Battery module, battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a plurality of battery cells; a module terminal configured to be electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells; a module frame that accommodates the plurality of battery cells, has the module terminal provided on a first plate, and includes a first venting hole formed in a second plate provided on the opposite side to the first plate; and a frame cover provided with a first cover configured to cover at least the second plate.

Description

Battery module, battery pack including the same, and automobile

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile.

[0002] This application is a priority application for Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0147422 filed on October 25, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of said application are incorporated into this application by reference.

[0003] Secondary batteries, which possess electrical characteristics such as high energy density and high applicability across product groups, are widely applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electric sources. These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for enhancing eco-friendliness and energy efficiency, not only for the primary advantage of drastically reducing the use of fossil fuels but also because they generate no by-products from energy use.

[0004] Currently, widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium-polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. When a high output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery module or battery pack. Additionally, to increase charge / discharge capacity, multiple battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery module or battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery module or pack can be varied depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] Meanwhile, since battery cells involve chemical reactions during charging and discharging, their performance may degrade if used in environments higher than the optimal temperature; furthermore, if thermal control is not maintained at the appropriate temperature, there is a constant risk of unexpected ignition or explosion. Additionally, battery modules are structured to house these battery cells intensively within a module frame. Therefore, if a thermal event occurs in a single battery cell, the emitted high-temperature gases and flames can spread to adjacent cells, potentially leading to a chain reaction of explosions, making this situation extremely dangerous.

[0006] In particular, the module frame of the battery module has venting holes formed therein to discharge high-temperature gases or flames generated inside the battery module to the outside, and through these venting holes, heat such as gases or flames can be directed toward other battery modules or flow back into the battery module.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to develop a structure that protects the module frame to minimize the movement of high-temperature gases or flames generated inside the battery module to other battery modules in the event of thermal runaway, thereby preventing heat propagation between battery modules and preventing emitted gases or flames from re-entering the battery module.

[0008] Therefore, the problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a battery module that effectively prevents or delays the propagation of thermal runaway between battery modules by minimizing the direction of high-temperature gases or flames generated in battery cells toward adjacent battery modules in the event of an abnormal situation in the battery module.

[0009] However, the problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0010] To solve the above problem, the present invention provides a battery module comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a module terminal configured to be electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells; a module frame accommodating the plurality of battery cells, wherein the module terminal is provided on a first plate and a first venting hole is formed on a second plate provided on the opposite side of the first plate; and a frame cover having a first cover configured to cover at least the second plate.

[0011] The first plate and the second plate of the module frame may be located on the side where the electrode lead of the battery cell is drawn out.

[0012] The first plate can be defined as the front surface of the module frame, and the second plate can be defined as the rear surface of the module frame.

[0013] The above module frame may have a third plate configured to connect one end of the first plate and one end of the second plate, and the frame cover may have a second cover connected to the first cover and configured to cover the third plate.

[0014] The third plate above can be defined as the upper surface of the module frame.

[0015] The second cover may be configured to further cover at least one of the fourth plates of the module frame provided at both left and right ends of the third plate.

[0016] The above frame cover may have a second venting hole formed in the first cover and configured to communicate with the first venting hole.

[0017] The above frame cover covers the second venting hole and may be provided with a cover member configured to open and close the second venting hole.

[0018] The above frame cover can be configured to be inserted and fixed to the above module frame.

[0019] The second plate may have a fixing projection configured such that at least a portion of it protrudes toward the first cover and is inserted into the first cover.

[0020] The first cover may have a fixing hole configured to allow the fixing projection to be inserted.

[0021] The end of the above-mentioned fixed projection may be configured to be larger than the above-mentioned fixed hole.

[0022] In addition, the present invention provides a battery pack characterized by including a battery module according to the present invention.

[0023] And, the present invention provides an automobile characterized by including a battery module according to the present invention.

[0024] According to one aspect of the present invention, by providing a frame cover, the module frame can be protected so that heat transfer between battery modules can be prevented.

[0025] In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, the propagation of thermal runaway between modules can be effectively prevented or delayed by minimizing the direction of high-temperature gases or flames generated in battery cells during abnormal conditions of a battery module toward adjacent battery modules. This ensures the safety and reliability of the battery module.

[0026] In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, high-temperature gases or flames generated in the battery cells during abnormal conditions of the battery module can be prevented from re-entering the battery module. This ensures the safety and reliability of the battery module.

[0027] In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, as the bonding or fixing force between the frame cover and the module frame is secured, the separation of the frame cover from the module frame can be minimized.

[0028] In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, as the coupling structure between the frame cover and the module frame is simplified, workability or productivity in manufacturing the battery module can be improved.

[0029] In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, events such as fire or explosion caused by thermal runaway phenomena in a battery pack including a plurality of battery modules or a device equipped with them can be prevented or delayed.

[0030] In addition to the above, the present invention may have various other effects, which are described in each embodiment, or effects that can be easily inferred by those skilled in the art, etc., will be omitted.

[0031] 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.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a module frame of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a module frame of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a frame cover applied to a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 6 may be a drawing showing the cross-section I-I' of FIG. 1.

[0038] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing that a portion of the cover member of a frame cover applied to a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention is opened.

[0039] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating the coupling of a frame cover to a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 9 is a rear view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 10 may be a drawing showing a part of the cross-section II-II' of FIG. 1.

[0042] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating the coupling of a frame cover to a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 12 may be a drawing showing the cross-section along III-III' of FIG. 1.

[0044] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack including a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention.

[0047] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention; thus, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0048] In addition, the present invention includes various embodiments. For each embodiment, redundant descriptions of substantially identical or similar configurations are omitted, and the focus is on the differences.

[0049] Meanwhile, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back may be used in the present invention, these terms are used merely for convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the position of the object or the position of the observer, as is obvious to those skilled in the art of the present invention.

[0050] For example, in an embodiment of the present invention, the X-axis direction shown in the drawing may mean the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction may mean the front-back direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction on the horizontal plane (XY plane), and the Z-axis direction may mean the up-down direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0051]

[0052] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a module frame of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a module frame of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery cell (100), a module terminal (200), a module frame (300), and a frame cover (400).

[0054] A plurality of battery cells (100) may be included. At this time, the plurality of battery cells (100) may be electrically connected to each other.

[0055] Multiple battery cells (100) can be stacked along one direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, multiple battery cells (100) can be arranged side by side in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) while standing upright in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

[0056] Additionally, the plurality of battery cells (100) may be, for example, pouch-type secondary batteries. The plurality of battery cells (100) may include an electrode assembly, a cell case that accommodates the electrode assembly, and an electrode lead (110) that is connected to the electrode assembly and extends outward from the cell case to function as an electrode terminal.

[0057] The electrode leads (110) may be provided as a pair, and the pair of electrode leads (110) may be drawn out from both ends of the battery cell (100), i.e., in the longitudinal direction (±Y direction). At this time, the pair of electrode leads (110) may be a positive lead and a negative lead.

[0058] The present invention is not limited by the specific type or form of such battery cell (100), and various battery cells (100) known at the time of filing the present invention may be employed to constitute a plurality of battery cells (100) of the present invention. In this embodiment, a pouch-type secondary battery having high energy density and easy stacking is used as shown in the drawing, but it is understood that cylindrical or prismatic secondary batteries may also be applied as battery cells (100).

[0059] The above module terminal (200) may be configured to be electrically connected to a plurality of battery cells (100). The module terminal (200) may include a positive terminal and a negative terminal. Additionally, the module terminal (200) may be configured to be electrically or communically connected to a control device such as a BMS. The module terminal (200) may be provided on the side where the electrode lead (110) of the battery cell (100) is drawn out.

[0060] Meanwhile, the module frame (300) may be configured to accommodate a battery cell (100). Specifically, an internal space may be formed in the module frame (300), and the internal space may be configured to accommodate a battery cell (100).

[0061] These module frames (300) may be made of a metal material having rigidity and heat resistance to physically or chemically protect the accommodated battery cells (100).

[0062] Meanwhile, the module terminal (200) may be configured to be drawn out at least partially to the outside of the module frame (300). In particular, the module terminal (200) may be provided on the first plate (301) of the module frame (300). For example, the first plate (301) may be defined as the front surface of the module frame (300), and the module terminal (200) may be provided on the front side of the module frame (300).

[0063] Additionally, a first venting hole (H1) may be formed in the module frame (300). The first venting hole (H1) may be configured to discharge venting gas generated in the battery cell (100) to the outside of the module frame (300). One-way directional venting may be possible through the first venting hole (H1).

[0064] The first venting hole (H1) may be formed in the third plate (303) of the module frame (300). The second plate (302) may be provided on the opposite side of the first plate (301). The second plate (302) may be provided on the opposite side of the first plate (301). That is, the first plate (301) and the second plate (302) may be configured to face each other.

[0065] For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, the third plate (303) can be defined as the rear surface of the module frame (300), and directional venting of the battery module (10) upward can be made through the first venting hole (H1) formed on the rear surface of the module frame (300).

[0066] The first venting hole (H1) may be provided in multiple numbers and may be arranged at regular intervals from each other in the horizontal direction (X-axis, Y-axis direction).

[0067] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, in a situation where one of the battery cells (100) undergoes thermal runaway and generates gas, etc., the gas, etc. can be rapidly directionally vented in a specific direction.

[0068] Meanwhile, referring mainly to FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 4, the frame cover (400) may be configured to cover at least a portion of the module frame (300). The frame cover (400) may be configured to prevent venting gas or flames emitted when a thermal event occurs within the battery module (10) from being transferred to another battery module (10).

[0069] A frame cover (400) may be provided on the outer side of a module frame (300). The frame cover (400) may be configured to be seated on the module frame (300). That is, the frame cover (400) may be configured to be placed over the top of the module frame (300) to cover at least a portion of the module frame (300).

[0070] The frame cover (400) may be made of a material with excellent heat resistance and / or fire resistance, such as a mica sheet or a silicone composite material. Additionally, the frame cover (400) may be made of a material with excellent thermal insulation performance. Accordingly, the frame cover (400) may be minimized from deformation caused by high-temperature gas or flames even when high-temperature heat is generated.

[0071] More specifically, the frame cover (400) may be provided with a first cover (410). The first cover (410) may be configured to cover at least the third plate (303) of the module frame (300). The first cover (410) may be configured to protect the first venting hole (H1).

[0072] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the first cover (410) can prevent venting gas or flames emitted from another battery module (10) from being discharged to the outside of the module frame (300) through the first venting hole (H1), or the discharged venting gas or flames from being re-entered into the interior. By doing so, heat transfer between battery modules (10) can be prevented.

[0073]

[0074] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 3, the battery module (10) of the present invention may further include a busbar frame assembly (500). The busbar frame assembly (500) may be provided inside the module frame (300) and configured to cover at least one side of a plurality of battery cells (100). The busbar frame assembly (500) may be located on the side where the electrode lead (110) of the battery cell (100) is drawn out. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the busbar frame assembly (500) may be coupled to the front and rear of a plurality of battery cells (100).

[0075] The busbar frame assembly (500) may include a busbar frame (510) and a plurality of busbars (520). The busbar frame (510) may be configured to be coupled to the front and rear of approximately a plurality of battery cells (100). The busbar frame (510) may have slits capable of drawing out the electrode leads of the battery cells (100) in the front and rear directions.

[0076] Additionally, the busbar frame (510) may be formed from a material having electrical insulation properties, such as plastic, and configured to allow a busbar (520) to be attached to its outer surface.

[0077] Meanwhile, multiple busbars (520) are made of a metal material such as copper, aluminum, nickel, etc., and can be provided in the form of rods as a means for connecting battery cells (100) in series and / or in parallel.

[0078] The electrode leads of the battery cells (100) pass through the slit of the busbar frame (510) and are drawn out to the outside of the busbar frame (510), and the drawn-out portion can be attached to the surface of the busbar (520) by means such as welding.

[0079] As the busbar frame assembly (500) is provided, the first plate (301) and the second plate (302) may be made of, for example, an insulating material on the inside and a metal material on the outside to ensure electrical insulation. Additionally, at least one of the first plate (301) and the second plate (302) may be partially provided with a hole or slit to expose a component that needs to be exposed to the outside, such as a module terminal (200) or a connector of the battery module (10).

[0080] The first plate (301) and the second plate (302) of the module frame (300) may be located on the side where the electrode lead (110) of the battery cell (100) is drawn out. That is, the first plate (301) and the second plate (302) may be located on the side where the busbar frame assembly (500) is provided.

[0081] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the frame cover (400) covers the second plate (302) provided on the side where the electrode lead (110) of the battery cell (100) is located, thereby preventing the electrode lead (110) or the bus bar (520), etc., from being damaged by venting gas or flames.

[0082]

[0083] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 4, the second plate (302) may be provided with an insulating member (302a) and an outer member (302b). The insulating member (302a) may be configured to cover the busbar frame assembly (500). The insulating member (302a) may be made of a material having electrical insulating properties, such as plastic.

[0084] Additionally, the outer member (302b) may be provided on the outer side of the insulating member (302a). The outer member (302b) may be configured to form the exterior of the module frame (300). The outer member (302b) may be made of a metal material.

[0085] In particular, the second plate (302) may further be provided with an inner member (302c). The inner member (302c) may be interposed between the insulating member (302a) and the outer member (302b). The inner member (302c) may be composed of a very thin sheet. The inner member (302c) may be made of a material with excellent fire resistance. The inner member (302c) may be configured to cover the first venting hole (H1) from the inside. Thus, both the inner and outer sides of the first venting hole (H1) can be covered by the inner member (302c) and the frame cover (400).

[0086] These inner members (302c) can be configured so that a portion corresponding to the first venting hole (H1) is opened by the pressure or heat of the venting gas generated when a thermal event occurs in the battery module (10).

[0087] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, venting gas or flames discharged through the first venting hole (H1) can pass through the inner member (302c) and be discharged to the outside of the module frame (300). Furthermore, in this case, the remaining part of the inner member (302c) maintains coverage of the remaining first venting hole (H1), thereby preventing the discharged venting gas or flames from flowing back into the interior.

[0088]

[0089] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3, a module frame (300) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further comprise a third plate (303), a fourth plate (304), and a fifth plate (305). That is, the first plate (301) to the fifth plate (305) may form the exterior of the module frame (300). The module frame (300) may be formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped by the first plate (301) to the fifth plate (305).

[0090] More specifically, the third plate (303) may be configured to connect the upper corners of the first plate (301) and the second plate (302) to each other. Additionally, the fourth plate (304) may be provided at both the left and right ends of the third plate (303). That is, the fourth plate (304) may be provided as a pair facing each other.

[0091] For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in the drawing, the third plate (303) may be configured to form the upper surface of the module frame (300), and the fourth plate (304) may be configured to form the left and right sides of the module frame (300) on both sides of the third plate (303).

[0092] Additionally, the fifth plate (305) may be configured to face the third plate (303). For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in the drawing, the third plate (303) may be configured to form the upper surface of the module frame (300), and the fifth plate (305) may be configured to form the lower surface of the module frame (300).

[0093] At this time, the third plate (303), the fourth plate (304), and the fifth plate (305) may be configured in a form that is integrated with one another. At this time, the combined form of the third plate (303), the fourth plate (304), and the fifth plate (305) may be a rectangular tubular shape with the front and rear surfaces open. Alternatively, the fourth plate (304) and the fifth plate (305) may be configured in a form that is integrated with one another.

[0094] The first plate (301) and the second plate (302) can be combined with the open front and rear surfaces of the integrated third plate (303), fourth plate (304), and fifth plate (305).

[0095]

[0096] The specific structure of the frame cover (400) will be described with further reference to FIG. 5, together with FIG. 1 to 4.

[0097] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a frame cover applied to a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] The frame cover (400) may be provided with a second cover (420). The second cover (420) may be provided connected to the first cover (410). For example, the second cover (420) may be formed by injection molding integrally with the first cover (410) and folded, or it may be manufactured separately from the first cover (410) and combined.

[0099] The second cover (420) may be configured to cover the first plate (301). According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the first cover (410) and the second cover (420) are configured to protect the first venting hole (H1) and the module terminal (200), respectively, thereby minimizing the exposure of high-temperature venting gas or flames to the first venting hole (H1) or the module terminal (200) of the battery module (10) in the event of an abnormal situation in the adjacent battery module (10).

[0100] Furthermore, the second cover (420) may be configured to cover the third plate (303). Additionally, the second cover (420) may be configured to further cover at least one of the fourth plates (304) of the module frame (300) provided at both the left and right ends of the third plate (303). That is, the second cover (420) may be configured to further cover at least one fourth plate (304) together with the third plate (303). For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the second cover (420) may be configured to cover the third plate (303) provided on the top and the fourth plates (304) provided on the left and right sides.

[0101] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, as the frame cover (400) covers the module frame (300) from multiple directions, the transfer of heat to the outside of the module frame (300) or the transfer of heat to the module frame (300) can be effectively suppressed. Thus, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, the propagation of thermal runaway between battery modules (10) can be effectively prevented or delayed, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of the battery modules (10).

[0102] The second cover (420) can be folded at the boundary line between the third plate (303) and the fourth plate (304) to cover the third plate (303) and the fourth plate (304) at once.

[0103] The first cover (410) and the second cover (420) may be arranged along directions orthogonal to each other. For example, the first cover (410) may be configured to cover the rear surface of the module frame (300) along the front-rear direction, and the second cover (420) may be configured to cover the upper surface and the left and right surfaces of the module frame (300) along the left-right direction. In this case, the first cover (410) may be coupled to the rear of the second cover (420). Alternatively, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the first cover (410) and the second cover (420) may be manufactured as a single unit and provided to be foldable.

[0104]

[0105] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 6 may be a drawing showing the cross-section along I-I' of FIG. 1. Also, FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a part of the cover member of a frame cover applied to a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention being opened.

[0106] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a second venting hole (H2) may be formed in the frame cover (400). The second venting hole (H2) may be configured to discharge the venting gas discharged through the first venting hole (H1) to the outside of the battery module (10).

[0107] The second venting holes (H2) may be provided in multiple numbers and may be arranged at regular intervals from each other in the horizontal direction (X-axis, Y-axis direction). In particular, the second venting holes (H2) may be formed at a position corresponding to the first venting holes (H1). The second venting holes (H2) may be formed in the first cover (410). Thus, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, venting gas or flames, etc., can be rapidly directionally vented in a specific direction through the first venting holes (H1) and the second venting holes (H2).

[0108] Meanwhile, the frame cover (400) may be provided with a cover member (430). The cover member (430) may be configured to cover the second venting hole (H2). The cover member (430) may be provided on the inner side of the second venting hole (H2). That is, the cover member (430) may be provided between the first venting hole (H1) and the second venting hole (H2).

[0109] The cover member (430) is configured in a sheet shape and can be placed on the first plate (301). At this time, the cover member (430) may be configured to cover a plurality of second venting holes (H2) at once. Alternatively, the cover member (430) may be configured to cover the second venting holes (H2) individually. The cover member (430) may be attached to the inside of the first cover (410) or to the first plate (301) of the module frame (300).

[0110] As in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, at least a portion of the cover member (430) may be configured to be openable by venting gas or flame, etc. Specifically, at least a portion of the cover member (430) may be configured to rupture by the pressure or heat of the venting gas directed toward the first venting hole (H1). For example, the cover member (430) may have a notch or a cut line in the portion corresponding to the first venting hole (H1).

[0111] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs in a specific battery cell (100), a cover member (430) provided on one side of the specific battery cell (100) may rupture, and at least one of a plurality of first venting holes (H1) may be opened. Accordingly, venting gas, etc., may be discharged to the outside of the module frame (300) through the opened first venting hole (H1).

[0112] Additionally, the cover member (430) can prevent gas or flames discharged to the outside of the module frame (300) from flowing back into the battery module (10). That is, the first venting hole (H1) provided on the side of the battery cell (100) where no thermal event has occurred can remain closed and not open. To this end, the cover member (430) can be made of a material with excellent flame-retardant performance. For example, the cover member (430) may include materials such as silicone or FRB.

[0113] Thus, venting gas or flames discharged to the outside through the open first venting hole (H1) can be fundamentally prevented from flowing back into the battery module (10). In addition, the cover member (430) of the part remaining unruptured can block not only heat but also high-temperature gas, flames, discharges, etc. generated from the battery cell (100).

[0114] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, when thermal runaway occurs in a battery module (10), not only can venting gas or flames generated inside the battery module (10) be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery module (10), but the discharged venting gas or flames can also be prevented from flowing back into the battery module (10). Therefore, thermal runaway propagation to neighboring battery cells (100) or battery modules (10) can be effectively prevented or delayed by minimizing heat propagation.

[0115]

[0116] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating the coupling of a frame cover to a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a rear view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition, FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 10 may be a drawing showing a part of the cross-section II-II' of FIG. 1.

[0117] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, the module frame (300) and the frame cover (400) can be configured to be coupled and fixed to each other. In particular, the first cover (410) can be configured to be coupled and fixed to the second plate (302).

[0118] More specifically, referring to FIG. 10, the second plate (302) may be provided with a fixing projection (310). The fixing projection (310) may be configured so that at least a portion of the second plate (302) protrudes toward the first cover (410). The fixing projection (310) may be configured to be inserted into the first cover (410). For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8 to FIG. 10, the fixing projection (310) may be provided in a pin shape.

[0119] Additionally, the first cover (410) may be provided with a fixing hole (H3). The fixing hole (H3) may be configured to allow the fixing projection (310) to be inserted. The fixing projection (310) may be configured to penetrate the fixing hole (H3). At this time, a cut line may be provided on the outer periphery of the fixing hole (H3) so that it can be inserted regardless of the size of the fixing projection (310). The fixing hole (H3) may be provided on the outer side of the second venting hole (H2).

[0120] A plurality of fixing holes (H3) and fixing protrusions (310) may each be provided. The fixing holes (H3) may be provided at positions corresponding to the fixing protrusions (310). The fixing protrusions (310) and the fixing holes (H3) may be arranged side by side in a horizontal direction.

[0121] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the frame cover (400) is firmly fixed to the module frame (300), so that the frame cover (400) is prevented from separating from the module frame (300). By doing so, the frame cover (400) is prevented from lifting off the module frame (300), thereby providing more reliable protection for the module frame (300) from venting gas or flames.

[0122] In particular, the end portion (310a) of the fixing projection (310) may be configured to be larger than the fixing hole (H3). For example, the fixing projection (310) may be configured in the shape of a pin with a round head. When venting gas or flames are discharged through the first venting hole (H1) and the second venting hole (H2), the first cover (410) may be separated outward by the pressure. According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the first cover (410) may be prevented from moving outward as the fixing projection (310) fixes the first cover (410).

[0123] In addition, the configuration of these fixing protrusions (310) and fixing holes (H3) can guide the coupling position with the module frame (300). According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the coupling position can be guided more simply when the frame cover (400) is coupled to the module frame (300). As a result, workability or productivity in manufacturing the battery module (10) can be improved.

[0124]

[0125] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating the coupling of a frame cover to a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 12 may be a drawing showing the cross-section along III-III' of FIG. 1.

[0126] As in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, when the frame cover (400) is configured to cover all sides of the module frame (300) except for the first plate (301) and the fifth plate (305), the second cover (420) can be placed over the module frame (300) with its ends spread out to both sides (see arrow in FIG. 11).

[0127] More specifically, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, the frame cover (400) may have a fold portion (421). In particular, the fold portion (421) may be provided in the second cover (420). The fold portion (421) may be formed by folding the end portion of the second cover (420) inward.

[0128] The bending portions (421) may be provided in pairs. The pair of bending portions (421) may be configured to face each other. Thus, the bending portions (421) can fix the module frame (300) in the left and right directions.

[0129] The bent portion (421) may be configured to cover at least partially the lower surface of the module frame (300), i.e., the fifth plate (305). That is, when the frame cover (400) is seated on the module frame (300), the bent portion (421) of the frame cover (400) may be configured to be fixed by being caught on the lower surface of the module frame (300).

[0130] Furthermore, a thermally conductive adhesive, such as TIM or thermal resin, may be applied to the bottom surface of the module frame (300). As a result, the frame cover (400) can be further prevented from being separated from the module frame (300) by fixing the folded portion (421) due to the thermally conductive adhesive.

[0131] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, as the bonding or fixing force between the frame cover (400) and the module frame (300) is secured, the separation of the frame cover (400) from the module frame (300) can be minimized.

[0132] In addition, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, as the fixing structure between the frame cover (400) and the module frame (300) is simplified, workability or productivity in manufacturing the battery module (10) can be improved. In particular, since a separate adhesive is unnecessary, problems such as the frame cover (400) lifting off the module frame (300) due to high-temperature venting gas or flames can be fundamentally prevented in the event of thermal runaway of the battery module (10).

[0133]

[0134] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack including a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0135] Referring to FIG. 13, a battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery modules (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention as described above. The battery pack (1) according to the present invention may further include a pack case (2) for accommodating components such as a Battery Management System (BMS) for integrated control of charging and discharging of one or more battery modules, a current sensor, a fuse, etc., as described above.

[0136]

[0137] FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0138] Referring to FIG. 14, a vehicle (3) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs (1) or battery modules (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle (3) according to the present invention may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle (3) includes four-wheeled vehicles and two-wheeled vehicles. The vehicle (3) operates by receiving power from the battery pack (1) to the battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0139]

[0140] Although the present invention has been described above 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 spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims described below by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs.

Claims

1. Multiple battery cells; A module terminal configured to be electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells above; A module frame accommodating the plurality of battery cells, wherein the module terminal is provided on a first plate and a first venting hole is formed on a second plate provided on the opposite side of the first plate; and A battery module characterized by including a frame cover having a first cover configured to cover at least the second plate.

2. In Paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the first plate and the second plate of the module frame are located on the side where the electrode leads of the battery cell are drawn out.

3. In Paragraph 1, The first plate is the front surface of the module frame, and A battery module characterized in that the second plate is defined as the rear surface of the module frame.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above module frame is A third plate configured to connect one end of the first plate and one end of the second plate, and A battery module characterized by the frame cover being connected to the first cover and having a second cover configured to cover the third plate.

5. In Paragraph 4, A battery module characterized in that the third plate is defined as the upper surface of the module frame.

6. In Paragraph 4, A battery module characterized in that the second cover is configured to further cover at least one of the fourth plates of the module frame provided at both left and right ends of the third plate.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above frame cover is A battery module characterized by having a second venting hole formed in the first cover and configured to communicate with the first venting hole.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above frame cover is A battery module characterized by having a cover member configured to cover the second venting hole and to open and close the second venting hole.

9. In Paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the frame cover is configured to be inserted and fixed to the module frame.

10. In Paragraph 1, A battery module characterized in that the second plate has a fixing projection configured such that at least a portion of it protrudes toward the first cover and is inserted into the first cover.

11. In Paragraph 10, The above first cover is A battery module characterized by having a fixing hole configured to allow the above-mentioned fixing projection to be inserted.

12. In Paragraph 11, A battery module characterized in that the end of the above-mentioned fixed projection is configured to be larger than the above-mentioned fixed hole.

13. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of paragraphs 1 through 12.

14. An automobile comprising a battery module according to any one of paragraphs 1 through 12.

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