Battery module, battery pack including same, and vehicle

Abstract

A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells; a module case which accommodates the cell assembly in an inner space thereof; and a top end plate which is located on at least one side of the module case, configured to be detachable from the module case, and configured to discharge a venting gas.

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, conventional battery modules typically have identical venting gas emission paths for each module. Therefore, in conventional battery modules and / or packs, venting gas is emitted in the same direction during thermal runaway. However, the venting gas emission path needs to be controlled depending on the arrangement of adjacent battery modules.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a module top end plate for improving the degree of freedom in controlling the direction of venting gas discharge.

[0007] 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.

[0008] 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 module case that houses the cell assembly in an internal space; and a top end plate positioned on at least one side of the module case, configured to be detachably attached to the module case, and configured to discharge venting gas.

[0009] In one aspect of the present invention, the top end plate can be mounted on the upper portion of the module case.

[0010] In another aspect of the present invention, the top end plate can be configured to control the direction of discharge of the venting gas.

[0011] In another aspect of the present invention, the top end plate may include: a main body covering the upper portion of the cell assembly; at least one venting hole for discharging venting gas; and at least one discharge bracket provided on the venting hole and configured to guide the discharge direction of the venting gas.

[0012] Preferably, the venting hole may include a mesh net.

[0013] In one aspect of the present invention, the exhaust bracket may be formed along the periphery of the venting hole.

[0014] In another aspect of the present invention, the discharge bracket may be configured in the shape of a roof having a curved surface curved in one direction.

[0015] In another aspect of the present invention, the exhaust bracket may be configured in the form of a chimney facing in one direction.

[0016] In another aspect of the present invention, the exhaust bracket may be configured to seal the venting hole in a normal state and open the venting hole when the pressure inside the module case increases.

[0017] In one aspect of the present invention, the top end plate may be configured to discharge venting gas in different directions.

[0018] For example, the top end plate may include a plurality of discharge brackets, and the plurality of discharge brackets may be configured to have different discharge directions.

[0019] In another aspect of the present invention, a front end plate is coupled to one longitudinal side of the module case and covers one longitudinal end of the cell assembly; and a rear end plate is coupled to the other longitudinal side of the module case and covers the other longitudinal end of the cell assembly, wherein the top end plate can be configured to be coupled to at least one of the front end plate and the rear end plate.

[0020] In another aspect of the present invention, a refractory plate may be further included between the module case and the cell assembly.

[0021] Meanwhile, the present invention provides a battery pack comprising at least one battery cell according to the above-described embodiment.

[0022] In addition, the present invention provides a vehicle including at least one battery pack according to the above-described embodiment.

[0023] According to the present invention, the degree of freedom in controlling the direction of venting gas discharge during thermal runaway can be improved.

[0024] That is, according to the present invention, in a battery pack including a plurality of battery modules, the venting gas discharge path can be controlled for each battery module.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 1.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a top end plate according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a top end plate according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a top end plate according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a top end plate according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a top end plate according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining the gas discharge direction of a plurality of battery modules according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining a battery pack including the battery module of FIG. 1.

[0037] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle including the battery pack of FIG. 10.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 1.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery module (10) according to the present invention includes a cell assembly (100), a module case (200), and a top end plate (300). In addition, the battery module (10) may further include a front end plate (410), a rear end plate (430), and / or a refractory plate (500).

[0047] The above 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 side by side in the left-right direction while being erected in the vertical direction. For example, referring to FIG. 2, the plurality of battery cells (110) may be configured to be arranged side by side in the X-axis direction while being erected in the Z-axis direction.

[0048] Hereinafter, each of the above-mentioned plurality of battery cells (110) will be examined in more detail.

[0049] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining a battery cell (110) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 3, the battery cell (110) may be a secondary battery, 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. 3, a case in which the battery cell (110) is a pouch-type cell will be described as an example. Referring to FIG. 3, 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. 3, 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 area formed to prevent an increase in internal pressure due to gas generated inside the battery cell (110). The venting area is formed on a portion of the sealing portion (115) and corresponds to an area that is structurally weaker than the surrounding area so that it can be easily broken when internal pressure is applied. The venting area may be, for example, an area in which the sealing is formed weaker than the surrounding area. In this case, the venting area may be formed on one of the two side edges of the sealing portion (115). In particular, the venting area 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 area 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 top end plate (300) located at the upper end of the battery cell (110). In other words, according to this structure, high-temperature gas and flame inside the module can be smoothly discharged.

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the module case (200) has an empty space formed therein, and can accommodate a cell assembly (100) in the internal space. The module case (200) can be configured to accommodate the cell assembly (100). The module case (200) can have an open shape on one longitudinal side and the other longitudinal side.

[0056] The above module case (200) may include a base plate extending horizontally and a side plate extending upward from the base plate. At this time, the base plate may be configured to have a plate shape extending approximately horizontally. The side plate may be configured to have a plate shape extending approximately vertically. The base plate and the side plate may be configured to be perpendicular to each other. That is, the module case (200) may be configured as a U-shaped frame.

[0057] Meanwhile, the side plate may be provided in the width direction of the battery module (10). That is, the module case (200) may have a form in which the side plate is provided in the width direction and one side and the other side in the length direction are open.

[0058] In another aspect of the present invention, the base plate and the side plate may be configured as an integral part. Alternatively, the base plate and the side plate may be configured to be detachable.

[0059] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a top end plate (300) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Referring to Fig. 4, the top end plate (300) may be positioned on at least one side of the module case (200). Preferably, the top end plate (300) may be mounted on the upper portion of the module case (200). Meanwhile, since the battery cell (110) has a venting area formed on the upper edge among the two side edges of the sealing portion (115), the venting gas released through the upper sealing portion (115) can be easily discharged to the outside through the top end plate (300).

[0061] In one aspect of the present invention, the top end plate (300) may be configured to be detachably connected to the module case (200). For example, the top end plate (300) may be coupled and / or decoupled from the front end plate (410) and / or the rear end plate (430), which will be described later. This will be described in detail below.

[0062] In another aspect of the present invention, the top end plate (300) may be configured to discharge venting gas. Preferably, the top end plate (300) may be configured to control the direction of discharge of the venting gas.

[0063] Referring again to FIG. 4, the top end plate (300) may include a main body (310), a venting hole (330), and a discharge bracket (350). At this time, the top end plate (300) may include at least one venting hole (330). In addition, the top end plate (300) may include at least one discharge bracket (350).

[0064] The main body (310) may be configured to cover the upper portion of the cell assembly (100). For example, the main body (310) may be configured to have a plate shape extending approximately horizontally.

[0065] The venting hole (330) may be configured to discharge venting gas. That is, the venting hole (330) may be configured to have a hole shape that penetrates the main body (310) in the vertical direction. The venting hole (330) may be provided in a long form extending along the sealing portion (115) of the battery cell (110). With this structure, high-temperature gas and flames inside the module can be smoothly discharged.

[0066] The above venting holes (330) may be formed in multiple numbers on the module case (200). For example, the venting holes (330) may be provided in multiple numbers along the sealing portion (115) of the battery cell (110).

[0067] 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 (330). In other words, the time that the venting gas remains within the module case (200) can be minimized.

[0068] In another aspect of the present invention, the venting hole (330) may include a mesh net.

[0069] According to this structure, the mesh network 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 battery modules (10) adjacent to the battery module (10) where the thermal event occurred.

[0070] In one aspect of the present invention, the battery module (10) may include at least one discharge bracket (350).

[0071] Referring again to FIG. 4, the discharge bracket (350) may be provided on the venting hole (330). The discharge bracket (350) may be configured to guide the discharge direction of the venting gas. The discharge bracket (350) may be formed integrally with the main body (310).

[0072] In the case of a conventional battery module (10), the venting gas discharge path is the same for each module during thermal runaway, and therefore, it is necessary to control the venting gas discharge path according to the arrangement of adjacent battery modules (10). On the other hand, according to the present invention, the degree of freedom in controlling the venting gas discharge direction can be improved through the structure of the discharge bracket (350) of the top end plate (300). For example, by applying discharge brackets (350) of various shapes according to the position of the venting device and / or the arrangement of adjacent battery modules (10), the discharge path of the venting gas can be smoothly controlled.

[0073] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a top end plate (300) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] The above-described exhaust bracket (350) may be formed along the periphery of the venting hole (330). That is, the venting hole (330) has a hole shape through which the main body (310) vertically penetrates, and in this case, the exhaust bracket (350) may be formed along the edge of the venting hole (330). For example, referring to FIG. 5, the exhaust bracket (350) may be configured in the shape of a curved roof that is curved in one direction.

[0075] In this way, when the exhaust bracket (350) is configured to have a roof shape with a curved surface that is curved in one direction, the venting gas generated inside the module can be guided along the curved surface shape and guided in the left direction based on FIG. 5. That is, according to the above configuration, the venting gas generated in the cell assembly (100) can be guided in a certain direction. That is, according to the above configuration, the movement direction of the venting gas generated inside the battery module (10) can be controlled in a desired direction.

[0076] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a top end plate (300) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Referring to Fig. 6, the exhaust bracket (350) may be configured in a chimney shape facing one direction. The exhaust bracket (350) may be configured to have, for example, a tubular shape. In this case, the tubular shape may be bent in one direction. In Fig. 6, it can be confirmed that the exhaust bracket (350) configured in a tubular shape is bent toward the left side with respect to Fig. 6. In this case, the bending angle of the exhaust bracket (350) may be adjusted in consideration of the distance between the top end plate (300) of the battery module (10) and the upper cover of the pack case.

[0078] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a top end plate (300) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 7, the discharge bracket (350) may be configured to seal the venting hole (330) in a normal state and open the venting hole (330) when the pressure inside the module case (200) increases.

[0080] More specifically, the venting hole (330) is maintained in a sealed state under normal conditions. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a preliminary cut line may be formed around the circumference of the venting hole (330). The preliminary cut line may be configured to be thinner or have a lower density than the surrounding area of ​​the main body (310), making it easier to break than the surrounding area. Therefore, under normal conditions, the preliminary cut line of the main body (310) may be maintained to surround the module case (200) without being broken.

[0081] According to this structure, since the top end plate (300) covers the upper portion of the module case (200), even if a thermal event occurs in an adjacent battery module (10), high-temperature gas and flame generated in the adjacent battery module (10) can be prevented from penetrating into the interior of the battery module (10). Accordingly, a thermal runaway chain reaction can be effectively blocked. Accordingly, the safety of the battery module (10) and the battery pack (3) can be ensured.

[0082] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a top end plate (300) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 8, the top end plate (300) may be configured to discharge venting gas in different directions. For example, the top end plate (300) may include a plurality of discharge brackets (350). In this case, the plurality of discharge brackets (350) may be configured to discharge in different directions.

[0084] Referring again to FIG. 8, in one embodiment of the present invention, the top end plate (300) may include eight rows of venting holes (330) and exhaust brackets (350) based on the X-axis. The top end plate (300) may include five rows of venting holes (330) and exhaust brackets (350) based on the Y-axis. However, the number of venting holes (330) and exhaust brackets (350) is not limited thereto.

[0085] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the X-axis direction is referred to as the left-right direction, and the Y-axis direction is referred to as the front-back direction.

[0086] At this time, the exhaust bracket (350) of the row located in the 1st to 3rd rows on the far left in the X-axis direction may have a shape that is curved and / or folded toward the left. Accordingly, the venting gas and / or flame discharged from the battery cell (110) located in the 1st to 3rd rows on the far left in the X-axis direction may be discharged toward the left.

[0087] The exhaust bracket (350) of the row located in the center in the X-axis direction may have a shape that is curved and / or folded toward the rear. More specifically, the exhaust bracket (350) of the row located in the 4th to 5th row from the left in the X-axis direction may have a shape that is curved and / or folded toward the rear. Accordingly, the venting gas and / or flame discharged from the battery cell (110) located in the center in the X-axis direction may be discharged toward the rear.

[0088] The exhaust bracket (350) of the row located 6 to 8 rows from the left in the X-axis direction may have a curved and / or folded shape toward the right. Accordingly, the venting gas and / or flame discharged from the battery cell (110) located 6 to 8 rows from the left in the X-axis direction may be discharged toward the right.

[0089] According to the above structure, the venting gas discharged from one battery module (10) can be discharged in different directions rather than in one constant direction.

[0090] However, the number and / or arrangement and / or curvature direction of the venting holes (330) and the discharge brackets (350) are not limited to the above embodiment, and it goes without saying that embodiments in which various numbers and / or curvature directions are applied are also included in the scope of the present invention.

[0091] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the battery module (10) may further include a front end plate (410) and / or a rear end plate (430).

[0092] The front end plate (410) may be configured to be coupled to one longitudinal side of the module case (200) to cover one longitudinal end of the cell assembly (100). The rear end plate (430) may be configured to be coupled to the other longitudinal side of the module case (200) to cover the other longitudinal end of the cell assembly (100).

[0093] At this time, the top end plate (300) may be configured to be combined with at least one of the front end plate (410) and the rear end plate (430).

[0094] For example, referring to FIG. 2, the front end plate (410) may include a first coupling area (415). The first coupling area (415) has a structure that can be coupled with the top end plate (300). At this time, the top end plate (300) and the front end plate (410) may be structurally coupled through a separate coupling portion (P). Alternatively, the coupling portion (P) may be provided on the top end plate (300) itself, and in this case, the coupling portion (P) provided on the top end plate (300) may be structurally coupled to the first coupling area (415) of the front end plate (410). For example, the first coupling area (415) may correspond to a nut, and the coupling portion (P) may correspond to a bolt. However, the coupling method of the top end plate (300) is not limited thereto.

[0095] Likewise, the rare end plate (430) may include a second coupling region (435). The second coupling region (435) has a structure that can be coupled with the top end plate (300). At this time, the top end plate (300) and the rare end plate (430) may be structurally coupled through a separate coupling portion (P). Alternatively, the coupling portion (P) may be provided on the top end plate (300) itself, and in this case, the coupling portion (P) provided on the top end plate (300) may be structurally coupled to the second coupling region (435) of the rare end plate (430). For example, the second coupling region (435) may correspond to a nut, and the coupling portion (P) may correspond to a bolt. However, the coupling method of the top end plate (300) is not limited thereto.

[0096] In one aspect of the present invention, the top end plate (300) may be configured to be detachably attached to the module case (200). For example, the top end plate (300) may be coupled and / or decoupled from the front end plate (410) and / or the rear end plate (430), which will be described later. Alternatively, the top end plate (300) may be configured to be detachably attached to the module case (200).

[0097] For example, the top end plate (300) may include a plurality of discharge brackets (350) arranged in one direction, or may include a plurality of discharge brackets (350) arranged in different directions.

[0098] At this time, the top end plate (300) of various structures is configured to be detachably attached to the module case (200) and / or the front end plate (410) and / or the rear end plate (430), thereby controlling the venting gas discharge direction in response to the arrangement of various battery modules (10).

[0099] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining the gas discharge direction of a plurality of battery modules (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] 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 this case, the battery pack (3) may include a plurality of battery modules (10). For example, FIG. 9 illustrates the structure within a battery pack (3) including six battery modules (10).

[0101] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the X-axis direction is referred to as the left-right direction, and the Y-axis direction is referred to as the front-back direction.

[0102] At this time, the discharge bracket (350) of the battery module (10) located at the far left in the X-axis direction may have a shape that is curved and / or folded toward the left. Accordingly, the venting gas and / or flame discharged from the battery module (10) located at the far left in the X-axis direction may be discharged toward the left.

[0103] The discharge bracket (350) of the battery module (10) positioned centrally in the X-axis direction and forwardly in the Y-axis direction may have a shape that is curved and / or folded toward the front. Accordingly, the venting gas and / or flame discharged from the battery module (10) positioned centrally in the X-axis direction may be discharged toward the front.

[0104] The discharge bracket (350) of the battery module (10) positioned centrally in the X-axis direction and rearwardly in the Y-axis direction may have a shape that is curved and / or folded toward the rear. Accordingly, the venting gas and / or flame discharged from the battery module (10) positioned centrally in the X-axis direction may be discharged toward the rear.

[0105] The discharge bracket (350) of the battery module (10) located at the far right in the X-axis direction may have a shape that is curved and / or folded toward the right. Accordingly, the venting gas and / or flame discharged from the battery module (10) located at the far right in the X-axis direction may be discharged toward the right.

[0106] According to the above structure, the venting gas discharged from each battery module (10) can be discharged in different directions rather than in one constant direction.

[0107] If the top end plate (300) is configured as an integral part with the module case (200) as in the past, the degree of freedom of the venting gas discharge path may be reduced. On the other hand, according to the configuration of the present invention, the venting gas discharge path can be freely controlled by mounting or removing top end plates (300) of various shapes depending on the position of the venting device within the battery pack (3) and / or the arrangement of adjacent battery modules (10).

[0108] Accordingly, the start time of heat propagation to adjacent battery modules (10) can be delayed by controlling the direction of the venting gas. In addition, the degree of freedom regarding the application location of the venting device can be improved by controlling the direction of the venting gas.

[0109] Referring again to FIG. 2, the battery module (10) may further include a refractory plate (500).

[0110] The above refractory plate (500) may include a refractory material that can withstand high temperatures or flames. The above refractory plate (500) may be made of, or partially include, a mica material, for example.

[0111] The above refractory plate (500) may be interposed between the module case (200) and the cell assembly (100). In particular, the refractory plate (500) may be positioned in the internal space of the module case (200) and configured to cover at least one side of the cell assembly (100) housed in the internal space of the module case (200). In particular, the refractory plate (500) may be configured to cover at least the upper side of the cell assembly (100).

[0112] In one aspect of the present invention, the refractory plate (500) may be provided with a venting portion at a position corresponding to the venting hole (330). The venting portion may be configured to allow free passage of gas. This venting portion may have a configuration matching the venting hole (330) of the module case (200) in the refractory plate (500), for example, may have a position, size, shape, etc. corresponding to the venting hole (330) of the module case (200).

[0113] 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 portion formed on the upper side of the refractory plate (500). In other words, according to this structure, high-temperature gas and flames inside the module can be discharged smoothly.

[0114] In another aspect of the present invention, referring to FIG. 2, the refractory plate (500) may be provided on the inner side of a portion in which a venting hole (330) is formed in the module case (200). Accordingly, the refractory plate (500) may be configured to surround the outer side of a portion in the cell assembly (100) that faces the venting hole (330).

[0115] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining a battery pack (3) including the battery module (10) of FIG. 1.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 10, 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). In addition to the battery module (10), the battery pack (3) may further include various other components, such as components of the battery pack (3) known at the time of filing of the present invention, such as a BMS, a pack case, a relay, a current sensor, etc.

[0117] Fig. 11 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle (5) including the battery pack (3) of Fig. 10.

[0118] Referring to FIG. 11, a vehicle (5) according to the present invention may include at least one battery pack (3) according to the present invention.

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] The present invention can provide a battery module and a battery pack that can improve the degree of freedom in controlling the direction of venting gas discharge during thermal runaway.

Claims

1. A cell assembly comprising a plurality of battery cells; A module case that houses the above cell assembly in an internal space; and A top end plate positioned on at least one side of the module case, configured to be detachably attached to the module case, and configured to discharge venting gas; A battery module including:

2. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the top end plate is mounted on the upper part of the module case.

3. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the top end plate is configured to control the direction of discharge of venting gas.

4. In paragraph 1, The above top end plate, A main body covering the upper part of the above cell assembly; At least one venting hole for the discharge of venting gas; and At least one exhaust bracket provided on the venting hole and configured to guide the direction of exhaust of the venting gas A battery module characterized by including:

5. In paragraph 4, A battery module characterized in that the above venting hole includes a mesh net.

6. In paragraph 4, A battery module characterized in that the above discharge bracket is formed along the periphery of the above venting hole.

7. In paragraph 4, A battery module characterized in that the above discharge bracket is configured in the shape of a roof with a curved surface curved in one direction.

8. In paragraph 4, A battery module characterized in that the above exhaust bracket is configured in the form of a chimney facing in one direction.

9. In paragraph 4, A battery module characterized in that the above discharge bracket is configured to seal the venting hole in a normal state and open the venting hole when the pressure inside the module case increases.

10. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the top end plate is configured to discharge venting gas in different directions.

11. In paragraph 4, The top end plate includes a plurality of discharge brackets, A battery module characterized in that the plurality of discharge brackets are configured so that the discharge directions are different from each other.

12. In paragraph 1, A front end plate coupled to one longitudinal side of the module case and covering one longitudinal end of the cell assembly; and a rear end plate coupled to the other longitudinal side of the module case and covering the other longitudinal end of the cell assembly. A battery module characterized in that the top end plate is configured to be coupled with at least one of the front end plate and the rear end plate.

13. In paragraph 1, A battery module further comprising a refractory plate interposed between the module case and the cell assembly.

14. A cell assembly comprising a plurality of battery cells; A module case that houses the above cell assembly in an internal space; and A top end plate positioned on at least one side of the module case and configured to discharge venting gas; Including, The above top end plate, A main body covering the upper part of the above cell assembly; At least one venting hole for the discharge of venting gas; and At least one discharge bracket provided on the venting hole and configured to guide the discharge direction of the venting gas; A battery module characterized by including:

15. A battery pack comprising at least one battery module as described in any one of claims 1 to 13.

16. A vehicle characterized by including at least one battery pack as described in paragraph 15.

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