Battery module

Abstract

Disclosed is a battery module. The battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may comprise: a case that is provided with a space therein and has a first venting hole in the upper surface thereof; a plurality of battery cells arranged inside the case; a first cover that covers the upper surface of the case and has a second venting hole facing the first venting hole; and a second cover that covers the first cover and has a dividing line facing the second venting hole.

Description

battery module

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

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0051028, filed April 18, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0026771, filed February 23, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] As demand for portable electronic devices such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and smartwatches increases significantly and electric vehicles become increasingly widespread, research is actively being conducted on the batteries used in these devices, especially secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged.

[0004] Currently commercialized secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries. Among these, lithium secondary batteries are receiving attention for their advantages of being able to charge and discharge freely, having a very low self-discharge rate, and having a high energy density, as they have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries.

[0005] These lithium secondary batteries primarily use lithium oxide and carbon materials as the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively. Lithium secondary batteries comprise an electrode assembly comprising positive and negative plates coated with the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively, with a separator interposed between them, and an outer case, i.e., a battery case, that seals and encloses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0006] In general, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into can-type secondary batteries in which the electrode assembly is built into a metal can and pouch-type secondary batteries in which the electrode assembly is built into a pouch of an aluminum laminate sheet, depending on the shape of the outer packaging material.

[0007] Recently, secondary batteries are widely used for power and energy storage not only in small devices such as portable electronic devices but also in medium- to large-sized devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS). Multiple secondary batteries can be electrically connected and housed within a module case to form a single battery module. Each secondary battery within a battery module can be referred to as a battery cell. Furthermore, multiple such battery modules can be connected to form a single battery pack.

[0008] However, when a battery pack contains multiple battery modules, each of which contains multiple battery cells, it may be vulnerable to a thermal chain reaction between battery modules or between battery cells. For example, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs within a single battery module, the propagation of this thermal runaway to other battery modules or cells must be prevented. If the propagation of thermal runaway between battery modules or cells is not properly prevented, an event occurring in a specific battery module or battery cell may trigger a chain reaction of thermal reactions in other battery modules or cells, potentially causing an explosion or fire, or potentially increasing its scale.

[0009] In particular, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs in a single battery module, gas or flames may be randomly discharged to the outside. If the discharge of gas or flames is not properly controlled, there is a risk that the gas or flames may be discharged toward other battery modules, causing a thermal chain reaction in the other battery modules. In particular, the front side of the battery module may have module terminals, which may be configured to electrically connect to other battery modules or battery packs, such as module bus bars. Therefore, if flames are discharged toward the front side of such a battery module, the module terminals may be damaged within the battery pack, causing an electrical short. Furthermore, since other battery modules may be present at the front side of the battery module, if flames are discharged toward the front side of a specific battery module, the discharged flames may easily spread to other battery modules, potentially causing a fire to spread between battery modules.

[0010] Failure to properly control thermal transfer between battery modules or battery cells can lead to a sudden voltage drop in the battery module or battery pack. This can lead to a sudden shutdown of the device equipped with the battery module or battery pack, resulting in unexpected damage. For example, if a voltage drop in a battery pack occurs suddenly while an electric vehicle is in operation, there is no time to move the vehicle to a safe location.

[0011] Moreover, if thermal propagation between battery modules or cells fails to be properly controlled, resulting in a sudden fire or explosion, there is a high possibility of causing casualties. For example, if thermal runaway occurs in an electric vehicle, if a certain amount of time is not allowed for a full-blown fire to develop, occupants may not be able to escape safely.

[0012] Accordingly, the present invention has been created to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a battery module having an improved structure so as to appropriately control the emission of flames and the like generated inside the battery module, and a battery pack and automobile including the same.

[0013] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0014] In order to achieve the above object, a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a case providing a space therein and having a first venting hole on an upper surface; a plurality of battery cells positioned inside the case; a first cover covering the upper surface of the case and having a second venting hole facing the first venting hole; and a second cover covering the first cover and having a dividing line facing the second venting hole.

[0015] Additionally, the separating line may be configured to be separable from the battery cell when a thermal event occurs.

[0016] Additionally, the separation line may extend along the perimeter of the second venting hole.

[0017] Additionally, the first cover may include a bridge that partitions the second venting hole.

[0018] Additionally, the bridge can support the second cover.

[0019] Additionally, the second venting hole may be composed of a plurality of holes.

[0020] Additionally, the second cover may have a thickness greater than that of the first cover.

[0021] Additionally, the above separation line can form a separation area.

[0022] Additionally, the size of the second venting hole may be formed smaller than the size of the separation region.

[0023] Additionally, the separation region may be formed to be larger than the size of the first venting hole.

[0024] Additionally, the first venting hole may be provided in multiple numbers.

[0025] Additionally, the first venting hole may face at least a portion of the plurality of battery cells.

[0026] Additionally, the first cover may include a mica material.

[0027] Additionally, the second cover may include a mica material.

[0028] In addition, a battery pack according to another aspect of the present invention for achieving the above-described purpose includes a battery module according to the present invention.

[0029] In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention for achieving the above purpose, a vehicle includes a battery module according to the present invention.

[0030] 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.

[0031] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the electrical safety of a battery module can be improved.

[0032] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, heat propagation can be suppressed.

[0033] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the transmission of a thermal event due to a flame or gas external to the battery module can be suppressed.

[0034] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention, and together with the detailed description of the invention described below, serve to further understand the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to matters described in such drawings.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the battery module of Fig. 1 in isolation.

[0037] Fig. 3 is a drawing showing a part of the battery assembly of Fig. 2 in isolation.

[0038] Fig. 4 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' of Fig. 1.

[0039] Fig. 5 is a drawing showing the configuration of Fig. 4 when a thermal event occurs inside the battery module.

[0040] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of Fig. 4 when a thermal event occurs outside the battery module.

[0041] Fig. 7 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of Fig. 4.

[0042] Fig. 8 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of the first cover of Fig. 2.

[0043] Fig. 9 is a drawing showing another modified embodiment of the first cover of Fig. 2.

[0044] Fig. 10 is a drawing showing another modified embodiment of the first cover of Fig. 2.

[0045] Fig. 11 is a drawing showing another modified embodiment of the first cover of Fig. 2.

[0046] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings. Based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best explain his or her invention, they should be interpreted in a way that aligns with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0047] Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention, and it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0048] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a partial configuration of the battery module of FIG. 1 in isolation. FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a partial configuration of the battery assembly of FIG. 2 in isolation.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a case (110), a plurality of battery cells (120), a first cover (200), and a second cover (300).

[0050] The case (110) may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The case (110) may also be referred to as a frame (110). The case (110) may provide a space therein. The case (110) may have an upper surface, a lower surface, and a pair of side surfaces. In addition, the case (110) may have an open front and a back surface. The case (110) may have a first venting hole (111) on the upper surface. The first venting hole (111) may connect the inside and the outside of the case (110).

[0051] A plurality of battery cells (120) may be stacked in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. At this time, the battery cell (120) may mean a secondary battery. The secondary battery may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, an electrode lead (121), and a battery case. In particular, the battery cell (120) may be a pouch-type secondary battery. Each battery cell (120) may extend in the front-back direction or along the X-axis direction. The electrode lead (121) may protrude to the front and rear of each battery cell (120).

[0052] A compression pad (150) may be placed between a plurality of battery cells (120). The compression pad (150) may be placed between at least some of the battery cells (120) and / or on the periphery of the stack. For example, the compression pad (150) may be configured to be placed between every four battery cells (120) stacked in the left-right direction.

[0053] The compression pad (150) may be provided with an elastic material to enable swelling absorption of the battery cell (120). For example, the compression pad (150) may be composed of a foam material such as polyurethane. Alternatively, the compression pad (150) may be provided with a material capable of blocking heat or flames. For example, the compression pad (150) may be provided with an insulating or fire-retardant material such as silicone or mica.

[0054] A busbar frame assembly (130) may be provided at the front and rear of each of the plurality of battery cells (120). The busbar frame assembly (130) may be electrically connected to the electrode leads (121) of the plurality of battery cells (120).

[0055] A pair of end covers (140) can be respectively coupled to the front and rear of the case (110). The pair of end covers (140) can cover the front and rear of the case (110). The end covers (140) can have a square shape.

[0056] The first cover (200) may cover the upper surface of the case (110). The first cover (200) may have a second venting hole (211) facing the first venting hole (111). The first venting hole (111) and the second venting hole (211) may face each other. In addition, the first venting hole (111) and the second venting hole (211) may have very similar sizes. The first cover (200) may be attached, fixed, coupled, or fastened to the upper surface of the case (110). In addition, the first cover (200) may include a first top part (210) and a pair of first side parts (220). The first top part (210) and the pair of first side parts (220) may each have a plate shape. Additionally, the first top part (210) and the pair of first side parts (220) may be formed integrally. The first top part (210) may be attached, fixed, coupled, or fastened to the upper surface of the case (110). The pair of first side parts (220) may be attached, fixed, coupled, or fastened to a pair of side surfaces of the case (110), respectively.

[0057] The second cover (300) can cover the first cover (200). And the second cover (300) can have a dividing line (311, score line) facing the second venting hole (211). The second cover (300) can include a second top part (310) and a pair of second side parts (320). The second top part (310) and the pair of second side parts (320) can each have a plate shape. In addition, the second top part (310) and the pair of second side parts (320) can be formed integrally. The second top part (310) can be attached, fixed, coupled, or fastened to the upper surface of the first top part (210). The pair of second side parts (320) can be attached, fixed, coupled, or fastened to the pair of first side parts (220), respectively.

[0058] The term "score line" (311) may be used as a term that includes and collectively refers to a perforated line (311), a notching line (311), a cutting line (311), a shredding line (311), a tear line (311), or a separation line (311). The separation line (311) may be configured to be easily separated by pressure applied to the second cover (300).

[0059] 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, venting gas can pass through the first venting hole (111) and the second venting hole (211) to pressurize the second cover (300). The venting gas can push the separation line (311) to separate at least a portion of the second cover (300) or form a hole. This allows the interior and exterior of the battery module to be connected, and the venting gas can be discharged to the exterior of the battery module.

[0060] In addition, according to this configuration of the present invention, the second cover (300) can prevent or block high-temperature gas or flammable particles generated from the outside of the battery module from flowing into the inside of the case (110). As a result, the thermal event can be blocked from propagating to the battery cell (120) inside the case (110).

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a separation line (311) of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention can be configured to be separated from a battery cell (120) when a thermal event occurs.

[0062] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module can be improved.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the separation line (311) of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may extend along the perimeter of the second venting hole (211). Alternatively, the separation line (311) may be formed inside an area facing the second venting hole (211).

[0064] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module can be improved. When a thermal event occurs within the battery module, the separation line (311) can be easily separated. This facilitates the discharge of venting gas.

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a separation line (311) of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may form a separation area (312). The separation area (312) may be an area surrounded by the separation line (311).

[0066] 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 separation area (312) formed by the separation line (311) can be completely separated from the second cover (300). This facilitates the discharge of venting gas.

[0067] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a first cover (200) of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a bridge (212). The bridge (212) may divide the second venting hole (211) into a plurality of holes (211a). The bridge (212) may be formed integrally with the first cover (200). In addition, the bridge (212) may be positioned between the plurality of holes (211a) constituting the second venting hole (211). The bridge (212) may face the first venting hole (111). In addition, the bridge (212) may be in contact with the second cover (300).

[0068] According to this configuration of the present invention, the bridge (212) can improve the rigidity of the first cover (200). In addition, the bridge (212) can stably support the second cover (300). Accordingly, the bridge (212) can prevent the separation line (311) of the second cover (300) from being easily separated by high-temperature gas or flammable particles generated from the outside of the battery module. On the other hand, the separation line (311) can prevent the separation line (311) of the second cover (300) from being easily separated when a thermal event occurs inside the battery module.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may be provided with a plurality of first venting holes (111). In addition, the second venting holes (211) may be provided with a plurality of second venting holes (211) and may be positioned to correspond one-to-one with the first venting holes (111). In addition, the separating lines (311) may be provided with a plurality of second venting holes (211) and may be positioned to correspond one-to-one with the second venting holes (211).

[0070] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module can be improved. Venting gas generated within the battery module can be smoothly discharged to the outside.

[0071] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration taken along the cutting line A-A' of FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 4, the first venting hole (111) according to one embodiment of the present invention may face at least a portion of the plurality of battery cells (120). Alternatively, the first venting hole (111) may face at least a portion of the upper surfaces of the plurality of battery cells (120).

[0072] Additionally, the second venting hole (211) may face at least a portion of the plurality of battery cells (120). Alternatively, the second venting hole (211) may face at least a portion of the upper surface of the plurality of battery cells (120).

[0073] Additionally, the second cover (300) or the separation area (312) may face at least a portion of the plurality of battery cells (120). Alternatively, the second cover (300) or the separation area (312) may face at least a portion of the upper surfaces of the plurality of battery cells (120).

[0074] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module can be improved. When a thermal event occurs, venting gas can be discharged from the upper side or upper surface of the battery cell (120). Furthermore, the venting gas can be discharged to the outside of the battery module through the first venting hole (111), the second venting hole (211), and the separation region (312).

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the first cover (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a heat-resistant material. For example, the first cover (200) may include a ceramic material such as mica.

[0076] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module can be improved. The first cover (200) can maintain its shape stably even when exposed to high-temperature gas due to a thermal event.

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the second cover (300) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a heat-resistant material. For example, the second cover (300) may include a ceramic material such as mica.

[0078] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module can be improved. The second cover (300) can maintain its shape stably even when exposed to high-temperature gas due to a thermal event.

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the second cover (300) of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may have a thickness greater than that of the first cover (200). In addition, the second cover (300) may have a higher hardness than the first cover (200).

[0080] According to this configuration of the present invention, since the second cover (300) has a thick thickness, the battery module can have higher thermal resistance to flames or high-temperature gases generated from the outside.

[0081] If the hardness of the second cover (300) is low, the bonding state between the second cover (300) and the first cover (200) or the case (110) may not be maintained when venting gas is discharged from inside the battery module. As a result, a gap may be formed between the second cover (300) and the first cover (200) or between the second cover (300) and the case (110). In addition, high-temperature gas may be trapped in the gap, which may deteriorate the thermal stability of the battery module.

[0082] On the other hand, according to this configuration of the present invention, since the second cover (300) has high hardness, it can maintain a stable bonding state to the first cover (200) or the case (110) when venting gas is discharged from inside the battery module.

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, an adhesive member may be disposed between the first cover (200) and the case (110) of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition, an adhesive member may be disposed between the first cover (200) and the second cover (300). In addition, an insulating film may be disposed between the first cover (200) and the case (110). The insulating film may be composed of an electrically insulating material such as plastic. For example, the insulating film may be made of a polyurethane material. The insulating film may be adhered to the case (110) and / or the first cover (200). Furthermore, the insulating film may have an adhesive applied to both sides thereof to adhere the case (110) and the first cover (200).

[0084] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of FIG. 4 when a thermal event occurs inside the battery module. Referring to FIG. 5, a separation region (312) of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may be separated from a second cover (300) when a thermal event occurs. The separation region (312) may be separated along a separation line (311). When the separation region (312) is separated, a third venting hole (313) may be formed in the second cover (300). The third venting hole (313) may face the first venting hole (111) and the second venting hole (211). In addition, the third venting hole (313) may be in communication with the first venting hole (111) and the second venting hole (211). The venting gas (g) can be discharged to the outside of the battery module by sequentially passing through the first venting hole (111), the second venting hole (211), and the third venting hole (313).

[0085] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of FIG. 4 when a thermal event occurs outside the battery module. Referring to FIG. 6, a bridge (212) of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may support a second cover (300). Alternatively, the bridge (212) may support a separation region (312). The separation region (312) may be subjected to pressure due to flames, ignitable particles, or venting gas (g) generated from the outside of the battery module. At this time, the bridge (212) may prevent the separation region (312) from being separated from the second cover (300) by contacting or supporting the lower surface of the separation region (312).

[0086] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module can be improved. The second cover (300) can prevent flames or venting gases from flowing from the outside into the interior of the case (110). This can block heat transmission into the interior of the battery module.

[0087] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of FIG. 4. Referring to FIG. 7, the size of the second venting hole (211) of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may be formed smaller than the size of the separation region (312). For example, the diameter (D1) of the second venting hole (211) may be formed smaller than the diameter (D2) of the separation region (312). In addition, the diameter (D1) of the first venting hole (111) may be formed smaller than the diameter (D2) of the separation region (312). The diameters (D1) of the first venting hole (111) and the second venting hole (211) may be formed to be substantially the same.

[0088] Alternatively, the separation area (312) may be formed to be larger than the size of the first venting hole (111). In addition, the separation area (312) may be formed to be larger than the size of the second venting hole (211).

[0089] According to this configuration of the present invention, the first cover (200) can support the perimeter of the separation region (312). This can enhance the thermal safety of the battery module. The second cover (300) can prevent flames or venting gases from flowing into the interior of the case (110) from the outside. This can block heat transmission into the interior of the battery module.

[0090] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of the first cover (200) of FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 8, a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may have a plurality of second venting holes (211). Each second venting hole (211) may be composed of a plurality of holes (211b). A plurality of bridges (212a) that partition the second venting holes (211) may be provided. For example, the bridges (212a) may be configured in a cross shape. As a result, the second venting hole (211) may be partitioned into four holes (211b).

[0091] According to this configuration of the present invention, the area of ​​the bridge (212a) supporting the second cover (300) can be increased. As a result, the bridge (212a) can support the second cover (300) more stably.

[0092] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating another modified embodiment of the first cover (200) of FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 9, a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may have a plurality of second venting holes (211). Each second venting hole (211) may be composed of a plurality of holes (211c). A plurality of bridges (212b) that partition the second venting holes (211) may be provided. For example, the bridges (212b) may be composed of a pair of opposing bridges. As a result, the second venting hole (211) may be partitioned into three holes (211c).

[0093] According to this configuration of the present invention, the area of ​​the bridge (212b) supporting the second cover (300) can be increased. As a result, the bridge (212b) can support the second cover (300) more stably.

[0094] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing another modified embodiment of the first cover (200) of FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 10, a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may have a plurality of second venting holes (211). Each second venting hole (211) may be composed of a plurality of holes (211d). The plurality of holes (211d) constituting the second venting hole (211) may be located within an opposing region (213). The opposing region (213) may be an region facing a separation region (312). The opposing region (213) and the separation region (312) may have substantially the same size and shape. A portion that divides the second venting hole (211) into a plurality of holes (211d) may be referred to as a bridge (212c). For example, the bridge (212c) can be divided into six holes (211d) by the second venting hole (211).

[0095] According to this configuration of the present invention, the area of ​​the bridge (212c) supporting the second cover (300) can be increased. As a result, the bridge (212c) can support the second cover (300) more stably.

[0096] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing another modified embodiment of the first cover (200) of FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 11, a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may have a plurality of second venting holes (211). Each second venting hole (211) may be composed of a plurality of holes (211e). The plurality of holes (211e) constituting the second venting hole (211) may be located within an opposing region (213). The opposing region (213) may be an region facing a separation region (312). The opposing region (213) and the separation region (312) may have substantially the same size and shape. A portion that divides the second venting hole (211) into a plurality of holes (211e) may be referred to as a bridge (212d). For example, the bridge (212d) can be divided into six holes (211e) by the second venting hole (211). And the plurality of holes (211e) can form a honeycomb structure.

[0097] According to this configuration of the present invention, the area of ​​the bridge (212d) supporting the second cover (300) can be increased. As a result, the bridge (212d) can support the second cover (300) more stably.

[0098] A battery pack according to the present invention may include one or more battery modules according to the present invention described above. For example, a battery pack according to the present invention may be configured to include a pack housing, within which are contained multiple battery modules according to the present invention. In this case, when the battery modules according to the present invention are housed, the heat transfer between battery modules is effectively prevented in an emergency situation such as thermal runaway, and sufficient time for the user to respond or escape can be secured.

[0099] 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 of the present invention, such as a BMS, a bus bar, a relay, a current sensor, etc.

[0100] Meanwhile, components such as a BMS, a bus bar, a relay, and a current sensor may be included as components of a battery module according to the present invention. In this case, components such as a BMS, a bus bar, a relay, and a current sensor may be provided inside a case (110). In this case, the battery module may be referred to as a battery pack, and the case (110) may be referred to as a pack housing. Furthermore, in this case, the battery module according to the present invention may be a cell-to-pack type battery pack in which battery cells (120) are directly mounted on a pack housing.

[0101] The battery module according to the present invention can be applied to automobiles such as electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles. That is, an automobile according to the present invention may include a battery module according to the present invention or a battery pack according to the present invention. Furthermore, an automobile according to the present invention may further include various other components included in the automobile in addition to the battery module or battery pack. For example, an automobile according to the present invention may further include a body, a motor, a control device such as an electronic control unit (ECU), and the like, in addition to the battery module according to the present invention.

[0102] As described above, although the present invention has been described by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and variations are possible by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the equivalent scope of the patent claims to be described below.

Claims

1. A case providing space inside and having a first venting hole on the upper surface; A plurality of battery cells positioned inside the case; A first cover covering the upper surface of the case and having a second venting hole facing the first venting hole; and, A battery module comprising a second cover covering the first cover and having a separating line facing the second venting hole.

2. In paragraph 1, The above dividing line is, A battery module configured to be detachable when a thermal event occurs from the above battery cell.

3. In paragraph 1, The above dividing line is, A battery module extending along the perimeter of the second venting hole.

4. In paragraph 1, The above first cover, A battery module comprising a bridge that partitions the second venting hole.

5. In paragraph 1, The above bridge, A battery module supporting the above second cover.

6. In paragraph 1, The above second venting hole is, A battery module composed of multiple holes.

7. In paragraph 1, The above second cover, A battery module having a thickness thicker than the first cover.

8. In paragraph 1, The above dividing line is, Battery modules forming a separation area.

9. In paragraph 8, The size of the above second venting hole is: A battery module formed smaller than the size of the above separation area.

10. In paragraph 8, The above separation area is, A battery module formed to be larger than the size of the first venting hole.

11. In paragraph 1, The above first venting hole is, Battery modules equipped in multiples.

12. In paragraph 1, The above first venting hole is, A battery module facing at least some of the plurality of battery cells.

13. In paragraph 1, The above first cover, Battery module containing mica material.

14. In paragraph 1, The above second cover, Battery module containing mica material.

15. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A vehicle comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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