Battery module and battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a plurality of battery cell assemblies each including one or more battery cells and a cell cover surrounding the five surfaces, other than the top surface, of the one or more battery cells; and a bus bar frame assembly coupled to at least one surface of the plurality of battery cell assemblies.

Description

Battery module, and 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] Secondary batteries, which offer high applicability across product lines and possess electrical characteristics such as high energy density, are widely applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electric driving sources.

[0003] These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for improving eco-friendliness and energy efficiency, as they not only have the primary advantage of being able to drastically reduce the use of fossil fuels but also the advantage of not generating any by-products from the use of energy.

[0004] Conventionally, nickel-cadmium batteries or nickel-hydrogen batteries were widely used as secondary batteries; however, recently, lithium secondary batteries are being widely used because they exhibit almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, allowing for free charging and discharging, have a very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0005] These lithium secondary batteries primarily use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as the positive and negative active materials, respectively. The lithium secondary battery comprises an electrode assembly in which a positive plate and a negative plate, each coated with the positive and negative active materials, are arranged with a separator in between, and an outer casing, namely a battery case, that seals and houses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0006] Generally, secondary batteries can be classified according to the shape of the casing into can-type batteries, in which the electrode assembly is embedded in a metal can, and pouch-type batteries, in which the electrode assembly is embedded in a pouch of aluminum laminate sheet.

[0007] Recently, battery packs are widely used in medium-to-large-sized devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS). A battery pack includes one or more battery modules and a control unit, such as a battery management system (BMS), that controls the charging and discharging of the battery pack, inside a pack case. Here, the battery module is configured to include multiple battery cells inside a module case. That is, in the case of a conventional battery pack, multiple battery cells are housed inside a module case to form individual battery modules, and one or more of these battery modules are housed inside a pack case to form a battery pack.

[0008] In particular, while pouch-type batteries offer advantages in various aspects, such as being lightweight and having minimal dead space during stacking, they are vulnerable to external impacts and have somewhat poor assembly capabilities. Therefore, it is common practice to manufacture battery packs by first modularizing multiple battery cells and then housing them inside a pack case.

[0009] However, conventional battery packs may be disadvantageous in terms of energy density, assembly, and cooling performance due to modularization. Specifically, during the process of modularizing multiple battery cells by housing them inside a module case, the volume of the battery pack may unnecessarily increase or the space occupied by the battery cells may decrease due to various components such as the module case or the stacking frame. Since the process involves first assembling a battery module by modularizing multiple battery cells and then housing the battery module in a pack case, there is a problem with the manufacturing process of the battery pack becoming complex. As the module case is housed inside the pack case and the battery cells are housed inside the module case, if the heat from the battery cells housed inside the module case is dissipated to the outside of the pack case through the module case, cooling efficiency may decrease and the cooling structure may become complex.

[0010] Recently, the demand for battery packs used in electric vehicles and the like has been increasing. Since these battery packs are equipped with multiple cells, their safety must be managed with greater strictness. If thermal runaway, ignition, or explosion occurs in some cells within a single battery module, the generated high-temperature gases, flames, or high-temperature internal materials may be ejected and propagate to adjacent battery modules, potentially leading to secondary thermal runaway, secondary fires, or explosions. Consequently, there is a concern that cells within multiple battery modules may be triggered in a chain reaction of thermal runaway, ignition, or explosion. Therefore, there is a critical need for means to suppress or delay the transfer of flames between battery modules in the event of thermal events such as thermal runaway. However, conventional battery packs and modules may be vulnerable to thermal events. In particular, if a thermal event occurs within a battery module or battery pack, thermal runaway may occur, generating flames, and in severe cases, potentially leading to an explosion.

[0011] The present invention provides a battery module that not only has excellent energy density, assembly, and cooling capabilities, but also ensures excellent safety in the event of a thermal event.

[0012] In addition, the present invention provides a battery pack and an automobile comprising the aforementioned battery module.

[0013] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0014] A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-described problem comprises a plurality of battery cell assemblies each comprising one or more battery cells and a cell cover covering five sides excluding the upper surface of the one or more battery cells, and a busbar frame assembly coupled to at least one side of the plurality of battery cell assemblies.

[0015] The above-described battery module may further include a thermal resin applied to the upper surface of one or more battery cells that are not covered by the cell cover.

[0016] Additionally, the cell cover may include a first cover portion covering one side of the one or more battery cells, a second cover portion covering another side of the one or more battery cells, a third cover portion connecting the first cover portion and the second cover portion and covering the lower surface of the battery cells, a fourth cover portion covering a portion of the front surface of the one or more battery cells, and a fifth cover portion covering a portion of the rear surface of the one or more battery cells.

[0017] One or more venting holes may be formed in the third cover portion.

[0018] Additionally, each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies may further include a bottom cover that covers one or more venting holes formed in the third cover portion. Furthermore, a perforated line may be formed in the bottom cover in a manner that at least partially surrounds the one or more venting holes.

[0019] In addition, the bottom cover may be extended and attached to at least a part of the first cover portion and the second cover portion of the cell cover.

[0020] The above bottom cover may include one or more of silicone resin and hydroxyl group-containing polyimide (HPI).

[0021] The fourth cover portion and the fifth cover portion of the cell cover each cover the lower portions of the front and rear of the one or more battery cells, and the busbar frame assembly may be configured to be coupled to the cell cover to cover the upper portions of the front and rear of the one or more battery cells that are exposed and not covered by the fourth cover portion and the fifth cover portion of the cell cover.

[0022] The above-described battery module may further include an insulating cover coupled to the cell cover and covering the busbar frame assembly.

[0023] The fourth cover portion and the fifth cover portion of the cell cover are each formed to protrude in a direction opposite to the direction of the one or more battery cells, and a part of the busbar frame assembly can be accommodated in the space between the one or more battery cells and the fourth cover portion and the space between the one or more battery cells and the fifth cover portion formed by the protrusion of the fourth cover portion and the fifth cover portion.

[0024] The above busbar frame assembly may include a busbar connected to an electrode lead drawn from one or more battery cells of the plurality of battery cell assemblies, and a busbar frame that supports the busbar and secures the plurality of battery cell assemblies stacked by being coupled to the cell cover.

[0025] In addition, electrode leads drawn from one or more of the battery cells can be welded to the busbar in a flattened state.

[0026] The above busbar frame is made of non-flammable plastic and can be injection molded integrally with the busbar.

[0027] A coupling slit may be formed in the busbar frame to allow a part of the cell cover to be fitted and coupled.

[0028] The cell cover and the busbar frame assembly of the plurality of battery cell assemblies each have a fastening hole formed therein for coupling with a pack case, and the battery module may further include a coupling bolt coupled to the fastening hole.

[0029] In addition, the present invention provides a battery pack comprising at least one battery module according to the above-described embodiment and a pack case for accommodating the battery module.

[0030] In addition, the present invention provides a vehicle comprising at least one battery pack according to the above-described embodiment.

[0031] According to the present invention, the battery module not only has excellent energy density, assembly, and cooling performance, but also ensures excellent safety in the event of a thermal event.

[0032] In addition, according to the present invention, the battery pack and the vehicle may include the aforementioned battery pack.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 2 is an exploded rear perspective view of the battery module of Figure 1.

[0037] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the battery module of Figure 1 flipped so that the lower surface is facing upward.

[0038] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the battery cell assembly of FIG. 1.

[0039] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the battery cell assembly of Figure 4.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the battery cell assembly of FIG. 1 flipped so that the lower surface faces upward.

[0041] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the battery cell assembly of Figure 6.

[0042] Figure 8 shows a state in which multiple battery cell assemblies of Figure 4 are stacked.

[0043] FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a busbar frame assembly used in the battery module of FIG. 1.

[0044] Figure 10 shows a state in which a busbar frame assembly is combined with a plurality of battery cell assemblies.

[0045] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module showing the state in which the electrode leads of a battery cell are coupled with a busbar.

[0046] Figure 12 shows the state in which an insulating cover is combined to cover the busbar frame assembly.

[0047] FIG. 13 is a drawing for illustrating a battery pack comprising at least one battery module of FIG. 1.

[0048] FIG. 14 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle comprising at least one battery pack of FIG. 11.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] Throughout the specification, unless specifically stated otherwise, each component may be singular or plural.

[0052]

[0053] A battery module (101) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11.

[0054] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery module (101) according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module (101), and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the battery module (101) in an inverted state with the lower surface facing upward.

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a battery module (101) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of battery cell assemblies (100) and a busbar frame assembly (300).

[0056] Additionally, a battery module (101) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a thermal resin (200), an insulating cover (400), and a connecting bolt (910).

[0057] Each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (100) includes one or more battery cells (110) and a cell cover (150) that covers five sides of one or more battery cells (110), excluding the top surface.

[0058] Additionally, each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (100) may further include a bottom cover (130).

[0059] And, a plurality of battery cell assemblies (100) can be stacked in a lateral direction (Y-axis direction). And, the battery cells (110) of the stacked plurality of battery cell assemblies (100) can be electrically connected to a busbar (310) to be described later.

[0060]

[0061] FIGS. 4 to 7 are drawings for explaining a battery cell assembly (100). FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the battery cell assembly (100), and FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the battery cell assembly (100). FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the battery cell assembly (100) in an inverted state with the bottom surface facing upward, and FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the battery cell assembly (100) in an inverted state with the bottom surface facing upward.

[0062]

[0063] Referring to FIG. 4, the lateral direction in which the battery cell assembly (100) is stacked may be the Y-axis direction. Additionally, the direction from the front to the rear of the battery cell (110), or the opposite direction, may be defined as the length direction of the battery cell (110). This may be the X-axis direction in FIG. 4. Additionally, the direction from the top surface to the bottom surface of the battery cell (110), or the opposite direction, may be defined as the width direction of the battery cell (110). This may be the Z-axis direction in FIG. 4.

[0064]

[0065] Referring to FIG. 5, the battery cell (110) may be, for example, a pouch-type battery cell. The number of stacked pouch-type battery cells per unit area can be maximized. However, the battery cell (110) is not necessarily limited to a pouch-type battery cell and may be a battery cell of various other shapes, such as a prismatic type.

[0066] A battery cell (110) corresponds to a basic unit for charging and discharging, and, for example, a pouch-type battery cell (110) can be manufactured by housing an electrode assembly and an electrolyte material inside a pouch outer material made of a laminate film containing a soft metal, and sealing the pouch outer material. In this case, the electrode assembly can be manufactured by interposing a separator between a positive electrode and a negative electrode.

[0067] Additionally, an electrode lead (111) electrically connected to an electrode assembly may be provided to be exposed on the outside of the pouch outer material of the battery cell (110). The electrode lead (111) includes a pair of positive lead and negative lead. Here, the positive lead and the negative lead may be provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the battery cell (110), that is, at the front and rear of the battery cell (110), respectively.

[0068] Meanwhile, in FIG. 4, one cell cover (150) covers two battery cells (110) as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, one cell cover (150) may cover one battery cell (110) or three or more battery cells (110).

[0069]

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the cell cover (150) may include a first cover portion (151) covering one side of one or more battery cells (110), a second cover portion (152) covering the other side of one or more battery cells, a third cover portion (153) connecting the first cover portion (151) and the second cover portion (152) and covering the lower surface of the battery cell (110), a fourth cover portion (154) covering a portion of the front surface of one or more battery cells (110), and a fifth cover portion (155) covering a portion of the rear surface of one or more battery cells (110). Here, the third cover portion (153) may also be connected to the fourth cover portion (154) and the fifth cover portion (155).

[0071] That is, the first cover portion (151) and the second cover portion (152) cover the battery cell (110) in the Y-axis direction, and the fourth cover portion (154) and the fifth cover portion (155) can cover a part of the battery cell (110) in the X-axis direction.

[0072] Specifically, the third cover portion (153) may be configured to wrap around the lower portion of the battery cell (110) housed inside. Here, the third cover portion (153) may be configured in a flat shape. In this case, the cross-section of the third cover portion (153) is formed in a straight line shape in the horizontal direction, so that it can flatly and stably wrap around the upper portion of the battery cell (110).

[0073] Additionally, one or more venting holes (159) may be formed in the third cover portion (153). When a thermal event, such as thermal runaway, fire, or explosion, occurs in the battery cell (110), high-temperature gas or flames can be discharged downward through the one or more venting holes (159) formed in the third cover portion (153). Furthermore, when a thermal event occurs in a battery cell (110) among a plurality of battery cell assemblies (100), it can reliably block the propagation to surrounding battery cell assemblies (100).

[0074] The first cover portion (151) may be configured to extend upward from one end of the third cover portion (153). For example, the first cover portion (151) may be configured to extend upward from one side of the third cover portion (153). The first cover portion (151) may be configured to cover a wide surface of the battery cell (110) housed inside. Furthermore, the first cover portion (151) may be formed in a flat shape. In this case, the first cover portion (151) may be configured in a bent shape from the third cover portion (153).

[0075] The second cover portion (152) may be positioned at a horizontal distance from the first cover portion (151). Additionally, the second cover portion (152) may be configured to extend upward from the other end of the third cover portion (153). For example, the second cover portion (152) may be configured to extend upward from the other side of the third cover portion (153). Furthermore, the second cover portion (152) may be configured to cover a wide surface of the battery cell (110) housed inside. Moreover, the second cover portion (152) may also be configured in a flat shape, similar to the first cover portion (151). In this case, the second cover portion (152) may also be configured in a bent shape from the third cover portion (153).

[0076] The fourth cover portion (154) can cover the lower part of the front of one or more battery cells (110). The fourth cover portion (154) can also be configured to extend upward from the third cover portion (153). Accordingly, the upper part of the front of one or more battery cells (110) may be exposed without being covered by the fourth cover portion (154).

[0077] And the fourth cover portion (154) may be formed to protrude in the opposite direction to the direction of one or more battery cells (110). That is, the fourth cover portion (154) may protrude in the X-axis direction. Accordingly, a gap may be formed between the fourth cover portion (154) and the front of one or more battery cells (110).

[0078] The fifth cover portion (155) can cover the lower rear portion of one or more battery cells (110). The fifth cover portion can also be configured to extend upward from the third cover portion (153). Accordingly, the upper front portion of one or more battery cells (110) may be exposed and not covered by the fifth cover portion (155).

[0079] And the fifth cover portion (155) may be formed to protrude in the opposite direction to the direction of one or more battery cells (110). That is, the fourth cover portion (154) may protrude in the -X-axis direction. Thus, a gap may be formed between the fifth cover portion (155) and the front of one or more battery cells (110).

[0080] Meanwhile, the busbar frame assembly (300), to be described later, is coupled to the cell cover (150) and can cover the upper front and rear portions of one or more battery cells (110) that are exposed and not covered by the fourth cover portion (154) and the fifth cover portion (155) of the cell cover (150). At this time, a part of the busbar frame assembly (300) can be accommodated in the space between one or more battery cells (110) and the fourth cover portion (154) and the space between one or more battery cells (110) and the fifth cover portion (155), where the fourth cover portion (154) and the fifth cover portion (155) are formed by protrusion. In addition, the electrode lead (111) of the battery cell (110) can be located in this space.

[0081] In this way, the cell cover (150) can be constructed by bending a metal plate with a plate structure. That is, the cell cover (150) may be constructed in the form of a single plate that has been bent. The cell cover (150) may be constructed in a form that can wrap five sides of one or more battery cells (110) by bending the ends of a single plate material. In particular, the first cover portion (151), the second cover portion (152), the third cover portion (153), the fourth cover portion (154), and the fifth cover portion (155) provided on the cell cover (150) may be made of a single plate. That is, the first cover portion (151), the second cover portion (152), the third cover portion (153), the fourth cover portion (154), and the fifth cover portion (155) of the cell cover (150) may be formed integrally.

[0082] The configuration for forming a fold portion on a plate to form such a cell cover (150) can be implemented in various ways, such as by pressing or roll forming.

[0083] As described above, the cell cover (150) can be configured to wrap around five sides of the battery cell (110) and support the battery cell (110) in an upright position.

[0084] The bottom cover (130) can cover one or more venting holes (159) formed in the third cover portion (153) of the cell cover (150). Additionally, a perforated line (133) can be formed in the bottom cover (130) in a manner that at least partially surrounds one or more venting holes (159).

[0085] Accordingly, the bottom cover (130) normally covers one or more venting holes (159) formed in the third cover portion (153) of the cell cover (150), but when a thermal event such as thermal runaway, fire, or explosion occurs in the battery cell (110), a part of the bottom cover (130) is easily cut along the perforation line (133) of the bottom cover (130) by pressure, thereby exposing the venting holes (159) of the third cover portion (153). Accordingly, high-temperature gas or flames can be easily discharged through the venting holes (159) of the third cover portion (153).

[0086] Additionally, the bottom cover (130) may be extended and attached to at least a portion of the first cover portion (151) and the second cover portion (152) of the cell cover (150). Accordingly, in addition to the function of covering the venting hole (159) of the third cover portion (153), the bottom cover (130) may be interposed between adjacent cell covers (150) to further suppress the propagation of thermal events between battery cell assemblies (100).

[0087] For example, the bottom cover (130) may include one or more of silicone resin and hydroxyl group-containing polyimide (HPI).

[0088] As described above, according to one embodiment of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs in a battery cell (110), high-temperature gas or flame, etc., can be discharged toward the lower surface of the battery cell (110) through the venting hole (159) of the third cover portion (153) of the cell cover (150).

[0089] In this way, by controlling the direction of discharge of high-temperature gas or flames emitted from the battery cell (110), the propagation of thermal runaway between adjacent battery cell assemblies (100) can be effectively prevented.

[0090]

[0091] FIG. 8 shows a state in which multiple battery cell assemblies (100) are stacked.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 8, the battery cells (110) can be stacked side by side in the lateral direction, that is, in the Y-axis direction, by means of the cell cover (150) and maintained in a stable upright state.

[0093] According to the battery module (101) including such a cell cover (150), the cell cover (150) is configured to surround five sides excluding the upper surface of one or more battery cells (110), that is, the cell cover (150) partially covers the battery cells (110) to form an opening where the upper surface of one or more battery cells (110) is exposed.

[0094] In this way, by wrapping the battery cells (110) with a cell cover (150), the battery cells (110) can be made sturdy, thereby improving the assembly and mechanical stability of the battery module (101).

[0095] In addition, since the cell cover (150) is made of a metal material having higher rigidity than the outer material of the battery cell (110), the battery cell (110) covered by the cell cover (150) can be protected from external shocks or vibrations. Furthermore, in this case, the heat conduction performance through the cell cover (150) is further improved, so the cooling performance can be further improved.

[0096] For example, the cell cover (150) may be made of a material including stainless steel (SUS), which is easy to process and has high corrosion resistance. When the cell cover (150) is made of a steel material such as stainless steel (SUS), the overall structure can be maintained stably when a flame is generated from the battery cell (110) due to its high melting point. In particular, since the steel material has a higher melting point than aluminum, it does not melt even when flames ejected from the battery cell (110), and its shape can be maintained stably. Therefore, excellent effects such as preventing or delaying flame propagation between battery cells (110) and controlling venting can be secured.

[0097] Additionally, the cell cover (150) may be made of various materials other than stainless steel (SUS) to ensure rigidity. For example, the cell cover (150) may be made of a chrome (Cr)-based metal material. In the case of such a metal material, the stacked state of multiple battery cell assemblies (100) can be maintained more stably, and the battery cells (110) can be protected more safely from external impacts.

[0098]

[0099] Referring again to FIG. 3, a thermal resin (200) can be applied to the upper surface of one or more battery cells (110) that are not covered by the cell cover (150). That is, the thermal resin (200) can not only cover and protect the upper surface of the battery cells (110) but also help to effectively dissipate heat generated from the battery cells (110).

[0100]

[0101] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a busbar frame assembly (300), and FIG. 10 shows a state in which the busbar frame assembly (300) is coupled to a plurality of battery cell assemblies (100).

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the busbar frame assembly (300) is coupled to at least one surface of a plurality of battery cell assemblies (100). For example, the busbar frame assembly (300) can be coupled to the front and rear surfaces of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (100), respectively. That is, the busbar frame assembly (300) can be coupled to the cell cover (150) of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (100). The busbar frame assembly (300) can cover the upper front and rear surfaces of one or more battery cells (110) that are exposed and not covered by the fourth cover portion (154) and the fifth cover portion (155) of the cell cover (150). At this time, a portion of the busbar frame assembly (300) can be accommodated in the space between one or more battery cells (110) and the fourth cover portion (154) and the space between one or more battery cells (110) and the fifth cover portion (155), respectively, where the fourth cover portion (154) and the fifth cover portion (155) are formed by protruding.

[0103] Specifically, the busbar frame assembly (300) may include a busbar (310) connected to an electrode lead (111) drawn from one or more battery cells (110) of a plurality of battery cell assemblies (100), and a busbar frame (350) that supports the busbar (310) and secures the plurality of battery cell assemblies (100) stacked by being coupled to a cell cover (150). Here, the busbar frame (350) may be made of non-flammable plastic and may be injection molded integrally with the busbar (310).

[0104] In this way, since the busbar frame (350) is made of non-combustible plastic, when the busbar frame (350) covers the upper front and rear portions of one or more battery cells (110) that are not covered by the fourth cover portion (154) and the fifth cover portion (155) of the cell cover (150), the busbar frame assembly (300) can defend against high-temperature gases or flames, etc., associated with thermal events in the front and rear directions.

[0105] Additionally, a coupling slit (355) may be formed in the busbar frame (350) to allow the cell cover (150) to be fitted and coupled when a part of the busbar frame (350) is inserted and coupled into the space between one or more battery cells (110) and the fourth cover part (154) and the space between one or more battery cells (110) and the fifth cover part (155), respectively.

[0106]

[0107] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module (101) showing the state in which the electrode lead (111) of a battery cell (110) is combined with a bus bar (310).

[0108] Referring to FIG. 11, electrode leads (111) drawn from one or more battery cells (110) can be welded to a bus bar (310) in a flattened state. That is, electrode leads (111) drawn from one or more battery cells (110) can be fitted into a bus bar frame (350) in a flattened state and welded to a bus bar (310).

[0109] At this time, the insulating cover (400), which will be described later and covers the busbar frame (350) and the busbar frame assembly (300), protects against high-temperature gas or flames emitted in the front or rear direction (X-axis direction) of the battery cell (110).

[0110]

[0111] FIG. 12 shows the busbar frame assembly (300) covered by an insulating cover (400).

[0112] Referring to FIG. 12, the insulating cover (400) can be coupled to the cell cover (150) to cover the busbar frame assembly (300). That is, the insulating cover (400) not only covers the busbar (310) of the busbar frame assembly (300) but also blocks the gaps in the busbar frame (350) to help suppress the discharge of high-temperature gas or flames. For example, the insulating cover (400) may be silicone.

[0113] Meanwhile, a fastening hole (930) for coupling with a pack case (20) to be described later may be formed in each of the cell cover (150), busbar frame assembly (300), and insulation cover (400) of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (100).

[0114] And a connecting bolt (910) is connected to the connecting hole (930) to connect the battery module (101) to the pack case (20).

[0115]

[0116] According to this configuration, the battery module (101) not only has excellent assembly and cooling capabilities, but also ensures excellent safety in the event of a thermal event.

[0117]

[0118] FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining a battery pack (10) including one or more battery modules (101) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0119] One or more battery modules (101) according to one embodiment of the present invention as described above can form a battery pack (10).

[0120] The battery pack (10) can accommodate at least one battery module (101) inside the pack case (20) and may include various control and protection systems such as a battery management system (BMS), a battery disconnect unit (BDU), and a cooling system.

[0121] For example, a battery management system (BMS) can control the charging and discharging of a battery pack (10). Specifically, the battery management system may be configured to control the charging and discharging operations or data transmission and reception operations of a battery cell (110) overall. The battery management system may be configured to control the charging and discharging state, power state, and performance state of the battery cell (110) through the pack voltage and pack current. The battery management system may estimate the state of the battery cell (110) within the battery pack (10) and manage the battery pack (10) using the estimated state information. For example, it may estimate and manage state information of the battery pack (10), such as the State of Charge (SOC), State of Health (SOH), maximum input / output power allowance, and output voltage of the battery pack (10). Furthermore, it may be possible to control the charging or discharging of the battery pack (10) using this state information, and furthermore, estimate the replacement time of the battery pack (10).

[0122] A battery disconnect unit (BDU) may be configured to control the electrical connection of battery cells (110) to manage the power capacity and function of the battery pack (10). To this end, the battery disconnect unit may include a power relay, a current sensor, a fuse, etc. As the battery disconnect unit is a configuration provided to the pack unit, various disconnect units known at the time of filing of the present invention may be applied.

[0123] The pack case (20) may include a lower housing and an upper housing coupled to the upper side of the lower housing. In FIG. 12, the pack case (20) is shown with the upper housing removed for convenience of explanation.

[0124] The battery module (101) and battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above can be applied to various devices. Specifically, they can be applied to means of transportation such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrid vehicles, or to an Energy Storage System (ESS), but are not limited thereto and can be applied to various devices capable of using secondary batteries.

[0125]

[0126] FIG. 14 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle (1) including the battery pack (10) of FIG. 13.

[0127] Referring to FIG. 14, a vehicle (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include at least one battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle, and includes a battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle (1) includes four-wheeled vehicles and two-wheeled vehicles. The vehicle (1) operates by receiving power from the battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the vehicle (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include various other components included in the vehicle in addition to the battery module (101) or the battery pack (10). For example, the vehicle (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a vehicle body, a motor, an electronic control unit (ECU), etc., in addition to the battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0128]

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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.

[0131] < Explanation of Symbols >

[0132] 1: Car

[0133] 10: Battery pack

[0134] 20: Pack case

[0135] 100: Battery cell assembly

[0136] 101: Battery Module

[0137] 110: Battery cell

[0138] 111: Electrode lead

[0139] 130: Bottom Cover

[0140] 133: Drilling Ship

[0141] 150: Cell Cover

[0142] 151: 1st cover section

[0143] 152: Second cover section

[0144] 153: Third cover section

[0145] 154: 4th cover section

[0146] 155: 5th cover section

[0147] 159: Venting hole

[0148] 200: Heat dissipation resin

[0149] 300: Busbar frame assembly

[0150] 310: Busbar

[0151] 350: Busbar Frame

[0152] 355: Joining slit

[0153] 400: Insulation cover

[0154] 910: Connecting bolt

[0155] 930: Fastening hole

[0156] The present invention can be used to provide a battery module that not only has excellent energy density, assembly, and cooling capabilities, but also ensures excellent safety in the event of a thermal event.

Claims

1. A plurality of battery cell assemblies, each comprising one or more battery cells and a cell cover covering five sides excluding the top surface of the one or more battery cells; and Busbar frame assembly coupled to at least one side of the plurality of battery cell assemblies A battery module including 2. In Paragraph 1, A thermal resin applied to the upper surface of one or more battery cells not covered by the cell cover. A battery module characterized by further including 3. In Paragraph 1, The cell cover above is, A first cover portion covering one side of the above-mentioned one or more battery cells; A second cover portion covering another side of the one or more battery cells; A third cover part connecting the first cover part and the second cover part and covering the lower surface of the battery cell; A fourth cover portion covering a portion of the front of one or more of the above-mentioned battery cells; and A fifth cover portion covering a portion of the rear of the one or more battery cells mentioned above. A battery module characterized by including 4. In Paragraph 3, A battery module characterized by having one or more venting holes formed in the third cover portion.

5. In Paragraph 4, Each of the above plurality of battery cell assemblies further includes a bottom cover that covers one or more venting holes formed in the third cover portion, and A battery module characterized by having a perforated line formed in the bottom cover that at least partially surrounds one or more venting holes.

6. In Paragraph 5, A battery module characterized in that the bottom cover is extended and attached to at least a part of the first cover portion and the second cover portion of the cell cover.

7. In Paragraph 5, A battery module characterized by the above-mentioned bottom cover comprising one or more of silicone resin and hydroxyl group-containing polyimide (HPI).

8. In Paragraph 3, The fourth cover portion and the fifth cover portion of the cell cover each cover the upper portions of the front and rear of the one or more battery cells, and A battery module characterized in that the above busbar frame assembly is coupled to the cell cover and covers the lower portions of the front and rear of one or more battery cells that are exposed and not covered by the fourth cover portion and the fifth cover portion of the cell cover.

9. In Paragraph 8, An insulating cover coupled to the cell cover and covering the busbar frame assembly A battery module characterized by further including 10. In Paragraph 8, The fourth cover portion and the fifth cover portion of the cell cover are each formed to protrude in a direction opposite to the direction of the one or more battery cells, and A battery module characterized in that a portion of the busbar frame assembly is accommodated in the space between the one or more battery cells and the fourth cover portion, and in the space between the one or more battery cells and the fifth cover portion, respectively, formed by the protrusion of the fourth cover portion and the fifth cover portion.

11. In Paragraph 1, The above busbar frame assembly is, A busbar connected to an electrode lead drawn from one or more battery cells of the plurality of battery cell assemblies; A busbar frame that supports the busbar and secures the plurality of battery cell assemblies stacked and coupled to the cell cover. A battery module characterized by including 12. In Paragraph 11, A battery module characterized in that electrode leads drawn from one or more of the above-mentioned battery cells are welded to the busbar in an extended state.

13. In Paragraph 11, A battery module characterized in that the busbar frame is made of non-flammable plastic and is injection molded integrally with the busbar.

14. In Paragraph 11, A battery module characterized by having a coupling slit formed in the busbar frame for fitting and coupling a part of the cell cover.

15. In Paragraph 1, The cell cover and the busbar frame assembly of the plurality of battery cell assemblies each have a fastening hole formed therein for coupling with a pack case, and A battery pack characterized by further including a coupling bolt coupled to the above-mentioned fastening hole.

16. A battery module described in any one of claims 1 to 15; and Pack case for accommodating the above battery module A battery pack including 17. An automobile comprising at least one battery pack as described in paragraph 16.

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