Battery module

Abstract

A battery module according to a design of the invention may include: sac-like cells arranged in the first direction, each sac-like cell comprising an electrode conductive part protruding in the second direction perpendicular to the first; a module frame configured to contain the sac-like cells and open in the second direction, the module frame comprising a top plate with first vent holes and first unperforated part; a first vent guide structure arranged between the sac-like cells and the top plate, the first vent guide structure comprising second vent holes and second unperforated part, and configured to direct venting towards the first vent holes; and a busbar frame coupled to the module frame in the second direction and comprising a second vent guide structure configured to direct venting towards the first vent holes. Accordingly, the stability of the battery module may be improved.

Description

battery module

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery module.

[0002] The present disclosure claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0178314 filed December 4, 2024, and all contents of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0178314 are incorporated by reference into the present disclosure.

[0003] Rechargeable batteries can be used repeatedly for extended periods through recharging. They are used in various fields, including mobility, portable electronic devices, and Energy Storage Systems (ESS). In particular, the demand for rechargeable batteries for mobility is increasing further in order to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and decrease carbon emissions. However, concerns regarding the safety of rechargeable batteries remain a significant challenge that needs to be addressed.

[0004] In the case of mobility, multiple battery cells are used to ensure performance capabilities such as power output and driving range. Generally, multiple battery cells form a battery module, and a battery pack composed of multiple modules is installed in a vehicle. In this configuration, the battery cells constituting a module are located adjacent to each other, and the battery modules constituting a battery pack are also positioned close to one another. Consequently, if a thermal runaway event occurs within a battery module or battery pack, thermal propagation occurs easily. If such heat transfer occurs in a chain reaction, it can lead to a major explosion or fire.

[0005] The problem that the present disclosure aims to solve is to provide a battery module capable of directing the venting direction of high-temperature gases, etc., generated when an accident such as a thermal runaway event occurs in the battery module to the vent holes of the top plate.

[0006] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure capable of solving the above problems are as follows.

[0007] A battery module according to exemplary embodiments is,

[0008] Pouch cells arranged in a first direction, wherein each of the pouch cells includes an electrode lead protruding in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction;

[0009] A module frame that accommodates the above pouch cells and is open in the second direction, wherein the module frame comprises a top plate including first vent holes and a first non-perforated portion;

[0010] A first venting guide structure located between the pouch cells and the top plate, comprising second vent holes and a second non-perforated portion, and configured to induce venting into the first vent holes; and

[0011] A bus bar frame including a second venting induction structure coupled to the module frame in the second direction and configured to induce venting into the first vent holes;

[0012] It may include.

[0013]

[0014] In exemplary embodiments, the second non-perforated portion includes a first surface facing the pouch cells, and the first surface may be flat.

[0015] In exemplary embodiments, the second non-perforated portion includes a first surface facing the pouch cells, and the first surface may include protruding portions.

[0016] In exemplary embodiments, the first venting induction structure may be completely superimposed on the top plate in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

[0017] In exemplary embodiments, each of the second vent holes completely overlaps with a corresponding one of the first vent holes in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, and the second non-perforated portion may completely overlap with the first non-perforated portion in the third direction.

[0018] In exemplary embodiments, the second non-perforated portion includes a second surface facing the top plate, and the second surface may be flat.

[0019] In exemplary embodiments, the second surface may be in contact with the first non-perforated portion.

[0020] In exemplary embodiments, each of the pouch cells comprises a center portion where an electrode assembly is located, a gas pocket portion at the edge of the center portion, and a sealing portion at the edge of the gas pocket portion, wherein the gas pocket portion comprises a short-side gas pocket portion and a long-side gas pocket portion, and the sealing portion comprises a short-side sealing portion and a long-side sealing portion, and the second venting induction structure may overlap the short-side sealing portion and the first direction.

[0021] In exemplary embodiments, the second venting induction structure may be in contact with the short side sealing portion.

[0022] In exemplary embodiments, the second venting induction structure may not come into contact with the short-sided gas pocket portion.

[0023] In exemplary embodiments, the second venting induction structure may overlap the short-sided gas pocket portion in the first direction.

[0024] In exemplary embodiments, the second venting induction structure may not overlap with the short-sided gas pocket portion in the first direction.

[0025] In exemplary embodiments, the long side gas pocket portion and the long side sealing portion are folded toward the center portion to form a folding portion, and the second non-perforated portion includes a first surface facing the pouch cells, and the first surface may come into contact with the overlapping folding portion in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

[0026] In exemplary embodiments, the long side gas pocket portion and the long side sealing portion are folded toward the center portion to form a folding portion, and the second non-perforated portion includes a first surface facing the pouch cells, and the first surface may not come into contact with the overlapping folding portion in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

[0027] In exemplary embodiments, the bus bar frame includes slits, and the electrode lead of a corresponding pouch cell passes through each of the slits, and the second venting induction structure may be closer to the center than to the slits.

[0028] A battery module according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure includes first and second venting induction structures, so that when an accident such as a thermal runaway event occurs in the battery module, the venting direction of high-temperature gas, etc., can be guided to the vent holes of the top plate, thereby enhancing stability.

[0029] The effects of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects can be clearly derived and understood by a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from the following description. That is, unintended effects resulting from the implementation of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be clearly derived and understood by a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to exemplary first embodiments.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded view of a battery module according to exemplary first embodiments.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a pouch cell included in a battery module according to exemplary first embodiments.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing part of the internal view of a battery module according to exemplary first embodiments.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of a bus bar frame including a battery module according to exemplary first embodiments.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing part of the internal view of a battery module according to exemplary first embodiments.

[0036] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing part of the internal view of a battery module according to exemplary second embodiments.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing part of the internal view of a battery module according to exemplary second embodiments.

[0038] Terms or words used in this disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning consistent with the technical concept of this disclosure, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the meaning of terms or words to best describe his own invention.

[0039] In this disclosure, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this disclosure, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Furthermore, when a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is described as being "on" another part, this includes not only cases where it is "immediately above" the other part, but also cases where there is another part in between. Conversely, when a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is described as being "under" another part, this includes not only cases where it is "immediately below" the other part, but also cases where there is another part in between.

[0040] It should be understood that the embodiments and drawings are merely examples of the present disclosure and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present disclosure, and that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist.

[0041] In describing the present disclosure, if it is determined that a detailed description of a known configuration or function could obscure the essence of the present disclosure, such detailed description is omitted.

[0042] The drawings are provided to more fully explain the present disclosure to a person skilled in the art; therefore, the shapes, sizes, and number of components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted for clearer explanation. The shape, size, proportion, and number of each component in the drawings do not entirely reflect the actual shape, size, proportion, and number of each component.

[0043] In this disclosure, for convenience of explanation, a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system is used to describe the positions of the components, the shapes of the components, and the relationships between the components. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are shown in FIGS. 1 through 8. In this specification, "X direction" means a direction parallel to the X-axis. In this specification, "+X direction" means the same direction as the arrow direction of the X-axis shown in FIGS. 1 through 8. In this specification, "-X direction" means the opposite direction to the arrow direction of the X-axis shown in FIGS. 1 through 8. In this specification, "Y direction" means a direction parallel to the Y-axis. In this specification, "+Y direction" means the same direction as the arrow direction of the Y-axis shown in FIGS. 1 through 8. In this specification, "-Y direction" means the opposite direction to the arrow direction of the Y-axis shown in FIGS. 1 through 8. In this specification, "Z direction" means a direction parallel to the Z-axis. In this specification, "+Z direction" means the same direction as the arrow direction of the Z-axis shown in FIGS. 1 through 8. In this specification, "-Z direction" means the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow of the Z axis shown in FIGS. 1 to 8.

[0044]

[0045] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0046]

[0047] (Exemplary first embodiments)

[0048] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to exemplary first embodiments.

[0049] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded view of a battery module according to exemplary first embodiments.

[0050]

[0051] *Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the battery module (1000) may include pouch cells (1100), a module frame (1200), a first venting induction structure (1300), bus bar frames (1400), insulating covers (1500), and end plates (1600).

[0052] Each of the pouch cells (1100) may include an electrode assembly, electrode tabs, electrode leads (1110), an electrolyte, and a pouch film.

[0053] The electrode assembly may include an anode, a cathode, and a separator. The anode may include an anode active material layer and an anode current collector. The cathode may include a cathode active material layer and a cathode current collector. The electrode assembly may be of a jelly roll type or a stack type. The jelly roll type may have a structure in which the anode, cathode, and separator are wound. The stack type may have a structure in which a first electrode unit comprising a first anode, a first cathode, and a first separator, and a second electrode unit comprising a second anode, a second cathode, and a second separator are stacked with a third separator in between. The electrolyte may be of a liquid type or a gel type.

[0054] The electrode tabs may include positive tabs and negative tabs. The positive tabs may be coupled to the positive current collector. The positive tabs may be welded to the positive current collector. The negative tabs may be coupled to the negative current collector. The negative tabs may be welded to the negative current collector.

[0055] One of the electrode leads (1110) may be an anode lead and the other may be a cathode lead. The anode lead may be coupled to anode tabs. The anode lead may be welded to anode tabs. The cathode lead may be coupled to cathode tabs. The cathode lead may be welded to cathode tabs. The anode lead and the cathode lead may protrude in opposite directions or in the same direction. The present disclosure describes only embodiments in which the anode lead and the cathode lead protrude in opposite directions. A person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains will be able to easily arrive at embodiments in which the anode lead and the cathode lead protrude in the same direction based on the present disclosure.

[0056] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a pouch cell included in a battery module according to exemplary first embodiments.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 3, the pouch cell (1100) may have a roughly rectangular shape. The pouch cell (1110) may include a center portion (CEN), a gas pocket portion (GP), a sealing portion (SP), and a connecting portion (CON).

[0058] An electrode assembly may be located in the center portion (CEN). The center portion (CEN) may be a portion of the pouch cell (1100) that protrudes in the X direction. The thickness of the center portion (CEN) in the X direction may be greater than the thickness of the gas pocket portion (GP) in the X direction. The thickness of the center portion (CEN) in the X direction may be greater than the thickness of the sealing portion (SP) in the X direction. The thickness of the center portion (CEN) in the X direction may be greater than the thickness of the connection portion (CON) in the X direction.

[0059] The gas pocket portion (GP) may be located at the edge of the center portion (CEN). The gas pocket portion (GP) may not be sealed. If the pouch cell (1100) is charged and discharged multiple times or if the temperature of the pouch cell (1100) rises above a certain level, gas may be generated inside the pouch cell (1100) even if no accidents, such as a thermal runaway event, occur in the pouch cell (1100). The gas pocket portion (GP) can contain the gas generated inside the pouch cell (1100). The gas pocket portion (GP) containing the gas generated inside the pouch cell (1100) may swell.

[0060] The gas pocket section (GP) may include short-side gas pocket sections (GP_SS) and long-side gas pocket sections (GP_LS). The short-side gas pocket sections (GP_SS) may be spaced apart from each other in the Y direction with the center section (CEN) in between. One of the short-side gas pocket sections (GP_SS) may be connected to the center section (CEN) in the -Y direction, and the other of the short-side gas pocket sections (GP_SS) may be connected to the center section (CEN) in the +Y direction. The long-side gas pocket section (GP_LS) may be connected to the center section (CEN) in the +Z direction. The -Y direction end of the long-side gas pocket section (GP_LS) may be connected to one of the short-side gas pocket sections (GP_SS), and the +Y direction end of the long-side gas pocket section (GP_LS) may be connected to the other of the short-side gas pocket sections (GP_SS).

[0061] The sealing portion (SP) may be located at the edge of the gas pocket portion (GP). The sealing portion (SP) may be a part where the pouch film of the pouch cell (1100) is bonded by heat fusion or the like. As described above, even if gas is generated inside the pouch cell (1100) and the internal pressure of the pouch cell (1110) increases, the sealing state of the pouch cell (1100) can be maintained by the sealing portion (SP). However, if an accident such as a thermal runaway event occurs in the pouch cell (1100) and an excessive amount of high-temperature gas is generated inside the pouch cell (1100) and the internal pressure of the pouch cell (1100) increases excessively, the high-temperature gas may release the sealing of the sealing portion (SP) and be vented to the outside of the pouch cell (1100). At this time, if the first venting induction structure (1300) and the second venting induction structure (1410) are not present, the high-temperature gas may be vented in a random direction.

[0062] The sealing section (SP) may include short side sealing sections (SP_SS) and long side sealing sections (SP_LS). The short side sealing sections (SP_SS) may be spaced apart from each other in the Y direction with the center section (CEN) and the short side gas pocket sections (GP_SS) in between. One of the short side sealing sections (SP_SS) may be connected to one of the short side gas pocket sections (GP_SS) in the -Y direction, and another of the short side sealing sections (SP_SS) may be connected to the other of the short side gas pocket sections (GP_SS) in the +Y direction. The long side sealing section (SP_LS) may be connected to the long side gas pocket section (GP_LS) in the +Z direction. The -Y direction end of the long side sealing portion (SP_LS) can be connected to one of the short side sealing portions (SP_SS), and the +Y direction end of the long side sealing portion (SP_LS) can be connected to the other of the short side sealing portions (SP_SS).

[0063] The connection portion (CON) may be located at the edge of the center portion (CEN). The connection portion (CON) may not be sealed. The connection portion (CON) may be connected to the center portion (CEN) in the -Z direction. The connection portion (CON) may be formed during the process of placing an electrode assembly and an electrode tab on a single pouch film and folding or bending the pouch film so that the pouch film wraps around the electrode assembly and the electrode tab. When using two pouch films (e.g., placing an electrode assembly and an electrode tab on one pouch film, covering the electrode assembly and electrode tab with another pouch film, and then bonding the two pouch films by heat fusion, etc.), a gas pocket portion (GP) and a sealing portion (SP) may be located at the location of the connection portion (CON).

[0064] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and FIG. 2, pouch cells (1100) can be arranged in the X direction. The pouch cells (1100) can be composed of banks. The banks can be composed of an initial bank, intermediate banks, and a final bank. Each of the banks can be composed of pouch cells (1100) connected in parallel with one another. The banks can be connected in series with one another. When the pouch cells (1100) are composed of n banks and each of the n banks is composed of m pouch cells, the connection method of the pouch cells (1100) can be described as m parallel-n series. The connection method of the pouch cells (1100) included in the battery module (1000) can be determined according to the magnitude of the current and voltage required for the battery module (1000).

[0065] The module frame (1200) can accommodate pouch cells (1100). The material of the module frame (1200) may be one or more of aluminum, aluminum alloy, steel, or stainless steel. The module frame (1200) may be open in the Y direction. The module frame (1200) may include a top plate (1210). The top plate (1210) may be on the pouch cells (1100). The top plate (1210) may be spaced apart from the pouch cells (1100) in the Z direction. The module frame (1200) may be formed by joining the U frame and the top plate (1210) by a method such as welding. The module frame (1200) may be an integral monoframe, and the top plate (1210) may be part of the monoframe.

[0066] The top plate (1210) may include first vent holes (1210VH) and a first non-perforated portion (1200NPP). High-temperature gases, etc., generated when an accident such as a thermal runaway event occurs in the battery module (1000) can be discharged to the outside of the battery module (1000) through the first vent holes (1210VH). The first non-perforated portion (1200NPP) may be a portion of the top plate (1210) excluding the first vent holes (1210VH).

[0067] The first venting induction structure (1300) may be located between the pouch cells (1100) and the top plate (1210). The first venting induction structure (1300) may be configured to induce high-temperature gases, etc., generated when an accident such as a thermal runaway event occurs in the battery module (1000) to be vented into the first vent holes (1210VH). The first venting induction structure (1300) may be configured to suppress high-temperature gases, etc., generated when an accident such as a thermal runaway event occurs in the battery module (1000) to be vented into the first non-perforated portion (1200NPP).

[0068] The material of the first venting induction structure (1300) may be a flame-retardant material. The material of the first venting induction structure (1300) may be one or more of ceramic, silicone, and mica. The first venting induction structure (1300) may be foam, a pad, or a plate.

[0069] In exemplary embodiments, the first venting induction structure (1300) may include second vent holes (1300VH) and a second non-perforated portion (1300NPP). High-temperature gases, etc., generated when an accident such as a thermal runaway event occurs in the battery module (1000) may be discharged to the outside of the battery module (1000) through the second vent holes (1300VH). The second non-perforated portion (1300NPP) may be a portion of the first venting induction structure (1300) excluding the second vent holes (1300VH).

[0070] In exemplary embodiments, each of the second vent holes (1300VH) may completely overlap in the Z direction with a corresponding one of the first vent holes (1210VH). Each of the second vent holes (1300VH) may be connected to a corresponding one of the first vent holes (1210VH). Each of the second vent holes (1300VH) may be substantially identical in size and shape to a corresponding one of the first vent holes (1210VH). The second non-perforated portion (1300NPP) may completely overlap with the first non-perforated portion (1210NPP) in the Z direction. In exemplary embodiments, the first venting induction structure (1300) may completely overlap with the top plate (1210) in the Z direction.

[0071] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing part of the internal view of a battery module according to exemplary first embodiments.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 4, the second non-perforated portion (1300NPP) may include a first surface (1300NPP_BS) facing the pouch cells (1100) and a second surface (1300NPP_TS) facing the top plate (1210). The first surface (1300NPP_BS) may be referred to as the bottom surface of the second non-perforated portion (1300NPP), and the second surface (1300NPP_TS) may be referred to as the top surface of the second non-perforated portion (1300NPP). In exemplary embodiments, the first surface (1300NPP_BS) and the second surface (1300NPP_TS) may be flat. The second surface (1300NPP_TS) may be in contact with the first non-perforated portion (1210NPP). The second surface (1300NPP_TS) may be in contact with the lower surface of the first non-perforated portion (1210NPP). As a non-limiting example, the second non-perforated portion (1300NPP) and the first non-perforated portion (1210NPP) may be bonded to each other by means of an adhesive, double-sided tape, etc.

[0073] The long side gas pocket portion (GP_LS) and the long side sealing portion (SP_LS) of the pouch cell (1100) housed in the module frame (1200) can be folded toward the center portion (CEN) to form a folding portion (FP). Accordingly, the internal space of the module frame (1200) can be utilized efficiently. As a non-limiting example, the folding portion (FP) can be secured to the center portion (CEN) with tape or the like.

[0074] In exemplary embodiments, the first surface (1300NPP_BS) may come into contact with the overlapping folding portion (FP) in the Z direction. In exemplary embodiments, the first surface (1300NPP_BS) may be spaced apart in the Z direction from the overlapping folding portion (FP) in the Z direction. However, if an accident such as a thermal runaway event occurs in the battery module (1000) and the first surface (1300NPP_BS) and the overlapping folding portion (FP) in the Z direction swell due to high-temperature gas, etc. generated inside the pouch cell (1100), the first surface (1300NPP_BS) comes into contact with the overlapping folding portion (FP) in the Z direction. The first surface (1300NPP_BS) can minimize the stress received by the overlapping folding portion (FP) of the first surface (1300NPP_BS) due to the pressure inside the pouch cell (1100). Even if an accident such as a thermal runaway event occurs in the pouch cell (1100) and an excessive amount of high-temperature gas is generated inside the pouch cell (1100), the flow of high-temperature gas can be guided by the first surface (1300NPP_BS) to a portion other than the folding portion (FP) that overlaps with the first surface (1300NPP_BS) in the Z direction. Consequently, the high-temperature gas can release the sealing of the folding portion (FP) that overlaps with the first vent holes (1210VH) and the second vent holes (1300VH) in the Z direction and be vented into the first vent holes (1210VH) and the second vent holes (1300VH).

[0075] Bus bar frames (1400) may be spaced apart from each other in the Y direction with the center portions (CEN) of the pouch cells (1100) in between. One of the bus bar frames (1400) may be connected to the module frame (1200) in the +Y direction, and the other of the bus bar frames (1400) may be connected to the module frame (1200) in the -Y direction. One of the bus bar frames (1400) may support the positive bus bar, intermediate bus bars, and negative bus bar, and the other of the bus bar frames (1400) may support the intermediate bus bars. The electrode leads (1110) of the first bank may be welded to the positive bus bar. The electrode leads (1110) of the corresponding intermediate bank may be welded to each of the intermediate bus bars. Each of the intermediate bus bars may have an approximately O shape. The electrode leads (1110) of the last bank may be welded to the negative bus bar. Electrical connection between the battery module (1000) and the external system can be made through the positive bus bar and the negative bus bar. The material of the bus bar frames (1400) may be a material with high electrical insulation and fire resistance.

[0076] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of a bus bar frame including a battery module according to exemplary first embodiments.

[0077] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing part of the internal view of a battery module according to exemplary first embodiments.

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the bus bar frame (1400) may include slits (1400S) and a second venting guide structure (1410). In exemplary embodiments, the second venting guide structure (1410) may be closer to the center portion (CEN) than the slits (1400S).

[0079] Each of the slits (1400S) may extend in the Z direction. The slits (1400S) may be spaced apart from each other in the X direction. The electrode lead (1110) of the corresponding pouch cells (1100) may pass through each of the slits (1400S).

[0080] The second venting induction structure (1410) can guide the electrode leads (1110) to the corresponding slits (1400S). The second venting induction structure (1410) can be configured to induce high-temperature gases, etc., generated when an accident such as a thermal runaway event occurs in the battery module (1000) to be vented into the first vent holes (1210VH). The second venting induction structure (1410) can be configured to prevent high-temperature gases, etc., generated when an accident such as a thermal runaway event occurs in the battery module (1000) from being vented in the Y direction. The second venting induction structure (1410) can be configured to prevent high-temperature gases, etc., generated when an accident such as a thermal runaway event occurs in the battery module (1000) from being vented in the direction where the bus bar frame (1400) is located.

[0081] In exemplary embodiments, the second venting induction structure (1410) may overlap with the short side sealing portion (SP_SS) in the X direction. In exemplary embodiments, the second venting induction structure (1410) may be in contact with the short side sealing portion (SP_SS). The second venting induction structure (1410) can minimize the stress received by the short side sealing portion (SP_SS) due to the internal pressure of the pouch cell (1110). Even if an accident such as a thermal runaway event occurs in the pouch cell (1100) and an excessive amount of high-temperature gas is generated inside the pouch cell (1100), the flow of high-temperature gas, etc. can be guided to a portion other than the short side sealing portion (SP_SS) by the second venting induction structure (1410). Ultimately, high-temperature gases, etc., can release the sealing of the folding portion (FP) that overlaps with the first vent holes (1210VH) and the second vent holes (1300VH) in the Z direction and be vented into the first vent holes (1210VH) and the second vent holes (1300VH).

[0082] In exemplary embodiments, the second venting induction structure (1410) may not come into contact with the short-side gas pocket portion (GP_SS). In exemplary embodiments, the second venting induction structure (1410) may not overlap with the short-side gas pocket portion (GP_SS) in the X direction. The second venting induction structure (1410) may not compress the short-side gas pocket portion (GP_SS). Accordingly, the short-side gas pocket portion (GP_SS) can accommodate gas generated inside the pouch cell (1110) and perform its original function as a gas pocket portion.

[0083] Insulating covers (1500) may be spaced apart from each other in the Y direction with pouch cells (1100) and bus bar frames (1400) in between. One of the insulating covers (1500) may cover one of the bus bar frames (1400) in the +Y direction, and the other of the insulating covers (1500) may cover the other of the bus bar frames (1400) in the -Y direction. One of the insulating covers (1500) may include an inner positive bus bar hole that can expose a portion of the positive bus bar to the outside of the battery module (1000) and an inner negative bus bar hole that can expose a portion of the negative bus bar to the outside of the battery module (1000). The material of the insulating covers (1500) may be a material with high electrical insulation and fire resistance.

[0084] The end plates (1600) may be spaced apart from each other in the Y direction with the pouch cells (1100), bus bar frames (1400), and insulating covers (1500) in between. One of the end plates (1600) may cover one of the insulating covers (1500) in the +Y direction, and the other of the end plates (1600) may cover the other of the insulating covers (1500) in the -Y direction. One of the end plates (1600) may include an outer positive bus bar hole that can expose a portion of the positive bus bar to the outside of the battery module (1000) and an outer negative bus bar hole that can expose a portion of the negative bus bar to the outside of the battery module (1000). The material of the end plates (1600) may be a material with high rigidity and heat resistance.

[0085]

[0086] (Exemplary second embodiments)

[0087] Since the exemplary second embodiments are substantially identical to the exemplary first embodiments except for the shape of the first venting induction structure (1300'), the description of the parts that are substantially identical to the exemplary first embodiments is omitted.

[0088] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing part of the internal view of a battery module according to exemplary second embodiments.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 7, the first surface (1300'NPP_BS) may include protrusions (1300'PRO).

[0090] In exemplary embodiments, the protrusions (1300'PRO) may come into contact with the overlapping folding portion (FP) in the Z direction. In exemplary embodiments, the protrusions (1300'PRO) may be spaced apart in the Z direction from the overlapping folding portion (FP) in the Z direction. However, if an accident such as a thermal runaway event occurs in the battery module (1000) and the protrusions (1300'PRO) and the overlapping folding portion (FP) in the Z direction swell due to high-temperature gas, etc. generated inside the pouch cell (1100), the protrusions (1300'PRO) come into contact with the overlapping folding portion (FP) in the Z direction. The protrusions (1300'PRO) can minimize the stress received by the overlapping folding portion (FP) and the protrusions (1300'PRO) due to the pressure inside the pouch cell (1100). Even if an accident such as a thermal runaway event occurs in the pouch cell (1100) and an excessive amount of high-temperature gas is generated inside the pouch cell (1100), the flow of high-temperature gas can be guided by the protrusions (1300'PRO) to a portion other than the folding portion (FP) that overlaps with the protrusions (1300'PRO) in the Z direction. Consequently, the high-temperature gas can release the sealing of the folding portion (FP) that overlaps with the first vent holes (1210VH) and the second vent holes (1300'VH) in the Z direction and be vented into the first vent holes (1210VH) and the second vent holes (1300'VH).

[0091]

[0092] (Exemplary third embodiments)

[0093] Since the exemplary third embodiments are substantially identical to the exemplary first embodiments except for the shape of the second venting induction structure (1410'), the description of the parts substantially identical to the exemplary first embodiments is omitted.

[0094] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing part of the internal view of a battery module according to exemplary second embodiments.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 8, the second venting induction structure (1410') may overlap with the short-side gas pocket portion (GP_SS) in the X direction. However, just like the second venting induction structure (1410), the second venting induction structure (1410') may not come into contact with the short-side gas pocket portion (GP_SS). Therefore, just like the second venting induction structure (1410), the second venting induction structure (1410') may not compress the short-side gas pocket portion (GP_SS).

[0096]

[0097] The foregoing description is merely for illustrative purposes only. The scope of the rights of the present disclosure shall be interpreted by the claims, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent or equivalent thereto shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of the rights of the present disclosure.

[0098]

[0099] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0100] 1000: Battery module

[0101] 1100: Pouch Cell

[0102] 1110: Electrode lead

[0103] CEN: Center Department

[0104] GP: Gas pocket

[0105] GP_SS: Short-sided gas pocket

[0106] GP_LS: Long side gas pocket

[0107] SP: Sealing part

[0108] SP_SS: Short side sealing part

[0109] SP_LS: Long side sealing part

[0110] CON: Connection

[0111] FP: Folding part

[0112] 1200: Module Frame

[0113] 1210: Top Plate

[0114] 1210VH: 1st vent hole

[0115] 1210NPP: 1st non-perforation area

[0116] 1300: First venting induction structure

[0117] 1300VH: 2nd vent hole

[0118] 1300NPP: 2nd Non-Penetrating Work

[0119] 1300NPP_BS: Page 1

[0120] 1300NPP_TS: Page 2

[0121] 1400: Bus bar frame

[0122] 1410: Second venting induction structure

[0123] 1500: Insulation cover

[0124] 1600: End plate

Claims

1. Pouch cells arranged in a first direction, wherein each of the pouch cells includes an electrode lead protruding in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; A module frame that accommodates the above pouch cells and is open in the second direction, wherein the module frame comprises a top plate including first vent holes and a first non-perforated portion; A first venting guide structure located between the pouch cells and the top plate, comprising second vent holes and a second non-perforated portion, and configured to induce venting into the first vent holes; and A bus bar frame including a second venting induction structure coupled to the module frame in the second direction and configured to induce venting into the first vent holes; A battery module including 2. In Paragraph 1, The second non-perforated portion includes a first surface facing the pouch cells, and the first surface is a flat battery module.

3. In Paragraph 1, A battery module in which the second non-perforated portion comprises a first surface facing the pouch cells, and the first surface comprises protruding portions.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned first venting induction structure is a battery module that completely overlaps the top plate and the third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

5. In Paragraph 1, Each of the above second vent holes is completely superimposed with a corresponding one of the above first vent holes in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, and The above second non-perforated portion is a battery module that completely overlaps the above first non-perforated portion and the above third direction.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned second non-perforated portion includes a second surface facing the top plate, and The second surface above is a flat battery module.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above second surface is a battery module in contact with the above first non-perforated portion.

8. In Paragraph 1, Each of the above pouch cells includes a center portion where an electrode assembly is located, a gas pocket portion at the edge of the center portion, and a sealing portion at the edge of the gas pocket portion. The above gas pocket portion includes a short-side gas pocket portion and a long-side gas pocket portion, and The above sealing portion includes a short side sealing portion and a long side sealing portion, and The above second venting induction structure is a battery module that overlaps the above short-sided sealing part and the above first direction.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above second venting induction structure is a battery module in contact with the above short-side sealing portion.

10. In Paragraph 8, The above second venting induction structure is a battery module that does not come into contact with the above short-sided gas pocket section.

11. In Paragraph 8, The above second venting induction structure is a battery module that overlaps the short-sided gas pocket portion and the first direction.

12. In Paragraph 8, The above second venting induction structure is a battery module that does not overlap with the above short-sided gas pocket portion and the above first direction.

13. In Paragraph 8, The above-mentioned long-side gas pocket portion and the above-mentioned long-side sealing portion are folded toward the center portion to form a folding portion, and The above-mentioned second non-perforated portion includes a first surface facing the pouch cells, and The above first surface is a battery module that contacts a folding portion overlapping in a third direction perpendicular to the above first direction and the above second direction.

14. In Paragraph 8, The above-mentioned long-side gas pocket portion and the above-mentioned long-side sealing portion are folded toward the center portion to form a folding portion, and The above-mentioned second non-perforated portion includes a first surface facing the pouch cells, and The above first surface is a battery module that does not come into contact with an overlapping folding portion in a third direction perpendicular to the above first direction and the above second direction.

15. In Paragraph 8, The above bus bar frame includes slits, and The electrode lead of the corresponding pouch cell passes through each of the above slits, and The above second venting induction structure is a battery module closer to the center portion than the above slits.

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