Battery module

Abstract

A battery module is disclosed. The battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may comprise: a case providing a space therein and having a top plate; a battery cell located inside the case; a first cover coupled to the upper surface of the top plate and having a first separation line; and a second cover coupled to the upper surface of the first cover and having a second separation line.

Description

battery module

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

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0043628, filed March 29, 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 structure capable of smoothly discharging venting gas generated inside a battery module.

[0014] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a structure capable of blocking venting gas generated externally from flowing into the interior of a battery module.

[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-described purpose, a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a case providing a space therein and having a top plate; a battery cell positioned inside the case; a first cover coupled to an upper surface of the top plate and having a first separating line; and a second cover coupled to an upper surface of the first cover and having a second separating line.

[0017] Additionally, the length of the second separation line may be configured to be longer than the length of the first separation line.

[0018] Additionally, the direction in which the first separation line extends and the direction in which the second separation line extends may be configured to intersect.

[0019] In addition, the top plate may have a venting hole, and the first separation line may be formed at a portion facing the venting hole.

[0020] Additionally, the second separation line may be formed at a portion facing the first separation line.

[0021] Additionally, the first separation line may be formed to penetrate the first cover.

[0022] Additionally, the second separation line may be formed to penetrate the second cover.

[0023] Additionally, the battery module may further include an adhesive sheet disposed between the first cover and the second cover.

[0024] Additionally, the adhesive sheet may have a hole exposing the first separating line.

[0025] Additionally, the hole may be configured to have a diameter longer than the first separation line.

[0026] Additionally, the hole may be configured to have a diameter longer than the second separation line.

[0027] Additionally, the second separation line may be configured to have a fishbone shape.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the electrical safety of a battery module can be improved.

[0032] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, heat propagation can be suppressed.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a partial configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a partial separation of the battery assembly of Figure 2.

[0038] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the separation line of the battery module of Figure 2.

[0039] Fig. 5 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' of Fig. 1.

[0040] Fig. 6 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' of Fig. 1 when a thermal event occurs.

[0041] Fig. 7 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' of Fig. 1 when exposed to gas generated from the outside.

[0042] Fig. 8 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of Fig. 5.

[0043] Fig. 9 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of Fig. 5.

[0044] Fig. 10 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of Fig. 5.

[0045] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a partial configuration of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 12 is an enlarged drawing of the separation line and hole of the battery module of Figure 11.

[0047] Fig. 13 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of Fig. 5.

[0048] Fig. 14 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of Fig. 5.

[0049] Fig. 15 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of Fig. 5.

[0050] Fig. 16 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of Fig. 5.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a partial separation of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a partial separation of a battery assembly (100) of FIG. 2.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a case (110), a battery cell (120), a first cover (200), and a second cover (400).

[0055] The case (110) may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The case (110) may also be referred to as a frame (110). The case (110) may provide a space therein. The case (110) may include a top plate (110a), a bottom plate (110b), and a pair of side plates (110c). In addition, the case (110) may have an open front and back.

[0056] The battery cell (120) may be provided in multiple numbers. The multiple battery cells (120) may be stacked in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. In this case, the battery cell (120) may refer to a secondary battery. The battery cell (120) may include a receiving portion (122) containing an electrode assembly and an electrolyte. In addition, the battery cell (120) may include a first sealing portion (123) extending toward the front and rear of the receiving portion (122). In addition, the battery cell (120) may include a second sealing portion (124) extending toward the upper side of the receiving portion (122). The electrode lead (121) of the battery cell (120) may protrude toward the front and rear sides of the first sealing portion (123), respectively. In particular, the battery cell (120) may be a pouch-type secondary battery. Each battery cell (120) may extend along the front-back direction or the X-axis direction. The electrode leads (121) may protrude to the front and rear of each battery cell (120). However, the shape of the battery cell (120) is not limited to a pouch shape, and may have various shapes such as a cylindrical shape or a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0057] A compression pad (150) may be placed between a plurality of battery cells (120). The compression pad (150) may be placed between at least some of the battery cells (120) and / or on the periphery of the stack. For example, the compression pad (150) may be configured to be placed between every four battery cells (120) stacked in the left-right direction.

[0058] A compression pad (150) may be placed between a plurality of battery cells (120). The compression pad (150) may be placed between at least some of the battery cells (120) and / or on the periphery of the stack. For example, the compression pad (150) may be configured to be placed between every four battery cells (120) stacked in the left-right direction.

[0059] The first cover (200) may be fastened, joined, attached, or fixed to the upper surface of the top plate (110a). The first cover (200) may have a sheet shape. An adhesive material may be placed between the first cover (200) and the top plate (110a).

[0060] Additionally, the first cover (200) may be fastened, joined, attached or fixed to a pair of side plates (110c). An adhesive member may be placed between the first cover (200) and the pair of side plates (110c).

[0061] The first cover (200) may include a first separation line (201). The first separation line (201, score line) may be used as a term that includes and collectively refers to a perforated line (201), a notching line (201), a cutting line (201), a shredding line (201), a tear line (201), or a separation line (201). The first separation line (201) may be configured to be easily separated by pressure applied to the first cover (200).

[0062] Additionally, the first cover (200) may include a flame-retardant material. For example, the first cover (200) may include a ceramic material. Additionally, the first cover (200) may include a fire-resistant or heat-resistant material.

[0063] The second cover (400) may be fastened, joined, attached, or fixed to the upper surface of the first cover (200). The second cover (400) may have a sheet shape. The second cover (400) may include a second separation line (401). The second separation line (401, score line) may be used as a term that includes and collectively refers to a perforated line (401), a notching line (401), a cutting line (401), a shredding line (401), a tear line (401), or a separation line (401). The second separation line (401) may be configured to be easily separated by pressure applied to the second cover (400).

[0064] Additionally, the second cover (400) may include a flame-retardant material. For example, the second cover (400) may include a ceramic material. Additionally, the second cover (400) may include a fire-resistant or heat-resistant material.

[0065] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module can be improved. When a thermal event occurs from the battery cell (120), the venting gas (g) can be discharged through the top plate (110a) of the case (110). The venting gas (g) can separate the first separation line (201). In addition, the venting gas (g) can separate the second separation line (401). As a result, the venting gas (g) can be discharged to the outside of the battery module. On the other hand, when the battery module is exposed to the venting gas (g) generated from the outside, the first cover (200) and the second cover (400) can prevent the venting gas (g) generated from the outside from flowing into the inside of the battery module. As a result, the propagation of the thermal event can be suppressed or blocked.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an adhesive sheet (300). The adhesive sheet (300) may be placed between a first cover (200) and a second cover (400). The adhesive sheet (300) may bind the first cover (200) and the second cover (400).

[0067] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module can be improved. Due to the adhesive sheet (300), the first cover (200) and the second cover (400) can be stably joined together.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a battery assembly (100) of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a busbar frame assembly (130) and an end cover (140).

[0069] A busbar frame assembly (130) may be provided at the front and rear of each of the plurality of battery cells (120). The busbar frame assembly (130) may be electrically connected to the electrode leads (121) of the plurality of battery cells (120).

[0070] A pair of end covers (140) can be respectively coupled to the front and rear of the case (110). The pair of end covers (140) can cover the front and rear of the case (110). The end covers (140) can have a square shape.

[0071] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the separation lines (201, 401) of the battery module of FIG. 2. Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the length of the second separation line (401) of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to be longer than the length of the first separation line (201). As a result, the second separation line (401) may be separated more easily than the first separation line (201). Alternatively, the minimum pressure required for the separation of the first separation line (201) may be higher than the minimum pressure required for the separation of the second separation line (401).

[0072] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module can be improved. When a thermal event occurs from the battery cell (120), the high-pressure venting gas (g) can separate the first separating line (201) and the second separating line (401) and be discharged to the outside of the battery module. On the other hand, when the battery module is exposed to the venting gas (g) generated from the outside, the first separating line (201) can support the second separating line (401) so that the second separating line (401) is not separated. Alternatively, when the battery module is exposed to the venting gas (g) generated from the outside, even if the second separating line (401) is separated, the first separating line (201) may not be separated. As a result, the venting gas (g) generated from the outside can be prevented from flowing into the inside of the battery module.

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the direction in which the first separation line (201) of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention extends and the direction in which the second separation line (401) extends may be configured to intersect. For example, the direction in which the first separation line (201) extends and the direction in which the second separation line (401) extends may be orthogonal.

[0074] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module can be improved. By configuring the first separation line (201) and the second separation line (401) to intersect, the first separation line (201) can more strongly support the second separation line (401) to prevent the second separation line (401) from being separated. As a result, venting gas (g) generated from the outside can be prevented from flowing into the interior of the battery module.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 4, a second separating line (401) of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a main line (401a) extending along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. In addition, the second separating line (401) may include auxiliary lines (401b) extending from both ends of the main line (401a). The auxiliary lines (401b) may be formed as a pair. In addition, the auxiliary line (401b) may be composed of two lines. The two lines constituting the auxiliary line (401b) may form an angle B. For example, the angle B may be a right angle. For example, the length (L2) of the main line (401a) may be 54.5 mm. In addition, the length (L3) of each line constituting the auxiliary line (401b) may be 13 mm. The second dividing line (401) may have an overall length (L1) in the left-right direction and a length (W1) in the front-back direction. In this case, the shape of the second dividing line (401) may be referred to as a fishbone shape.

[0076] The first dividing line (201) may extend in the forward / backward direction or along the X-axis direction. The first dividing line (201) may be composed of two lines. The partition (202) may partition the two lines. For example, the lengths (W2) of the two lines constituting the first dividing line (201) may each be 12.5 mm. In addition, the two lines constituting the first dividing line (201) may be arranged at an interval of 5 mm. Alternatively, the length (W3) of the partition (202) may be 5 mm.

[0077] The length (L1) of the second separation line (401) may be formed to be longer than the length (W2) of the first separation line (201). In addition, the length (L2) of the main line (401a) may be formed to be longer than the length (W2) of the first separation line (201).

[0078] Fig. 5 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' of Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' of Fig. 1 when a thermal event occurs.

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, 5, and 6, a case (110) of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may have a venting hole (111). The case (110) may have a venting hole (111) in a top plate (110a). The venting hole (111) may allow the inside and the outside of the case (110) to communicate. In addition, the venting hole (111) may face the second sealing portion (124) of the battery cell (120). The first separating line (201) may be formed at a portion facing the venting hole (111).

[0080] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module can be improved. When a thermal event occurs from the battery cell (120), venting gas (g) can be discharged through the second sealing portion (124). The venting gas (g) can apply pressure to the first cover (200) through the venting hole (111). In addition, the first separation line (201) can be separated by the venting gas (g), and the venting hole (111) and the exterior of the battery module can be connected. As a result, the venting gas (g) can be discharged to the exterior of the battery module.

[0081] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, the second separation line (401) of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may be formed at a portion facing the first separation line (201). The first separation line (201), the second separation line (401), and the venting hole (111) may be aligned along the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction.

[0082] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module can be improved. The venting gas (g) generated inside the case (110) can separate the first separating line (201) and the second separating line (401). As a result, the venting hole (111) and the exterior of the battery module can be connected, and the venting gas (g) can be discharged to the exterior of the battery module.

[0083] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration taken along the cutting line A-A' of FIG. 1 when exposed to gas generated from the outside. Referring to FIG. 7, a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention can block external gas from flowing into the inside. The first separation line (201) can support the second separation line (401). Alternatively, when the battery module is exposed to venting gas (g) generated from the outside, even if the second separation line (401) is separated, the first separation line (201) may not be separated. As a result, the venting gas (g) generated from the outside can be blocked from flowing into the inside of the battery module.

[0084] At this time, the first dividing line (201) may not penetrate the first cover (200). For example, the first dividing line (201) may be formed to a depth approximately half the thickness of the first cover (200). In addition, the second dividing line (401) may not penetrate the second cover (400). For example, the second dividing line (401) may be formed to a depth approximately half the thickness of the second cover (400).

[0085] According to this configuration of the present invention, the first separation line (201) and the second separation line (401) can be easily separated with low resistance against the pressure of the venting gas (g) generated inside the battery module. In addition, the first separation line (201) and the second separation line (401) can be easily separated with high resistance against the pressure of the venting gas (g) generated outside the battery module.

[0086] Fig. 8 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of Fig. 5. Referring to Fig. 8, the first separation line (201) of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may be formed to penetrate the first cover (200). As a result, the first separation line (201) may be more easily separated. At this time, the second separation line (401) may not penetrate the second cover (400). For example, the second separation line (401) may be formed to a depth of about half the thickness of the second cover (400).

[0087] According to this configuration of the present invention, the first separation line (201) and the second separation line (401) can be easily separated with low resistance against the pressure of the venting gas (g) generated inside the battery module. In addition, the first separation line (201) and the second separation line (401) can be easily separated with high resistance against the pressure of the venting gas (g) generated outside the battery module.

[0088] Fig. 9 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of Fig. 5. Referring to Fig. 9, the second separation line (401) of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may be formed to penetrate the second cover (400). As a result, the second separation line (401) can be separated more easily. At this time, the first separation line (201) may not penetrate the first cover (200). For example, the first separation line (201) may be formed to a depth of about half the thickness of the first cover (200).

[0089] According to this configuration of the present invention, the first separation line (201) and the second separation line (401) can be easily separated with low resistance against the pressure of the venting gas (g) generated inside the battery module. In addition, the first separation line (201) and the second separation line (401) can be easily separated with high resistance against the pressure of the venting gas (g) generated outside the battery module.

[0090] Fig. 10 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of Fig. 5. Referring to Fig. 10, the first separation line (201) of the battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may be formed to penetrate the first cover (200). In addition, the second separation line (401) may be formed to penetrate the second cover (400). As a result, the first separation line (201) and the second separation line (401) may be more easily separated.

[0091] According to this configuration of the present invention, the first separation line (201) and the second separation line (401) can be easily separated with low resistance against the pressure of the venting gas (g) generated inside the battery module. In addition, the first separation line (201) and the second separation line (401) can be easily separated with high resistance against the pressure of the venting gas (g) generated outside the battery module.

[0092] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a portion of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the dividing lines (201, 401) and the holes (301) of the battery module of FIG. 11. Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the adhesive sheet (300) of the battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention may have a hole (301). The hole (301) may be formed to penetrate the adhesive sheet (300). The hole (301) may be positioned to expose the first dividing line (201). In addition, the hole (301) may be configured in the same shape as the venting hole (111). The first dividing line (201), the hole (301), the second dividing line (401), and the venting hole (111) may be aligned along the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction.

[0093] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module can be improved. Since the hole (301) is positioned between the first separating line (201) and the second separating line (401), the separation resistance of the first separating line (201) and the second separating line (401) can be reduced.

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the hole (301) of the adhesive sheet (300) of the battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention may be configured to have a diameter (W4) longer than the diameter (W2) of the first separating line (201) in the front-back direction. In addition, the hole (301) may have a length (L4) longer than the first separating line (201) in the left-right direction. As a result, the first separating line (201) may be entirely exposed by the hole (301).

[0095] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module can be improved. Since the hole (301) is positioned between the first separating line (201) and the second separating line (401), the separation resistance of the first separating line (201) and the second separating line (401) can be reduced.

[0096] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the hole (301) of the adhesive sheet (300) of the battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention may be configured to have a diameter (L4) longer than the diameter (L2) of the second separating line (401) in the front-back direction. In addition, the hole (301) may have a length (W4) longer than the length (W1) of the second separating line (401) in the left-right direction. As a result, the second separating line (401) may be entirely exposed by the hole (301).

[0097] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module can be improved. Since the hole (301) is positioned between the first separating line (201) and the second separating line (401), the separation resistance of the first separating line (201) and the second separating line (401) can be reduced.

[0098] Fig. 13 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of Fig. 5. Referring to Fig. 13, a hole (301) may be located between a first dividing line (201) and a second dividing line (401). At this time, the first dividing line (201) may not penetrate the first cover (200). For example, the first dividing line (201) may be formed to a depth approximately half the thickness of the first cover (200). In addition, the second dividing line (401) may not penetrate the second cover (400). For example, the second dividing line (401) may be formed to a depth approximately half the thickness of the second cover (400).

[0099] According to this configuration of the present invention, the first separation line (201) and the second separation line (401) can be easily separated with low resistance against the pressure of the venting gas (g) generated inside the battery module. In addition, the first separation line (201) and the second separation line (401) can be easily separated with high resistance against the pressure of the venting gas (g) generated outside the battery module.

[0100] Fig. 14 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of Fig. 5. Referring to Fig. 14, a hole (301) may be located between a first dividing line (201) and a second dividing line (401). The first dividing line (201) may be formed to penetrate the first cover (200). As a result, the first dividing line (201) may be more easily separated. At this time, the second dividing line (401) may not penetrate the second cover (400). For example, the second dividing line (401) may be formed to a depth of about half the thickness of the second cover (400).

[0101] According to this configuration of the present invention, the first separation line (201) and the second separation line (401) can be easily separated with low resistance against the pressure of the venting gas (g) generated inside the battery module. In addition, the first separation line (201) and the second separation line (401) can be easily separated with high resistance against the pressure of the venting gas (g) generated outside the battery module.

[0102] Fig. 15 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of Fig. 5. Referring to Fig. 15, a hole (301) may be located between a first dividing line (201) and a second dividing line (401). The second dividing line (401) may be formed to penetrate the second cover (400). As a result, the second dividing line (401) may be more easily separated. At this time, the first dividing line (201) may not penetrate the first cover (200). For example, the first dividing line (201) may be formed to a depth of about half the thickness of the first cover (200).

[0103] According to this configuration of the present invention, the first separation line (201) and the second separation line (401) can be easily separated with low resistance against the pressure of the venting gas (g) generated inside the battery module. In addition, the first separation line (201) and the second separation line (401) can be easily separated with high resistance against the pressure of the venting gas (g) generated outside the battery module.

[0104] Fig. 16 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of Fig. 5. Referring to Fig. 16, a hole (301) may be located between a first separation line (201) and a second separation line (401). The first separation line (201) may be formed to penetrate the first cover (200). In addition, the second separation line (401) may be formed to penetrate the second cover (400). As a result, the first separation line (201) and the second separation line (401) may be more easily separated.

[0105] According to this configuration of the present invention, the first separation line (201) and the second separation line (401) can be easily separated with low resistance against the pressure of the venting gas (g) generated inside the battery module. In addition, the first separation line (201) and the second separation line (401) can be easily separated with high resistance against the pressure of the venting gas (g) generated outside the battery module.

[0106] A battery pack according to the present invention may include one or more battery modules according to the present invention described above. For example, a battery pack according to the present invention may be configured to include a pack housing, within which are contained multiple battery modules according to the present invention. In this case, when the battery modules according to the present invention are housed, the heat transfer between battery modules is effectively prevented in an emergency situation such as thermal runaway, and sufficient time for the user to respond or escape can be secured.

[0107] In addition, the battery pack according to the present invention may further include various other components in addition to the battery module, such as various battery pack components known at the time of filing of the present invention, such as a BMS, a bus bar, a relay, a current sensor, etc.

[0108] Meanwhile, components such as a BMS, busbar, relay, and current sensor may be included as components of a battery module according to the present invention. In this case, components such as a BMS, busbar, relay, and current sensor may be provided inside a case (110). In this case, the battery module may be referred to as a battery pack, and the case (110) may be referred to as a pack housing.

[0109] The battery module according to the present invention can be applied to automobiles such as electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles. That is, an automobile according to the present invention may include a battery module according to the present invention or a battery pack according to the present invention. Furthermore, an automobile according to the present invention may further include various other components included in the automobile in addition to the battery module or battery pack. For example, an automobile according to the present invention may further include a body, a motor, a control device such as an electronic control unit (ECU), and the like, in addition to the battery module according to the present invention.

[0110] 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. A case that provides space inside and has a top plate; A battery cell located inside the case; A first cover coupled to the upper surface of the top plate and having a first separating line; and A battery module comprising a second cover coupled to the upper surface of the first cover and having a second separating line.

2. In paragraph 1, The length of the second separating line is, A battery module configured to be longer than the length of the first separation line.

3. In paragraph 1, A battery module configured such that the direction in which the first separation line extends and the direction in which the second separation line extends intersect.

4. In paragraph 1, The above top plate, Equipped with a venting hole, The above first separation line is, A battery module formed in a portion facing the above venting hole.

5. In paragraph 1, The above second separation line is, A battery module formed at a portion facing the first separation line.

6. In paragraph 1, The above first separation line is, A battery module formed to penetrate the first cover.

7. In paragraph 1, The above second separation line is, A battery module formed to penetrate the second cover.

8. In paragraph 1, A battery module further comprising an adhesive sheet disposed between the first cover and the second cover.

9. In paragraph 8, The above adhesive sheet, A battery module having a hole exposing the first separating line.

10. In paragraph 9, The above hall is, A battery module configured to have a diameter longer than the first separating line.

11. In paragraph 9, The above hall is, A battery module configured to have a diameter longer than the second separating line.

12. In paragraph 1, A battery module in which the second separating line is configured to have a fishbone shape.

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

14. A vehicle comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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