Battery modules, battery packs containing them, and automobiles

Abstract

A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a cell stack including a plurality of battery cells each having an electrode lead; a bus bar frame assembly including bus bars electrically connected to the electrode leads and bus bar frames to which the bus bars are attached, the bus bar frame assembly being configured to cover one side of the cell stack; and a fire-resistant cover assembly including a fire-resistant cover configured to cover the bus bar frame assembly and a metal member coupled to at least one of the electrode leads and the bus bars.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0165173 filed on November 30, 2022, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0043131 filed on March 31, 2023, and all the contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the applications are incorporated into this application.

Background Art

[0003] As the demand for portable electronic products such as notebook PCs and smartphones has increased rapidly, and the commercialization of robots, electric vehicles, etc. has been in full swing, research on high-performance secondary batteries capable of repeated charging and discharging has been actively conducted.

[0004] Currently, commercially available secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, lithium secondary batteries, etc. Among these, lithium secondary batteries have attracted attention because they hardly cause a memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, can be freely charged and discharged, have a very low self-discharge rate, and have a high energy density.

[0005] Such secondary batteries mainly use lithium oxide and carbon materials as the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material, respectively. The secondary battery includes an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate coated with the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material, respectively, are arranged with a separator interposed therebetween, and an exterior material that seals and houses the electrode assembly together with an electrolytic solution, that is, a battery case.

[0006] Generally, secondary batteries are classified into can-type secondary batteries in which the electrode assembly is built into a metal can and pouch-type secondary batteries in which the electrode assembly is built into a pouch of an aluminum laminate sheet according to the shape of the exterior material.

[0007] Recently, secondary batteries are widely used not only in small devices such as portable electronic devices, but also in medium and large devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS) for propulsion and energy storage. Multiple such secondary batteries can be electrically connected and housed together inside a module case to form a single battery module. Multiple such battery modules can then be connected to form a single battery pack.

[0008] Incidentally, when multiple secondary batteries (battery cells) or multiple battery modules are densely packed into a small space, they can become vulnerable to thermal events. In particular, if a thermal event such as thermal runaway occurs in any one of the battery cells, high-temperature gases, flames, and heat can be generated. If such gases, flames, and heat are transferred to other battery cells or battery modules, a chain reaction such as thermal propagation (TP) can occur.

[0009] Furthermore, in the case of medium- and large-sized batteries, such as those found in electric vehicles, the risk of thermal chain reactions can be even greater because they include multiple battery cells and battery modules to increase output and / or capacity. Moreover, if a thermal event occurring in a particular battery cell or module is not properly controlled and a chain reaction occurs, it can lead to not only significant property damage but also loss of life.

[0010] In this regard, ensuring TP performance is a major topic in the field of automotive battery packs and modules. In particular, ensuring TP performance is difficult in battery packs and modules that use pouch cells, and in order to solve this, it is necessary not only to ensure the TP performance of the battery cells themselves, but also to develop device-based TP solutions for both battery packs and battery modules. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0011] This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a battery module with an improved structure to provide an effective TP solution, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile, etc.

[0012] However, the technical problems that this invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above objectives includes: a cell stack comprising a plurality of battery cells having electrode leads; a busbar frame assembly comprising busbars electrically connected to the electrode leads and a busbar frame to which the busbars are attached, and configured to cover one side of the cell stack; a fire-resistant cover assembly configured to cover the busbar frame assembly; and a metal member coupled to at least one of the electrode leads and the busbars.

[0014] In the overlapping region between the metal member, the electrode lead, and the busbar, a welded portion can be formed that penetrates the metal member and the electrode lead and reaches the busbar.

[0015] The metal member can be insert-bonded to the fire-resistant cover.

[0016] The metal member can be formed integrally with the fire-resistant cover by insert injection molding.

[0017] The fire-resistant cover may include a first extension that extends from the upper end of the busbar frame toward the cell stack and is configured to at least partially cover the upper surface of the cell stack.

[0018] The battery cell may include an electrode assembly, a cell case configured to accommodate the electrode assembly, and an electrode lead connected to the electrode assembly and drawn out to the outside of the cell case.

[0019] The cell case may include a housing portion in which the electrode assembly is accommodated, and a sealing portion extending outward from the peripheral edge of the housing portion.

[0020] The first extension portion may extend to cover a region corresponding to a terrace portion which is a region located in the direction in which the electrode lead is drawn out in the sealing portion.

[0021] The battery module may include a thermal barrier interposed between the refractory cover assembly and the bus bar frame assembly.

[0022] The thermal barrier may include silicone.

[0023] The thermal barrier may include a barrier hole configured such that the metal member is inserted therein.

[0024] The metal member may have a thickness corresponding to the sum of the thickness of the refractory cover and the thickness of the thermal barrier.

[0025] The battery module may include a module housing configured to accommodate the cell stack and having an opening formed in the direction in which the electrode lead is drawn out.

[0026] The bus bar frame assembly may be configured to cover the opening.

[0027] The module housing may include a vent portion formed on a surface facing the lower surface of the cell stack.

[0028] In addition, a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-described problems includes a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention as described above.

[0029] An automobile according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-described problems includes a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention as described above.

Advantages of the Invention

[0030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the heat propagation suppression performance of the battery module is improved.

[0031] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the fastening structure of the fire-resistant cover attached to the front surface of the busbar frame can be made more robust.

[0032] According to still another embodiment of the present invention, directional venting becomes possible, and thereby the risk due to venting occurring at an unexpected location can be reduced.

[0033] According to still another embodiment of the present invention, the workability and productivity are improved by simultaneously performing the step of fixing the fire-resistant cover and the step of electrically connecting the battery cells.

[0034] According to still another embodiment of the present invention, it is not necessary to separately provide a fixing structure for fixing the fire-resistant cover, and it is not necessary to apply fastening members such as screws and bolts.

[0035] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a battery module with improved safety against a thermal event and an apparatus to which the same is applied. In particular, when the battery module according to the present invention is applied to an automobile, the safety of passengers can be more effectively ensured.

[0036] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other effects of the present invention not mentioned will be obvious to those skilled in the art from the following description of the invention.

[0037] The following drawings accompanying this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to further illustrate the technical idea of ​​the invention. Therefore, the invention should not be construed as being limited solely to what is shown in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0038] [Figure 1] This figure shows a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows a structure in which the fire-resistant cover assembly of the present invention is bonded to an electrode lead and busbar assembly. [Figure 3] Unlike the structure shown in Figure 2, this figure shows a structure in which the welded portion is formed by penetrating each component in the overlapping region of the metal member, electrode lead, and busbar. [Figure 4] This figure shows a structure in which an extension is provided to the fire-resistant cover assembly of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows a structure in which an extension provided in the fire-resistant cover assembly of the present invention covers an area corresponding to the terrace portion of a battery cell. [Figure 6] This figure shows an exemplary embodiment of the battery cell of the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure shows a structure in which a thermal barrier is further applied to a fire-resistant cover assembly. [Figure 8] Figure 7 shows the positional relationship between the metal component, thermal barrier, electrode leads, and busbar in the battery module. [Figure 9] This figure shows a module housing and end plate applied to the battery module of the present invention. [Figure 10] This figure shows a structure in which a vent section is provided in the module housing of the present invention. [Figure 11] This figure shows a structure in which a vent portion provided in the module housing of the present invention is formed in a region corresponding to the terrace portion of a battery cell. [Figure 12] This figure shows a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This figure shows an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0039] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and in the claims should not be interpreted in a manner limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but rather in a manner appropriate to the technical idea of ​​the present invention, in accordance with the principle that the inventor himself may appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe the invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that the embodiments and configurations shown in the drawings described herein are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entirety of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and that there may be a variety of equivalents and modifications that can be substituted therein at the time of this application.

[0040] Referring to Figure 1, a battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a cell stack 100, a busbar frame assembly 200, and a fire-resistant cover assembly 300.

[0041] The cell stack 100 may include a plurality of battery cells 110, each having electrode leads 111. The battery cells 110 may be, for example, pouch-type battery cells. The cell stack 100 may include pads 120 interposed between adjacent battery cells 110. The pads 120 may be configured to absorb volume expansion due to swelling of the battery cells 110. Considering this function, the pads 120 may include an elastic material. The pads 120 may include a fire-resistant material. The pads 120 may also include a material with low thermal conductivity, thereby functioning as a thermal barrier that delays thermal transitions between adjacent battery cells 110. The pads 120 may have an area corresponding to the battery cells 110.

[0042] The busbar frame assembly 200 may include a busbar 220 electrically connected to the electrode leads 111, and a busbar frame 210 to which the busbar 220 is mounted. The busbar frame assembly 200 may be configured to cover one side of the cell stack 100. The busbar frame 210 may be configured to cover one side of the cell stack 100. The busbar frame 210 may include a non-conductive material.

[0043] If the battery module 10 of the present invention includes a pad 120, the busbar frame 210 may include a pad insertion portion configured to accommodate the longitudinal (parallel to the X-axis) end of the pad 120. In this case, the pad 120 may be configured to cover the longitudinal (parallel to the X-axis) end of the battery cell 110, thereby enabling the pad 120 to effectively block heat transfer between a pair of adjacent battery cells 110.

[0044] Multiple busbars 220 may be provided depending on the number of battery cells 110 to be electrically connected. The busbars 220 may be located on the opposite side of the cell stack 100, with the busbar frame 210 in between. The electrode leads 111 can be connected to the busbars 220 by passing through slits formed in the busbar frame 210. For example, a pair of adjacent battery cells 110 can be electrically connected by having a pair of electrode leads 111, each provided on one of the battery cells 110, connect to a single busbar 220.

[0045] The busbar frame assembly 200 may be provided in pairs. In this case, each pair of busbar frame assemblies 200 may be configured to cover one side and the other side of the cell stack 100. At least one of the pair of busbar frame assemblies 200 may include terminals 230. The terminals 230 may be provided in pairs. Depending on the electrical connection method of the plurality of battery cells 110 constituting the battery module 10 of the present invention, the pair of terminals 230 may be provided in one busbar frame assembly 200, or one in each of the pair of busbar frame assemblies 200. The terminals 230 may be electrically coupled, for example, to the electrode leads 111 of the battery cell 110 located on the outermost periphery of the plurality of battery cells 110 constituting the cell stack 100. The terminals 230 may be directly coupled to the busbar frame 210, or alternatively, to a busbar 220 coupled to the busbar frame 210.

[0046] The fire-resistant cover assembly 300 may include a fire-resistant cover 310 and a metal member 320. The fire-resistant cover 310 may be configured to cover the busbar frame assembly 200. If the busbar frame assemblies 200 are provided in pairs, the fire-resistant cover assemblies 300 may also be provided in pairs. The fire-resistant cover 310 may be configured to protect and support the busbar frame 210 in high-temperature environments due to the occurrence of a thermal event. The fire-resistant cover 310 may be configured to have a higher melting point than the busbar frame 210. The fire-resistant cover 310 may include, for example, a fire-resistant resin. The fire-resistant cover 310 may have an area equal to or larger than the area of ​​the opposing busbar frame 210, thereby preventing the busbar frame 210 from being exposed to the outside of the fire-resistant cover 310.

[0047] The metal member 320 can be bonded to the fire-resistant cover 310. The metal member 320 can be insert-bonded to the fire-resistant cover. The metal member 320 can be integrally formed with the fire-resistant cover 310 by insert injection molding. The metal member 320 may contain a conductive metal. The metal member 320 may contain, for example, aluminum. Multiple metal members 320 may be provided.

[0048] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the metal member 320 can be coupled to at least one of the electrode lead 111 and the busbar 220. The metal member 320 may also be coupled to the external terminal 230. In this case, the metal member 320 can be further welded to a pre-formed coupling of the busbar 220 and the electrode lead 111, or to a pre-formed coupling of the external terminal 230 and the electrode lead 111.

[0049] Referring to Figure 3, in contrast, a weld W can be formed in the overlapping region of the metal member 320, the electrode lead 111, and the busbar 220 (or terminal 230), penetrating the metal member 320 and the electrode lead 111 to reach the busbar 220 (or terminal 230). With such a structure, both the electrical connection between the parts and the fixing of the fire-resistant cover assembly 300 can be achieved in a single welding step for joining the busbar 220 (or terminal 230), the electrode lead 111, and the metal member 320.

[0050] In the drawings of the present invention, only the case in which the metal member 320 is exposed to the outside from the outer surface of the fire-resistant cover 310 is shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The metal member 320 may be configured to be exposed only on the surface of the fire-resistant cover 310 that faces the busbar frame assembly 200. In this case, there is no risk of unnecessary electrical connections occurring on the outer surface of the fire-resistant cover 310, i.e., on the surface opposite to the surface facing the busbar frame assembly 200.

[0051] As described above, the battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a fire-resistant cover assembly 300 configured to cover the busbar frame assembly 200, thereby preventing or delaying the structural collapse of the busbar frame 210 in high-temperature environments caused by thermal events. In other words, the battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured such that a metal member 320 provided in the fire-resistant cover assembly 300 is coupled with a metal component provided in the busbar frame assembly 200, thereby preventing the movement of high-temperature gases and / or flames from the cell stack 100 to the outside, or from the outside to the cell stack 100, even after the busbar frame 210 has been damaged.

[0052] Next, referring to Figures 4 and 5, a battery module 10 is shown that has additional elements compared to the battery module according to the previously described embodiment. The battery module 10 differs from the battery module according to the previously described embodiment in the structure of the fire-resistant cover 310.

[0053] In such a battery module 10, the fire-resistant cover 310 may include a first extension 311. The first extension 311 extends from the upper end of the busbar frame 210 toward the cell stack 100 and may be configured to at least partially cover the upper surface (a plane parallel to the XY plane) of the cell stack 100. When the first extension 311 is provided, it is possible to prevent or suppress vent gas generated at one end of the battery cell 110 in the longitudinal direction (parallel to the X axis) from being ejected upward onto the cell stack 100.

[0054] The first extension 311 may extend in such a way that the terrace portion T (see Figure 5), which is located in the direction from which the electrode leads 111 are pulled out, is not exposed above the cell stack 100 within the entire area of ​​the sealing portion 12b of the battery cell 110.

[0055] Referring to Figure 6 in conjunction with Figures 4 and 5, the battery cell 110 may include an electrode assembly (not shown), a cell case 112 configured to house the electrode assembly, and electrode leads 111 connected to the electrode assembly and configured to be drawn out to the outside of the cell case 112. The battery cell 110 may include a lead film 113 that partially surrounds the electrode leads 111 and is interposed between the sealing region of the electrode leads 111 and the cell case 112. The battery cell 110 may be a pouch-type battery cell as described above. The electrode leads 111 may be provided in pairs, in which case the pair of electrode leads 111 may be drawn out of the cell case 112 in opposite directions, as shown in the drawings of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the pair of electrode leads 111 may also be drawn out in the same direction.

[0056] If a pair of electrode leads 111 are drawn out in the same direction, one busbar frame assembly 200 may be provided. If a pair of electrode leads 111 are drawn out in opposite directions, a pair of busbar frame assemblies 200 may be provided.

[0057] The cell case 112 may include a housing portion 112a configured to accommodate an electrode assembly, and a sealing portion 112b extending outward from the periphery of the housing portion 112a. Within the entire area of ​​the sealing portion 112b, the region located in the direction from which the electrode lead 111 is drawn out can be defined as the terrace portion T as described above. If the shape of the cell case 112 in plan view is substantially rectangular, as illustrated in the present invention, for example, the entire region from one end to the other end of one side in the sealing portion 112b formed on the periphery of the cell case 112 can be referred to as the terrace portion T.

[0058] Since the terrace portion T is the region from which the electrode leads 111 are drawn out, the structure of the joint between the upper and lower cases constituting the cell case 112 may be curved rather than flat like the remaining sealing region. Due to this structural characteristic, the terrace portion T can rupture earlier than the remaining sealing portion 112b when the internal pressure of the battery cell 110 increases. Furthermore, in a pouch-type battery cell 110, a gas collection space may exist between the terrace portion T and the electrode assembly (not shown) where gas generated inside the battery cell 110 accumulates. As a result, venting may preferentially occur at the terrace portion T due to the pressure of the gas accumulated in the gas collection space. The first extension portion 311 can suppress the vent gas from moving upward (in the positive Z-axis direction) when vent gas is discharged from the terrace portion T in this way, thereby inducing directional venting.

[0059] The first extension 311 can be in close contact with the upper end of the cell stack 100. In the battery cell 110, the sealing portions 112b located on the sides of the sealing portion 112b of the cell case 112, that is, the sealing portions 112b located at both ends in the height direction (parallel to the Z-axis) of the cell stack 100, can be folded toward the housing portion 112a. The first extension 311 can be configured to be in close contact with the sealing portion 112b thus folded.

[0060] As described above, if the cell stack 100 of the present invention includes a pad 120, the height of the pad 120 (length along the Z-axis) may correspond to the height of the cell stack 100. In this case, the first extension 311 may be configured to be in close contact with the upper ends of the battery cells 110 and the pad 120 that constitute the cell stack 100.

[0061] By configuring the first extension 311 to be in close contact with the upper end of the cell stack 100 in this way, it is possible to more reliably prevent the vent gas discharged from the terrace T from leaking upwards above the cell stack 100. This maximizes the directional venting effect.

[0062] On the other hand, the fire-resistant cover 310 may include a first housing portion 310a configured to accommodate the terminals 230. When the battery module 10 of the present invention includes terminals 230, a hole may be formed in the fire-resistant cover 310 through which the terminals 230 can pass, depending on the extension direction and / or extension length of the terminals 230. The first housing portion 310a may be a hole having a shape corresponding to the terminals 230. One or two of the first housing portions 310a may be provided depending on the number of terminals 230. Depending on the extension direction and / or extension length of the terminals 230, the first housing portion 310a may be formed in the first extension portion 311, or in a region other than the first extension portion 311.

[0063] When the fire-resistant cover 310 is provided with a first housing portion 310a, the fire-resistant cover assembly 300 can be connected to the cell laminate 100 and the busbar frame assembly 200 by terminals 230 containing metal material. Therefore, even if damage occurs to the busbar frame 210 in a high-temperature environment, the position of the fire-resistant cover assembly 300 can be maintained. Furthermore, when the first housing portion 310a is provided, the process of aligning the positions of the objects to be welded becomes easier when welding the metal member 320 to the electrode lead 111 and / or busbar 220, thereby improving productivity and quality.

[0064] Next, referring to Figure 7, a battery module 10 is shown that further includes a thermal barrier 400 compared to the embodiment described above. The battery module 10 may include a thermal barrier 400 interposed between the fire-resistant cover assembly 300 and the busbar frame assembly 200. The thermal barrier 400 may be configured to minimize thermal transfer between the cell stack 100 and the battery module 10 in high-temperature environments due to thermal events. The thermal barrier 400 may include, for example, silicone. If the busbar frame assembly 200 is provided in pairs, the thermal barrier 400 may also be provided in pairs.

[0065] The thermal barrier 400 may include a second extension 410. The second extension 410 may be configured to extend from the upper end of the busbar frame 210 toward the cell stack 100 and to at least partially cover the upper surface (a plane parallel to the XY plane) of the cell stack 100. When the second extension 410 is provided, it is possible to prevent or suppress vent gas generated at one end of the battery cell 110 in the longitudinal direction (parallel to the X axis) from being ejected upward onto the cell stack 100.

[0066] The second extension 410 may extend so that the terrace portion T (see Figure 5), which is located in the direction from which the electrode leads 111 are drawn out within the entire area of ​​the sealing portion 112b of the battery cell 110, is not exposed above the cell stack 100. The second extension 410 can suppress the vent gas from moving upward (in the positive Z-axis direction) when vent gas is discharged from the terrace portion T in this manner, thereby inducing directional venting.

[0067] The second extension 410 can be in close contact with the upper end of the cell stack 100. In the battery cell 110, the sealing portions 112b of the cell case 112 located on the sides, that is, the sealing portions 112b located at both ends in the height direction (parallel to the Z-axis) of the cell stack 100, can be folded toward the housing portion 112a. The second extension 410 can be configured to be in close contact with the sealing portions 112b thus folded.

[0068] As described above, if the cell stack 100 of the present invention includes a pad 120, the height of the pad 120 (length along the Z-axis) may correspond to the height of the cell stack 100. In this case, the second extension 410 may be configured to be in close contact with the upper ends of the battery cells 110 and the pad 120 that constitute the cell stack 100.

[0069] By configuring the second extension 410 to be in close contact with the upper end of the cell stack 100 in this way, it is possible to more reliably prevent the vent gas discharged from the terrace T from leaking upwards above the cell stack 100. This maximizes the directional venting effect.

[0070] On the other hand, in the battery module 10 of the present invention, if both the first extension 311 of the fire-resistant cover 310 and the second extension 410 of the thermal barrier 400 are provided, the first extension 311 may be configured to at least partially cover the second extension 410. When the first extension 311 and the second extension 410 overlap in this way, the upward movement of vent gas to the cell stack 100 can be prevented more reliably.

[0071] The thermal barrier 400 may include a second housing portion 400a configured to accommodate the terminals 230. When the battery module 10 of the present invention includes terminals 230, a hole may be formed in the thermal barrier 400 through which the terminals 230 can pass, depending on the extension direction and / or extension length of the terminals 230. The second housing portion 400a may be provided as one or two depending on the number of terminals 230. The second housing portion 400a may be formed in the second extension portion 410, depending on the extension direction and / or extension length of the terminals 230, or it may be formed in a region other than the second extension portion 410.

[0072] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the thermal barrier 400 may be provided with barrier holes 400b into which the metal members 320 of the fire-resistant cover assembly 300 are inserted. The number of barrier holes 400b may correspond to the number of metal members 320. The barrier holes 400b may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the metal members 320. The metal members 320 of the fire-resistant cover assembly 300 may pass through the barrier holes 400b of the thermal barrier 400 and be coupled to the electrode leads 111 and / or busbars 220. The metal members 320 may have a thickness corresponding to the sum of the thickness of the fire-resistant cover 310 and the thickness of the thermal barrier 400. In this case, when the metal members 320 are coupled to the electrode leads 111 and / or busbars 220, the fire-resistant cover assembly 300, the thermal barrier 400, and the electrode leads 111 (or busbars 220) are in close contact with each other, thereby preventing the occurrence of dead space.

[0073] As described above, when the battery module 10 of the present invention includes both a fire-resistant cover assembly 300 and a thermal barrier 400, thermal propagation can be more effectively restricted. In other words, the tight-fitting structure of the fire-resistant cover 310 and the thermal barrier 400 minimizes the reduction in energy density due to the application of further components.

[0074] Next, referring to Figure 9, the module housing 500 and end plate 600 provided in the battery module 10 of the present invention are shown.

[0075] The module housing 500 may be configured to house a cell stack 100 or a combination of the cell stack 100 and a busbar frame assembly 200. The module housing 500 may have an opening formed in the direction from which the electrode leads 111 are drawn out. Such an opening may be provided on one or both sides of the module housing 500 in the longitudinal direction (parallel to the X-axis). The aforementioned busbar frame assembly 200 may be configured to cover the opening of the module housing 500. Although the drawings of the present invention show only the case in which the module housing 500 is composed of two parts, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the module housing 500 may be a single housing with an opening.

[0076] Referring to Figure 10 in conjunction with Figure 9, the module housing 500 may include a vent portion 510 formed on a surface facing the lower surface (a surface parallel to the XY plane) of the cell stack 100. The vent portion 510 may be formed, for example, by partially reducing the thickness of the plates constituting the module housing 500. However, the structure of the vent portion 510 is not limited thereto, and the vent portion 510 may also be formed by applying a weaker material to the module housing 500 than to the surrounding area. Alternatively, the vent portion 510 may be a valve provided through the module housing 500 and configured to open when the internal pressure exceeds a critical pressure. The valve may be a one-way valve configured to open only in the direction from the inside to the outside of the battery module 10. The vent portion 510 may be provided as one or more portions.

[0077] Referring to Figure 11, the vent portion 510 may be provided at a position corresponding to the terrace portion T of the battery cell 110. When the fire-resistant cover 310 of the present invention is configured to cover the area corresponding to the terrace portion T on the upper part of the cell stack 100, and the vent portion 510 is provided at a position corresponding to the terrace portion T on the lower surface of the module housing 500, the directional venting induction effect can be increased. The speed of gas discharge is also improved.

[0078] Referring further to Figure 9, the end plates 600 may be configured to cover the openings of the module housing 500 when the assembly, which includes the cell stack 100, the busbar frame assembly 200, and the fire-resistant cover assembly 300, is housed in the module housing 500. The number of end plates 600 may correspond to the number of openings provided in the module housing 500.

[0079] Referring to Figure 12, a battery pack 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The battery pack 1 may include a pack housing 20 configured to house the battery module 10. However, the battery pack 1 of the present invention is not limited thereto. The battery pack 1 may include a plurality of battery modules 10. In this case, the plurality of battery modules 10 may be electrically connected to one another.

[0080] Referring to Figure 13, an automobile V according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery pack 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The automobile V may be configured to operate by receiving power from the battery pack 1. The automobile V may be, for example, an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV).

[0081] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it goes without saying that various modifications and variations are possible within the equivalent scope of the technical concept and claims of the present invention by persons with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0082] V Automobile 1 Battery Pack 20 Pack Housing 10 Battery Modules 110 battery cells 111 Electrode Leads 112 Cell Case 112a Storage area 112b Sealing part T Terrace Section 113 Lead film 120 pads 200 Busbar Frame Assembly 210 Busbar Frame 220 Bus Bar 230 terminals 300 Fire-Resistant Cover Assembly 310 Fire-resistant cover 310a First containment area 311 Extension 320 Metal components W Weld 400 Thermal Barrier 410 Second extension 400a Second containment area 400b Barrier Hole 500 Module Housing 510 Vent section 600 End Plate

Claims

1. A cell stack comprising multiple battery cells equipped with electrode leads, A busbar frame assembly includes a busbar electrically connected to the electrode leads and a busbar frame to which the busbar is attached, and is configured to cover one side of the cell stack. A fire-resistant cover assembly comprising: a fire-resistant cover configured to cover the busbar frame assembly and having an opening provided to face the electrode lead; and a metal member provided within the opening and coupled to the fire-resistant cover, and coupled to at least one of the electrode lead and the busbar; A battery module, including the battery module.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that a welded portion is formed in the overlapping region of the metal member, the electrode lead, and the busbar, penetrating the metal member and the electrode lead and reaching the busbar.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that the metal member is insert-bonded to the fire-resistant cover.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that the metal member is formed integrally with the fire-resistant cover by insert injection molding.

5. The aforementioned fire-resistant cover is The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising a first extension that extends from the upper end of the busbar frame toward the cell stack and is configured to at least partially cover the upper surface of the cell stack.

6. The battery cell includes an electrode assembly, a cell case housing the electrode assembly, and electrode leads connected to the electrode assembly and extended to the outside of the cell case. The battery module according to claim 5, characterized in that the cell case includes a housing portion in which the electrode assembly is housed, and a sealing portion extending outward from the peripheral edge of the housing portion.

7. The first extension is, The battery module according to claim 6, characterized in that it extends to cover a region corresponding to a terrace portion, which is a region located in the direction from which the electrode leads are drawn out in the sealing portion.

8. The aforementioned battery module is The battery module according to claim 1, characterized by including a thermal barrier interposed between the fire-resistant cover assembly and the busbar frame assembly.

9. The battery module according to claim 8, characterized in that the thermal barrier contains silicone.

10. The aforementioned thermal barrier is The battery module according to claim 8, characterized by having a barrier hole configured for the insertion of the aforementioned metal member.

11. The battery module according to claim 10, characterized in that the metal member has a thickness corresponding to the sum of the thickness of the fire-resistant cover and the thickness of the thermal barrier.

12. The aforementioned battery module is The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes a module housing configured to accommodate the cell stack and having an opening formed in the direction from which the electrode leads are pulled out.

13. The aforementioned busbar frame assembly is The battery module according to claim 12, characterized in that it is configured to cover the open portion.

14. The fire-resistant cover includes a first extension that extends from the upper end of the busbar frame toward the cell stack and is configured to at least partially cover the upper surface of the cell stack. The battery module according to claim 13, characterized in that the module housing comprises a vent portion formed on a surface facing the lower surface of the cell stack.

15. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. An automobile comprising the battery pack described in claim 15.

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