Battery module and battery pack comprising same

Abstract

A battery module according to some embodiments may comprise: a module frame including first and second cell slots isolated from each other in a first direction and a slot gap positioned between the first and second cell slots; a first battery cell in the first cell slot; and a second battery cell in the second cell slot. Accordingly, in some embodiments, even if a thermal runaway event occurs in some battery cells, it is possible to prevent a thermal runaway event from occurring in other adjacent battery cells. As a result, even if a thermal runaway event occurs in some battery cells, it is possible to prevent a thermal runaway event from occurring in the entire battery module or the entire battery pack.

Description

Battery module and battery pack including the same

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

[0002] The present disclosure claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0129252 filed September 24, 2024, and all contents of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0129252 are incorporated by reference into the present disclosure.

[0003]

[0004] In order to reduce carbon emissions while decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, there is growing interest in rechargeable batteries that can be used repeatedly for extended periods. Accordingly, rechargeable batteries are being used in various fields, including vehicles, portable electronic devices, and Energy Storage Systems (ESS).

[0005] Vehicles utilize multiple battery cells to ensure performance capabilities, such as power output and driving range. Generally, these multiple battery cells form a battery module, and a battery pack composed of such modules is installed in the vehicle. In this configuration, the battery cells within a module are located in close proximity to one another. Consequently, if a thermal runaway event occurs in a few battery cells, heat can easily transfer to adjacent cells. If this heat transfer occurs in a chain reaction, it can trigger a thermal runaway event across the entire battery module or battery pack, leading to a major explosion or fire.

[0006] Therefore, technology is required to prevent thermal runaway events from occurring in the entire battery module or battery pack, even if a thermal runaway event occurs in some battery cells.

[0007]

[0008] The problem that the technical concept of the present invention aims to solve is to prevent a thermal runaway event from occurring in the entire battery module or the entire battery pack even if a thermal runaway event occurs in some battery cells.

[0009]

[0010] Some embodiments of the present invention capable of solving the above problem are as follows.

[0011]

[0012] A battery module according to some embodiments is,

[0013] A module frame comprising first and second cell slots isolated in a first direction and a slot gap located between the first and second cell slots;

[0014] A first battery cell located within the first cell slot; and

[0015] A second battery cell located within the second cell slot above;

[0016] It may include.

[0017]

[0018] In some embodiments, the module frame is,

[0019] First to fourth partitions spaced apart from each other in a first direction;

[0020] A first tower cover section connecting the first and second bulkheads;

[0021] A bottom bend connecting the second and third bulkheads; and

[0022] It includes a second tower cover connecting the third and fourth bulkheads, and

[0023] The first cell slot is defined by the first and second partitions and the first top cover portion, and

[0024] The slot gap is defined by the second and third bulkheads and the bottom bend, and

[0025] The second cell slot can be defined by the third and fourth partitions and the second top cover portion.

[0026]

[0027] In some embodiments, the first and second top cover portions may overlap in the first direction.

[0028] In some embodiments, the width of the first direction of the first top cover portion may be different from the width of the first direction of the bottom fold portion.

[0029] In some embodiments, the width of the first direction of the first top cover portion may be greater than the width of the first direction of the bottom fold portion.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first and second partitions and the first top cover may further include one or more of an insulating coating layer, a thermal insulation coating layer, a heat-resistant coating layer, and a fire-resistant coating layer on the surface facing the first battery cell.

[0031] A battery module according to some embodiments may further include a pad within the slot gap.

[0032] A battery module according to some embodiments may further include one or more pads within the first cell slot.

[0033] A battery module according to some embodiments further includes first and second pads within the first cell slot, and the first battery cell may be between the first and second pads.

[0034] A battery module according to some embodiments may further include a band that wraps around the module frame.

[0035] In some embodiments, the band may wrap around the top surface, both sides, and the bottom surface of the module frame.

[0036] In some embodiments, the band may wrap around the upper surface and both sides of the module frame or wrap around the lower surface and both sides of the module frame.

[0037] In some embodiments, the band may have a U shape.

[0038] In some embodiments, the first top bend may include a vent hole.

[0039]

[0040] A battery pack according to some embodiments is,

[0041] Base plate;

[0042] Side walls; and

[0043] A battery module on the base plate; including,

[0044] The above battery module is,

[0045] A module frame comprising first and second cell slots isolated in a first direction and a slot gap located between the first and second cell slots;

[0046] A first battery cell located within the first cell slot; and

[0047] A second battery cell located within the second cell slot above;

[0048] It may include.

[0049]

[0050] Some embodiments of the present invention include cell slots that are isolated from one another, so that a battery cell within one cell slot is isolated from a battery cell within another cell slot. Accordingly, even if a thermal runaway event occurs in some battery cells, it is possible to prevent the thermal runaway event from spreading to adjacent battery cells. Consequently, even if a thermal runaway event occurs in some battery cells, it is possible to prevent the thermal runaway event from occurring in the entire battery module or the entire battery pack.

[0051] The effects of the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects can be clearly derived and understood by a person skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains from the following description. That is, unintended effects resulting from the implementation of the embodiments of the present invention can also be clearly derived and understood by a person skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0052]

[0053] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to some embodiments.

[0054] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to some embodiments.

[0055] FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of a module frame that may be included in a battery module according to some embodiments.

[0056] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line IV-IV' of Figure 3.

[0057] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a module frame that may be included in a battery module according to some embodiments and a battery cell in a cell slot of the module frame.

[0058] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to some embodiments.

[0059] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to some embodiments.

[0060] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a battery module according to some embodiments.

[0061] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a battery module according to some embodiments.

[0062] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a battery module according to some embodiments.

[0063] FIG. 11 is a top view of a battery pack according to some embodiments.

[0064]

[0065] Terms or words used in this disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning consistent with the technical concept of the invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the meaning of terms or words to best describe his invention.

[0066] In this disclosure, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this disclosure, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Furthermore, when a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is described as being "on" another part, this includes not only cases where it is "immediately above" the other part, but also cases where there is another part in between. Conversely, when a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is described as being "under" another part, this includes not only cases where it is "immediately below" the other part, but also cases where there is another part in between.

[0067] The embodiments and drawings are merely examples of the invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the invention; therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace them.

[0068] In describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a known configuration or function may obscure the essence of the invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0069] The drawings are provided to more fully explain the present disclosure to a person skilled in the art; therefore, the shapes, sizes, and number of components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted for clearer explanation. The shape, size, proportion, and number of each component in the drawings do not entirely reflect the actual shape, size, proportion, and number of each component.

[0070] In this disclosure, for convenience of explanation, a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system is used to describe the positions of the components, the shapes of the components, and the relationships between the components. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are shown in FIGS. 1 through 11. In this specification, "X direction" means a direction parallel to the X-axis. In this specification, "+X direction" means the same direction as the arrow of the X-axis shown in FIGS. 1 through 11. In this specification, "-X direction" means the opposite direction to the arrow of the X-axis shown in FIGS. 1 through 11. In this specification, "Y direction" means a direction parallel to the Y-axis. In this specification, "+Y direction" means the same direction as the arrow of the Y-axis shown in FIGS. 1 through 11. In this specification, "-Y direction" means the opposite direction to the arrow of the Y-axis shown in FIGS. 1 through 11. In this specification, "Z direction" means a direction parallel to the Z-axis. In this specification, "+Z direction" means the same direction as the arrow direction of the Z-axis shown in FIGS. 1 to 11. In this specification, "-Z direction" means the opposite direction to the arrow direction of the Z-axis shown in FIGS. 1 to 11.

[0071]

[0072] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0073] (1st embodiment)

[0074] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to some embodiments. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to some embodiments.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the battery module (1000A) may include a plurality of battery cells (1100), a module frame (1200), a first bus bar assembly (1310), a second bus bar assembly (1320), a first end plate assembly (1410), and a second end plate assembly (1420).

[0076] Each of the plurality of battery cells (1100) may be a lithium secondary battery. Each of the plurality of battery cells (1100) may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a cell case.

[0077] The electrode assembly may include an anode, a cathode, and a separator. The anode may include an anode active material layer, an anode current collector, and an anode tab. The cathode may include a cathode active material layer, a cathode current collector, and a cathode tab. The electrode assembly may be of a jelly roll type or a stack type. The jelly roll type may have a structure in which the anode, cathode, and separator are wound. The stack type may have a structure in which a first electrode unit comprising a first anode, a first cathode, and a first separator, and a second electrode unit comprising a second anode, a second cathode, and a second separator are stacked with a third separator in between. The electrolyte may be of a liquid type or a gel type.

[0078] The cell case may be cylindrical, prismatic, or pouch-shaped. If the cell case is cylindrical or prismatic, a positive tab and a negative tab may be welded to the cell case. If the cell case is pouch-shaped, each of the plurality of battery cells (1100) may include a positive lead and a negative lead. The positive lead may be electrically connected to one or more positive tabs, and the negative lead may be electrically connected to one or more negative tabs. The positive lead and the negative lead may protrude from one side of the pouch-shaped cell case. The positive lead and the negative lead may protrude in the same direction or in opposite directions.

[0079] In the following description, only embodiments in which the cell case is pouch-shaped and the positive lead and the negative lead protrude in opposite directions are described. A person skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains will be able to easily arrive at embodiments in which the cell case is cylindrical or prismatic, and embodiments in which the cell case is pouch-shaped and the positive lead and the negative lead protrude in the same direction, based on this disclosure.

[0080] Multiple battery cells (1100) may be arranged in the Y direction. Some of the multiple battery cells (1100) may be connected in parallel. The number of battery cells (1100) connected in parallel may be determined according to the magnitude of the current to be output through the battery module (1000A). A group composed of battery cells (1100) connected in parallel may be referred to as a bank. Multiple battery cells (1100) may form multiple banks. Multiple banks may be connected in series with each other. The number of banks connected in series may be determined according to the magnitude of the voltage to be output through the battery module (1000A).

[0081] FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of a module frame that may be included in a battery module according to some embodiments. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line IV-IV' of FIG. 3.

[0082] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the module frame (1200) may include a plurality of cell slots (CS_1, CS_2, CS_3, CS_4, CS_5, CS_6) and a plurality of slot gaps (SG_1, SG_2, SG_3, SG_4, SG_5).

[0083] In the present disclosure, the first cell slot and the second cell slot may refer to two adjacent cell slots among a plurality of cell slots (CS_1, CS_2, CS_3, CS_4, CS_5, CS_6) included in the module frame (1200). In the present disclosure, the first and second partitions may refer to partitions defining the first cell slot. In the present disclosure, the third and fourth partitions may refer to partitions defining the second cell slot. In the present disclosure, the first top cover portion may refer to a top cover portion defining the first cell slot. In the present disclosure, the second top cover portion may refer to a top cover portion defining the second cell slot. In the present disclosure, the second and third partitions may refer to partitions defining a slot gap located between the first cell slot and the second cell slot.

[0084] Each of the plurality of cell slots (CS_1, CS_2, CS_3, CS_4, CS_5, CS_6) may have one or more battery cells (1100). The plurality of cell slots (CS_1, CS_2, CS_3, CS_4, CS_5, CS_6) may be isolated from each other in the Y direction. The battery cell (1100) in cell slot (CS_1), the battery cell (1100) in cell slot (CS_2), the battery cell (1100) in cell slot (CS_3), the battery cell (1100) in cell slot (CS_4), the battery cell (1100) in cell slot (CS_5), and the battery cell (1100) in cell slot (CS_6) may be isolated from each other in the Y direction.

[0085] Multiple slot gaps (SG_1, SG_2, SG_3, SG_4, SG_5) can be isolated from each other in the Y direction.

[0086] A slot gap (SG_1) can be located between cell slot (CS_1) and cell slot (CS_2). A slot gap (SG_2) can be located between cell slot (CS_2) and cell slot (CS_3). A slot gap (SG_3) can be located between cell slot (CS_3) and cell slot (CS_4). A slot gap (SG_4) can be located between cell slot (CS_4) and cell slot (CS_5). A slot gap (SG_5) can be located between cell slot (CS_5) and cell slot (CS_6).

[0087] A slot gap (SG_1) can isolate cell slot (CS_1) and cell slot (CS_2) in the Y direction. A slot gap (SG_2) can isolate cell slot (CS_2) and cell slot (CS_3) in the Y direction. A slot gap (SG_3) can isolate cell slot (CS_3) and cell slot (CS_4) in the Y direction. A slot gap (SG_4) can isolate cell slot (CS_4) and cell slot (CS_5) in the Y direction. A slot gap (SG_5) can isolate cell slot (CS_5) and cell slot (CS_6) in the Y direction.

[0088] A slot gap (SG_1) can isolate a battery cell (1100) in a cell slot (CS_1) and a battery cell (1100) in a cell slot (CS_2) in the Y direction. A slot gap (SG_2) can isolate a battery cell (1100) in a cell slot (CS_2) and a battery cell (1100) in a cell slot (CS_3) in the Y direction. A slot gap (SG_3) can isolate a battery cell (1100) in a cell slot (CS_3) and a battery cell (1100) in a cell slot (CS_4) in the Y direction. A slot gap (SG_4) can isolate a battery cell (1100) in a cell slot (CS_4) and a battery cell (1100) in a cell slot (CS_5) in the Y direction. The slot gap (SG_5) can isolate the battery cell (1100) in the cell slot (CS_5) and the battery cell (1100) in the cell slot (CS_6) in the Y direction.

[0089] Accordingly, even if a thermal runaway event occurs in a battery cell (1100) within one cell slot, it is possible to prevent the thermal runaway event from spreading to the battery cells (1100) within other cell slots. For example, even if a thermal runaway event occurs in a battery cell (1100) within cell slot (CS_3), it is possible to prevent the thermal runaway event from spreading to the battery cells (1100) within the remaining cell slots (CS_1, CS_2, CS_4, CS_5, CS_6). Ultimately, even if a thermal runaway event occurs in some battery cells (1100), it is possible to prevent the thermal runaway event from spreading to the entire battery module (1000A) or the entire battery pack.

[0090] The module frame (1200) may include a plurality of bulkheads (PW_1, PW_2, PW_3, PW_4, PW_5, PW_6, PW_7, PW_8, PW_9, PW_10, PW_11, PW_12), a plurality of top covers (TC_1, TC_2, TC_3, TC_4, TC_5, TC_6), and a plurality of bottom folded portions (BB_1, BB_2, BB_3, BB_4, BB_5). The module frame (1200) may have a corrugated structure.

[0091] Multiple bulkheads (PW_1, PW_2, PW_3, PW_4, PW_5, PW_6, PW_7, PW_8, PW_9, PW_10, PW_11, PW_12) may be spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. Bulkhead (PW_1) and bulkhead (PW_2) may be spaced apart in the Y direction with the top cover (TC_1) in between. Bulkhead (PW_2) and bulkhead (PW_3) may be spaced apart in the Y direction with the bottom bend (BB_1) in between. Bulkhead (PW_3) and bulkhead (PW_4) may be spaced apart in the Y direction with the top cover (TC_2) in between. Bulkhead (PW_4) and bulkhead (PW_5) may be spaced apart in the Y direction with the bottom bend (BB_2) in between. Bulkheads (PW_5) and (PW_6) can be spaced apart in the Y direction with the top cover (TC_3) in between. Bulkheads (PW_6) and (PW_7) can be spaced apart in the Y direction with the bottom bend (BB_3) in between. Bulkheads (PW_7) and (PW_8) can be spaced apart in the Y direction with the top cover (TC_4) in between. Bulkheads (PW_8) and (PW_9) can be spaced apart in the Y direction with the bottom bend (BB_4) in between. Bulkheads (PW_9) and (PW_10) can be spaced apart in the Y direction with the top cover (TC_5) in between. Bulkheads (PW_10) and (PW_11) can be spaced apart in the Y direction with the bottom bend (BB_5) in between. The bulkhead (PW_11) and the bulkhead (PW_12) can be spaced apart in the Y direction with the top cover (TC_6) in between.

[0092] Multiple bulkheads (PW_1, PW_2, PW_3, PW_4, PW_5, PW_6, PW_7, PW_8, PW_9, PW_10, PW_11, PW_12) can be substantially perpendicular to the Y direction.

[0093] Multiple top covers (TC_1, TC_2, TC_3, TC_4, TC_5, TC_6) may be spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. Top cover (TC_1) and top cover (TC_2) may be spaced apart in the Y direction with a bulkhead (PW_2), a bottom bend (BB_1), and a bulkhead (PW_3) in between. Top cover (TC_2) and top cover (TC_3) may be spaced apart in the Y direction with a bulkhead (PW_4), a bottom bend (BB_2), and a bulkhead (PW_5) in between. Top cover (TC_3) and top cover (TC_4) may be spaced apart in the Y direction with a bulkhead (PW_6), a bottom bend (BB_3), and a bulkhead (PW_7) in between. Top cover (TC_4) and top cover (TC_5) may be spaced apart in the Y direction with partition wall (PW_8), bottom bend (BB_4), and partition wall (PW_9) in between. Top cover (TC_5) and top cover (TC_6) may be spaced apart in the Y direction with partition wall (PW_10), bottom bend (BB_5), and partition wall (PW_11) in between.

[0094] The top cover (TC_1) can connect bulkhead (PW_1) and bulkhead (PW_2). The top cover (TC_2) can connect bulkhead (PW_3) and bulkhead (PW_4). The top cover (TC_3) can connect bulkhead (PW_5) and bulkhead (PW_6). The top cover (TC_4) can connect bulkhead (PW_7) and bulkhead (PW_8). The top cover (TC_5) can connect bulkhead (PW_9) and bulkhead (PW_10). The top cover (TC_6) can connect bulkhead (PW_11) and bulkhead (PW_12).

[0095] Multiple top covers (TC_1, TC_2, TC_3, TC_4, TC_5, TC_6) may overlap each other in the Y direction. Multiple top covers (TC_1, TC_2, TC_3, TC_4, TC_5, TC_6) may be located in the +Z direction relative to multiple bulkheads (PW_1, PW_2, PW_3, PW_4, PW_5, PW_6, PW_7, PW_8, PW_9, PW_10, PW_11, PW_12). Multiple top covers (TC_1, TC_2, TC_3, TC_4, TC_5, TC_6) may be located in the +Z direction relative to multiple bottom bends (BB_1, BB_2, BB_3, BB_4, BB_5).

[0096] Multiple bottom bends (BB_1, BB_2, BB_3, BB_4, BB_5) may be spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. Bottom bend (BB_1) and bottom bend (BB_2) may be spaced apart in the Y direction with a bulkhead (PW_3), a top cover (TC_2), and a bulkhead (PW_4) in between. Bottom bend (BB_2) and bottom bend (BB_3) may be spaced apart in the Y direction with a bulkhead (PW_5), a top cover (TC_3), and a bulkhead (PW_6) in between. Bottom bend (BB_3) and bottom bend (BB_4) may be spaced apart in the Y direction with a bulkhead (PW_7), a top cover (TC_4), and a bulkhead (PW_8) in between. The bottom bend (BB_4) and the bottom bend (BB_5) can be spaced apart in the Y direction with the bulkhead (PW_9), top cover (TC_5), and bulkhead (PW_10) in between.

[0097] The bottom bend (BB_1) can connect bulkhead (PW_2) and bulkhead (PW_3). The bottom bend (BB_2) can connect bulkhead (PW_4) and bulkhead (PW_5). The bottom bend (BB_3) can connect bulkhead (PW_6) and bulkhead (PW_7). The bottom bend (BB_4) can connect bulkhead (PW_8) and bulkhead (PW_9). The bottom bend (BB_5) can connect bulkhead (PW_10) and bulkhead (PW_11).

[0098] Multiple bottom bends (BB_1, BB_2, BB_3, BB_4, BB_5) may overlap each other in the Y direction. Multiple bottom bends (BB_1, BB_2, BB_3, BB_4, BB_5) may be located in the -Z direction relative to multiple bulkheads (PW_1, PW_2, PW_3, PW_4, PW_5, PW_6, PW_7, PW_8, PW_9, PW_10, PW_11, PW_12).

[0099] The top cover (TC_1) and the bottom bend (BB_1) can be separated in the Z direction with a bulkhead (PW_2) in between. The bottom bend (BB_1) and the top cover (TC_2) can be separated in the Z direction with a bulkhead (PW_3) in between. The top cover (TC_2) and the bottom bend (BB_2) can be separated in the Z direction with a bulkhead (PW_4) in between. The bottom bend (BB_2) and the top cover (TC_3) can be separated in the Z direction with a bulkhead (PW_5) in between. The top cover (TC_3) and the bottom bend (BB_3) can be separated in the Z direction with a bulkhead (PW_6) in between. The bottom bend (BB_3) and the top cover (TC_4) can be separated in the Z direction with a bulkhead (PW_7) in between. The top cover (TC_4) and the bottom bend (BB_4) can be separated in the Z direction with a bulkhead (PW_8) in between. The bottom bend (BB_4) and the top cover (TC_5) can be separated in the Z direction with a bulkhead (PW_9) in between. The top cover (TC_5) and the bottom bend (BB_5) can be separated in the Z direction with a bulkhead (PW_10) in between. The bottom bend (BB_5) and the top cover (TC_6) can be separated in the Z direction with a bulkhead (PW_11) in between.

[0100] A cell slot (CS_1) can be defined by a bulkhead (PW_1), a top cover (TC_1), and a bulkhead (PW_2). The cell slot (CS_1) can be opened in the +X direction, the -X direction, and the -Z direction. A slot gap (SG_1) can be defined by a bulkhead (PW_2), a bottom bend (BB_1), and a bulkhead (PW_3). The slot gap (SG_1) can be opened in the +X direction, the -X direction, and the +Z direction. A cell slot (CS_2) can be defined by a bulkhead (PW_3), a top cover (TC_2), and a bulkhead (PW_4). The cell slot (CS_2) can be opened in the +X direction, the -X direction, and the -Z direction. A slot gap (SG_2) can be defined by a bulkhead (PW_4), a bottom bend (BB_2), and a bulkhead (PW_5). The slot gap (SG_2) can be opened in the +X direction, the -X direction, and the +Z direction. The cell slot (CS_3) can be defined by the bulkhead (PW_5), the top cover (TC_3), and the bulkhead (PW_6). The cell slot (CS_3) can be opened in the +X direction, the -X direction, and the -Z direction. The slot gap (SG_3) can be defined by the bulkhead (PW_6), the bottom bend (BB_3), and the bulkhead (PW_7). The slot gap (SG_3) can be opened in the +X direction, the -X direction, and the +Z direction. The cell slot (CS_4) can be defined by the bulkhead (PW_7), the top cover (TC_4), and the bulkhead (PW_8). The cell slot (CS_4) can be opened in the +X direction, the -X direction, and the -Z direction. The slot gap (SG_4) can be defined by the bulkhead (PW_8), bottom bend (BB_4), and bulkhead (PW_9). The slot gap (SG_4) can be opened in the +X direction, -X direction, and +Z direction. The cell slot (CS_5) can be defined by the bulkhead (PW_9), top cover (TC_5), and bulkhead (PW_10). The cell slot (CS_5) can be opened in the +X direction, -X direction, and -Z direction. The slot gap (SG_5) can be defined by the bulkhead (PW_10), bottom bend (BB_5), and bulkhead (PW_11).The slot gap (SG_5) can be opened in the +X direction, the -X direction, and the +Z direction. The cell slot (CS_6) can be defined by the bulkhead (PW_11), the top cover (TC_6), and the bulkhead (PW_12). The cell slot (CS_6) can be opened in the +X direction, the -X direction, and the -Z direction.

[0101] The width in the Y direction (W1, W2, W3, W4, W5, W6) of each of the multiple top covers (TC_1, TC_2, TC_3, TC_4, TC_5, TC_6) may be different from the width in the Y direction (W7, W8, W9, W10, W11) of each of the multiple bottom folds (BB_1, BB_2, BB_3, BB_4, BB_5). The width in the Y direction (W1, W2, W3, W4, W5, W6) of each of the multiple top covers (TC_1, TC_2, TC_3, TC_4, TC_5, TC_6) may be larger than the width in the Y direction (W7, W8, W9, W10, W11) of each of the multiple bottom folds (BB_1, BB_2, BB_3, BB_4, BB_5). The widths in the Y direction (W1, W2, W3, W4, W5, W6) of each of the multiple top covers (TC_1, TC_2, TC_3, TC_4, TC_5, TC_6) may be substantially the same as each other. The widths in the Y direction (W7, W8, W9, W10, W11) of each of the multiple bottom folds (BB_1, BB_2, BB_3, BB_4, BB_5) may be substantially the same as each other.

[0102]

[0103] The first bus bar assembly (1310) may include a first bus bar frame and a first bus bar coupled to the first bus bar frame. The second bus bar assembly (1320) may include a second bus bar frame and a second bus bar coupled to the second bus bar frame. The first bus bar and the second bus bar may be electrically connected to the positive lead or negative lead of each of the plurality of battery cells (1100). The first bus bar frame and the second bus bar frame may include an insulating material. The first bus bar assembly (1310) and the second bus bar assembly (1320) may be spaced apart in the X direction with the plurality of battery cells (1100) and the module frame (1200) in between.

[0104] The first end plate (1410) can be coupled to the module frame (1200). The first end plate (1410) can cover the first bus bar assembly (1310). The second end plate (1420) can be coupled to the module frame (1200). The second end plate (1420) can cover the second bus bar assembly (1320). The first end plate (1410) and the second end plate (1420) may be spaced apart in the X direction with the first bus bar assembly (1310), a plurality of battery cells (1100), the module frame (1200), and the second bus bar assembly (1320) in between.

[0105]

[0106] (2nd Example)

[0107] Since the second embodiment is substantially identical to the first embodiment except for the addition of a coating layer (CL), the description of the parts that are substantially identical to the first embodiment is omitted.

[0108] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a module frame that may be included in a battery module according to some embodiments and a battery cell in a cell slot of the module frame.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the module frame (1200') may include a plurality of coating layers (CL_1, CL_2, CL_3, CL_4, CL_5, CL_6).

[0110] Each of the plurality of coating layers (CL_1, CL_2, CL_3, CL_4, CL_5, CL_6) may be one or more, two or more, three or more, or four of an insulating coating layer, a thermal insulation coating layer, a heat-resistant coating layer, and a fire-resistant coating layer. Each of the plurality of coating layers (CL_1, CL_2, CL_3, CL_4, CL_5, CL_6) may include ceramic, silicon, or mica.

[0111] The bulkhead (PW_1), top cover (TC_1), and bulkhead (PW_2) may include a coating layer (CL_1) on the surface facing the battery cell (1100). The bulkhead (PW_3), top cover (TC_2), and bulkhead (PW_4) may include a coating layer (CL_2) on the surface facing the battery cell (1100). The bulkhead (PW_5), top cover (TC_3), and bulkhead (PW_6) may include a coating layer (CL_3) on the surface facing the battery cell (1100). The bulkhead (PW_7), top cover (TC_4), and bulkhead (PW_8) may include a coating layer (CL_4) on the surface facing the battery cell (1100). The bulkhead (PW_9), top cover (TC_5) and bulkhead (PW_10) may include a coating layer (CL_5) on the surface facing the battery cell (1100). The bulkhead (PW_11), top cover (TC_6) and bulkhead (PW_12) may include a coating layer (CL_6) on the surface facing the battery cell (1100).

[0112]

[0113] (3rd Example)

[0114] Since the third embodiment is substantially identical to the first embodiment except for the addition of a pad (1500), the description of the parts that are substantially identical to the first embodiment is omitted.

[0115] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to some embodiments.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 6, the battery module (1000B) may include a pad (1500). The pad (1500) may be located within one or more of the slot gaps (SG_1, SG_2, SG_3, SG_4, SG_5). The pad (1500) may absorb swelling of the plurality of battery cells (1100). The pad (1500) may include a flexible material. As a non-limiting example, the pad (1500) may include polyurethane. The pad (1500) may delay or block heat transfer between the plurality of battery cells (1100). The pad (1500) may include a flame-retardant material. As a non-limiting example, the pad (1500) may include ceramic, silicon, or mica.

[0117]

[0118] (Fourth Example)

[0119] Since the fourth embodiment is substantially identical to the third embodiment except for the position of the pad (1500), the description of the parts that are substantially identical to the third embodiment is omitted.

[0120] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to some embodiments.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 7, the battery module (1000C) may include one or more pads (1500). One or more pads (1500) may be located within one or more cell slots among a plurality of cell slots (CS_1, CS_2, CS_3, CS_4, CS_5, CS_6). If one pad (1500) is located within one of the cell slots among the plurality of cell slots (CS_1, CS_2, CS_3, CS_4, CS_5, CS_6), the pad (1500) may be located in the +Y direction or the -Y direction relative to the battery cell (1100) within the cell slot. If two pads (1500) are located within one of the cell slots among the plurality of cell slots (CS_1, CS_2, CS_3, CS_4, CS_5, CS_6), the battery cell (1100) within the cell slot may be located between the two pads (1500). Two pads (1500) can be spaced apart in the Y direction with the battery cell (1100) in between.

[0122]

[0123] (5th Example)

[0124] Since the fifth embodiment is substantially identical to the first embodiment except for the addition of a band (1600), the description of the parts that are substantially identical to the first embodiment is omitted.

[0125] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a battery module according to some embodiments.

[0126] Referring to FIG. 8, the battery module (1000D) may include a band (1600). The band (1600) may secure the module frame (1200). The band (1600) may prevent the module frame (1200) from spreading out in the +Y direction or the -Y direction. The band (1600) may secure a plurality of battery cells (1100) within a plurality of cell slots (CS_1, CS_2, CS_3, CS_4, CS_5, CS_6). The band (1600) may prevent the plurality of battery cells (1100) from moving out in the -Z direction.

[0127] A band (1600) can wrap around a module frame (1200). The band can wrap around the top surface (1200TS), both sides (1200LSS, 1200RSS), and the bottom surface (1200BS) of the module frame (1200). The ZY plane shape of the band (1600) may be rectangular. There may be one or more bands (1600). The number of bands (1600) may be determined by considering the size of the module frame (1200) and the number of battery cells (1100).

[0128]

[0129] (6th Example)

[0130] Since the 6th embodiment is substantially identical to the 5th embodiment except for the shape of the band (1600'), the description of the parts that are substantially identical to the 5th embodiment is omitted.

[0131] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a battery module according to some embodiments.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 9, the battery module (1000E) may include a band (1600'). The band (1600') may wrap around the module frame (1200). The band (1600') may wrap around the upper surface (1200TS) and both sides (1200LSS, 1200RSS) of the module frame (1200). The band (1600') may wrap around the lower surface (1200BS) and both sides (1200LSS, 1200RSS) of the module frame (1200). The band (1600') may have a U shape. The ZY plane shape of the fixing member (1600') may be U.

[0133]

[0134] (7th Example)

[0135] Since the seventh embodiment is substantially identical to the fifth embodiment except for the addition of a plurality of vent holes (VH), the description of the parts that are substantially identical to the fifth embodiment is omitted.

[0136] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a battery module according to some embodiments.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 10, the battery module (1000F) may include a plurality of bands (1600), and each of the plurality of top covers (TC_1, TC_2, TC_3, TC_4, TC_5, TC_6) may include a plurality of vent holes (VH). When a thermal runaway event occurs in a battery cell (1100) in each of the plurality of cell slots (CS_1, CS_2, CS_3, CS_4, CS_5, CS_6), heat, gas, flames, etc., may be discharged to the outside of the battery module (1000F) through the plurality of vent holes (VH). The plurality of bands (1600) and the plurality of vent holes (VH) may not overlap with each other in the Z direction.

[0138]

[0139] (8th embodiment)

[0140] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to some embodiments.

[0141] Referring to FIG. 11, the battery pack (10000) may include a base plate (2100), side walls (2210, 2220, 2230, 2240), a center beam (2300), cross beams (2410, 2420, 2430, 2440, 2450, 2460), electrical component bulkheads (2500), and a plurality of battery modules (1000A). The battery pack (2000) may be the final form of a battery system mounted on a vehicle, etc.

[0142] The base plate (2100) may be under a plurality of battery modules (1000A). The base plate (2100) may support the plurality of battery modules (1000A).

[0143] Side walls (2210, 2220, 2230, 2240) may be located around the base plate (2100). Side walls (2210, 2220, 2230, 2240) may surround a plurality of battery modules (1000A).

[0144] The center beam (2300) can isolate multiple battery modules (1000A) from one another. The center beam (2300) can be located between multiple battery modules (1000A). The center beam (2300) can be substantially parallel to the Y direction. The center beam (2300) can extend in the Y direction between the electrical component bulkhead (2500) and the bulkhead (2220).

[0145] Each of the cross beams (2310, 2320, 2330, 2340, 2350, 2360) can isolate multiple battery modules (1000A) from each other. Each of the cross beams (2310, 2320, 2330, 2340, 2350, 2360) can be located between multiple battery modules (1000A). Each of the cross beams (2310, 2320, 2330, 2340, 2350, 2360) can be substantially parallel to the X direction. The cross beams (2310, 2320, 2330) can extend in the X direction between the bulkhead (2210) and the center beam (2220). The cross beams (2340, 2350, 2360) can be extended in the X direction between the bulkhead (2230) and the center beam (2220).

[0146] The electrical component partition (2500) can isolate the electrical component from the plurality of battery modules (1000A). The electrical component partition (2500) can be located between the electrical component and the plurality of battery modules (1000A). The electrical component partition (2500) can be substantially parallel to the X direction. The electrical component partition (2500) can extend in the X direction between opposing partitions (2210, 2230).

[0147] A plurality of battery modules (1000A) may be as described above.

[0148]

[0149] The above description is merely for illustrative purposes only. The scope of the present invention shall be interpreted by the claims, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent or equivalent thereto shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention.

[0150]

[0151] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0152] 1000: Battery module

[0153] 1100: Battery cell

[0154] 1200: Module Frame

[0155] 1310, 1320: Bus bar assembly

[0156] 1410, 1420: End plate assembly

[0157] 1500: Pad

[0158] 1600: Band

[0159] PW: Bulkhead

[0160] TC: Top cover

[0161] BB: Bottom bend

[0162] CS: Cell slot

[0163] SG: Slot gap

[0164] CL: Coating layer

[0165] VH: Vent hole

[0166] 2000: Battery pack

[0167] 2100: Base Plate

[0168] 2210, 2220, 2230, 2240: Bulkhead

[0169] 2300: Center beam

[0170] 2410, 2420, 2430, 2440, 2450, 2460: Cross Beam

[0171] 2500: Battlefield component bulkhead

Claims

1. A module frame comprising first and second cell slots isolated in a first direction and a slot gap located between the first and second cell slots; A first battery cell located within the first cell slot; and A second battery cell located within the second cell slot above; A battery module including 2. In Paragraph 1, The above module frame is, First to fourth partitions spaced apart from each other in a first direction; A first tower cover section connecting the first and second bulkheads; A bottom bend connecting the second and third bulkheads; and It includes a second tower cover connecting the third and fourth bulkheads, and The first cell slot is defined by the first and second partitions and the first top cover portion, and The slot gap is defined by the second and third bulkheads and the bottom bend, and The second cell slot is a battery module defined by the third and fourth partitions and the second top cover portion.

3. In Paragraph 2, The first and second top cover portions are battery modules that overlap in the first direction.

4. In Paragraph 2, A battery module in which the width of the first direction of the first top cover portion is different from the width of the first direction of the bottom bend portion.

5. In Paragraph 2, A battery module in which the width of the first direction of the first top cover portion is greater than the width of the first direction of the bottom fold portion.

6. In Paragraph 2, A battery module comprising the first and second bulkheads and the first top cover portion further including one or more of an insulating coating layer, a thermal insulation coating layer, a heat-resistant coating layer, and a fire-resistant coating layer on the surface facing the first battery cell.

7. In Paragraph 1, A battery module further comprising a pad within the slot gap above.

8. In Paragraph 1, A battery module further comprising one or more pads within the first cell slot.

9. In Paragraph 8, It further includes first and second pads located within the first cell slot, and The first battery cell is a battery module located between the first and second pads.

10. In Paragraph 1, A battery module further comprising a band wrapping the module frame.

11. In Paragraph 10, The above band is a battery module that wraps around the upper surface, both sides, and the lower surface of the module frame.

12. In Paragraph 10, The above band wraps around the upper surface and both sides of the module frame or wraps around the lower surface and both sides of the module frame, forming a battery module.

13. In Paragraph 10, The above band is a battery module having a U shape.

14. In Paragraph 2, The above-mentioned first top bend portion is a battery module including a vent hole.

15. Base plate; Side walls; and A battery module on the base plate; including, The above battery module is, A module frame comprising first and second cell slots isolated in a first direction and a slot gap located between the first and second cell slots; A first battery cell located within the first cell slot; and A second battery cell located within the second cell slot above; A battery pack including

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