close the vent hole; an elastic member that is installed to apply an elastic force to the top cover in a direction that causes the top cover to open the vent hole; and a stopper that supports the top cover so that the top cover maintains a state in which the vent hole is closed and that loses its supporting force due to changes in temperature or pressure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0106032, filed on August 24, 2022, and all the contents disclosed in the literature of the patent application are included as part of this specification.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery module that can improve the discharge performance of thermal energy, suppress an increase in internal pressure, and reduce the possibility of ignition.

Background Art

[0003] Generally, a secondary battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator, and an electrolyte, and generates electrical energy using a chemical reaction. Due to the advantage of being rechargeable, the use of secondary batteries is gradually increasing. Among these secondary batteries, lithium secondary batteries are widely used as a power source for electronic communication devices or as a drive source for high-output hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, etc. because of their high energy density per unit weight.

[0004] From the shape aspect of these secondary batteries, the demand for prismatic secondary batteries and pouch-type secondary batteries, which are thin and can be applied to products such as mobile phones, is increasing. From the material aspect of secondary batteries, the demand for lithium secondary batteries such as lithium-ion batteries and lithium-ion polymer batteries with high energy density, stable discharge voltage, and output is increasing.

[0005] A battery module of a secondary battery houses a plurality of pouch cells inside a housing. The pouch cell is manufactured by sealing an electrode laminate inside a pouch. An electrode lead is connected to the electrode laminate, and the electrode lead protrudes outside the pouch. A plurality of bus bars are installed on the front side and the rear side of the housing, and two or more electrode leads are welded to each bus bar. The plurality of bus bars are arranged in a row on the front side and the rear side of the housing.

[0006] Vehicles and large equipment can be equipped with multiple battery modules. Since multiple pouch cells are housed within the battery module housing, if some pouch cells overheat or ignite, other pouch cells inside the housing may ignite or explode in a chain reaction. To delay or prevent these battery modules from igniting or exploding, insulating material may be interposed between the pouch cells. Various cooling structures may also be applied to suppress overheating of the pouch cells.

[0007] Conventional battery modules are manufactured in a nearly sealed structure, enclosed within a housing. This means that if some of the pouch cells inside the housing overheat or ignite, the heat energy is difficult to dissipate, potentially leading to a rapid ignition or explosion of the battery module. Furthermore, the rate at which the internal pressure of the housing rises increases also contributes to a relatively faster explosion of the battery module.

[0008] The battery module disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a heat-shrinkable tube and a heat sink that serve as the module housing, thereby improving cooling efficiency. However, since these battery modules also have a structure in which the housing seals the battery module, there may be limitations in delaying overheating and ignition of the pouch cells inside the housing. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Korean Published Patent Gazette No. 2020-0030964 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] This invention was devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a battery module that improves the performance of dissipating thermal energy.

[0011] The present invention aims to provide a battery module that can suppress the increase in internal pressure.

[0012] The present invention aims to provide a battery module that can reduce the likelihood of ignition.

[0013] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to the objectives mentioned above. Other objectives and advantages of the present invention not mentioned can be understood from the following description and will become even clearer from the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it is clear that the objectives and advantages of the present invention can be achieved by the means and combinations thereof shown in the claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is applicable to a battery module having a housing that contains a plurality of battery cells.

[0015] The battery module includes a housing that defines a predetermined internal space. Multiple battery cells can be housed in this internal space.

[0016] The housing includes a vent hole. The internal and external spaces of the housing can communicate with each other through the vent hole.

[0017] The vent hole section may consist of one or more portions.

[0018] The housing comprises a top cover that is movably installed within the housing.

[0019] The top cover can be installed so as to be movable between at least a first position and a second position.

[0020] The top cover can be movably installed on the housing so as to open and close the vent hole.

[0021] The top cover can block at least a part of the vent hole portion.

[0022] The degree of opening of the vent hole portion when the top cover is in the second position may be even larger than the degree of opening of the vent hole portion when the top cover is in the first position.

[0023] When the top cover moves from the first position to the second position, the degree of opening of the vent hole portion can become even larger.

[0024] The top cover can include one or more.

[0025] The first top cover can block the first region of the vent hole portion, and the second top cover can block the second region of the vent hole portion.

[0026] The first region and the second region may not overlap with each other. Optionally, a part of the first region and a part of the second region may overlap with each other.

[0027] The movement of the top cover can include at least one of rotational movement and translational movement.

[0028] The rotational movement and the translational movement may be performed individually or simultaneously.

[0029] The central axis of the rotational movement can stay at a predetermined position or move.

[0030] The battery module includes an elastic member that applies an elastic force to the top cover so that the top cover moves from the first position to the second position.

[0031] The elastic member can apply elastic force to the top cover in a direction that causes the top cover to open the vent hole.

[0032] The elastic force applied by the elastic member to the top cover can be further reduced as the top cover moves from the first position to the second position.

[0033] For example, the elastic member may be a solid spring such as a coil spring, torsion spring, leaf spring, or disc spring, or a gas spring such as a gas spring.

[0034] The battery module includes a stopper that prevents the top cover from moving from the first position to the second position.

[0035] The stopper can support the top cover or the elastic member.

[0036] The stopper can support the top cover so that it maintains a state in which the top cover closes the vent hole.

[0037] The stopper may lose or cease to support the top cover due to changes in temperature or pressure.

[0038] The stopper's support capacity may weaken as the temperature increases.

[0039] The stopper may lose its support capacity if the temperature exceeds a predetermined level.

[0040] The stopper's support capacity may weaken as the internal pressure of the housing increases.

[0041] The stopper may lose its support force if the pressure exceeds a predetermined level.

[0042] The vent hole portion can be formed on the upper or side surface of the housing.

[0043] The top cover can be slidably mounted on the top or side surface of the housing.

[0044] The stopper can be made of a material that decomposes at temperatures above a predetermined level, resulting in reduced rigidity.

[0045] The stopper can be made of a material that melts above a predetermined temperature, resulting in reduced rigidity.

[0046] The elastic force that the elastic member applies to the top cover can be reduced as the top cover is opened.

[0047] The elastic member is installed in an extended state on the top cover and the housing, and the stopper can support the top cover so as to prevent the elastic member from contracting.

[0048] The top covers can be installed in pairs such that they slide toward opposite sides along the length of the housing.

[0049] The elastic members can be installed in pairs so as to apply elastic force to each of the pair of top covers.

[0050] The top cover is installed independently so as to be movable along the length of the housing, and the elastic member can be positioned in line with the length of the housing.

[0051] The top cover is installed so as to be movable along the width direction of the housing, and the elastic members can be arranged in parallel along the width direction of the housing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0052] According to the present invention, when the internal temperature of the housing exceeds a set temperature or the pressure exceeds a set pressure, the contraction force of the elastic member increases beyond the rigidity of the stopper. As a result, the stopper loses its ability to support the top cover, allowing the elastic member to move the top cover and open the vent hole.

[0053] According to the present invention, the top cover is moved by the elastic force of the elastic member to open the vent hole, thereby delaying the increase in temperature or pressure by preventing the battery cell from overheating or igniting.

[0054] According to the present invention, when a battery cell ignites, the vent holes are opened, allowing the heat energy and flames inside the housing to be quickly discharged to the outside.

[0055] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress a rapid increase in the internal temperature and pressure of the housing, thereby delaying the explosion of the battery module.

[0056] The effects described above, as well as the specific effects of the present invention, will be explained and described below in relation to the embodiments for carrying out the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0057] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view showing a first embodiment of the battery module according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the battery module shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the top cover of the battery module in a state where it has been moved to open the vent hole. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the top cover of the battery module in a state where it has been moved to open the vent hole. [Figure 5] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of the battery module according to the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a schematic perspective view showing a third embodiment of the battery module according to the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a third embodiment of the battery module. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0058] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0059] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and can be modified in various ways and embodied in various different forms. However, these embodiments are provided to complete the disclosure of the present invention and to fully inform those in the ordinary skill of the scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and should be understood to include any modifications, equivalents, or substitutions that fall within the technical spirit and scope of the present invention, as well as the substitution or addition of any configuration of one embodiment to that of another embodiment.

[0060] The accompanying drawings are provided to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein and should not be understood as limiting the technical concept disclosed herein, but rather as including any modifications, equivalents, or substitutions that fall within the concept and technical scope of the present invention. Components in the drawings may be exaggerated in size or thickness for ease of understanding, but this should not be interpreted as restricting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0061] The terms used herein are used solely to describe specific examples or embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, singular expressions include plural expressions unless otherwise clearly indicated in the context. Terms such as "includes" and "contains" in the specification are intended to indicate the existence of features, figures, stages, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification. That is, terms such as "includes" and "contains" in the specification should not be understood as preemptively excluding the existence or possibility of adding one or more other features, figures, stages, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0062] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as "First," "Second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from others.

[0063] When one component is described as being "linked" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it is directly linked to or may be connected to the other component, but that other components may exist in between. On the other hand, when one component is described as being "directly linked" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0064] When one component is described as being "above" or "below" another component, it must be understood that this means not only is it positioned directly above the other component, but other components may exist between them.

[0065] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as they would be generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms that are commonly used, similar to those defined in dictionaries, should be interpreted as having the meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and not, unless explicitly defined in this application, should be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense.

[0066] The following describes a first embodiment of a battery module according to the present invention.

[0067] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a first embodiment of the battery module according to the present invention, Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the battery module of Figure 1, Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the state in which the top cover of the battery module of Figure 1 has been moved to open the vent hole portion, and Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state in which the top cover of the battery module of Figure 1 has been moved to open the vent hole portion.

[0068] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the battery module 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a housing 120, a top cover 130, an elastic member 140, and a stopper 150.

[0069] Multiple battery cells 110 are housed inside the housing 120. The housing 120 has vent holes 123 that connect the internal and external spaces of the housing 120. The housing 120 can be made of a non-conductive synthetic resin material. The housing 120 can be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the battery module 100 cut in the longitudinal direction.

[0070] The housing 120 may include a metal material or a composite material.

[0071] The vent hole portion 123 can be formed in the housing 120 in various shapes, such as rectangular, elongated, or round. The size of the vent hole portion 123 can be changed in various ways depending on the size of the housing 120, the capacity of the battery module 100, etc. In the drawing, the vent hole portion 123 is shown as a single large hole, but the vent hole portion 123 may also be in the form of multiple holes arranged spaced apart in a grid or matrix arrangement.

[0072] The battery cell 110 may have a structure in which an electrode stack (not shown) is housed inside a pouch (not shown). For example, the electrode stack may consist of a negative electrode, a separator membrane, a positive electrode, and another separator membrane stacked sequentially. An electrolyte is also housed inside the battery cell 110. Electrode leads 112 protrude from both sides of multiple battery cells 110, and these electrode leads 112 are connected to a busbar (not shown). Of course, the arrangement of the electrode leads 112 and the busbar is not limited to this. For example, a pair of electrode leads 112 may both protrude from one side of the battery cell 110, and correspondingly, the busbar can be provided on one side of the battery module 100.

[0073] Multiple battery cells 110 may be arranged in a line with some space between them.

[0074] Elastic panels (not shown) may be interposed between multiple battery cells 110. This allows the elastic panels to compress the battery cells 110 in a complementary manner, thereby absorbing the expansion of the battery cells 110 due to swelling, even if swelling occurs in the battery cells 110.

[0075] An insulating panel (not shown) may be interposed between multiple battery cells 110. The insulating panel serves to block heat transfer to adjacent battery cells 110, delaying the ignition time. One or more battery cells 110 can be placed between two adjacent insulating panels to form a single bank.

[0076] An insulating cover (not shown) can be installed so as to surround the outer surface 122 of the battery cell 110. The insulating panel or insulating cover can be manufactured from polyimide film. The insulating cover can be installed to surround each individual battery cell 110, or to surround each bank, or to surround the entire stack of battery cells 110.

[0077] The top cover 130 is movably installed on the housing 120 so as to open and close the vent hole portion 123. The top cover 130 is formed larger than the vent hole portion 123 so as to completely cover the vent hole portion 123. The top cover 130 can be formed in the shape of a rectangular plate, or to cover part of the upper surface 121 and outer surface 122 of the housing 120. The top cover 130 can be formed from a non-conductive synthetic resin material. These top covers 130 can be formed in various shapes as long as they cover the vent hole portion 123.

[0078] A separate sealing member (not shown) can be installed between the top cover 130 and the housing 120 to seal the inside of the housing 120.

[0079] The elastic member 140 is installed so as to apply an elastic force to the top cover 130 in a direction that causes the top cover 130 to open the vent hole portion 123. As a result, the direction of the elastic member 140 can change in line with the direction in which the top cover 130 is opened.

[0080] These elastic members 140 can be fitted with coil springs that are expandable and contractible in the longitudinal direction. However, it is obvious that the elastic member 140 does not necessarily have to be a coil spring.

[0081] The stopper 150 supports the top cover 130 so that it maintains a state in which the vent hole portion 123 is closed, and loses its support force to the top cover 130 due to changes in temperature or pressure.

[0082] For example, if the stopper 150 exceeds its critical temperature, its rigidity may decrease or it may begin to melt, causing it to lose its ability to support the top cover 130. The critical temperature may be, for example, between 150°C and 300°C.

[0083] For example, the stopper 150 may deform and lose its support for the top cover 130 when the internal pressure of the housing 120 exceeds the critical pressure. Therefore, although the stopper 150 has sufficient rigidity in the direction of support for the top cover 130, it is relatively easy to deform under pressure and can have the form of a thin and wide structure. For example, as the internal pressure of the housing 120 increases, the stopper 150 deforms, which can reduce the buckling resistance of the stopper 150 to the elastic force of the elastic member 140. The critical temperature may be, for example, 2 atmospheres.

[0084] One end of the stopper 150 is fixed to the top cover 130, and the other end of the stopper 150 is fixed to the housing 120. The stopper 150 in this embodiment has greater rigidity than the elastic force of the elastic member 140 below a predetermined temperature and pressure. On the other hand, above a predetermined temperature and pressure, the stopper 150 deforms and its rigidity becomes less than the elastic force of the elastic member 140. The temperature and pressure at which the stopper 150 loses its ability to support the top cover 130 can be varied depending on the material, thickness, and form of the stopper 150.

[0085] The elastic modulus of the elastic member 140 can be set based on the temperature and pressure at which the stopper 150 loses its bearing capacity.

[0086] A portion of the stopper 150 is supported by a support portion 125 that constitutes part of the housing 120. The support portion 125 supports the lower surface of the stopper 150, preventing it from sagging. The support portion 125 also minimizes vibrations of the elastic member 140 caused by external forces during vehicle operation.

[0087] As described above, when the internal temperature of the housing 120 exceeds the set temperature or the set pressure, the contraction force of the elastic member 140 increases beyond the rigidity of the stopper 150. At this time, the top cover 130 is moved by the elastic force of the elastic member 140 to open the vent hole portion 123. Therefore, if the battery cell 110 overheats or ignites inside the housing 120 and the temperature or pressure increases, the vent hole portion 123 is opened, allowing the thermal energy and flames inside the housing 120 to be quickly discharged to the outside. Furthermore, a rapid increase in the internal temperature and pressure of the housing 120 can be suppressed, delaying the explosion time of the battery module 100.

[0088] The vent holes 123 are formed on the upper surface 121 or outer surface 122 of the housing 120, and the top cover 130 is slidably mounted on the upper surface 121 or outer surface 122 of the housing 120. Of course, the vent holes 123 and the top cover 130 can also be positioned on the lower surface of the housing 120. The positions of these vent holes 123 and the top cover 130 can be changed as appropriate, taking into consideration the possibility of driver injury when exhausting thermal energy or flames. Of course, the positions of the vent holes 123 and the top cover 130 can also be designed as appropriate, taking into consideration the possibility of vehicle damage, the installation location of the battery module 100, etc.

[0089] The stopper 150 can be made of a material that undergoes thermal decomposition above a predetermined temperature, resulting in a decrease in rigidity. For example, lithium polymer battery modules 100 typically explode at around 170°C, and lithium-ion battery modules 100 typically explode at around 187°C. Polyvinyl resin, polypropylene resin, and polyethylene resin undergo thermal changes at temperatures significantly lower than the above-mentioned explosion temperatures. Therefore, polyvinyl resin, polypropylene resin, polyethylene resin, etc., can be used as the material for the stopper 150. Furthermore, the elastic modulus of the elastic member 140 can be set based on the decrease in rigidity at the thermal decomposition temperature of the stopper 150.

[0090] Furthermore, the stopper 150 can be made of a material that melts above a predetermined temperature, resulting in reduced rigidity. Even if the stopper 150 melts above a predetermined temperature, the elastic member 140 can still move the top cover 130. Therefore, it is sufficient for the material of the stopper 150 to melt above a predetermined temperature, and it does not have to be a synthetic resin material.

[0091] The elastic force that the elastic member 140 applies to the top cover 130 decreases as the top cover 130 is opened. That is, when the top cover 130 closes the vent hole portion 123, the elastic member 140 is stretched to its longest length, and therefore the elastic force of the elastic member 140 is at its maximum. On the other hand, as the top cover 130 is opened, the length of the elastic member 140 gradually decreases, and therefore the elastic force of the elastic member 140 gradually decreases.

[0092] When the temperature or pressure inside the housing 120 is below a predetermined level, the elastic member 140 is installed in an extended state on the top cover 130 and the housing 120, and the stopper 150 supports the top cover 130 to prevent the elastic member 140 from contracting. However, when the temperature or pressure inside the housing 120 rises above a predetermined level, the stopper 150 contracts or deforms, causing the elastic member 140 to contract and move the top cover 130.

[0093] The top covers 130 are installed in pairs so that they slide along the length of the housing 120 toward opposite sides. The elastic members 140 are installed in pairs so as to apply elastic force to each of the top covers 130. Furthermore, the elastic members 140 are installed so as to support each top cover 130 between it and the stopper 150. This allows for the formation of larger vent holes 123 in the housing 120. This structure can also be applied as the size of the battery module 100 increases.

[0094] In the drawing, the size of the top cover 130 is slightly exaggerated for illustrative purposes. The drawing shows the top cover 130 in the open position, protruding further laterally than the battery module 100, but this may vary depending on the installation environment of the battery module 100. For example, it is clear that in the open position, the top cover 130 may not protrude further laterally than the battery module 100.

[0095] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of the battery module according to the present invention.

[0096] The second embodiment is substantially the same as the first embodiment, except for the configuration in which the top cover is installed independently. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for the same components, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0097] Referring to Figure 5, the top cover 130 is installed independently so as to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the housing 120, and the elastic member 140 can be positioned alongside the longitudinal direction of the housing 120.

[0098] The elastic member 140 is installed between the top cover 130 and the stopper 150 to support the top cover 130.

[0099] The battery module 100 having such a structure is applicable to a structure in which the surrounding structure of the battery module 100 separates one side of the housing 120 in the longitudinal direction, or in which the top cover 130 can be opened in only one direction.

[0100] The battery module 100 can be applied to configurations in which the size of the vent hole portion 123 is small.

[0101] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view showing a third embodiment of the battery module according to the present invention, and Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the third embodiment of the battery module of Figure 6.

[0102] The third embodiment is substantially the same as the first embodiment, except that the top cover is moved in the width direction of the housing. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for the same components, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0103] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the top cover 130 is installed so as to be movable along the width direction of the housing 120, and the elastic members 140 are arranged in parallel along the width direction of the housing 120. In this case, two top covers 130 or one top cover 130 can be installed so as to be movable along the width direction of the housing. A battery module 100 with such a structure is applicable to a structure in which the surrounding structure of the battery module 100 separates one side of the housing 120 in the width direction, or in a structure in which the top cover 130 can be opened in only one direction. Furthermore, the battery module 100 can be applied to a configuration in which the size of the vent hole portion 123 is small.

[0104] As described above, the present invention has been explained with reference to the illustrative drawings. However, the present invention is not limited by the embodiments and drawings disclosed herein, and it is obvious to an ordinary person skilled in the art that various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Furthermore, even if the effects of the configuration of the present invention are not explicitly described and explained while embodiments of the present invention are described above, it is natural to acknowledge that predictable effects can be obtained from such configurations. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0105] 100 Battery Modules 110 battery cells 112 Electrode Leads 120 Housing 121 Top surface 122 External surface 123 Vent Hole Section 125 Supporter Department 130 Top Cover 132 Fixed part 140 Elastic members 150 Stopper

Claims

1. A housing that contains multiple battery cells and has vent holes formed inside; A top cover is installed on the housing so as to be translatably movable, in order to open and close the vent hole portion; An elastic member is installed on the top cover such that it applies elastic force to the top cover in a direction that opens the vent hole; and A battery module comprising: a stopper that supports the top cover so as to maintain the top cover in a closed state over the vent hole portion; The stopper's ability to support the top cover decreases when the temperature or pressure exceeds a predetermined level. Battery module.

2. The vent hole portion is formed on the upper or side surface of the housing, The top cover is slidably mounted on the top or side surface of the housing. The battery module according to claim 1.

3. The stopper is made of a material that decomposes at a temperature above a predetermined temperature, resulting in a decrease in rigidity. The battery module according to claim 1.

4. The stopper is made of a material that melts above a predetermined temperature, resulting in a decrease in rigidity. The battery module according to claim 1.

5. The elastic force applied by the elastic member to the top cover is reduced as the top cover is opened. The battery module according to claim 1.

6. The elastic member is installed in an extended state between the top cover and the housing. The stopper supports the top cover to prevent the elastic member from contracting. A battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The top covers are installed in pairs so as to slide toward opposite sides along the length of the housing. The battery module according to claim 1.

8. The elastic members are installed in pairs so as to apply elastic force to each of the top covers. The battery module according to claim 7.

9. The top cover is installed independently so as to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the housing, The elastic member is arranged in line with the length of the housing, The battery module according to claim 1.

10. The top cover is installed so as to be movable along the width direction of the housing, The elastic members are arranged in parallel in the width direction of the housing. The battery module according to claim 1.

11. A housing that contains multiple battery cells and has vent holes formed inside; A top cover is installed on the housing so as to be translatably movable, in order to open and close the vent hole portion; An elastic member installed to apply elastic force to the top cover in a direction that opens the vent hole; and A battery module including a stopper that resists the elastic force so that the top cover does not move due to the elastic force; The stopper's resistance to the elastic force decreases at a predetermined temperature or pressure above a predetermined level. Battery module.

12. The top cover is installed to be movable between at least a first position and a second position. The degree of opening of the vent hole when the top cover is in the second position is greater than the degree of opening of the vent hole when the top cover is in the first position. The battery module according to claim 11.

13. As the top cover moves from the first position to the second position, the degree of opening of the vent hole portion increases further. The battery module according to claim 12.

14. The aforementioned top cover includes a first top cover and a second top cover. The first top cover closes the first region of the vent hole at the first position, and the second top cover closes the second region of the vent hole at the first position. The battery module according to claim 12.

15. The first and second regions described above do not overlap each other. The battery module according to claim 14.

16. A portion of the first region and a portion of the second region overlap each other. The battery module according to claim 14.

17. The movement of the top cover includes at least one of rotational movement and translational movement. The battery module according to claim 11.

18. The rotational and translational movements may be performed individually or simultaneously. The battery module according to claim 17.

19. The movement of the top cover includes sliding along the longitudinal direction of the housing. The battery module according to claim 11.

20. The movement of the top cover includes sliding along the width direction of the housing. The battery module according to claim 11.

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