Rechargeable-battery module

Abstract

A secondary battery module is disclosed, comprising a case having an internal space and a plurality of cells accommodated in the internal space of the case, wherein the case has a rectangular shape, at least one of the internal surfaces of the case is formed at an angle or a channel is provided on at least one of the internal surfaces of the case, and the internal surface formed at an angle or the internal surface provided with the channel is spaced apart from some or all of the plurality of cells in at least some area.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a secondary battery module. Background Technology

[0003] Generally, the case of a secondary battery module accommodates multiple cells within its internal space, and the two inner surfaces of the second case serve to secure the sides of the cells positioned at the outermost edge. Additionally, the bottom surface of the cell is secured to the top surface of the first case, and the top surface of the cell is secured by the upper surface of the inner surface of the second case.

[0004] In such cases, when gas is emitted from the cell, the direction of discharge cannot be controlled, making it impossible to predict which direction the gas will be ejected. Accordingly, there is a need to develop a secondary battery module structure capable of controlling the direction of gas discharge. The problem to be solved

[0006] The present invention provides a secondary battery module capable of flowing gas generated in the internal space of a cell in a desired direction. means of solving the problem

[0008] A secondary battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a case having an internal space and a plurality of cells accommodated in the internal space of the case, wherein the case has a rectangular shape, and at least one of the internal surfaces of the case is formed at an angle or a channel is provided on at least one of the internal surfaces of the case, and the internal surface formed at an angle or the internal surface provided with the channel may be spaced apart from some or all of the plurality of cells in at least some area.

[0009] The above case has four side walls, a cover wall covering the upper part of the four side walls, and a bottom wall located at the lower part of the four side walls, and the four side walls include a first side wall, a second side wall positioned to face the first side wall, a third side wall connecting one end of the first side wall and the second side wall, and a fourth side wall positioned to face the third side wall, and the first side wall and the second side wall may be positioned facing the wider side of the cell.

[0010] At least one of the first side wall and the second side wall may have an inner surface formed to be inclined so that the thickness increases from the third side wall side to the fourth side wall side or from the fourth side wall side to the third side wall side.

[0011] At least one of the first side wall and the second side wall may be formed with an inclination on its inner surface so that its thickness increases from the bottom wall toward the cover wall side or from the cover wall side toward the bottom wall side.

[0012] The angle of inclination of the inclined surface formed on the first side wall and the second side wall may be 1° or more and 10° or less.

[0013] At least one of the inner surfaces of the first side wall and the second side wall may be provided with the channel positioned from the third side wall side to the fourth side wall side.

[0014] The above channel can be arranged parallel to the floor wall.

[0015] The above channel is formed as a groove having a semicircular shape, and the diameter of the channel may be 10 mm or more and 50 mm or less.

[0016] The above channel may be positioned at an angle with respect to the floor wall.

[0017] The cell may include an electrode assembly having a first electrode plate, a separator, and a second electrode plate, a pouch film that accommodates the electrode assembly inside, a negative lead that protrudes from one end of the pouch film and is connected to the first electrode plate, and a positive lead that protrudes from the other end of the pouch film and is connected to the second electrode plate.

[0018] The above pouch film may have a first side sealing portion through which the negative lead is disposed, a second side sealing portion through which the positive lead is disposed, and an upper sealing portion connected to the ends of the first and second side sealing portions and disposed on one side of the pouch film.

[0019] The above pouch film may further comprise a lower sealing portion disposed on the other side of the pouch film opposite to the upper sealing portion.

[0020] At least one of the first side wall and the second side wall may be formed with an inwardly inclined surface such that the thickness decreases from the cover wall side to the bottom wall side.

[0021] The above pouch film may further have a fold portion disposed on the other side of the pouch film opposite to the upper sealing portion.

[0022] The sealing strength of the first side sealing portion is greater than the sealing strength of the second side sealing portion, the upper sealing portion, and the lower sealing portion, and at least one of the first side wall and the second side wall may be formed with an inwardly inclined surface such that the thickness decreases from the fourth side wall side to the third side wall side.

[0023] The above-mentioned bending portion can withstand pressure greater than that which the first side sealing portion, the second side sealing portion, and the upper sealing portion can withstand, and at least one of the first side wall and the second side wall may be formed with an inwardly inclined surface such that the thickness decreases from the cover wall side to the first case side.

[0024] A secondary battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention comprises a case having an internal space and a plurality of cells accommodated in the internal space of the case, wherein the case has a rectangular parallepiped shape, and at least one of the side walls constituting the case is formed as an inclined surface having an internal surface formed at an angle, and the edge of the pouch film disposed opposite to the side wall connected to the thinnest part of the side wall by the inclined surface can withstand a higher pressure than the sealing portion formed on the remaining edge. Effects of the invention

[0026] The present invention has the effect of allowing gas generated in the internal space of a cell to flow in a desired direction. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0028] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a secondary battery module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a secondary battery module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from above. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a secondary battery module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from one side. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a cell of a secondary battery module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a secondary battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a cell of a secondary battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a partially cutaway exploded perspective view showing a secondary battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a partially cutaway exploded perspective view showing a secondary battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a partially cutaway exploded perspective view showing a secondary battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0029] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. However, embodiments of the present invention may be modified in various different forms, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the present invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the shapes and sizes of elements may be exaggerated for clearer explanation.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a secondary battery module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the secondary battery module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from above, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the secondary battery module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention when viewed from one side.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a secondary battery module (100) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include, as an example, a case (120) and a plurality of cells (140).

[0035] The case (120) has an internal space that accommodates a plurality of cells (140). As an example, the case (120) includes a plate-shaped first case (122) and a second case (124) that is combined with the first case (122) to form an internal space. As an example, the second case (124) may have a rectangular box shape with an open bottom. However, in this embodiment, the case where the bottom of the second case (124) is open is described as an example, but when the second case (124) is placed at the bottom, the first case (122) may be placed at the top. In this case, the second case (124) has a rectangular box shape with an open top. Additionally, the case (120) may be composed of a rectangular tube-shaped second case and a plate-shaped first case that is combined at both ends.

[0036] In this way, the first case (122) in the present embodiment can serve as the bottom wall of the case (120).

[0037] Meanwhile, the second case (124) may have four side walls (124a) and one cover wall (124b). As an example, the four side walls (124a) may be composed of a first side wall (124a-1), a second side wall (124a-2), a third side wall (124a-3), and a fourth side wall (124a-4). The first side wall (124a-1) and the second side wall (124a-2) are side walls facing the wide side of the cell (140), and the third side wall (124a-3) and the fourth side wall (124a-4) are side walls positioned at both ends of the cell (140) in the longitudinal direction.

[0038] For example, the inner surfaces of the first side wall (124a-1) and the second side wall (124a-2) can be formed at an angle such that the thickness of the first side wall (124a-1) and the second side wall (124a-2) increases as they go from the third side wall (124a-3) side to the fourth side wall (124a-4). In other words, the inner surfaces of the first side wall (124a-1) and the second side wall (124a-2) can be formed at an angle such that the space between them and the cell (140) positioned at the outermost side becomes narrower as they go from the third side wall (124a-3) side to the fourth side wall (124a-4) side.

[0039] For example, the angle of inclination (θ) of the inner surface of the first side wall (124a-1) and the second side wall (124a-2) may be from 1° to 10°. In this way, since the inner surface of the first side wall (124a-1) and the second side wall (124a-2) is formed at an angle, the venting of the cell (140) can be delayed as the space in which the cell (140) can expand increases. In other words, gas generated inside the cell (140) can be guided from the third side wall (124a-3) side to the fourth side wall (124a-4) side inside the cell (140). At this time, since the space in which the cell (140) can expand is formed in the inner space of the case (120), the time for venting to occur can be delayed. Meanwhile, if the inner surface inclination angle (θ) of the first side wall (124a-1) and the second side wall (124a-2) is greater than 10°, the thickness of the first side wall (124a-1) and the second side wall (124a-2) increases, which causes a problem of increasing the size of the secondary battery module (100). Therefore, in order to suppress the size of the secondary battery module (100) and delay the venting of the cell (140), the inner surface inclination angle (θ) of the first side wall (124a-1) and the second side wall (124a-2) may be 1° or more and 10° or less.

[0040] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, an example is provided where an inclined surface is formed on both the inner surface of the first side wall (124a-1) and the second side wall (124a-2), but this is not limited thereto, and the inclined surface may be formed on only one of the inner surface of the first side wall (124a-1) and the second side wall (124a-2).

[0041] Here, when defining the terms for direction, the length direction refers to the X-axis direction of FIG. 1, the width direction refers to the Y-axis direction of FIG. 1, and the height direction (thickness direction) refers to the Z-axis direction of FIG. 1.

[0043] Multiple cells (140) are accommodated in the internal space of the case (120).

[0045] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing a cell of a secondary battery module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] As illustrated in FIG. 4, as an example, the cell (140) may be configured to include an electrode assembly (150), a pouch film (160), a negative lead (170), and a positive lead (180).

[0049] The electrode assembly (150) is housed in a pouch film (160). As an example, the electrode assembly (150) includes a first electrode plate (151), a second electrode plate (152), and a separator (153) formed in a thin plate or film shape, and can be formed in various shapes as needed, such as a laminated or wound shape. For example, the first electrode plate (151) can act as a negative electrode, and the second electrode plate (152) can act as a positive electrode.

[0050] The first electrode plate (151) may be formed by applying a first electrode active material, such as graphite or carbon, to a first electrode current collector formed from a metal foil, such as copper, a copper alloy, nickel, or a nickel alloy. Additionally, the first electrode plate (151) includes a first electrode uncoated portion (not shown), which is an area where the first electrode active material is not applied. The first electrode uncoated portion serves as a passage for current flow between the first electrode plate (151) and the outside of the first electrode plate (151).

[0051] The second electrode plate (152) may be formed by applying a second electrode active material, such as a transition metal oxide, to a second electrode current collector formed of a metal foil, such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy, for example. Additionally, the second electrode plate (152) includes a second electrode uncoated portion (not shown), which is an area where the second electrode active material is not applied. The second electrode uncoated portion also serves as a passage for current flow between the second electrode plate (152) and the outside of the second electrode plate (152).

[0052] The separator (153) is positioned between the first electrode plate (151) and the second electrode plate (152) to prevent short circuits and enable the movement of lithium ions. For example, the separator (153) may be made of polyethylene, polypropylene, or a composite film of polyethylene and polypropylene.

[0053] As an example, the first electrode plate (151), the second electrode plate (152), and the separator (153) may be arranged in the width direction of the case (120).

[0055] The pouch film (160) accommodates an electrode assembly (150) inside. For example, the negative lead (170) and the positive lead (180) are exposed to the outside through both sides of the pouch film (160). For example, the pouch film (160) may be provided with a first side sealing portion (161) in which the negative lead (170) is protruded and disposed, a second side sealing portion (162) in which the positive lead (170) is protruded and disposed, an upper sealing portion (163) connected to the first and second side sealing portions (161, 162) and disposed on one side of the pouch film (160), and a lower sealing portion (164) disposed on the other side opposite to the upper sealing portion (164). In this way, the cell (140) can be sealed on four sides.

[0056] For example, an electrolyte is injected into the internal space of the pouch film (160) along with the electrode assembly (150). Meanwhile, the electrolyte may consist of a lithium salt such as LiPF6 or LiBF4 in an organic solvent such as ethylene carbonate (EC), propylene carbonate (PC), diethyl carbonate (DEC), ethylmethyl carbonate (EMC), or dimethyl carbonate (DMC). Additionally, the electrolyte may be in the form of a liquid or a gel.

[0057] Additionally, the pouch film (160) may be made of a laminate sheet comprising a metal layer and a resin layer. In particular, the laminate sheet may be an aluminum laminate sheet. Additionally, the pouch film (140) may be made of a core made of a metal layer, a heat-sealable layer formed on the upper surface of the core, and an insulating film formed on the lower surface of the core.

[0058] The heat-sealable layer acts as an adhesive layer using modified polypropylene, such as CPP (Casted Polypropylene), which is a polymer resin, and the insulating film may be formed from a resin material such as nylon or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), but the structure and material of the pouch film (140) are not limited here.

[0059] Meanwhile, as an example, the bonding strength of the first side sealing portion (161) may have a bonding strength greater than the bonding strength of the second side sealing portion (162), the upper sealing portion (163), and the lower sealing portion (164). Here, bonding strength refers to a strength capable of preventing the sealing portion from opening up, and in the case of a folded portion (264, see FIG. 6) formed by folding one end of the pouch film (160) in a cell of a three-sided sealing structure, it refers to a strength capable of preventing the folded portion (264) from opening up.

[0060] In this case, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the inner surface of the first side wall (124a-1) and the second side wall (124a-2) of the case (120) is formed at an angle such that the thickness of the first side wall (124a-1) and the second side wall (124a-2) increases as they go from the third side wall (124a-3) side to the fourth side wall (124a-4) side. This allows the direction of the gas generated within the pouch film (140) to be guided toward the first side sealing part (161), thereby delaying the time for venting to occur. In other words, a portion of the inner surface of the case (120) is formed at an angle so that the gas is attracted in the direction where the bonding strength (in other words, sealing strength) of the sealing part is high. Accordingly, the gas generated within the pouch film (140) is vented toward the sealing part with high bonding strength, thereby delaying the time for venting to occur.

[0062] The negative lead (170) is electrically connected to the unlit portion (not shown) of the first electrode plate (151) described above, and is positioned so that one end protrudes from the pouch film (160). As an example, the negative lead (170) may be made of copper, a copper alloy, nickel, or a nickel alloy, which is the same material as the first electrode plate (151). Meanwhile, the negative lead (170) may be connected to the first electrode plate (151) through a current collector (not shown). Also, the negative lead (170) and the current collector may be joined by welding. As an example, a sealing film (not shown) may be installed on the negative lead (170), and the sealing film may be placed within the first side sealing portion (161).

[0064] The positive lead (180) is electrically connected to the non-existent portion (not shown) of the second electrode plate (152) described above, and is positioned so that one end protrudes from the pouch film (160). As an example, the positive lead (180) may be made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, which is the same material as the second electrode plate (152). Additionally, the positive lead (180) may also be connected to the second electrode plate (152) through a current collector (not shown). Meanwhile, the positive lead (180) and the current collector may be joined by welding. As an example, a sealing film (not shown) may be installed on the positive lead (180), and the sealing film may be placed within the second side sealing portion (162).

[0066] As described above, the sealing strength of the first side sealing portion (161) of the cell (140) is formed to be greater than the sealing strength of the second side sealing portion (162), the upper sealing portion (163), and the lower sealing portion (164), and the inner surface of the first side wall (124a-1) and the second side wall (124a-2) of the case (120) is formed to be inclined so that the thickness of the first side wall (124a-1) and the second side wall (124a-2) increases as they go from the third side wall (124a-3) side to the fourth side wall (124a-4) side, thereby delaying the venting time.

[0067] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the cell (140) is described as having a first side sealing part (161), a second side sealing part (162), an upper sealing part (163), and a lower sealing part (164), but it is not limited thereto, and a cell having a three-sided sealing structure, such as the cell (240) of FIG. 6 described later, may be adopted.

[0069] Below, modified embodiments of the secondary battery module will be described.

[0071] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a secondary battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 5, a secondary battery module (200) according to another embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include, as an example, a case (220) and a plurality of cells (240).

[0075] The case (220) has an internal space that accommodates a plurality of cells (240). As an example, the case (220) includes a first case (222) in the shape of a plate and a second case (224) that is combined with the first case (222) to form an internal space. As an example, the second case (224) may have a rectangular box shape with an open bottom.

[0076] Meanwhile, the second case (224) may have four side walls (224a) and one cover wall (224b). As an example, the four side walls (224a) may be composed of a first side wall (224a-1), a second side wall (224a-2), a third side wall (224a-3), and a fourth side wall (224a-4). The first side wall (224a-1) and the second side wall (224a-2) are side walls facing the wide side of the cell (240), and the third side wall (224a-3) and the fourth side wall (224a-4) are side walls positioned at both ends of the cell (240) in the longitudinal direction.

[0077] For example, the inner surfaces of the first side wall (224a-1) and the second side wall (224a-2) can be formed at an angle such that the thickness of the first side wall (124a-1) and the second side wall (124a-2) becomes thinner as they go from the cover wall (224b) side to the first case (222) side. In other words, the inner surfaces of the first side wall (124a-1) and the second side wall (124a-2) can be formed at an angle such that the space between them and the cell (240) positioned at the outermost side becomes wider as they go from the cover wall (224b) side to the first case (222) side.

[0078] For example, the angle of inclination (θ) of the inner surface of the first side wall (224a-1) and the second side wall (224a-2) may be 1° or more and 10° or less. In this way, since the inner surface of the first side wall (224a-1) and the second side wall (224a-2) is formed at an angle, the venting of the cell (240) can be delayed as the space in which the cell (240) can expand increases. In other words, gas generated inside the cell (240) can be guided from the inside of the cell (240) to the side of the cover wall (224b) to the side of the first case (222). At this time, since the space in which the cell (240) can expand is formed in the inner space of the case (120), the time for venting to occur can be delayed. Meanwhile, if the inner surface inclination angle (θ) of the first side wall (224a-1) and the second side wall (224a-2) is greater than 10°, the thickness of the first side wall (224a-1) and the second side wall (224a-2) increases, which causes a problem of increasing the size of the secondary battery module (200). Therefore, in order to suppress the size of the secondary battery module (200) and delay the venting of the cell (240), the inner surface inclination angle (θ) of the first side wall (224a-1) and the second side wall (224a-2) may be 1° or more and 10° or less.

[0079] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, an example is provided where an inclined surface is formed on both the inner surface of the first side wall (224a-1) and the second side wall (224a-2), but this is not limited thereto, and the inclined surface may be formed on only one of the inner surface of the first side wall (224a-1) and the second side wall (224a-2).

[0081] Multiple cells (240) are accommodated in the internal space of the case (220).

[0083] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a cell of a secondary battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 6, the cell (240) may be configured to include, for example, an electrode assembly (150), a pouch film (260), a negative lead (170), and a positive lead (180).

[0087] Meanwhile, since the electrode assembly (150), the negative lead (170), and the positive lead (180) are substantially identical to the configuration provided in the cell (140) described above, a detailed description is omitted here and replaced with the description above.

[0089] The pouch film (260) accommodates an electrode assembly (150) inside. For example, meanwhile, the negative lead (170) and the positive lead (180) are exposed to the outside through both sides of the pouch film (260). For example, the pouch film (260) may be provided with a first side sealing portion (261) in which the negative lead (170) is protruded and disposed, a second side sealing portion (262) in which the positive lead (170) is protruded and disposed, and an upper sealing portion (263) connected to the first and second side sealing portions (261, 262) and disposed on one side of the pouch film (260). In this way, the cell (240) can be sealed on three sides. Meanwhile, the cell (240) of the three-sided sealing structure may be provided with a folded portion (264) in which the pouch film (260) is folded in a portion positioned opposite the upper sealing portion (263). The folded portion (264) may extend to the first and second side sealing portions (261, 262). Accordingly, the portion where the folded portion (264) is formed can withstand much higher pressure than the first and second side sealing portions (261, 262) and the upper sealing portion (263).

[0090] Meanwhile, as an example, an electrolyte is injected into the internal space of the pouch film (260) along with the electrode assembly (150). Meanwhile, the electrolyte may consist of a lithium salt such as LiPF6 or LiBF4 in an organic solvent such as ethylene carbonate (EC), propylene carbonate (PC), diethyl carbonate (DEC), ethylmethyl carbonate (EMC), or dimethyl carbonate (DMC). Additionally, the electrolyte may be in the form of a liquid or a gel.

[0091] Additionally, the pouch film (260) may be made of a laminate sheet comprising a metal layer and a resin layer. In particular, the laminate sheet may be an aluminum laminate sheet. Additionally, the pouch film (240) may be made of a core made of a metal layer, a heat-sealable layer formed on the upper surface of the core, and an insulating film formed on the lower surface of the core.

[0092] The heat-sealable layer acts as an adhesive layer using modified polypropylene, such as CPP (Casted Polypropylene), which is a polymer resin, and the insulating film may be formed from a resin material such as nylon or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), but the structure and material of the pouch film (140) are not limited here.

[0093] Meanwhile, as explained above, the bend portion (264) may not be vented even by a pressure much greater than the pressure that the first and second side sealing portions (262) and the upper sealing portion (263) can withstand.

[0094] In this case, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the inner surfaces of the first side wall (224a-1) and the second side wall (224a-2) of the case (220) are formed at an angle such that the thickness of the first side wall (124a-1) and the second side wall (124a-2) becomes thinner as they move from the cover wall (224b) side toward the first case (222) side. This allows the direction of movement of the gas generated inside the pouch film (240) to be guided toward the first case (222) side, thereby delaying the time required for venting. In other words, a portion of the inner surface of the case (220) is formed at an angle so that the gas generated inside the pouch film (240) is directed toward the part capable of withstanding relatively high pressure. Accordingly, the gas generated inside the pouch film (240) is vented toward the part with high bonding strength, thereby delaying the time required for venting.

[0096] FIG. 7 is a partially cutaway exploded perspective view showing a secondary battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 7, a secondary battery module (300) according to another embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include, as an example, a case (320) and a plurality of cells (340).

[0100] The case (320) has an internal space that accommodates a plurality of cells (340). As an example, the case (320) includes a plate-shaped first case (322) and a second case (324) that is combined with the first case (322) to form an internal space. As an example, the second case (324) may have a rectangular box shape with an open bottom.

[0101] Meanwhile, the second case (324) may have four side walls (324a) and one cover wall (324b). As an example, the four side walls (324a) may be composed of a first side wall (324a-1), a second side wall (324a-2), a third side wall (324a-3), and a fourth side wall (324a-4).

[0102] For example, the inner surface of the first side wall (324a-1) and the second side wall (324a-2) may be provided with a channel (330) that guides the flow path of gas. The channel (330) may be arranged to face each other on the inner surface of the first side wall (324a-1) and the second side wall (324a-2). Also, for example, the channel (330) may have a semicircular cross-section and may have a diameter of 10 mm or more and 50 mm or less. If the diameter is 50 mm or more, venting of the cell (340) may not occur in the part where the channel (330) is formed. Accordingly, the diameter of the channel (330) is made to be 50 mm or less.

[0103] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the case where the channel (330) is formed on both the inner surface of the first side wall (324a-1) and the second side wall (324a-2) is described as an example, but it is not limited thereto and may be provided on only one of the inner surface of the first side wall (324a-1) and the second side wall (324a-2).

[0104] As an example, the channel (330) can be arranged in parallel with the first case (322).

[0105] In this way, since a channel (330) is formed on the inner surface of the first side wall (324a-1) and the second side wall (324a-2), the space for the cell (340) placed at the outermost edge to swell is increased, thereby delaying the venting of the cell (340) placed at the outermost edge. Furthermore, since the gas flowing out from the cell (340) is guided through the channel (330), the portion of the gas flowing out from the case (320) can be controlled. To this end, the case (320) may be provided with a venting hole (not shown) or a venting unit (not shown) for the gas flowing through the channel (330) to be discharged to the outside. That is, when gas is vented from the cell (340), the gas can flow through the channel (330) and then be discharged to the outside of the case (320) through the venting hole or venting unit of the case (320).

[0107] A plurality of cells (340) are accommodated in the internal space of the case (320). Meanwhile, since the cell (340) has substantially the same configuration as either the cell (140) provided in the secondary battery module (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention described above or the cell (240) provided in the secondary battery module (200) according to another embodiment of the present invention, a detailed description is omitted here and replaced with the description above.

[0109] FIG. 8 is a partially cutaway exploded perspective view showing a secondary battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 8, a secondary battery module (400) according to another embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include, as an example, a case (420) and a plurality of cells (440).

[0113] The case (420) has an internal space that accommodates a plurality of cells (440). As an example, the case (420) includes a plate-shaped first case (422) and a second case (424) that is combined with the first case (422) to form an internal space. As an example, the second case (424) may have a rectangular box shape with an open bottom.

[0114] Meanwhile, the second case (424) may have four side walls (424a) and one cover wall (424b). As an example, the four side walls (424a) may be composed of a first side wall (424a-1), a second side wall (424a-2), a third side wall (424a-3), and a fourth side wall (424a-4). The first side wall (424a-1) and the second side wall (424a-2) are side walls facing the wide side of the cell (440), and the third side wall (424a-3) and the fourth side wall (424a-4) are side walls positioned at both ends of the cell (440) in the longitudinal direction.

[0115] For example, the inner surface of the first side wall (424a-1) and the second side wall (424a-2) may be provided with a channel (430) that guides the flow path of gas. The channel (430) may be arranged to face each other on the inner surface of the first side wall (424a-1) and the second side wall (424a-2). Also, for example, the channel (430) may have a semicircular cross-section and may have a diameter of 50 mm or less. If the diameter is 50 mm or more, venting of the cell (440) may not occur in the part where the channel (430) is formed. Accordingly, the diameter of the channel (430) is made to be 10 mm or more and 50 mm or less.

[0116] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the case where the channel (430) is formed on both the inner surface of the first side wall (424a-1) and the second side wall (424a-2) is described as an example, but it is not limited thereto and may be provided on only one of the inner surface of the first side wall (424a-1) and the second side wall (424a-2).

[0117] For example, the channel (430) may be positioned at an angle. For example, the channel (430) may be formed at an angle such that the side where the third side wall (424a-3) is positioned is higher than the side where the fourth side wall (424a-4) is positioned.

[0118] In this way, since a channel (430) is formed on the inner surface of the first side wall (424a-1) and the second side wall (424a-2), the space for the cell (440) placed at the outermost edge to swell is increased, thereby delaying the venting of the cell (440) placed at the outermost edge. Furthermore, since the gas leaking from the cell (440) is guided through the channel (430), the portion of the gas leaking from the case (420) can be controlled.

[0120] A plurality of cells (440) are accommodated in the internal space of the case (420). Meanwhile, since the cell (440) has substantially the same configuration as either the cell (140) provided in the secondary battery module (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention described above or the cell (240) provided in the secondary battery module (200) according to another embodiment of the present invention, a detailed description is omitted here and replaced with the description above.

[0122] FIG. 9 is a partially cutaway exploded perspective view showing a secondary battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0124] Referring to FIG. 9, a secondary battery module (500) according to another embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include, as an example, a case (520) and a plurality of cells (540).

[0126] The case (520) has an internal space that accommodates a plurality of cells (540). As an example, the case (520) includes a first case (522) in the shape of a plate and a second case (524) that is combined with the first case (522) to form an internal space. As an example, the second case (524) may have a rectangular box shape with an open bottom.

[0127] Meanwhile, the second case (524) may have four side walls (524a) and one cover wall (524b). As an example, the four side walls (524a) may be composed of a first side wall (524a-1), a second side wall (524a-2), a third side wall (524a-3), and a fourth side wall (524a-4). The first side wall (524a-1) and the second side wall (524a-2) are side walls facing the wide side of the cell (540), and the third side wall (524a-3) and the fourth side wall (524a-4) are side walls positioned at both ends of the cell (540) in the longitudinal direction.

[0128] For example, the inner surface of the first side wall (524a-1) and the second side wall (524a-2) may be provided with a channel (530) that guides the flow path of gas. The channel (530) may be arranged to face each other on the inner surface of the first side wall (524a-1) and the second side wall (524a-2). Also, for example, the channel (530) may have a semicircular cross-section and may have a diameter of 50 mm or less. If the diameter is 50 mm or more, venting of the cell (540) may not occur in the part where the channel (530) is formed. Accordingly, the diameter of the channel (530) is made to be 10 mm or more and 50 mm or less.

[0129] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the case in which the channel (530) is formed on both the inner surface of the first side wall (524a-1) and the second side wall (524a-2) is described as an example, but it is not limited thereto and may be provided on only one of the inner surface of the first side wall (524a-1) and the second side wall (524a-2).

[0130] For example, the channel (530) may be positioned at an angle. For example, the channel (530) may be formed at an angle such that the side where the third side wall (524a-3) is positioned is lower than the side where the fourth side wall (524a-4) is positioned.

[0131] In this way, since a channel (530) is formed on the inner surface of the first side wall (524a-1) and the second side wall (524a-2), the space for the cell (540) placed at the outermost edge to swell is increased, thereby delaying the venting of the cell (540) placed at the outermost edge. Furthermore, since the gas leaking from the cell (540) is guided through the channel (530), the portion of the gas leaking from the case (520) can be controlled.

[0133] A plurality of cells (540) are accommodated in the internal space of the case (520). Meanwhile, since the cell (540) has substantially the same configuration as either the cell (140) provided in the secondary battery module (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention described above or the cell (240) provided in the secondary battery module (200) according to another embodiment of the present invention, a detailed description is omitted here and replaced with the description above.

[0135] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention as described in the claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0136] 100, 200, 300, 400, 500: Secondary battery module 120, 220, 320, 420, 520 : Case 140, 240, 340, 540, 640 : Cell

Claims

Claim 1 A secondary battery module comprising: a case having an internal space; and a plurality of cells accommodated in the internal space of the case; wherein the case has a rectangular shape, and at least one of the internal surfaces of the case is formed at an angle or a channel is provided on at least one of the internal surfaces of the case, and the internal surface formed at an angle or the internal surface provided with the channel is spaced apart from the wider surface of the cell in some or all of the plurality of cells and at least in some area. Claim 2 In claim 1, the case has four side walls, a cover wall covering the upper part of the four side walls, and a bottom wall located at the lower part of the four side walls, wherein the four side walls comprise a first side wall, a second side wall positioned to face the first side wall, a third side wall connecting one end of the first side wall and the second side wall, and a fourth side wall positioned to face the third side wall, and wherein the first side wall and the second side wall are positioned opposite the wide surface of the cell, forming a secondary battery module. Claim 3 A secondary battery module according to paragraph 2, wherein at least one of the first side wall and the second side wall is formed with an inner surface inclined such that the thickness increases from the third side wall side to the fourth side wall side or from the fourth side wall side to the third side wall side. Claim 4 A secondary battery module according to paragraph 2, wherein at least one of the first side wall and the second side wall is formed with an inner surface inclined such that the thickness increases from the bottom wall to the cover wall side or from the cover wall side to the bottom wall side. Claim 5 A secondary battery module according to paragraph 3, wherein the angle of inclination of the inclined surfaces formed on the first side wall and the second side wall is 1° or more and 10° or less. Claim 6 A secondary battery module according to paragraph 2, wherein at least one of the inner surfaces of the first side wall and the second side wall is provided with the channel arranged from the third side wall side to the fourth side wall side. Claim 7 In claim 6, the channel is a secondary battery module arranged parallel to the bottom wall. Claim 8 A secondary battery module according to claim 7, wherein the channel is formed as a groove having a semicircular shape, and the diameter of the channel is 10 mm or more and 50 mm or less. Claim 9 In claim 6, the channel is a secondary battery module positioned at an angle with respect to the bottom wall. Claim 10 In paragraph 2, the cell comprises an electrode assembly having a first electrode plate, a separator, and a second electrode plate; a pouch film that accommodates the electrode assembly inside; a negative lead that protrudes from one end of the pouch film and is connected to the first electrode plate; and a positive lead that protrudes from the other end of the pouch film and is connected to the second electrode plate; a secondary battery module. Claim 11 In claim 10, the pouch film comprises a first side sealing portion through which the negative lead is disposed, a second side sealing portion through which the positive lead is disposed, and an upper sealing portion connected to the ends of the first and second side sealing portions and disposed on one side of the pouch film, thereby forming a secondary battery module. Claim 12 In claim 11, the secondary battery module further comprises a lower sealing portion disposed on the other side of the pouch film opposite to the upper sealing portion. Claim 13 A secondary battery module according to claim 12, wherein at least one of the first side wall and the second side wall is formed with an inner surface inclined such that the thickness decreases from the cover wall side to the bottom wall side. Claim 14 In claim 11, the secondary battery module further comprises a pouch film having a fold portion disposed on the other side of the pouch film opposite to the upper sealing portion. Claim 15 A secondary battery module according to claim 12, wherein the sealing strength of the first side sealing portion is greater than the sealing strength of the second side sealing portion, the upper sealing portion, and the lower sealing portion, and at least one of the first side wall and the second side wall is formed such that its inner surface is inclined so that its thickness decreases from the fourth side wall side to the third side wall side. Claim 16 A secondary battery module according to claim 14, wherein the bend portion can withstand a pressure greater than that which the first side sealing portion, the second side sealing portion, and the upper sealing portion can withstand, and at least one of the first side wall and the second side wall is formed such that its inner surface is inclined so that its thickness decreases from the cover wall side to the bottom wall side. Claim 17 A secondary battery module comprising: a case having an internal space; a plurality of cells accommodated in the internal space of the case; wherein the case has a rectangular shape, and at least one of the side walls constituting the case is formed as an inclined surface with an internal surface formed at an angle, and the edge of a pouch film disposed opposite to the side wall connected to the thinnest part of the side wall by the inclined surface withstands a higher pressure than the sealing portion formed on the remaining edge.

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