Battery module

Abstract

A battery module is provided, comprising: a cell stack having a plurality of battery cells stacked thereon; a housing that accommodates the cell stack and has one or more venting holes; and a venting guide member that guides gas generated in the cell stack to flow toward one or more venting holes, wherein the venting guide member is disposed between the venting holes and the cell stack and has a plurality of openings; and a plurality of guide members disposed between the body and the cell stack and in contact with the surface of the cell stack.

Description

Technology Field

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

[0002] Secondary batteries are rechargeable and dischargeable, so they are widely used in mobile devices such as digital cameras, mobile phones, and laptops. In particular, they are recently attracting attention as an energy source for electric vehicles and Energy Storage Systems (ESS).

[0003] As large capacity and high output power are required in electric vehicles and energy storage devices, large-capacity battery devices such as battery modules or battery packs, which house multiple secondary batteries (battery cells) inside a housing, are being widely utilized.

[0004] In a battery device housing multiple secondary batteries, high-temperature gas or flames may be generated in some battery cells due to external impact, harsh charging and discharging, or short circuits between secondary batteries. At this time, if the high-temperature gas or flames ejected from a battery cell are transferred to an adjacent battery cell, it may cause a chain reaction of thermal runaway within the battery device.

[0005] Therefore, a structure is required that can block high-temperature gas emitted from a battery cell from affecting other battery cells and safely discharge it to the outside of the battery device. The problem to be solved

[0006] The present invention is designed to solve at least some of the problems of the prior art described above, and provides a battery module having a structure capable of safely discharging gas generated inside the battery module.

[0007] In addition, the objective of the present invention is to provide a battery module capable of blocking high-temperature gas generated in some battery cells from propagating along the periphery of the cell stack to other adjacent battery cells. means of solving the problem

[0008] To achieve the above objective, embodiments of the present invention provide a battery module comprising: a cell stack having a plurality of battery cells stacked thereon; a housing that accommodates the cell stack and has one or more venting holes; and a venting guide member that guides gas generated in the cell stack to flow toward one or more venting holes, wherein the venting guide member is disposed between the venting holes and the cell stack and has a plurality of openings; and a plurality of guide members disposed between the body and the cell stack and in contact with the surface of the cell stack.

[0009] In the embodiments, a plurality of guide portions may be formed such that a notch portion, formed by cutting a region of a plate-shaped body portion, is folded in a direction toward the cell stack.

[0010] In the embodiments, a plurality of openings may be empty spaces formed by folding a notch portion in the body portion.

[0011] In the embodiments, the cell stack further includes one or more protective members disposed between a plurality of battery cells and facing the electrode receiving portions of the plurality of battery cells, and a plurality of guide portions may include one or more first guide portions in contact with the edge of the protective member; and one or more second guide portions in contact with the electrode receiving portions.

[0012] In the embodiments, one or more first guide parts and one or more second guide parts may be alternately arranged along the stacking direction of a plurality of battery cells.

[0013] In the embodiments, a plurality of battery cells include lead tabs extending in a first direction from an electrode receiving portion, and a venting guide member may be arranged to face the cell stack in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0014] In the embodiments, a plurality of guide portions may protrude from the body portion in a direction toward the cell stack.

[0015] In the embodiments, the length of the first direction of the plurality of guide parts may be shorter than the length of the first direction of the body part.

[0016] In the embodiments, the housing includes a lower frame on which a cell stack is seated; and an upper cover coupled to the lower frame and covering the upper part of the venting guide, and one or more venting holes may be disposed in the upper cover.

[0017] In the embodiments, at least one region of one or more venting holes may face at least one of the plurality of openings in a second direction.

[0018] In the embodiments, the battery module may further include a first fixing member that fixes the body portion to the inner surface of the housing.

[0019] In the embodiments, the first fixing member includes a through portion penetrating the housing; and a flange portion provided at the end of the through portion, and the housing may include a first receiving groove that accommodates the flange portion so as not to protrude from the surface of the housing.

[0020] In the embodiments, the battery module further includes a second fixing member that is connected to a through-hole of the first fixing member, and the body may include a second receiving groove that accommodates the second fixing member so that the second fixing member does not protrude from the surface of the body.

[0021] In the embodiments, the body and the plurality of guide parts may be made of aluminum. Effects of the invention

[0022] According to the embodiments, a battery module capable of safely discharging high-temperature gas generated in a battery cell to the outside can be implemented.

[0023] In addition, according to the embodiments, a battery module can be provided that can block high-temperature gas generated in some battery cells from propagating along the periphery of the cell stack to other adjacent battery cells.

[0024] In addition, according to the embodiments, the direction of gas flow inside the battery module can be guided in a direction desired by the manufacturer through a venting guide member having a simple structure. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0025] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery module. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module. Figure 3 is a reference diagram showing the configuration of a cell stack included in a battery module. FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of a venting guide member before the guide portion is formed. FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of a venting guide member having a guide portion formed thereon. FIG. 6 is an exemplary cross-sectional view according to part II' of FIG. 1. Figure 7 is an enlarged view of part A of Figure 6. FIG. 8 is a reference diagram for explaining the combination of an upper cover and a venting guide member in a battery module according to another embodiment. FIG. 9 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of a battery module according to another embodiment. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0026] Prior to the detailed description of the present invention, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings. Instead, they should be interpreted in a sense and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor may appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention. Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all aspects of the technical spirit of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications capable of replacing them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0027] Identical reference numbers or symbols in each drawing attached to this specification represent parts or components that perform substantially the same function. For convenience of explanation and understanding, the same reference numbers or symbols may be used to describe different embodiments. That is, even if components having the same reference number are depicted in multiple drawings, the multiple drawings do not all represent a single embodiment.

[0028] In the following description, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms such as "comprising" or "constituting" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0029] In addition, it should be noted in advance that expressions such as upper side, top, lower side, bottom, side, front, and rear in the following description are based on the direction depicted in the drawings, and may be expressed differently if the direction of the object changes.

[0030] Additionally, in this specification and claims, terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to distinguish between components. These ordinal numbers are used to distinguish identical or similar components from one another, and the meaning of the terms should not be limited by the use of such ordinal numbers. For example, the order of use or arrangement of components combined with such ordinal numbers should not be limited by the number. If necessary, each ordinal number may be used interchangeably.

[0031] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments presented. For example, a person skilled in the art who understands the scope of the present invention may propose other embodiments that fall within the scope of the concept of the present invention by adding, changing, or deleting components, and such embodiments shall also be deemed to be within the scope of the concept of the present invention. In the drawings, the shapes and sizes of elements may be exaggerated for clearer explanation.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery module (10).

[0033] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module (10).

[0034] FIG. 3 is a reference diagram showing the configuration of a cell stack (100) included in a battery module (10).

[0035] The battery module (10) may include a housing (200) having an internal space, a plurality of battery cells (110) accommodated in the internal space, and an end cover assembly (400) including a conductive busbar coupled to at least one side of the housing (200) and electrically connected to the battery cells (110).

[0036] The housing (200) provides an internal space in which one or more cell stacks (100) can be accommodated. The housing (200) may be formed of a material having a certain rigidity to protect the cell stacks (100) and other electrical components accommodated in the internal space from external impact. For example, the housing (200) may include a metal material such as iron, stainless steel, or aluminum.

[0037] The housing (200) may include a lower frame (210) and an upper cover (220) that are joined together. The lower frame (210) may be provided as a U-shaped frame on which the cell stack (100) is seated, with the top and both sides open, and the upper cover (220) may be configured to be joined to the open top of the lower frame (210) to cover the upper surface of the cell stack (100).

[0038] However, the structure of the housing (200) is not limited to this, and can be any shape as long as it has an internal space capable of accommodating at least one cell stack (100). For example, the housing (200) may be composed of an integrated monoframe in which the upper cover (220) and the lower frame (210) are formed integrally and both sides are open.

[0039] The housing (200) may be provided with a venting hole (221) through which gas generated from the cell stack (100) can be discharged. For example, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, one or more venting holes (221) are provided in the upper cover (220) which is positioned on the upper part of the cell stack (100), and gas generated in the internal space of the housing (200) can be discharged to the outside of the battery module (10) through the venting hole (221).

[0040] A shielding member (not shown) that shields the venting hole (221) may be disposed on the upper or lower side of the venting hole (221). The shielding member (not shown) may be composed of a thin resin film or sheet and can block external foreign matter from entering the internal space of the housing (200). In the event of a thermal runaway of the battery module (10), the shielding member (not shown) may be torn in at least a portion to allow the gas emitted from the cell stack (100) to pass through properly.

[0041] An end cover assembly (400) may be attached to one open side of the housing (200). For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the end cover assembly (400) may be provided in pairs and attached to each of the open sides of the housing (200).

[0042] The end cover assembly (400) may have a plurality of conductive busbars electrically connected to a plurality of battery cells (110) included in the cell stack (100).

[0043] A plurality of battery cells (110) accommodated in a battery module (10) may be stacked in one direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction of FIG. 2) to form at least a part of a cell stack (100). In the following description, the stacking direction of the battery cells (110) is referred to as the 'cell stacking direction'.

[0044] In the embodiments, the battery cell (110) forming the cell stack (100) may be a rechargeable secondary battery. For example, referring to FIG. 3, the battery cell (110) may be a pouch-type secondary battery in which an electrode assembly is housed inside a sealed pouch.

[0045] In a pouch-type secondary battery (110), the electrode assembly and the electrolyte may be housed inside a pouch formed by processing one or more outer materials. The outer material forming the pouch may be composed of an aluminum laminated film, but the specific material is not limited thereto.

[0046] The battery cell (110) may include an electrode receiving portion (111) having an internal space for receiving an electrode assembly and a sealing portion (112) formed by sealing an outer material at the edge of the electrode receiving portion (111).

[0047] The sealing portion (112) may include a first sealing portion (112a) formed in the portion of the edge of the electrode receiving portion (111) where a metallic lead tab (113) electrically connected to the electrode assembly protrudes, and a second sealing portion (112b) formed in the portion where the lead tab (113) does not protrude. For example, referring to FIG. 3, the battery cell (110) may have a double-ended tab structure in which a pair of lead tabs (113) extend to both sides of the electrode receiving portion (111), and the first sealing portion (112a) may be formed by sealing the edge of the electrode receiving portion (111) where the lead tab (113) is exposed, and the second sealing portion (112b) may be formed by sealing the edge where the lead tab (113) is not exposed. At this time, in order to increase sealing reliability and minimize the area of ​​the sealing portion (112), a part of the second sealing portion (112b) may be formed in a folded shape at least once.

[0048] However, the shapes of the battery cell (110) illustrated in FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3 are merely exemplary shapes, and the battery cell (110) included in the battery module (10) according to the embodiments is not limited to a pouch-type secondary battery. For example, the battery cell (110) may be configured as a prismatic secondary battery in which an electrode assembly is housed inside a prismatic case having a certain rigidity, or as a cylindrical secondary battery in which an electrode assembly is housed inside a cylindrical case.

[0049] The cell stack (100) may further include a protective member (120) capable of protecting a plurality of battery cells (110).

[0050] For example, the protective member (120) may be a surface pressure pad capable of applying a predetermined surface pressure to the battery cell (110) to prevent the battery cell (110) from swelling during the charging and discharging process. The surface pressure pad may further include at least one of polyurethane, silicone, and rubber (EPDM), and may apply pressure to the battery cell (110) using the elasticity of these materials.

[0051] Alternatively, the protective member (120) may be an insulating sheet capable of blocking high-temperature thermal energy or flame generated in one battery cell (110) from being transferred to an adjacent battery cell (110). The insulating sheet may be made of a material such as mica, silicate, or ceramic wool, which has excellent flame resistance, heat resistance, and thermal insulation properties, and may effectively block the propagation of thermal energy within the cell stack (100).

[0052] As illustrated in FIG. 3, a plurality of protective members (120) and a plurality of battery cells (110) may be stacked along the cell stacking direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction). However, the number of protective members (120) and battery cells (110) constituting the cell stack (100) is not limited to that shown in the drawing. The number of protective members (120) and battery cells (110) and the stacking pattern may be varied as needed.

[0053] When a large number of battery cells (110) are stacked inside a battery module (10), there is a risk that an event situation occurring in one battery cell (110) may sequentially spread to other battery cells (110). In particular, high-temperature gas or flame generated from a battery cell (110) may flow irregularly around the cell stack (100), potentially causing impact to the battery module (10). Additionally, as the gas or flame flows around the cell stack (100), various heat propagation paths may be formed, potentially exacerbating the thermal runaway situation.

[0054] To prevent this, the battery module (10) may further include a venting guide member (300) disposed on one side of the cell stack (100) to guide thermal energy or gas generated in the cell stack (100) to safely escape through the venting hole (221).

[0055] A venting guide member (300) may be positioned between a cell stack (100) and a housing (200). For example, referring to FIG. 2, the venting guide member (300) may be positioned between an upper cover (220) having a venting hole (221) and a cell stack (100), and may serve to guide gas generated in the cell stack (100) to flow toward the venting hole (221) of the upper cover (220).

[0056] When the direction in which the lead tab (113) extends from the battery cell (110) is referred to as the first direction (e.g., the X-axis direction), the upper cover (220) having the venting hole (221) can be arranged along the cell stack (100) and the second direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction) perpendicular to the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0057] The second direction can be specifically defined as a direction showing a plurality of interspaces or gaps formed by a plurality of battery cells (110) of the cell stack (100).

[0058] Between the upper cover (220) and the cell stack (100), a venting guide member (300) is positioned to face the cell stack (100) in a second direction (Z-axis direction) so as to guide gas or flame generated in the cell stack (100) to flow toward the upper cover (220) (e.g., the positive Z-axis direction). In the following description, unless otherwise noted, the first direction (X-axis direction) may refer to the direction in which the lead tab (113) of the battery cell (110) protrudes in the longitudinal direction of the battery module (10), and the second direction (Z-axis direction) may refer to the direction in which the cell stack (100) and the upper cover (220) face each other in the height direction of the battery module (10).

[0059] Meanwhile, the placement position of the venting guide member (300) is not limited to that shown in FIG. 2. For example, when a venting hole (221) is provided on the lower surface of the housing (200), the venting guide member (300) may be placed between the lower surface of the cell stack (100) and the lower surface of the housing (200) to guide the gas generated from the cell stack (100) to flow toward the venting hole (221) on the lower surface of the housing (200).

[0060] The venting guide member (300) may be positioned on the intended venting direction in the cell stack (100), and the venting guide member (300) may be positioned between the cell stack (100) and the housing (200). If the intended venting direction in the cell stack (100) is a plurality of directions, the venting guide member (300) may be positioned on at least one of the plurality of directions.

[0061] The venting guide member (300) may include a plurality of openings (330) configured to communicate with the venting hole (221) of the housing (200). Gas generated in the cell stack (100) can pass through the openings (330) of the venting guide member (300) and be safely discharged to the outside of the battery module (10) through the venting hole (221) of the housing (200).

[0062] In this way, the venting guide member (300) can guide the path of gas or flame around the cell stack (100) in a predetermined direction during a thermal runaway situation of the battery cell (110), thereby preventing the creation of an unexpected heat propagation path around the cell stack (100). To this end, at least a portion of the venting guide member (300) may have a structure protruding toward the cell stack (100).

[0063] For the reasons mentioned above, the venting guide member (300) may be positioned so that the cell stack (100), viewed from the point where the venting guide member (300) is positioned, shows multiple interstitial spaces or gaps formed by multiple battery cells (110). That is, gas or flame leaked from any battery cell (110) may be guided toward the venting guide member (300) instead of propagating to an adjacent battery cell (110).

[0064] Below, the detailed structure of the venting guide member (300) will be explained with reference to FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 5.

[0065] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of a venting guide member (300) before the guide portion (320) is formed.

[0066] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of a venting guide member (300) having a guide portion (320) formed therein.

[0067] The venting guide member (300) described in FIGS. 4 and 5 corresponds to the venting guide member (300) described earlier in FIGS. 1 to 3, so redundant descriptions may be omitted.

[0068] The venting guide member (300) may include a body portion (310) forming the body of the venting guide member (300), a plurality of openings (330) provided in the body portion (310), and a plurality of guide portions (320) that guide gas generated in a cell stack (e.g., 100 in FIGS. 1 to 3) to flow toward the plurality of openings (330).

[0069] The guide portion (320) may have a structure protruding from one side of the body portion (310). For example, referring to FIG. 5, the guide portion (320) may be a partition structure extending downward (e.g., in the negative direction of the Z-axis) from the lower surface of the body portion (310).

[0070] A plurality of guide portions (320) may be arranged side by side along the cell stacking direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) on one surface of the body portion (310). An opening (330) may be provided between two adjacent guide portions (320), so that gas generated in the cell stack (100 of FIGS. 1 to 3) flows between the two guide portions (320) and passes through the venting guide member (300) through the opening (330).

[0071] The guide portion (320) may be formed by folding a notch portion (311) formed in at least a portion of the plate-shaped body portion (310). For example, referring to FIG. 4, a notch portion (311) is formed by cutting a portion of a flat plate member constituting the body portion (310), and as shown in FIG. 5, the guide portion (320) may be formed by folding the notch portion (311) in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. In this case, the empty space formed by folding the notch portion (311) may be the opening (330) of the venting guide member (300).

[0072] In this way, a venting guide member (300) capable of guiding the gas flow path inside a battery module (e.g., 10 in FIGS. 1 to 2) can be manufactured through a simple process of cutting and folding a part of a flat plate.

[0073] To facilitate the manufacturing process, the venting guide member (300) may be made of a metal material suitable for cutting and folding. For example, the venting guide member (300) may be made of iron or aluminum alloy that is easy to form. In particular, metal materials such as iron or aluminum alloy are easy to form and can withstand the gas generated from the cell stack (100) without easily burning or melting, so they can effectively perform the role of a guide for the venting path.

[0074] In the venting guide member (300), the length (d2) of the first direction (X-axis direction) of the guide portion (320) may be shorter than the length (d1) of the first direction (X-axis direction) of the body portion (310).

[0075] The body portion (310) is inserted between end cover assemblies (e.g., 400 in FIGS. 1 and 2) that are coupled to both sides of the housing (e.g., 200 in FIGS. 1 and 2), and can be fixed so as not to move in a first direction (X-axis direction), which is the longitudinal direction of the battery module (10 in FIGS. 1 and 2), inside the housing (200 in FIGS. 1 and 2). In addition, the guide portion (320) protruding from the lower surface of the body portion (310) has a length (d2) that is shorter than the length (d1) of the body portion (310), so physical interference or collision with other components (e.g., busbars or various electrical components) placed inside the end cover assembly (400 in FIGS. 1 and 2) can be avoided.

[0076] Additionally, the length (d2) of the first direction (X-axis direction) of the guide portion (320) may be configured to be equal to or longer than the length of the corresponding battery cell (110) in the same direction. This is intended to effectively reduce the probability of gas or flame propagating in the Y-axis direction by blocking the space between two adjacent battery cells (110) as much as possible.

[0077] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 6 and FIGS. 7, the venting path formed inside the battery module (10) by the venting guide member (300) described above will be explained in more detail.

[0078] FIG. 6 is an exemplary cross-sectional view according to part II' of FIG. 1.

[0079] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of part A of Figure 6.

[0080] The battery module (10) described in FIGS. 6 and 7 corresponds to the battery module (10) described earlier through FIGS. 1 to 5, so redundant descriptions may be omitted.

[0081] The battery module (10) may include a cell stack (100) in which a plurality of battery cells (110) and a plurality of protective members (120) are stacked, an upper cover (220) disposed on top of the cell stack (100) and provided with a plurality of venting holes (221), and a venting guide member (300) disposed between the cell stack (100) and the venting holes (221) to guide a gas flow path.

[0082] The venting guide member (300) may include a body portion (310) disposed between the venting hole (221) of the housing (200) and the cell stack (100), and a plurality of guide portions (320) protruding from the body portion (310) and contacting the surface of the cell stack (100).

[0083] A plurality of guide portions (320) may protrude from the body portion (310) in a direction toward the cell stack (100). For example, referring to FIG. 7, the guide portion (320) may protrude from the body portion (310) in a second direction (Z-axis direction) so that its end may come into contact with the surface of the cell stack (100).

[0084] Some of the plurality of guide portions (320) may be in contact with the electrode receiving portion (111) of the battery cell (110), and others may be in contact with the protective member (120). For example, referring to FIG. 7, the plurality of guide portions (320) may include a first guide portion (320a) whose edge is in contact with the protective member (120) and a second guide portion (320b) whose edge is in contact with the electrode receiving portion (111) of the battery cell (110). In particular, the first guide portion (320a) may have its edge in contact with the edge of the protective member (120) to form a type of protective barrier that blocks gas and heat propagation across the interior of the battery module (10) vertically.

[0085] More actively, the guide portion (320) is configured to pressurize the protective member (120) to further increase the reliability of the heat propagation blocking effect.

[0086] When the guide portion (320) and the protective member (120) are configured to come into contact or be pressed together, the relative lengths of the guide portion (320) and the protective member (120) can be determined by considering the size of the opening (330) and the relative size of the venting hole (221) described later. If the downward protrusion length of the guide portion (320) is configured to be short, the width of the opening (330) formed by the folding of the notch portion (311) may be shortened, and as a result, sufficient space for the discharge of gas or flame may not be secured. Therefore, the downward protrusion length of the guide portion (320) can be made sufficiently long, and the height of the protective member (120) can be set accordingly.

[0087] The first guide section (320a) and the second guide section (320b) may be arranged alternately along the cell stacking direction (Y-axis direction). However, such alternate arrangement applies when two battery cells (110) are stacked between two adjacent protective members (120), and the arrangement order of the first guide section (320a) and the second guide section (320b) may vary depending on the stacking pattern of the battery cells (110) and the protective members (120).

[0088] The first guide section (320a) and the second guide section (320b) can serve as partitions that divide the space between the cell stack (100) and the upper cover (220) into multiple sub-spaces. That is, gas, flames, and combustion particles generated by thermal runaway of any one of the battery cells (110) in the cell stack (100) flow only between the multiple guide sections (320) positioned above the battery cell (110), and their flow path can be restricted so that they do not propagate beyond the guide sections (320) to other adjacent parts.

[0089] Gas, whose flow in the cell stacking direction is restricted by the guide portion (320), can move upward along the surface of the guide portion (320) and be discharged outside the battery module (10) through the opening (330) and the venting hole (221). For example, referring to FIG. 7, an opening (330) is arranged between a plurality of guide portions (320) in the body portion (310), and at least one region of the venting hole (221) arranged in the housing (200) is arranged to face the opening (330) of the venting guide member (300), so that gas moving upward along the surface of the guide portion (320) can pass through the opening (330) and the venting hole (221) in sequence and be discharged outside the battery module (10). That is, the venting guide member (300) is positioned between the cell stack (100) and the venting hole (221) of the housing (200) to form a gas flow path (G) extending from the cell stack (100) to the venting hole (221).

[0090] The venting hole (221) area may overlap at least partially with the opening (330) area. Preferably, the venting hole (221) area may be configured to include the opening (330) area. In this case, the effect of gas or flame passing through the venting guide member (300) being blocked by the housing (200) is minimized, thereby enabling effective discharge, which consequently contributes to the lightweighting of the housing (200).

[0091] In this way, the venting guide member (300) blocks gas or flame from spreading along the cell stacking direction (Y-axis direction) near the cell stack (100) and guides it to flow toward the venting hole (221) (Z-axis direction), thereby preventing a chain reaction of ignition inside the battery module (10) caused by gas or flame generated in some battery cells (110).

[0092] Meanwhile, the venting guide member (300) can be fixed in a position sandwiched between the cell stack (100) and the housing (200). For example, referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the body portion (310) of the venting guide member (300) can be in close contact with the lower surface of the upper cover (220), and the guide portion (320) protruding from the body portion (310) can be in contact with the surface of the cell stack (100). Accordingly, the venting guide member (300) can be fixed in a state where one side is in contact with the housing (200) {e.g., the upper cover (220)} and the other side, which is the opposite side of the one side, is in contact with the cell stack (100), that is, sandwiched between the housing (200) and the cell stack (100).

[0093] However, the fixing structure of the venting guide member (300) is not limited to that described above. For example, in other embodiments, the venting guide member (300) may be fixed by being fastened to the housing (200) through a fixing member.

[0094] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 8 and FIGS. 9, a battery module (10) further including a fixing member will be described.

[0095] FIG. 8 is a reference diagram for explaining the combination of an upper cover (220') and a venting guide member (300') in a battery module (10') according to another embodiment.

[0096] FIG. 9 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of a battery module (10') according to another embodiment.

[0097] The battery module (10') described in FIGS. 8 and 9 includes all the features of the battery module (10) described above in FIGS. 1 to 7, but further includes a fixing member (500) that fixes the position of the venting guide member (300'). Therefore, for the remaining features excluding those related to the fixing member (500), one can refer to the descriptions in FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0098] The battery module (10') may further include a fixing member (500) capable of fixing a venting guide member (300') to the inner surface of the housing (200).

[0099] For example, referring to FIG. 8, the fixing member (500) may include a first fixing member (510) that penetrates the upper cover (220') and is fastened to the venting guide member (300'), and a second fixing member (520) that is fastened to the end of the first fixing member (510). For example, the first fixing member (510) may be a bolt having a penetration portion (511) and a flange portion (512) formed at the end of the penetration portion (511), and the second fixing member (520) may be a nut that is fastened to the penetration portion (511) of the bolt. However, the configuration of the fixing member (500) is not limited to the above description, and for example, the first fixing member (510) may be directly fastened to the venting guide member (300') without the second fixing member (520) to mutually fix the upper cover (220') and the venting guide member (300').

[0100] To allow the first fixed member (510) to pass through, the upper cover (220') and the venting guide member (300') may be provided with coupling holes (H1, H2).

[0101] The coupling holes (H1, H2) of the upper cover (220) and the venting guide member (300) can be positioned so as not to overlap with the venting hole (221) and the opening (330), respectively.

[0102] The coupling holes (H1, H2) may be arranged along the edges of the upper cover (220') and the venting guide member (300'), but may also be provided in other parts besides the edges to prevent sagging of the central part. For example, referring to FIG. 8, the coupling holes (H1, H2) may be arranged in three rows parallel to the first direction (X-axis direction) in the longitudinal direction and four columns parallel to the cell stacking direction (Y-axis direction) in the width direction of the upper cover (220') and the venting guide member (300').

[0103] The venting guide member (300') is firmly fixed to the lower surface of the upper cover (220') by the first fixing member (510) and the second fixing member (520), so that it does not move out of place even if impact is applied due to an external impact of the battery module (10) or an explosion inside the battery module (10).

[0104] Meanwhile, to prevent the fixing member (500) from protruding further than the surface of the upper cover (220') and the venting guide member (300') and interfering with other components inside or outside the battery module (10'), the coupling holes (H1, H2) may be provided with receiving grooves (222, 340) having a recessed structure to accommodate at least a portion of the fixing member (500). For example, referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the first coupling hole (H1) of the upper cover (220') may be provided with a first receiving groove (222) in which the flange portion (512) of the first fixing member (510) is accommodated. Additionally, the second coupling hole (H2) of the venting guide member (300') may be provided with a second receiving groove (340) in which the second fixing member (520) is accommodated.

[0105] However, in the battery module (10'), the fixing structure of the venting guide member (300') is not limited to that described above. For example, in addition to the fixing member (500) described above, the battery module (10') may further include an adhesive member applied between the venting guide member (300') and the upper cover (220') to fix the venting guide member.

[0106] In the embodiments, the venting guide member (300, 300') of the battery module (10, 10') can guide the gas generated in the cell stack (100) to flow toward the side where the venting hole (221) is located {e.g., toward the top of the battery module (10, 10')} so that it can be safely discharged to the outside of the battery module (10, 10').

[0107] In addition, the venting guide member (300, 300') can prevent high-temperature gas or flames from flowing along the cell stacking direction around the cell stack (100) in a thermal runaway situation, thereby preventing a chain reaction of ignition from occurring inside the battery module (10, 10').

[0108] In addition, since the venting guide member (300, 300') can be mass-produced quickly through a simple process of cutting and folding a flat plate, a structure capable of safely releasing gas can be added to the manufacturing process of the battery module (10, 10') without complex additional processes.

[0109] Although various 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 with average knowledge 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. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments may be implemented by deleting some components, and each embodiment may be implemented in combination with one another. Explanation of the symbols

[0110] 10... battery module 100... cell stack 110... battery cell 120... protection missing 200... Housing 210... Lower Frame 220... Upper cover 221... Venting hole 222... 1st receiving groove 300... Venting guide missing 310... Body part 311... Notch part 320... guide section 330... opening 340... 2nd receiving groove 400... End cover assembly 500... Fixing member 510... First fixing member 520... 2nd fixed member

Claims

Claim 1 A battery module comprising: a cell stack having a plurality of battery cells stacked therein; a housing that accommodates the cell stack and has one or more venting holes; and a venting guide member that guides gas generated in the cell stack to flow toward the one or more venting holes, wherein the venting guide member includes a body portion disposed between the venting holes and the cell stack and has a plurality of openings; and a plurality of guide portions disposed between the body portion and the cell stack and in contact with the surface of the cell stack, wherein the cell stack further includes one or more protective members disposed between the plurality of battery cells and facing the electrode receiving portions of the plurality of battery cells, and wherein the plurality of guide portions include one or more first guide portions that are in contact with the one or more protective members. Claim 2 In claim 1, the plurality of guide portions are a battery module formed by folding a notch portion, which is formed by cutting a region of the plate-shaped body portion, toward the cell stack. Claim 3 In claim 2, the plurality of openings is a battery module in which the notch portion is folded in the body portion to form an empty space. Claim 4 A battery module according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of guide portions further include one or more second guide portions in contact with the electrode receiving portion. Claim 5 In claim 4, the battery module wherein the one or more first guide parts and the one or more second guide parts are alternately arranged along the stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells. Claim 6 In claim 1, the plurality of battery cells includes lead tabs extending in a first direction from an electrode receiving portion, and the venting guide member is a battery module arranged to face the cell stack in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Claim 7 In claim 6, the plurality of guide portions are battery modules protruding in a direction toward the cell stack from the body portion. Claim 8 In claim 6, a battery module in which the length of the first direction of the plurality of guide parts is shorter than the length of the first direction of the body part. Claim 9 In claim 6, the housing comprises a lower frame on which the cell stack is seated; and an upper cover coupled to the lower frame and covering the upper portion of the venting guide, wherein one or more venting holes are disposed in the upper cover. Claim 10 In claim 9, at least one region of the one or more venting holes is a battery module facing at least one of the plurality of openings in the second direction. Claim 11 A battery module according to claim 1, further comprising a first fixing member that fixes the body portion to the inner surface of the housing. Claim 12 A battery module according to claim 11, wherein the first fixing member comprises a penetration portion penetrating the housing; and a flange portion provided at the end of the penetration portion, and the housing comprises a first receiving groove that accommodates the flange portion so as not to protrude from the surface of the housing. Claim 13 A battery module according to claim 12, further comprising a second fixing member coupled to the through-hole of the first fixing member, wherein the body portion includes a second receiving groove that accommodates the second fixing member so as not to protrude from the surface of the body portion. Claim 14 In claim 1, the battery module in which the body part and the plurality of guide parts are made of aluminum.

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