Battery module, and battery pack and vehicle comprising same

Abstract

A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells; a lower housing for accommodating the cell assembly in an inner space thereof; and a top plate mounted on the top of the lower housing and including at least one venting hole and at least one step guide protruding outward.

Description

Battery modules, battery packs containing the same, and vehicles

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle.

[0002] Secondary batteries, unlike primary batteries that cannot be recharged, are batteries that can be charged and discharged. They are used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) that are driven by electrical power sources.

[0003] Currently, widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of these unit secondary battery cells, i.e., unit battery cells, is approximately 2.5 V to 4.6 V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery pack. Furthermore, depending on the charge / discharge capacity required for the battery pack, multiple battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be set in various ways depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0004] When configuring a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel, it is common to first configure a battery module comprising at least one battery cell, preferably multiple battery cells, and then use at least one such battery module and add other components to configure the battery pack. Here, a battery module refers to a component in which multiple battery cells are connected in series or parallel, and a battery pack refers to a component in which multiple battery modules are connected in series or parallel to increase capacity and output, etc.

[0005] Meanwhile, with the rise of electric vehicles, safety within battery modules and packs is becoming increasingly important, and the need to suppress heat propagation at the module level is growing. Accordingly, when a thermal event occurs within a battery module, it is crucial to smoothly vent internal venting gases and / or flames to the outside. Meanwhile, conventional technologies have had problems with flames and debris being expelled outside the battery module re-entering the module, highlighting the need to control this back flame.

[0006] The purpose of the present invention is to smoothly discharge venting gas to the outside of a battery module when a thermal event occurs within the battery module.

[0007] In addition, another object of the present invention is to prevent the discharged high-temperature venting gas and / or particles from being re-introduced into the battery module when venting gas is discharged in the upper direction of the battery module.

[0008] 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.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, a battery module comprises: a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells; a lower housing for accommodating the cell assembly in an internal space; and a top plate mounted on an upper portion of the lower housing and including at least one venting hole and at least one step guide protruding outward.

[0010] In one aspect of the present invention, the plurality of battery cells may be configured to discharge venting gas through the upper sealing portion.

[0011] In another aspect of the present invention, the top plate may include a plurality of the venting holes.

[0012] In another aspect of the present invention, the top plate may include a mesh net above or below the venting hole.

[0013] In one aspect of the present invention, the step guide may be configured to protrude from the edge of the venting hole toward the outside of the battery module.

[0014] In another aspect of the present invention, the end portion of the step guide may have a curved shape.

[0015] In another aspect of the present invention, the step guide may be formed integrally with the top plate.

[0016] In one aspect of the present invention, the lower housing may further include at least one barrier configured to support the top plate upward.

[0017] Preferably, the barrier may be configured to block flames.

[0018] In another aspect of the present invention, the top plate includes a plurality of venting holes, and the barrier can be positioned between the plurality of venting holes.

[0019] Meanwhile, the present invention provides a battery pack comprising at least one battery module according to the above-described embodiment.

[0020] Preferably, the protruding height of the step guide may be configured to be about 40 to 60% of the distance from the top plate to the upper cover of the battery pack.

[0021] In addition, the present invention provides a vehicle including at least one battery pack according to the above-described embodiment.

[0022] According to the present invention, when a thermal event occurs within a battery module, venting gas can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery module.

[0023] In addition, according to the present invention, when venting gas is discharged in the upper direction of the battery module, it is possible to prevent the discharged high-temperature venting gas and / or particles from being re-introduced into the battery module.

[0024] However, the effects that can be obtained through the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and other technical effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0025] 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.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining a battery cell included in the battery module of FIG. 1.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining a top plate according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a top plate according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a step guide according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a step guide according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a step guide according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a battery pack including a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining the relationship between a step guide and an upper cover of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 11 is a drawing for explaining the direction of movement of venting gas when a thermal event occurs in a conventional battery module.

[0037] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining the direction of movement of venting gas when a thermal event occurs in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

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

[0039] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided only to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Accordingly, in some embodiments, well-known process steps, well-known device structures, and well-known techniques are not specifically described to avoid ambiguity in the interpretation of the present invention. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

[0040] In order to clearly represent multiple layers and regions in the drawings, the thickness may be enlarged. Similar parts are designated by the same drawing reference numerals throughout the specification. When an element such as a layer, film, region, or plate is said to be "over" another element, this includes not only the case where it is "directly over" the other element, but also the case where there are other elements in between. Conversely, when an element is said to be "directly over" another element, it can mean that there are no other elements in between. Furthermore, when an element such as a layer, film, region, or plate is said to be "under" another element, this includes not only the case where it is "directly under" the other element, but also the case where there are other elements in between. Conversely, when an element is said to be "directly under" another element, it can mean that there are no other elements in between.

[0041] The statement that two compared objects are identical means "substantially identical." Therefore, "substantially identical" may include deviations considered low in the art, such as deviations of less than 5%. Furthermore, uniformity of a parameter over a given region may also mean uniformity on average.

[0042] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0043] Any configuration being placed "on (or below)" a component or "on (or below)" a component may mean not only that any configuration is placed in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of said component, but also that other configurations may intervene between said component and any configuration placed on (or below) said component.

[0044] Additionally, when it is described that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly connected or connected to one another, but that other components may also be "interposed" between the components, or that each component may be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" through another component.

[0045] Throughout the specification, when we refer to "A and / or B", this means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated, and when we refer to "C to D", this means C or more and D or less, unless otherwise stated.

[0046] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 1, a battery module (10) according to the present invention includes a cell assembly (100), a lower housing (200), and a top plate (300). The battery module (10) may further include a barrier (400).

[0048] The cell assembly (100) may include a plurality of battery cells (110). The plurality of battery cells (110) may be stacked in at least one direction. More specifically, the plurality of battery cells (110) may be arranged at least in a horizontal direction. The plurality of battery cells (110) may be configured to be arranged in a left-right direction in a vertically erected state. Hereinafter, each of the battery cells (110) will be described in more detail.

[0049] FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining a battery cell (110) included in the battery module (10) of FIG. 1.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 2, the battery cell (110) may be a secondary battery, and may be, for example, a pouch-type battery cell (110). However, this does not limit the type of the battery cell (110), and other types of battery cells (110), such as cylindrical cells or square cells, may also be employed in the battery module (10) of the present invention.

[0051] Hereinafter, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a case in which the battery cell (110) is a pouch-type cell will be described as an example. Referring to FIG. 2, the battery cell (110) may include an electrode assembly (111), a receiving portion (113) for receiving the electrode assembly (111), a sealing portion (115) formed around the receiving portion (113), and a pair of electrode leads (117) connected to the electrode assembly (111) and extending outward from the sealing portion (115).

[0052] The pair of electrode leads (117) are coupled with electrode tabs (not shown) provided in the electrode assembly (111) and can be extended to the outside of the sealing portion (115) through the sealing portion (115). The pair of electrode leads (117) may have a shape extending along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (110). The pair of electrode leads (117) may be extended in the same direction or in opposite directions.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 2, the battery cell (110) may be configured to discharge venting gas through the upper sealing portion (115). The sealing portion (115) may be provided with a venting portion formed to prevent an increase in internal pressure due to gas generated inside the battery cell (110). The venting portion is formed on a portion of the sealing portion (115) and corresponds to a region that is structurally weaker than the surrounding region so that it can be easily broken when internal pressure is applied. The venting portion may be, for example, a region where the sealing is formed weaker than the surrounding region. In this case, the venting portion may be formed on one of the two side edges of the sealing portion (115). In particular, the venting portion may be formed on the upper side edge of the two side edges of the sealing portion (115).

[0054] According to this structure, gas generated inside the battery cell (110) can be discharged to the outside of the battery cell (110) through the venting portion formed at the upper end of the battery cell (110). Accordingly, the gas can be discharged to the outside of the battery module (10) through the venting hole (320) of the top plate (300) located at the upper end of the battery cell (110). That is, according to this structure, high-temperature gas and flame inside the module can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery module (10).

[0055] In one aspect of the present invention, the lower housing (200) can store the cell assembly (100) in its internal space.

[0056] Referring to Fig. 1, the lower housing (200) has an empty space formed inside, and can accommodate a cell assembly (100) in the internal space. For example, the lower housing (200) can be provided with a U-shaped frame formed in a U shape to surround the lower, left, and right sides with the cell assembly (100) as the center, and an end frame that seals the front and rear open ends of the U-shaped frame.

[0057] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining a top plate (300) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] In another aspect of the present invention, the battery module (10) includes a top plate (300). The top plate (300) may include a main body (310), a venting hole (320), and a step guide (330).

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the top plate (300) may be configured to be mounted on the upper portion of the lower housing (200). That is, the top plate (300) may be configured to have a plate shape extending approximately horizontally. That is, the main body (310) may be configured to have a plate shape extending approximately horizontally. At this time, at least a portion of the edge of the top plate (300) may be coupled to the upper end of the U-shaped frame of the lower housing (200).

[0060] The top plate (300) may include at least one venting hole (320). The venting hole (320) may be formed in a shape penetrating the lower housing (200) in the thickness direction so as to connect the internal space of the lower housing (200) with the external space. The venting hole (320) may be formed on the upper side of the lower housing (200). Preferably, the top plate (300) may include a plurality of venting holes (320). The venting hole (320) may extend in the longitudinal direction of the battery module (10) in the shape of an elongated hole, and may extend in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (110).

[0061] Below the venting hole (320), a sealing portion (115) of the battery cell (110), i.e., a venting portion, may be positioned. For example, when the battery cell (110) is a pouch cell, the sealing portion (115) has a shape that extends long in the longitudinal direction. Accordingly, when gas is generated in the battery cell (110) and discharged from the sealing portion (115), the gas is discharged to the outside along the sealing portion (115) that extends long in the longitudinal direction. Accordingly, in this case, the shape of the venting hole (320) may also be configured to have a shape that extends long in the longitudinal direction.

[0062] According to this structure, gas discharged through the upper sealing portion (115) of the battery cell (110) can be discharged to the outside of the battery module (10) through the venting hole (320) formed on the upper side of the lower housing (200). That is, according to this structure, high-temperature gas and flames inside the module can be discharged smoothly.

[0063] In addition, according to this structure, even if a large amount of gas is generated within the battery module (10), the gas can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery module (10) through the plurality of venting holes (320). In addition, according to the structure in which the venting holes (320) are formed along the sealing portion (115) of the battery cell (110), the gas discharged from the sealing portion (115) of the battery cell (110) can be directly discharged to the outside through the venting holes (320). In other words, the time that the venting gas remains within the lower housing (200) can be minimized.

[0064] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a top plate (300) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] In another aspect of the present invention, referring to FIG. 4, the venting hole (320) may include a mesh net (321). For example, the mesh net (321) may be provided at the upper or lower portion of the venting hole (320). The mesh net (321) may include a metal material. The mesh net (321) may be made of a fire-resistant material that can withstand high temperatures or flames, such as mica, or may partially include such a material.

[0066] According to this structure, the mesh net (321) can prevent sparks generated in the cell assembly (100) from flying outside the cell assembly (100). In addition, it can prevent fire from spreading to other adjacent areas within the battery module (10) where a thermal event occurred.

[0067] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a step guide (330) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 5, in one aspect of the present invention, the top plate (300) may include at least one step guide (330) protruding outward. For example, the step guide (330) may be configured to protrude upward from the battery module (10).

[0069] More specifically, the top plate (300) may be provided with a step guide (330) at a position corresponding to the venting hole (320). The step guide (330) may be configured to protrude from the edge of the venting hole (320) toward the outside of the battery module (10). Even more specifically, the step guide (330) may be configured to protrude upward from the edge of the venting hole (320). That is, the step guide (330) may protrude in a vertical direction from the top plate (300). The step guide (330) may be formed along the entire edge of the venting hole (320).

[0070] The shape of the step guide (330) may have a configuration that matches the venting hole (320), for example, a position, size, shape, etc. that correspond to the venting hole (320). Accordingly, the shape of the step guide (330) may be configured to have a pipe shape that extends in the longitudinal direction. That is, since the venting hole (320) has a structure that extends in the longitudinal direction with a predetermined radius of curvature at both ends in the longitudinal direction, the step guide (330) that protrudes upward from the edge of the venting hole (320) may also be configured to have a pipe shape that extends in the longitudinal direction with a predetermined radius of curvature at both ends in the longitudinal direction.

[0071] According to this structure, since the step guide (330) protruding outward acts as a guide for the venting gas, the gas discharged through the upper sealing portion (115) of the battery cell (110) can be effectively prevented from being discharged to the outside of the battery module (10) through the venting portion and then flowing into the venting hole (320) or re-introducing into the adjacent venting hole (320).

[0072] In addition, the circulation flow of high-temperature venting gas and particles generated in some battery cells (110) may be blocked by the protruding shape of the step guide (330). That is, according to the present invention, the protruding shape of the step guide (330) can prevent back flame from entering the adjacent venting hole (320). In addition, according to the shape in which the step guide (330) is provided around the venting hole (320), each venting hole (320) is isolated, thereby minimizing the influence on the adjacent battery cell (110). Accordingly, the high-temperature venting gas and particles discharged through the step guide (330) can minimize the heating applied to the top plate (300), thereby stably maintaining the shape of the venting hole (320).

[0073] In addition, according to the above configuration, by providing a step guide (330) to the top plate (300), smooth venting can be induced, thereby obtaining a thermal runaway delay effect. That is, according to the present invention, the time for heat to propagate within the battery module (10) can be delayed.

[0074] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a step guide (330) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Referring to Fig. 6, a curved shape may be applied to the distal end of the step guide (330). A chamfered shape may be applied to the distal end of the step guide (330). For example, a chamfered shape may be applied to the outer edge (331) of the distal end of the step guide (330). That is, the outer edge (331) of the distal end of the step guide (330) may be configured to have a rounded shape. The outer edge (331) of the distal end of the step guide (330) may be configured to have a curved shape. In this case, the outer edge (331) of the distal end of the step guide (330) may be configured to have a predetermined radius of curvature.

[0076] For example, if the outer edge (331) of the end of the step guide (330) has an angled shape, when the venting gas discharged to the outside from the step guide (330) comes into contact with the adjacent venting hole (320), it comes into contact with the angled shape, so there is a possibility that the venting gas will rotate and flow around the angled edge and flow into the inside of the venting hole (320).

[0077] On the other hand, according to the above structure of the present invention, when the venting gas discharged to the outside from the step guide (330) comes into contact with the adjacent venting hole (320), it comes into contact with the curved shape of the outer edge (331) as described above, so that the probability that the venting gas will proceed in the horizontal direction along the curved shape increases. Therefore, according to the present invention, the venting gas discharged to the outside of the battery module (10) can be effectively prevented from flowing back into the inside of the battery module (10).

[0078] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a step guide (330) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Referring to Fig. 7, a curved shape may be applied to the distal end of the step guide (330). A chamfered shape may be applied to the distal end of the step guide (330). For example, a chamfered shape may be applied to the inner edge (332) of the distal end of the step guide (330). That is, the inner edge (332) of the distal end of the step guide (330) may be configured to have a rounded shape. The inner edge (332) of the distal end of the step guide (330) may be configured to have a curved shape. At this time, the inner edge (332) of the distal end of the step guide (330) may be configured to have a predetermined radius of curvature.

[0080] For example, if the inner edge (332) of the end portion of the step guide (330) has an angled shape, when the venting gas is discharged from the step guide (330), the venting gas and / or debris particles are guided upward. At this time, if the venting gas and / or particles come into contact with the upper cover (52) of the battery pack (3) located at the upper portion of the battery module (10), there is a possibility that the venting gas and / or particles will flow back into the venting hole (320).

[0081] On the other hand, according to the above structure of the present invention, when the venting gas is discharged to the outside from the step guide (330), it comes into contact with the curved shape as described above, so the probability that the venting gas will proceed in a horizontal direction along the curved shape of the inner edge (332) increases. That is, according to the above configuration, when the venting gas is discharged, the flow of the venting gas can be induced in a horizontal direction rather than a vertical direction. Therefore, according to the present invention, the venting gas discharged to the outside of the battery module (10) can be effectively prevented from flowing back into the battery module (10).

[0082] In one aspect of the present invention, the step guide (330) can be formed integrally with the top plate (300).

[0083] For example, the top plate (300) may include a plastic material, and the step guide (330) may also include a plastic material by being formed integrally. For example, the step guide (330) may be formed by injection molding during the manufacturing of the top plate (300).

[0084] Alternatively, as another embodiment, the step guide (330) may be provided in a combined form on the top plate (300). For example, the step guide (330) may be combined by heat fusion on the top plate (300).

[0085] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 8, the battery module (10) may further include at least one barrier (400).

[0087] The barrier (400) may be provided within the lower housing (200). The barrier (400) may be configured to support the top plate (300) upward. The barrier (400) may be arranged in a direction parallel to the battery cell (110). When the battery cell (110) is a pouch cell, the pouch cell may be mounted such that the receiving portion having a substantially planar shape is vertical from the ground. In this case, the barrier (400) may also be mounted in a direction parallel to the receiving portion of the pouch cell. For example, a plurality of barriers (400) may be provided within the lower housing (200), and in this case, the plurality of barriers (400) may be provided in parallel with each other and spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. That is, the barrier (400) may be interposed between adjacent battery cells (110). For example, the barrier (400) may be interposed between at least some of the battery cells (110) among the plurality of battery cells (110) stacked in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the barriers (400) may be provided in multiple numbers and may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the stacking direction of the battery cells (110). In addition, the barriers (400) may be interposed between different battery cells (110). As a more specific example, the barriers (400) may be arranged one for every three or four battery cells (110). In this case, it can be said that three or four battery cells (110) are positioned between two barriers (400) that are adjacent to each other but spaced apart from each other. That is, the barriers (400) may function as a configuration that divides the space within the lower housing (200) into multiple parts.

[0088] Meanwhile, the barrier (400) may be configured to block flames. For example, the barrier (400) may be configured with a flame-retardant material or a heat-resistant material that is strong against flames in order to prevent or reduce flame transmission between adjacent battery cells (110). For example, the barrier (400) may be provided with a metal material such as SUS (stainless steel). Alternatively, the barrier (400) may be provided with at least one material among GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic) and CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic). In addition, the barrier (400) may be formed of a metal material such as aluminum or an alloy including such a metal material.

[0089] With this configuration, effective flame blocking performance can be achieved. That is, since the barrier (400) divides the space within the lower housing (200) in this way, even if a thermal event occurs in some battery cells (110), the barrier (400) can effectively prevent flames or heat from spreading to other battery cells (110). In addition, in this case, the structural strength of the blocking member is improved, and it can be advantageous in reducing the manufacturing cost or weight of the battery module (10). In addition, the barrier (400) can employ various flame blocking materials known at the time of filing of the present invention, such as ceramic materials.

[0090] According to this configuration of the present invention, when a thermal event such as thermal runaway is intensified and a flame occurs, the flame can be prevented from spreading between cells. Accordingly, the spread of fire throughout the entire battery module (10) due to flame propagation between battery cells (110) can be suppressed or the speed thereof can be delayed.

[0091] Referring again to FIG. 8, in one aspect of the present invention, the top plate (300) includes a plurality of venting holes (320), and the barrier (400) can be positioned between the plurality of venting holes (320).

[0092] That is, the barrier (400) divides the space within the lower housing (200) into multiple sections, and at least one venting hole (320) may be provided per section. At this time, the spaces within the lower housing (200) divided by the barrier (400) are referred to as a first space, a second space, a third space, …, an n-th space. In this case, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell (110) included in the first space, a venting gas is generated within the first space. The venting gas can be discharged to the outside through the venting hole (320) located at the upper portion of the first space. That is, by quickly discharging the venting gas to the outside through the venting hole (320), the heat within the first space can be effectively prevented from being transmitted to the second space, the third space, etc. The venting hole (320) can be arranged to match 1:1 with the spaces divided by the barrier (400).

[0093] In addition, a step guide (330) protruding outward may be provided on the edge of the venting hole (320). Accordingly, the venting gas discharged to the outside through the venting hole (320) located at the upper portion of the first space is guided upward by the step guide (330), so that the possibility of the venting gas flowing into the inside of the adjacent venting hole (320) is significantly reduced.

[0094] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a battery pack (3) including a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 9, the battery pack (3) according to the present invention may include at least one battery module (10) according to the present invention described above. In addition, the battery pack (3) according to the present invention may include a pack case (50) capable of accommodating the at least one battery module (10). At this time, the pack case (50) may include a lower case (51) and an upper cover (52). The upper cover (52) may be positioned to be spaced apart from the top plate (300) of the battery module (10) accommodated inside the battery pack (3) by a predetermined distance to facilitate the smooth movement of venting gas.

[0096] In addition, in addition to the battery module (10), other various components may be included, such as components of the battery pack (3) known at the time of application of the present invention, such as a BMS, a pack case, a relay, a current sensor, etc.

[0097] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining the relationship between a step guide (330) and an upper cover (52) of a battery pack (3) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 10, the protrusion height (H1) of the step guide (330) may be configured to be about 40 to 60% of the distance (H2) from the top plate (300) to the upper cover (52) of the battery pack (3). Preferably, the protrusion height (H1) of the step guide (330) may be configured to be about 50% of the distance (H2) from the top plate (300) to the upper cover (52) of the battery pack (3).

[0099] According to this structure, the distance between the upper cover (52) of the battery pack (3) and the top plate (300) of the battery module (10) is appropriately secured, so that the flame inside the battery module (10) can be smoothly discharged. In addition, at the same time, the flame can be effectively prevented from being reintroduced into the adjacent venting hole (320). That is, according to the present invention, the heat propagation time inside the battery module (10) can be delayed. In addition, according to the above configuration, the safety of the battery module (10) unit can be improved by preventing the inflow of back flame. Furthermore, according to the above configuration, the shape of the venting hole (320) provided in the top plate (300) can be stably maintained. Accordingly, rather than simultaneous ignition of the battery cells (110), sequential ignition can be induced, and smooth venting can be induced.

[0100] Fig. 11 is a drawing for explaining the direction of movement of venting gas when a thermal event occurs in a conventional battery module (10).

[0101] Referring to FIG. 11, in a conventional battery module (10), a venting hole (320) for upward venting is provided in a top plate (300) having a substantially flat shape, so that flames, gases, and / or particles generated in a battery cell (110) where a thermal event has occurred are discharged to the outside of the battery module (10) through the venting hole (320). However, since a separate step guide (330) is not provided, the flames and / or gases flow horizontally along the extended plane of the main body (310) of the top plate (300). Accordingly, there was a problem in that the shape of the venting hole (320) collapsed as the high-temperature gases and particles swept past the upper surface of the top plate (300).

[0102] At this time, as a circulating flow of flame occurs at the entrance of the venting hole (320) of the top plate (300), a back flame is generated in which the flame discharged upwards re-enters the adjacent venting hole (320), and the adjacent battery cell (110) may be exposed to the flame. That is, the flame flows along the main body (310) of the top plate (300), and a circulating flow is generated due to the entrance structure of the venting hole (320), and a back flame is generated in which the flame discharged to the outside of the battery module (10) re-enters the adjacent venting hole (320). Due to this back flame, simultaneous ignition occurs rather than sequential ignition, and as a result, the heat propagation delay effect in the conventional battery module (10) was insufficient. In addition, there was a problem in that the possibility of simultaneous ignition increased regardless of the compartment within the battery module (10).

[0103] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining the direction of movement of venting gas when a thermal event occurs in a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 12, when a thermal event occurs in a certain area among a plurality of areas within a battery module (10) partitioned by a barrier (400), flames, gases, and / or particles generated in the battery cells (110) where the thermal event occurred are discharged to the outside of the battery module (10) through the venting hole (320). At this time, according to the present invention in which the venting hole (320) of the top plate (300) is provided with a step guide (330), the flames and / or gases can be discharged upwards as they are guided by the inner surface of the step guide (330) that protrudes upward. That is, the flames and / or gases are discharged to the outside at a predetermined distance from the main body (310) of the top plate (300).

[0105] Accordingly, according to the above structure, the flame and / or gas flows in a substantially horizontal direction while being spaced apart from the extended plane of the main body (310) of the top plate (300). Accordingly, the high-temperature gas and particles do not directly contact the upper surface of the top plate (300), so that the heat applied to the top plate (300) is relatively reduced, thereby preventing the shape of the venting hole (320) from collapsing.

[0106] In addition, according to the above structure, since the flame and / or gas flows in a substantially horizontal direction while being spaced apart from the extended plane of the main body (310) of the top plate (300), smooth upper venting can be maintained while suppressing back flame from being reintroduced into the adjacent venting hole (320). That is, according to the above configuration, when venting gas and flame are discharged from some zone among the multiple zones within the battery module (10) partitioned by the barrier (400), the penetration of gas and flame into other adjacent zones can be suppressed. Accordingly, the heat propagation delay effect in the battery module (10) can be maximized by inducing sequential ignition rather than simultaneous ignition of the battery cells (110). That is, among the areas inside the battery module (10) partitioned by the barrier (400), the area adjacent to the area where the thermal runaway event occurred is protected by the step guide (330) so that high-temperature gas and flames generated from the area where the thermal runaway event occurred do not infiltrate into the adjacent area, thereby controlling the chain reaction event and ensuring the safety of the battery module (10). The step guide (330) acts as an exhaust path for internal gas and flames in the area including the battery cell (110) where the thermal runaway event occurred, but can block flames and gases transferred from the area where the thermal runaway event occurred from infiltrating in reverse in the area adjacent to the area where the thermal runaway event occurred.

[0107] Furthermore, according to the present invention, explosion, fracture, or collapse of the lower housing (200) due to an increase in internal pressure of the battery module (10) can be effectively prevented. Accordingly, the structure of the lower housing (200) is stably maintained, so that explosion or structural collapse of the battery module (10) in which a thermal runaway event occurs during the event progression can be prevented.

[0108] FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle (5) including a battery pack (3) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 13, a vehicle (5) according to the present invention may include at least one battery pack (3) according to the present invention.

[0110] The battery module (10) according to the present invention can be applied to an automobile (5), such as an electric automobile (5) or a hybrid automobile (5). That is, the automobile (5) according to the present invention can include the battery module (10) according to the present invention or the battery pack (3) according to the present invention. In addition, the automobile (5) according to the present invention can further include various other components included in the automobile (5) in addition to the battery module (10) or the battery pack (3). For example, the automobile (5) 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 (10) according to the present invention.

[0111] According to various embodiments as described above, the safety of the battery module (10) can be improved. That is, according to one aspect of the present invention, in a thermal event situation, the area within the module where the thermal event occurs can be smoothly discharged with high-temperature gas and flames within the area, while at the same time preventing the lower housing (200) structure from collapsing. In addition, for an area adjacent to the event area, the high-temperature gas and flames generated from the event area can be prevented from penetrating back into the module. Therefore, by controlling the chain reaction of the thermal event of the battery module (10), the safety of the battery module (10) can be improved. Therefore, according to various embodiments as described above, a battery module (10) with improved stability, a battery pack (3) including the same, and a vehicle (5) can be provided.

[0112] Meanwhile, although terms indicating directions such as up and down are used in this specification, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms are only for convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the location of the target object or the location of the observer.

[0113] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the equivalent scope of the patent claims to be described below by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

[0114] The present invention can provide a battery module capable of smoothly discharging venting gas to the outside of the battery module when a thermal event occurs.

Claims

1. A cell assembly comprising a plurality of battery cells; a lower housing for storing the above cell assembly in an internal space; and A top plate mounted on the upper portion of the lower housing and including at least one venting hole and at least one step guide protruding outward. A battery module including:

2. In paragraph 1, The above plurality of battery cells, A battery module characterized in that it is configured to discharge venting gas through the upper sealing portion.

3. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the top plate includes a plurality of venting holes.

4. In paragraph 1, The above top plate, A battery module characterized by including a mesh net at the upper or lower portion of the venting hole.

5. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the step guide is configured to protrude from the edge of the venting hole toward the outside of the battery module.

6. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the end portion of the above step guide has a curved shape applied.

7. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the step guide is formed integrally with the top plate.

8. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that it further comprises at least one barrier provided within the lower housing and configured to support the top plate upward.

9. In paragraph 8, A battery module characterized in that the above barrier is configured to block flame.

10. In paragraph 8, The top plate includes a plurality of venting holes, A battery module characterized in that the barrier is positioned between a plurality of venting holes.

11. A battery pack characterized by including at least one battery module as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. In paragraph 11, A battery pack characterized in that the protruding height of the step guide is configured to be 40 to 60% of the distance from the top plate to the upper cover of the battery pack.

13. A vehicle characterized by including at least one battery pack as described in paragraph 11.

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