Battery module

Abstract

A battery module is disclosed. A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include: a frame having a top plate that provides an internal space and extends along the front-rear direction; a plurality of battery cells located inside the frame and stacked along the left-right direction; and an elastic partition that is compressed between the plurality of battery cells and the top plate and extends along the front-rear direction.

Description

Technology Field

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

[0002] As the demand for portable electronic products such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and smartwatches increases significantly and electric vehicles become increasingly widespread, research on batteries installed in them, particularly secondary batteries capable of repeated charging and discharging, is actively underway.

[0003] Currently commercialized rechargeable batteries include nickel-cadmium, nickel-hydrogen, nickel-zinc, and lithium-ion batteries. Among these, lithium-ion batteries are gaining attention for their advantages, such as the ability to charge and discharge freely with almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based batteries, a very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0004] These lithium secondary batteries primarily use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as the positive and negative active materials, respectively. The lithium secondary battery comprises an electrode assembly in which a positive plate and a negative plate, each coated with the positive and negative active materials, are arranged with a separator in between, and an outer casing, namely a battery case, that seals and houses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0005] Generally, lithium secondary batteries can be classified according to the shape of the casing into can-type secondary batteries, in which the electrode assembly is embedded in a metal can, and pouch-type secondary batteries, in which the electrode assembly is embedded in a pouch of aluminum laminate sheet.

[0006] Recently, secondary batteries are widely used for driving or energy storage not only in small devices such as portable electronic devices but also in medium-to-large devices such as electric vehicles and Energy Storage Systems (ESS). A single battery module can be formed by housing multiple such secondary batteries together inside a module case while electrically connected. In this case, each secondary battery included in a single battery module can be referred to as a battery cell. Furthermore, multiple such battery modules can be connected to form a single battery pack.

[0007] However, when a battery pack contains multiple battery modules, and each module contains multiple battery cells, it may be vulnerable to thermal chain reactions between modules or cells. For example, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs within a single battery module, it is necessary to suppress the propagation of this runaway to other battery modules or cells. If the propagation of thermal runaway between modules or cells is not properly suppressed, an event originating in a specific module or cell may trigger a chain reaction of thermal reactions in other modules or cells, potentially causing explosions or fires, or significantly amplifying their scale.

[0008] In particular, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs in a single battery module, gases or flames may be randomly released to the outside. If the release of such gases or flames is not properly controlled, they may be released toward other battery modules, potentially causing a thermal chain reaction in those modules. Specifically, module terminals may be located on the front side of a battery module to provide electrical connections to other battery modules or battery packs, such as module busbars. Therefore, if flames are released toward the front of such a battery module, they can damage the module terminals within the battery pack and cause an electrical short circuit. Furthermore, since other battery modules may be located in front of a specific battery module, if flames are released toward the front of that module, the emitted flames may spread toward other modules, making it easy for fire to spread between battery modules.

[0009] If thermal propagation between battery modules or between battery cells is not properly controlled, a rapid voltage drop in the battery module or battery pack may occur. This can lead to a sudden shutdown of the device equipped with the battery module or battery pack, causing unexpected damage. For example, if a sudden voltage drop in the battery pack occurs while an electric vehicle is in operation, there may not be enough time to move the electric vehicle to a safe location.

[0010] Furthermore, if thermal propagation between battery modules or battery cells is not properly controlled and a fire or explosion occurs suddenly, there is a high possibility of causing casualties to users. For example, if thermal runaway occurs in an electric vehicle and a certain amount of time is not secured before it progresses into a full-scale fire, the occupants may not be able to escape safely. The problem to be solved

[0011] Accordingly, the present invention is devised to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide a battery module with an improved structure capable of appropriately controlling the emission of flames, etc. generated inside the battery module, as well as a battery pack including the same and an automobile.

[0012] Another objective of the present invention may be to provide a structure that blocks the propagation to adjacent battery cells when a thermal event occurs inside a battery module.

[0013] Another objective of the present invention may be to provide a structure capable of smoothly discharging venting gas generated inside a battery module.

[0014] Another objective of the present invention may be to provide a structure capable of blocking externally generated venting gas from flowing into the interior of the battery module.

[0015] However, 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

[0016] A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-described purpose may include: a frame having a top plate that provides an internal space and extends along the front-rear direction; a battery array having a plurality of battery cells that are located inside the frame and stacked along the left-right direction; and an elastic partition that is compressed between the battery array and the top plate and extends along the front-rear direction.

[0017] Additionally, the elastic partition may include: a bar extending along the front-rear direction; and a front guard extending along the left-right direction from the front side of the bar.

[0018] In addition, the elastic partition may further include a rear guard extending along the left and right directions from the rear side of the bar.

[0019] In addition, the elastic partitions are provided in multiple numbers, and the multiple elastic partitions can be arranged along the left and right directions.

[0020] In addition, the top plate may be provided with a venting hole.

[0021] In addition, the venting hole may be located between two adjacent elastic partitions among the plurality of elastic partitions.

[0022] In addition, the above venting holes are provided in plurality, and the plurality of venting holes can be arranged along the left and right directions.

[0023] In addition, the battery module may further include an inner cover located between the elastic partition and the top plate.

[0024] In addition, the inner cover may be provided with a separating line.

[0025] In addition, the venting hole can expose the separation line.

[0026] In addition, the separation line may extend along the perimeter of the venting hole.

[0027] In addition, the inner cover may be configured to expose a portion of the battery array when a thermal event occurs.

[0028] In addition, the venting holes are provided in multiple numbers, and the separating lines can be formed in multiple numbers to correspond one-to-one with the multiple venting holes.

[0029] In addition, the inner cover can cover the entire battery array.

[0030] A battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention includes a battery module of the present invention.

[0031] An automobile according to one aspect of the present invention includes a battery module of the present invention. Effects of the invention

[0032] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, when gas or flame is generated inside a battery module, the discharge of such gas or flame can be appropriately controlled.

[0033] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the electrical safety of the battery module can be improved.

[0034] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, heat propagation can be suppressed.

[0035] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the transmission of thermal events due to external flames or gases of the battery module can be suppressed. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0036] 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 drawing showing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the battery module of Figure 1 separated. Figure 3 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the battery array of Figure 2 separated. Figure 4 is a drawing showing the cross-sectional configuration separated along the cutting line A-A' of Figure 1. Figure 5 is a drawing showing the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' of Figure 1. Figure 6 is a drawing of the battery module of Figure 1 with the top plate and inner cover removed. Figure 7 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of Figure 6. Figure 8 is a drawing with the top plate of the battery module of Figure 1 removed. Figures 9 and 10 are top views of the battery module of Figure 1. Figure 11 is a diagram showing the battery module of Figure 1 when a thermal event occurs. Figure 12 is a drawing showing the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line B-B' of Figure 11. FIG. 13 is a drawing showing an example of a modified embodiment of part C of FIG. 1. FIG. 14 is a drawing showing another modified embodiment of part C of FIG. 1. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0037] 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, and 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.

[0038] 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 aspects of the technical concept 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.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a partial configuration of the battery module of FIG. 1 separated. FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a partial configuration of the battery array (200) of FIG. 2 separated.

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a frame (100), a plurality of battery cells (201), and an elastic partition (300).

[0041] The frame (100) may have a rectangular shape. The frame (100) may also be referred to as a case (100). The frame (100) may provide space inside. Additionally, the frame (100) may be extended along the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction. The frame (100) may be equipped with a top plate (130), a bottom plate (110), and a pair of side plates (120). Additionally, the frame (100) may have a shape with the front and rear open. The top plate (130) and the bottom plate (110) may be positioned to face each other. A pair of side plates (120) may connect the top plate (130) and the bottom plate (110).

[0042] The bottom plate (110) and a pair of side plates (120) may be formed integrally. At this time, the bottom plate (110) and the pair of side plates (120) may be referred to as a lower frame (100) or a U-frame (100). The top plate (130) may be fastened, joined, assembled, attached, or fixed to the lower frame (100) or the U-frame (100). For example, the top plate (130) may be joined to the lower frame (100) or the U-frame (100) by welding.

[0043] A plurality of battery cells (201) may be provided. A plurality of battery cells (201) may form a battery array (200). The battery array (200) may be located inside the frame (100). Additionally, the battery array (200) may be located on the upper surface of the bottom plate (110).

[0044] Each battery cell (201) may be extended along the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction. Multiple battery cells (201) may be stacked in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. In this case, the battery cell (201) may refer to a secondary battery. The battery cell (201) may include a storage portion (210) containing an electrode assembly and an electrolyte. Additionally, the battery cell (201) may include a first sealing portion (220) extending forward and backward from the storage portion (210). Additionally, the battery cell (201) may include a second sealing portion (250) extending upward from the storage portion (210).

[0045] The electrode lead (230) of the battery cell (201) may protrude toward the front and rear sides of the first sealing portion (220), respectively. In particular, the battery cell (201) may be a pouch-type secondary battery. Each battery cell (201) may extend along the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction. The electrode lead (230) may protrude toward the front and rear of each battery cell (201). However, the shape of the battery cell (201) is not limited to a pouch shape and may have various shapes, such as a cylindrical shape or a rectangular shape.

[0046] The battery array (200) may include a first adhesive member (202) disposed between battery cells (201). The first adhesive member (202) may secure adjacent battery cells (201). The battery cells (201) may include a second adhesive member (240). The second adhesive member (240) may fold and secure the second sealing portion (250) toward the storage portion (210).

[0047] The space between a plurality of battery cells (201) and a top plate (130) or the space between a battery array (200) and a top plate (130) can be referred to as a venting space (VS, see FIG. 5).

[0048] An elastic partition (300) may be positioned between a plurality of battery cells (201) or a battery array (200) and a top plate (130). The elastic partition (300) may have a shape that extends long along the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction. The elastic partition (300) may partition the space between a plurality of battery cells (201) or a battery array (200) and a top plate (130). Additionally, the elastic partition (300) may be compressed or fixed between a plurality of battery cells (201) or a battery array (200) and a top plate (130). Additionally, the elastic partition (300) may be attached to the upper surface of the battery array (200). The elastic partition (300) may be in contact with a second sealing portion (250) or a second adhesive member (240). Additionally, the elastic partition (300) may be attached to the lower surface of the top plate (130).

[0049] The elastic partition (300) may include a material having elasticity. For example, the elastic partition (300) may include a polyurethane material. Additionally, the elastic partition (300) may include a silicone material.

[0050] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module can be improved. When a thermal event occurs from the battery cell (201), the venting gas (g) can be discharged into the venting space (VS). At this time, the elastic partition (300) can block the venting gas (g) from moving to an adjacent venting space (VS) by partitioning the venting space (VS). As a result, heat propagation inside the battery module can be suppressed.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a busbar frame assembly (150), a heat transfer member (160), and an end cover (140).

[0052] A busbar frame assembly (150) may be provided at the front and rear of each of the plurality of battery cells (201). The busbar frame assembly (150) may be electrically connected to the electrode leads (230) of the plurality of battery cells (201).

[0053] A heat transfer member (160) may be positioned below a plurality of battery cells (201) or a battery array (200). Additionally, the heat transfer member (160) may be positioned between a bottom plate (110) and a plurality of battery cells (201) or a battery array (200). The heat transfer member (160) may include a material with high thermal conductivity. For example, the heat transfer member (160) may be a resin. Additionally, the heat transfer member may secure a plurality of battery cells (201) or a battery array (200).

[0054] A pair of end covers (140) can be attached to the front and rear of the frame (100), respectively. A pair of end covers (140) can cover the front and rear of the frame (100). The end covers (140) can have a rectangular shape.

[0055] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the cross-sectional configuration separated along the cutting line A-A' of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' of FIG. 1.

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a battery array (200) is disposed on a lower frame (100) or U-frame (100) of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, and an elastic partition (300) may be disposed on top of the battery array (200). Then, by combining a top plate (130) with the lower frame (100) or U-frame (100), the elastic partition (300) may be compressed and installed. The thickness (t1) of the elastic partition (300) before installation may be greater than the thickness (t2) after installation.

[0057] According to this configuration of the present invention, the elastic partition (300) can more reliably block the venting gas (g) from moving to an adjacent venting space (VS).

[0058] FIG. 6 is a drawing of the battery module of FIG. 1 with the top plate (130) and inner cover (400) removed.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the elastic partitions (300) of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may be provided in plurality. The plurality of elastic partitions (300) may be arranged along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. The plurality of elastic partitions (300) may divide the venting space (VS) into plurality. For example, the elastic partitions (300) may be arranged so that one venting space (VS) corresponds to every four battery cells (201).

[0060] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module can be improved. The elastic partition (300) can further restrict the range of movement of the venting gas (g) by dividing the venting space (VS) into multiple sections. As a result, heat propagation inside the battery module can be more reliably suppressed.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, an elastic partition (300) of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a bar (310) and a front guard (321). The bar (310) may be extended along the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction. The front guard (321) may be extended along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction from the front side of the bar (310). Alternatively, the front guard (321) may be extended along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction from the front end of the bar (310). The bar (310) and the front guard (321) may be formed integrally. At least some of the front guards (321) of the plurality of elastic partitions (300) may be extended along the left direction or the -Y-axis direction. Additionally, at least some of the front guards (321) of the plurality of elastic partitions (300) may be extended along the right direction or the +Y-axis direction.

[0062] According to this configuration of the present invention, the movement of the venting gas (g) can be more restricted. The front guard (321) can block the venting gas (g) from propagating through the front space of the storage unit (210). As a result, heat propagation inside the battery module can be more reliably suppressed.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, an elastic partition (300) of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a rear guard (322). The rear guard (322) may extend along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction from the rear side of the bar (310). Alternatively, the rear guard (322) may extend along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction from the rear end of the bar (310). The bar (310) and the rear guard (322) may be formed integrally. At least some of the rear guards (322) among the plurality of elastic partitions (300) may extend along the left direction or the -Y-axis direction. Additionally, at least some of the rear guards (322) among the plurality of elastic partitions (300) may extend along the right direction or the +Y-axis direction. Additionally, the front guard (321) and the rear guard (322) may extend along the same direction. Additionally, the front guard (321) and the rear guard (322) may be positioned to face each other.

[0064] According to this configuration of the present invention, the movement of the venting gas (g) can be more restricted. The rear guard (322) can block the venting gas (g) from propagating through the rear space of the storage unit (210). As a result, heat propagation inside the battery module can be more reliably suppressed.

[0065] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of FIG. 6. Among a plurality of elastic partitions (300, 300a) of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, the elastic partition (300a) located in the middle may include a bar (310a), a front guard (321a), and a rear guard (322a). The front guard (321a) may extend along the left and right directions from the front end of the bar (310a). Alternatively, the front guard (321a) may extend along the +Y-axis and -Y-axis directions from the front end of the bar (310a). The rear guard (322a) may extend along the left and right directions from the rear end of the bar (310a). Alternatively, the rear guard (322a) may extend along the +Y-axis and -Y-axis directions from the rear end of the bar (310a).

[0066] According to this configuration of the present invention, the movement of the venting gas (g) can be more restricted. The front guard (321a) can block the venting gas (g) from propagating through the front space of the storage unit (210). As a result, heat propagation inside the battery module can be more reliably suppressed.

[0067] In addition, according to this configuration of the present invention, the movement of the venting gas (g) can be more restricted. The rear guard (322a) can block the venting gas (g) from propagating through the rear space of the storage unit (210). As a result, heat propagation inside the battery module can be more reliably suppressed.

[0068] FIG. 8 is a drawing with the top plate (130) of the battery module of FIG. 1 removed. FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are plan views of the battery module of FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 5 through FIG. 10, the top plate (130) according to one embodiment of the present invention may have a venting hole (131).

[0069] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module can be improved. Venting gas (g) discharged into the venting space (VS) can be discharged to the outside of the battery module through the venting hole (131). As a result, heat propagation inside the battery module can be suppressed.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 5 through 10, a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include an inner cover (400). The inner cover (400) may be located between the elastic partition (300) and the top plate (130). The battery module may optionally include the inner cover (400). The inner cover (400) may have a plate shape or a sheet shape. The inner cover (400) may include a material with high fire resistance. Additionally, the inner cover (400) may include a material with high thermal insulation. Additionally, the inner cover (400) may include a material with low elasticity.

[0071] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module can be improved. When a thermal event occurs inside the battery module, the inner cover (400) may rupture or break. As a result, the venting gas (g) may be discharged to the outside of the battery module through the venting hole (131). On the other hand, when the battery module is exposed to high-temperature gas generated from the outside, the inner cover (400) can block the high-temperature gas from entering the inside of the battery module by blocking the venting hole (131).

[0072] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 10, an inner cover (400) of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may be provided with a separation line (401). The separation line (401, score line) may be used as a general term including a perforated line (401, perforated line), a notching line (401, notching line), a cutting line (401, cutting line), a shredding line (401, shredding line), a tear line (401, tear line), or a separation line (401, separation line). The separation line (401) may be configured to be easily separated by pressure applied to the inner cover (400).

[0073] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module can be improved. When a thermal event occurs from the battery cell (201), the separator (401) can be separated to connect the venting space (VS) and the venting hole (131). As a result, the venting gas (g) can be discharged to the outside of the battery module through the venting hole (131). By allowing the venting gas (g) to be discharged smoothly, heat propagation inside the battery module can be suppressed.

[0074] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 10, an inner cover (400) of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may cover a plurality of battery cells (201) or a battery array (200) in its entirety. Additionally, the separation lines (401) of the inner cover (400) may be provided in plurality. A plurality of venting spaces (VS) may each correspond to at least one separation line (401).

[0075] According to this configuration of the present invention, the inner cover (400) can completely block high-temperature gas from flowing into the interior of the battery module. In addition, the inner cover (400) can smoothly discharge the venting gas (g) even if a thermal event occurs in any of the venting spaces (VS) among the plurality of venting spaces (VS).

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 10, a plurality of venting holes (131) of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may be provided. The plurality of venting holes (131) may be arranged along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. Additionally, the plurality of venting holes (131) may be arranged along the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction. Each of the plurality of venting spaces (VS) may correspond to at least one venting hole (131).

[0077] According to this configuration of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs in any one of the plurality of venting spaces (VS), the venting gas (g) can be separated from the separator line (401) corresponding to the venting space (VS) and discharged to the outside of the battery module through the venting hole (131) corresponding to the venting space (VS).

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 10, at least some of the venting holes (131) of a plurality of venting holes (131) of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may be located between two adjacent elastic partitions (300). The venting holes (131) may be located to correspond to a venting space (VS).

[0079] According to this configuration of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs in any one of the plurality of venting spaces (VS), the venting gas (g) can be separated from the separator line (401) corresponding to the venting space (VS) and discharged to the outside of the battery module through the venting hole (131) corresponding to the venting space (VS).

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 10, a venting hole (131) of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may expose a separation line (401). A plurality of venting holes (131) may each expose a separation line (401). For example, the separation line (401) may be formed in a plurality of straight lines. Each straight-shaped separation line (401) may be exposed by a plurality of venting holes (131).

[0081] According to this configuration of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs, the venting gas (g) can be easily discharged.

[0082] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 10, the width (W1) of the bar (310) of the elastic partition (300) of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention in the left-right direction or Y-axis direction may be formed to be equal to or smaller than the spacing (W2) in the left-right direction or Y-axis direction of the adjacent venting hole (131).

[0083] According to this configuration of the present invention, the elastic partition (300) may not obstruct the flow of venting gas (g) being discharged through the venting hole (131).

[0084] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing the battery module of FIG. 1 when a thermal event occurs. FIG. 12 is a drawing showing the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line B-B' of FIG. 11.

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, when a thermal event occurs in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, the venting gas (g) can separate the separator line (401). As a result, the inner cover (400) can expose a portion of a plurality of battery cells (201) or a portion of a battery array (200) to the outside. Additionally, the inner cover (400) can connect the venting space (VS) with the venting hole (131).

[0086] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of part C of FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 13, the separation line (402) may be provided in multiple numbers. Additionally, the multiple separation lines (402) may be formed to correspond one-to-one with the multiple venting holes (131). Each venting hole (131) may expose the separation line (402). At this time, the separation line (402) may have a fish bone shape.

[0087] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing another modified embodiment of part C of FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 14, the separation lines (403) may be provided in multiple numbers. Additionally, the multiple separation lines (403) may be formed to correspond one-to-one with the multiple venting holes (131). Each venting hole (131) may expose the separation line (403). At this time, the separation line (403) may have a circular shape or an elliptical shape.

[0088] A battery pack according to the present invention may include one or more battery modules according to the present invention as described above. For example, a battery pack according to the present invention may be configured to include a pack housing so that a plurality of battery modules according to the present invention are contained therein. In this case, when the battery modules according to the present invention are housed, the effect of preventing heat propagation between battery modules is excellent in emergency situations such as thermal runaway, and sufficient time for a user to respond or escape can be secured.

[0089] In addition, the battery pack according to the present invention may further include various other components in addition to the battery module, such as various battery pack components known at the time of filing the present invention, such as a BMS, busbar, relay, current sensor, etc.

[0090] The battery module according to the present invention may be applied to a vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. That is, the vehicle according to the present invention may include a battery module according to the present invention or a battery pack according to the present invention. In addition, the vehicle according to the present invention may further include various other components included in the vehicle in addition to such a battery module or battery pack. For example, the vehicle according to the present invention may further include, in addition to the battery module according to the present invention, a vehicle body, a motor, a control device such as an ECU (electronic control unit), etc.

[0091] 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. Explanation of the symbols

[0092] 100: Frame 110: Bottom plate 120: Side plate 130: Top Plate 131: Venting Hall 140: End cover 150: Busbar frame assembly 160: Heat transfer element 200: Battery array 201: Battery cell 202: First adhesive member 210: Storage compartment 220: 1st sealing section 230: Electrode Lead 240: Second adhesive member 250: Second sealing section 300, 300a: Elastic partition 310, 310a: bar; 321, 321a: Front Guard 322, 322a: Rear guard 400: Inner cover 401, 402, 403: Separator line g: Venting gas VS: Venting space

Claims

Claim 1 A frame having a top plate that provides space inside and extends along the front-rear direction; a battery array having a plurality of battery cells located inside the frame and stacked along the left-right direction; and a battery module having an elastic partition that is compressed between the battery array and the top plate and extends along the front-rear direction, wherein the elastic partition is provided in a plurality, the plurality of elastic partitions are arranged along the left-right direction, and the top plate has a venting hole located between two adjacent elastic partitions. Claim 2 In claim 1, at least one of the plurality of elastic partitions comprises: a bar extending along the front-rear direction; and a battery module including a front guard extending along the left-right direction from the front side of the bar. Claim 3 A battery module according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of elastic partitions is a bar extending along the front-rear direction; and further comprising a rear guard extending along the left-right direction from the rear side of the bar. Claim 4 delete Claim 5 delete Claim 6 delete Claim 7 In claim 1, the venting holes are provided in plurality, and the plurality of venting holes are arranged along the left-right direction in a battery module. Claim 8 A battery module according to claim 1, further comprising an inner cover located between the elastic partition and the top plate. Claim 9 In claim 8, the inner cover is a battery module having a separator. Claim 10 In claim 9, the venting hole is a battery module that exposes the separator line. Claim 11 In claim 10, the separation line is a battery module extending along the perimeter of the venting hole. Claim 12 In claim 9, the inner cover is configured to expose a portion of the battery array when a thermal event occurs, in a battery module. Claim 13 In claim 9, the battery module is provided with a plurality of venting holes and a plurality of separating lines formed to correspond one-to-one with the plurality of venting holes. Claim 14 In claim 8, the inner cover is a battery module that covers the entire battery array. Claim 15 A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and claims 7 to 14. Claim 16 An automobile comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and claims 7 to 14.

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