Battery module, battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

The present invention can provide a battery module comprising: 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; a busbar assembly positioned at a side portion of a terrace part, in which an electrode lead is positioned among the sealing parts of the battery cells, so as to be electrically connected to the electrode lead; and a pressing member which is coupled to the busbar assembly, and which 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. 10-2023-0151093, filed on November 3, 2023, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0104118, filed on August 5, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0152848, filed on October 31, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated by reference into this application.

[0005]

[0006] 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.

[0007] 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.

[0008] 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.

[0009] 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.

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013]

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017]

[0018] In order to solve the above problem, the present invention can provide a battery module including 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, a bus bar assembly located on a side of a terrace portion where an electrode lead is located among the sealing portions of the battery cells and electrically connected to the electrode lead, and a pressing member coupled to the bus bar assembly and configured to pressurize the terrace portion when the internal pressure inside the battery cell increases.

[0019] The pressurizing member may be configured to be inserted into a space between at least some of the plurality of battery cells.

[0020] The above busbar assembly may include a busbar terminal and a busbar frame, the pressing member may be located on the inside of the busbar frame, and the busbar terminal may be located on the outside of the busbar frame.

[0021] The above-mentioned pressure member and the above-mentioned busbar assembly may be configured to be housed within the module case in a mutually coupled state.

[0022] The adjacent pressurizing member may be configured to pressurize the terrace portion of the battery cell from both sides.

[0023] The above pressurizing member may be configured to press the receiving portion of the battery cell inward.

[0024] The horizontal length of the above-mentioned pressing member may be formed to be greater than the separation distance between the busbar assembly and the battery cell.

[0025] The above pressurizing member may be configured to change shape by the receiving portion of the battery cell during assembly.

[0026] The shape of the above pressurizing member can be formed to match the shape of the empty space between the bus bar and the battery cell.

[0027] The above pressurizing member may include an elastic body.

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

[0031] The above pressurizing member may be arranged to be surrounded by the busbar assembly, the receiving portion, and the sealing portion.

[0032] The vertical height of the above pressurizing member may be higher than the vertical height of the above battery cell.

[0033] The vertical height of the above-mentioned pressing member is formed higher than the distance between the upper and lower plates of the module case, and the above-mentioned pressing member can be configured to be pressed in the vertical direction by the upper and lower plates.

[0034] In addition, the present invention provides a battery pack including a battery according to the present invention.

[0035] And, the present invention provides an automobile including a battery pack according to the present invention.

[0036]

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045]

[0046] 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.

[0047] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing some of the components of the battery module of Fig. 1 in isolation.

[0049] 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.

[0050] FIG. 4a is a perspective view showing a busbar assembly and a pressure member of a battery module combined according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 4b is a cross-sectional view from above showing a busbar assembly and a pressurizing member of a battery module combined according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a process in which a busbar assembly and a pressure member of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention are coupled to a battery cell.

[0053] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a busbar assembly and a pressure member coupled to a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view showing a busbar assembly and a pressure member coupled to a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] FIG. 7b is a cross-sectional view showing a busbar assembly and a pressure member coupled to a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a front side of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing a busbar assembly and a pressure member being coupled to a battery cell.

[0057] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the front side of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention, where a busbar assembly and a pressure member are coupled to a battery cell.

[0058] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a busbar assembly and a pressure member according to one embodiment of the present invention are combined with a battery cell.

[0059] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a busbar assembly, a pressure member, and a battery cell being combined according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a busbar assembly, a pressure member, and a battery cell are combined according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] 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.

[0062] FIG. 14 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.

[0063] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional side view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional side view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional side view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] FIG. 18 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a battery pack including a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] FIG. 19 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] FIG. 20 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0069]

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing a partial configuration of the battery module (10) of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a battery cell (100) included in a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4a is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a busbar assembly and a pressure member of a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention are coupled. FIG. 4b is a cross-sectional view viewed from above illustrating a state in which a busbar assembly and a pressure member of a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention are coupled. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a process in which a busbar assembly and a pressure member of a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention are coupled to a battery cell.

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, 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).

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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 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).

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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).

[0090] A plurality of battery cells (100) may be included in a battery module. 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).

[0091] 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).

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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).

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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).

[0096] The busbar assembly (300) may be positioned on the side of the terrace portion (T) where the electrode lead (120) is positioned among the sealing portion (S) of the battery cell (100). For example, the busbar assembly (300) may be positioned adjacent to the terrace portion (T) where the electrode lead (120) is positioned among the sealing portions facing the front (one side facing the -Y-axis direction) of the battery cell (100).

[0097] Referring to FIG. 4A, the pressure member (400) may be coupled with the busbar assembly (300). Here, the coupling may mean a state in which the two parts are directly fixed and coupled to each other, or in a state in which they are in contact and / or close contact with each other. In one embodiment, the pressure member (400) may be located on the inside of the busbar assembly (300).

[0098] Referring to FIG. 4A, the pressurizing member (400) may be formed to extend vertically (in the Z-axis direction) along the terrace portion (T). Here, the terrace portion (T) may refer to a sealing portion (S) extending vertically at the front and / or rear of the battery cell (100). In order to prevent venting gas from venting from the terrace portion (T), the pressurizing member (400) may extend vertically (in the Z-axis direction) along the shape of the terrace portion (T) and may be configured to pressurize the entire length of the terrace portion (T). For example, the vertical length of the pressurizing member (400) may be substantially the same as or longer than the vertical length of the terrace portion (T). That is, the pressurizing member may continuously pressurize the entire terrace portion (T) from the bottom to the top, thereby preventing the entire terrace portion (T) from being opened or ruptured.

[0099] 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.

[0100] The pressing member (400) may be composed of a plurality of pieces. The plurality of pressing members (400) may be arranged at regular intervals along the stacking direction of the battery cells (100). At this time, as indicated by B in FIG. 5, the terrace portion (T) of the battery cell (100) may be positioned between the spaced-apart pressing members (400). In other words, the electrode lead (120) of the battery cell (100) may be arranged between the spaced-apart pressing members (400).

[0101] The pressing member (400) may be arranged on the outside of the battery cell (100) and configured to pressurize at least a portion of the battery cell (100). Furthermore, as indicated by B in FIG. 5, the pressing member (400) may be configured to pressurize the sealing portion (S), particularly the terrace portion (T), of the battery cell (100). The pressing member (400) may be arranged in a space where the terrace portion (T) is arranged inside the module case (200). For example, the pressing member (400) may be arranged at the front (e.g., in the -Y-axis direction) of the module case (200) where the busbar assembly (300) is arranged. Referring to FIG. 3, the pressing member (400) may be provided on all of the sealing portions (S) on the front side of the battery cell (100). For example, the pressurizing member (400) may be positioned between a terrace portion (T) (which may be defined as a 'first terrace portion') of a battery cell (100) (which may be defined as a 'first battery cell') and a terrace portion (T) (which may be defined as a 'second terrace portion') of a battery cell (100) (which may be defined as a 'second battery cell') arranged parallel to the first battery cell.

[0102] The pressurizing member (400) can be arranged to be surrounded by the busbar assembly (300), the receiving portion (R), and the sealing portion (S).

[0103] The pressurizing member (400) may be configured to pressurize the terrace portion (T) when the internal pressure inside the battery cell (100) increases. In particular, the pressurizing member (400) may be configured to pressurize the terrace portion (T) so that the fusion state of the terrace portion (T) is not damaged or separated when the internal pressure inside the battery cell (100) increases. That is, the pressurizing member (400) may pressurize not only the electrode lead (120), but also the entire or a portion of the terrace portion (T), thereby preventing even a portion of the terrace portion (T) from being opened.

[0104] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the pressing member (400) combined with the busbar assembly (300) is assembled to be interlocked with the battery cell (100), so that the assembly and detachment of the pressing member (400) is easy, and the position fixing force can be strengthened.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the pressure member (400) may be configured to be inserted into a space between at least some of the battery cells (100) among the plurality of battery cells (100). Here, the space between the battery cells (100) may mean a space between the terrace portions (T) of the plurality of battery cells (100) arranged side by side. In other words, the pressure member (400) may be arranged between the busbar assembly (300) and the battery cells (100). The busbar assembly (300) and the pressure member (400) may be configured to be inserted between the battery cells (100) in the rear direction (+Y-axis direction).

[0106] 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).

[0107] The busbar assembly (300) may include a busbar terminal (310) and a busbar frame (320), as illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0108] 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).

[0109] 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 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 pass through the 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 fixedly coupled 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.

[0110] At this time, 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 pass through the slit (321) of the busbar frame (320) and come into contact with the busbar terminal (310) located on the outside.

[0111] Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a busbar assembly and a pressure member according to one embodiment of the present invention being coupled to a battery cell. Fig. 7a is a cross-sectional view showing a busbar assembly and a pressure member according to one embodiment of the present invention being coupled to a battery cell. Fig. 7b is a cross-sectional view showing a busbar assembly and a pressure member according to one embodiment of the present invention being coupled to a battery cell.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the pressure member (400) and the busbar assembly (300) may be configured to be housed within the module case while being mutually coupled. That is, the pressure member (400) may be directly coupled to the busbar assembly (300). Specifically, the pressure member (400) may be coupled to the busbar frame (320).

[0113] The pressing member (400) may be in contact with the inner surface of the busbar frame (320). Referring to FIG. 4B, the pressing member (400) may be adhered to the inner surface of the busbar frame (320). In this case, an adhesive (not shown) may be further included between the pressing member (400) and the busbar frame (320). The adhesive may include, for example, an adhesive tape. As another example, a fastening groove may be formed in the busbar frame (320), and a fastening protrusion configured to be inserted into the fastening groove may be formed on one surface of the pressing member (400). Conversely, a fastening protrusion may be formed in the busbar frame (320), and a fastening groove configured to be inserted into the fastening protrusion may be formed on one surface of the pressing member (400). However, the method of coupling and fixing the pressing member (400) and the busbar assembly (300) is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be designed in various ways.

[0114] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the assembly performance of the battery module (10) can be improved. More specifically, the pressing member (400) is configured to be assembled simultaneously with the busbar assembly (300) while being coupled to the busbar frame (320), thereby facilitating assembly and shortening the assembly time. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, errors in the assembly and arrangement of the pressing member (400) with respect to the battery cell (100) can be minimized.

[0115] According to one embodiment, when a plurality of pressing members (400) are included, a slit (321) formed in the busbar frame (320) may be arranged between adjacent pressing members (400). That is, the pressing member (400) may be bonded to one surface of the busbar frame (320) on which the slit (321) is not formed. Accordingly, an electrode lead (120) and / or a terrace portion (T) configured to pass through the slit (321) between adjacent pressing members (400) may be arranged.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the pressing member (400) may be formed to extend from the inner surface of the busbar frame (320) toward the inner side of the battery module (10). For example, referring to the exemplary configuration of FIG. 7A, the pressing members (400) are arranged to protrude in the longitudinal direction (+Y-axis direction) from the inner surface of the busbar frame (320), and each pressing member (400) may be configured to face the receiving portion (R) of the facing battery cell (100).

[0117] The pressing member (400) may be arranged to face at least a portion of the surface of the battery cell (100). In particular, the pressing member (400) may be arranged to face the sealing portion (S) side of the battery cell (100). Furthermore, the pressing member (400) may be arranged to face the terrace portion (T) where the electrode lead (120) is positioned among the sealing portions (S) of the battery cell (100). The pressing member (400) may be arranged to face at least one side of the terrace portion (T) on both sides (e.g., the left side, the right side) of the terrace portion (T). In other words, the pressing member (400) may fill an empty space around the space where the terrace portion (T) is positioned inside the module case (200).

[0118] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when an abnormal situation such as thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell (100) and the internal pressure increases, venting toward the terrace portion (T) can be prevented or suppressed.

[0119] In particular, the space where the terrace portion (T) is arranged inside the module case (200) may have a relatively large amount of empty space compared to other parts of the battery cell (100), particularly the space where the storage portion (R) is located. Therefore, venting gas or flames emitted from the battery cell (100) may easily concentrate there. Accordingly, in the battery cell (100), the terrace portion (T) may be said to be more vulnerable to thermal chain reaction than other parts. However, in the case of the above-described embodiment configuration according to the present invention, even if the internal pressure of the battery cell (100) increases, the terrace portion (T) is configured to be pressurized by the pressurizing member (400), so that venting toward the terrace portion (T) can be suppressed or blocked.

[0120] Accordingly, according to the above-described implementation configuration, the transfer of thermal damage from a battery cell (100) where an event has occurred to adjacent battery cells (100) can be reduced, thereby suppressing heat propagation between battery cells (100) and preventing or delaying a thermal runaway phenomenon of the battery module (10). Therefore, according to the above-described aspect of the present invention, the safety and reliability of the battery module (10) can be improved.

[0121] In particular, the pressure member (400) may be provided only on the front terrace portion (T) side, and the pressure member (400) may not be provided on the rear terrace portion (T) side. Alternatively, the pressure member (400) may be provided entirely on the front terrace portion (T) side, and the pressure member (400) may be provided only partially on the rear terrace portion (T) side.

[0122] In this case, directional venting (e.g., rear venting) can be implemented toward the rear of the battery module (10). According to this embodiment of the present invention, a directional venting structure that induces venting in a desired direction can be easily implemented through appropriate arrangement of the pressure member (400). Furthermore, another battery module (10) may be arranged on the front side of the battery module (10), or an electrical connection configuration, such as a module terminal or a bus bar between modules, for connection to another battery module (10) may exist. However, when the front side venting is blocked or suppressed as in the above embodiment, it is possible to prevent or reduce high-temperature gas or flames from flowing toward another battery module or electrical connection configuration.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the adjacent pressure member (400) may be configured to pressurize the terrace portion (T) of the battery cell (100) from both sides.

[0124] For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7a, the pressing member (400) may include a first pressing member (400a) and a second pressing member (400b). The first pressing member (400a) may be arranged to face a first surface of the terrace portion (T) (e.g., the first surface (111) of FIG. 3). The second pressing member (400b) may be arranged to face a second surface of the terrace portion (T) (e.g., the second surface (112) of FIG. 3) facing the opposite direction to the first surface (111). Here, the first surface (111) of the terrace portion (T) may be a surface facing the left direction (e.g., the -X-axis direction), and the second surface (112) may be a surface facing the right direction (e.g., the +X-axis direction).

[0125] That is, the first pressing member (400a) and the second pressing member (400b) can be positioned on both sides of the terrace portion (T). For example, referring to FIG. 5, the first pressing member (400a) positioned on the left side of the terrace portion (T) can press the terrace portion (T) in the right direction, and the second pressing member (400b) positioned on the right side of the terrace portion (T) can press the terrace portion (T) in the left direction.

[0126] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, by applying pressure from both sides of the terrace portion (T), the terrace portion (T) can be prevented from spreading to both sides or moving in one direction. That is, when the terrace portion (T) is pressed from both sides in this way, the pressure on the terrace portion (T) is reliably applied, thereby further improving the sealing performance of the terrace portion (T).

[0127] The shapes of the plurality of pressurizing members (400) may be substantially the same. That is, the plurality of pressurizing members (400) may have substantially the same size and shape regardless of the position at which they are arranged or the shape or specifications of the space. However, the first pressurizing member (400a) and the second pressurizing member (400b) may have a symmetrical shape with respect to the Y-axis. According to the above embodiment of the present invention, mass production or manufacturing of the pressurizing member (400) may be simplified and easy.

[0128] As illustrated in FIG. 7a, the pressing member (400) may include a front surface (401) facing the busbar frame (320) and in contact with the busbar frame (320), a rear surface (402) facing the battery cell (100), and side surfaces (403, 404) connecting the front surface (401) and the rear surface (402) and extending in the longitudinal direction. At this time, the front surface (401) may include the front surface (401a) of the first pressing member (400a) of FIG. 7a and the front surface (401b) of the second pressing member (400b). The rear surface (402) may include the rear surface (402a) of the first pressing member (400a) of FIG. 7a and the rear surface (402b) of the second pressing member (400b). The side surfaces (403, 404) may include the side surfaces (403a, 404a) of the first pressing member (400a) of FIG. 7a and the side surfaces (403b, 404b) of the second pressing member (400b).

[0129] At this time, at least one side of the pressing member (400) may include an inclined surface (405). At least a portion of the side surfaces (403, 404) of the pressing member (400) may be provided as an inclined surface (405) inclined at a predetermined angle. Specifically, among the side surfaces (403, 404) of the pressing member (400), the side surface (403) facing the terrace portion (T) to be pressed may include an inclined surface (405). For example, a portion of the left side (one side facing the -X-axis direction) (403a) of the first pressing member (400a) facing the terrace portion (T) may include a first inclined surface (405a) inclined at a predetermined angle. For example, the second pressing member (400b) may include a second inclined surface (405b) that is inclined at a specified angle with a portion of the right side (one side facing the +X-axis direction) (403b) facing the terrace portion (T). The respective inclined surfaces (405a, 405b) of the first pressing member (400a) and the second pressing member (400b) may be arranged to face each other with the terrace portion (T) being the pressing target interposed therebetween. The shapes of the first pressing member (400a) and the second pressing member (400b) may be provided symmetrically with respect to the terrace portion (T).

[0130] The inclined surface (405) may be arranged to be inclined inwardly as it goes rearward with respect to the side surface (403). Accordingly, the distance between the first pressure member (400a) and the second pressure member (400b) may be formed to increase as it goes rearward (+Y-axis direction) by the first inclined surface (405a) and the second inclined surface (405b).

[0131] According to one embodiment, with reference to FIG. 7A, the maximum thickness (H1) of the pressing member (400) in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) may be shorter than the first separation distance (G1) which is half of the left-right direction (X-axis direction) length of the receiving portion (R) of the battery cell (100). Accordingly, the size of the rear surface of the pressing member (400) may be smaller than the size of the front surface of the pressing member (400). The left-right direction (X-axis direction) thickness (H2) of the rear surface of the pressing member (400) facing the battery cell (100) may be formed to be shorter than the left-right direction (X-axis direction) thickness (H1) of the front surface (401) of the pressing member (400).

[0132] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, when the pressure member (400) is assembled with the battery cell (100), it is accommodated between the battery cell (100) from the rear side of the pressure member (400), and the size of the rear side is relatively small, so that insertion and / or assembly can be easy. That is, the terrace part (T) of the battery cell (100) can be easily inserted between the first pressure member (400a) and the second pressure member (400b). However, it is sufficient that the size of the rear side of the pressure member (400) is smaller than the size of the front side, and the method or shape thereof is not limited by the above embodiment and can be designed and changed in various ways.

[0133] According to another embodiment of the present invention, referring to FIG. 7B, the first pressing member (400a) and the second pressing member (400b) of FIG. 7A may be formed integrally. That is, the pressing member (400) arranged to face the first surface (e.g., the first surface (111) of FIG. 7B) of the terrace portion (T) (which may be defined as the 'first terrace portion') of the battery cell (100) (which may be defined as the 'first battery cell') and the pressing member (400) arranged to face the second surface (e.g., the second surface (112) of FIG. 7B) of the terrace portion (T) (which may be defined as the 'second terrace portion') of the battery cell (100) (which may be defined as the 'second battery cell') arranged parallel to the first battery cell may have substantially the same configuration. In other words, the pressurizing member (400) can be positioned so as to be in close contact between the terrace portion (T) (which can be defined as the 'first terrace portion') of the battery cell (100) (which can be defined as the 'first battery cell') and the terrace portion (T) (which can be defined as the 'second terrace portion') of the battery cell (100) (which can be defined as the 'second battery cell') arranged parallel to the first battery cell.

[0134] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the same function can be performed even if two pressing members (400) are not arranged between the first terrace portion (T) and the second terrace portion (T), so that design and assembly can be facilitated. Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a busbar assembly and a pressing member being coupled to a battery cell on the front side of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a busbar assembly and a pressing member being coupled to a battery cell on the front side of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0135] According to one embodiment, the battery module (10) according to the present invention may further include a barrier member (500). The barrier member (500) may be interposed between adjacent battery cells (100) or between the battery cells (100) and the module case (200). 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, referring to the configuration of FIG. 8, 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, a plurality of barrier members (500) may be provided and may be interposed between each battery cell (100).

[0136] 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., battery pack (1) of FIG. 15).

[0137] 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) present in the central portion, 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).

[0138] According to one embodiment, with reference to FIG. 9, 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). For example, the barrier member (500) may be configured to protrude and extend toward the terrace portions (T) where the electrode leads (120) are positioned among the sealing portions (S) of the battery cells (100).

[0139] Meanwhile, the barrier member (500) may be configured such that at least one end thereof is in contact with the busbar assembly (300). For example, referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the front surface of the barrier member (500) may be in direct contact with the inner (rear) surface of the busbar assembly (300). In particular, the barrier member (500) may be in contact with the inner surface of the busbar frame (320) provided in the busbar assembly (300).

[0140] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the safety of the battery module (10) can be further improved. More specifically, when high-temperature venting gas or flames are emitted from the battery cell (100), the venting gas or flames can be effectively prevented from affecting other battery cells (100) in the vicinity. In particular, the sealing portion (S) of the battery cell (100) is a fused portion, and thus may have weaker durability against high temperatures, pressures, flames, etc. compared to the receiving portion (R) of the battery cell (100).

[0141] However, according to the above aspect of the present invention, since the sealing portion (S) of the battery cell (100) is protected by the protruding and extended portion of the barrier member (500), it is possible to prevent or prevent it from being affected by venting gas or flames discharged from other battery cells (100). Accordingly, in this case, thermal runaway propagation between battery cells (100) within the battery module (10) can be effectively prevented.

[0142] In one embodiment, the pressure member (400) may be positioned to face one side of the barrier member (500). For example, at least a portion of the side surface of the pressure member (400) may face one side of the barrier member (500).

[0143] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, with reference to FIG. 9, the barrier member (500) can support the pressing member (400) so that the pressing member (400) can press the terrace portion (T). One surface (e.g., side surface (404)) of the pressing member (400) can be in contact with the barrier member (500).

[0144] According to one embodiment, the pressure member (400) may be attached to the barrier member (500). The battery module (10) may further include an adhesive member (not shown) disposed between the pressure member (400) and the barrier member (500). That is, the pressure member (400) may be adhesively fixed to the barrier member (500). In addition, the pressure member (400) may be fixed to the barrier member using various other fastening methods.

[0145] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the pressing member (400) is attached to the barrier member (500), so that the fixing force of the pressing member (400) can be further improved.

[0146] According to one embodiment, with reference to FIG. 9, the maximum thickness (H1) of the pressure member (400) in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) may be shorter than the second separation distance (G2) between the terrace portion (T) of the battery cell (100) and the barrier member (500).

[0147] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, when the pressure member (400) is assembled with the battery cell (100), it is accommodated between the battery cell (100) and the barrier member (500) from the rear side of the pressure member (400), and since the size of the rear side is relatively small, insertion and / or assembly can be easy. That is, the terrace part (T) of the battery cell (100) can be easily inserted between the first pressure member (400a) and the second pressure member (400b). However, it is sufficient that the size of the rear side of the pressure member (400) is smaller than the size of the front side, and the method or shape thereof is not limited by the above embodiment and can be designed and changed in various ways.

[0148] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a busbar assembly and a pressure member are coupled to a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 10, for convenience of explanation, the state before pressure application is indicated by a dotted line for one pressure member (400a).

[0149] According to one embodiment, with reference to the arrow pointing in the Y-axis direction shown in FIG. 10, the pressing member (400) may be configured to press the receiving portion (R) of the battery cell (100) inward. At this time, the pressing may be pressure due to contact between the receiving portion (R) and the pressing member (400). At the same time, the receiving portion (R) of the battery cell (100) may be configured to press the pressing member (400) outward. That is, in a state where the shape of the pressing member (400) is changed by the combination of the pressing member (400) and the battery cell (100), the pressing member (400) and the receiving portion (R) may exchange pressure with each other.

[0150] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the pressing member (400) can be configured to extend in the thickness direction (X-axis direction) while being pressed in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction).

[0151] Referring to FIG. 10, the width (length in the Y-axis direction) of the pressurizing member (400) before pressurization (before battery cell assembly) may be formed to be greater than or equal to the separation distance between the busbar assembly (300) and the battery cell (100). The width (length in the Y-axis direction) of the pressurizing member (400) may be formed to be equal to or longer than the separation distance between the busbar assembly (300) and the battery cell (100). Specifically, the maximum width (length in the Y-axis direction) of the pressurizing member (400) is a first width (W1). When the busbar assembly (300), the pressurizing member (400), and the battery cell (100) are coupled, the separation distance between the inner surface of the busbar frame (320) and the receiving portion (R) of the battery cell (100) may be a second length (W2) shorter than the first width (W1).

[0152] The above-mentioned pressing member (400) may be configured to change shape by the receiving portion (R) of the battery cell (100) during assembly. In other words, when the busbar assembly (300), the pressing member (400), and the battery cell (100) of the battery module (10) are assembled, the pressing member (400) may be compressed and its width may be reduced to match the distance between the busbar frame (320) and the receiving portion (R) of the battery cell (100). That is, the first width (W1) of the pressing member (400) may be transformed into a second length (W2).

[0153] In addition, as the width of the pressing member (400) decreases, the thickness (length in the X-axis direction) of the pressing member (400) may increase at the same time. For example, referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the third thickness (H3), which is the thickness of the rear surface of the pressing member (400) in the assembled state of the battery cell, may increase to a longer state than the second thickness (H2), which is the thickness before pressing. At this time, the third thickness (H3) may be substantially equal to the second separation distance (G2) between the barrier member (500) and the terrace portion (T). In this way, when the pressing member (400) and the battery cell (100) are assembled to each other, the width of the pressing member (400) may decrease, and the thickness of the pressing member (400) may increase, thereby compressing the terrace portion (T).

[0154] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the assembling and safety of the battery module (10) can be further improved. In particular, before the pressurizing member (400) is assembled, the height of the pressurizing member (400) is shorter than the first separation distance (G1) and the second separation distance (G2), so that assembly can be facilitated. In addition, after the pressurizing member (400) is assembled, the height of the pressurizing member (400) increases by the first separation distance (G1) and the second separation distance (G2), thereby pressurizing the terrace portion (T), thereby preventing venting gas or flames from venting from the terrace portion (T). In addition, it is possible to prevent the terrace portion (T) of another battery cell (100) from being ruptured by the pressure of the venting gas or flames.

[0155] In one embodiment, the pressure member (400) may include an elastic material. That is, the pressure member (400) may be formed of a material that has the property of being deformed when an external force is applied, but returning to its original shape when the force is removed. The pressure member (400) may include, for example, rubber, polyurethane, silicone, etc. For example, the entire pressure member (400) may include an elastic material, or only a portion of the pressure member (400) may include an elastic material.

[0156] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the pressurizing member (400) is positioned between the battery cell (100) and the busbar assembly (300), and its shape can be modified depending on the shape and size of the space therebetween. Therefore, it is not necessary to manufacture it in a shape corresponding to each space, and it can be produced in batches, simplifying the manufacturing process and shortening the manufacturing time.

[0157] Additionally, according to one embodiment, the pressure member (400) may include an insulating or heat-resistant material. For example, the pressure member may be made of an insulating or heat-resistant material or may include a material of such a material. For example, the pressure 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 pressure member (400) may include a metal material having rigidity and heat resistance to physically or chemically prevent rupture of the terrace portion (T).

[0158] According to this implementation configuration, even if high-temperature venting gas or flames are emitted from the battery cell, the pressurized member stably maintains structural rigidity.

[0159] 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.

[0160] 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 includes a material that can change shape, such as an elastic body, or can exhibit a predetermined insulating performance or heat resistance performance.

[0161] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a busbar assembly, a pressure member, and a battery cell are combined according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a busbar assembly, a pressure member, and a battery cell are combined according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0162] The pressurizing member (400) may be configured to face and / or contact the busbar assembly (300) in an uncoupled state, as well as being assembled by being directly coupled and / or fixed to the busbar assembly (300).

[0163] The shape of the above-mentioned pressing member (400) may be formed to match the shape of the empty space between the busbar assembly (300) and the battery cell. The shape of the pressing member (400) may be formed to substantially correspond to the shape of the empty space between the busbar assembly (300) and the battery cell (100). The shape of the pressing member (400) may be formed to substantially match the space between the busbar frame (320), the battery cell (100), and / or the barrier member (500).

[0164] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the pressure member (400) substantially fills the empty space formed in the terrace portion (T), which is the front surface of the battery cell (100), so that when thermal runaway or the like occurs in the battery cell (100), venting toward the terrace portion (T) can be prevented or suppressed.

[0165] As indicated by C in Fig. 12, at least a portion of the pressing member may be inserted into the busbar frame. The pressing member (400) may be divided into a first portion (406) configured to be inserted into the busbar frame (320), and a second portion (407) not inserted into the busbar frame (320). For example, the first portion (406) may be positioned between the terrace portion (T) of the battery cell and the busbar frame (320). For example, the second portion (407) may be positioned between the barrier member (500) and the terrace portion (T).

[0166] According to one embodiment, the busbar frame (320) may include a body portion (322) formed to extend left and right (X-axis direction) and a protruding portion (323) formed to extend inward (+Y-axis direction) from the body portion (322). The protruding portion (323) may be formed at a position adjacent to a slit (321) formed in the body portion (322). The protruding portion (323) may include a third inclined surface (324) in which at least a portion of a side surface on which the slit (321) is formed is inclined at a specified angle. Specifically, the third inclined surface (324) may be formed on a side surface on which the slit (321) is formed and is configured to face the terrace portion (T). The third inclined surface (324) may be formed to be inclined in a direction away from the terrace portion (T) as it goes rearward. Accordingly, it may be easy for the terrace portion (T) and / or electrode lead (120) of the battery cell (100) to pass through the slit (321) along the third inclined surface (324). However, the protruding portion (323) may be omitted as shown in FIG. 9, and the shape of the busbar frame (320) may be designed in various ways.

[0167] The first portion (406) may include a fourth inclined surface (408) corresponding to the third inclined surface (324). At this time, the inclined angle of the fourth inclined surface (408) and the inclined angle of the third inclined surface (324) may be different from each other. In addition, the third separation distance (G3) between the third inclined surface (324) and the terrace portion (T) may be shorter than the fourth height (H4) between the fourth inclined surface (408) and the side surface.

[0168] Accordingly, referring to FIG. 12, when the first portion (406) is inserted between the protruding portion (323) of the busbar frame (320) and the terrace portion (T), the shape of the first portion (406) may be deformed. Specifically, the fourth height (H4) between the fourth inclined surface (408) and the side surface may be reduced to the sixth height (H6). The sixth height (H6) may be shorter than the fourth height (H4) and may be substantially equal to the third separation distance (G3) between the third inclined surface (324) and the terrace portion (T). Accordingly, the first portion (406) may be configured to press the terrace portion (T) between the terrace portion (T) and the protruding portion (323) of the busbar frame (320).

[0169] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when the pressurizing member (400) is assembled, the terrace portion (T) is pressurized, thereby preventing venting gas or flames from venting from the terrace portion (T), and preventing the terrace portion (T) from being ruptured by the pressure of the venting gas or flames.

[0170] The second portion (407) may have a shape corresponding to the space between the terrace portion (T) and the storage portion (R) of the battery cell (100) and the barrier member (500). One side of the second portion (407) may be in contact with the terrace portion (T), and the other side may be in contact with the storage portion (R). In addition, another side may be in contact with the barrier member (500). For example, it may have a rectangular shape. It may have a rectangular shape corresponding to the space of .

[0171] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a part of a configuration of a battery module (10) including a pressure member (400) according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a part of a configuration of a battery module (10) including a pressure member (400) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0172] According to one embodiment, the pressure member (400) may include two or more materials. In addition, the pressure member (400) may be composed of a plurality of layers. The pressure member (400) may include a first pressure layer (410) including a first material, and a second pressure layer (420) including a second material different from the first material. The first pressure layer (410) may be arranged to face the terrace portion (T), and the second pressure layer (420) may be arranged to face the barrier member (500).

[0173] 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.

[0174] 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 (410) facing the terrace portion (T) may have a lower hardness than the second material of the second pressing layer (420).

[0175] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the first pressing layer (410) facing the terrace portion (T) is made of a material having a relatively lower hardness than the second pressing layer (420), so that when a swelling phenomenon occurs in which the battery cell (100) expands to a certain level or more, the first pressing layer (410) is compressed to absorb or allow the swelling of the battery cell (100) to some extent. However, since the second pressing layer (420) has a higher hardness than the first pressing layer (410), 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 apart or opened.

[0176] In another embodiment, referring to FIG. 14, the pressing member (400) may further include a third pressing layer (430) comprising a third material different from the second material. For example, the first pressing layer (410) and the third pressing layer (430) 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 (410) and the third pressing layer (430) may have relatively lower hardness than the second pressing layer (420).

[0177] 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.

[0178] Fig. 15 is a side cross-sectional view of a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 16 is a side cross-sectional view of a battery module (10) according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 17 is a side cross-sectional view of a battery module (10) according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0179] According to one embodiment, with reference to FIG. 15, the vertical height (D1) of the pressing member (400) may be higher than the vertical height (D2) of the battery cell (100). According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, by pressing all surfaces of the battery cell (100) in the vertical direction, it is possible to reliably prevent any part of the terrace portion (T) from being ruptured.

[0180] According to another embodiment, referring to FIG. 16, the vertical height (D1) of the pressing member (400) may be lower than the vertical height (D2) of the battery cell (100). According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the central portion of the terrace portion (T) of the battery cell (100) with a high possibility of rupture can be intensively pressed to intensively prevent rupture of the terrace portion (T).

[0181] According to another embodiment, referring to FIG. 17, the vertical height (D1) of the pressing member (400) may be formed higher than the distance (L) between the upper and lower plates of the module case (200). That is, the pressing member (400) may be vertically pressed by the upper and lower plates of the module case (200). Accordingly, the vertical height of the pressing member (400) may be reduced from the height (D1) of the pressing member before being pressed to the height (D3) of the pressing member (400) after being pressed. According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the position of the pressing member (400) may be clearly fixed by being pressed by the upper and lower plates of the module case (200), and may not be shaken by an external impact. Therefore, even if an external impact or thermal runaway occurs, the position of the pressing member (400) does not change, and the terrace portion (T) can be pressed.

[0182] FIG. 18 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a battery pack (1) including a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0183] Referring to FIG. 18, 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.

[0184] In addition, the battery pack (1) according to the present invention may further include a pack case (11), as indicated by PC in FIG. 18. 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.

[0185] Fig. 19 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a battery pack (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0186] Referring to FIG. 19, 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).

[0187] FIG. 20 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle (V) including a battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0188] Referring to FIG. 20, 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-wheeled vehicle and a two-wheeled 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.

[0189] 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; 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; and A battery module comprising a pressurizing member coupled to the busbar assembly and configured to pressurize the terrace portion when the internal pressure inside the battery cell increases.

2. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the pressurizing member is configured to be inserted into a space between at least some of the plurality of battery cells.

3. In paragraph 1, The above busbar assembly comprises a busbar terminal and a busbar frame, The above pressurizing member is located on the inside of the busbar frame, A battery module characterized in that the busbar terminal is located on the outside of the busbar frame.

4. In paragraph 1, A battery module configured such that the pressurizing member and the busbar assembly are housed within the module case in a mutually coupled state.

5. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the adjacent pressurizing member is configured to pressurize the terrace portion of the battery cell from both sides.

6. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the pressurizing member is configured to press the storage portion of the battery cell inward.

7. In paragraph 6, A battery module characterized in that the horizontal length of the pressurizing member is formed to be greater than the distance between the busbar assembly and the battery cell.

8. In paragraph 6, A battery module characterized in that the above-mentioned pressing member is configured to change shape by the receiving portion of the battery cell during assembly.

9. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the shape of the above pressing member is formed to match the shape of the empty space between the busbar assembly and the battery cell.

10. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the above-mentioned pressurizing member comprises an elastic body.

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

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

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

14. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the pressurizing member is arranged to be surrounded by the busbar assembly, the receiving portion, and the sealing portion.

15. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the vertical height of the pressurizing member is higher than the vertical height of the battery cell.

16. In paragraph 1, The vertical height of the above-mentioned pressing member is formed higher than the distance between the upper and lower plates of the module case, A battery module characterized in that the above-mentioned pressing member is configured to be pressed in a vertical direction by the upper plate and the lower plate.

17. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

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

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