Battery module, Battery pack and vehicle including the same

Abstract

A battery module according to the present invention may include: a cell assembly comprising a plurality of battery cells; a module case having a gas venting hole provided on one side to accommodate the cell assembly and to discharge gas generated from the battery cells to the outside; a module terminal electrically connected to the cell assembly and exposed on the other side of the module case; a fireproof cover member covering the top of the cell assembly to suppress upward ejection of the gas from the battery cells; and a block member partitioning the space between the cell assembly and one side of the module case so as to guide the gas toward the gas venting hole.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module, and more specifically, to a battery module for discharging gas or flame in a specific direction upon ignition of battery cells, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile. Background Technology

[0002] Secondary batteries, which possess electrical characteristics such as high energy density and high applicability across product groups, are widely applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electric sources. These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for enhancing eco-friendliness and energy efficiency, not only for the primary advantage of drastically reducing the use of fossil fuels but also because they generate no by-products from energy use.

[0003] Currently, widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium-polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. When a high output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery module or battery pack. Additionally, to increase charge / discharge capacity, multiple battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery module or battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery module or battery pack can be varied depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0004] Generally, the operating voltage of a single secondary battery is approximately 2.5V to 4.5V. Therefore, for example, in the case of an electric vehicle, a battery module is formed by connecting multiple secondary batteries in series and / or in parallel, and a battery pack is formed by connecting multiple battery modules in series and / or in parallel, and this is used as an energy source.

[0005] Meanwhile, recent battery packs have very high energy densities because they intensively house a large number of battery modules within a limited internal space. Such packs pose a significant risk of chain ignition to adjacent modules if a fire occurs in any of the modules, as gases and flames propagate to the surrounding area. Accordingly, the industry recognizes it as a critical task to research methods to delay or minimize the propagation of thermal energy between battery modules within a pack in preparation for battery module ignition issues. For example, if the direction of gases or flames ejected from a battery module can be controlled upon ignition, it becomes easier to design the battery pack to minimize the impact of such gases or flames on the modules. Therefore, there is a need to develop battery modules capable of guiding gases or flames in a specific direction and stably discharging them in the event of internal ignition. The problem to be solved

[0006] The present invention was conceived against the background described above and has one objective of providing a battery module equipped with a directional vent structure capable of stably discharging gas or flames in a specific direction in an intended direction upon ignition of a battery cell.

[0007] Another problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a battery pack and an automobile including the battery module.

[0008] The technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below. means of solving the problem

[0009] A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include: a cell assembly comprising a plurality of battery cells; a module case having a gas venting hole provided on one side portion to accommodate the cell assembly and to discharge gas generated from the battery cells to the outside; a module terminal electrically connected to the cell assembly and exposed on the other side portion of the module case; a fireproof cover member covering the top of the cell assembly to suppress upward ejection of the gas from the battery cells; and a block member partitioning the space between the cell assembly and one side portion of the module case so as to guide the gas toward the gas venting hole.

[0010] The above fireproof cover member and the above block member can be formed integrally.

[0011] The above block member may be configured to be bent and extended from one end of the above fireproof cover member.

[0012] The above fireproof cover member may be provided with a compressible material to fill the space between the top of the cell assembly and the upper surface of the module case.

[0013] It may include a busbar connected to an electrode lead provided for each of the plurality of battery cells; and a busbar frame provided to support the busbar and cover the front or rear portion of the cell assembly.

[0014] The busbar frame covering the rear portion of the cell assembly may include a plurality of through holes facing one side portion of the module case and through which the gas can pass.

[0015] The above block member may be configured to be provided on the outer side of the busbar frame and to block gas passing through the through hole from moving along the direction in which the battery cells are stacked in the space between the busbar frame and one side of the module case.

[0016] The above block members may be spaced apart in multiple numbers along the direction in which the battery cells are stacked.

[0017] The above block member may be configured to extend long in the height direction of the busbar frame.

[0018] The above block member may be provided to be fitted into a block coupling portion protruding from the busbar frame.

[0019] The battery cell includes a vent stop block disposed in the space between the cell assembly and the busbar frame, the battery cell is a pouch-type battery cell, and the vent stop block may be provided on at least one side of a cell terrace from which an electrode lead is drawn out from the battery cell.

[0020] The above vent block may be configured to press the side of the cell terrace.

[0021] The above-mentioned vent block may be configured such that a plurality of them are disposed in the front and rear portions of the cell assembly, and all of the cell terraces of the plurality of battery cells located in the front portion of the cell assembly are compressed by the vent block, and some of the cell terraces of the plurality of battery cells located in the rear portion of the cell assembly are compressed by the vent block.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present invention, a battery pack comprising the battery module described above may be provided.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present invention, an automobile comprising the battery pack described above may be provided. Effects of the invention

[0024] According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery module having a directional vent structure capable of stably discharging gas or flame in a specific direction in the event of ignition of a battery cell may be provided.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present invention, the safety of a battery module can be ensured by allowing gases or flames generated in a battery cell to be discharged to the rear side of the battery module, where no module terminal is provided.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present invention, heat transfer at the top of the battery cells can be suppressed by a fireproof cover member disposed in the space between the top of the battery cells and the upper surface of the module case.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, a gas venting path is partitioned by a block member disposed on the inner side of one side portion of a module case having a gas venting hole. In this case, the lateral movement of gas is blocked and restricted by the block member, while the forward and backward movement of gas can be promoted. Accordingly, directional venting of gas is smoothly achieved, and heat trapped within the battery module can be significantly reduced.

[0028] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the attached drawings. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0029] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention provided below; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings. FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of Figure 2. Figure 4 is a side view of a battery cell included in the battery module of Figure 2. FIG. 5 is a rear cross-sectional view of a battery module according to I-I' of FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a front view of a rear end cover of a module case according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a front view of a rear side busbar frame according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 8 to 10 are process diagrams showing the assembly process of a fireproof cover member and a block member of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a front view of the rear of the battery module with the rear end cover of FIG. 2 removed. FIG. 12 is a cutaway perspective view of the battery module illustrated in FIG. 10. FIG. 13 is a cutaway perspective view of a battery module with the rear end cover attached in FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of FIG. 13. FIG. 15 is an internal rear perspective view of a battery module to which a vent blocking member according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 16 is an internal front perspective view of a battery module to which a vent blocking member according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 17 is a front cross-sectional view of a battery module to which a vent blocking member according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack including a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0030] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention.

[0031] Therefore, 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 of the technical ideas of the present invention; thus, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0032] In addition, the present invention includes various embodiments. For each embodiment, redundant descriptions of substantially identical or similar configurations are omitted, and the focus is on the differences.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a side view of a battery cell included in the battery module of FIG. 2, and FIG. 5 is a rear side cross-sectional view of the battery module according to I-I' of FIG. 2.

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a cell assembly (100), a module terminal (200), a module case (300), a fireproof cover member (400), and a block member (500).

[0035] The battery module (10) according to the present invention is configured so that gas or flame generated in the battery cell (110) can be directionally vented in a specific direction when a thermal event occurs. For example, in the battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the front side of the battery module (10) is a sealed structure as shown in FIG. 1 so that gas or flame is discharged to the rear side of the battery module (10) when internal ignition occurs, and a gas venting hole (H1) is provided on the rear side of the battery module (10) as shown in FIG. 2.

[0036] As will be described later, when mounting multiple battery modules (10) in a pack case (2), there are many examples in which the front side of the battery module (10) where the module terminal (200) is located is positioned toward the center of the pack case (2) to simplify electrical connections between the battery modules (10). In this case, if gas or flames are discharged toward the front side of the battery module (10) when a battery module (10) ignites, heat accumulates in the center of the pack case, which may increase the risk of chain ignition of the battery modules (10). Furthermore, if gas or flames are discharged toward the front side of the battery module (10), it may not be easy to secure a gas discharge path within the battery pack.

[0037] Accordingly, a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured such that gas or flame is discharged to the rear side of the battery module (10), which is opposite to the front side of the battery module (10) where the module terminal (200) is located. The main configuration of the battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 3, the cell assembly (100) may mean a collection of multiple battery cells (110). Here, the battery cell (110) may be a pouch-type battery cell (110).

[0039] The above pouch-type battery cell (110) may include an electrode assembly and a pouch case (111) that accommodates the electrode assembly. The pouch case (111) may include a storage portion (111a) and a sealing portion. The storage portion (111a) is a portion in which the electrode assembly is stored, and the sealing portion refers to a portion that is heat-fused and sealed on the outer edge of the storage portion (111a).

[0040] For example, as shown in FIG. 4, sealing portions may be provided on three of the four sides of the pouch case (111). The sealing portions may include two cell terraces (111b) and one side edge portion (111c).

[0041] Here, the two cell terraces (111b) refer to the front sealing portion and the rear sealing portion of the pouch case. The electrode lead (112) can be configured so that one end is connected to the electrode assembly inside the pouch case (111) and is drawn out to the outside of the cell terrace (111b).

[0042] The above side edge portion (111c) refers to the upper sealing portion of the pouch case (111b) in FIG. 4. The above side edge portion (111c) may be folded at least once. A sealing tape (113) may be attached to the above side edge portion (111c). The sealing tape (113) may be attached to the above side edge portion (111c) in a manner that wraps around the above side edge portion (111c) in the thickness direction of the battery cell (110). Additionally, the sealing tape (113) may be configured to extend long along the length direction of the battery cell (110). The length of the sealing tape (113) may be configured to extend as long as the length of the battery cell (110). The sealing tape (113) may be configured to completely cover the side edge portion (111c) of the battery cell (110) in the length direction.

[0043] In this case, when gas is generated inside the battery cell (110) and the internal pressure rises, there is less risk of the side edge portion (111c) opening and the gas being discharged upward from the battery cell (110) can be prevented.

[0044] Multiple pouch-type battery cells (110) can be stacked in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) with the side without the seal facing downward and the wide side facing each other. The lower surface of the pouch case (111) without the seal can come into contact with the bottom surface of the module case (300). Heat from the battery cells (110) can be dissipated to the module case through heat exchange between the lower surface of the pouch case (111) and the bottom surface of the module case (300). At this time, a thermally conductive resin (not shown) may be placed between the lower surface of the pouch case (111) and the bottom surface of the module case (300). A material having adhesive properties and high thermal conductivity may be used as the thermally conductive resin.

[0045] Meanwhile, the present invention is not limited by the specific type or shape of the battery cell (110), and various battery cells (110) known at the time of filing the present invention may be employed. In this embodiment, a pouch-type secondary battery is employed as the battery cell (110) as shown in the drawing, but a cylindrical or prismatic secondary battery may also be employed as the battery cell (110).

[0046] The cell laminate (100) according to the present embodiment may include a barrier member (120). The barrier member (120) may be provided in the form of a plate-like body that is thinner than the battery cell (110). For example, the barrier member (120) may be provided in the form of a pad having excellent heat and / or fire resistance and compressibility. A material such as silicone or aerogel may be used as the material for the barrier member (120).

[0047] The above barrier members (120) may be arranged in multiple numbers with a predetermined number of battery cells (110) in between along the direction in which the battery cells (110) are arranged. In particular, the above barrier members (120) may be configured to partition the battery cells (110) into a predetermined number.

[0048] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the propagation of flame or heat can be blocked by the barrier member (120) during thermal runaway of the battery cell (110). In addition, the battery member can contribute to suppressing structural deformation of the module case (300) by absorbing the expansion force of the battery cell (110) during swelling of the battery cell (110).

[0049] The above module terminal (200) may be configured to be electrically connected to a plurality of battery cells (110). Additionally, the above module terminal (200) may be configured to be exposed on the other side of the module case (300). For example, the above module terminal may be configured such that one side is connected to the electrode lead (112) of the battery cell (110) inside the module case (300), and the other side is exposed to the outside of the front end cover (320) to be described later, so as to function as a positive terminal or a negative terminal of the battery module (10).

[0050] The module case (300) may be configured to accommodate a cell assembly (100). Specifically, the module case (300) may have an internal space capable of accommodating the cell assembly (100) and may be provided with a material having excellent mechanical strength and heat resistance to physically or chemically protect the cell assembly (100) accommodated in the internal space.

[0051] In particular, the module case (300) may be provided with a gas venting hole (H1) on one side so that gas or flame generated in the battery cell (110) can be discharged to the outside.

[0052] In this embodiment, one side of the module case (300) may refer to the rear side of the module case (300), and the other side of the module case (300) may refer to the front side of the module case (300). That is, the aforementioned module terminal (200) and the gas venting hole (H1) may be provided on opposite sides. For instance, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the module terminal (200) may be provided on the front side of the module case (300), and the gas venting hole (H1) may be provided on the rear side of the module case (300).

[0053] In this case, when thermal runaway occurs in the battery module (10), gas or flames generated inside the battery module (10) can be discharged to the rear side of the module case (300). At this time, it is preferable to seal the remaining part of the module case (300) excluding the gas venting hole.

[0054] More specifically, referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the module case (300) may include a case body (310), a front end cover (320), and a rear end cover (330).

[0055] The above case body (310) may include a U-frame (311) and a top plate (312). The U-frame (311) may include a pair of side plates covering the left and right sides of the cell assembly (100) and a base plate covering the bottom surface of the cell assembly (100). The pair of side plates and the base plate may be formed as a single unit.

[0056] The top plate (312) may be configured to cover the upper surface of the cell assembly (100). This top plate (312) may be joined to the U-frame (311) by welding. This case body (310) may be formed in a rectangular tubular shape with the front and rear open. As an alternative to the present embodiment, a module case (300) in the form of a monoframe in which the U-frame (311) and the top plate (312) are integrated may be adopted.

[0057] The front end cover (320) and the rear end cover (330) can be attached to the open front and rear of the case body (310), respectively. The front end cover (320) and the rear end cover (330) can be attached to the case body (310) by welding or a snap-fit ​​structure.

[0058] The front end cover (320) has a slit for drawing the module terminal (200) from the inside of the module case to the outside. The area around the slit through which the module terminal (200) passes can be sealed. The rear end cover (330) has a plurality of gas venting holes (H1). Additionally, the inner surface of the front end cover (320) and the rear end cover (330) may be made of an insulating material and the outer surface may be made of a metal material.

[0059] FIG. 6 is a front view of a rear end cover of a module case according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 6, a plurality of gas venting holes (H1) may be provided in the rear end cover (330). The gas venting holes (H1) may be arranged in at least one direction. The gas venting holes (H1) may be arranged along a plurality of rows. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the gas venting holes (H1) may be arranged in a line along the height direction of the rear end cover (330), and the plurality of gas venting holes (H1) arranged in a line may be arranged in a plurality of rows along the stacking direction of the battery cells (110), that is, the width direction of the rear end cover (330). These plurality of gas venting holes (H1) may be provided at regular intervals from each other.

[0061] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, even if a thermal event occurs in any of the battery cells (110), venting gas or flame can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the module case (300) through the gas venting holes (H1).

[0062] FIG. 7 is a front view of a rear side busbar frame according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 7 together with FIG. 3, the battery module (10) of the present invention may further include busbar frames (600A, 600B). The busbar frames (600A, 600B) may be provided inside the module case (300) and configured to cover the front or rear portion of the cell assembly (100). The busbar frames (600A, 600B) serve to support busbars (700) connected to electrode leads (112) provided in each of the plurality of battery cells (110). The busbar frames (600A, 600B) may be formed from a material having electrical insulation properties, such as plastic.

[0064] The above busbar frames (600A, 600B) may include a front side busbar frame (600A) and a rear side busbar frame (600B).

[0065] In particular, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the rear side busbar frame (600B) is provided with a through hole (H2), while the front side busbar frame (600A) is not provided with a through hole (H2). According to this embodiment, venting gas or flames can be more smoothly guided to be discharged in one direction, particularly to the rear of the module case (300).

[0066] The above through hole (H2) may be configured to communicate with the gas venting hole (H1). The above through hole (H2) may be provided to face at least partially the gas venting hole (H1). The gas venting hole (H1) and the through hole (H2) may be arranged along approximately a straight line.

[0067] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, venting gas or flames, etc., can be discharged to the outside along a roughly straight line through the gas venting hole (H1) and the through hole (H2). As a result, venting gas or flames, etc., can be discharged to the outside of the battery module (10) more quickly.

[0068] The above busbar frame (600A, 600B) may be provided with a lead slot (610). The lead slot (610) may be provided so that at least a portion of the electrode leads (112) of a plurality of battery cells (110) can pass through. The lead slot (610) may be provided so that the plurality of electrode leads (112) can pass through in the +Y axis or -Y axis direction (front-back direction).

[0069] Lead slots (610) may be provided in multiple numbers spaced apart from each other along the stacking direction (X-axis direction) of the battery cells (110). At this time, multiple electrode leads (112) passing through the lead slots (610) may be bent and attached to the bus bar (700). Multiple battery cells (110) in which the electrode leads (112) are in contact with each other on the bus bar (700) may be electrically connected to each other.

[0070] The above busbar (700) may be provided between a plurality of lead slots (610). Thus, the busbar (700) may be configured to be in direct contact with the electrode leads (112) passing through the lead slots (610). Specifically, the electrode leads (112) of the battery cells (110) pass through the lead slots (510) of the busbar frames (600A, 600B) and are drawn out to the outside of the busbar frames (600A, 600B), and the drawn-out portion may be attached to the surface of the busbar (700) by means such as welding.

[0071] The busbar (700) may be made of a metal material such as copper, aluminum, nickel, etc. Additionally, the busbar (700) may be made in the form of a rod extended in the height direction.

[0072] The busbar (700) can be attached to the outer surface of the busbar frame (600A, 600B). To this end, the busbar frame (600A, 600B) may include a busbar coupling portion (520). Additionally, the busbar (700) may be located on the inner side of the electrode lead (112). That is, the busbar (700) may be located between the bent electrode lead (112) and the busbar frame (600A, 600B).

[0073] The above busbar frame (600A, 600B) may include a plurality of busbar coupling parts (620). The busbars (700) may be configured to be mounted one by one on the busbar coupling parts (620).

[0074] Referring again to FIG. 7, a plurality of through holes (H2) may be provided in the rear side busbar frame (600B). The plurality of through holes (H2) may be arranged along at least one direction. For example, the plurality of through holes (H2) may be arranged in a line along the height direction of the rear side busbar frame (600B). The through holes (H2) may be provided in a form that extends long along the height direction of the busbar frame (600B). At this time, the through holes (H2) may be configured in a rib shape when viewed from the front of the rear side busbar frame (600B).

[0075] Additionally, the plurality of through holes (H2) may be arranged along the stacking direction of the battery cell (110). The through holes (H2) may be provided on the left and right sides relative to the busbar coupling portion (620). In this case, the through holes (H2) may be located on both sides of each busbar (700).

[0076] Additionally, some of the multiple through holes (H2) may be provided to be integrated with the lead slot (610). That is, the through holes (H2) may be configured so that at least some of the electrode leads (112) of the multiple battery cells (110) pass through them.

[0077] Meanwhile, a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a fireproof cover member (400) and a block member (500) to suppress thermal runaway transfer of battery cells and to more smoothly guide gas, etc. to the rear side of the module case.

[0078] The above fire-resistant cover member (400) covers the top of the cell assembly (100) and is responsible for suppressing the upward ejection of gas generated in the battery cell (110). This fire-resistant cover member (400) may be made of a material with excellent fire resistance. For example, the fire-resistant cover member (400) may be implemented as flame-retardant urethane foam, polyurethane foam, or a silicone foam pad.

[0079] The fireproof cover member (400) may preferably be provided with a compressible material so as to completely fill the space between the top of the cell assembly (100) and the upper surface of the module case (300). For example, the fireproof cover member (400) may be configured to be pressed toward the top of the cell assembly (100) by the aforementioned top plate (312) to fill the space between the top of the cell assembly (100) and the top plate (312).

[0080] According to this embodiment, when a thermal event occurs in a battery cell, the upward ejection of gas from the battery cell can be suppressed. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 11, since there is no empty space between the top plate (312) of the module case (300) and the top of the cell assembly (100), the propagation of thermal energy between battery cells through the top of the cell assembly (100) can be prevented. Furthermore, a gap may exist between the top of the cell assembly (100) and the upper surface of the module case (300) due to a difference in surface roughness. This gap may serve as a passage for gas or flame within the module case (300). If the gas or flame flows along the gap, the propagation of thermal energy between the battery cells (110) may be accelerated. Additionally, the presence of the gap may also hinder directional venting toward the rear of the module case (300). However, according to the fireproof cover member (400) in one embodiment of the present invention, the gap can be eliminated, thereby suppressing the propagation of thermal energy through the top of the cell assembly (100). In addition, the fireproof cover member (400) can also be advantageously used for upward ejection of gas generated in the battery cell and directional venting of gas toward the rear of the module case (300).

[0081] The block member (500) may be configured to guide gas or flame into the gas venting hole (H1). The block member (500) may be provided inside the module case (300) as shown in FIG. 5. Specifically, the block member (500) may be provided between one side of the module case (300) having the gas venting hole (H1) and the cell assembly (100). The block member (500) may be configured to partition the space formed between the module case (300) and the cell assembly (100) to restrict the lateral movement of gas or the like flowing through the space and to guide it toward the gas venting hole (H1).

[0082] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs in a battery cell (110) within a battery module (10), the venting gas, etc., can be discharged only in one direction, such as the direction in which the gas venting hole (H1) is formed, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 5. That is, with respect to the block member (500), the outer periphery excluding the gas venting hole (H1) is completely blocked, so the directional venting of the venting gas can be more effectively induced toward the gas venting hole (H1).

[0083] Thus, according to the present embodiment, the venting gas can be rapidly guided into the gas venting hole (H1) and discharged to the outside. That is, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, heat accumulation inside the battery module (10) can be prevented or suppressed. Thus, the safety and reliability of the battery module (10) can be guaranteed.

[0084] The block member (500) may be configured to divide a space into multiple sections through which gas or the like can flow. The block member (500) may be configured to prevent venting gas from moving to an adjacent venting space.

[0085] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, as the space through which gas or the like can flow is partitioned, when a thermal event occurs in a battery cell (110), the venting gas or flame or the like is prevented from being transferred to an adjacent battery cell (110), so the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells (110) can be effectively prevented or delayed.

[0086] These block members (500) may include a material having elasticity, such as silicone. Thus, the block members (500) can be compressed by components inside the battery module (10). According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the space through which gas can flow can be more reliably sealed, thereby allowing directional venting toward the gas venting hole (H1) to be induced more effectively. Additionally, the block members (500) may have at least one of flame retardant performance and fire resistance performance.

[0087] The above fireproof cover member (400) and the above block member (500) can be formed as a single unit.

[0088] The block member (500) may be provided at one end of the fireproof cover member (400). Here, the one end of the fireproof cover member (400) refers to the side facing the rear of the module case (300). The assembly structure of the fireproof cover member (400) and the block member (500) can be briefly examined with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11 as follows.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 8, the cell assembly (100) and the busbar frame (600A, 600B) can be assembled and housed in the aforementioned U-frame (311). Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the fireproof cover member (400) is placed on the top of the cell assembly (100). At this time, the block member (500) can be provided in a state parallel to the fireproof cover member (400).

[0090] Next, as shown in FIG. 10, the block member (500) is folded and assembled to the rear busbar frame (600B). At this time, the block member (500) may be in a shape that is bent and extended from one end of the fireproof cover member (400). Next, the fireproof cover member (400) is pressed with the aforementioned top plate (312), and the two corners of the top plate (312) and the top of the U-frame (311) are welded and fixed. Next, the rear end cover (630) is assembled to the case body (310). Accordingly, the block member (500) can be positioned in the space between the rear busbar frame (600B) and the rear end cover (330).

[0091] The block member (500) may be configured to prevent gas from moving along the stacking direction (X direction) of the battery cell (110) in the space between the rear side busbar frame (600B) and the rear end cover (330). That is, the block member (500) may be provided on the outside of the rear side busbar frame (600B) and arranged to block the lateral movement of gas passing through the through hole (H2) of the rear side busbar (600B).

[0092] According to this embodiment, the movement of venting gas, etc. along the stacking direction of the battery cell (110) can be suppressed by the block member (500), thereby suppressing or preventing heat propagation between the battery cells (110). In addition, since the block member (500) can guide the venting gas, etc. toward the gas venting hole (H1), directional venting of the venting gas, etc. can be induced more reliably.

[0093] More specifically, the block member (500) may be provided in multiple numbers. The multiple block members (500) may be spaced apart from each other along the stacking direction of the battery cell (110), that is, the left and right directions of the rear side busbar frame (600B). For example, as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the block member (500) may be provided between the busbars (700) and the electrode leads (112) connected thereto. In other words, the block member (500) may be placed between the busbars without blocking the through hole (H2).

[0094] Additionally, multiple block members (500) may be positioned so as not to obstruct the gas venting holes (H1) of the rear end cover (330) and spaced apart from each other in the left and right directions at a predetermined distance. That is, the block members (500) may be positioned at an offset from the gas venting holes (H1).

[0095] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs in a battery cell (110), the venting gas or flame, etc., can be restricted from moving laterally by the block member (500) in the space between the rear side busbar frame (600B) and the rear end cover (330). As a result, the gas and flame, etc., can be guided and discharged to the rear side of the module case (300) through the gas venting hole (H1) adjacent to the battery cell (110) where the event occurred. By doing so, the venting gas, etc. of the battery cell (110) where the thermal event occurred can be suppressed or prevented from moving to another battery cell (110) and spreading heat.

[0096] Additionally, the block member (500) may be configured to extend long in the height direction of the rear side busbar frame (600B). That is, the height of the block member (500) may be configured to correspond to the height of the rear side busbar frame (600B).

[0097] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the block member (500) can more effectively separate the space along the height direction of the rear side busbar frame (600B). By doing so, the movement of venting gas, etc., to another space where an adjacent battery cell (110) is located can be more effectively suppressed.

[0098] Additionally, the block member (500) may include a material having elasticity. Furthermore, the block member (500) may include a material with high heat resistance. Additionally, the block member (500) may include a material with high flame resistance. Furthermore, the block member (500) may include a material having electrical insulation properties. For example, the block member (500) may include a silicone material.

[0099] Accordingly, the block member (500) may be configured to be pressed in the front-rear direction by the rear side busbar frame (600B) and the rear end cover (330). In this case, the block member (500) may be in close contact with the rear side busbar frame (600B) and the rear end cover (330), thereby more effectively preventing venting gas or flames from leaking out through the gap.

[0100] In addition, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, the block member (500) is fixed by the rear side busbar frame (600B) and the rear end cover (330), thereby suppressing bending deformation in the block member (500). Therefore, even if a thermal event occurs, the possibility of high temperature, high pressure venting gas or flames being pushed out of the block member (500) and transferred to another space can be reduced.

[0101] Meanwhile, the block member (500) may be configured so that at least a portion of the rear side busbar frame (600B) is inserted.

[0102] Specifically, referring to FIGS. 12 to 14, the rear side busbar frame (600B) may further include block coupling portions (630). The block coupling portions (630) may be provided in a number corresponding to the number of block members (500). The block coupling portions (630) may be configured such that at least a portion of the outer surface of the rear side busbar frame (600B) protrudes outward. The block coupling portions (630) may protrude further outward than the outer surface of the busbar coupling portion (620). The block coupling portions (630) may be provided between adjacent through holes (H2).

[0103] The block member (600) can be configured to be fitted into such a block joint (630).

[0104] For example, the block member (500) may have an insertion groove (511) on its back surface. The insertion groove (511) may be provided in the form of a groove formed by indenting at least a portion of the block member (500). The block member (500) may be fixed to the rear side busbar frame (600B) by fitting the block coupling part (630) into the insertion hole (511).

[0105] According to this embodiment of the present invention, the adhesion and fixation of the block member (500) to the rear side busbar frame (600B) can be stably secured. Accordingly, the space between the rear side busbar frame (600B) and the rear end cover (330) can be more clearly and stably partitioned by the block member (500), and the lateral movement of gas or flame in the space can be prevented.

[0106] Referring to FIGS. 15 to 17, a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a vent block (800).

[0107] The above vent stop block (800) may be provided in the space between the cell assembly (100) and the busbar frame (600A, 600B). The above vent stop block (800) may be configured to induce the venting gas or flame, etc. to be discharged in one direction, toward the rear side of the battery module (10). In particular, the above vent stop block (800) may be configured to suppress the venting gas or flame, etc. from being discharged in a direction other than the rear side, particularly toward the front side.

[0108] In this embodiment, the vent stop block (800) is provided on both the front and rear sides of the cell assembly (100), but it may be omitted on the rear side of the cell assembly (100) and provided only on the front side of the cell assembly (100).

[0109] Specifically, the vent stop block (800) may be positioned on the front and / or rear side of the storage portion (111a) of the battery cell (110). In other words, due to the difference in thickness between the storage portion (111a) of the battery cell (110) and the cell terrace (111b), there may be empty spaces around the cell terrace (111b), and the vent stop block (800) may be interposed in these empty spaces to fill the empty spaces. Additionally, the vent stop block (800) may be configured to press the side of the cell terrace (111b) of the pouch case (111).

[0110] Additionally, the vent stop block (800) may be configured to extend along the height direction of the battery cell (110). For example, the vent stop block (800) may be configured to extend as much as the height of the storage portion (111a) of the battery cell (110).

[0111] The above vent stop block (800) may include a material having elasticity. The above vent stop block (800) may include a material with high heat resistance. In addition, the above vent stop block (800) may include a material with high flame resistance. In addition, the above vent stop block (800) may include a material having electrical insulation properties. For example, the vent stop block (800) may include a silicone material.

[0112] The above vent stop block (800) may be provided in multiple numbers. Multiple vent stop blocks (800) may be arranged along the stacking direction of the battery cell (110), that is, the left and right direction. The vent stop block (800) may be provided between the battery cells (110). The vent stop block (800) may be provided on at least one side of the cell terrace (111b). That is, at least one side of the vent stop block (800) may be configured to be in contact with the cell terrace (111b). In other words, the vent stop block (800) may be configured to be in contact with the front and / or rear side of the storage portion (111a) and simultaneously in contact with the cell terrace (111b). According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the vent stop block (800) may fix the cell terrace (111b).

[0113] The above vent stop block (800) may be provided on both sides of the barrier member (120). The above vent stop block (800) may be configured to compress the barrier member (120) from both sides. That is, the vent stop block (800) can compress the barrier member (120) in the left and right directions. By doing so, the position of the barrier member (120) can be fixed. In addition, the barrier member (120) can be prevented from bending or deforming by the vent stop block (800).

[0114] The above vent stop block (800) may be provided to face the inner surface of the busbar frame (600A, 600B). In this case, even if the busbar frame (600A, 600B) moves toward the cell assembly (100) due to external impact, the vent stop block (800) absorbs the impact, thereby preventing damage to the battery cells (100).

[0115] Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIGS. 13 to 15, the cell terraces (111b) of the plurality of battery cells (110) located in the rear part of the cell assembly (100) may be partially compressed by the vent stop block (800), and as illustrated in FIGS. 16 to 17, the cell terraces (111b) of the plurality of battery cells located in the front part of the cell assembly (100) may all be compressed by the vent stop block (800).

[0116] That is, on the front side of the battery module (10), a vent stop block (800) is provided between each cell terrace (111b) of the battery cells (110) to provide a force that compresses the cell terraces (111b). In other words, the cell terraces (111b) located on the front side of the cell assembly (100) can be compressed in the left and right directions by the vent stop block (800). However, the cell terraces (111b) located on the rear side of the cell assembly (100) can be configured so that they are not completely compressed in the left and right directions by the vent stop block (800).

[0117] In this case, when the internal pressure of the battery cell (110) increases, the rear cell terrace (111b) may open before the front cell terrace (111b). As a result, gas discharge through the front cell terrace (111b) is suppressed and can be discharged through the rear cell terrace (111b) of the battery cell (110).

[0118] In this way, according to the embodiments of the present invention described above, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell (110), the ejection of gas or flame can be induced toward the rear of the cell assembly (100). Furthermore, the accumulation or propagation of heat within the battery module (10) by gas or flame, etc., can be minimized, and said gas or flame, etc., can be smoothly discharged toward the rear of the battery module (10).

[0119] FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack including a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 18, a battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery modules (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention as described above. The battery pack (1) according to the present invention may further include a pack case (2) for accommodating components such as a Battery Management System (BMS) for integrated control of charging and discharging of one or more battery modules (10), a current sensor, a fuse, etc., as described above.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 18, a plurality of battery modules (10) may be arranged such that the front side, equipped with a module terminal (200), faces the inside of the pack case (2). The rear side of the battery module (10), where the gas venting hole (H1) is located, may be arranged such that it faces the outside of the pack case (2).

[0122] In this case, if a thermal event occurs in the battery cell (110) inside the battery module (10), directional venting of the venting gas or flame, etc., is performed toward the rear side of the battery module (10), thereby preventing heat from concentrating inside the pack case (2). In addition, the venting gas or flame, etc. discharged toward the rear side of the battery module (10) is adjacent to the outer wall of the pack case (2), making it easier to discharge to the outside of the battery pack (1). For reference, although not shown, a gas outlet may be provided on the outer wall of the pack case (2).

[0123] In addition, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, the direction of venting gas or flames toward the module terminal (200) is minimized, thereby suppressing or preventing heat propagation to adjacent battery modules (10). Accordingly, events such as fire or explosion caused by thermal runaway phenomena of a battery pack (1) containing multiple battery modules (10) can be prevented or delayed.

[0124] FIG. 19 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0125] Referring to FIG. 19, a vehicle (V) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs (1) or battery modules (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle (V) according to the present invention may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle (V) includes four-wheeled vehicles and two-wheeled vehicles. The vehicle (V) operates by receiving power from the battery pack (1) to the battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0126] As described above, although the present invention has been explained by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims described below by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs.

[0127] Meanwhile, where terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used in this specification, these terms are used merely for convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the location of the object or the position of the observer, as is obvious to those skilled in the art of this invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0128] 10: Battery module 100: Cell assembly 110: Battery cell 112: Electrode lead 120: Barrier absence 200: Module terminal 300: Module Case 310: Case Body 320: Front end cover 330: Rear end cover 400: Fireproof cover member 500: Block member 511: Insertion groove 600A: Front side busbar frame 600B: Rear side busbar frame 620: Busbar connection part 630: Block joint 700: Busbar 800: Vent-stopper block

Claims

Claim 1 A battery module characterized by comprising: a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells; a module case having a case body that accommodates the cell assembly, a front end cover that covers the front of the cell assembly, and a rear end cover that covers the rear of the cell assembly and has a gas venting hole formed therein; a module terminal that is electrically connected to the cell assembly and exposed to the outside of the front end cover of the module case; a fireproof cover member provided inside the module case and covering the top of the cell assembly to suppress upward ejection of gas generated from the battery cells; and a block member configured to divide the space between the cell assembly and the rear end cover into a plurality of sections, thereby restricting the lateral movement of the gas in the space between the cell assembly and the rear end cover and inducing the movement of the gas to the outside of the rear end cover through the gas venting hole. Claim 2 A battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that the fireproof cover member and the block member are integrally formed. Claim 3 A battery module according to claim 1, wherein the block member is bent and extended from one end of the fireproof cover member. Claim 4 A battery module according to claim 1, wherein the fireproof cover member is provided with a compressible material to fill the space between the top of the cell assembly and the upper surface of the module case. Claim 5 A battery module according to claim 1, characterized by comprising: a busbar connected to an electrode lead provided for each of the plurality of battery cells; and a busbar frame provided to support the busbar and cover the front or rear portion of the cell assembly. Claim 6 A battery module according to claim 5, wherein the busbar frame covering the rear portion of the cell assembly includes a plurality of through holes facing the rear end cover and through which the gas can pass. Claim 7 A battery module according to claim 6, wherein the block member is provided on the outer side of the busbar frame and configured to block gas passing through the through hole from moving along the direction in which the battery cells are stacked in the space between the busbar frame and the rear end cover. Claim 8 A battery module according to claim 6, wherein the block members are spaced apart in plurality along the direction in which the battery cells are stacked. Claim 9 A battery module according to claim 6, characterized in that the block member is configured to extend long in the height direction of the busbar frame. Claim 10 A battery module according to claim 6, wherein the block member is provided to be fitted and coupled to a block coupling portion protruding from the busbar frame. Claim 11 A battery module according to claim 6, comprising a vent stop block disposed in the space between the cell assembly and the busbar frame, wherein the battery cell is a pouch-type battery cell, and the vent stop block is provided on at least one side of a cell terrace from which an electrode lead is drawn from the battery cell. Claim 12 A battery module according to claim 11, wherein the vent block is configured to press the side of the cell terrace. Claim 13 A battery module according to claim 11, wherein a plurality of vent blockers are disposed in the front and rear portions of the cell assembly, and the cell terraces of the plurality of battery cells located in the front portion of the cell assembly are all compressed by the vent blockers, and the cell terraces of the plurality of battery cells located in the rear portion of the cell assembly are partially compressed by the vent blockers. Claim 14 A battery pack characterized by including a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 13. Claim 15 An automobile characterized by including a battery pack according to Clause 14.

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