Battery module

Abstract

A battery module is disclosed. The battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may comprise: a frame in which a space is provided; a plurality of battery cells positioned inside the frame; and a barrier for covering at least one of the plurality of battery cells, the barrier including a heat insulating member that has a plurality of holes, and a case that accommodates the heat insulating member and has a vacuum formed therein.

Description

battery module

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

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0068743, filed May 27, 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 including a barrier that blocks heat transfer between battery cells.

[0014] Another object of the present invention may be to improve the productivity of a battery module by integrally manufacturing a three-dimensional barrier shape.

[0015] Another object of the present invention may be to increase the insulation effect by configuring the interior of the barrier as a vacuum.

[0016] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a battery module in which venting direction can be easily controlled due to a barrier.

[0017] 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.

[0018] In order to achieve the above-described purpose, a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a frame providing a space therein; a plurality of battery cells positioned inside the frame; and a barrier covering at least one of the plurality of battery cells, the barrier including an insulating member having a plurality of holes and a case accommodating the insulating member and having an interior configured as a vacuum.

[0019] In addition, the plurality of battery cells may be stacked along the left-right direction, and each of the plurality of battery cells may include: a receiving portion extending in the front-back direction and having an electrode assembly; and an electrode lead protruding forward from the receiving portion, and the barrier may include an insulating portion positioned between receiving portions of adjacent battery cells among the plurality of battery cells.

[0020] Additionally, the barrier may further include a pressurizing portion extending forward from the insulating portion and covering the front of the storage portion of the neighboring battery cell.

[0021] Additionally, the width of the pressurized portion in the left-right direction may be configured to be larger than the width of the insulating portion in the left-right direction.

[0022] Additionally, the insulating portion may be recessed inward and have a receiving space facing the receiving portion of the neighboring battery cell.

[0023] Additionally, when a thermal event occurs, at least a portion of the storage portion of the neighboring battery cell can be accommodated in the accommodation space.

[0024] In addition, the indentation depth of the above-mentioned accommodation space may become deeper toward the central portion among the vertical heights of the above-mentioned insulation portion.

[0025] Additionally, the indentation depth of the above-mentioned accommodation space may become deeper as it goes toward the central portion of the length in the front-back direction of the above-mentioned insulation portion.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, heat transfer can be blocked when a thermal event occurs.

[0029] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the productivity of a battery module can be improved by integrally manufacturing a three-dimensional barrier shape.

[0030] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the insulation effect can be increased by configuring the interior of the barrier as a vacuum.

[0031] 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.

[0032] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the electrical safety of a battery module can be improved.

[0033] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, heat propagation 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 pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the battery pack of Figure 1.

[0037] Figure 3 is a drawing showing the battery module of Figure 2.

[0038] Figure 4 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the battery module of Figure 3.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a barrier of a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Fig. 6 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line C-C' of Fig. 5.

[0041] Fig. 7 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' of Fig. 3.

[0042] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a barrier of a battery module according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a barrier of a battery module according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Fig. 10 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line D-D' of Fig. 9.

[0045] Fig. 11 is a drawing showing an example of a modified cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line B-B' of Fig. 3.

[0046] Fig. 12 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line E-E' of Fig. 9.

[0047] Fig. 13 is a drawing showing an example of a modified cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' of Fig. 3.

[0048] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a barrier of a battery module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Fig. 15 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line F-F' of Fig. 14.

[0050] Fig. 16 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line G-G' of Fig. 14.

[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 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.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a pack case (100), a battery module (200), a partition wall (300), and a venting device (600).

[0055] The pack case (100) may include a base plate (110), a side wall (120), and a pack cover (150). The base plate (110) may have a square shape. The base plate (110) may have a flat shape. The base plate (110) may form the exterior of the battery pack. The base plate (110) may provide an internal space of the battery pack.

[0056] The side wall (120) can be installed, fastened, joined, fixed, or attached to the upper surface of the base plate (110). The side wall (120) can be composed of four pieces. The side wall (120) can be arranged along the perimeter of the base plate (110). The side wall (120) can form the exterior of the battery pack. The side wall (120) can provide an internal space.

[0057] The pack cover (150) may have a square plate shape. The pack cover (150) may have a flat plate shape. The pack cover (150) may form the exterior of the battery pack. The pack cover (150) may cover the internal space of the battery pack.

[0058] The battery module (200) may include a plurality of battery cells (220). In this case, the battery cells (220) may refer to secondary batteries. In particular, the battery cells (220) may be pouch-type secondary batteries. However, the shape of the battery cells (220) is not limited to a pouch shape, and may have various shapes, such as a cylindrical shape or a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0059] The partition wall (300) may include a first partition wall (310) and a second partition wall (320). A plurality of partition walls (300) may be provided. The partition wall (300) may be installed, fastened, fixed, joined, or attached to the upper surface of the base plate (110). The partition wall (300) may partition the internal space of the battery pack. A battery module (200) or a battery cell (220) may be positioned in the space partitioned by the partition wall (300).

[0060] The venting device (600) may be installed on the side wall (120). For example, the venting device (600) may be installed on the front side wall (120). For example, the venting device (600) may be a gas valve. The venting device (600) may open to discharge gas when the pressure inside the pack case (100) increases. In addition, the venting device (600) may block external air from flowing into the pack case (100). The venting device (600) may be provided in multiple numbers.

[0061] 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. Fig. 5 is a drawing showing a barrier (400a) of the battery module (200) according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration taken along the cutting line C-C' of Fig. 5.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, a battery module (200) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a frame, a plurality of battery cells (220), and a barrier (400a).

[0063] The frame (210) may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The frame (210) may also be referred to as a module case (210). The frame (210) may provide a space therein. The frame (210) may include a top plate, a bottom plate, and a pair of side plates. In addition, the frame (210) may have an open front and rear.

[0064] The frame (210) may be provided with a venting hole (211) in the top plate. The venting hole (211) may connect the inside and outside of the frame (210). A plurality of venting holes (211) may be provided.

[0065] A battery cell (220) may be accommodated inside a frame (210). A plurality of battery cells (220) may be stacked in the left-right direction or the X-axis direction. The battery cell (220) may include a receiving portion (221) having an electrode assembly, a first sealing portion (222) protruding toward the front and rear sides of the receiving portion (221), and a second sealing portion (223) protruding toward the upper side of the receiving portion (221). In addition, the battery cell (220) may include an electrode lead (224) protruding toward the front and rear sides of the first sealing portion (222), respectively. Each battery cell (220) may extend along the front-back direction or the Y-axis direction. The electrode lead (224) may protrude toward the front and rear of each battery cell (220).

[0066] The barrier (400a) may be positioned to cover at least one of the plurality of battery cells (220). The barrier (400a) may be positioned inside the frame. The barrier (400a) may include an insulating member (420) and a case (410).

[0067] The insulating member (420) may have a plurality of holes. Alternatively, the insulating member (420) may include a porous material. For example, the insulating member (420) may include a porous material including at least one of a silicone material, an aerogel, or glass fiber. Additionally, the insulating member (420) may include a fire-resistant material.

[0068] The case (410) can accommodate an insulating member (420). The case (410) can be configured to entirely surround the insulating member (420). In addition, the interior of the case (410) can be configured as a vacuum. The interior of the case (410) can be configured as a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure. For example, the interior of the case (410) can be decompressed to about 50 mTorr. The case (410) can include a metal foil. For example, the case (410) can include an aluminum foil material. Since the interior of the case (410) is configured as a vacuum, air can be removed from the interior of the plurality of holes of the insulating member (420). Alternatively, the case (410) can include a sheet having refractory properties. Alternatively, the case (410) can include a sheet having hygroscopic properties.

[0069] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module (200) can be improved. The barrier (400a) can suppress heat propagation when a thermal event occurs. By removing the air within the barrier (400a), the insulation effect of the barrier (400a) can be enhanced. As a result, heat transfer through conduction or convection between battery cells (220) can be suppressed.

[0070] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration taken along the cutting line A-A' of FIG. 3. Referring to FIGS. 3 to 7, a barrier (400a) of a battery module (200) according to a first embodiment of the present invention may include an insulating portion (401) positioned between the receiving portions (221) of adjacent battery cells (220) among a plurality of battery cells (220). In addition, the barrier (400a) may cover the receiving portions (221). The insulating portion (401) may include at least a portion of the insulating member (420) and at least a portion of the case (410).

[0071] A plurality of barriers (400a) may be provided. A plurality of barriers (400a) may be provided for each of two battery cells (220). In addition, the barrier (400a) may cover the storage compartment (221) of the battery cell (220) located at the outermost end among the plurality of battery cells (220).

[0072] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module (200) can be improved. Since the barrier (400a) is positioned between the storage portions (221), the insulation effect can be improved.

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 7, a battery module (200) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a busbar frame assembly (230) and an end cover (240).

[0074] A busbar frame assembly (230) may be provided at the front and rear of each of the plurality of battery cells (220). The busbar frame assembly (230) may be electrically connected to the electrode leads (224) of the plurality of battery cells (220).

[0075] A pair of end covers (240) can be respectively coupled to the front and rear of the frame (210). The pair of end covers (240) can cover the front and rear of the frame (210). The end covers (240) can have a square shape.

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 7, the barrier (400a) of the battery module (200) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may further include a pressing portion (402). The pressing portion (402) may extend forward from the insulating portion (401). The insulating member (420) constituting the pressing portion (402) and the insulating portion (401) may be formed integrally. The pressing portion (402) may cover the front of the receiving portion (221) of the neighboring battery cell (220). Alternatively, the pressing portion (402) may contact the first sealing portion (222) of the neighboring battery cell (220). Alternatively, the pressing portion (402) may cover the first sealing portion (222) of the neighboring battery cell (220). Alternatively, the pressurizing portion (402) can pressurize the first sealing portion (222) of the neighboring battery cell (220).

[0077] Additionally, the pressurizing portion (402) may be configured as a pair. The pressurizing portion (402) may extend rearward from the insulating portion (401). The pressurizing portion (402) extended rearward may cover the rear of the receiving portion (221) of the neighboring battery cell (220). The insulating member (420) constituting the pair of pressurizing portions (402) and the insulating portion (401) may be formed integrally.

[0078] According to this configuration of the present invention, venting control of the battery cell (220) can be easily achieved. By the pressurizing portion (402) pressurizing the first sealing portion (222) of the battery cell (220), venting can be induced toward the upper side of the battery cell (220).

[0079] In addition, according to this configuration of the present invention, the productivity of the battery module (200) can be improved. The insulating member (420) can be easily molded or manufactured into various shapes due to the characteristics of the porous material. In addition, the barrier (400a) can be easily manufactured into various shapes by wrapping the insulating member (420) in a case (410) and then manufacturing it through vacuum packaging. Therefore, by forming the pressurizing part (402) and the insulating part (401) as one piece, the barrier (400a) can have a three-dimensional shape. By forming the barrier (400a) as one piece, the number of parts of the battery module (200) can be reduced, and the productivity of the battery module (200) can be improved.

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 7, the width of the pressurizing portion (402) of the battery module (200) according to the first embodiment of the present invention in the left-right direction or X-axis direction may be configured to be larger than the width of the insulating portion (401) in the left-right direction or X-axis direction. In addition, the pressurizing portion (402) may extend in the up-down direction or Z-axis direction. Since the pressurizing portion (402) has a width larger than the insulating portion (401), it can effectively cover or pressurize the first sealing portion (222) of the neighboring battery cell (220).

[0081] According to this configuration of the present invention, venting control of the battery cell (220) can be easily achieved.

[0082] Fig. 8 is a drawing showing a barrier (400b) of a battery module (200) according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 8, in the barrier (400b) of the battery module (200) according to the second embodiment of the present invention, a pressurizing portion (402) may be formed only in front of the insulating portion (401). In addition, the pressurizing portion (402) may not be formed in the rear of the insulating portion (401).

[0083] According to this configuration of the present invention, venting control of the battery cell (220) can be easily achieved. Since the pressurizing portion (402) is formed only in front of the insulating portion (401), venting can be induced toward the upper or rear of the battery cell (220).

[0084] Fig. 9 is a drawing showing a barrier (400c) of a battery module (200) according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration taken along the cutting line D-D' of Fig. 9. Fig. 11 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of the cross-sectional configuration taken along the cutting line B-B' of Fig. 3. Fig. 12 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration taken along the cutting line E-E' of Fig. 9. Fig. 13 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of the cross-sectional configuration taken along the cutting line A-A' of Fig. 3.

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 13, the barrier (400c) of the battery module (200) according to the third embodiment of the present invention may have a receiving space (401a). The receiving space (401a) may be formed by recessing at least a portion of the insulating portion (401) inwardly. The receiving space (401a) may be formed on both sides of the insulating portion (401). In addition, the receiving space (401a) may face the receiving portion (221) of the battery cell (220).

[0086] Additionally, the barrier (400c) may additionally include a pressurizing portion (402) on at least one of the front side or the rear side of the insulation portion (401).

[0087] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery module (200) can be improved. When a thermal event occurs, a swelling phenomenon may occur in the battery cell (220). Due to the swelling phenomenon, the battery cell (220) may swell in the left-right direction or the X-axis direction. At this time, at least a portion of the battery cell (220) in which swelling has occurred can be accommodated in the accommodation space (401a). The barrier (400c) can improve the thermal safety of the battery module (200) by absorbing the swelling of the battery cell (220) that comes into contact with or faces it.

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the indentation depth of the accommodation space (401a) of the battery module (200) according to the third embodiment of the present invention may be formed to become deeper as it goes toward the central portion of the insulation portion (401). At this time, the central portion may mean the central portion of the height of the insulation portion (401) in the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction. The indentation depth may become deeper as it goes toward the central portion, and the insulation portion (401) may form an overall curved surface along the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction.

[0089] According to this configuration of the present invention, the barrier (400c) can absorb swelling while enhancing the insulation effect. When swelling occurs in the battery cell (220), the central portion of the storage portion (221) can swell the most. At this time, the insulation portion (401) is configured to form a curved surface, thereby effectively absorbing the swelling while maintaining the thickness required for insulation.

[0090] In addition, according to this configuration of the present invention, the productivity of the battery module (200) can be improved. Since the insulating member (420) includes a porous material that is easy to process, the insulating member (420) can be manufactured to have a curved surface. In addition, the insulating member (420) can be formed integrally. In addition, since the case (410) surrounds the insulating member (420) and the barrier (400c) is manufactured through vacuum packaging, the insulating part (401) can be formed to have a curved surface. In addition, since the barrier (400c) is formed integrally, the number of parts of the battery module (200) can be reduced, and the productivity of the battery module (200) can be improved.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the indentation depth of the accommodation space (401a) of the battery module (200) according to the third embodiment of the present invention may be formed to become deeper as it goes toward the central portion of the insulation portion (401). At this time, the central portion may mean the central portion of the length of the insulation portion (401) in the front-back direction or the Y-axis direction. The indentation depth may become deeper as it goes toward the central portion, and the insulation portion (401) may form an overall curved surface along the front-back direction or the Y-axis direction.

[0092] According to this configuration of the present invention, the barrier (400c) can absorb swelling while enhancing the insulation effect. When swelling occurs in the battery cell (220), the central portion of the storage portion (221) can swell the most. At this time, the insulation portion (401) is configured to form a curved surface, thereby effectively absorbing the swelling while maintaining the thickness required for insulation.

[0093] In addition, according to this configuration of the present invention, the productivity of the battery module (200) can be improved. Since the insulating member (420) includes a porous material that is easy to process, the insulating member (420) can be manufactured to have a curved surface. In addition, the insulating member (420) can be formed integrally. In addition, since the case (410) surrounds the insulating member (420) and the barrier (400c) is manufactured through vacuum packaging, the insulating part (401) can be formed to have a curved surface. In addition, since the barrier (400c) is formed integrally, the number of parts of the battery module (200) can be reduced, and the productivity of the battery module (200) can be improved.

[0094] Fig. 14 is a drawing showing a barrier (400d) of a battery module (200) according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 15 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line F-F' of Fig. 14. Fig. 16 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line G-G' of Fig. 14.

[0095] Referring to FIGS. 14 to 16, the recessed depth of the receiving space (401a) of the battery module (200) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention may be formed to be constant. In addition, the receiving space (401a) may be recessed to have a square shape. Alternatively, the receiving space (401a) may be recessed to have a circular or oval shape.

[0096] According to this configuration of the present invention, the barrier (400d) can have a uniform insulation effect while absorbing the swelling of the battery cell (220).

[0097] Furthermore, according to this configuration of the present invention, the productivity of the battery module (200) can be improved. Since the insulating member (420) includes a porous material that is easy to process, the insulating member (420) can be formed integrally. Furthermore, since the case (410) surrounds the insulating member (420) and the barrier (400d) is manufactured through vacuum packaging, the barrier (400d) can have a three-dimensional shape.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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 frame that provides space inside; A plurality of battery cells positioned inside the frame; and A battery module comprising a barrier having an insulating member having a plurality of holes and a case having a vacuum interior and accommodating the insulating member as a barrier covering at least one of the plurality of battery cells.

2. In paragraph 1, The above plurality of battery cells are stacked along the left and right directions, Each of the above plurality of battery cells: A receiving portion extending in the forward and backward direction and having an electrode assembly; and, Includes an electrode lead protruding forward from the above storage portion, The above barrier is, A battery module including an insulating member positioned between the storage units of adjacent battery cells among the plurality of battery cells.

3. In paragraph 2, The above barrier is, A battery module further comprising a pressurizing portion extending forward from the insulating portion and covering the front of the storage portion of the neighboring battery cell.

4. In paragraph 3, The width of the above pressurized portion in the left and right direction is A battery module configured to be wider than the width in the left-right direction of the above insulation portion.

5. In paragraph 3, The above insulation part, A battery module having a receiving space that is recessed inward and faces the receiving portion of the adjacent battery cell.

6. In paragraph 5, When a thermal event occurs, A battery module wherein at least a portion of the storage portion of the neighboring battery cells is accommodated in the accommodation space.

7. In paragraph 5, The depth of the above-mentioned accommodation space is A battery module in which the height of the insulation portion in the vertical direction increases toward the center.

8. In paragraph 5, The depth of the above-mentioned accommodation space is A battery module in which the length of the insulation portion in the front-back direction becomes deeper toward the center.

9. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A vehicle comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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