Battery module, and battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a plurality of battery cells; a module case configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells and having a first venting hole formed through one side surface thereof, the first venting hole being configured to allow venting gas to be discharged to the outside therethrough; and a rupture member coupled to the module case so as to cover the first venting hole from opposite sides thereof and configured to allow at least a part thereof to be ruptured by the venting gas.

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. 10-2024-0018200, filed on February 6, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated by reference into this application.

[0003] Secondary batteries, which boast high electrical properties such as high energy density and easy applicability across a wide range of product categories, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electrical power sources. These batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for environmental friendliness and energy efficiency, not only because they can dramatically reduce fossil fuel use, but also because they produce no byproducts from energy use.

[0004] 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.

[0005] Meanwhile, since battery cells undergo chemical reactions during charging and discharging, their performance may 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 housing. 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, posing a significant risk.

[0006] Therefore, when a thermal runaway occurs in a battery module, there is a need to develop a structure that can prevent heat accumulation inside the battery module by discharging high-temperature gas or flames generated inside the battery module to the outside and prevent the discharged gas or flames from flowing back into the battery module.

[0007] Accordingly, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery module that can effectively prevent or delay the propagation of thermal runaway between cells by smoothly discharging gas or flames generated inside the battery module to the outside of the battery module when thermal runaway occurs in the battery module.

[0008] In addition, another problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery module with improved safety and reliability by preventing gas or flames discharged outside the battery module when thermal runaway of the battery module occurs from flowing back into the battery module.

[0009] However, the problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0010] To solve the above problem, the present invention provides a battery module comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a module case configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells and having a first venting hole configured to allow venting gas to be discharged to the outside on one side; and a rupture member coupled to the module case to cover the first venting hole on both sides, the rupture member being configured to be ruptured by at least a portion of the venting gas.

[0011] The above module case may include a case body having an open upper surface configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells, and a top plate coupled to the open upper surface of the case body and having the first venting hole formed therein.

[0012] The above rupture member may have an outer member configured to cover the first venting hole from the outside, and an inner member configured to cover the first venting hole from the inside.

[0013] The above rupture member may be configured in a sheet shape.

[0014] The above rupture member may be configured to be at least partially bonded to one side of the module case.

[0015] The above rupture member is formed at a position corresponding to the first venting hole and may have an opening configured to be ruptured by the venting gas.

[0016] The above opening may have a notch configured to have a thin thickness.

[0017] The outer member and the inner member each have an outer opening and an inner opening configured to be ruptured by the venting gas, and the outer opening and the inner opening may be configured to have different reference values ​​for rupture by the venting gas.

[0018] The outer member and the inner member may be configured to be at least partially spaced apart from each other.

[0019] The device may further include a fixing cover provided on the outside of the rupture member and configured to fix the rupture member to the module case.

[0020] The above fixed cover may be formed with a second venting hole formed at a position corresponding to the first venting hole and configured to discharge the venting gas to the outside.

[0021] In addition, the present invention provides a battery pack characterized by including a battery module according to the present invention.

[0022] And, the present invention provides an automobile characterized by including a battery module according to the present invention.

[0023] According to one aspect of the present invention, when a battery cell is in an abnormal state, high-temperature gas or flames generated in the battery cell can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery module, thereby effectively preventing or delaying the propagation of thermal runaway between cells.

[0024] In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, high-temperature gas or flames generated in a battery cell in an abnormal situation of the battery cell can be prevented from flowing back into the battery module, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of the battery module.

[0025] In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, an event due to thermal runaway phenomenon, such as a fire or explosion, of a battery pack including a plurality of battery modules or a device equipped with the same can be prevented or delayed.

[0026] 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.

[0027] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention, and together with the detailed description of the invention described below, serve to further understand the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to matters described in such drawings.

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

[0029] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing that at least a portion of a rupture member is opened when a thermal event occurs in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a rupture member included in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of part A of FIG. 4, and is a drawing for explaining a rupture member provided on the upper part of a battery cell in which a thermal event occurs in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a rupture member included in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are enlarged views of part B of FIG. 4, which are drawings for explaining a rupture member provided on the upper part of a battery cell in which a thermal event does not occur in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are drawings for explaining a fixed cover of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack including a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] Meanwhile, in the present invention, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back may be used, but it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms are only for convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the location of the target object or the location of the observer.

[0043] For example, in an embodiment of the present invention, the X-axis direction shown in the drawing may mean a left-right direction, the Y-axis direction may mean a front-back direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction on a horizontal plane (XY plane), and the Z-axis direction may mean an up-down direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0044]

[0045] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. And FIG. 4 is a drawing showing that at least a portion of a rupture member is opened when a thermal event occurs in the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery cell (100), a module case (200), and a rupture member (300).

[0047] Referring mainly to FIG. 2, a plurality of battery cells (100) may be included. And, the plurality of battery cells (100) may be, for example, pouch-type secondary batteries. The plurality of battery cells (100) may include an electrode assembly, a cell case that accommodates the electrode assembly, and an electrode lead that is connected to the electrode assembly and extends outward from the cell case to function as an electrode terminal. The cell case may accommodate the electrode assembly in a storage portion, and a border around the storage portion may be heat-sealed to form a sealing portion.

[0048] As illustrated in FIG. 2, a 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). At this time, each battery cell (100) may have a sealing portion facing the front-back direction (Y-axis direction) and the up-down direction (Z-axis direction), and a storage portion facing the left-right direction (X-axis direction).

[0049] 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 configure a plurality of battery cells (100) 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).

[0050] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the module case (200) may be configured to accommodate a battery cell (100). Specifically, an internal space may be formed in the module case (200), and the internal space may be configured to accommodate a battery cell (100).

[0051] Such a module case (200) may be made of a metal material having rigidity and heat resistance to physically or chemically protect the received battery cell (100).

[0052] Meanwhile, a first venting hole (H1) may be formed in the module case (200). The first venting hole (H1) may be formed on one side of the module case (200). The first venting hole (H1) may be configured to discharge venting gas generated in the battery cell (100) to the outside of the module case (200). Directional venting in one direction may be possible by the first venting hole (H1).

[0053] For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, a first venting hole (H1) is formed on the upper surface of the module case (200), and directional venting of the battery module (10) toward the top may be possible through the first venting hole (H1).

[0054] The first venting hole (H1) may be provided in multiple numbers, and may be provided at regular intervals between each other in the horizontal direction (X-axis, Y-axis direction).

[0055] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, in a situation where one of the battery cells (100) undergoes thermal runaway and gas or the like is generated, the gas or the like can be quickly directional vented in a specific direction.

[0056] Meanwhile, referring mainly to FIGS. 3 and 4, the rupture member (300) may be provided on one side of the module case (200) where the first venting hole (H1) is formed. The rupture member (300) may be coupled to the module case (200) so as to cover the first venting hole (H1) from both sides. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the first venting hole (H1) is formed on the upper surface of the module case (200), and the rupture member (300) may be coupled to the upper and lower portions of the upper surface of the module case (200). That is, the rupture member (300) may be configured with a double structure.

[0057] The rupture member (300) may be formed of a material with excellent heat resistance and / or fire resistance, such as a mica sheet. Accordingly, even when high-temperature heat is generated, shrinkage does not occur, and the rupture member (300) can maintain dimensional stability, thereby stably blocking high-temperature gases or flames generated from the battery cell (100).

[0058] The rupture member (300) may be configured to be ruptured at least partially by venting gas generated from the battery cell (100). Specifically, at least a portion of the rupture member (300) may be ruptured by pressure or heat of the venting gas directed toward the first venting hole (H1). Accordingly, when a thermal event occurs in a specific battery cell (100), the rupture member (300) provided on one side of the specific battery cell (100) may be ruptured to open at least one of the plurality of first venting holes (H1). Accordingly, the venting gas or the like may be discharged to the outside of the module case (200) through the opened first venting hole (H1).

[0059] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, in a normal state, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the rupture member (300) covers the first venting hole (H1) of the module case (200) to protect the battery cells (100) inside the module case (200). However, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, when a thermal event in which venting gas or flame is generated in some of the battery cells (100), at least a portion of the rupture member (300) may rupture to open at least a portion of the plurality of first venting holes (H1) (see part A of FIG. 4). Thus, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since at least a portion of the rupture member (300) ruptures to expose the first venting hole (H1) to the outside of the battery module (10), the first venting hole (H1) is not shielded, and as a result, gas or flame, etc. may be completely discharged to the outside of the battery module (10).

[0060] In addition, the rupture member (300) can prevent gas or flames discharged to the outside of the module case (200) from flowing back into the inside of the battery module (10). That is, the rupture member (300) provided on the side of the battery cell (100) where no thermal event has occurred can maintain a state of covering the first venting hole (H1) without rupturing (see part B of FIG. 4).

[0061] In this way, the venting gas or flames discharged to the outside through the open first venting hole (H1) can be fundamentally blocked from flowing back into the battery module (10). In addition, the rupture member (300) remaining without rupture can block not only heat but also high-temperature gases, flames, discharged substances, etc. generated from the battery cell (100).

[0062] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when thermal runaway occurs in the battery module (10), not only can venting gas or flames generated inside the battery module (10) be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery module (10), but also the discharged venting gas or flames can be prevented from flowing back into the battery module (10). Accordingly, since the propagation of thermal runaway can be effectively prevented or delayed by minimizing heat propagation to neighboring battery cells (100), the safety and reliability of the battery module (10) can be guaranteed.

[0063]

[0064] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 2, the module case (200) may include a case body (210). For example, the case body (210) may be provided as a U-frame. When the case body (210) is provided as a U-frame, it may be provided to cover both sides and the bottom surface of the plurality of battery cells (100). The case body (210) may include a left plate and a right plate that cover both sides of the plurality of battery cells (100), and a bottom plate that covers the bottom surface of the plurality of battery cells (100). In addition, the left plate, the right plate, and the bottom plate may be configured in an integrated form. At this time, the top surface and the front and back surfaces of the case body (210) may be open. The case body (210) may be configured of a metal material having rigidity and heat resistance in order to physically or chemically protect the battery cells (100) contained therein.

[0065] At this time, the module case (200) may further include a top plate (220). The top plate (220) may be provided to form the upper surface of the module case (200). The top plate (220) may be coupled to the open upper surface of the case body (210). The top plate (220) may be welded to the case body (210) to be coupled to each other. At this time, the shape in which the top plate (220) and the case body (210) are coupled may be a square tubular shape with open front and back surfaces.

[0066] As in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, a first venting hole (H1) may be formed in the top plate (220). This allows directional venting of the battery module (10) upward through the first venting hole (H1). In addition, the rupture member (300) may be coupled to the top plate (220) so as to cover the first venting hole (H1) of the top plate (220) from the upper and lower portions.

[0067] Meanwhile, the module case (200) may include an end plate (230) provided on the open front and rear sides of the case body (210). The end plate (230) may be welded and joined to the case body (210). Meanwhile, although not shown for convenience, the end plate (230) may, for example, have an inner side made of an insulating material and an outer side made of a metal material. In addition, the end plate (230) may partially have holes or slits for exposing components that need to be exposed to the outside, such as a positive terminal and a negative terminal of the battery module (10) or a connector.

[0068] In addition, the module case (200) may be formed in various other shapes. For example, the module case (200) may be provided with a box-shaped lower case having an upper open end and an upper cover that closes the upper open end of the lower case. In this case, the lower case may be provided in an integrated form with a left plate and a right plate covering both sides of a plurality of battery cells (100), and a front plate and a rear plate covering the front and back of the plurality of battery cells (100).

[0069] Alternatively, the module case (200) may be provided as a mono frame. For example, the case body (210) may be configured in the shape of a square tube having an upper surface, a lower surface, a left surface, and a right surface, and having an open front and back surface.

[0070] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 2, the battery module (10) of the present invention may further include a busbar frame assembly (500). The busbar frame assembly (500) may be provided inside the module case (200) and configured to cover at least one side of the plurality of battery cells (100). In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the busbar frame assembly (500) may be coupled to the front and rear of the plurality of battery cells (100).

[0071] A busbar frame assembly (500) may include a busbar frame (510) and a plurality of busbars (520). The busbar frame (510) may be arranged to be connected to the front and rear of a plurality of battery cells (100). The busbar frame (510) may have slits through which electrode leads of the battery cells (100) can be drawn out in the front-back direction.

[0072] Additionally, the busbar frame (510) may be formed of a material having electrical insulation properties, such as a plastic material, and may be configured to allow a busbar (520) to be attached to the outer surface.

[0073] Meanwhile, a plurality of bus bars (520) may be made of a metal material such as copper, aluminum, nickel, etc., and may be provided in the shape of a bar as a means for connecting battery cells (100) in series and / or in parallel.

[0074] The electrode leads of the battery cells (100) pass through the slits of the busbar frame (510) and are drawn outward from the busbar frame (510), and the portion drawn out in this manner can be attached to the surface of the busbar (520) by welding or the like.

[0075]

[0076] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a rupture member included in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. In addition, FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of portion A of FIG. 4, which is a drawing for explaining a rupture member provided on the upper portion of a battery cell in which a thermal event occurs in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the rupture member (300) may be configured with a double structure. Specifically, the rupture member (300) may include an outer member (301) and an inner member (302). The outer member (301) may be configured to cover the first venting hole (H1) from the outside. Additionally, the inner member (302) may be configured to cover the first venting hole (H1) from the inside.

[0078] More specifically, the inner member (302) and the outer member (301) covering the first venting hole (H1) may be ruptured by venting gas or flame generated from a battery cell (100), thereby opening the first venting hole (H1).

[0079] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the rupture member (300) is configured in two layers, it is possible to prevent the rupture member (300) from being easily damaged by external pressure. In addition, the first venting hole (H1) is prevented from being easily opened, thereby preventing the internal components of the battery module (10) from being damaged through the first venting hole (H1). As a result, the structural stability of the battery module (10) can be secured.

[0080] In addition, the rupture member (300) may be configured in a sheet shape. Specifically, the outer member (301) and the inner member (302) may each be configured in a sheet shape. The outer member (301) and the inner member (302) may be configured to have a very thin thickness. In addition, the outer member (301) and the inner member (302) may be configured to correspond to the size or shape of one side of the module case (200) in which the first venting hole (H1) is formed, such as the top plate (220) as in the embodiment illustrated in the drawing.

[0081] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the outer member (301) and the inner member (302) can be more smoothly and quickly ruptured by venting gas or flame generated from a battery cell (100). As a result, directional venting can be quickly performed through the first venting hole (H1).

[0082] The rupture member (300) may be configured to be at least partially bonded to one side of the module case. For example, the rupture member (300) may be attached to the module case (200) by an adhesive member. The adhesive member may include an adhesive, an adhesive tape, or the like.

[0083] More specifically, the rupture member (300) may include a main body portion (301a, 302a) configured to be at least partially bonded to one side of the module case (200). The main body portion (301a, 302a) may be bonded to at least one portion of one side of the module case (200) excluding the first venting hole (H1). For example, the main body portion (301a, 302a) may be attached to the top plate (220) by an adhesive member in all portions excluding the first venting hole (H1).

[0084] At this time, the outer member (301) and the inner member (302) may each have an outer main body portion (301a) and an inner main body portion (302a). As in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 6, the lower surface of the outer main body portion (301a) may be bonded to the upper surface of the top plate (220), and the upper surface of the inner main body portion (302a) may be bonded to the lower surface of the top plate (220).

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the rupture member (300) may be provided with openings (301b, 302b) configured to be ruptured by venting gas or the like when a thermal event occurs. The openings (301b, 302b) may be provided in a predetermined local area, such as a hole shape. The openings (301b, 302b) may be provided in multiple numbers. In particular, the openings (301b, 302b) may be formed at a location corresponding to the first venting hole (H1).

[0086] Only the openings (301b, 302b) provided on the upper portion of the battery cell (100) where a thermal event has occurred may be configured to rupture. Accordingly, venting gas or flames can be discharged to the outside through the first venting hole (H1) corresponding to the ruptured openings (301b, 302b).

[0087] Accordingly, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs, gas or flame generated within the battery module (10) can be discharged to the outside of the module case (200) through the ruptured opening (301b, 302b).

[0088] More specifically, referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the outer member (301) and the inner member (302) may each have an outer opening (301b) and an inner opening (302b) configured to be ruptured by a venting gas. The outer opening (301b) may normally cover the first venting hole (H1) from the outside of the first venting hole (H1), and may be configured to be ruptured by a venting gas or the like. In addition, the inner opening (302b) may normally cover the first venting hole (H1) from the inside of the first venting hole (H1), and may be configured to be ruptured by a venting gas or the like.

[0089] Additionally, the openings (301b, 302b) may be provided with a notch (N) configured to be thin. The notch (N) may be provided in the form of a broken line or a solid line by forming a groove in a part of the openings (301b, 302b). The notch (N) may be configured to be weaker than the adjacent area so as to be easily ruptured by the pressure or heat of the venting gas. In another embodiment, the openings (301b, 302b) may be provided with the same shape and size as the first venting hole (H1), and the notch (N) may be formed along the perimeter of the first venting hole (H1).

[0090] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the rupture member (300) is opened by being ruptured by the notching (N), a separate space is not required when the rupture member (300) is ruptured, so that even if another structure is provided on the outside of the battery module (10), it can be opened smoothly.

[0091]

[0092] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a rupture member included in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] The outer opening (301b) and the inner opening (302b) may be configured to have different threshold values ​​for rupture by venting gas. In other words, the extent to which the outer opening (301b) and the inner opening (302b) rupture by venting gas may be configured to be different.

[0094] Specifically, referring to FIGS. 5 and 7, the outer opening (301b) and the inner opening (302b) may each include an outer notching (N1) and an inner notching (N2). At this time, the outer notching (N1) and the inner notching (N2) may be configured to have different notching intervals, depths, etc.

[0095] In one embodiment, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell (100), the inner opening (302b) may be configured to be higher than the threshold value for rupture of the outer opening (301b). In this case, the inner opening (302b) may be configured to rupture more easily than the outer opening (301b).

[0096] For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 7, the gap between the inner notches (N2) may be configured to be tighter than that between the outer notches (N1). Alternatively, the depth of the inner notches (N2) may be configured to be deeper than that of the outer notches (N1).

[0097] As in the above embodiment configuration of the present invention, when the inner opening (302b) is configured to be more easily ruptured than the outer opening (301b), even if the outer opening (301b) is not opened when a thermal event occurs in any battery cell (100), the inner opening (302b) can be reliably ruptured so that venting gas or flames can be smoothly discharged to the outside.

[0098] In addition, on the other battery cell (100) side where no thermal event has occurred, even if the inner opening (302b) is ruptured by the pressure of the venting gas, the outer opening (301b) is prevented from rupturing, thereby suppressing or blocking the re-inflow of venting gas or flames into the other battery cell (100).

[0099]

[0100] FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are enlarged views of part B of FIG. 4, which are drawings for explaining a rupture member provided on the upper part of a battery cell in which a thermal event does not occur in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] The outer member (301) and the inner member (302) may be configured to be at least partially spaced apart from each other. In particular, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the outer member (301) and the inner member (302) may be coupled to both sides of the top plate (220) and configured to be spaced apart from each other at a portion where the first venting hole (H1) is located. Accordingly, an air insulation layer may be formed in the space between the outer member (301) and the inner member (302).

[0102] As described above, when venting a battery cell (100), only the opening (301b, 302b) provided on the upper portion of the vented battery cell (100) among the plurality of openings (301b, 302b) may be ruptured. In addition, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the remaining openings (301b, 302b) except for the ruptured openings (301b, 302b) may be maintained in a state of covering the first venting hole (H1).

[0103] At this time, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since an air insulation layer is formed in the space between the outer member (301) and the inner member (302) in a portion where the state of still covering the first venting hole (H1) is maintained, the venting gas or flame discharged through the ruptured opening (301b, 302b) can be effectively prevented from flowing back into the module case (200).

[0104] In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, even if the outer member (301) is ruptured due to venting gas or flame, etc. that is about to be reversed, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, the inner member (302) is supported by the battery cells (100) and may not be easily ruptured. Thus, reverse inflow of venting gas or flame, etc. from the outside can be blocked. That is, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, not only can heat transmission between battery cells (100) be suppressed, but also the structural stability of the battery module (10) can be secured.

[0105]

[0106] FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are drawings for explaining a fixed cover of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] The battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a fixing cover (400). The fixing cover (400) may be configured to fix the rupture member (300) to the module case (200). Specifically, the fixing cover (400) may be provided on the outer side of the rupture member (300). In particular, the fixing cover (400) may be provided on the outer side of the outer member (301). The fixing cover (400) may be coupled to the outer side of the module case (200) so as to pressurize the outer side of the rupture member (300) toward the module case (200). As an example, the fixing cover (400) may be configured to be adhered to the outer surface of the rupture member (300) by an adhesive material.

[0108] As illustrated in FIG. 11, when thermal runaway occurs within the battery module (10), the bonding force between the module case (200) and the rupture member (300) may be reduced and lifted due to the pressure of the venting gas discharged from the battery cell (100) and / or the high heat such as a flame. If the rupture member (300), particularly a part of the outer member (301), remains lifted outside the module case (200), not only will the discharge of the venting gas or flame be obstructed, but there is also a risk that the venting gas or flame may penetrate into the lifted interface between the rupture member (300) and the module case (200) and flow back into the battery module (10). However, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the rupture member (300) is prevented from being lifted by the fixed cover (400), the gas or flame discharged to the outside may be fundamentally blocked from flowing back into the battery module (10).

[0109] Meanwhile, the fixed cover (400) may be formed of a material with excellent heat resistance and / or fire resistance, for example, a pad combining mica and silicone. Accordingly, even when high temperature heat is generated, shrinkage does not occur, and the fixed cover (400) can maintain dimensional stability, thereby firmly fixing the rupture member (300) to the module case (200).

[0110] In addition, a second venting hole (H2) may be formed in the fixed cover (400). The second venting hole (H2) may be configured to discharge the venting gas discharged through the first venting hole (H1) to the outside of the battery module (10).

[0111] The second venting hole (H2) may be provided in multiple numbers, and may be provided at regular intervals in the horizontal direction (X-axis, Y-axis direction). In particular, the second venting hole (H2) may be formed at a position corresponding to the first venting hole (H1). That is, the first venting hole (H1), the opening (301b, 302b), and the second venting hole (H2) may be sequentially arranged from the inside to the outside.

[0112] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs in a battery cell (100), the openings (301b, 302b) of the inner member (302) and the outer member (301) are ruptured by venting gas or flame, and thus the first venting hole (H1) can be opened. In addition, the venting gas or flame discharged to the outside through the first venting hole (H1) can be completely discharged to the outside of the battery module (10) through the second venting hole (H2) formed at a position corresponding to the first venting hole (H1).

[0113] Accordingly, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, in a situation where one of the battery cells (100) undergoes thermal runaway and gas or the like is generated, the venting gas or the like can be quickly directional vented in a specific direction.

[0114]

[0115] FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack including a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 12, a battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery modules (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention as described above. The battery pack (1) according to the present invention may further include a pack case (2) for accommodating a BMS (Battery Management System), a current sensor, a fuse, and the like for integrated control of charging and discharging of one or more battery modules, and the above-described components.

[0117]

[0118] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 13, a vehicle (3) 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 (3) according to the present invention may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle (3) includes a four-wheel vehicle and a two-wheel vehicle. The vehicle (3) operates by receiving power from the battery packs (1) and / or battery modules (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0120]

[0121] 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; A module case configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells and having a first venting hole configured to allow venting gas to be discharged to the outside on one side; and A battery module characterized in that it includes a rupture member coupled to the module case so as to cover the first venting hole on both sides, and configured so that at least a portion thereof is ruptured by the venting gas.

2. In paragraph 1, The above module case A case body having an open upper surface configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells; A battery module characterized by including a top plate coupled to the open upper surface of the case body and in which the first venting hole is formed.

3. In paragraph 1, The above ruptured member An outer member configured to cover the first venting hole from the outside, A battery module characterized by having an inner member configured to cover the first venting hole from the inside.

4. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the above rupture member is configured in a sheet shape.

5. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the rupture member is configured to be at least partially adhered to one side of the module case.

6. In paragraph 1, The above ruptured member A battery module characterized by having an opening formed at a position corresponding to the first venting hole and configured to be ruptured by the venting gas.

7. In paragraph 6, A battery module characterized in that the above opening has a notching formed with a thin thickness.

8. In paragraph 3, The outer member and the inner member each have an outer opening and an inner opening configured to be ruptured by the venting gas, A battery module characterized in that the outer opening and the inner opening have different rupture threshold values due to the venting gas.

9. In paragraph 3, A battery module characterized in that the outer member and the inner member are configured to be at least partially spaced apart from each other.

10. In paragraph 1, A battery module further comprising a fixing cover provided on the outside of the rupture member and configured to fix the rupture member to the module case.

11. In paragraph 10, The above fixed cover A battery module characterized in that a second venting hole is formed at a position corresponding to the first venting hole and configured to discharge the venting gas to the outside.

12. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A vehicle comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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