Battery module, battery pack comprising same, and vehicle

Abstract

A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a plurality of battery cells; a module case configured to accommodate the battery cells; a top cover configured to cover an upper portion of the module case; end plates provided at both ends of the module case in the longitudinal direction; and an isolation cover interposed between the battery cells and the end plates and configured to be structurally coupled to the end plates.

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] Unlike primary batteries, which cannot be recharged, secondary batteries refer to batteries capable of charging and discharging, and are applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) driven by electric power sources.

[0003] Currently, widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium-polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of these unit secondary battery cells, or unit battery cells, is approximately 2.5V to 4.6V. Therefore, if a higher output voltage is required, a battery pack is formed by connecting multiple battery cells in series. Additionally, a battery pack is formed by connecting multiple battery cells in parallel depending on the charge / discharge capacity required for the battery pack. Accordingly, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be varied 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 practice to first configure a battery module consisting of at least one battery cell, preferably multiple battery cells, and then use at least one such battery module to configure the battery pack by adding other components. 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.

[0005] Meanwhile, conventional battery modules have had end plates coupled in the front-rear direction provided with holes or the like for physical connection with an isolation cover provided on the inside of the end plate. For example, conventional battery modules have employed a method of connecting the end plate and the isolation cover by drilling holes in the end plate and providing a hook structure in the isolation cover.

[0006] However, although this structure may be advantageous in terms of confirming the fastening between the end plate and the isolation cover and in terms of assembly and disassembly, there was a problem in that there was a high possibility that a thermal event occurring within the battery module would have a negative effect on the battery modules located nearby.

[0007] The present invention aims to improve the assembly structure of an end plate and an isolation cover that can effectively prevent heat transfer between battery modules.

[0008] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, a battery module comprises: a plurality of battery cells; a module case configured to accommodate the battery cells; a top cover configured to cover an upper portion of the module case; an end plate provided at both longitudinal ends of the module case and having no hole penetrating the inside and outside; and an isolation cover interposed between the battery cells and the end plate and configured to be structurally coupled to the end plate.

[0010] In one aspect of the present invention, the isolation cover includes at least one guide pin protruding in a direction toward the outside of the battery module, and the end plate may include at least one first sidewall groove configured to be coupled with the guide pin.

[0011] In another aspect of the present invention, the isolation cover comprises at least one hook including a protruding extension protruding from the isolation cover and a hook portion provided at the end of the protruding extension, and the end plate may comprise at least one second sidewall groove configured to be coupled with the hook.

[0012] In another aspect of the present invention, the end plate includes at least one first rib extending inwardly, and the first rib may be configured to be inserted into a receiving hole provided in the isolation cover.

[0013] Preferably, the first rib may be configured so that its width becomes narrower towards the end.

[0014] In one aspect of the present invention, the first rib may be configured to be snap-fit ​​coupled to a receiving hole provided in the isolation cover.

[0015] In another aspect of the present invention, the isolation cover includes a hook portion configured such that the edge of the isolation cover protrudes, and the end plate may include at least one third side wall groove configured to be coupled to the hook portion.

[0016] Preferably, the hanging portion may be configured to be snap-fit-coupled to a third side wall groove provided in the isolation cover.

[0017] In another aspect of the present invention, the end plate may include at least one second rib protruding in a direction toward the inside of the battery module, and the isolation cover may include a third rib protruding in a direction toward the outside of the battery module and configured to be in contact with the second rib.

[0018] Preferably, the second rib and the third rib may be configured to have a structure in which they come into contact with each other while applying pressure.

[0019] In one aspect of the present invention, the end plate and the isolation cover may be configured to have an interference-prevention fitting structure.

[0020] For example, the end plate may include a first horizontal region extending horizontally, the isolation cover may include a second horizontal region configured to be in horizontal contact with a lower region of the end plate, and the first horizontal region and the second horizontal region may be configured to have an interference-preventing fit structure with each other.

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

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

[0023] According to the present invention, heat transfer to adjacent battery modules can be effectively prevented even when a thermal event occurs within a battery module.

[0024] At the same time, according to the present invention, the bonding force between the end plate of the battery module and the isolation cover can be improved.

[0025] In addition, according to the present invention, the productivity and rigidity of the end plate can be improved.

[0026] However, the effects obtainable through the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned technical effects will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0027] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention provided below; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 2.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining a battery cell included in the battery module of FIG. 1.

[0031] Figure 4 is a drawing of the battery module of Figure 1 viewed from above.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining an end plate and an isolation cover according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 6 is a front view of an end plate and an isolation cover according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an end plate and an isolation cover according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 8 is a drawing showing a cross-section cut along CC in Figures 6 and 7.

[0036] Figure 9 is a drawing showing a cross-section cut along DD in Figure 6.

[0037] Figure 10 is a drawing showing a cross-section cut along EE in 6.

[0038] Figure 11 is a drawing showing a cross-section cut along FF in Figure 6.

[0039] FIG. 12 is a drawing for illustrating a battery pack comprising at least one battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle comprising at least one battery pack of FIG. 12.

[0041] The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail 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 merely 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 the present invention being interpreted ambiguously. Throughout the specification, like reference numerals refer to like components.

[0042] In drawings, thicknesses may be enlarged to clearly represent multiple layers and regions. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals are used for similar parts. When a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is described as being "above" another part, this includes not only cases where it is "immediately above" another part, but also cases where there is another part in between. Conversely, when a part is described as being "immediately above" another part, it may mean that there is no other part in between. Furthermore, when a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is described as being "below" another part, this includes not only cases where it is "immediately below" another part, but also cases where there is another part in between. Conversely, when a part is described as being "immediately below" another part, it may mean that there is no other part in between.

[0043] The statement that two subjects of comparison are identical means that they are 'substantially identical.' Therefore, substantial identity may include deviations considered low in the industry, for example, deviations within 5%. Additionally, the statement that a parameter is uniform in a given area may mean that it is uniform from an average perspective.

[0044] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0045] The fact that any configuration is placed on the "upper (or lower)" of a component or on the "upper (or lower)" of a component may mean not only that any configuration is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of said component, but also that another configuration may be interposed between said component and any configuration placed on (or below) said component.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 2.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery module (10) according to the present invention includes a battery cell (100), a module case (200), a top cover (300), an end plate (400), and an isolation cover (500).

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the battery module (10) may include a plurality of battery cells (100). The plurality of battery cells (100) may be stacked in at least one direction. More specifically, the plurality of battery cells (100) may be arranged at least in a horizontal direction. The plurality of battery cells (100) may be configured to be arranged side by side in the left-right direction while being erected vertically. For example, referring to FIG. 2, the plurality of battery cells (100) may be configured to be arranged side by side in the left-right direction while being erected vertically. Hereinafter, each of the plurality of battery cells (100) will be described in more detail.

[0051] The above battery cell (100) may be a secondary battery, for example, a pouch-type battery cell (100). However, this does not limit the type of the above battery cell (100), and other types of battery cells (100), such as cylindrical cells or prismatic cells, may also be used in the battery module (10) of the present invention.

[0052] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining a battery cell (100) included in the battery module (10) of FIG. 1.

[0053] Hereinafter, as illustrated in FIG. 3, an example will be described in which the battery cell (100) is a pouch-type cell.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 3, the battery cell (100) may include an electrode assembly (110), a receiving portion (130) that receives the electrode assembly (110), a sealing portion (150) formed around the receiving portion (130), and a pair of electrode leads (170) that are connected to the electrode assembly (110) and extend outward from the sealing portion (150). The pair of electrode leads (170) may be coupled to electrode tabs (not shown) provided in the electrode assembly (110) and extend outward from the sealing portion (150) through the sealing portion (150). The pair of electrode leads (170) may have a shape that extends along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (100). The pair of electrode leads (170) may extend in the same direction or in opposite directions.

[0055] Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, the module case (200) may be configured to accommodate the battery cell (100) in its internal space. That is, the module case (200) may have an empty space formed therein, and may accommodate the battery cell (100) in the internal space. The module case (200) may be configured to accommodate the battery cell (100). The module case (200) may have an open shape on one longitudinal side and the other longitudinal side.

[0056] The module case (200) may include a base plate extending in a horizontal direction and a side plate extending upward from the base plate. In this case, the base plate may be configured to have a plate shape extending approximately in a horizontal direction. The side plate may be configured to have a plate shape extending approximately in a vertical direction. The base plate and the side plate may be configured 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 shape in which a side plate is provided in the width direction and one side and the other side in the length direction are open. In another aspect of the present invention, the base plate and the side plate may be formed as a single unit. Alternatively, the base plate and the side plate may be configured to be detachable.

[0058] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2, the top cover (300) may be located on at least one side of the module case (200). Preferably, the top cover (300) may be configured to cover the top of the module case (200). That is, the top cover (300) may be mounted on the top of the module case (200). The top cover (300) may cover the battery cell (100) on the top of the module case (200).

[0059] In one aspect of the present invention, the top cover (300) may be configured to be detachably connected to the module case (200). The top cover (300) may also be configured integrally with the module case (200). In this case, the top cover (300) and the module case (200) may form a monoframe. In another aspect of the present invention, the top cover (300) may be connected to and / or disconnected from an end plate (400) to be described later.

[0060] FIG. 4 is a drawing of the battery module (10) of FIG. 1 viewed from above, and FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining an end plate (400) and an isolation cover (500) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 5, the battery module (10) may include an end plate (400).

[0062] The end plate (400) may be provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the module case (200). The end plate (400) may be coupled to one side and the other side in the longitudinal direction of the module case (200). The end plate (400) may be configured to cover both ends in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (100). More specifically, the end plate (400) may include a front end plate (400) and a rear end plate (400). The end plate (400) may be coupled to one side and the other side in the longitudinal direction of the module case (200) and configured to cover one end in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (100). The end plate (400) may include, for example, a plastic material.

[0063] In one aspect of the present invention, the end plate (400) may not be provided with a hole penetrating the inside and outside.

[0064] In the case of a conventional end plate (400), a specific hole or the like was provided for physical connection with an isolation cover (500) provided on the inner side of the end plate (400). For example, in a conventional battery module (10), a method was adopted to connect the end plate (400) and the isolation cover by drilling a hole in the end plate (400) and providing a hook (520) structure in the isolation cover (500). While this may facilitate checking whether they are connected and making assembly and disassembly easy, there was a problem in that there was a high possibility of adversely affecting nearby battery modules (10) when a thermal event occurred within the battery module (10).

[0065] On the other hand, according to the present invention, the end plate (400) may not be provided with a hole penetrating the inside and outside for assembly with the isolation cover (500). That is, the assembly portion with the isolation cover (500) is not exposed externally on the end plate (400). Specifically, according to the present invention, the end plate (400) may have a structure that allows for fastening through various assembly structures between parts without forming a separate hole. Such specific structures will be explained in detail through the following FIGS. 6 to 11, which show various cross-sections of the end plate (400) and the isolation cover (500).

[0066] Referring again to FIGS. 4 and 5, the battery module (10) includes an isolation cover (500).

[0067] The isolation cover (500) may be interposed between the battery cell (100) and the end plate (400). The isolation cover (500) may be configured to be in close contact with the inner surface of the end plate (400). The isolation cover (500) may be configured to be structurally coupled with the end plate (400). The isolation cover (500) may include, for example, plastic and / or resin materials.

[0068] In the case where the battery module (10) of the present invention includes a busbar frame assembly, the isolation cover (500) may be provided on the outside of the busbar frame assembly. For example, if the battery cell (100) is a pouch cell, a lead extending in the front-rear direction may be fixed to the busbar frame through a lead slit of the busbar frame assembly. That is, a cell block may be formed in which a plurality of battery cells (100) are combined with the busbar frame assembly, and an isolation cover (500) may be mounted on the front-rear direction of the cell block. Subsequently, an end plate (400) may finally be mounted on the front-rear direction of the isolation cover (500).

[0069] In this case, the end plate (400) and the isolation cover (500) must be physically joined to each other. In the case of a conventional battery module (10), a method of joining the end plate (400) and the isolation cover was adopted by drilling a hole in the end plate (400) and providing a hook (520) structure in the isolation cover (500); however, in the present invention, a separate hole is not provided in the end plate (400). On the other hand, in the present invention, they can be firmly joined to each other through a specific structure between the inner surface of the end plate (400) and the outer surface of the isolation cover (500).

[0070] (First embodiment)

[0071] FIG. 6 is a front view of an end plate (400) and an isolation cover (500) according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an end plate (400) and an isolation cover (500) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view cut along CC in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7.

[0072] In one aspect of the present invention, referring to FIGS. 6 through 8, the end plate (400) may include at least one first sidewall groove (410) on an inner surface. The first sidewall groove (410) may be formed, for example, by T-cutting.

[0073] Meanwhile, the isolation cover (500) may include at least one guide pin (510) protruding in a direction toward the outside of the battery module (10). At this time, the end plate (400) may include at least one first side wall groove (410) configured to be coupled with the guide pin (510). Preferably, the guide pin (510) may be configured to have a shape that fits within the first side wall groove (410). Alternatively, the width of the first side wall groove (410) may be configured to be equal to or greater than the width of the guide pin (510).

[0074] According to this structure, the end plate (400) and the isolation cover (500) can be fixed in the left and right directions. That is, according to the above configuration, the left and right movement of the end plate (400) and the isolation cover (500) can be restricted. That is, according to the above configuration, the end plate (400) and the isolation cover (500) can be stably joined to each other even without providing a separate hole on the end plate (400). That is, in the event of a fire in the battery module (10), heat transfer to an adjacent battery module (10) can be improved by blocking the hole of the end plate (400). In addition, the productivity and rigidity of the end plate (400) can be improved.

[0075] In another aspect of the present invention, the end plate (400) may include at least one second sidewall groove (420) on an inner surface. The second sidewall groove (420) may be formed, for example, by T-cutting.

[0076] Meanwhile, the isolation cover (500) may include at least one hook (520). The hook (520) may include a protruding extension (521) protruding from the isolation cover (500) and a hook portion (522) provided at the end of the protruding extension (521). At this time, the end plate (400) may include at least one second side wall groove (420) configured to be coupled with the hook (520). Preferably, the width of the hook portion (522) of the hook (520) may be configured to be smaller than or equal to the width of the second side wall groove (420).

[0077] According to this structure, the end plate (400) and the isolation cover (500) can be fixed in the front-rear direction. That is, according to the above configuration, the front-rear movement of the end plate (400) and the isolation cover (500) can be restricted. In other words, according to the above configuration, the end plate (400) and the isolation cover (500) can be stably joined to each other even without providing a separate hole on the end plate (400).

[0078] (Second embodiment)

[0079] Figure 9 is a drawing showing a cross-section cut along DD in Figure 6.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 9 in one aspect of the present invention, the end plate (400) may include at least one first rib (430) that protrudes inwardly. Meanwhile, the isolation cover (500) may be provided with at least one receiving hole (530) that penetrates the isolation cover (500). At this time, the first rib (430) may be configured to be inserted into the receiving hole (530) provided in the isolation cover (500). Preferably, the first rib (430) may be configured to be snap-fit ​​coupled to the receiving hole (530) provided in the isolation cover (500).

[0081] Meanwhile, the first rib (430) may be configured to protrude in a direction toward the lower side of the battery module (10). The first rib (430) may be configured so that its width narrows toward the end. With such a structure, the first rib (430) can be easily inserted into the receiving hole (530).

[0082] According to the above configuration, by providing a structure in which a hole is made in the isolation cover (500) located on the inner side of the end plate (400) rather than in the end plate (400) located on the outermost side of the battery module (10), the possibility of adverse effects on surrounding battery modules (10) can be minimized even if a thermal event occurs within the battery module (10). That is, in the event of a fire within the battery module (10), heat transfer to adjacent battery modules (10) can be improved by blocking the hole in the end plate (400). In addition, the productivity and rigidity of the end plate (400) can be improved.

[0083] Referring again to FIG. 9 in another aspect of the present invention, the end plate (400) may include at least one first protrusion (440) protruding inward. The first protrusion (440) may, in some cases, be configured to abut against the isolation cover (500). That is, the first protrusion (440) may be fixed in contact while being pressed against the isolation cover (500). With such a configuration, the bonding force between the isolation cover (500) and the end plate (400) can be further improved.

[0084] (Third embodiment)

[0085] Figure 10 is a drawing showing a cross-section cut along EE in Figure 6.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 10 in one aspect of the present invention, the end plate (400) may include at least one third side wall groove (450) provided on the inner surface of the end plate (400). The third side wall groove (450) may be formed, for example, through T-cutting.

[0087] Meanwhile, the isolation cover (500) may include a hook portion (550) configured so that the edge of the isolation cover (500) protrudes. At this time, the end plate (400) may include at least one third side wall groove (450) configured to be coupled with the hook portion (550). Preferably, the hook portion (550) may be configured to be coupled in a snap-fit ​​manner to the third side wall groove (450) provided in the isolation cover (500).

[0088] Meanwhile, the hanging portion (550) may be configured to protrude in a direction toward the upper side of the battery module (10). The hanging portion (550) may be configured so that its width narrows toward the end. With such a structure, the hanging portion (550) can be easily inserted into the third side wall groove (450).

[0089] According to the above configuration, by not drilling a hole in the end plate (400) located on the outermost side of the battery module (10) and providing a small groove only on the inner surface of the end plate (400), the possibility of adverse effects on surrounding battery modules (10) can be minimized even if a thermal event occurs within the battery module (10). That is, in the event of a fire within the battery module (10), heat transfer to adjacent battery modules (10) can be improved by blocking the hole in the end plate (400). In addition, the productivity and rigidity of the end plate (400) can be improved.

[0090] Referring again to FIG. 10 in another aspect of the present invention, the end plate (400) may include at least one second protrusion (460) protruding inward. The second protrusion (460) may be configured to abut the isolation cover (500) in some cases. That is, the second protrusion (460) may be fixed in contact with the isolation cover (500) while being pressed against it. With such a configuration, the bonding force between the isolation cover (500) and the end plate (400) can be further improved.

[0091] (Fourth embodiment)

[0092] Figure 11 is a drawing showing a cross-section cut along FF in Figure 6.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 11 in one aspect of the present invention, the end plate (400) may include at least one second rib (470) that protrudes and extends in a direction toward the interior of the battery module (10). Meanwhile, the isolation cover (500) may include a third rib (570) that protrudes in a direction toward the exterior of the battery module (10) and is configured to come into contact with the second rib (470). At this time, the second rib (470) and the third rib (570) may be configured to have a structure in which they come into contact while pressing against each other. The outermost protrusion of the second rib (470) may be fixed in contact with the outermost protrusion of the third rib (570) while being pressed against each other.

[0094] In another aspect of the present invention, the end plate (400) and the isolation cover (500) may be configured to have an interference-prevention fitting structure.

[0095] Referring again to FIG. 11, the end plate (400) may include a first horizontal region (480) that extends horizontally. Meanwhile, the isolation cover (500) may include a second horizontal region (580) configured to be in horizontal contact with the lower region of the end plate (400).

[0096] At this time, the first horizontal area (480) and the second horizontal area (580) may be configured to have a fit interference structure. That is, both the end plate (400) and the isolation cover (500) may be made of plastic material. At this time, by generating friction between the plastic materials, a fit interference structure can be implemented between the first horizontal area (480) and the second horizontal area (580).

[0097] In another aspect of the present invention, the first horizontal region (480) and the second horizontal region (580) may be configured to be approximately parallel to each other. Accordingly, the contact area between the first horizontal region (480) and the second horizontal region (580) can be maximized. Thus, as the contact resistance between the first horizontal region (480) and the second horizontal region (580) is maximized, the fixing force in the final fixing structure can be secured above a certain level.

[0098] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining a battery pack (3) comprising at least one battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 12, 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, 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.

[0100] FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle (5) including at least one battery pack (3) of FIG. 12.

[0101] Referring to FIG. 13, a vehicle (5) according to the present invention may include at least one battery pack (3) according to the present invention. The vehicle (5) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be, for example, an electric vehicle (5), a hybrid vehicle (5), or a plug-in hybrid vehicle (5), and includes a battery pack (3) according to one embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle (5) includes a four-wheeled vehicle (5) and a two-wheeled vehicle (5).

[0102] The above-described automobile (5) operates by receiving power from a battery pack (3) according to one embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the automobile (5) according to the present invention may further include various other components included in the automobile (5) in addition to the battery cell (100) or the battery pack (3). For example, the automobile (5) according to the present invention may further include a body, a motor, a control device such as an ECU (electronic control unit), etc. in addition to the battery cell (100) according to the present invention.

[0103] Meanwhile, although terms indicating direction such as up and down have been used in this specification, these terms are used merely for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to a person skilled in the art that they may vary depending on the location of the object or the position of the observer.

[0104] 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.

[0105] The present invention can provide a battery module capable of effectively preventing heat transfer to an adjacent battery module even when a thermal event occurs within the battery module.

Claims

1. Multiple battery cells; A module case configured to accommodate the above battery cell; A top cover configured to cover the upper portion of the above module case; End plates provided at both longitudinal ends of the above module case; and An isolation cover interposed between the battery cell and the end plate and configured to be structurally connected to the end plate; A battery module including:

2. In paragraph 1, The above isolation cover includes at least one guide pin protruding in a direction toward the outside of the battery module, A battery module characterized in that the end plate includes at least one first side wall groove configured to be engaged with the guide pin.

3. In paragraph 1, The above isolation cover includes at least one hook including a protruding extension protruding from the isolation cover and a hook provided at the end of the protruding extension, A battery module characterized in that the end plate includes at least one second side wall groove configured to be engaged with the hook.

4. In paragraph 1, The end plate includes at least one first rib extending inwardly, A battery module characterized in that the first rib is configured to be inserted into a receiving hole provided in the isolation cover.

5. In paragraph 4, A battery module characterized in that the first rib is configured such that its width becomes narrower as it goes toward the end.

6. In paragraph 4, A battery module characterized in that the first rib is configured to be snap-fit-coupled to a receiving hole provided in the isolation cover.

7. In paragraph 1, The above isolation cover includes a hanging portion configured such that the edge of the isolation cover protrudes, A battery module characterized in that the end plate includes at least one third side wall groove configured to be coupled with the hook portion.

8. In paragraph 7, A battery module characterized in that the above-mentioned hanging portion is configured to be snap-fit-coupled to a third side wall groove provided in the above-mentioned isolation cover.

9. In paragraph 1, The end plate includes at least one second rib protruding and extending in a direction toward the inside of the battery module, A battery module characterized in that the isolation cover includes a third rib that protrudes in a direction toward the outside of the battery module and is configured to come into contact with the second rib.

10. In paragraph 9, A battery module characterized in that the second rib and the third rib have a structure in which they contact each other while pressing each other.

11. In paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the end plate and the isolation cover are configured to have an interference-resistant fit structure with each other.

12. In paragraph 1, The end plate includes a first horizontal region extending horizontally, The above isolation cover includes a second horizontal region configured to be in horizontal contact with the lower region of the end plate, A battery module characterized in that the first horizontal region and the second horizontal region are configured to have an interference-preventing interfacing structure with each other.

13. In paragraph 1, A battery module in which the end plate does not have a hole penetrating the inside or outside for joining with the isolation cover.

14. A battery pack characterized by including at least one battery module as described in any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A vehicle characterized by including at least one battery pack as described in paragraph 14.

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