Battery module

Abstract

A battery module is disclosed. The battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may comprise: a case in which a space is provided and which has a top plate; a battery cell positioned inside the case; a first cover, which is positioned inside the case, is coupled to the lower surface of the top plate, and has a first separation line; and a second cover, which is positioned inside the case, is coupled to the lower surface of the first cover, and has a second separation line.

Description

battery module

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

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0108814, filed on August 14, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] As demand for portable electronic devices such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and smartwatches increases significantly and electric vehicles become increasingly widespread, research is actively being conducted on the batteries used in these devices, especially secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged.

[0004] Currently commercialized secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries. Among these, lithium secondary batteries are receiving attention for their advantages of being able to charge and discharge freely, having a very low self-discharge rate, and having a high energy density, as they have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries.

[0005] These lithium secondary batteries primarily use lithium oxide and carbon materials as the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively. Lithium secondary batteries comprise an electrode assembly comprising positive and negative plates coated with the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively, with a separator interposed between them, and an outer case, i.e., a battery case, that seals and encloses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0006] In general, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into can-type secondary batteries in which the electrode assembly is built into a metal can and pouch-type secondary batteries in which the electrode assembly is built into a pouch of an aluminum laminate sheet, depending on the shape of the outer packaging material.

[0007] Recently, secondary batteries are widely used for power and energy storage not only in small devices such as portable electronic devices but also in medium- to large-sized devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS). Multiple secondary batteries can be electrically connected and housed within a module case to form a single battery module. Each secondary battery within a battery module can be referred to as a battery cell. Furthermore, multiple such battery modules can be connected to form a single battery pack.

[0008] However, when a battery pack contains multiple battery modules, each of which contains multiple battery cells, it may be vulnerable to a thermal chain reaction between battery modules or between battery cells. For example, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs within a single battery module, the propagation of this thermal runaway to other battery modules or cells must be prevented. If the propagation of thermal runaway between battery modules or cells is not properly prevented, an event occurring in a specific battery module or battery cell may trigger a chain reaction of thermal reactions in other battery modules or cells, potentially causing an explosion or fire, or potentially increasing its scale.

[0009] In particular, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs in a single battery module, gas or flames may be randomly discharged to the outside. If the discharge of gas or flames is not properly controlled, there is a risk that the gas or flames may be discharged toward other battery modules, causing a thermal chain reaction in the other battery modules. In particular, the front side of the battery module may have module terminals, which may be configured to electrically connect to other battery modules or battery packs, such as module bus bars. Therefore, if flames are discharged toward the front side of such a battery module, the module terminals may be damaged within the battery pack, causing an electrical short. Furthermore, since other battery modules may be present at the front side of the battery module, if flames are discharged toward the front side of a specific battery module, the discharged flames may easily spread to other battery modules, potentially causing a fire to spread between battery modules.

[0010] Failure to properly control thermal transfer between battery modules or battery cells can lead to a sudden voltage drop in the battery module or battery pack. This can lead to a sudden shutdown of the device equipped with the battery module or battery pack, resulting in unexpected damage. For example, if a voltage drop in a battery pack occurs suddenly while an electric vehicle is in operation, there is no time to move the vehicle to a safe location.

[0011] Moreover, if thermal propagation between battery modules or cells fails to be properly controlled, resulting in a sudden fire or explosion, there is a high possibility of causing casualties. For example, if thermal runaway occurs in an electric vehicle, if a certain amount of time is not allowed for a full-blown fire to develop, occupants may not be able to escape safely.

[0012] Accordingly, the present invention has been created to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a battery module having an improved structure so as to appropriately control the emission of flames and the like generated inside the battery module, and a battery pack and automobile including the same.

[0013] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a structure capable of smoothly discharging venting gas generated inside a battery module.

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

[0015] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0016] In order to achieve the above object, a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a case providing a space therein and having a top plate; a battery cell positioned inside the case; a first cover positioned inside the case, coupled to a lower surface of the top plate, and having a first separating line; and a second cover positioned inside the case, coupled to a lower surface of the first cover, and having a second separating line.

[0017] Additionally, the first dividing line and the second dividing line may have different patterns.

[0018] Additionally, the first dividing line may include: a main line having a first end and a second end; and a cross line positioned between the first end and the second end and extending along a direction intersecting the main line.

[0019] Additionally, the above-mentioned crossing line may include a first crossing line and a second crossing line arranged along the longitudinal direction of the above-mentioned main line.

[0020] Additionally, the second dividing line may include a third crossing line located between the first end and the first crossing line and extending along a direction intersecting the main line.

[0021] Additionally, the second dividing line may include a fourth crossing line located between the first crossing line and the second crossing line and extending along a direction intersecting the main line.

[0022] Additionally, the first separation line may further include an auxiliary line extending in a direction away from the first end and the second end.

[0023] Additionally, the top plate may have a venting hole exposing the first separation line.

[0024] Additionally, the hole may be configured to have a diameter longer than the first separation line.

[0025] Additionally, the second separation line may be formed at a portion facing the first separation line.

[0026] Additionally, the first separation line may be formed to penetrate the first cover.

[0027] Additionally, the second separation line may be formed to penetrate the second cover.

[0028] Additionally, the battery module may further include a first adhesive member disposed between the first cover and the top plate.

[0029] Additionally, the first adhesive member may have an exposure hole that is connected to the venting hole and exposes the first separation line.

[0030] Additionally, the battery module may further include a second adhesive member disposed between the first cover and the second cover.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the electrical safety of a battery module can be improved.

[0035] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, heat propagation can be suppressed.

[0036] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the transmission of a thermal event due to a flame or gas external to the battery module can be suppressed.

[0037] 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.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the battery module of Figure 1.

[0040] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of the configuration of Figure 2.

[0041] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of part C of Figure 1.

[0042] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the second dividing line of the second cover of Figure 3.

[0043] Figure 6 is a drawing showing a second dividing line in part C of Figure 1.

[0044] Fig. 7 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' of Fig. 1.

[0045] Figure 8 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of Figure 7.

[0046] Fig. 9 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line B-B' of Fig. 1.

[0047] Fig. 10 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of Fig. 9.

[0048] Figure 11 is a diagram showing the change in Figure 7 when a thermal event occurs.

[0049] Figure 12 is a diagram showing the change in Figure 1 when a thermal event occurs.

[0050] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a partial configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Hereinafter, 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a battery module (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a partial configuration of the battery module (200) of FIG. 1 in isolation. FIG. 3 is an enlarged drawing of a partial configuration of FIG. 2.

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the battery module (200) may include a case (210). The case (210) may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The case (210) may include a top plate (210a) and a lower frame (210b). The case (210) may provide a space therein. The lower frame (210b) may have a bottom plate and a pair of side plates. The top plate (210a) may have a square shape. 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 case (210) may have an open front and rear. The top plate (210a) may have a venting hole (211). The venting hole (211) can connect the inside and outside of the case (210).

[0056] The battery cell (220) may be located inside the case (210). 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 a 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 multiple numbers. The battery cell (220) may be accommodated inside the case (210).

[0057] The first cover (400) may be positioned inside the case (210). The first cover (400) may have a square shape. The first cover (400) may be positioned below the top plate (210a). The first cover (400) may be coupled, fastened, attached, or fixed to the lower surface of the top plate (210a). The first cover (400) may include a fire-resistant material. The first cover (400) may include a heat-resistant material. The first cover (400) may include a flame-retardant material. For example, the first cover (400) may include a ceramic material. The first cover (400) may include a fire-retardant material.

[0058] The first cover (400) may include a first separation line (410). The first separation line (410, score line) may be used as a term that includes and collectively refers to a perforated line (410), a notching line (410), a cutting line (410), a shredding line (410), a tear line (410), or a separation line (410). The first separation line (410) may be configured to be easily separated by pressure applied to the first cover (400).

[0059] The second cover (300) may be positioned inside the case (210). The second cover (300) may have a square shape. The second cover (300) may be positioned below the first cover (400). The second cover (300) may be coupled, fastened, attached, or fixed to the lower surface of the first cover (400). The second cover (300) may include a fire-resistant material. The second cover (300) may include a heat-resistant material. The second cover (300) may include a flame-retardant material. For example, the second cover (300) may include a ceramic material. The second cover (300) may include a fire-retardant material. The first cover (400) and the second cover (300) may be composed of the same material. The first cover (400) and the second cover (300) may have the same thickness. The first cover (400) and the second cover (300) may have the same size. For example, the thickness of the first cover (400) may be 0.127 mm. For example, the thickness of the second cover (300) may be 0.127 mm.

[0060] The second cover (300) may include a second separation line (310). The second separation line (310, score line) may be used as a term that includes and collectively refers to a perforated line (310), a notching line (310), a cutting line (310), a shredding line (310), a tear line (310), or a separation line (310). The second separation line (310) may be configured to be easily separated by pressure applied to the second cover (300).

[0061] When a thermal event occurs from the battery cell (220), the venting gas (G) can be discharged through the top plate (210a) of the case (210). The venting gas (G) can separate the second separation line (310). The venting gas (G) can separate the first separation line (410). As a result, the venting gas (G) can be discharged to the outside of the battery module (200). On the other hand, when the battery module (200) is exposed to the venting gas (G) generated from the outside, the first cover (400) and the second cover (300) can prevent the venting gas (G) generated from the outside from flowing into the inside of the battery module (200). As a result, the propagation of the thermal event can be suppressed or blocked.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the first separation line (410) and the second separation line (310) may have different patterns. The first separation line (410) may be separated more easily than the second separation line (310). The minimum pressure required for the first separation line (410) to be separated may be lower than the minimum pressure required for the second separation line (310) to be separated.

[0063] When a thermal event occurs from the battery cell (220), high-pressure venting gas (G) can sequentially separate the second separating line (310) and the first separating line (410) and be discharged to the outside of the battery module (200). On the other hand, when the battery module (200) is exposed to venting gas (G) generated from the outside, the second separating line (310) can support the first separating line (410) so that the first separating line (410) is not separated.

[0064] When the battery module (200) is exposed to externally generated venting gas (G), even if the first separating line (410) is separated, the second separating line (310) may not be separated. As a result, the externally generated venting gas (G) may be prevented from flowing into the interior of the battery module (200).

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a plurality of battery cells (220) may be provided. The plurality of battery cells (220) may be stacked in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. The battery cell (220) may include a receiving portion (221) having an electrode assembly, a first sealing portion (222) protruding toward the front and rear sides of the receiving portion (221), and a second sealing portion (223) protruding toward the upper side of the receiving portion (221). In addition, the battery cell (220) may include an electrode lead (224) protruding toward the front and rear sides of the first sealing portion (222), respectively. Each battery cell (220) may extend along the front-back direction or the X-axis direction. The electrode lead (224) may protrude toward the front and rear sides of the receiving portion (221).

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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 material such as silicone or mica, or a fire-retardant material.

[0068] A busbar frame assembly (230) may be provided on each of the front and rear 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).

[0069] A pair of end covers (240) can be respectively coupled to the front and rear sides of the case (210). The pair of end covers (240) can cover the front and rear sides of the case (210). The end covers (240) can have a square shape. The end covers (240) can form the exterior of the battery module (200).

[0070] The battery module (200) may include a power terminal (231) protruding toward the front of the case (210). The power terminal (231) may be provided in the busbar frame assembly (230). The power terminal (231) may protrude from the busbar assembly (230). The power terminals (231) may be provided in pairs. The power terminals (231) may be exposed to the outside of the battery module (200).

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the top plate (210a) may have a venting hole (211). A plurality of venting holes (211) may be provided. The venting holes (211) may extend long along the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction. The venting holes (211) may expose the first cover (400). The venting holes (211) may expose the first dividing line (410). The first dividing line (410) may be provided in plurality. The plurality of venting holes (211) may be arranged to correspond one-to-one with the plurality of first dividing lines (410). The venting holes (211) may connect the inside and the outside of the case (210).

[0072] When a thermal event occurs from the battery cell (220), high-pressure venting gas (G) can sequentially separate the second separating line (310) and the first separating line (410) and be discharged to the outside of the battery module (200) through the venting hole (211).

[0073] When the battery module (200) is exposed to externally generated venting gas (G), even if the first separating line (410) is separated, the second separating line (310) may not be separated. As a result, the externally generated venting gas (G) may be prevented from flowing into the interior of the battery module (200) through the venting hole (211).

[0074] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a first adhesive member (260) may be placed between the first cover (400) and the top plate (210a). The first adhesive member (260) may have a sheet shape. For example, the first adhesive member (260) may be a double-sided tape. The first adhesive member (260) may have a square shape. The first adhesive member (260) may have the same size as the top plate (210a). The first adhesive member (260) may have the same size as the first cover (400).

[0075] The first adhesive member (260) may have an exposure hole (261). The exposure hole (261) may be provided in multiple numbers. The multiple exposure holes (261) may be arranged to correspond one-to-one with the multiple venting holes (211). The multiple exposure holes (261) may be arranged to correspond one-to-one with the multiple first dividing lines (410). The exposure hole (261) may expose the first dividing line (410). The exposure hole (261) may have the same shape as the venting hole (211). The exposure hole (261) may have the same size as the venting hole (211). Each first dividing line (410) may be exposed to the outside of the battery module (200) through the exposure hole (261) and the venting hole (211).

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a second adhesive member (270) may be placed between the second cover (300) and the first cover (400). The second adhesive member (270) may have a sheet shape. For example, the second adhesive member (270) may be a double-sided tape. The second adhesive member (270) may have a square shape. The second adhesive member (270) may have the same size as the top plate (210a). The second adhesive member (270) may have the same size as the first adhesive member (260). The second adhesive member (270) may have the same size as the second cover (300).

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a plurality of second separation lines (310) may be provided. The plurality of second separation lines (310) may be arranged to correspond one-to-one with the plurality of first separation lines (410). The plurality of first venting holes (211), the plurality of exposure holes (261), the plurality of first separation lines (410), and the plurality of second separation lines (310) may be arranged to correspond one-to-one, respectively. The first venting hole (211) may face the exposure hole (261). The first separation line (410) may face the exposure hole (261). The second separation line (310) may face the first separation line (410).

[0078] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of part C of Figure 1.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 4, the first dividing line (410) may include a main line (401). The main line (401) may include a first end (401a) and a second end (401b). The main line (401) may be a straight line connecting the first end (401a) and the second end (401b). The main line (401) may extend in the forward-backward direction or along the X-axis direction.

[0080] The intersection lines (404, 405) may be located between the first end (401a) and the second end (401b). The intersection lines (404, 405) may extend in a direction intersecting the main line (401). The intersection lines (404, 405) may extend in the left-right direction or along the Y-axis direction.

[0081] The first separation line (410) includes a main line (401) and cross lines (404, 405), thereby allowing the open area of ​​the first cover (400) to be enlarged when a thermal event occurs.

[0082] The cross lines (404, 405) may be provided in multiple numbers. The cross lines (404, 405) may include a first cross line (404) and a second cross line (405). The first cross line (404) and the second cross line (405) may be arranged in the front-back direction or along the X-axis direction. The first separation line (410) may have a fish bone shape.

[0083] The first separation line (410) has a plurality of crossing lines (404, 405), so that even if the first venting hole (211) has a shape that extends long in the front-back direction, the open area of ​​the first cover (400) can be increased when a thermal event occurs.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 4, the first dividing line (410) may include a first auxiliary line (402) extending from the first end (401a). The first auxiliary line (402) may extend in a direction away from the first end (401a) and the second end (401b). The first auxiliary line (402) may extend from the first end (401a) toward the front side or along the +X-axis direction. The first auxiliary lines (402) may be provided as a pair. The pair of first auxiliary lines (402) may extend to form an angle D. The angle D may be a value less than 180 degrees.

[0085] The first dividing line (410) may include a second auxiliary line (403) extending from the second end (401b). The second auxiliary line (403) may extend from the second end (401b) in a direction away from the first end (401a). The second auxiliary line (403) may extend from the second end (401b) toward the rear or along the -X-axis direction. The second auxiliary lines (403) may be provided in pairs. The pair of second auxiliary lines (403) may extend to form an angle D. The angle D may be a value less than 180 degrees.

[0086] The first separation line (410) includes auxiliary lines (402, 403), thereby allowing the open area of ​​the first cover (400) to be enlarged when a thermal event occurs.

[0087] For example, the length L1 of the first separation line (410) in the front-back direction or X-axis direction may be 133.4 mm. The length L1 from the front end of the first auxiliary line (402) to the rear end of the second auxiliary line (403) may be 133.4 mm. The distance L2 from the front end of the first auxiliary line (402) to the first crossing line (404) may be 44.5 mm. The distance L3 from the second crossing line (405) to the rear end of the second auxiliary line (403) may be 44.5 mm. The length W1 of the first crossing line (404) in the left-right direction or Y-axis direction may be 19 mm. The first crossing line (404) may be composed of two parts. Each of the two parts constituting the first crossing line (404) may have a length of 7.5 mm. The two parts constituting the first crossing line (404) can be spaced apart by a distance W2. W2 can be 4 mm. The length W1 of the second crossing line (405) in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction can be 19 mm. The second crossing line (405) can be composed of two parts. The two parts constituting the second crossing line (405) can each have a length of 7.5 mm. The two parts constituting the second crossing line (405) can be spaced apart by a distance W2. W2 can be 4 mm.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 4, the venting hole (211) may have a larger size than the first dividing line (410). The diameter of the venting hole (211) in the front-back direction or X-axis direction may be formed to be larger than the length L1 of the first dividing line (410). The diameter of the venting hole (211) in the left-right direction or Y-axis direction may be formed to be larger than the length W1 of the intersection line (404, 405).

[0089] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the second dividing line (310) of the second cover (300) of Figure 3.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 5, the second dividing line (310) may include a third intersecting line (301). The third intersecting line (301) may be located between the first end (401a) and the second end (401b). The third intersecting line (301) may extend along a direction intersecting the main line (401). The third intersecting line (301) may extend along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction.

[0091] The second separating line (310) includes the third cross line (301), thereby opening the second cover (300) and facilitating the opening of the first cover (400) when a thermal event occurs. In addition, the second separating line (310) supports the first separating line (410), thereby preventing the first separating line (410) from being opened by external gas.

[0092] The second dividing line (310) may include a fourth crossing line (302). The second dividing line (310) may include a fifth crossing line (303). The third crossing line (301), the fourth crossing line (302), and the fifth crossing line (303) may be arranged in the forward-backward direction or along the X-axis direction.

[0093] The second separation line (310) has a plurality of crossing lines (301, 302, 303), so that even if the first venting hole (211) has a shape that extends long in the front-back direction, when a thermal event occurs, the second cover (300) can be opened and the first cover (400) can be easily opened.

[0094] The length W4 of the third cross line (301) in the left-right direction or Y-axis direction may be 19 mm. The third cross line (301) may be composed of two parts. Each of the two parts constituting the third cross line (301) may have a length of 7.5 mm. The two parts constituting the third cross line (301) may be spaced apart by a distance W5. W5 may be 4 mm.

[0095] The length W4 of the fourth intersection line (302) in the left-right direction or Y-axis direction may be 19 mm. The fourth intersection line (302) may be composed of two parts. Each of the two parts constituting the fourth intersection line (302) may have a length of 7.5 mm. The two parts constituting the fourth intersection line (302) may be spaced apart by a distance W5. W5 may be 4 mm.

[0096] The length W4 of the fifth intersection line (303) in the left-right direction or Y-axis direction may be 19 mm. The fifth intersection line (303) may be composed of two parts. Each of the two parts constituting the fifth intersection line (303) may have a length of 7.5 mm. The two parts constituting the fifth intersection line (303) may be spaced apart by a distance W5. W5 may be 4 mm.

[0097] Figure 6 is a drawing showing a second separation line (310) in part C of Figure 1.

[0098] Referring to Fig. 6, the second dividing line (310) is indicated by a dotted line to indicate the relative positions of the first dividing line (410) and the second dividing line (310). Referring to Figs. 4 to 6, the third crossing line (301) may be located between the first end (401a) and the first crossing line (404). For example, the distance L4 between the front end of the first auxiliary line (402) and the third crossing line (301) may be 23 mm. Since the third crossing line (301) is located between the first end (401a) and the first crossing line (404), the second dividing line (310) can stably support the first dividing line (410).

[0099] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, the fourth intersection line (302) may be located between the first intersection line (404) and the second intersection line (405). The fourth intersection line (302) may be located at the center of the length L1 of the first separation line (410). For example, the distance L6 between the front end of the first auxiliary line (402) and the fourth intersection line (302) may be 66.7 mm.

[0100] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, the fifth cross line (303) may be positioned between the second end (401b) and the second cross line (405). For example, the distance L5 between the rear end of the second auxiliary line (403) and the fifth cross line (303) may be 23 mm. Since the fifth cross line (303) is positioned between the second end (401b) and the second cross line (405), the second separation line (310) can stably support the first separation line (410).

[0101] Fig. 7 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' of Fig. 1.

[0102] Referring to Fig. 7, the first separation line (410) can be formed to penetrate the first cover (400). As a result, the first separation line (410) can be separated more easily.

[0103] Figure 8 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of Figure 7.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 8, the first separation line (410) may not penetrate the first cover (400). For example, the first separation line (410) may be formed to a depth of approximately half the thickness of the first cover (400). The minimum pressure required for the separation of the first separation line (410) of the embodiment of FIG. 8 may be higher than the minimum pressure required for the separation of the first separation line (410) of the embodiment of FIG. 7.

[0105] Fig. 9 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line B-B' of Fig. 1.

[0106] Referring to Fig. 9, the second separation line (310) can be formed to penetrate the second cover (300). As a result, the second separation line (310) can be separated more easily.

[0107] Fig. 10 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of Fig. 9.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 10, the second separation line (310) may not penetrate the second cover (300). For example, the second separation line (310) may be formed to a depth of approximately half the thickness of the second cover (300). The minimum pressure required for the second separation line (310) of the embodiment of FIG. 10 to separate may be higher than the minimum pressure required for the second separation line (310) of the embodiment of FIG. 9 to separate.

[0109] Figure 11 is a diagram showing the change in Figure 7 when a thermal event occurs.

[0110] Referring to Fig. 11, when a thermal event occurs from the battery cell (220), a venting gas (G) can be discharged through the second sealing portion (223). The venting gas (G) can apply pressure to the second cover (300) to open the second separating line (310). When the second separating line (310) is opened, the venting gas (G) can apply pressure to the first cover (400) to open the first separating line (410). When the first separating line (410) is opened, the venting gas (G) can be discharged to the outside of the battery module (200) through the venting hole (211).

[0111] Figure 12 is a diagram showing the change in Figure 1 when a thermal event occurs.

[0112] Referring to Fig. 12, when a thermal event occurs, venting gas (G) may be discharged through a specific venting hole (211a). At this time, the first separation line (410) facing the remaining venting hole (211b) may not be opened. As a result, the venting gas (G) may be prevented from flowing into the interior of the battery module (200) through the remaining venting hole (211b).

[0113] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a partial configuration of a battery pack (1000) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a battery pack (1000) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, a battery pack (1000) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a battery module (200) of the present invention. The battery pack (1000) may include a plurality of battery modules (200).

[0115] The pack 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 (1000). The base plate (110) may provide an internal space of the battery pack (1000).

[0116] The pack 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 (1000). The side wall (120) may provide an internal space.

[0117] The pack case (100) may include a pack cover (150). The pack cover (150) may have a square plate shape.

[0118] 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 (1000).

[0119] The battery pack (1000) may include a partition wall (600). The partition wall (600) may include a first partition wall (610) and a second partition wall (620). A plurality of partition walls (600) may be provided. The partition wall (600) may be installed, fastened, fixed, joined, or attached to the upper surface of the base plate (110). The partition wall (600) may partition the internal space of the battery pack (1000). The battery module (200) may be located in the space partitioned by the partition wall (600).

[0120] The battery pack (1000) may include a venting device (500). The venting device (500) may be installed on the side wall (120). For example, the venting device (500) may be installed on the front 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 pack case (100) increases. In addition, the venting device (500) may block external air from flowing into the pack case (100). A plurality of venting devices (500) may be provided.

[0121] The battery pack (1000) according to the present invention may further include various other components in addition to the battery module (200), such as various components of the battery pack (1000) known at the time of application of the present invention, such as a BMS, a bus bar, a relay, a current sensor, etc.

[0122] Meanwhile, components such as a BMS, busbar, relay, current sensor, etc. may be included as components of a battery module (200) according to the present invention. In this case, components such as a BMS, busbar, relay, current sensor, etc. may be provided inside a case (210). In this case, the battery module may also be referred to as a battery pack.

[0123] The battery module (200) 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) according to the present invention or the battery pack according to the present invention. Furthermore, the automobile according to the present invention can further include various other components included in the automobile in addition to the battery module or battery pack. 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.

[0124] As described above, although the present invention has been described by 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.

Claims

1. A case that provides space inside and has a top plate; A battery cell located inside the case; A first cover positioned inside the case, coupled to the lower surface of the top plate, and having a first separating line; and A battery module comprising a second cover positioned inside the case, coupled to the lower surface of the first cover, and having a second separating line.

2. In paragraph 1, A battery module wherein the first separating line and the second separating line have different patterns.

3. In paragraph 1, The above first dividing line is: A main line having a first end and a second end; and, A battery module comprising a cross line positioned between the first end and the second end and extending along a direction intersecting the main line.

4. In paragraph 3, The above intersection line is, A battery module comprising a first cross line and a second cross line arranged along the longitudinal direction of the main line.

5. In paragraph 4, The above second separation line is, A battery module comprising a third cross line positioned between the first end and the first cross line and extending along a direction intersecting the main line.

6. In paragraph 4, The above second separation line is, A battery module comprising a fourth cross line positioned between the first cross line and the second cross line and extending along a direction intersecting the main line.

7. In paragraph 3, The above first separation line is, A battery module further comprising an auxiliary line extending from the first end in a direction away from the second end.

8. In paragraph 1, The above top plate, A battery module having a venting hole exposing the first separating line.

9. In paragraph 8, The above hall is, A battery module configured to have a diameter longer than the first separating line.

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

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

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

13. In paragraph 1, A battery module further comprising a first adhesive member disposed between the first cover and the top plate.

14. In paragraph 13, The above first adhesive member is, A battery module having an exposure hole communicating with the above venting hole and exposing the first separating line.

15. In paragraph 1, A battery module further comprising a second adhesive member disposed between the first cover and the second cover.

16. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. A vehicle comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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