Battery module, battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

The present invention can comprise: a plurality of battery cells, each having a storage part and a sealing part and being stacked on each other; a module case having an inner space in which the plurality of battery cells are stored; and a pressing member, which has at least one surface arranged to face at least one surface of a terrace part in which an electrode lead is positioned among the sealing parts of the battery cells, has at least another surface arranged to face at least one surface of the module case, and presses the terrace part when the inner pressure increases inside the battery cells.

Description

Battery modules, battery packs containing the same, and vehicles

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0151094, filed on November 3, 2023, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated by reference into this application.

[0003] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0104120, filed on August 5, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0004]

[0005] Secondary batteries, which have high applicability according to product group and electrical characteristics such as high energy density, are widely used in portable devices as well as electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) driven by electrical power sources.

[0006] These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for environmental friendliness and energy efficiency, not only because they have the primary advantage of drastically reducing the use of fossil fuels, but also because they produce no byproducts from energy use.

[0007] Commonly used secondary batteries today include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. When high output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery module or battery pack. Furthermore, to increase charge / discharge capacity, multiple battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery module or pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in a battery module or pack can vary depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0008] Meanwhile, since battery cells undergo chemical reactions during charging and discharging, their performance can deteriorate if used in environments above optimal temperatures. Furthermore, if thermal control fails to maintain optimal temperatures, there is a constant risk of unexpected fire or explosion. Furthermore, battery modules are structured to house these cells tightly within the module frame. Therefore, if a thermal event occurs in a single battery cell, the resulting high-temperature gases and flames can spread to adjacent cells, potentially triggering a chain reaction of battery cell explosions, making them extremely dangerous.

[0009] In particular, when a battery module contains multiple battery cells, the high-temperature gases, flames, sparks, etc. generated during a thermal runaway in a specific battery cell are highly likely to erupt toward the front and rear of the battery cells where the electrode leads of the battery module are located. This can cause thermal damage to components located at both ends of the battery module, such as end plates or adjacent components of the busbar frame, and may even lead to structural collapse.

[0010] Additionally, heat can spread to adjacent battery modules due to flames, etc., emitted externally through the end plates. Specifically, if flames originating from a specific battery module spread to the end plates of other battery modules, the risk of heat spread between modules or a chain reaction of fires can increase. This can lead to thermal runaway conditions spreading throughout the entire battery pack, which includes multiple battery modules.

[0011] Therefore, there is a need to develop a structure that can prevent the discharge of high-temperature gases or flames from a battery cell when a thermal event occurs in any one battery cell or appropriately control the direction of discharge to delay thermal runaway between battery cells or battery modules.

[0012]

[0013] Accordingly, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery module with improved safety and reliability by appropriately controlling the venting direction of high-temperature gas or flames generated in battery cells in the event of an abnormal situation in the battery module, thereby effectively preventing heat transmission between battery cells or battery modules.

[0014] Another technical object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack including a battery module of an improved structure, and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0015] The technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0016]

[0017] In order to solve the above problem, the present invention may include a plurality of battery cells, each having a receiving portion and a sealing portion and being stacked on each other, a module case that receives the plurality of battery cells in an internal space, and a pressing member that is arranged so that at least one side faces at least one side of a terrace portion where an electrode lead is located among the sealing portions of the battery cells, and at least another side faces at least one side of the module case, and is configured to pressurize the terrace portion when the internal pressure inside the battery cell increases.

[0018] The above module case includes a top plate arranged to cover the upper side of the battery cell, and the pressing member can be configured to be in contact with the top plate.

[0019] The above pressurizing member may be configured to surround at least a portion of the perimeter of the terrace portion.

[0020] At least a portion of the above pressurizing member may be disposed on the upper side of the sealing portion.

[0021] The above pressing member may be formed with a groove configured to be inserted into at least a portion of the folding area of ​​the sealing portion.

[0022] The above pressurizing member may be configured such that when venting gas is discharged upward from the battery cell, venting occurs at a central portion of the battery cell.

[0023] The above pressurizing member may be formed such that the upper portion extends toward the central portion of the battery cell.

[0024] The above-mentioned pressure member may be configured to surround all four sides of the terrace portion.

[0025] The battery cell may further include a busbar assembly located on the side of the terrace portion where the electrode lead is located among the sealing portions, and electrically connected to the electrode lead, and the pressing member may be located on the inside of the busbar assembly.

[0026] Further comprising a barrier member disposed between adjacent battery cells, wherein the pressure member can face at least one surface of the barrier member.

[0027] The above pressurized member may include an insulating or heat-resistant material.

[0028] The above pressurizing member may include two or more different materials.

[0029] The above pressurizing member may include two or more materials having different strengths.

[0030] In addition, the present invention provides a battery pack including a battery according to the present invention.

[0031] And, the present invention provides an automobile including a battery pack according to the present invention.

[0032]

[0033] According to one aspect of the present invention, when an abnormal situation such as thermal runaway occurs in a battery cell, the discharge of venting gas or flames toward the terrace portion can be prevented or suppressed. In particular, the terrace portion of a battery cell may have a relatively wide space within the internal space of a battery module. However, according to the above aspect, since venting gas or flames are not discharged from a battery cell in which a thermal event has occurred toward the terrace portion, the propagation of thermal runaway caused by venting gas or flames to other battery cells through the space near the terrace portion can be suppressed or blocked.

[0034] In particular, according to one embodiment of the present invention, even if the internal pressure of the battery cell increases, the phenomenon of the fusion (sealing) portion of the sealing portion being separated by the pressurizing member is prevented, thereby preventing the sealing of the sealing portion from being broken. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent high-temperature gases or flames from being discharged to electrical components such as busbar assemblies or module terminals positioned adjacent to the terrace portion, particularly on the outside in the relevant direction. Therefore, damage to various components positioned in the relevant direction can be prevented, and furthermore, unintentional interruption of the electrical connection between battery cells or battery modules can be prevented.

[0035] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, directional venting, which discharges venting gases and the like in a desired direction, can be more easily implemented. For example, according to one embodiment of the present invention, gases or flames can be discharged toward the upper portion of a battery cell or battery module. In this case, the safety and reliability of a battery module comprising multiple battery cells can be further improved.

[0036] In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, the pressing member is configured to be coupled to the busbar assembly, thereby facilitating assembly of the pressing member and simplifying the manufacturing process.

[0037] Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent other battery modules from being thermally damaged by high-temperature gases or flames generated from a specific battery module. In particular, according to this aspect of the present invention, the propagation of thermal runaway between modules can be effectively prevented or delayed.

[0038] Accordingly, in this case, events such as fire or explosion due to thermal runaway of a battery pack including multiple battery modules or a device equipped with them can be prevented or delayed.

[0039] In particular, for electric vehicles, by inhibiting or delaying the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells or battery modules, sufficient time can be secured for occupants to escape or drive.

[0040] In addition, the present invention may have various other effects, which will be described in each embodiment configuration, or the description of effects that can be easily inferred by those skilled in the art will be omitted.

[0041]

[0042] 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.

[0043] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing some of the components of the battery module of Fig. 1 in isolation.

[0045] FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a battery cell included in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a portion of a battery module including a pressurizing member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 5 is a front view showing a pressurizing member included in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 6 is a top cross-sectional view showing a state in which a pressure member according to one embodiment of the present invention is coupled to a battery cell.

[0049] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view showing a portion of a battery module including a pressurizing member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 8a is a front view showing a pressure member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 8b is an enlarged view of the upper portion of the pressurizing member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view showing a portion of a battery module including a pressurizing member according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Fig. 10 is a front view showing a pressurizing member according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] FIG. 11 is a front view showing a pressurizing member included in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a pressurizing member included in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a portion of a configuration of a battery module including a pressurizing member according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Fig. 14 is a front view showing a pressurizing member according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a portion of a configuration of a battery module including a pressurizing member according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a battery module including a pressurizing member according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] FIG. 17 is a front view showing a pressurizing member included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 18 is a drawing showing a process of joining the lower surface of a top plate and a pressure member according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 19 is a drawing showing a process of joining the lower surface of a top plate and a pressure member according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] FIG. 20 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a battery pack including a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] FIG. 21 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] FIG. 22 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0066]

[0067] 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.

[0068] Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. 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.

[0069] Furthermore, the present invention includes various embodiments. For each embodiment, redundant descriptions of substantially identical or similar components will be omitted, and the differences will be described.

[0070] Additionally, to facilitate understanding of the invention, the attached drawings are not drawn to scale and some components may have exaggerated dimensions. Furthermore, identical components may be assigned the same reference numbers in different embodiments.

[0071] Although terms like "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise specified, a "first" component may also be a "second" component.

[0072] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0073] Hereinafter, the phrase "any configuration is placed on (or below)" a component or "on (or below)" a component may mean that any configuration is placed in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of said component, and that other configurations may be interposed between said component and any configuration placed on (or below) said component.

[0074] Additionally, when it is described that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly connected or connected to one another, but that other components may also be "interposed" between the components, or that each component may be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" through another component.

[0075] As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "consisting of" or "comprising" should not necessarily be construed to include all of the components or steps described in the specification, and should be construed to mean that some of the components or steps may not be included, or that additional components or steps may be included.

[0076] Throughout the specification, when reference is made to “A and / or B,” this may mean A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0077] Meanwhile, in this specification, unless otherwise specified, the X-axis direction in which a plurality of battery cells (100) are stacked is referred to as the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction, which is a horizontal direction orthogonal to the cell stacking direction, is referred to as the front-back direction, and the Z-axis direction orthogonal to the XY plane is referred to as the up-down direction (vertical direction). Furthermore, in the case of pouch-type cells, the Y-axis direction may also be referred to as the length direction of the cell. In addition, the left-right direction, the front-back direction, and the up-down direction may also be expressed as the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction, respectively.

[0078] Meanwhile, in this specification, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back may be used, but these terms are only for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms may vary depending on the position, arrangement, rotation, and position of the object being targeted, or the position of the observer.

[0079] Fig. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a portion of the battery module (10) of Fig. 1 in isolation. Fig. 3 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a battery cell (100) included in a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery cell (100), a module case (200), a busbar assembly (300), and a pressure member (400).

[0081] A battery cell (100) may include an electrode assembly, a cell case (110) that accommodates the electrode assembly, and an electrode lead (120) that is connected to the electrode assembly and extends outward from the cell case (110) to function as an electrode terminal.

[0082] The battery cell (100) may be a pouch-type secondary battery. Such a pouch-type secondary battery may have a cell case (110) configured in a pouch shape in which a metal layer made of aluminum is interposed between polymer layers.

[0083] Specifically, referring to FIG. 3, the battery cell (100) may have a receiving portion (R) and a sealing portion (S). Here, the receiving portion (R) may indicate a portion where an electrode assembly and an electrolyte are received. For example, the cell case (110) may have receiving portions (R) positioned in the central portions (102) of two pouches, for example, a left pouch and a right pouch, and the edge portions of the receiving portions (R) may be sealed. At this time, at least some of the receiving portions (R) of the two pouches may have an internal space formed in a concave shape on a surface facing the electrode assembly, and the electrode assembly may be mounted in this internal space. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the receiving portions (R) are illustrated as having a double cup shape formed on both sides of the cell case (110), but the present invention is not necessarily limited to this shape of the cell case (110). For example, the battery cell (100) may be configured in a single cup shape in which the storage portion (R) is formed only on one side of the cell case (110).

[0084] The sealing portion (S) can be said to be a portion where the edge around the storage portion (R) is heat-sealed, surrounding the periphery of the storage portion (R). That is, the sealing portion (S) can be provided by sealing the outer periphery of the storage portion (R). In particular, the battery cell (100) can be said to have four sides (corners) centered on the storage portion (R). At this time, all four sides can be configured in a sealed form, or only three sides can be configured in a sealed form. At this time, a cell with four sides sealed can be called a four-sided sealing cell, and a cell with three sides sealed can be called a three-sided sealing cell. For example, in the exemplary configuration illustrated in FIG. 3, the battery cell (100) is configured in an upright form, and the front, rear, and top of the left pouch and the right pouch are sealed, and the bottoms of the left pouch and the right pouch are not sealed and can be configured in a folded form while being connected to each other. In this case, the battery cell (100) can be said to be sealed on three sides.

[0085] Each battery cell (100) may be provided with an electrode lead (120). The electrode lead (120) includes a positive lead and a negative lead, and the positive lead and the negative lead may be provided to protrude on the same side (corner) or different sides of the battery cell (100). In this case, if the positive lead and the negative lead are located on the same side, it is called a unidirectional cell, and if the positive lead and the negative lead are located on different sides, particularly on opposite sides, it may be called a bidirectional cell.

[0086] The electrode lead (120) may be configured to be extended to the front and / or rear side of the sealing portion (S) of the battery cell (100). At this time, the sealing portion (S) from which the electrode lead (120) is extended may be defined as a terrace portion (T). Here, the terrace portion (T) may mean a sealing portion (S) extending vertically from the front and / or rear of the battery cell (100).

[0087] Referring to FIG. 3, the sealing portion (S) may include two terrace portions (T) and an upper sealing portion (S1). Here, the two terrace portions (T) may refer to the front sealing portion and the rear sealing portion of the battery cell (100).

[0088] Referring to the portion indicated by A in Fig. 3, the upper sealing portion (S1) can be folded at least once. That is, a folding area (F) can be formed by partially folding the upper sealing portion (S1). Since the front sealing portion or the rear sealing portion, i.e., the terrace portion (T), is the portion where the electrode lead (120) is located, it can be stored inside the module case (200) without being folded. In contrast, the upper sealing portion (S1) can be stored inside the module case (200) in a folded state.

[0089] A plurality of battery cells (100) may be included in a battery module (10). In addition, these plurality of battery cells (100) may be mutually stacked in at least one direction. For example, the plurality of battery cells (100) may be arranged in a vertical direction (Z-axis direction) and in a parallel manner in the left-right direction (X-axis direction). In particular, in the case of a three-sided sealing cell, each battery cell (100) may be provided in a standing state with the side that does not include the sealing portion (S) facing downward. At this time, each battery cell (100) may have the sealing portion (S) facing forward-backward (Y-axis direction) and upward (+Z-axis direction), and the receiving portion (R) facing left-right (X-axis direction).

[0090] Meanwhile, the present invention is not limited by the specific type or shape of the battery cell (100), and various battery cells (100) known at the time of filing of the present invention may be employed to implement the cell assembly of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a pouch-type secondary battery having a high energy density and easy stacking is targeted as shown in the drawing, but it is of course possible for a cylindrical or square secondary battery to be applied as the battery cell (100).

[0091] The module case (200), with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, may be configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells (100) within its internal space. That is, the module case (200) has an empty space formed within its internal space, and a plurality of battery cells (100) may be accommodated within this internal space. For example, the module case (200) may have an upper plate, a lower plate, a left plate, a right plate, a front plate, and a rear plate to limit its internal space. In addition, a plurality of battery cells (100) may be positioned within this limited internal space. Here, the module case (200) may include a metal and / or plastic material.

[0092] In addition, at least some of the plates constituting the module case (200) may be configured in an integrated form. For example, referring to FIG. 2, the module case (200) may be configured in a monoframe form in which the upper plate, lower plate, left plate, and right plate are integrated with each other. In this case, the front and rear of the monoframe may have an open form, and the front and rear plates may be connected to the front and rear openings of the monoframe as end frames to seal the internal space of the monoframe. As another example, the module case (200) may be configured in a U-frame form in which the lower plate, left plate, and right plate are integrated with each other. In this case, the upper plate, front plate, and rear plates may be connected to the upper, front, and rear ends of the U-frame. Meanwhile, various fastening methods, such as welding or bolting, may be used when connecting each component of the module case (200). However, the present invention is not limited by a specific material, shape, or connecting method of the module case (200).

[0093] In one embodiment, although not shown in the drawing, at least one of the plates constituting the module case (200), such as the upper plate, may include at least one venting area through which venting gas discharged from the battery cell (100) is discharged. For example, the venting area may be a venting hole or a preliminary break line. In one embodiment of the present invention, the upper plate of the module case (200) may have a venting area to induce directional venting of the battery module (10) upward.

[0094] The busbar assembly (300) may be configured to be electrically connected to the electrode leads (120). The busbar assembly (300) may be configured to enable the electrode leads (120) of a plurality of battery cells (100) to be connected to each other. More specifically, the busbar assembly (300) may be configured to support the electrode leads (120), facilitate the interconnection of the electrode leads (120), and enable sensing of voltage, etc., from the electrode leads (120).

[0095] The busbar assembly (300) may be placed adjacent to the terrace portion (T) where the electrode lead (120) is located among the sealing portion (S) of the battery cell (100). For example, the busbar assembly (300) may be placed adjacent to the terrace portion (T) where the electrode lead (120) is located among the sealing portion (S) facing the front side (one side facing the -Y-axis direction) of the battery cell (100).

[0096] The busbar assembly (300) may include a busbar terminal (310) and a busbar frame (320), as illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0097] The busbar terminal (310) may be configured to electrically connect two or more electrode leads (120) or to be connected to one or more electrode leads (120) to transmit sensing information to a control unit such as a battery management system (BMS).

[0098] And, the busbar frame (320) may be composed of an electrically insulating material, such as a plastic material. The busbar frame (320) may be configured such that the busbar terminal (310) is seated and fixed therein. Furthermore, the busbar frame (320) may have a busbar slit (321) formed therein. And, the busbar terminal (310) may be attached to the outer side of the busbar frame (320), such as the front (-Y-axis direction). In this case, the electrode lead (120) may penetrate the busbar slit (321) of the busbar frame (320) and come into contact with the busbar terminal (310) located on the outer side. In particular, the electrode lead (120) may be coupled and fixed to the busbar terminal (310) alone or in a state where two or more are stacked. At this time, the method of fixing the connection between the electrode lead (120) and the bus bar terminal (310) may be a method such as laser welding or ultrasonic welding, but various other fastening methods may also be applied.

[0099] The pressing member (400) may be positioned on the inside of the busbar assembly (300). Specifically, referring to FIG. 6, the pressing member (400) may be positioned on the inside of the busbar frame (320), and the busbar terminal (310) may be positioned on the outside of the busbar frame (320). In other words, the pressing member (400) and the busbar terminal (310) may be positioned in opposite directions with the busbar frame (320) interposed therebetween. In this case, the electrode lead (120) may contact the busbar terminal (310) located on the outside by penetrating the busbar slit (321) of the busbar frame (320).

[0100] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a battery pack including a pressure member according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a front view illustrating a pressure member included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a top cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a pressure member according to one embodiment of the present invention is coupled to a battery cell. FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of a battery pack including a pressure member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, at least a portion of the pressing member (400) may be arranged to face at least one side of the terrace portion (T). The pressing member (400) may be configured to press the terrace portion (T) on both sides of the terrace portion (T). One side of the pressing member (400) may be arranged to face the first side (111) of the terrace portion (T), and the other side of the pressing member (400) may be arranged to face the second side (112) of the terrace portion (T) facing the opposite direction to the first side (111). Here, the first side (111) of the terrace portion (T) may be a side facing the left direction (e.g., the -X-axis direction), and the second side (112) may be a side facing the right direction (e.g., the +X-axis direction). For example, as indicated by the arrow in the drawing, the portion of the pressurizing member (400) positioned on the left side of the terrace portion (T) can pressurize the terrace portion (T) in the right direction, and the portion positioned on the right side of the terrace portion (T) can pressurize the terrace portion (T) in the left direction.

[0102] The pressurizing member (400) may be configured to pressurize the terrace portion (T) when the internal pressure of the battery cell (100) increases. The pressurizing member (400) may pressurize not only the electrode lead (120), but also all or part of the terrace portion (T) so as to prevent even a part of the terrace portion (T) from being opened.

[0103] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the pressure member (400) can be configured to suppress the terrace portion (T) from spreading or separating. In particular, the sealing portion (S) (e.g., the terrace portion (T)) of the battery cell (100) is a fused portion and may have weaker durability against high temperature, pressure, flame, etc. compared to the receiving portion (R) of the battery cell (100). However, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, since the terrace portion (T) of the battery cell (100) is protected by the pressure member (400), it is possible to prevent or prevent it from being affected by venting gas or flame emitted from other battery cells (100). Therefore, in this case, it is possible to effectively prevent thermal runaway propagation between battery cells (100) within the battery module (10).

[0104] In addition, by applying pressure from both sides (e.g., left side, right side) of the terrace portion (T), the terrace portion (T) can be prevented from spreading to both sides or moving in one direction. In this way, when the terrace portion (T) is pressurized from both sides, the pressure on the terrace portion (T) is reliably applied, thereby further improving the sealing performance of the terrace portion (T).

[0105] According to one embodiment, with reference to the portion indicated by B in FIG. 5, the pressing member (400) may be positioned such that at least one surface faces at least one surface of the module case (200). In other words, at least one surface of the pressing member (400) may be formed to extend toward the module case (200).

[0106] Referring to FIG. 4, one side of a battery cell (100) and one side of a module case (200) configured to accommodate the battery cell (100) may be spaced apart from each other by a specified distance. That is, an empty space (g) may be formed between one side of the battery cell (100) and one side of the module case (200) configured to accommodate the battery cell (100). When a thermal event occurs, venting gas or flames emitted from the battery cell (100) may move to other surrounding battery cells (100) through the empty space (g).

[0107] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs in one battery cell (100), the high temperature gas or flame emitted can be prevented from being transferred to other battery cells (100) through the empty space (g) between the module case (200) and the battery cell (100). Accordingly, a chain reaction of explosions of battery cells (100) can be prevented and / or delayed.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 4, the pressurizing member (400) may be configured to extend vertically (Z-axis direction) along the terrace portion (T). In order to prevent venting gas from venting from the terrace portion (T), the pressurizing member (400) may extend vertically along the shape of the terrace portion (T) and may be configured to pressurize the entire terrace portion (T). For example, the vertical length of the pressurizing member (400) may be substantially equal to or longer than the vertical length of the terrace portion (T).

[0109] That is, the pressure member (400) continuously applies pressure to the entire terrace portion (T) from the bottom to the top, thereby preventing the entire terrace portion (T) from being opened or ruptured. According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to completely block venting of venting gas or flames from the terrace portion (T), and more reliably prevent the terrace portion (T) from being ruptured by the pressure of venting gas or flames.

[0110] The pressure member (400) may be composed of a plurality of pieces. The plurality of pressure members (400) may be arranged at regular intervals along the stacking direction (X-axis direction) of the battery cells (100).

[0111] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the module case (200) may include a top plate (210) (e.g., an upper plate). The top plate (210) may be positioned to cover the upper side of the battery cell (100). At this time, referring to the portion indicated by B in FIG. 5, the pressing member (400) may be configured to be in contact with the top plate (210) of the module case (200). That is, the upper surface of the pressing member (400) may be in direct contact with the top plate (210).

[0112] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 7, the battery cell (100) can be roughly divided into edge portions (101) at the front and rear sides and a central portion (102) therebetween. The pressing member (400) is configured to extend in a vertical direction (Z-axis direction) to the top plate (210), so that among the upper portions (e.g., upper sealing portion (S1)) of the battery cell (100), the edge portion (101) can be pressed based on the longitudinal direction (Y).

[0113] The pressurizing member (400) can induce high-temperature gases or flames generated in the battery cell (100) to vent upward when the battery module (10) experiences an abnormal situation. When the front and / or rear terrace portion (T) of the battery cell (100) is pressurized by the pressurizing member (400), venting can be induced in a direction other than the front and / or rear of the battery module. For example, in this case, it can be more suitably applied to top venting that induces directional venting in the upper direction of the battery module.

[0114] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent venting at the front and / or rear edge portion (101) in the upper direction of the battery module (10) as well as front and / or rear venting through the terrace portion (T). At the same time, it is possible to induce venting at the central portion (102) excluding the front and / or rear edge portion (101) in the upper direction of the battery cell (100).

[0115] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent high-temperature gas or flames emitted from one battery cell (100) from being transferred to other battery cells (100) through the empty space (g) between the top plate (210) and the battery cell (100). Accordingly, it is possible to prevent and / or delay a chain reaction of battery cells (100).

[0116] According to one embodiment, the upper surface of the pressure member (400) and the lower surface of the top plate (210) may be joined using an adhesive or the like. For example, an adhesive (not shown), such as an adhesive or adhesive tape, may be placed between the upper surface of the pressure member (400) and the lower surface of the top plate (210). However, the manner in which the pressure member (400) and the top plate (210) are joined is not limited by the above embodiment, and may be designed in various ways.

[0117] The pressurizing member (400) may include an insulating or heat-resistant material. For example, the pressurizing member (400) may be made of an insulating or heat-resistant material or may include a material of such a material. For example, the pressurizing member (400) may include at least one material having strong insulating and / or heat-resistant (including fire-resistant) performance, such as plastic, rubber, silicone, aerogel, metal, and GFRP (glass fiber reinforced plastic). For example, the pressurizing member (400) may include a metal material having rigidity and heat resistance to physically or chemically prevent rupture of the terrace portion (T).

[0118] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the heat or flame blocking performance of the terrace portion (T) can be more stably secured. More specifically, according to the above-described embodiment, through the pressurizing member (400) including the heat insulating or heat resistant performance, the movement of venting gas or flames in the space around the terrace portion (T) to other battery cells (100) in the vicinity can be effectively blocked.

[0119] However, the material of the pressurizing member (400) is not limited by the above embodiment, and there is no special limitation on the material as long as it can exhibit a predetermined insulating performance or heat resistance performance.

[0120] Fig. 8a is a front view showing a pressure member according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8b is an enlarged view showing an upper portion of the pressure member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0121] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 8A, the pressing member (400) may be configured to surround at least a portion of the perimeter of the terrace portion (T). The pressing member (400) may surround at least three sides of the terrace portion (T). The pressing member (400) may surround both sides of the terrace portion (T), and one side therebetween. For example, the pressing member (400) may surround the first side (111), the second side (112), and one side therebetween (e.g., the upper side) of the terrace portion (T).

[0122] The pressing member (400) may include a first pressing portion (410) arranged to face the first surface (111) of the terrace portion (T), a second pressing portion (420) arranged to face the second surface (112) of the terrace portion (T) facing in the opposite direction to the first surface (111), and a third pressing portion (430) connecting the first pressing portion (410) and the second pressing portion (420).

[0123] The first pressurized portion (410) and the second pressurized portion (420) may be arranged side by side with a terrace portion (T) between them. The third pressurized portion (430) may be arranged vertically with respect to the first pressurized portion (410) and the second pressurized portion (420). For example, the pressurized member (400) may have a 'ㄷ' shape.

[0124] The pressurizing member (400) may further include a slit (432) surrounded by the first pressurizing portion (410), the second pressurizing portion (420), and the third pressurizing portion (430). The terrace portion (T) may pass through the pressurizing member (400) through the slit (432).

[0125] The slit (432) may be formed to extend in a vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The upper side of the slit (432) may be blocked by the third pressing portion (430), and the lower side of the slit (432) may be open. Therefore, when assembling the pressing member (400) to the battery cell (100), the pressing member (400) may be assembled from the upper side to the lower side, and the slit (432) opened in the lower side may be assembled so that the terrace portion (T) passes through it.

[0126] The width (length in the X-axis direction) (W1) of the slit (432) may be substantially equal to or wider than the thickness (length in the X-axis direction) of the terrace portion (T).

[0127] According to one embodiment, the width (length in the X-axis direction) (W1) of the slit (432) may be wider than the thickness (length in the X-axis direction) of the terrace portion (T). That is, one side of the pressing member (400) may be arranged to be spaced apart from the terrace portion (T) by a predetermined distance. Here, the predetermined distance may mean a gap that allows the volume of the battery cell (100) to swell while preventing the battery cell (100) from spreading apart due to thermal runaway.

[0128] Accordingly, the swelling phenomenon in which the battery cell (100) expands beyond a certain level can be absorbed or tolerated to a certain extent. At the same time, even if the internal pressure of the battery cell (100) increases during thermal runaway in a specific battery cell (100), the phenomenon of the fusion (sealing) portion of the sealing portion being separated by the pressurizing member (400) can be prevented.

[0129] According to another embodiment, the width (length in the X-axis direction) (W1) of the slit (432) may be substantially equal to the thickness (length in the X-axis direction) of the terrace portion (T). That is, the pressing member (400) may be configured to contact at least one surface of the terrace portion (T). The pressing member (400) may be in close contact with at least one surface of the terrace portion (T). In this case, the pressing member (400) may be configured to pressurize and / or compress the terrace portion (T) from the beginning. That is, even when no thermal event occurs in the battery cell (100), the pressing member (400) may always be configured to contact the terrace portion (T) and compress the terrace portion (T) with a pressure of a certain level or higher.

[0130] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, even in a normal state, the pressurizing member (400) pressurizes the terrace portion (T), so that the terrace portion (T) can be pressurized from the initial stage when thermal runaway occurs. Therefore, by more reliably preventing the terrace portion (T) from being separated, it is possible to fundamentally block venting gas, etc. from escaping through the terrace portion (T). In addition, even in a normal state where thermal runaway does not occur, the terrace portion (T) is pressurized, so that the position of the terrace portion (T) of each battery cell (100) can be more stably fixed, and further, movement of the battery cell (100) can be prevented.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the first pressing portion (410), the second pressing portion (420), and the third pressing portion (430) of the pressing member (400) may be formed integrally. According to another embodiment, the first pressing portion (410), the second pressing portion (420), and the third pressing portion (430) of the pressing member (400) may be bonded by adhesive or the like. However, the bonding method of the pressing member (400) is not limited by the above embodiment, and may be designed in various ways.

[0132] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, instead of a plurality of pressing members (400) pressing a single terrace portion (T) each pressing the terrace portion (T), a single pressing member (400) presses the terrace portion (T) from different directions, so pressing is easy and the pressing force can be relatively large. In addition, the pressing member (400) can be easily fixed and coupled to the battery cell (100).

[0133] At least a portion of the pressure member (400) may be positioned above the sealing portion (S). At least a portion of the pressure member (400) may be positioned above the upper sealing portion (S1). That is, the pressure member (400) may cover at least a portion of the upper sealing portion (S1).

[0134] Specifically, the third pressurizing portion (430) may be positioned above the first pressurizing portion (410) and the second pressurizing portion (420). The third pressurizing portion (430) may be positioned above the upper sealing portion (S1). That is, the vertical height of the pressurizing member (400) may be higher than the vertical height of the battery cell (100).

[0135] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the upper sealing portion (S1) may be formed to protrude upwardly from the receiving portion (R) of the battery cell (100). Therefore, it may be suitable in terms of space utilization for the pressure member (400) to protrude upwardly from the battery cell (100).

[0136] A groove (431) configured to allow at least a portion of the folding area (F) of the upper sealing portion (S1) to be inserted into the pressing member (400) may be formed in the third pressing portion (430) of the pressing member (400). The groove (431) may extend from the slit (432) of the pressing member (400) and may have a structure that is recessed in the upward direction.

[0137] The size of the groove (431) may be substantially the same as or larger than the size of the folding area (F) of the sealing portion (S). For example, the groove (431) may extend from the slit (432) and may have a shape extending in the right direction (+X-axis direction) from the slit (432) so as to correspond to the shape of the folding area (F). For example, the groove (431) may have a rectangular shape composed of horizontal and vertical planes. For example, the groove (431) may include an inclined surface corresponding to the shape of the folding area (F). For example, at least a portion of the groove (431) may be formed as a curved surface. However, the shape and size of the groove (431) are not limited by the above embodiment, and any shape and size into which the upper sealing portion (S1) (e.g., the folding area (F)) can be inserted may be possible.

[0138] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the pressure member (400) can protect the upper portion of the sealing portion (S), i.e., the upper sealing portion (S1). In addition, the folded portion of the folding area (F) of the upper sealing portion (S1) can be prevented from unfolding or deforming.

[0139] The pressurizing member (400) may be configured such that venting occurs in the central portion (102) of the battery cell (100) when venting gas is discharged upward from at least one battery cell (100).

[0140] The pressurizing member (400) can induce high-temperature gases or flames generated in the battery cell (100) to vent upward when the battery module (10) is in an abnormal state. When the front and / or rear terrace portion (T) of the battery cell (100) is pressurized by the pressurizing member (400), venting can be induced in a direction other than the front and / or rear of the battery module (10). For example, in this case, it can be more suitably applied to top venting that induces directional venting in the upper direction of the battery module (10).

[0141] When venting gas is discharged in the upward direction of the battery cell (100), the edge portion (101) of the upper sealing portion (S1) may be ruptured. In this case, the same problem as venting at the terrace portion (T) may occur. For example, when venting gas is discharged from the edge portion (101) (front and rear) of the upper sealing portion (S1), the venting gas may move toward the terrace portion (T) where a relatively wide space exists among the internal spaces of the battery module (10). In addition, the venting gas or flame may be transmitted to another battery cell (100) through the space on the terrace portion (T).

[0142] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, since the pressure member (400) surrounds the edge portion (101) of the upper sealing portion (S1), venting through the edge portion (101) can be suppressed. In addition, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, while inducing top venting, venting can be made to occur in the central portion (102) of the battery cell (100).

[0143] FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view showing a portion of a battery pack including a pressurizing member according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0144] The above-mentioned pressing member (400) may be formed so that the upper portion (upper end in the vertical direction) extends toward the central portion (102) of the battery cell (100). That is, the third pressing portion (430) may be formed so as to extend toward the central portion (102) of the battery cell (100). The third pressing portion (430) may extend in a direction perpendicular to the first pressing portion (410) and the second pressing portion (420). For example, the pressing member (400) may have an 'ㄱ' shape.

[0145] The length of the portion of the third pressurized portion (430) extending in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) toward the central portion (102) of the battery cell (100) may be a first length (L1). For example, the first length (L1) may be a predetermined length that allows venting gas discharged from the battery cell (100) to vent upward while restricting venting toward the edge portion (101). For example, the first length (L1) may be 2% or more and 25% or less of the length (Y-axis direction length) of the battery cell (100). For example, the first length (L1) may be 5% or more and 20% or less of the length (Y-axis direction length) of the battery cell (100).

[0146] According to one embodiment, compared to FIG. 7, the area surrounded by the pressing member (400) (third pressing portion (430)) among the upper sealing portions (S1) can be relatively increased. According to the above embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to further induce venting toward the central portion (102) among the upper portions of the battery cell (100) and effectively prevent venting toward the edge portion (101).

[0147] Fig. 10 is a front view showing a pressurizing member according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0148] The pressure member (400) may be configured to surround all four sides of the terrace portion (T). The terrace portion (T) may be surrounded by the pressure member (400) on the upper side, lower side, left side, and right side.

[0149] As indicated by C in FIG. 10, the pressing member (400) may connect the first pressing portion (410) and the second pressing portion (420), and may further include a fourth pressing portion (440) disposed below the first pressing portion (410) and the second pressing portion (420). The fourth pressing portion (440) may be disposed vertically with respect to the first pressing portion (410) and the second pressing portion (420). The fourth pressing portion (440) may be disposed parallel to the third pressing portion (430). For example, the pressing member (400) may have a 'ㅁ' shape.

[0150] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the assembly of the pressure member (400) can be made easier. In addition, the fixing force between the pressure member (400) and the battery cell (100) can be further strengthened, and the terrace portion (T) can be more effectively prevented from shaking upward or downward.

[0151] Fig. 11 is a front view illustrating a pressure member included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a pressure member included in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0152] The battery module (10) may further include a barrier member (500). The barrier member (500) may be interposed between adjacent battery cells (100). For example, the barrier member (500) may have a plate shape that is vertically aligned. That is, in a state where the battery cells (100) are stacked in at least one direction, the barrier member (500) may be interposed between the stacks of the battery cells (100). For example, in a state where a plurality of battery cells (100) are stacked in the X-axis direction, the barrier member (500) may be inserted between adjacent battery cells (100). One or more barrier members (500) may be provided in one battery module (10). In particular, when three or more battery cells (100) are included, multiple barrier members (500) may be provided and interposed between each battery cell (100).

[0153] The barrier member (500) may be configured to suppress the transmission of heat, flame, pressure, impact, etc. between the battery cells (100). For example, the barrier member (500) may be configured as a thermal barrier to block the transmission of heat or flame between the battery cells (100). Alternatively, the barrier member (500) may be configured as a compression pad to absorb pressure or shape change due to swelling between the battery cells (100). The barrier member (500) according to the present invention may be employed in various components interposed between the battery cells (100) in a conventional battery module or battery pack (e.g., the battery pack (1) of FIG. 19).

[0154] In particular, the barrier member (500) may be interposed between the receiving portions (R) of adjacent battery cells (100). That is, as described above, each battery cell (100) may have a receiving portion (R) in the central portion (102), and the barrier member (500) may be interposed between the receiving portions (R) of the battery cells (100) and may be positioned to face the receiving portions (R) of the adjacent battery cells (100).

[0155] According to one embodiment, the barrier member (500) may extend so as to protrude from between the housing portions (R) of adjacent battery cells (100) on at least one side to the sealing portions (S), particularly between the terrace portions (T), of the adjacent battery cells (100).

[0156] The pressure member (400) can face at least one surface of the barrier member (500). The pressure member (400) can be attached to one surface of the barrier member (500). According to one embodiment, the battery module (10) according to the present invention may further include an adhesive member (501) disposed between the pressure member (400) and the barrier member (500). That is, the pressure member (400) can be adhesively fixed to the barrier member (500). In addition, the pressure member (400) can be fixed to the barrier member (500) in various other fastening methods.

[0157] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the pressure member (400) can be supported by the barrier member (500). In addition, the pressure member (400) can be attached to the barrier member (500) so that the fixing force of the pressure member (400) can be further improved.

[0158] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a portion of a battery module including a pressurizing member according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 14 is a front view schematically illustrating a pressurizing member according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a portion of a battery module including a pressurizing member according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0159] According to one embodiment, the pressure member (400) may include two or more different materials. Additionally, the pressure member (400) may be composed of multiple layers.

[0160] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the pressurizing member (400) may include a first pressurizing layer (401) including a first material, and a second pressurizing layer (402) including a second material different from the first material. For example, the first pressurizing layer (401) may be arranged to face the sealing portion (S) (e.g., the terrace portion (T) and the upper sealing portion (S1), and the second pressurizing layer (402) may be arranged to face the barrier member (500).

[0161] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the material of the pressure member (400) may be changed depending on the layer, so as to support the adjacent terrace portion (T) and at the same time include a function of absorbing the swelling phenomenon of the battery cell (100) when it occurs.

[0162] According to one embodiment, the pressing member (400) may include two or more materials having different strengths. For example, the first material and the second material may have different strengths. Here, the strength may be used with substantially the same meaning as hardness, strength, hardness, elasticity, etc. For example, the first material and the second material may have different elasticities. In this case, the first material of the first pressing layer (401) facing the terrace portion (T) may have a lower hardness than the second material of the second pressing layer (402).

[0163] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the first pressurized layer (401) facing the terrace portion (T) is made of a material having a relatively lower hardness than the second pressurized layer (402), so that when a swelling phenomenon occurs in which the battery cell (100) expands to a certain level or more, the first pressurized layer (401) is compressed to absorb or allow the swelling of the battery cell (100) to some extent. However, since the second pressurized layer (402) has a higher hardness than the first pressurized layer (401), the swelling of the battery cell (100) can be limited. Therefore, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell (100), the terrace portion (T) of the battery cell (100) can be prevented from being completely spread out or opened.

[0164] In another embodiment, referring to FIG. 15, the pressing member (400) may further include a third pressing layer (403) comprising a third material different from the second material. For example, the first pressing layer (401) and the third pressing layer (403) may be arranged to face adjacent terrace portions (T) or barrier members (500), respectively. For example, the third material may have a hardness different from that of the second material. For example, the third material may have an elasticity different from that of the second material. For example, the first material and the third material may be different materials, or may be substantially the same materials. In one embodiment, the first pressing layer (401) and the third pressing layer (403) may have a relatively lower hardness than the second pressing layer (402).

[0165] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the first pressurizing portion (410) and the second pressurizing portion (420) are composed of a first pressurizing layer (401) and a second pressurizing layer (402), but the third pressurizing portion (430) may be composed only of the second pressurizing layer (402). The third pressurizing portion (430) may not directly face the swelling portion when the battery cell (100) is swollen. Therefore, the third pressurizing portion (430) may be made of a material suitable for securing structural or mechanical stability rather than responding to swelling with respect to the pressing member (400).

[0166] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, while allowing a swelling phenomenon in which the battery cell (100) expands to a certain level or more, it is possible to prevent the terrace portion (T) of the battery cell (100) from being opened when a thermal event of the battery cell (100) occurs.

[0167] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a portion of a pressurizing member according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0168] One side of the third pressurized portion (430) facing the -X axis may be a flat plate shape without a groove (e.g., a groove (431) of FIG. 8a). That is, the upper sealing portion (S1) and / or the folding area (F) surrounded by the third pressurized portion (430) may not be exposed to the outside. When viewed in the X-axis direction, the upper sealing portion (S1) and / or the folding area (F) may not be visible.

[0169] The third pressurizing portion (430) may be configured to protrude in the left direction (-X-axis direction) more than the first pressurizing portion (410) and / or the second pressurizing portion (420). The third pressurizing portion may protrude by a predetermined length (L2) more than the first pressurizing portion (410) and / or the second pressurizing portion (420). For example, the pressurizing member (400) of FIG. 8A may be provided with a cover that can cover the upper sealing portion (S1) and / or the folding area (F). However, the protruding shape and protruding length of the third pressurizing portion are not limited by the above embodiment and may be designed in various ways.

[0170] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to reliably block venting gas or flames from moving to the space on the terrace portion (T). In addition, venting through the edge portion (101) of the upper sealing portion (S1) can be suppressed.

[0171] FIG. 17 is a front view of a portion of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a configuration in which the lower surface of the top plate and the pressing member are separated in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a process in which the lower surface of the top plate and the pressing member are joined according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0172] The top plate (210) may include at least one protruding member (211) protruding downward (-Z-axis direction) from the lower surface (210a) of the top plate (210). The protruding member (211) may be arranged between the pressing members (400).

[0173] A plurality of protruding members (211) may be provided. The plurality of protruding members (211) may be arranged to be spaced apart at a predetermined interval along the stacking direction (X-axis direction) of the battery cells (100). At this time, the spacing distance (G1) of the protruding members (211) may be substantially equal to or wider than the width (W2) of the pressing member (400) in the X-axis direction.

[0174] Referring to FIG. 18, the protruding member (211) may be formed to extend in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery cell (100). The extension length (length in the Y-axis direction) (L4) of the protruding member (211) may substantially correspond to the width length (L3) of the pressing member (400). For example, the extension length (length in the Y-axis direction) (L4) of the protruding member (211) may be substantially equal to, shorter than, or longer than the width length (L3) of the pressing member (400). A plurality of protruding members (211) may be arranged on both sides of the pressing member (400). That is, the pressing member (400) may be inserted between the protruding members (211).

[0175] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the position of the pressure member (400) can be stably fixed by the protruding member (211). In particular, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell (100), pressure can be applied to the pressure member (400), and according to the above embodiment, even in such a pressure application situation, the pressure member (400) can stably maintain its position without departing from its position. In addition, according to the above embodiment, the pressure member (400) can be more effectively prevented from being structurally ruptured by high-temperature gas or flames, etc.

[0176] According to one embodiment, the protruding member (211) may be configured so that the fixing force to the pressure member (400) becomes weaker as it goes inward (center portion (102)). In other words, the protruding member (211) may be configured so that the fixing force to the pressure member (400) becomes stronger as it goes outward (front side in FIG. 19). For example, referring to FIG. 19, the protruding member (211) may have a portion where the gap from the pressure member (400) gradually increases as it goes inward. That is, the separation distance (G2) of the inner end of the protruding member (211) may be wider than the width (W2) of the pressure member (400) in the X-axis direction.

[0177] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, top venting for the battery cell (100) can be more easily implemented. That is, according to the above embodiment, the fixing force for the pressure member (400) becomes weaker as it goes inward (center portion (102)), so that venting of the center portion (102) among the upper sealing portions (S1) of the battery cell (100) can be stably induced. On the other hand, in the above embodiment, venting at the front or rear edge portions (101) among the upper sealing portions (S1) of the battery cell (100) can be effectively prevented.

[0178] FIG. 20 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a battery pack (1) including a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0179] Referring to FIG. 20, a battery pack (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery modules (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention as described above. In addition, the battery pack (1) according to the present invention may further include various other components in addition to the battery module (10) according to the present invention. For example, the battery pack (1) according to the present invention may further include components of the battery pack (1) known at the time of filing of the present invention, such as a BMS (Battery Management System), a bus bar, a relay, a current sensor, etc.

[0180] In addition, the battery pack (1) according to the present invention may further include a pack case (11), as indicated by PC in FIG. 15. This pack case (11) may provide a space in which a battery module (10) according to the present invention can be stored. In particular, when the battery pack (1) includes a plurality of battery modules (10), the pack case (11) may be partitioned into a space for storing the plurality of battery modules (10) in a divided manner using a cross beam or the like.

[0181] Fig. 21 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a battery pack (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0182] Referring to FIG. 21, a battery pack (1) according to the present invention includes a battery module (10) according to the present invention, but may be configured such that the module case (200) of the battery module functions as the pack case, without including a separate pack case. In this case, components of the battery pack, such as a BMS, a bus bar, and a relay, may be included inside the module case (200). A battery pack (1) of this type is also called a cell-to-pack (CTP) because the battery cells (100) are directly stored in the pack case. Recently, development of such a CTP-type battery pack (1) has also been active, and the present invention can also be applied to such a CTP-type battery pack (1).

[0183] FIG. 22 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle (V) including a battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0184] Referring to FIG. 22, a vehicle (V) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention or battery modules (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle (V) according to the present invention may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle (V) includes a four-wheel vehicle and a two-wheel vehicle. The vehicle (V) may operate by receiving power from a battery pack (1) or a battery module (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0185] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims to be described below by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

Claims

1. Multiple battery cells, each having a storage compartment and a sealing compartment, are stacked on each other; A module case that houses the plurality of battery cells in an internal space; and A battery module comprising a pressing member, wherein at least one side is arranged to face at least one side of a terrace portion where an electrode lead is located among the sealing portions of the battery cell, and at least another side is arranged to face at least one side of the module case, and is configured to pressurize the terrace portion when the internal pressure inside the battery cell increases.

2. In paragraph 1, The above module case includes a top plate arranged to cover the upper side of the battery cell, A battery module characterized in that the above-mentioned pressing member is configured to be in contact with the above-mentioned top plate.

3. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the pressurizing member is configured to surround at least a portion of the periphery of the terrace portion.

4. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that at least a portion of the pressurizing member is disposed on the upper side of the sealing portion.

5. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the pressing member is formed with a groove configured to be inserted into at least a portion of the folding area of ​​the sealing portion.

6. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the pressurizing member is configured such that, when venting gas is discharged upward from the battery cell, venting occurs in the central portion of the battery cell.

7. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the above-mentioned pressure member is formed such that the upper portion extends toward the central portion of the battery cell.

8. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the above-mentioned pressure member is configured to surround all four sides of the above-mentioned terrace portion.

9. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a bus bar assembly located on the side of the terrace portion where the electrode lead is located among the sealing portions of the battery cell and electrically connected to the electrode lead; A battery module, characterized in that the pressurizing member is located on the inside of the busbar assembly.

10. In paragraph 1, further comprising a barrier member disposed between adjacent battery cells; A battery module characterized in that the above-mentioned pressure member faces at least one surface of the above-mentioned barrier member.

11. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the above-mentioned pressurizing member includes an insulating or heat-resistant material.

12. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the above-mentioned pressurizing member comprises two or more different materials.

13. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the above-mentioned pressing member includes two or more materials having different strengths.

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.

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