Battery module

Abstract

A battery of the present disclosure comprises: a plurality of battery cells stacked in a first direction; a first bus bar positioned on one side of the plurality of battery cells so as to be electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells; a first bus bar frame positioned between the first bus bar and the plurality of battery cells and supporting the first bus bar; first holes penetrating the first bus bar; and first projections which protrude from the first bus bar frame, are inserted into the first holes, and are melted at a preset temperature.

Description

battery module

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery module, and more specifically, to a battery module for preventing thermal propagation (TP) during thermal runaway of a battery cell.

[0002] Recent fires and explosions involving lithium secondary batteries have raised public concerns about the safety of battery use. Driven by these concerns, one of the key development challenges facing lithium secondary batteries is eliminating safety risks, such as fires and explosions caused by thermal runaway in battery cells.

[0003] In particular, if flames, high-temperature gases, and conductive particles emitted from battery cells are released in indiscriminate directions, they can directly ignite other battery cells or battery modules, or cause short circuits between battery pack components, further exacerbating this thermal runaway situation. To prevent this, a structure is required in battery devices comprising multiple battery cells to guide flames or gases in a safe direction.

[0004] First, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery module with improved stability is provided.

[0005] Second, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a battery module having an extended battery life is provided.

[0006] Thirdly, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the present disclosure provides a battery module capable of emitting off-gas while supporting a busbar.

[0007] Meanwhile, the present disclosure can be widely applied in the field of green technology, such as electric vehicles, battery charging stations, energy storage systems (ESS), and other battery-based solar power generation and wind power generation.

[0008] In addition, the present disclosure can be used in eco-friendly mobility, including electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, to prevent climate change by suppressing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

[0009] To solve the above-described problem, the battery module of the present disclosure includes a plurality of battery cells stacked in a first direction; a first bus bar positioned on one side of the plurality of battery cells so as to be electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells; a first bus bar frame positioned between the first bus bar and the plurality of battery cells and supporting the first bus bar; a first hole penetrating the first bus bar; and a first protrusion protruding from the first bus bar frame, inserted into the first hole, and melted at a preset temperature.

[0010] The battery module may further include a plurality of electrode tabs protruding from the plurality of battery cells in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a plurality of insertion holes penetrating the first bus bar and into which the plurality of electrode tabs are inserted.

[0011] The above first hole can be arranged between the plurality of insertion holes.

[0012] In a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the first busbar frame is disposed between the first busbar and the plurality of battery cells, and the first hole can extend in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

[0013] The above first hole may be at least one.

[0014] *The above first protrusion may protrude outward from the above first bus bar.

[0015] The above first bus bar may include a terminal portion electrically connected to an external circuit.

[0016] The first bus bar further includes a first sub-bus bar and a second sub-bus bar arranged in the terminal portion and the first direction, and the first hole is provided in multiple numbers so as to pass through the terminal portion, the first sub-bus bar, and the second sub-bus bar, respectively.

[0017] The plurality of first holes may have the same shape and area.

[0018] At least some of the plurality of first holes may have different areas from each other.

[0019] When the first protrusion is melted at the preset temperature, the first busbar frame can be exposed through the first hole.

[0020] The above first bus bar and the above first bus bar frame can be in contact with each other.

[0021] The battery module may further include a cover case facing the first bus bar, the first bus bar frame, and at least a portion of at least one of the plurality of battery cells; and a venting hole penetrating the cover case.

[0022] In a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the first busbar frame is disposed between the first busbar and the plurality of battery cells, the cover case includes a side portion facing the first busbar in the second direction, and an upper portion facing the plurality of battery cells in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, and the venting hole can penetrate at least one of the side portion and the upper portion.

[0023] The battery module may further include a second bus bar positioned on the other side of the plurality of battery cells so as to be electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells; and a second bus bar frame positioned between the second bus bar and the plurality of battery cells and supporting the second bus bar.

[0024] *The battery module may further include a second hole penetrating the second bus bar; and a second protrusion protruding from the second bus bar frame, inserted into the second hole, and melted at a preset temperature.

[0025] Gas discharged from at least one of the plurality of battery cells can flow out through the first hole.

[0026] The battery module of the present disclosure comprises: a plurality of battery cells stacked in a first direction; electrode tabs protruding from the plurality of battery cells in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a first bus bar including an insertion hole into which the electrode tabs are inserted; a first bus bar frame disposed between the first bus bar and the plurality of battery cells in the second direction and supporting the first bus bar; and a first hole penetrating the first bus bar and extending in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, wherein in the third direction, a length of the first hole is smaller than a length of the insertion hole.

[0027] In the first direction, the width of the first hole may be greater than the width of the insertion hole.

[0028] The battery module may further include a protrusion protruding from the first busbar frame, inserted into the first hole, and melted at a preset temperature.

[0029] First, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the stability of the battery module can be improved by discharging flames or gases in a safe direction.

[0030] Second, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the life of the battery can be improved by discharging flames or gases in a safe direction.

[0031] Third, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the bus bar can be supported while simultaneously discharging off-gas.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 2 is an exploded view showing the battery module of Figure 1.

[0034] Figure 3 is a drawing showing the first busbar assembly of Figure 2.

[0035] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the first busbar assembly of Figure 3.

[0036] FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are drawings for explaining a first busbar assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a first busbar assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a first busbar assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a first busbar assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, these are merely exemplary and the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described as examples.

[0041] Certain terms used in this specification are for convenience of explanation only and are not intended to limit the illustrated embodiments.

[0042] For example, expressions such as "same" and "same as" not only indicate a strictly identical state, but also indicate a state in which there is a difference in tolerance, or the degree to which the same function is obtained.

[0043] For example, expressions indicating relative or absolute arrangements such as “in which direction,” “along which direction,” “parallel,” “perpendicular,” “centered,” “concentric,” or “coaxial” not only strictly indicate such arrangements, but also indicate a state of relative displacement with an angle or distance that allows for tolerance, or the degree to which the same function is obtained.

[0044] In order to explain the present disclosure, the following description is based on a spatial orthogonal coordinate system with mutually orthogonal X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. Each axis direction (X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, Z-axis direction) means both directions in which each axis extends.

[0045] The X-direction, Y-direction, and Z-direction mentioned below are for the purpose of explanation so that the present disclosure can be clearly understood, and it is of course possible to define each direction differently depending on where the standard is set.

[0046] The use of terms such as "first," "second," and "third" before the components mentioned below is intended solely to avoid confusion regarding the components they refer to, and has no bearing on the order, importance, or dominant-subordinate relationship between the components. For example, an invention can be implemented that includes only the second component without the first component.

[0047] As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0048] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is an exploded view illustrating the battery module of FIG. 1.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery module (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of battery cells (100), a base plate (200), a cover case (300), side plates (400a, 400b), a first busbar assembly (500), and a second busbar assembly (600).

[0050] Each of the plurality of battery cells (100) may include an electrode assembly and an outer case. The outer case may accommodate the electrode assembly. The plurality of battery cells (100) may include electrode tabs (120a, 120b). The electrode tabs (120a, 120b) may protrude from the plurality of battery cells (100). For example, in the second direction (Y), the electrode tabs (120a, 120b) may protrude from the plurality of battery cells (100). The electrode tabs (120a, 120b) may be electrically connected to electrodes of the electrode assembly. The electrode tabs (120a, 120b) may be exposed to the outside of the outer case. In FIG. 2, the electrode tabs (120a, 120b) are illustrated as protruding in the second direction (Y), but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the electrode tabs (120a, 120b) may protrude in a first direction (X) from the plurality of battery cells (100). For another example, the electrode tabs (120a, 120b) may protrude in a third direction (Z) from the plurality of battery cells (100).

[0051] The electrode tabs (120a, 120b) may include a first electrode tab (120a) and a second electrode tab (120b). The first electrode tab (120a) may be electrically connected to one of the positive and negative electrodes of the electrode assembly, and the second electrode tab (120b) may be electrically connected to the other of the positive and negative electrodes.

[0052] A plurality of battery cells (100) may be stacked in a first direction (X). The plurality of battery cells (100) may be arranged at regular intervals in the first direction (X). The plurality of battery cells (100) may output or store electric energy. In one embodiment, an insulating material may be arranged between at least some of the plurality of battery cells (100). For example, the insulating material arranged between the plurality of battery cells (100)—for example, mica, ceramic wool, or urethane—may include a material having excellent heat resistance and insulating properties.

[0053] The base plate (200), the cover case (300), and the side plates (400a, 400b) can be combined with each other to form an internal space that accommodates a plurality of battery cells (100). The base plate (200), the cover case (300), and the side plates (400a, 400b) can protect the plurality of battery cells (100) accommodated in the internal space from external impact or foreign substances. The material of each of the base plate (200), the cover case (300), and the side plates (400a, 400b) can include any one of aluminum, iron, and polymer.

[0054] The base plate (200) can face at least a portion of the plurality of battery cells (100). For example, the base plate (200) can overlap a portion of the plurality of battery cells (100) in a third direction (Z). The base plate (200) can be disposed below the plurality of battery cells (100). The base plate (200) can overlap the lower surfaces of the plurality of battery cells (100) in the third direction (Z). The base plate (200) can support the plurality of battery cells (100).

[0055] The base plate (200) may have high thermal conductivity. For example, the base plate (200) may include a heat transfer member between the plurality of battery cells (100). The heat transfer member may have adhesive properties and a thermal conductivity higher than a reference value. For example, the reference value may be 0.8 W / mK, and the material of the heat transfer member may be a polymer having thermal conductivity, such as an epoxy or urethane series material.

[0056] The cover case (300) may face at least one of the plurality of battery cells (100), the first busbar assembly (500), and the second busbar assembly (600). For example, the cover case (300) may face the plurality of battery cells (100). For another example, the cover case (300) may face the plurality of battery cells (100), the first busbar assembly (500), and the second busbar assembly (600).

[0057] The cover case (300) may face at least a portion of at least one of the plurality of battery cells (100), the first busbar assembly (500), and the second busbar assembly (600). For example, the cover case (300) may face at least a portion of the first busbar assembly (500). For another example, the cover case (300) may face at least a portion of each of the plurality of battery cells (100), the first busbar assembly (500), and the second busbar assembly (600).

[0058] The cover case (300) can face at least a portion of the plurality of battery cells (100). For example, the cover case (300) can overlap at least a portion of the plurality of battery cells (100) in a third direction (Z). The cover case (300) can face at least a portion of the first busbar assembly (500) and the second busbar assembly (600). For example, the cover case (300) can overlap at least a portion of the first busbar assembly (500) and the second busbar assembly (600) in a second direction (Y). The cover case (300) can cover at least a portion of each of the plurality of battery cells (100), the first busbar assembly (500), and the second busbar assembly (600). For example, the cover case (300) can cover an upper surface of the plurality of battery cells (100). The cover case (300) can cover the outer surface of the first busbar assembly (500) and the second busbar assembly (600).

[0059] The cover case (300) may include a top portion (310), a side portion (320), and a venting hole (330). The top portion (310) may include a surface facing a plurality of battery cells (100). The top portion (310) may connect the side portions (320). The side portions (320) may be spaced apart from each other with the top portion (310) therebetween. The side portions (320) may include surfaces facing the first busbar assembly (500) and the second busbar assembly (600), respectively.

[0060] The upper surface (310) can face the upper surfaces of the plurality of battery cells (100). The upper surface (310) can overlap the upper surfaces of the plurality of battery cells (100) in a third direction (Z). The upper surface (310) can be arranged parallel to the base plate (200) in the third direction (Z). The upper surface (310) can cover at least a portion of the upper surfaces of the plurality of battery cells (100). The side surface (320) can be arranged parallel to each other in the second direction (Y). The side surface (320) can face the first busbar assembly (500) and the second busbar assembly (600). The side surface (320) can overlap the first busbar assembly (500) and the second busbar assembly (600) in the second direction (Y). The side portion (320) can cover at least a portion of the outer surface of the first busbar assembly (500) and the second busbar assembly (600).

[0061] The venting hole (330) may penetrate at least one of the upper surface (310) and the side surface (320). A plurality of venting holes (330) may be spaced apart from each other at regular intervals and may penetrate the upper surface (310) and the side surface (320).

[0062] In FIGS. 1 and 2, the venting hole (330) is illustrated as penetrating both the upper surface (310) and the side surface (320), but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the venting hole (330) may penetrate the upper surface (310) and not the side surface (320). In another example, the venting hole (330) may penetrate the side surface (320) and not the upper surface (310). Through the venting hole (330), gases generated in the internal space formed by the base plate (200), the cover case (300), and the side plates (400a, 400b) joining each other may be discharged to the outside.

[0063] The side plates (400a, 400b) may include a first side plate (400a) and a second side plate (400b). The first side plate (400a) and the second side plate (400b) may be arranged with a plurality of battery cells (100) interposed therebetween along the first direction (X). For example, the first side plate (400a) may be positioned in front of the plurality of battery cells (100), and the second side plate (400b) may be positioned in the rear of the plurality of battery cells (100).

[0064] The first busbar assembly (500) and the second busbar assembly (600) can be electrically connected to a plurality of battery cells (100). The first busbar assembly (500) can be electrically connected to the first electrode tabs (120a) of the plurality of battery cells (100). The second busbar assembly (600) can be electrically connected to the second electrode tabs (120b). The first busbar assembly (500) and the second busbar assembly (600) can be arranged between the side surface (320) of the cover case (300) and the plurality of battery cells (100). For example, in the second direction (Y), one surface of the first busbar assembly (500) can face the side surface (320) of the cover case (300), and the other surface can face the plurality of battery cells (100). Likewise, in the second direction (Y), one side of the second busbar assembly (600) may face the side surface (320) of the cover case (300), and the other side may face the plurality of battery cells (100).

[0065] The description of the second busbar assembly (600) is substantially the same as the description of the first busbar assembly (500), so the following description focuses on the first busbar assembly (500).

[0066] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the first busbar assembly of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the first busbar assembly of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are drawings for explaining the first busbar assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 3, the first busbar assembly (500) may include a first busbar (510) and a first busbar frame (520).

[0068] Referring to FIG. 4, the first bus bar (510) may include a first sub-bus bar (511), a second sub-bus bar (512), a terminal portion (513), an insertion hole (514), and a first hole (515). The first sub-bus bar (511) and the second sub-bus bar (512) may be arranged in a first direction (X).

[0069] The first sub-bus bar (511) and the second sub-bus bar (512) may have, for example, a plate shape. The first sub-bus bar (511) and the second sub-bus bar (512) may include a conductive material. The first sub-bus bar (511) and the second sub-bus bar (512) may electrically connect a plurality of battery cells (100). The first sub-bus bar (511) and the second sub-bus bar (512) may be coupled to a first bus bar frame (520). At least some of the first sub-bus bars (511) and the second sub-bus bars (512) may be provided with terminal portions (513) that may be electrically connected to an external circuit of the battery module (1). That is, some of the first sub-bus bars (511) and the second sub-bus bars (512) that are electrically connected to an external circuit may be terminal portions (513).

[0070] In Fig. 4, the first bus bar (510) is illustrated as including both a terminal portion (513) and a first sub-bus bar (511) and a second sub-bus bar (512), but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the first bus bar (510) may include only a terminal portion (513) and may not include the first sub-bus bar (511) and the second sub-bus bar (512).

[0071] The insertion hole (514) can pass through the first sub-bus bar (511) and the second sub-bus bar (512). For example, the insertion hole (514) can extend in the third direction (Z). The first electrode tabs (120a) of the plurality of battery cells (100) can be inserted into the insertion hole (514). The first electrode tabs (120a) can be inserted into the insertion hole (514) so ​​that the plurality of battery cells (100) and the first sub-bus bar (511) and the second sub-bus bar (512) can be electrically connected.

[0072] The first hole (515) can pass through the first sub-bus bar (511) and the second sub-bus bar (512). The first hole (515) can be arranged between insertion holes (514). For example, the first hole (515) can be arranged between insertion holes (514) that are arranged parallel to the first direction (X). The first hole (515) can extend in the third direction (Z).

[0073] The first hole (515) may include a first sub-hole (515a) and a second sub-hole (515b). The first sub-hole (515a) may pass through the first sub-bus bar (511). The second sub-hole (515b) may pass through the second sub-bus bar (512).

[0074] The first sub-hole (515a) and the second sub-hole (515b) may be arranged singly in the first sub-bus bar (511) and the second sub-bus bar (512), respectively. In one embodiment, the first sub-hole (515a) and the second sub-hole (515b) may have the same shape and area. That is, the first sub-hole (515a) and the second sub-hole (515b) may have identical shapes.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 5, the first hole (515) may have a first width (W515) in a first direction (X). The insertion hole (514) may have a second width (W514) in the first direction (X). The first width (W515) of the first hole (515) may be greater than the second width (W514) of the insertion hole (514). However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the first width (W515) of the first hole (515) may be smaller than the second width (W514) of the insertion hole (514). For another example, the first width (W515) of the first hole (515) may be equal to the second width (W514) of the insertion hole (514).

[0076] Referring back to FIG. 4, the first busbar frame (520) may include a protrusion (523), a through hole (524), and a first protrusion (525). The first busbar frame (520) may be disposed between the first busbar (510) and the plurality of battery cells (100) in the second direction (Y). The first busbar frame (520) may support the first busbar (510). The first busbar frame (520) may support the first busbar (510) so that the first busbar (510) is stably connected to the plurality of battery cells (100). The first busbar frame (520) may be coupled to the first sub-busbar (511) and the second sub-busbar (512). The first busbar frame (520) may include a non-conductive material having rigidity. For example, the first busbar frame (520) may include plastic. More specifically, the first busbar frame (520) may be formed of engineering plastic.

[0077] The protrusion (523) may protrude toward the plurality of battery cells (100). For example, the protrusion (523) may be formed integrally with the first busbar frame (520). For another example, the protrusion (523) may be provided as a separate member from the first busbar frame (520) and may be coupled to the first busbar frame (520). The plurality of protrusions (523) may be arranged in the first direction (X).

[0078] The through hole (524) can pass through the first bus bar frame (520). For example, the through hole (524) can extend in the third direction (Z). The first electrode tab (120a) of the plurality of battery cells 100) can pass through the through hole (524). The through hole (524) can correspond to the insertion hole (514). The first electrode tab (120a) can pass through the through hole (524) and be inserted into the insertion hole (514). The through hole (524) and the protrusion (523) can be alternately arranged in the first direction (X).

[0079] The first protrusion (525) may protrude from the first busbar frame (520). The first protrusion (525) may protrude from the first busbar frame (520) toward the first busbar (510). The first protrusion (525) may correspond to the first hole (515). The first protrusion (525) may be inserted into the first hole (515). The first protrusion (525) may extend, for example, in the third direction (Z). A plurality of first protrusions (525) may be arranged spaced apart from each other in the first direction (X). For example, the first protrusion (525) may be formed integrally with the first busbar frame (520). In another example, the first protrusion (525) may be provided as a separate member from the first busbar frame (520) and coupled to the first busbar frame (520).

[0080] The first protrusion (525) may include a first sub-protrusion (525a) and a second sub-protrusion (525b). The first sub-protrusion (525a) and the second sub-protrusion (525b) may correspond to the first sub-hole (515a) and the second sub-hole (515b), respectively. The first sub-protrusion (525a) and the second sub-protrusion (525b) may be inserted into the first sub-hole (515a) and the second sub-hole (515b), respectively.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 6, the first protrusion (525) may protrude outwardly from the first bus bar (510). Specifically, when the first protrusion (525) is inserted into the first hole (515), the first protrusion (525) may protrude further than a surface of the first bus bar (510) that does not face the first bus bar frame (520). However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the first protrusion (525) may not protrude further than a surface of the first bus bar (510) that does not face the first bus bar frame (520). For example, the outer surface of the first protrusion (525) may be arranged on the same plane as a surface of the first bus bar (510) that does not face the first bus bar frame (520).

[0082] The first protrusion (525) can be melted at a preset temperature. The first protrusion (525) may have a lower melting point than the first bus bar (510).

[0083] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating a first busbar assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. For convenience of explanation, the following description focuses on differences from those described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6.

[0084] Referring to Fig. 7, the first sub-hole (515a) and the second sub-hole (515b) may be arranged in different numbers. The second sub-hole (515b) may not be arranged as a single unit in the second sub-bus bar (512). For example, one first sub-hole (515a) may pass through the first sub-bus bar (511), and a plurality of second sub-holes (515b) may pass through the second sub-bus bar (512). The plurality of second sub-holes (515b) may be arranged between insertion holes (514). The plurality of second sub-holes (515b) may be arranged in a third direction (Z) relative to each other.

[0085] The first sub-protrusion (525a) and the second sub-protrusion (525b) may also be arranged in different numbers. The second sub-protrusion (525b) may not be arranged as a single unit on the first busbar frame (520). For example, one first sub-protrusion (525a) may protrude from the first busbar frame (520), and a plurality of second sub-protrusions (525b) may protrude from the first busbar frame (520). The plurality of second sub-protrusions (525b) may be arranged in the third direction (Z).

[0086] In one embodiment, the first sub-hole (515a) and the second sub-hole (515b) may have different shapes and areas. For example, the second sub-hole (515b) may have a smaller area than the first sub-hole (515a). The second sub-hole (515b) may have a smaller length extending in the third direction (Z) than the first sub-hole (515a). The widths of the first sub-hole (515a) and the second sub-hole (515b) in the first direction (X) may be the same.

[0087] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a first busbar assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. For convenience of explanation, differences from those described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7 will be primarily explained.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 8, a plurality of second sub-holes (515b) may be arranged between insertion holes (514). The plurality of second sub-holes (515b) may be arranged in a first direction (X) with respect to each other. The plurality of second sub-protrusions (525b) may be arranged in a first direction (X) with respect to each other.

[0089] In one embodiment, the first sub-hole (515a) and the second sub-hole (515b) may have different areas. For example, the second sub-hole (515b) may have a smaller area than the first sub-hole (515a). The second sub-hole (515b) may have a smaller width in the first direction (X) than the first sub-hole (515a). The lengths of the first sub-hole (515a) and the second sub-hole (515b) extending in the third direction (Z) may be the same.

[0090] In FIGS. 7 and 8, the number of first sub-holes (515a) is illustrated as one and the number of second sub-holes (515b) is illustrated as two, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, two first sub-holes (515a) may penetrate the first sub-bus bar (511), and three second sub-holes (515b) may penetrate the second sub-bus bar (512).

[0091] The shape and number of the first sub-hole (515a) and the second sub-hole (515b) arranged in the first bus bar (510) and the corresponding first sub-protrusion (525a) and second sub-protrusion (525b) can be adjusted to control the flow of gas according to each location. For example, by reducing the area of ​​the first sub-hole (515a), the second sub-hole (515b), the first sub-protrusion (525a), and the second sub-protrusion (525b), the first sub-protrusion (525a) and the second sub-protrusion (525b) can be controlled so that the first sub-protrusion (525a) and the second sub-protrusion (525b) quickly melt when the temperature rises, thereby allowing the gas to flow quickly. For another example, by increasing the areas of the first sub-hole (515a), the second sub-hole (515b), the first sub-protrusion (525a), and the second sub-protrusion (525b), when the temperature rises and the first sub-protrusion (525a) and the second sub-protrusion (525b) melt, the flow of gas can be controlled to occur smoothly at a point where a lot of gas is generated through the first sub-hole (515a) and the second sub-hole (515b) with large areas.

[0092] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating a first busbar assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. For reference, FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the first busbar assembly (500) in a state where the first protrusion (525 of FIG. 6) has melted due to a temperature rise. For convenience of explanation, the following description will focus on differences from those described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 9 in comparison with FIG. 6, when the temperature of the battery module (1) rises during operation and reaches a preset temperature, the first protrusion (525) may melt. The first protrusion (525) may easily melt because it protrudes outward from the first bus bar (510). When the first protrusion (525) melts, the first hole (515) may be exposed. Specifically, when the first protrusion (525) filling the first hole (515) is melted and removed, the inner wall of the first hole (515) may be exposed.

[0094] The first protrusion (525) may be melted and at least a portion of the first busbar frame (520) exposed through the first hole (515) may be melted due to heat. The heat may be concentrated on the protrusion, causing the temperature of the protrusion to rise relatively faster than that of other parts.

[0095] Accordingly, gas may leak out of the battery module (1) through the first hole (515). For example, when thermal runaway occurs in one of the plurality of battery cells (100), the outer material of the battery cell in which the thermal runaway occurred may be torn and opened. As the outer material is opened, high-temperature gas (off-gas) may leak out of the plurality of battery cells (100). At this time, the high-temperature gas or heat may be discharged to the outside through the first hole (515) that is opened by melting at least a portion of the first protrusion (525) and the first busbar frame (520).

[0096] The present disclosure may be implemented in various forms and modifications, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. Therefore, if a modified embodiment includes elements of the present disclosure, it should be considered to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A plurality of battery cells stacked in a first direction; A first bus bar positioned on one side of the plurality of battery cells so as to be electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells; A first busbar frame disposed between the first busbar and the plurality of battery cells and supporting the first busbar; a first hole penetrating the first bus bar; and A battery module comprising a first projection protruding from the first busbar frame, inserted into the first hole, and melted at a preset temperature.

2. In paragraph 1, A plurality of electrode tabs protruding from the plurality of battery cells in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and A battery module further comprising a plurality of insertion holes penetrating the first bus bar and into which the plurality of electrode tabs are inserted.

3. In paragraph 2, A battery module, wherein the first hole is positioned between the plurality of insertion holes.

4. In paragraph 1, In a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the first busbar frame is arranged between the first busbar and the plurality of battery cells, A battery module, wherein the first hole extends in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

5. In paragraph 1, A battery module, wherein the first hole is at least one.

6. In paragraph 1, A battery module, wherein the first protrusion protrudes outwardly from the first bus bar.

7. In paragraph 1, A battery module, wherein the first bus bar includes a terminal portion electrically connected to an external circuit.

8. In paragraph 7, The above first bus bar further includes a first sub-bus bar and a second sub-bus bar arranged in the first direction with respect to the terminal portion, A battery module having a plurality of first holes, each of which penetrates the terminal portion, the first sub-bus bar, and the second sub-bus bar.

9. In paragraph 8, A battery module wherein the plurality of first holes have the same shape and area.

10. In paragraph 8, A battery module, wherein at least some of the plurality of first holes have different areas from each other.

11. In paragraph 1, A battery module, wherein when the first protrusion is melted at the above-described preset temperature, the first busbar frame is exposed through the first hole.

12. In paragraph 1, A battery module, wherein the first bus bar and the first bus bar frame are in contact with each other.

13. In paragraph 1, A cover case facing at least a portion of the first bus bar, the first bus bar frame and at least one of the plurality of battery cells; and A battery module further comprising a venting hole penetrating the cover case.

14. In paragraph 13, In a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the first busbar frame is arranged between the first busbar and the plurality of battery cells, The above cover case has a side portion facing the first bus bar in the second direction, In a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, an upper surface facing the plurality of battery cells is included, A battery module, wherein the venting hole penetrates at least one of the side surface and the upper surface.

15. In paragraph 1, A second bus bar positioned on the other side of the plurality of battery cells so as to be electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells; and A battery module further comprising a second busbar frame disposed between the second busbar and the plurality of battery cells and supporting the second busbar.

16. In paragraph 15, a second hole penetrating the second bus bar; and A battery module further comprising a second projection protruding from the second busbar frame, inserted into the second hole, and melted at a preset temperature.

17. In paragraph 1, A battery module, wherein gas discharged from at least one of the plurality of battery cells flows out through the first hole.

18. A plurality of battery cells stacked in a first direction; An electrode tab protruding from the plurality of battery cells in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; A first bus bar including an insertion hole into which the electrode tab is inserted; A first busbar frame disposed between the first busbar and the plurality of battery cells in the second direction and supporting the first busbar; and A first hole penetrating the first bus bar and extending in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, A battery module, wherein in the third direction, the length of the first hole is smaller than the length of the insertion hole.

19. In paragraph 18, A battery module, wherein in the first direction, the width of the first hole is larger than the width of the insertion hole.

20. In paragraph 18, A battery module further comprising a protrusion protruding from the first busbar frame, inserted into the first hole, and melted at a preset temperature.

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