Battery module

Abstract

A battery module is disclosed. A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a base plate: a plurality of battery cells positioned on the upper surface of the base plate; and a top plate positioned on the plurality of battery cells and having a first venting hole; a top cover coupled to the upper surface of the top plate and provided with a separation line facing the first venting hole; and an insulating cover positioned between the top plate and the plurality of battery cells and provided with a second venting hole facing the first venting hole.

Description

battery module

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0037961, filed March 19, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] As demand for portable electronic devices such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and smartwatches increases significantly and electric vehicles become increasingly widespread, research is actively being conducted on the batteries used in these devices, especially secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged.

[0004] 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.

[0005] 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 coated with the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively, with a separator interposed between them, and an outer case, i.e., a battery case, that seals and encloses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0006] 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.

[0007] Recently, secondary batteries are widely used for power and energy storage not only in small devices such as portable electronic devices but also in medium- to large-sized devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS). Multiple secondary batteries can be electrically connected and housed within a module case to form a single battery module. Each secondary battery within a battery module can be referred to as a battery cell. Furthermore, multiple such battery modules can be connected to form a single battery pack.

[0008] However, when a battery pack contains multiple battery modules, each of which contains multiple battery cells, it may be vulnerable to a thermal chain reaction between battery modules or between battery cells. For example, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs within a single battery module, the propagation of this thermal runaway to other battery modules or cells must be prevented. If the propagation of thermal runaway between battery modules or cells is not properly prevented, an event occurring in a specific battery module or battery cell may trigger a chain reaction of thermal reactions in other battery modules or cells, potentially causing an explosion or fire, or potentially increasing its scale.

[0009] In particular, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs in a single battery module, gas or flames may be randomly discharged to the outside. If the discharge of gas or flames is not properly controlled, there is a risk that the gas or flames may be discharged toward other battery modules, causing a thermal chain reaction in the other battery modules. In particular, the front side of the battery module may have module terminals, which may be configured to electrically connect to other battery modules or battery packs, such as module bus bars. Therefore, if flames are discharged toward the front side of such a battery module, the module terminals may be damaged within the battery pack, causing an electrical short. Furthermore, since other battery modules may be present at the front side of the battery module, if flames are discharged toward the front side of a specific battery module, the discharged flames may easily spread to other battery modules, potentially causing a fire to spread between battery modules.

[0010] Failure to properly control thermal transfer between battery modules or battery cells can lead to a sudden voltage drop in the battery module or battery pack. This can lead to a sudden shutdown of the device equipped with the battery module or battery pack, resulting in unexpected damage. For example, if a voltage drop in a battery pack occurs suddenly while an electric vehicle is in operation, there is no time to move the vehicle to a safe location.

[0011] Moreover, if thermal propagation between battery modules or cells fails to be properly controlled, resulting in a sudden fire or explosion, there is a high possibility of causing casualties. For example, if thermal runaway occurs in an electric vehicle, if a certain amount of time is not allowed for a full-blown fire to develop, occupants may not be able to escape safely.

[0012] Accordingly, the present invention has been created to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a battery module having an improved structure so as to appropriately control the emission of flames and the like generated inside the battery module, and a battery pack and automobile including the same.

[0013] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a battery module capable of quickly discharging venting gas when a thermal event occurs.

[0014] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a battery module capable of blocking the inflow of venting gas.

[0015] However, the technical 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.

[0016] In order to achieve the above object, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a battery module may include: a base plate; a plurality of battery cells positioned on an upper surface of the base plate; a top plate positioned above the plurality of battery cells and having a first venting hole; a top cover coupled to an upper surface of the top plate and having a separating line facing the first venting hole; and an insulating cover positioned between the top plate and the plurality of battery cells and having a second venting hole facing the first venting hole.

[0017] Additionally, the separating line may be configured to be separable from the battery cell when a thermal event occurs.

[0018] Additionally, the insulating cover includes a protrusion protruding upward from the periphery of the second venting hole, and the protrusion can be inserted into the interior of the first venting hole.

[0019] Additionally, the protrusion can support the top cover.

[0020] Additionally, the protrusion may extend along the perimeter of the second venting hole.

[0021] Additionally, the insulating cover may further include a support portion extending from the protrusion to the inside of the second venting hole.

[0022] Additionally, the support member can support the top cover.

[0023] Additionally, the separation line may extend along the perimeter of the first venting hole.

[0024] Additionally, the above separation line can form a separation area.

[0025] Additionally, the insulating cover includes a protrusion protruding upward from the periphery of the second venting hole, and the protrusion can support the separation area.

[0026] Additionally, the insulating cover may further include a guard protruding toward the plurality of battery cells.

[0027] Additionally, the battery module further includes a pad disposed between the plurality of battery cells, and the guard can support the pad.

[0028] Additionally, the guards are provided in pairs, and the upper end of the pad can be positioned between the pair of guards.

[0029] Additionally, the pair of guards and the pads may extend along the length of one of the plurality of battery cells.

[0030] Additionally, the battery module may further include an adhesive member disposed between the insulating cover and the top plate.

[0031] In addition, a battery pack according to another aspect of the present invention for achieving the above-described purpose includes a battery module according to the present invention.

[0032] In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention for achieving the above purpose, a vehicle includes a battery module according to the present invention.

[0033] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, when gas or flame is generated inside a battery module, the discharge of such gas or flame can be appropriately controlled.

[0034] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the electrical safety of a battery module can be improved.

[0035] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, heat propagation can be suppressed.

[0036] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the transmission of a thermal event due to a flame or gas external to the battery module can be suppressed.

[0037] 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.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the battery pack of Fig. 1 in isolation.

[0040] Figure 3 is a drawing showing the battery module of Figure 2.

[0041] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the battery module of Fig. 3 in isolation.

[0042] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the battery array of Fig. 4 in isolation.

[0043] Figure 6 is a drawing showing the top cover of Figure 4.

[0044] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of part B of Figure 6.

[0045] Figure 8 is a drawing showing that the separation area in Figure 7 is separated from the top cover.

[0046] Figure 9 is a drawing showing the top plate of Figure 4.

[0047] Figure 10 is an enlarged view of part C of Figure 9.

[0048] Fig. 11 is a drawing showing the insulating cover of Fig. 4.

[0049] Figure 12 is an enlarged view of part D of Figure 11.

[0050] Fig. 13 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line E-E' of Fig. 12.

[0051] Fig. 14 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' of Fig. 1.

[0052] Figures 15 and 16 are drawings showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' of Figure 1 when a thermal event occurs.

[0053] 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.

[0054] Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention, and it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0055] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a partial configuration of the battery pack of FIG. 1 in isolation.

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a bottom plate (110), a side wall (120), a pack cover (130), and a battery module (200). The bottom plate (110) may have a square plate shape. The bottom plate (110) may form the exterior of the battery pack.

[0057] The side wall (120) can be installed, joined, fixed, fastened, or attached to the upper surface of the bottom plate (110). The side wall (120) can form the exterior of the battery pack. For example, the side wall (120) can be composed of four pieces. The bottom plate (110) and the side wall (120) can provide a space therein.

[0058] The pack cover (130) may have a square plate shape. The pack cover (130) may be installed, coupled, fixed, fastened or attached to the side wall (120).

[0059] The battery module (200) can be installed, coupled, fixed, fastened, or attached to the internal space of the battery pack. The battery module (200) may be provided in multiples. For example, the battery pack may include four battery modules (200).

[0060] Fig. 3 is a drawing showing the battery module (200) of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a drawing showing a partial configuration of the battery module (200) of Fig. 3 in isolation.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a battery module (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a base plate (211), a battery cell (310), a top plate (250), a top cover (500), and an insulating cover (400).

[0062] The base plate (211) may have a square plate shape. The base plate (211) may form the exterior of the battery module (200).

[0063] The battery cell (310) may refer to a secondary battery. The battery cell (310) may have a pouch shape. However, the shape of the battery cell (310) is not limited to the pouch shape, and may have various shapes, such as a cylindrical shape or a rectangular parallelepiped shape. In addition, the battery cell (310) may be provided in multiple numbers. The plurality of battery cells (310) may be positioned on the upper surface of the base plate (211).

[0064] A top plate (250) may be positioned on top of a plurality of battery cells (310). The top plate (250) may have a square plate shape. The top plate (250) may cover a plurality of battery cells (310). In addition, the top plate (250) may have a first venting hole (251). The first venting hole (251) may penetrate the top plate (250). The first venting hole (251) may expose the battery cells (310) to the outside. In addition, the first venting hole (251) may face the plurality of battery cells (310). In addition, a plurality of first venting holes (251) may be formed. The plurality of first venting holes (251) may be arranged in the front-back direction or along the X-axis direction. The plurality of first venting holes (251) may be arranged in the left-right direction or along the Y-axis direction. The top plate (250) may include a metal material.

[0065] The top cover (500) may be positioned on top of the top plate (250). In addition, the top cover (500) may be installed, coupled, fixed, fastened, or attached to the upper surface of the top plate (250). The top cover (500) may have a square plate shape. The top cover (500) may include a heat-resistant material. The top cover (500) may include a fire-resistant material. The top cover (500) may include a flame-retardant material. For example, the top cover (500) may include a silicone material.

[0066] The top cover (500) may include a separation line (501). The separation line (501, score line) may be used as a term that includes and collectively refers to a perforated line (501), a notching line (501), a cutting line (501), a shredding line (501), a tear line (501), or a separation line (501).

[0067] The dividing line (501) may face the first venting hole (251). The dividing line (501) may be provided to correspond one-to-one to a plurality of first venting holes (251). The plurality of dividing lines (501) may be arranged along the front-back direction or the X-axis direction. The plurality of dividing lines (501) may be arranged along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction.

[0068] The insulating cover (400) may be positioned between the top plate (250) and the plurality of battery cells (310). In addition, the insulating cover (400) may be installed, coupled, fixed, fastened, or attached to the lower surface of the top plate (250). The insulating cover (400) may have a square plate shape. The insulating cover (400) may also be referred to as an insulating film (400). The insulating cover (400) may have electrical insulation properties. The insulating cover (400) may include a heat-resistant material. The insulating cover (400) may include a fire-resistant material. The insulating cover (400) may include a flame-retardant material. For example, the insulating cover (400) may include a polycarbonate material.

[0069] In addition, the insulating cover (400) may have a second venting hole (401). The second venting hole (401) may penetrate the insulating cover (400). The second venting hole (401) may expose the battery cell (310) to the outside. In addition, the second venting hole (401) may face a plurality of battery cells (310). In addition, the second venting hole (401) may face the first venting hole (251). In addition, the second venting hole (401) may be formed in plurality. The plurality of second venting holes (401) may be provided to correspond one-to-one to the plurality of first venting holes (251). The plurality of second venting holes (401) may be arranged along the front-back direction or the X-axis direction. The plurality of second venting holes (401) may be arranged along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction.

[0070] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module (200) can be improved. When a thermal event occurs from the battery cell (310), the venting gas (g) can flow through the second venting hole (401) and the second venting hole (401). In addition, the venting gas (g) can separate the separation line (501) of the top cover (500) and be discharged to the outside of the battery module (200).

[0071] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a partial configuration of the battery array (300) of FIG. 4 in isolation. Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, a battery module (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a frame (210), a heat sink (260), a battery array (300), a heat transfer member (240), a busbar frame assembly (220), and an end cover (230).

[0072] The frame (210) may include a base plate (211) and a side plate (212). The frame (210) may provide a space inside. The side plates (212) may be configured as a pair. The base plate (211) and the pair of side plates (212) may be formed integrally. The frame (210) may form the exterior of the battery module (200). The top plate (250) may be installed, coupled, fixed, fastened, or attached to the side plate (212). For example, the top plate (250) may be welded to the pair of side plates (212).

[0073] The heat sink (260) can be installed, coupled, fixed, fastened, or attached to the lower surface of the base plate (211). The heat sink (260) can have a flow path therein. The base plate (211) can include a pair of ports (261). In addition, the internal flow path of the heat sink (260) can be communicated with the pair of ports (261). Cooling fluid can be supplied and discharged to the flow path inside the heat sink (260) through the ports (261).

[0074] The battery array (300) may include a plurality of battery cells (310) and pads (320). The plurality of battery cells (310) may be stacked or arranged along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. In addition, each battery cell (310) may be elongated along the front-back direction or the X-axis direction. The battery cell (310) may include a receiving portion (311), a first sealing portion (312), a second sealing portion (313), and an electrode lead (314). The receiving portion (311) may include an electrode assembly. In addition, the electrode assembly may be received by a cell case. The first sealing portion (312) may be a portion where the cell case is sealed. The first sealing portion (312) may protrude forward and backward of the receiving portion (311), respectively. The second sealing portion (313) may protrude upward of the receiving portion (311). The electrode leads (314) can protrude forward and backward from the first sealing portion (312), respectively. When a thermal event occurs, the venting gas (g) can be discharged through the second sealing portion (313).

[0075] A pad (320) may be placed between a plurality of battery cells (310). The pad (320) may extend in a longitudinal direction or along the X-axis direction. A plurality of pads (320) may be provided. In addition, the pad (320) may have electrical insulation. The pad (320) may include a heat-resistant material. The pad (320) may include a fire-resistant material. The pad (320) may include a flame-retardant material. The pad (320) may have elasticity. For example, the pad (320) may include a silicone material. Referring to FIG. 5, a pad (320) may be provided for every two battery cells (310).

[0076] A heat transfer member (240) may be placed between the battery array (300) and the base plate (211). The heat transfer member (240) may include a material having high thermal conductivity. In addition, the heat transfer member (240) may attach or fix the battery array (300) to the base plate (211).

[0077] The busbar frame assembly (220) can be coupled to the front and rear sides of the battery array (300), respectively. The busbar frame assembly (220) can be electrically connected to the electrode leads (314) of the battery array (300).

[0078] The end covers (230) may be provided in pairs. Each pair of end covers (230) may cover a busbar frame assembly (220). The end covers (230) may form the exterior of the battery module (200).

[0079] Fig. 6 is a drawing showing the top cover (500) of Fig. 4. Fig. 7 is an enlarged drawing of part B of Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is a drawing showing the separation area (510) of Fig. 7 separated from the top cover (500). Fig. 9 is a drawing showing the top plate (250) of Fig. 4. Fig. 10 is an enlarged drawing of part C of Fig. 9.

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 10, a separation line (501) of a battery module (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention may extend along the periphery of the first venting hole (251). The separation line (501) may form a separation area (510). The separation area (510) may be an area surrounded by the separation line (501). The separation area (510) may be formed to be larger than the first venting hole (251). Alternatively, the separation area (510) may have a diameter larger than the diameter of the first venting hole (251).

[0081] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module (200) can be improved. When a thermal event occurs from the battery cell (310), the venting gas (g) can flow through the second venting hole (401) and the second venting hole (401). In addition, the venting gas (g) can separate the separation line (501) of the top cover (500) and be discharged to the outside of the battery module (200).

[0082] In addition, according to this configuration of the present invention, foreign substances, venting gas (g), ignitable particles, etc. generated from the outside can be blocked from entering the battery module (200). Since the separation area (510) is formed to be larger than the first venting hole (251), the first venting hole (251) can support the separation area (510). Therefore, even if foreign substances, venting gas (g), ignitable particles, etc. generated from the outside pressurize the separation area (510), the separation area (510) may not be separated. Therefore, heat transmission to the battery module (200) can be blocked.

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, the separation region (510) of the battery module (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to be separable when a thermal event occurs. When a thermal event occurs inside the battery module (200), the venting gas (g) discharged through the second sealing portion (313) of the battery cell (310) may pressurize the separation region (510) upwards or in the +Z-axis direction. At this time, the separation region (510) may be separated or removed from the top cover (500). By separating or removing the separation region (510), a third venting hole (502) may be formed. The third venting hole (502) may face the first venting hole (251) and the second venting hole (401). Additionally, the first venting hole (251), the second venting hole (401), and the third venting hole (502) can be connected.

[0084] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module (200) can be improved. When a thermal event occurs from the battery cell (310), the venting gas (g) can be discharged to the outside of the battery module (200) through the first venting hole (251), the second venting hole (401), and the third venting hole (502). As a result, heat propagation within the battery module (200) can be blocked.

[0085] Fig. 11 is a drawing showing the insulating cover (400) of Fig. 4. Fig. 12 is an enlarged drawing of part D of Fig. 11. Fig. 13 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line E-E' of Fig. 12.

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 13, a battery module (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an adhesive member (402). The adhesive member (402) may be disposed between an insulating cover (400) and a top plate (250). The adhesive member (402) may attach, couple, or fix the insulating cover (400) to the lower surface of the top plate (250). The adhesive member (402) may extend long along the front-back direction or the X-axis direction. The adhesive member (402) may be provided in multiple numbers. The multiple adhesive members (402) may be disposed along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction.

[0087] According to this configuration of the present invention, the adhesive member (402) can be stably fixed to the top plate (250).

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 13, an insulating cover (400) of a battery module (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a protrusion (410).

[0089] A protrusion (410) may be formed around the periphery of the second venting hole (401). The protrusion (410) may protrude upward or in the +Z-axis direction. In addition, the protrusion (410) may extend along the periphery of the second venting hole (401).

[0090] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module (200) can be improved. When a thermal event occurs from the battery cell (310), the protrusion (410) can guide the venting gas (g) to flow upward.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 13, an insulating cover (400) of a battery module (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a support member (420).

[0092] The support portion (420) may extend from the protrusion portion (410). The support portion (420) may extend inwardly of the second venting hole (401). Additionally, the support portion (420) may extend along the perimeter of the protrusion portion (410) or the perimeter of the second venting hole (401).

[0093] According to this configuration of the present invention, the rigidity of the protrusion (410) can be improved. In addition, the protrusion (410) can stably maintain its shape. In addition, the support (420) can support the separation area by contacting the top cover (500). Therefore, even if the separation area (510) is pressurized by foreign substances, venting gas (g), flammable particles, etc. generated from the outside, the separation area (510) may not be separated. Therefore, heat transmission to the battery module (200) can be blocked.

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 13, an insulating cover (400) of a battery module (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a guard (430). The guard (430) may protrude downward from the insulating cover (400) or in the -Z-axis direction. In addition, the guard (430) may extend long along the front-back direction or the X-axis direction. A plurality of guards (430) may be provided. A plurality of guards (430) may be arranged along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction.

[0095] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module (200) can be improved. When a thermal event occurs from the battery cell (310), the guard (430) can block the venting gas (g) from flowing in the left-right direction or along the Y-axis direction. As a result, the venting gas (g) can flow upward.

[0096] Fig. 14 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' of Fig. 1. Figs. 15 and 16 are drawings showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' of Fig. 1 when a thermal event occurs.

[0097] Referring to FIGS. 14 to 16, the protrusion (410) of the battery module (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention can be inserted into the interior of the first venting hole (251).

[0098] According to this configuration of the present invention, the electrical safety of the battery module (200) can be improved. By inserting the protrusion (410) into the first venting hole (251) of the top plate (250), the top plate (250) and the plurality of battery cells (310) can be electrically insulated.

[0099] In addition, according to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module (200) can be improved. The protrusion (410) can guide the venting gas (g) to flow upward.

[0100] Referring to FIGS. 14 to 16, a protrusion (410) of a battery module (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention can support a top cover (500). The protrusion (410) can support a separation area (510) of the top cover (500). Alternatively, the protrusion (410) can come into contact with the separation area (510).

[0101] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module (200) can be improved. Since the separation region (510) is supported by the protrusion (410), even if a foreign substance, venting gas (g), ignitable particle, etc. generated from the outside presses the separation region (510) in a downward direction or in the -Z-axis direction, the separation region (510) may not be separated. As a result, the inflow of a foreign substance, venting gas (g), ignitable particle, etc. generated from the outside into the battery module (200) can be blocked.

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 14 to 16, a support member (420) of a battery module (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention may support a top cover (500). The support member (420) may support a separation area (510) of the top cover (500). Alternatively, the support member (420) may be in contact with the separation area (510).

[0103] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module (200) can be improved. Since the separation region (510) is supported by the support member (420), even if a foreign substance, venting gas (g), flammable particles, etc. generated from the outside press the separation region (510) in a downward direction or in the -Z-axis direction, the separation region (510) may not be separated. As a result, the inflow of a foreign substance, venting gas (g), flammable particles, etc. generated from the outside into the battery module (200) can be blocked.

[0104] Referring to FIGS. 14 to 16, the width of the separation region (510) of the battery module (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction may be formed to be larger than the width of the first venting hole (251) in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. In addition, the width of the first venting hole (251) in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction may be formed to be larger than the width of the second venting hole (401) in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction.

[0105] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module (200) can be improved. Since the separation region (510) is supported by the top plate (250) or the insulating cover (400), even if foreign substances, venting gas (g), flammable particles, etc. generated from the outside press the separation region (510) in a downward direction or in the -Z-axis direction, the separation region (510) may not be separated. As a result, foreign substances, venting gas (g), flammable particles, etc. generated from the outside can be blocked from entering the battery module (200).

[0106] Referring to FIGS. 14 to 16, when a thermal event occurs, the venting gas (g) can separate the separation region (510). The venting gas (g) can pressurize the separation region (510) in the upward direction or the +Z-axis direction by passing through the first venting hole (251) and the second venting hole (401). As a result, the separation region (510) can be separated from the top cover (500), and the third venting hole (502) can be formed. The venting gas (g) can be discharged to the outside of the battery module (200) through the third venting hole (502).

[0107] The discharged venting gas (g) can flow between the top cover (500) and the pack cover (130). And the venting gas (g) can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack through a venting device or gas valve provided in the battery pack.

[0108] At this time, the venting gas (g) flowing between the top cover (500) and the pack cover (130) can pressurize the non-separated separation region (510) in the downward direction or the -Z-axis direction. The top plate (250) or the insulating cover (400) can provide a supporting force (SF) to the separation region (510). Since the separation region (510) is supported by the top plate (250) or the insulating cover (400), even if foreign substances, venting gas (g), flammable particles, etc. generated from the outside pressurize the separation region (510) in the downward direction or the -Z-axis direction, the separation region (510) may not be separated. As a result, the venting gas (g) discharged to the outside of the battery module (200) can be blocked from flowing into the interior of the battery module (200) or another battery module (200). Therefore, heat propagation of the battery module (200) and the battery pack can be blocked.

[0109] Referring to FIGS. 14 to 16, a guard (430) of a battery module (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention may protrude toward a plurality of battery cells (310).

[0110] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module (200) can be improved. When a thermal event occurs from the battery cell (310), the guard (430) can block the venting gas (g) from flowing in the left-right direction or along the Y-axis direction. As a result, the venting gas (g) can flow upward.

[0111] Referring to FIGS. 14 to 16, the pad (320) of the battery module (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to have a height higher than the battery cell (310).

[0112] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module (200) can be improved. When a thermal event occurs from the battery cell (310), the venting gas (g) can flow along the space between the insulating cover (400) and the plurality of battery cells (310). At this time, the pad (320) can block the venting gas (g) from flowing in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. As a result, the venting gas (g) can flow upward.

[0113] Referring to FIGS. 14 to 16, a guard (430) of a battery module (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention can support a pad (320). The upper end of the pad (320) can be formed higher than the lower end of the guard (430). As a result, the guard (430) can support the upper end of the pad (320).

[0114] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module (200) can be improved. When a thermal event occurs from the battery cell (310), the pad (320) can block the venting gas (g) from flowing in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. At this time, the pad (320) can be bent or deformed in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction due to the pressure of the venting gas (g). At this time, since the guard (430) supports the pad (320), the pad (320) can stably block the flow of the venting gas (g). As a result, the venting gas (g) can flow upward.

[0115] Referring to FIGS. 14 to 16, a pad (320) of a battery module (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be positioned between a pair of guards (430). The upper end of the pad (320) may be positioned between a pair of guards (430).

[0116] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module (200) can be improved. A pair of guards (430) can support the pad (320) from being bent or deformed to the left or right.

[0117] The battery pack according to the present invention may include one or more battery modules (200) according to the present invention described above. For example, the battery pack according to the present invention may be configured to include a pack housing, within which a plurality of battery modules (200) according to the present invention are included. In this case, when the battery modules (200) according to the present invention are housed, the heat transfer prevention effect between the battery modules (200) is excellent in emergency situations such as thermal runaway, and sufficient time for the user, etc. to respond or escape can be secured.

[0118] In addition, the battery pack according to the present invention may further include various other components in addition to the battery module (200), such as various battery pack components known at the time of application of the present invention, such as a BMS, a bus bar, a relay, a current sensor, etc.

[0119] Meanwhile, components such as a BMS, busbar, relay, and current sensor may be included as components of a battery module (200) according to the present invention. In this case, components such as a BMS, busbar, relay, and current sensor may be provided inside a case. In this case, the battery module may be referred to as a battery pack, and the case may be referred to as a pack housing. Furthermore, in this case, the battery module according to the present invention may be a cell-to-pack type battery pack in which battery cells are directly mounted on a pack housing.

[0120] The battery module (200) according to the present invention can be applied to automobiles such as electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles. That is, the automobile according to the present invention can include the battery module (200) according to the present invention or the battery pack according to the present invention. Furthermore, the automobile according to the present invention can further include various other components included in the automobile in addition to the battery module (200) or the battery pack. For example, the automobile according to the present invention can further include a body, a motor, a control device such as an ECU (electronic control unit), etc. in addition to the battery module (200) according to the present invention.

[0121] As described above, although the present invention has been described by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and variations are possible by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the equivalent scope of the patent claims to be described below.

Claims

1. Base plate; A plurality of battery cells positioned on the upper surface of the base plate; A top plate positioned above the plurality of battery cells and having a first venting hole; A top cover coupled to the upper surface of the top plate and having a separation line facing the first venting hole; and A battery module comprising an insulating cover positioned between the top plate and the plurality of battery cells and having a second venting hole facing the first venting hole.

2. In paragraph 1, The above dividing line is, A battery module configured to be detachable when a thermal event occurs from the above battery cell.

3. In paragraph 1, The above insulating cover, including a protrusion protruding upward from the periphery of the second venting hole; The above protrusion is, A battery module inserted into the interior of the first venting hole.

4. In paragraph 3, The above protrusion is, Battery module supporting the above top cover.

5. In paragraph 3, The above protrusion is, A battery module extending along the perimeter of the second venting hole.

6. In paragraph 3, The above insulating cover, A battery module further comprising a support portion extending from the protrusion toward the inside of the second venting hole.

7. In paragraph 6, The above support part, Battery module supporting the above top cover.

8. In paragraph 1, The above dividing line is, A battery module extending along the perimeter of the first venting hole.

9. In paragraph 1, The above dividing line is, Battery modules forming a separation area.

10. In paragraph 9, The above insulating cover, including a protrusion protruding upward from the periphery of the second venting hole; The above protrusion is, A battery module supporting the above separation area.

11. In paragraph 1, The above insulating cover, A battery module further comprising a guard protruding toward the plurality of battery cells.

12. In paragraph 11, Further comprising a pad disposed between the plurality of battery cells, The above guard is, Battery module supporting the above pad.

13. In paragraph 12, The above guard is, Equipped as a pair, The top of the above pad is, A battery module located between the above pair of guards.

14. In paragraph 13, The above pair of guards and the above pads, A battery module extending along the length direction of one of the plurality of battery cells.

15. In paragraph 1, A battery module further comprising an adhesive member disposed between the insulating cover and the top plate.

16. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. A vehicle comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

Images