Battery module

Abstract

A battery module is disclosed. A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may comprise: a frame which provides a space therein and has a venting hole on the upper surface thereof; a plurality of battery cells located inside the frame; and a venting cover which covers the upper surface of the frame and has a partially different thickness.

Description

battery module

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

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0099479, filed on July 26, 2024, the entire contents of which are disclosed in the specification and drawings of which are 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 frame providing a space therein and having a venting hole on an upper surface; a plurality of battery cells positioned inside the frame; and a venting cover covering the upper surface of the frame and having a partially different thickness.

[0017] Additionally, the venting cover may have a dividing line facing the venting hole.

[0018] Additionally, the separation line may extend along the perimeter of the venting hole.

[0019] Additionally, the separation line may extend along a portion of the circumference of the venting hole.

[0020] Additionally, the venting cover may be configured to have a thickness that increases toward the center.

[0021] In addition, the venting cover includes: a first part; a second part adjacent to the first part; and a third part positioned between the first part and the second part, wherein the third part may have a thickness greater than a thickness of the first part and a thickness of the second part.

[0022] In addition, the venting holes may be provided in plurality, and the first part, the second part, and the third part may each have a dividing line facing some of the venting holes among the plurality of venting holes.

[0023] Additionally, the separation line of the first part can open the first part in a direction from the second part toward the first part.

[0024] Additionally, the separation line of the second part can open the second part in a direction from the first part toward the second part.

[0025] Additionally, the third part may include: a first dividing line that opens the third part in a direction from the second part toward the first part; and a second dividing line that opens the third part in a direction from the first part toward the second part.

[0026] Additionally, the venting cover can be coupled to the upper surface of the frame.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the electrical safety of a battery module can be improved.

[0031] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, heat propagation can be suppressed.

[0032] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, control of the venting direction of a battery module can be facilitated.

[0033] 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.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the battery pack of Figure 1.

[0036] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the battery pack of Figure 2.

[0037] Figure 4 is a drawing showing the battery module of Figure 3.

[0038] Figure 5 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the battery module of Figure 4.

[0039] Figure 6 is a drawing showing the venting cover of Figure 3.

[0040] Fig. 7 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line B-B' of Fig. 6.

[0041] Figure 8 is a drawing showing the combination of a battery module and a venting cover.

[0042] Fig. 9 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' of Fig. 1.

[0043] Figure 10 is a diagram showing the change in Figure 9 when a thermal event occurs.

[0044] Figure 11 is a diagram showing the changes in Figure 10 when a thermal event occurs.

[0045] Figure 12 is a diagram showing the changes in Figure 11 when a thermal event occurs.

[0046] Figure 13 is a diagram showing the movement of venting gas during a thermal event.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a portion of the battery pack of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a portion of the battery pack of FIG. 2.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a case (100). The case (100) may form the exterior of the battery pack. The case (100) may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The case (100) may provide a space therein. The case (100) may include a pack cover (150). The pack cover (150) may have a square plate shape.

[0051] The battery modules (200, 200a, 200b, 200c) may be positioned inside the case (100). The battery modules (200, 200a, 200b, 200c) may have a top plate (210a) facing the pack cover (150). The battery modules (200, 200a, 200b, 200c) may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The battery modules (200, 200a, 200b, 200c) may be provided in plurality. The plurality of battery modules (200, 200a, 200b, 200c) may have substantially the same structure or configuration. The plurality of battery modules (200, 200a, 200b, 200c) may have very similar structures or configurations.

[0052] The case (100) may include a base plate (110). 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.

[0053] The case (100) may include a side wall (120). The side wall (120) may be installed, fastened, joined, fixed, or attached to the upper surface of the base plate (110). The side wall (120) may be composed of four pieces. The side wall (120) may be arranged along the perimeter of the base plate (110). The side wall (120) may form the exterior of the battery pack. The side wall (120) may provide an internal space.

[0054] The pack cover (150) can be installed, fastened, joined, fixed or attached to the side wall (120). The pack cover (150) can cover the internal space of the battery pack.

[0055] A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a venting device (500). The venting device (500) may be installed on a side wall (120). For example, the venting device (500) may be installed on a front side wall (120). For example, the venting device (500) may be installed on a rear side wall (120). For example, the venting device (500) may be a gas valve. The venting device (500) may open to discharge gas when the pressure inside the case (100) increases. In addition, the venting device (500) may block external air from flowing into the case (100). A plurality of venting devices (500) may be provided.

[0056] When a thermal event occurs from a battery module (200, 200a, 200b, 200c), a venting gas (G) can flow between the battery module (200, 200a, 200b, 200c) and the pack cover (150). The space between the battery module (200, 200a, 200b, 200c) and the pack cover (150) can be referred to as a venting space (VS). In addition, the venting gas (G) can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack through the venting device (500).

[0057] 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. The battery modules (200, 200a, 200b, 200c) may be positioned in the space partitioned by the partition wall (300).

[0058] Fig. 4 is a drawing showing the battery module (200a) of Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a drawing showing a partial configuration of the battery module (200a) of Fig. 4.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the battery module (200a) may include a frame (210). The frame (210) may include a top plate (210a) and a lower frame (210b). The frame (210) may provide a space therein. The lower frame (210b) may include a bottom plate and a pair of side plates. The top plate (210a) may be installed, fastened, coupled, fixed, or attached to the pair of side plates. For example, the top plate (210a) may be welded to the lower frame (210b). The frame (210) may have an open front and rear. The top plate (210a) may include a venting hole (211). The venting hole (211) may allow communication between the inside and the outside of the frame (210).

[0060] When a thermal event occurs from the battery module (200a), venting gas (G) and flammable particles may be discharged to the outside of the frame (210) through the venting hole (211).

[0061] The battery module (200a) may include a battery cell (220). The battery cell (220) may refer to a secondary battery. In particular, the battery cell (220) may be a pouch-type secondary battery. However, the shape of the battery cell (220) is not limited to the pouch shape, and may have various shapes such as a cylindrical shape or a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The battery cell (220) may be provided in plurality. The battery cell (220) may be accommodated inside the frame (210). The plurality of battery cells (220) may be stacked in the front-rear 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 to the left and right sides of the receiving portion (221), and a second sealing portion (223) protruding upward from the receiving portion (221). Additionally, the battery cell (220) may include electrode leads (224) that protrude to the left and right of the first sealing portion (222), respectively. Each battery cell (220) may extend in the left-right direction or along the Y-axis direction. The electrode leads (224) may protrude to the left and right of each receiving portion (221).

[0062] The pad (250) may be placed between a plurality of battery cells (220). The pad (250) may be placed between at least some of the battery cells (220) and / or on the periphery of the stack. For example, the pad (250) may be configured to be placed between every four battery cells (220) stacked in the left-right direction.

[0063] These pads (250) may be provided with an elastic material to enable swelling absorption of the battery cells (220). For example, the pads (250) may be composed of a foam material such as polyurethane. Alternatively, the pads (250) may be provided with a material capable of blocking heat or flames. For example, the pads (250) may be provided with an insulating or fire-retardant material such as silicone or mica.

[0064] A busbar frame assembly (230) may be provided on each of the left and right sides of a 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).

[0065] A pair of end covers (240) may be respectively coupled to the left and right sides of the frame (210). The pair of end covers (240) may cover the left and right sides of the frame (210). The end covers (240) may have a square shape. The end covers (240) may be provided with a power terminal (231).

[0066] Fig. 6 is a drawing showing the venting cover (400) of Fig. 3. Fig. 7 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line B-B' of Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is a drawing showing the combination of a battery module (200, 200a, 200b, 200c) and a venting cover (400).

[0067] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, a battery module (200, 200a, 200b, 200c) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a frame (210). The frame (210) may provide a space therein. The frame (210) may have a venting hole (211) on its upper surface. The top plate (210a) may have a venting hole (211). The venting hole (211) may penetrate the top plate (210a).

[0068] A plurality of battery cells (220) may be positioned inside the frame (210).

[0069] The venting cover (400) can cover the upper surface of the frame (210). The venting cover (400) can cover the upper surface of the top plate (210a). The venting cover (400) can cover the venting hole (211). The venting cover (400) can have different thicknesses in parts.

[0070] When a thermal event occurs from the battery cell (220), venting gas (G) or ignitable particles may be discharged to the outside of the frame (210) through the venting hole (211). At this time, the venting gas (G) or ignitable particles may rupture the venting cover (400) and be discharged. The venting cover (400) may have different thicknesses in different portions, so that the pressure required for opening may be partially different. For example, a portion of the venting cover (400) that is relatively thin may be opened by a relatively low pressure. For example, a portion of the venting cover (400) that is relatively thick may be opened by a relatively high pressure. The venting gas (G) or ignitable particles may rupture and be discharged starting from the portion of the venting cover (400) that is thin.

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, the venting cover (400) may include a top part (470) and a side part (460). The top part (470) may be coupled, fastened, attached, or fixed to the upper surface of the frame (210). The top part (470) may be coupled, fastened, attached, or fixed to the upper surface of the top plate (210a). The side part (460) may extend from the top part (470). The side part (460) may be provided on the front side and the rear side of the top part (470), respectively. The side part (460) may be coupled, fastened, attached, or fixed to the front side of the frame (210). The side part (460) may be coupled, fastened, attached, or fixed to the rear side of the frame (210). The top part (470) and the side part (460) may be formed integrally.

[0072] An adhesive material may be placed between the venting cover (400) and the frame (210).

[0073] The venting cover (400) may include a fire-resistant material. The venting cover (400) may include a heat-resistant material. For example, the venting cover (400) may include a mica material.

[0074] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, the venting cover (400) may have a separation line (401, 431, 432). The separation line (401, 431, 432, score line) may be used as a term that includes and collectively refers to a fracture line (401, 431, 432, perforated line), a notching line (401, 431, 432, notching line), a cutting line (401, 431, 432, cutting line), a shredding line (401, 431, 432, shredding line), a tear line (401, 431, 432, tear line), or a separation line (401, 431, 432, separation line). The separation lines (401, 431, 432) can be configured to be easily separated by pressure applied to the venting cover (400).

[0075] A plurality of venting holes (211) may be provided. A plurality of separation lines (401, 431, 432) may be provided. A plurality of separation lines (401, 431, 432) may be provided to correspond one-to-one to a plurality of venting holes (211). Each of the separation lines (401, 431, 432) may face a respective venting hole (211).

[0076] When a thermal event occurs, venting gas (G) or ignitable particles can apply pressure to the separation line (401, 431, 432) through the venting hole (211). By separating the separation line (401, 431, 432), the venting hole (211) can be opened, and the venting gas (G) or ignitable particles can be discharged to the outside of the battery module (200, 200a, 200b, 200c).

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, the dividing lines (401, 431, 432) may extend along the perimeter of the venting hole (211). For example, if the venting hole (211) has a circular shape, the dividing lines (401, 431, 432) may have a circular trajectory. For example, if the venting hole (211) has an elliptical shape, the dividing lines (401, 431, 432) may have an elliptical trajectory. Since the dividing lines (401, 431, 432) extend along the perimeter of the venting hole (211), the venting hole (211) can be easily opened by the venting gas (G) or ignitable particles.

[0078] The separation lines (401, 431, 432) may extend along a portion of the circumference of the venting hole (211). For example, if the venting hole (211) has a circular shape, the separation lines (401, 431, 432) may have a portion of a circular trajectory. For example, if the venting hole (211) has an elliptical shape, the separation lines (401, 431, 432) may have a portion of an elliptical trajectory. When a thermal event occurs, a portion of the venting cover (400) may be separated along the separation lines (401, 431, 432) but may remain connected to the remaining portion of the venting cover (400). When a thermal event occurs, the venting hole (211) may be partially opened. When a thermal event occurs, the portion separated from the venting cover (400) can guide the direction of discharge of venting gas (G) or ignitable particles.

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, the top part (470) of the venting cover (400) may be configured to have a thickness that increases toward the center. The center part of the top part (470) may be opened by a relatively high pressure. When a thermal event occurs, the outer part of the top part (470) may be opened first. When a thermal event occurs, the top part (470) may be sequentially opened from the outer part to the center. By sequentially opening the top part (470), the flow direction of the venting gas (G) or ignitable particles may be formed evenly. By sequentially opening the top part (470), the discharged venting gas (G) or ignitable particles may be prevented from flowing into the interior of the battery module (200a).

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, the top part (470) of the venting cover (400) may include a first part (410) and a second part (420) adjacent to the first part (410). The first part (410) may extend in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. The second part (420) may extend in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. The top part (470) may include a third part (430). The third part (430) may be located between the first part (410) and the second part (420). The third part (430) may be located at the center of the top part (470). The third part (430) may extend in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction.

[0081] The third part (430) may have a thickness greater than that of the first part (410). When a thermal event occurs, the third part (430) may be opened later than the first part (410).

[0082] The third part (430) may have a thickness greater than that of the second part (420). When a thermal event occurs, the third part (430) may be opened later than the second part (420).

[0083] The first part (410) and the second part (420) can be configured to have substantially the same thickness.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, the top part (470) of the venting cover (400) may include a fourth part (440). The fourth part (440) may extend from the first part (410). The fourth part (440) may be connected to the side part (460). The fourth part (440) may extend in the left-right direction or along the Y-axis direction. The fourth part (440) may have a thickness thinner than that of the first part (410). When a thermal event occurs, the fourth part (440) may be opened before the first part (410).

[0085] The top part (470) of the venting cover (400) may include a fifth part (450). The fifth part (450) may extend from the second part (420). The fifth part (450) may be connected to the side part (460). The fifth part (450) may extend in the left-right direction or along the Y-axis direction. The fifth part (450) may have a thickness thinner than the second part (420). When a thermal event occurs, the fifth part (450) may be opened before the second part (420). The fourth part (440) and the fifth part (450) may be configured to have substantially the same thickness.

[0086] The top part (470) can be sequentially positioned in the order of the fifth part (450), the second part (420), the third part (430), the first part (410), and the second part (420) along the +X-axis direction. The top part (470) can be sequentially positioned in the order of the fourth part (440), the first part (410), the third part (430), the second part (420), and the fifth part (450) along the -X-axis direction.

[0087] The first part (410) to the fifth part (450) may be formed integrally. The first part (410) to the fifth part (450) may also be formed by combining multiple layers.

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, a plurality of venting holes (211) may be arranged throughout the top plate (210a). A plurality of dividing lines (401, 431, 432) may be arranged throughout the top part (470). The first part (410) to the fifth part (450) may each cover the plurality of venting holes (211). The first part (410), the second part (420), the fourth part (440), or the fifth part (450) may each have a plurality of dividing lines (401).

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, the dividing line (401) of the fourth part (440) may extend along the remaining portion of the circumference of the venting hole (211) except for the rear side or the -X-axis portion. The dividing line (401) of the first part (410) may extend along the remaining portion of the circumference of the venting hole (211) except for the rear side or the -X-axis portion. The dividing line (401) of the second part (420) may extend along the remaining portion of the circumference of the venting hole (211) except for the front side or the +X-axis portion. The dividing line (401) of the fifth part (450) may extend along the remaining portion of the circumference of the venting hole (211) except for the front side or the +X-axis portion. Among the plurality of separation lines (431, 432) provided in the third part (430), the first separation line (431) may extend along the remaining portion except for the rear side or the -X-axis portion of the circumference of the venting hole (211). The second separation line (432) among the plurality of separation lines (431, 432) provided in the third part (430) may extend along the remaining portion except for the front side or the +X-axis portion of the circumference of the venting hole (211). The first separation line (431) may be positioned adjacent to the first part (410). The second separation line (432) may be positioned adjacent to the second part (420). The separation lines (431, 432) of the third part (430) may be positioned in the order of the second separation line (432) and the first separation line (431) along the +X-axis direction. The dividing lines (431, 432) of the third part (430) can be positioned in the order of the first dividing line (431) and the second dividing line (432) along the -X-axis direction.

[0090] Fig. 9 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration taken along the cutting line A-A' of Fig. 1. Fig. 10 is a drawing showing a change in Fig. 9 when a thermal event occurs.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, when a thermal event occurs, the fourth part (440) or the fifth part (450) may be opened. Venting gas (G) or ignitable particles may be discharged into the venting space (VS) through the fourth part (440) or the fifth part (450). At this time, the first part (410), the second part (420), and the third part (430) may not be opened. Venting gas (G) or ignitable particles discharged through the fourth part (440) or the fifth part (450) may be blocked from entering the interior of the battery module (200a) through the first part (410), the second part (420), and the third part (430).

[0092] The separation line (401) of the fourth part (440) can be opened toward the front side or in the +X-axis direction. The rear side of the separation line (401) of the fourth part (440) can be maintained in a connected state with the fourth part (440) without being separated. The rear side of the separation line (401) of the fourth part (440) can be folded without being separated. Venting gas (G) or ignitable particles can be discharged toward the front side or in the +X-axis direction through the fourth part (440).

[0093] The separation line (401) of the fifth part (450) can be opened toward the rear side or in the -X-axis direction. The front side of the separation line (401) of the fifth part (450) can be maintained in a connected state with the fifth part (450) without being separated. The front side of the separation line (401) of the fifth part (450) can be folded without being separated. Venting gas (G) or ignitable particles can be discharged toward the rear side or in the -X-axis direction through the fifth part (450).

[0094] By dispersing and discharging venting gas (G) or ignitable particles toward the front and rear sides, damage to battery modules (200b, 200c) adjacent to the battery module (200a) in which a thermal event occurred can be dispersed. By dispersing and discharging venting gas (G) or ignitable particles toward the +X-axis direction and the -X-axis direction, damage to battery modules (200b, 200c) adjacent to the battery module (200a) in which a thermal event occurred can be dispersed.

[0095] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the changes in Fig. 10 when a thermal event is in progress. Referring to Figs. 9 to 11, the first part (410) or the second part (420) may be additionally opened. Venting gas (G) or ignitable particles may be discharged into the venting space (VS) through the fourth part (440), the fifth part (450), the first part (410), or the second part (420). At this time, the third part (430) may not be opened. Venting gas (G) or ignitable particles discharged through the fourth part (440), the fifth part (450), the first part (410), or the second part (420) may be blocked from entering the interior of the battery module (200a) through the third part (430).

[0096] The separation line (401) of the first part (410) can be opened in the forward direction or in the +X-axis direction. The separation line (401) of the first part (410) can open the first part (410) in a direction from the second part (420) toward the first part (410). The rear side of the separation line (401) of the first part (410) can be maintained in a connected state with the first part (410) without being separated. The rear side of the separation line (401) of the first part (410) can be folded without being separated. Venting gas (G) or ignitable particles can be discharged in the forward direction or in the +X-axis direction through the first part (410).

[0097] The fourth part (440) may be opened before the first part (410). The fourth part (440) may be opened later than the first part (410). By sequentially opening the fourth part (440) and the first part (410), the flow direction of the venting gas (G) or ignitable particles may be stably formed in the forward direction or the +X-axis direction.

[0098] The separation line (401) of the second part (420) can be opened toward the rear side or in the -X-axis direction. The separation line (401) of the second part (420) can open the second part (420) in a direction from the first part (410) toward the second part (420). The front side of the separation line (401) of the second part (420) can be maintained in a connected state with the second part (420) without being separated. The front side of the separation line (401) of the second part (420) can be folded without being separated. Venting gas (G) or ignitable particles can be discharged toward the rear side or in the -X-axis direction through the second part (420).

[0099] The second part (420) may be opened before the fifth part (450). The fifth part (450) may be opened later than the second part (420). By sequentially opening the fifth part (450) and the second part (420), the flow direction of the venting gas (G) or ignitable particles may be stably formed toward the rear or in the -X-axis direction.

[0100] By dispersing and discharging venting gas (G) or ignitable particles toward the front and rear sides, damage to battery modules (200b, 200c) adjacent to the battery module (200a) in which a thermal event occurred can be dispersed. By dispersing and discharging venting gas (G) or ignitable particles toward the +X-axis direction and the -X-axis direction, damage to battery modules (200b, 200c) adjacent to the battery module (200a) in which a thermal event occurred can be dispersed.

[0101] Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating changes in Fig. 11 during a thermal event. Referring to Figs. 9 to 12, the third part (430) may be additionally opened. Venting gas (G) or ignitable particles may be discharged into the venting space (VS) through the fourth part (440), the fifth part (450), the first part (410), the second part (420), or the third part (430).

[0102] The first separation line (431) of the third part (430) can be opened toward the front side or in the +X-axis direction. The first separation line (431) of the third part (430) can open the third part (430) in a direction from the second part (420) toward the first part (410). The rear side of the first separation line (431) of the third part (430) can be maintained in a connected state with the third part (430) without being separated. The rear side of the first separation line (431) of the third part (430) can be folded without being separated. Venting gas (G) or ignitable particles can be discharged toward the front side or in the +X-axis direction through the third part (430).

[0103] The first part (410) may be opened before the third part (430). The third part (430) may be opened after the first part (410). By sequentially opening the first part (410) and the third part (430), the flow direction of the venting gas (G) or ignitable particles may be stably formed in the forward direction or the +X-axis direction.

[0104] The second separation line (432) of the third part (430) can be opened toward the rear side or in the -X-axis direction. The second separation line (432) of the third part (430) can open the third part (430) in a direction from the first part (410) toward the second part (420). The front side of the second separation line (432) of the third part (430) can be maintained in a connected state with the third part (430) without being separated. The front side of the second separation line (432) of the third part (430) can be folded without being separated. Venting gas (G) or ignitable particles can be discharged toward the rear side or in the -X-axis direction through the third part (430).

[0105] The second part (420) may be opened before the third part (430). The third part (430) may be opened later than the second part (420). By sequentially opening the second part (420) and the third part (430), the flow direction of the venting gas (G) or ignitable particles may be stably formed toward the rear or in the -X-axis direction.

[0106] By dispersing and discharging venting gas (G) or ignitable particles toward the front and rear sides, damage to battery modules (200b, 200c) adjacent to the battery module (200a) in which a thermal event occurred can be dispersed. By dispersing and discharging venting gas (G) or ignitable particles toward the +X-axis direction and the -X-axis direction, damage to battery modules (200b, 200c) adjacent to the battery module (200a) in which a thermal event occurred can be dispersed.

[0107] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing the movement of venting gas (G) when a thermal event occurs. Referring to Figs. 3 and 13, venting gas (G) or ignitable particles discharged from the battery module (200a) in the forward or +X-axis direction can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack through the venting device (500a) installed on the front side wall (120).

[0108] Venting gas (G) or flammable particles discharged from the battery module (200a) in the rear or -X-axis direction can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack through a venting device (500b) installed on the rear side wall (120).

[0109] The battery pack according to the present invention may further include, in addition to the battery modules (200, 200a, 200b, 200c), various other components, 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.

[0110] Meanwhile, components such as a BMS, a bus bar, a relay, and a current sensor may be included as components of a battery module (200, 200a, 200b, 200c) according to the present invention. In this case, components such as a BMS, a bus bar, a relay, and a current sensor may be provided inside a case (100). In this case, the battery module may also be referred to as a battery pack.

[0111] The battery module (200, 200a, 200b, 200c) according to the present invention can be applied to automobiles such as electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles. That is, the automobile according to the present invention can include the battery module (200, 200a, 200b, 200c) according to the present invention or the battery pack according to the present invention. In addition to the battery module or battery pack, the automobile according to the present invention can further include various other components included in the automobile. For example, the automobile according to the present invention can further include a body, a motor, a control device such as an ECU (electronic control unit), etc., in addition to the battery module according to the present invention.

[0112] 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 providing space inside and having venting holes on the upper surface; A plurality of battery cells positioned inside the frame; and A battery module comprising a venting cover covering the upper surface of the frame and having a partially different thickness.

2. In paragraph 1, The above venting cover, A battery module having a separation line facing the above venting hole.

3. In paragraph 2, The above dividing line is, A battery module extending along the perimeter of the above venting hole.

4. In paragraph 3, The above dividing line is, A battery module extending along a portion of the perimeter of the above venting hole.

5. In paragraph 1, The above venting cover, A battery module configured so that the thickness increases toward the center.

6. In paragraph 1, The above venting cover: Part 1; A second part adjacent to the first part; and, Including a third part located between the first part and the second part, The third part above, A battery module having a thickness greater than the thickness of the first part and the thickness of the second part.

7. In paragraph 6, The above venting holes are provided in multiples, The first part, the second part and the third part, A battery module having a separating line facing some of the venting holes among the plurality of venting holes.

8. In paragraph 7, The dividing line of the above first part is, A battery module that opens the first part in the direction toward the first part from the second part.

9. In paragraph 7, The dividing line of the above second part is, A battery module that opens the second part in a direction from the first part toward the second part.

10. In paragraph 7, The third part above is: A first dividing line opening the third part in the direction toward the first part in the second part; and, A battery module comprising a second separating line that opens the third part in a direction from the first part toward the second part.

11. In paragraph 1, The above venting cover, A battery module coupled to the upper surface of the above frame.

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

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

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