Battery module

Abstract

A battery module is disclosed. The battery module according to an aspect of the present invention may include: a frame which provides an inner space and has an open front side and a top plate having formed therein venting holes; a plurality of battery cells accommodated in the inner space and arranged in the left-right direction; an end cover coupled to the front side of the frame; and a filling member filled between the plurality of battery cells and the end cover.

Description

battery module

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

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0119905, filed on September 8, 2023, the entire contents of which are disclosed in the specification and drawings of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] As demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, video cameras, and mobile phones rapidly increases and the commercialization of robots and electric vehicles becomes more widespread, research into high-performance secondary batteries capable of repeated charging and discharging is actively underway.

[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] As lithium secondary batteries are gaining attention as an energy source for various types of electronic products, robots, and electric vehicles, various studies are being conducted to improve the safety of lithium secondary batteries.

[0006] The present invention may provide a battery module with improved electrical safety when a thermal event occurs in the battery module.

[0007] Additionally, the present invention may provide a battery module capable of discharging venting gas, ignitable particles, and flames to the upper side of the battery module when a thermal event occurs in the battery module.

[0008] In addition, the present invention may provide a battery module including a structure capable of maintaining an electrical insulation state between an end cover and a battery cell when a thermal event occurs in the battery module.

[0009] In addition, the present invention may provide a battery module in which venting control is easy when a thermal event occurs in the battery module.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention for achieving the above-described purpose, a battery module may include a frame having a top plate that provides an internal space, has a front side that is open, and has a venting hole formed therein; a plurality of battery cells accommodated in the internal space and arranged in a left-right direction; an end cover coupled to the front side of the frame; and a filling member that is filled between the plurality of battery cells and the end cover.

[0011] In addition, the frame may further include a monitoring hole that exposes the filling member to the outside to monitor the filling member from the outside.

[0012] Additionally, the venting hole can expose the upper surface of the plurality of battery cells.

[0013] Additionally, each of the plurality of battery cells includes a body and a front terrace portion protruding forward of the body, and the filling member can be filled to surround the front terrace portion.

[0014] Additionally, each of the plurality of battery cells includes a body and an electrode lead protruding toward the front of the body, and the filling member can be filled to surround the electrode lead.

[0015] Additionally, the filling member may be extended to cover at least a portion of the upper surface of the plurality of battery cells.

[0016] Additionally, the interior space may further include a partition wall extending in the front-back direction.

[0017] Additionally, the partition wall and the frame can be formed integrally.

[0018] In addition, the frame further includes a bottom plate facing the top plate, and the partition wall can connect the top plate and the bottom plate.

[0019] In addition, the above venting holes may be provided in multiple numbers and may be respectively located in the space divided by the partition wall.

[0020] Additionally, each of the plurality of battery cells includes a body and an electrode lead protruding forward of the body, and the partition wall may protrude further forward than the body of the plurality of battery cells.

[0021] Additionally, the filling member can be filled to surround the front side of the partition wall.

[0022] Additionally, the frame may include a front wall protruding inwardly from the top plate.

[0023] A battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a battery module of the present invention.

[0024] A vehicle according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a battery module of the present invention.

[0025] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the electrical safety of the battery module can be improved compared to a conventional battery module.

[0026] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, venting control of a battery module can be facilitated.

[0027] 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.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing some of the components of the battery module of Fig. 1 in isolation.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a frame of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 4 is a front view of the frame of Figure 3.

[0032] Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the battery module of Figure 1.

[0033] Figure 6 is a drawing of the battery module of Figure 1 viewed from below.

[0034] Fig. 7 is a drawing showing a part of a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' of Fig. 1.

[0035] Fig. 8 is a drawing showing a part of a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line B-B' of Fig. 1.

[0036] Figures 9 and 10 are drawings showing a part of the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line C-C' of Figure 1.

[0037] Fig. 11 is a drawing showing a part of a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line D-D' of Fig. 1.

[0038] Fig. 12 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of Fig. 11.

[0039] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a frame of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a partial configuration of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] In some of the accompanying drawings, corresponding components are designated by the same reference numerals. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the drawings illustrate elements simply and clearly and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, to facilitate understanding of various embodiments, the dimensions of some elements depicted in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements. Furthermore, elements of known technology that are useful or essential in commercially feasible embodiments may often not be depicted so as not to obscure the spirit of various embodiments of the present invention.

[0042] Hereinafter, 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.

[0043] Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely embodiments of the present invention and do not fully represent the technical idea of ​​the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0044] Lithium secondary batteries primarily use lithium oxide and carbon materials as the positive and negative active materials, respectively. Lithium secondary batteries comprise an electrode assembly comprising positive and negative plates coated with the positive and negative active materials, respectively, arranged with a separator between them, and an outer case, i.e., a battery case, that seals and encloses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0045] 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.

[0046] Recently, secondary batteries have been widely used for power and energy storage, not only in small devices like portable electronic devices but also in medium- to large-sized devices like 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. Furthermore, multiple such battery modules can be connected to form a single battery pack.

[0047] When multiple secondary batteries (battery cells) or battery modules are densely packed into a relatively small space, they can be vulnerable to thermal events. For example, if a thermal event such as thermal runaway occurs in a single battery cell, high-temperature gases, flames, and heat can be generated. If these gases, flames, or heat are transferred to other battery cells within the same battery module, an explosive chain reaction, such as thermal propagation, can occur. This chain reaction can not only cause a fire or explosion in the battery module in question, but can also trigger fires or explosions in other battery modules.

[0048] Furthermore, for medium- to large-sized battery packs, such as those used in electric vehicles, the risk of a thermal chain reaction can be even greater due to the inclusion of a large number of battery cells and modules to increase output and / or capacity. Furthermore, battery packs installed in electric vehicles may be surrounded by other users, such as drivers. Therefore, if a thermal event occurring in a specific battery cell or module is not properly controlled and a chain reaction occurs, it could result in significant property damage and even human casualties.

[0049] In conventional battery modules, an insulating cover is often positioned where the electrode leads of each battery cell are located to ensure insulation between the electrode leads and the module case. However, this insulating cover, typically made of injection-molded plastic, is susceptible to flames. Therefore, if flames or venting gases emitted from a specific battery cell are directed toward the insulating cover, the insulating cover melts, failing to properly protect the weld between adjacent electrode leads.

[0050] Moreover, if internal discharges generated during battery cell ignition, such as residues generated when the battery cell or busbar housing melts, flow toward the electrode leads, this can cause an internal short circuit. Furthermore, if the electrode leads are moved during the venting gas emission process, they may come into contact with other unconnected electrode leads, potentially causing an internal short circuit. Furthermore, the area where the electrode leads are located, i.e., the terraces of the battery cells, is relatively wide, making it highly susceptible to concentrated inflow of flames or venting gases. Consequently, the flames or gases could trigger thermal runaway in other battery cells.

[0051] Additionally, module terminals or connector terminals are often located where electrode leads are located. Venting gases or flames can escape outside the battery module through gaps or voids formed in these module terminals or connector terminals. This can increase the likelihood of thermal runaway propagation between battery modules.

[0052] Embodiments of the present invention provide a battery module with improved electrical safety and facilitate venting control of the battery module.

[0053] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a battery module (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing some components of the battery module (10) of Fig. 1 in isolation. Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, the battery module (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a frame (100), a battery cell (300), an end cover (200), and a filling member (400).

[0054] According to one embodiment, the frame (100) may form the exterior of the battery module (10) and may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. In addition, the frame (100) may have an open shape at the front and rear sides, and may provide a space therein for accommodating, for example, a battery cell (300). The frame (100) may have a top plate (110) forming an upper surface, and the top plate (110) may have a venting hole (102). In this case, the venting holes (102) may be provided in multiple numbers and may be configured in a circular or oval shape. The frame (100) may also have a bottom plate (120) forming a lower surface.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the battery cell (300) may refer to a secondary battery having a pouch shape and may be provided in multiples. The battery cells (300) may extend in the front-back direction or the X-axis direction and may be stacked, arranged, or aligned in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. A plurality of battery cells (300) may be accommodated in the internal space of the frame (100).

[0056] The end covers (200) may be configured as a pair and may be provided to be coupled to the openings of the frame (100), for example, the front side and the rear side, respectively.

[0057] A filling member (400) may be filled between a plurality of battery cells (300) and an end cover (200) according to one embodiment. At this time, the filling member (400) may include a resin. For example, the filling member (400) may be typically made of urethane or silicone, and may additionally include fillers, etc., taking heat / fire resistance performance, etc. into consideration. In addition, depending on the location and purpose of use of the filling member, electrical insulation performance and chemical resistance may also be required in addition to heat / fire resistance performance.

[0058] According to this configuration of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs, venting gas, ignitable particles, or flames can be suppressed from being emitted in the front-back direction or the X-axis direction due to the filling member (400) filled between the plurality of battery cells (300) and the end cover (200). As a result, the venting gas, ignitable particles, or flames can be discharged to the upper side of the battery cells (300) and can be discharged to the outside of the battery module (10) through the venting hole (102) of the top plate (110), etc. Therefore, the filling member (400) according to one embodiment of the present invention can facilitate venting control of the battery module (10).

[0059] Continuing with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery module (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a busbar frame assembly (500) and an insulating cover (600). The busbar frame assembly (500) may be electrically and physically connected to a plurality of battery cells (300). According to one embodiment, the insulating cover (600) may be positioned between the end cover (200) and the busbar frame assembly (500) to prevent the end cover (200) and the busbar frame assembly (500) from electrically contacting or short-circuiting.

[0060] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a frame (100) of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a front view of the frame (100) of FIG. 3 as viewed in the X-axis direction. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the frame (100) of the battery module (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a partition wall (130). The partition wall (130) partitions an internal space provided by the frame (100) and may extend in the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction. A plurality of partition walls (130) may be provided, and the plurality of partition walls (130) may be arranged or aligned in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. A plurality of battery cells (300) may be accommodated in the internal space partitioned by the partition wall (130). For example, the plurality of battery cells (300) may be accommodated by dividing them into several groups by the partition wall (130).

[0061] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module (10) can be secured. For example, thermal events can be controlled in spatial units defined by the partition wall (130), thereby suppressing the propagation of thermal events.

[0062] For example, even if a thermal event occurs in a space partitioned by a partition wall (130), the thermal event can be suppressed from propagating to another space adjacent to that space.

[0063] Additionally, since the frame (100) is provided with a venting hole (102) facing upward, venting gases, flammable particles, or flames can be discharged outside the battery module without spreading to other adjacent spaces. As a result, the damage range of a thermal event can be limited to the space housing the battery cell (300) where the thermal event occurred.

[0064] Fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the battery module (10) of Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is a partially exploded perspective view of the battery module (10) of Fig. 1 viewed from the inside. Referring to Figs. 3 to 6, a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may be provided with a monitoring hole (101).

[0065] In addition, the frame (100) may have holes that are distinct from the venting holes (102). At this time, the holes may be provided in multiple numbers, and some of the holes may be injection holes (104) into which the filling material (400) is injected, and the remaining holes may be monitoring holes (101). The injection holes (104) or the monitoring holes (101) may be formed on at least one of the upper surface, lower surface, or side surface of the frame (100).

[0066] The monitoring hole (101) exposes the filling member (400) to the outside, so that the filling member can be monitored from the outside. The filling member (400) can be fluid at high temperatures and can solidify at room temperature. The filling member (400) can be filled into the interior of the battery module (10) through the injection hole (104) while still fluid. Then, it can be confirmed through the monitoring hole (101) whether the filling member (400) has been sufficiently injected. When the filling member (400) has been sufficiently injected, the filling member (400) can be exposed to the outside through the monitoring hole (101). According to this configuration of the present invention, it can be easily confirmed through the monitoring hole (101) whether the filling member (400) has been normally filled. As a result, the productivity and safety of the battery module (10) can be improved.

[0067] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a part of a cross-sectional configuration taken along the cutting line A-A' of FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 7, each of a plurality of battery cells (300) of a battery module (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a body (310) and a terrace portion (320). The terrace portion (320) is a place where the terminals of the electrodes inside the battery cell (300) are gathered according to polarity, and the terminals gathered in this way become electrode leads to form an electrical connection. Since the terrace portion (320) is also used as a space for absorbing venting gas generated inside the battery cell (300), in some cases, the filling member (400) may be of a specification that allows some deformation even after being hardened, such as a silicone base.

[0068] The body (310) may include an electrode assembly and a cover surrounding the electrode assembly. The body (310) may extend in the front-back direction or in the X-axis direction. The terrace portion (320) may protrude from the body (310) in the front-back direction or in the X-axis direction. The terrace portion (320) may include a front terrace portion (320) and a rear terrace portion (320). The filling member (400) may be filled to surround the front terrace portion (320) or the rear terrace portion (320).

[0069] According to this configuration of the present invention, venting control of the battery module can be facilitated. For example, when a thermal event occurs, the filling member (400) surrounds the front terrace portion (320) or the rear terrace portion (320), so that the discharge of venting gas, ignitable particles, or flames through the front terrace portion (320) or the rear terrace portion (320) can be suppressed. As a result, the venting gas, ignitable particles, or flames can be discharged to the upper side of the battery cell (300) through the venting hole (102), etc.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 7, each of the plurality of battery cells (300) of the battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include an electrode lead (330).

[0071] The electrode lead (330) may protrude from the body (310) in the forward / backward direction or in the X-axis direction. The terrace portion (320) may include a front electrode lead (330) and a rear electrode lead (330), and the filling member (400) may be filled to surround the electrode lead (330).

[0072] According to this configuration of the present invention, venting control of the battery module (10) can be facilitated. For example, when a thermal event occurs, since the filling member (400) surrounds the electrode lead (330), the discharge of venting gas, ignitable particles, or flames through the electrode lead (330) can be suppressed. As a result, the venting gas, ignitable particles, or flames can be discharged to the upper side of the battery cell (300) through the venting hole (102), etc.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 7, the partition wall (130) of the battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to protrude further forward in the X-axis direction than the body (310) of the plurality of battery cells (300).

[0074] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module (10) can be secured. For example, by protruding the partition wall (130) further forward than the body (310) of the battery cell (300), the spatial partitioning can be made more certain. Consequently, even if a thermal event occurs, the thermal event can be prevented from propagating to adjacent partition spaces.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 7, the filling member (400) of the battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention can be filled to surround the front side of the partition wall (130). In addition, the filling member (400) can fill the space between the partition wall (130) and the front terrace portion (320), and further, the filling member (400) can fill the space between the partition wall (130) and the electrode lead (330).

[0076] According to this configuration of the present invention, venting control of the battery module (10) can be facilitated. For example, when a thermal event occurs, the filling member (400) can be filled to surround the partition wall (130), thereby suppressing the discharge of venting gas, ignitable particles, or flames through the partition wall (130). As a result, the venting gas, ignitable particles, or flames can be discharged to the upper side of the battery cell (300).

[0077] In addition, according to this configuration of the present invention, the filling member (400) can prevent the partition wall (130) and the electrode lead (330) from electrically contacting or short-circuiting. In addition, the filling member (400) can prevent the partition wall (130) and the front terrace portion (320) from electrically contacting or short-circuiting. As a result, the electrical safety of the battery module can be improved.

[0078] Fig. 8 is a drawing showing a part of a cross-sectional configuration taken along the cutting line B-B' of Fig. 1. Referring to Fig. 8, the filling member (400) of the battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention can be filled up to the height of the body (310). According to one embodiment, the filling member (400) can be filled to entirely surround the front terrace portion (320) or the rear terrace portion (320) of the battery cell (300).

[0079] According to this configuration of the present invention, venting control of the battery module can be facilitated. For example, when a thermal event occurs, since the filling member (400) entirely surrounds the front terrace portion (320) or the rear terrace portion (320), the discharge of venting gas, ignitable particles, or flames through the front terrace portion (320) or the rear terrace portion (320) can be suppressed. As a result, the venting gas, ignitable particles, or flames can be discharged to the upper side of the battery cell (300).

[0080] FIGS. 9 and 10 are drawings showing a part of a cross-sectional configuration taken along the cutting line C-C' of FIG. 1. Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, a venting hole (102) of a battery module (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention can expose the upper surfaces of a plurality of battery cells (300).

[0081] According to this configuration of the present invention, venting control of the battery module (10) can be facilitated. For example, when a thermal event occurs, venting gas, flammable particles, or flames can be discharged from the upper terrace portion (340) or upper surface of a plurality of battery cells (300). In addition, the venting gas, flammable particles, or flames can be discharged to the outside of the battery module through the venting hole (102). As a result, the thermal event can be suppressed from propagating to the battery cells (300) in the adjacent compartment space.

[0082] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the partition wall (130) of the battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be formed integrally with the frame (100). For example, the frame (100) and the partition wall (130) may be manufactured using an extrusion method. In addition, according to one embodiment, the frame (100) and the partition wall (130) may include a metal material.

[0083] According to this configuration of the present invention, the partition wall (130) can partition the internal space of the frame (100), and the partitioned space can stably maintain its shape against expansion pressure. For example, even if a thermal event or swelling occurs in one of the partition spaces, the partition wall (130) can withstand it with high rigidity, and damage propagating to the battery cells (300) in the adjacent partition space can be blocked. As a result, the thermal safety of the battery module (10) can be enhanced.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, a frame (100) of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a top plate (110) and a bottom plate (120) configured to face each other. In addition, a plurality of partition walls (130) may connect the top plate (110) and the bottom plate (120), respectively.

[0085] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module can be further improved.

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be provided with a plurality of venting holes (102). In addition, a plurality of partition walls (130) may divide the internal space of the frame (100) into a plurality of spaces. Each of the plurality of divided spaces may be provided with at least one venting hole (102).

[0087] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module can be improved. For example, even if a thermal event occurs in one of the spaces partitioned by multiple partition walls (130), venting gas, flammable particles, or flames can be discharged to the outside through the venting hole (102) of the corresponding partition space without spreading to the adjacent partition space.

[0088] Fig. 11 is a drawing showing a part of a cross-sectional configuration taken along the cutting line D-D' of Fig. 1. Referring to Fig. 11, when a thermal event occurs in a battery module (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention, the filling member (400) suppresses venting gas, ignitable particles, or flames from being discharged forward or backward, and allows venting gas, ignitable particles, or flames to be discharged through the upper surface or upper terrace (340) of the battery cell (300). According to this configuration of the present invention, venting control of the battery module (10) can be facilitated.

[0089] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of FIG. 11. Referring to FIG. 12, the filling member (400) of the battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be extended to cover at least a portion of the upper surface of the plurality of battery cells (300). Alternatively, the filling member (400) may be extended to cover at least a portion of the upper terrace portion (340) of the plurality of battery cells (300). In this case, the filling member (400) may be filled up to the front of the venting hole (102) located at the frontmost position among the plurality of venting holes (102), or the filling member (400) may be filled up to the back of the venting hole (102) located at the rearmost position among the plurality of venting holes (102).

[0090] According to this configuration of the present invention, the filling member (400) can more strongly suppress venting gas, ignitable particles or flames from being discharged forward or backward and induce them to be discharged upward, thereby facilitating venting control of the battery module.

[0091] Fig. 13 is a drawing showing a frame (100) of a battery module (10) according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 14 is a drawing showing a partial configuration of a battery module (10) according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figs. 13 and 14, the frame (100) of the battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a front wall (140) protruding inward from a top plate (110).

[0092] The front wall (140) may protrude from the lower surface of the top plate (110) and extend along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. Such a front wall (140) may, for example, cover at least a portion of the partition wall (130) or cover the front end of the partition wall (130). In addition, the front wall (140) may be connected to a plurality of partition walls (130) and may protrude so as to contact, adhere to, or be adjacent to the upper surfaces or upper terrace portions (340) of a plurality of battery cells (300).

[0093] According to this configuration of the present invention, the front wall (140) can limit the filling position of the filling member (400). For example, the front wall (140) can control the filling of the filling member (400) by blocking the filling member (400) having fluidity from filling or flowing backward beyond the front wall (140).

[0094] The battery pack according to the present invention may include the battery module (10) according to the present invention described above. In addition, the battery pack according to the present invention may further include various other components in addition to the battery module according to the present invention described above, for example, components of battery packs known at the time of filing of the present invention, such as a BMS, a bus bar, a pack case, a relay, and a current sensor.

[0095] Meanwhile, the terms "battery module (10)" and "battery pack" may not be strictly distinct terms, and in some cases, the terms "battery module (10)" and "battery pack" may be used interchangeably. For example, a battery pack that does not include a BMS may refer to a battery module, and when considering an embodiment of a battery module, if the battery module functions as a battery pack, the term "battery module" may refer to a battery pack.

[0096] A vehicle according to the present invention may include the battery module (10) according to the present invention described above. The battery module (10) according to the present invention may be applied to vehicles such as electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles, and the vehicle according to the present invention may further include, in addition to the battery module (10), various other components included in the vehicle, for example, a body, a motor, a control device such as an ECU (electronic control unit), etc.

[0097] Meanwhile, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used in this specification, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms are only for convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the location of the target object or the location of the observer.

[0098] 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 frame having an inner space, an open front side, and a top plate with a venting hole formed therein; A plurality of battery cells accommodated in the internal space and arranged in the left-right direction; An end cover coupled to the front side of the above frame; and, A battery module comprising a filling member filled between the plurality of battery cells and the end cover.

2. In paragraph 1, The above frame is, A battery module further comprising a monitoring hole for externally monitoring the filling member by exposing the filling member to the outside.

3. In paragraph 1, The above venting hole is, A battery module exposing the upper surfaces of the plurality of battery cells.

4. In paragraph 1, Each of the above plurality of battery cells, Includes a body and a front terrace portion protruding forward of the body, The above filling member is, A battery module filled to surround the front terrace section.

5. In paragraph 1, Each of the above plurality of battery cells, comprising a body and an electrode lead protruding forward of the body; The above filling member is, A battery module filled to surround the above electrode leads.

6. In paragraph 1, The above filling member is, A battery module extending to cover at least a portion of the upper surface of the plurality of battery cells.

7. In paragraph 1, A battery module further comprising a partition wall that divides the internal space and extends in the front-rear direction.

8. In paragraph 7, A battery module in which the above partition wall and the above frame are formed integrally.

9. In paragraph 7, The above frame is, Further comprising a bottom plate opposite to the above top plate, The above partition wall is, A battery module connecting the top plate and the bottom plate.

10. In paragraph 7, The above venting holes are provided in multiples, Battery modules each located in the space defined by the above partition wall.

11. In paragraph 7, Each of the above plurality of battery cells, comprising a body and an electrode lead protruding forward of the body; The above partition wall is, A battery module that protrudes further forward than the body of the plurality of battery cells.

12. In paragraph 11, The above filling member is, A battery module filled to surround the front side of the above partition wall.

13. In paragraph 1, The above frame is, A battery module including a front wall protruding inward from the top plate.

14. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A vehicle comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

16. A main frame having a top plate that provides an internal space, has an open front side, and has a venting hole formed therein, and a bottom plate opposite thereto; A partition wall configured to divide the internal space and extend in the longitudinal direction of the frame, and to connect the top plate and the bottom plate; A plurality of battery cells accommodated in the internal space and arranged in the left-right direction; An end cover coupled to the open front side of the above frame; and, Based on the position where the plurality of battery cells are accommodated in the internal space, a filling member capable of suppressing a banting gas, ignitable particles or flames is included between the plurality of battery cells and the end cover, Each of the plurality of battery cells includes a body and an electrode lead protruding toward the front of the body, A battery module in which the above-mentioned filling member is filled to surround the electrode leads of each of the plurality of battery cells.

17. In paragraph 16, The above-mentioned filling member is a battery module in which a urethane-based or silicone-based material is used.

18. A main frame having an internal space designed to accommodate multiple battery cells, an open front side, a top plate with a venting hole formed therein, and a bottom plate opposite thereto; A partition wall configured to divide the internal space and extend in the longitudinal direction of the frame, and to connect the top plate and the bottom plate; An end cover coupled to the open front side of the above frame; and, A frame for a battery module including a filling member capable of suppressing a banting gas, ignitable particles, or flames between the plurality of battery cells and the end cover, based on the positions where the plurality of battery cells are accommodated in the internal space.

19. In paragraph 18, The above-mentioned filling member is a frame for a battery module in which a urethane-based or silicone-based material is used.

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