Battery module and battery pack including same

Abstract

A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells each including an electrode lead or an electrode terminal are stacked; a bus bar frame assembly positioned on one side of the battery cell stack in a direction in which the electrode lead or the electrode terminal protrudes; a module frame having accommodated therein the battery cell stack and having one open surface in the direction in which the electrode lead or the electrode terminal protrudes in the battery cell stack; an end plate covering the open one surface of the module frame; and a resin block pad positioned between the battery cell stack and the upper end portion of the module frame. At least one resin injection hole for injecting resin is formed in the upper end portion of the module frame. On the upper end portion of the module frame, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the upper end portion of the module frame, the resin injection hole is positioned in a region between the resin block pad and the end plate. The resin injected into the resin injection hole is in direct contact with the bus bar frame assembly.

Description

Battery module and battery pack including the same

[0001] Cross-citation with related application(s)

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0187695, filed December 20, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] The present invention relates to a battery module and a battery pack including the same, and more particularly, to a battery module having improved cooling performance and a battery pack including the same.

[0004] In modern society, the widespread use of portable devices like cell phones, laptops, camcorders, and digital cameras has fueled active development of technologies related to these devices. Furthermore, rechargeable secondary batteries are increasingly being used as power sources for electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (P-HEVs) to address air pollution caused by conventional gasoline-powered vehicles, further fueling the growing need for secondary battery development.

[0005] Currently commercialized secondary batteries include nickel cadmium batteries, nickel hydrogen batteries, nickel zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries. Among these, lithium secondary batteries are receiving attention for their advantages of being able to charge and discharge freely, having a very low self-discharge rate, and having a high energy density, as they have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries.

[0006] These lithium secondary batteries primarily use lithium oxide and carbon materials as the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively. Lithium secondary batteries comprise an electrode assembly comprising positive and negative plates, each coated with the positive and negative electrode active materials, with a separator interposed between them, and a cell case that seals and houses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0007] In general, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into can-type secondary batteries in which the electrode assembly is built into a metal can and pouch-type secondary batteries in which the electrode assembly is built into a pouch of an aluminum laminate sheet, depending on the shape of the outer packaging material.

[0008] Secondary batteries used in small devices are configured with 2-3 battery cells, but secondary batteries used in medium- to large-sized devices such as automobiles utilize battery modules in which multiple battery cells are electrically connected. These battery modules enhance capacity and output by forming a battery cell stack by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel. In addition, one or more battery modules may be mounted together with various control and protection systems, such as a Battery Disconnect Unit (BDU), a Battery Management System (BMS), and a cooling system, to form a battery pack.

[0009] Secondary batteries can experience performance degradation and, in severe cases, even explosion or fire if exposed to temperatures exceeding their optimal levels. In particular, battery modules or battery packs comprising multiple secondary batteries, or battery cells, can experience a rapid and severe temperature rise due to the accumulation of heat from these cells within a confined space. In other words, battery modules comprising stacked cells and battery packs equipped with such modules can achieve high output, but it is difficult to remove the heat generated by the cells during charging and discharging. If the heat dissipation of the battery cells is inadequate, the cells deteriorate more quickly, shortening their lifespan and increasing the risk of explosion or fire.

[0010] Moreover, battery modules included in vehicle battery packs are frequently exposed to direct sunlight and may be placed in high-temperature conditions such as summer or desert regions.

[0011] Therefore, when constructing a battery module or battery pack, it is very important to secure stable and effective cooling performance.

[0012] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a conventional battery module, and Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section taken along the cutting line A-A' of Fig. 1. In particular, Fig. 2 additionally shows a heat transfer member and a heat sink located below the battery module.

[0013] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a conventional battery module (10) has a plurality of battery cells (11) stacked to form a battery cell stack (20), and the battery cell stack (20) is housed in a module frame (30).

[0014] As described above, since the battery module (10) includes a plurality of battery cells (11), it generates a large amount of heat during the charging and discharging process. As a cooling means, the battery module (10) may include a thermally conductive resin layer (40) positioned between the battery cell stack (20) and the bottom portion (31) of the module frame (30). In addition, when the battery module (10) is mounted on the pack frame to form a battery pack, a heat transfer member (50) and a heat sink (60) may be sequentially positioned under the battery module (10). The heat transfer member (50) may be a heat dissipation pad. The heat sink (60) may have a coolant passage formed therein.

[0015] Battery packs comprised of multiple battery modules can experience rapid and severe temperature increases due to the accumulation of heat from the numerous battery cells within a confined space. In other words, while battery modules stacked with multiple battery cells and battery packs equipped with these modules can achieve high output, they are also more susceptible to explosion or fire if the cells fail to dissipate heat properly or if thermal runaway occurs.

[0016] If the emission of gas or flames is not properly controlled, there is a risk that the gas or flames may be emitted toward other battery modules, causing a thermal chain reaction in the other battery modules. In particular, there may be a module terminal (e.g., a bus bar) on the front side of the battery module for electrical connection with other battery modules or battery packs. If gas or flames are emitted toward the front side of the battery module, the module terminals within the battery pack may be damaged, causing an electrical short. In addition, there may be a battery module on the front side of the battery module. If gas or flames are emitted toward the front side of the battery module, the emitted gas or flames may be directed toward other battery modules, causing a chain reaction of explosions or fires between battery modules.

[0017] Failure to control thermal propagation between battery modules or battery cells can result in a sudden voltage drop in the battery module or battery pack, which can lead to the abrupt shutdown of the device equipped with the battery module or battery pack, potentially causing unexpected damage. For example, if a voltage drop occurs in a battery pack while an electric vehicle is in operation, the device may stop functioning, potentially causing unexpected damage to the vehicle user.

[0018] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to prevent the forward emission of gas or flames when heat propagation occurs inside a battery module, and more specifically, to provide a battery module and a battery pack including the same that can effectively control heat propagation by inducing the emission of gas or flames to the upper side of the module.

[0019] However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the problems described above and can be expanded in various ways within the scope of the technical ideas included in the present invention.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a battery module includes a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells including electrode leads or electrode terminals are stacked; a busbar frame assembly positioned on one side of the battery cell stack in a direction in which the electrode leads or the electrode terminals protrude; a module frame in which the battery cell stack is accommodated and in which one side of the battery cell stack in the direction in which the electrode leads or the electrode terminals protrude is open; an end plate covering the open side of the module frame; and a resin block pad positioned between the battery cell stack and an upper end of the module frame. At least one resin injection hole for resin injection is formed in the upper end of the module frame. On the upper end of the module frame, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the upper end of the module frame, the resin injection hole is positioned in an area between the resin block pad and the end plate. The resin injected into the resin injection hole is in direct contact with the busbar frame assembly.

[0021] The busbar frame assembly may be immersed in the resin.

[0022] On the upper portion of the module frame, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the upper portion of the module frame, the resin can be filled in an area between the resin block pad and the end plate.

[0023] The above resin block pad can extend along the direction in which the battery cells are stacked in the battery cell stack.

[0024] The battery cell may include an electrode assembly; and a cell case that accommodates the electrode assembly, and the cell case may include a receiving portion that accommodates the electrode assembly; a sealing portion (113) formed at an edge of the battery cell to seal the electrode assembly; and a terrace portion that extends from the cell case in a direction in which the electrode lead or the electrode terminal protrudes.

[0025] The terrace portion may be immersed in the resin injected into the resin injection hole.

[0026] The above resin may not be interposed between the storage portion and the sealing portion by the above resin block pad.

[0027] The above busbar frame assembly can be positioned between the battery cell stack and the end plate.

[0028] The above busbar frame assembly may include a busbar frame; and at least one busbar disposed on the busbar frame and connected to the electrode lead or the electrode terminal.

[0029] At least one venting hole for internal gas discharge may be formed in the upper portion of the module frame.

[0030] On the upper portion of the module frame, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the upper portion of the module frame, the venting hole may be located further from the end plate than the resin injection hole.

[0031] It may include a module frame cover covering the upper portion of the module frame.

[0032] A rupture portion having a structure that is positioned to correspond to the venting hole and ruptures when a certain pressure or higher is applied may be formed in the above module frame cover.

[0033] An opening may be formed in an area excluding a connecting portion among the perimeter of the above-mentioned rupture portion, and the above-mentioned rupture portion may be connected to the module frame cover by the connecting portion.

[0034] On the upper part of the module frame cover, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the upper part of the module frame cover, the opening may be formed outside the venting hole.

[0035] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a battery pack including the battery module is provided.

[0036] According to embodiments of the present invention, a resin block pad is attached to the upper portion of a battery cell stack, and a hole for resin injection is provided on the upper portion of a module frame, so that the resin is injected so that it is interposed in a busbar frame assembly, thereby physically restraining gases or flames generated toward the cell terrace and guiding them to be discharged toward the upper portion of the module. This effectively controls heat transfer in the battery module.

[0037] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

[0038] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a conventional battery module.

[0039] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section taken along the cutting line A-A' of Fig. 1.

[0040] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 6 is a partial plan view of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 8 is a plan view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 9 is a partial plan view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section taken along the cutting line C-C' of Fig. 9.

[0048] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section taken along the cutting line B-B' of Fig. 3.

[0049] FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 16 is a partial plan view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section taken along the cutting line D-D' of Fig. 16.

[0055] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the invention. The present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0056] In order to clearly explain the present invention, parts that are not related to the description are omitted, and the same reference numerals are used for identical or similar components throughout the specification.

[0057] Furthermore, the sizes and thicknesses of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily indicated for convenience of explanation, and thus the present invention is not necessarily limited to the illustrated components. In the drawings, the thicknesses are enlarged to clearly represent various layers and regions. Furthermore, in the drawings, the thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated for convenience of explanation.

[0058] Furthermore, when we say that a layer, membrane, region, plate, or other part is "on" or "over" another part, this includes not only cases where it is "directly on" the other part, but also cases where there are other parts in between. Conversely, when we say that a part is "directly on" another part, it means that there are no other parts in between. Furthermore, saying that a part is "on" or "over" a reference part means that it is located above or below the reference part, and does not necessarily mean that it is located "above" or "over" the direction opposite to gravity.

[0059] Additionally, throughout the specification, whenever a part is said to "include" a component, this does not mean that it excludes other components, but rather that it may include other components, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0060] Additionally, throughout the specification, when we say "in plan", we mean when the target portion is viewed from above, and when we say "in cross section", we mean when the target portion is viewed from the side in a cross-section cut vertically.

[0061] Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a partial plan view of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, the battery module (100) according to the present embodiment includes a battery cell stack (120) formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells (110). There is no particular limitation on the type of the battery cells (110) according to the present embodiment, as long as they are gathered in plurality. That is, the battery cell (110) according to the present embodiment may be a pouch-type battery cell, a square battery cell, or a cylindrical battery cell. Hereinafter, as an example, the battery cell (110) according to the present embodiment being a pouch-type battery cell will be described. The configuration and structure of the battery cell (110) will be described again below.

[0064] In the battery cell stack (120), a plurality of battery cells (110) may be stacked in one direction. In particular, as illustrated in FIG. 5, a plurality of battery cells (110) may be stacked along a direction parallel to the X-axis while standing upright with one side of the battery body facing each other. Accordingly, the electrode leads (111) may protrude in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the battery cells (110) are stacked. For example, in the battery cell (110), one electrode lead (111) may protrude toward the Y-axis direction, and another electrode lead (111) may protrude toward the -Y-axis direction.

[0065] The battery module (100) according to the present embodiment may include a module frame (130) that accommodates a battery cell stack (120) and end plates (160) that cover the front and rear sides of the battery cell stack (120), respectively. Here, the front and rear sides of the battery cell stack (120) may be opposite sides of the battery cell stack (120) in the direction in which the electrode leads (111) protrude from the battery cells (110). In other words, the battery module (100) according to the present embodiment includes a module frame (130) in which the battery cell stack (120) is accommodated and one side in which the electrode leads (111) protrude from the battery cell stack (120) is open; and an end plate (160) that covers the open side of the module frame (130).

[0066] Additionally, the battery module (100) may further include a busbar frame assembly (150) positioned between the end plate (160) and the battery cell stack (120).

[0067] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the module frame (130) may include a U-shaped frame with an open upper surface, front, and rear surfaces, and a top plate covering the upper portion of the battery cell stack (120). However, the module frame (130) is not limited thereto, and may be replaced with a frame of another shape, such as an L-shaped frame or a mono-frame surrounding the battery cell stack (120) except for the front and rear surfaces. That is, the module frame (130) may be formed as an integral module frame (130) that is not separated into a U-shaped frame and a top plate.

[0068] The end plates (160) cover an open surface of the module frame (130). The end plates (160) may be positioned on the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack (120). The end plates (160) may be formed on the outer surface of the busbar frame assembly (150) with respect to the battery cell stack (120) to cover the battery cell stack (120) and the busbar frame assembly (150). The end plate (160) protects the busbar frame assembly (150) and various electrical components connected thereto from external impact and may have a battery module mounting structure. The end plate (160) may be joined to the module frame (130) by welding. The configuration and structure of the busbar frame assembly (150) will be described again below.

[0069] The battery module (100) according to the present embodiment may include a resin block pad (200). The resin block pad (200) may extend along the direction in which the battery cells (110) are stacked in the battery cell stack (120).

[0070] The resin block pad (200) may include an insulating material. For example, it may include at least one of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), polyimide (PI), or polyamide (PA).

[0071] The resin block pad (200) can be formed as a compression pad. Through this, the resin block pad (200) can have elasticity.

[0072] In addition, although not described in the drawing, an adhesive layer may be positioned between the battery cell stack (120) and the resin block pad (200). The adhesive layer may extend along the width and length directions of the resin block pad (200). The adhesive layer may be formed by each of a tape or by coating an adhesive binder. More preferably, the adhesive layer is coated with an adhesive binder or formed by a double-sided tape, so that the battery cell stack (120) and the resin block pad (200) can be easily fixed together. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and any material having adhesive performance capable of fixing the battery cell stack (120) and the resin block pad (200) to each other may be applied without limitation. Accordingly, the resin block pad (200) can be stably fixed on the battery cell stack (120).

[0073] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the battery cell (110) may include an electrode assembly (not shown) and a cell case that accommodates the electrode assembly. The cell case may include a receiving portion (112) that accommodates the electrode assembly (not shown), a sealing portion (113) formed at an edge of the battery cell (110) to seal the electrode assembly (not shown), and a terrace portion (114) that extends from the cell case in a direction in which the electrode lead (111) protrudes.

[0075] Although not shown in the drawing, the cell case may be sealed by heat-sealing the edges of each pair of cases made of a multi-layer pouch film in which a resin layer / metal layer / resin layer is sequentially laminated. In this case, a storage portion (112) may be formed in at least one of the pair of cases, and the sealed edge portion may form a sealing portion (113).

[0076] The battery cell (110) may have a structure in which two electrode leads (111) face each other and protrude from each end of the battery body. As another embodiment, a structure in which all of the electrode leads (111) of the battery cell (110) protrude in one direction is also possible. One of the electrode leads (111) is a positive electrode lead, and the other is a negative electrode lead. In addition, the battery cell (110) may be manufactured in a pouch shape by housing an electrode assembly (not shown) in a housing (112) including the battery body.

[0077] The storage portion (112) can store the electrode assembly together with the electrolyte, and the sealing portion (113) can be sealed while a portion of the electrode lead (111) protrudes outward. In addition, the terrace portion (114) can be a portion of the sealing portion (113) located on both sides with respect to the electric length direction of the battery cell (110) (Y-axis direction in FIGS. 5 and 6). That is, the electrode lead (111) can protrude outward through the terrace portion (114).

[0078] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Figure 8 is a plan view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the busbar frame assembly (150) can cover the front and rear sides of the battery cell stack (120) between the battery cell stack (120) and the module frame (130). At this time, the busbar frame assembly (150) can include a busbar frame (151) and a busbar (152).

[0081] The busbar frame (151) may be configured in multiples, and the busbar frames (151) may be formed on each of the front and rear sides of the battery cell stack (120). In order to electrically connect the battery cell stacks (120) stacked in parallel, a busbar (152) that electrically connects the electrode leads (111) of the battery cell stacks (120) may be mounted on the busbar frame (151).

[0082] The electrode leads (111) protruding from the plurality of battery cells (110) can be formed to contact the plurality of bus bars (152). Through this, the bus bar frame assembly (150) can electrically connect the battery cells (110) and an external power source.

[0083] Fig. 9 is a partial plan view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, Fig. 9 shows a portion of the appearance of the battery module when viewed along the -Z axis direction on the XY plane.

[0084] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section taken along the cutting line C-C' of Fig. 9.

[0085] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section taken along the cutting line B-B' of Fig. 3.

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 11, at least one resin injection hole (131) for resin injection is formed at the upper end of the module frame. The resin injection hole (131) may be located in an area between the resin block pad (200) and the end plate (160) when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the upper end of the module frame (130) on the upper end of the module frame (130).

[0087] Resin (300) can be injected into the battery module (100) through the resin injection hole (131). The terrace portion (114) can be immersed in the resin (300) injected through the resin injection hole (131).

[0088] The number of resin injection holes (131) may be one or more, and the diameter and position of the resin injection holes may be determined in various ways depending on the amount of resin (300) injected and the physical properties of the resin (300). The shape of the resin injection hole (131) is not limited to the circle shown in the drawing.

[0089] Referring again to FIGS. 9 to 11, in the battery module (100) according to one embodiment, on the upper portion of the module frame (130), along a direction perpendicular to the upper portion of the module frame (130), i.e., when the battery module is viewed along the -Z axis direction on the XY plane, a resin (300) can be filled in the area between the resin block pad (200) and the end plate (160).

[0090] The terrace portion (114) may be immersed in the resin (300) injected into the resin injection hole (131). In addition, one side of the battery cells (110) may be bonded to the resin (300) injected into the resin injection hole (131).

[0091] The resin (300) may include a thermally conductive adhesive material, and specifically may include at least one of a silicone material, a urethane material, or an acrylic material.

[0092] Resin (300) includes various cases without limitation on phase. For example, resin (300) may be liquid when injected, or may harden or be semi-hardened like a solid due to a phase change after injection.

[0093] The resin (300) can play a role in fixing the battery cells (110). In particular, the resin (300) can play a role in fixing the terrace portions (114) of the battery cells (110). When a thermal runaway phenomenon of the battery cells occurs, the gas or flame generated toward the terrace portions (114) of the battery cells (110) can be induced to be discharged toward the upper side of the battery module (100) (+Z-axis direction in FIG. 10) through this physical restraint. Through this, the heat propagation of the battery module (100) can be effectively controlled.

[0094] In addition, the resin (300) has excellent thermal conductivity properties and can quickly transfer heat generated from the battery cell (110) to the lower side (-Z-axis direction of FIG. 10) of the battery module (100). Accordingly, by transferring heat to the heat sink (not shown) on the pack frame (not shown) in which the battery module is stored, the cooling function of the battery module can be performed, and sufficient rapid charging performance can be secured.

[0095] FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0096] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing a portion of a cross-section of a battery module cut along the YZ plane similar to FIG. 10.

[0097] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, 12, and 13, a resin block pad (200) according to another embodiment may be positioned between the battery cell stack (120) and the upper portion of the module frame (130). This may prevent the resin (300) injected through the resin injection hole (131) from being interposed and penetrating into the receiving portion (112) and sealing portion (113) of the battery cell (110). As illustrated in FIG. 13, the resin (300) may not be interposed into the receiving portion (112) and sealing portion (113) of the battery cell (110) by the resin block pad (200).

[0098] Accordingly, the resin block pad (200) can adjust the area in which the resin (300) is interposed, and the resin block pad (200) can prevent the resin (300) from being injected into unnecessary areas.

[0099] Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] Referring to FIGS. 4, 9, 13, and 14, at least one venting hole (132) for internal gas discharge may be formed at the upper end of the module frame (130). Accordingly, gas inside the battery module (100) may be smoothly discharged to the outside through the venting hole (132) formed in the module frame (130).

[0101] On the upper part of the module frame (130), when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the upper part of the module frame (130), the venting hole (132) may be positioned further away from the end plate (160) than the resin injection hole (131). Through this configuration, the area where the resin (300) is injected and the area vented by the venting hole (132) can be clearly distinguished. Accordingly, by inducing gas or flame, etc. generated inside the battery module (100), to be discharged toward the upper side of the battery module (100) (+Z-axis direction in FIG. 14) rather than toward the terrace (114) side (Y-axis or -Y-axis direction in FIG. 14), heat propagation of the battery module (100) can be effectively controlled.

[0102] The number of venting holes (132) may be one or more, and may be determined in various ways depending on the capacity of the battery cell (110), the number of battery modules (100), etc. The shape of the venting hole (132) is not limited to the oval shape shown in the drawing.

[0103] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0104] Fig. 16 is a partial plan view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, Fig. 16 shows a portion of the appearance of the battery module when viewed along the -Z axis in the XY plane. Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line D-D' of Fig. 16.

[0105] Referring to FIGS. 15 to 17, the battery module (100) may include a module frame cover (140) that covers the upper portion of the module frame (130).

[0106] A rupture portion (141) may be formed in the module frame cover (140) so as to correspond to the vent hole (132) and have a structure that ruptures when a certain pressure is exceeded. In the present invention, the rupture portion (141) is normally closed, but as long as it ruptures when a certain pressure is exceeded, thereby inducing the discharge of internal gas, there is no particular limitation on its shape. The rupture portion (141) described below is an exemplary structure that exhibits such a function.

[0107] An opening (143) may be formed in an area excluding the connecting portion (142) of the periphery of the rupture portion (141), and the rupture portion (141) may be connected to the module frame cover (140) by the connecting portion (142). When viewed along a direction perpendicular to the upper portion of the module frame cover (140), the opening (143) may be formed outside the venting hole (132) on the upper portion of the module frame cover (140).

[0108] When a general battery module (100) is used, the connecting portion (142) does not rupture. Since the opening portion (143) is formed outside the venting hole (132), in the general operating state of the battery module (100), the venting hole (132) is blocked by the rupture portion (141). When a thermal runaway phenomenon of battery cells occurs and gas is generated inside the battery module (100), the connecting portion (142) ruptures and the venting hole (132) is exposed to the outside. That is, due to the rupture of the venting hole (132) and the connecting portion (142), the gas inside the battery module (100) is discharged through the hole on the module frame cover (140) formed along the shape of the opening portion (143).

[0109] Accordingly, the venting hole (132) can only function as a gas discharger when the internal pressure inside the battery module (100) rises above a certain standard due to the generation of gas due to thermal runaway of the battery cells. Accordingly, the stability of the battery module (100) is improved and the full performance of the battery module (100) can be secured while preventing a situation in which the internal structure of the battery module (100) is exposed to the outside, thereby lowering its stability.

[0110] In this example, terms indicating directions such as front, back, left, right, up, and down are used, but these terms are only for convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the location of the target object or the location of the observer.

[0111] One or more battery modules according to the above-described embodiment can be mounted together with various control and protection systems such as a BMS (Battery Management System), a BDU (Battery Disconnect Unit), and a cooling system to form a battery pack.

[0112] The above battery module or battery pack can be applied to various devices. Specifically, it can be applied to transportation vehicles such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrid vehicles, but is not limited thereto. It can also be applied to various devices that can use secondary batteries.

[0113] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention defined in the following claims also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0114] Description of the symbol

[0115] 100: Battery module

[0116] 130: Module Frame

[0117] 140: Module frame cover

[0118] 150: Busbar frame assembly

[0119] 160: End Plate

[0120] 200: Resin Block Pad

[0121] 300: Resin

Claims

1. A battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells including electrode leads or electrode terminals are stacked; A bus bar frame assembly positioned on one side of the battery cell stack in the direction in which the electrode lead or the electrode terminal protrudes; A module frame in which the battery cell stack is accommodated and in which one side of the battery cell stack in the direction in which the electrode lead or the electrode terminal protrudes is open; an end plate covering the open side of the module frame; and A resin block pad positioned between the battery cell stack and the upper part of the module frame; At least one resin injection hole for resin injection is formed in the upper part of the module frame, On the upper part of the module frame, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the upper part of the module frame, the resin injection hole is located in an area between the resin block pad and the end plate, A battery module in which the resin injected into the resin injection hole is in direct contact with the busbar frame assembly.

2. In paragraph 1, A battery module wherein the busbar frame assembly is immersed in the resin.

3. In paragraph 1, A battery module in which the resin is filled in an area between the resin block pad and the end plate when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the upper portion of the module frame on the upper portion of the module frame.

4. In paragraph 1, The above resin block pad is a battery module that extends along the direction in which the battery cells are stacked in the battery cell stack.

5. In paragraph 1, The above battery cell includes an electrode assembly; and a cell case that accommodates the electrode assembly, A battery module including the cell case, a storage portion for storing the electrode assembly; a sealing portion formed at an edge of the battery cell to seal the electrode assembly; and a terrace portion extended from the cell case in a direction in which the electrode lead or the electrode terminal protrudes.

6. In paragraph 5, A battery module in which the terrace portion is immersed in the resin injected into the resin injection hole.

7. In paragraph 5, The above resin is a battery module that is not interposed between the storage portion and the sealing portion by the above resin block pad.

8. In paragraph 1, The above busbar frame assembly is a battery module positioned between the battery cell stack and the end plate.

9. In paragraph 1, A battery module comprising: the busbar frame assembly; and at least one busbar disposed on the busbar frame and connected to the electrode lead or the electrode terminal.

10. In paragraph 1, A battery module in which at least one venting hole for internal gas discharge is formed in the upper portion of the module frame.

11. In Article 10, A battery module wherein, on the upper part of the module frame, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the upper part of the module frame, the venting hole is located further from the end plate than the resin injection hole.

12. In Article 10, A battery module including a module frame cover covering the upper portion of the module frame.

13. In paragraph 12, A battery module having a rupture portion formed in the module frame cover so as to correspond to the venting hole and having a structure that ruptures when a certain pressure is exceeded.

14. In paragraph 13, An opening is formed in the area around the above ruptured portion excluding the connecting portion, A battery module in which the above-mentioned rupture portion is connected to the module frame cover by the above-mentioned connecting portion.

15. In paragraph 14, A battery module in which, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the upper portion of the module frame cover, the opening is formed outside the venting hole.

16. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to paragraph 1.

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