Battery module and battery pack comprising same

Abstract

A battery module according to the present invention comprises: a plurality of battery cells; a module frame for accommodating the plurality of battery cells; end plates respectively positioned on the front and rear surfaces of the plurality of battery cells; and a cover frame surrounding the upper surface and both side surfaces of the module frame, wherein two or more folded parts are formed at the respective edges of the cover frame.

Description

Battery module and battery pack including the same

[0001] This application is based on Korean Patent Applications No. 10-2024-0157511, No. 10-2025-0087144, and No. 10-2025-0125502, which were filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on November 7, 2024, June 30, 2025, and September 4, 2025, respectively, and whose contents are incorporated in whole into this application by reference herein, and claims priority thereof.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery module and a battery pack including the same.

[0003] Recently, due to air pollution caused by the use of fossil fuels and the development of alternative energy sources resulting from energy depletion, the demand for secondary batteries capable of storing generated electrical energy is increasing.

[0004] Rechargeable batteries, which serve as an indispensable energy source for various electronic devices in modern society, are seeing increased capacity requirements due to the growing usage and complexity of mobile devices and the development of electric vehicles. While multiple battery cells are arranged in small devices to meet user demand, vehicles utilize battery modules that electrically connect multiple battery cells, or battery packs equipped with multiple such modules.

[0005] The present invention provides a battery module including a cover frame with improved adhesion capable of preventing or suppressing the cover frame from separating from and detaching from the module frame when venting gas and thermal runaway occur internally, and a battery pack including the same.

[0006] A battery module according to the present invention comprises a plurality of battery cells, a module frame for housing the plurality of battery cells, end plates located on the front and rear sides of the plurality of battery cells, respectively, and a cover frame covering the upper surface and both sides of the module frame, wherein two or more folding portions are formed at each corner of the cover frame.

[0007] In the battery module according to the present invention, a plurality of first through holes are formed on the upper surface of the module frame (200) with a certain area cut out.

[0008] In the battery module according to the present invention, the cover frame (400) has a plurality of second through holes formed on its upper surface, with a certain area cut out.

[0009] In the battery module according to the present invention, the cover frame (400) is made of a material having heat resistance and flame retardancy.

[0010] In the battery module according to the present invention, the material comprises one or more of mica and glass fiber reinforced plastic (FRP).

[0011] In the battery module according to the present invention, the folding portion has a plurality of openings formed by cutting a portion of the area along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction).

[0012] In the battery module according to the present invention, the opening is in the shape of a slit or a hole.

[0013] In the battery module according to the present invention, the opening is formed with different widths.

[0014] In the battery module according to the present invention, three or more folding portions are formed, and the openings of the folding portion located at the top and the folding portion located at the bottom have the same width, and the folding portion formed between the folding portion located at the top and the folding portion located at the bottom is formed to have a wider width than the opening of the folding portion located at the top.

[0015] In the battery module according to the present invention, the thickness of the corners and folding portions of the cover frame is formed to be thinner than the thickness of the upper surface and the thickness of the side surface of the cover frame.

[0016] In the battery module according to the present invention, the upper surface of the cover frame is formed with one or more folding lines extending in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) to allow it to bend at a certain angle.

[0017] In the battery module according to the present invention, the folding portion has a vertical cross-sectional shape that is zigzag.

[0018] The battery pack according to the present invention includes the aforementioned battery module.

[0019] A battery module case according to the present invention comprises: a module frame designed to accommodate a plurality of battery cells; end plates located on the front and rear sides of each of the plurality of battery cells when the plurality of battery cells are accommodated in the module frame; and a cover frame covering the upper surface and both sides of the module frame, wherein two or more folding portions are formed at each corner of the cover frame, the elastic strength of which is designed to be weaker than that of other parts of the cover frame.

[0020] In the battery module case according to the present invention, the cover frame has a plurality of through holes formed on its upper surface, with a certain area cut out.

[0021] In the battery module case according to the present invention, the cover frame is made of a material having heat resistance and flame retardancy.

[0022] In the battery module case according to the present invention, the material comprises one or more of mica and glass fiber reinforced plastic.

[0023] In the battery module case according to the present invention, the folding portion has a plurality of openings formed by cutting a portion of the area along the longitudinal direction.

[0024] In the battery module case according to the present invention, the opening is in the shape of a slit or a hole.

[0025] In the battery module case according to the present invention, one or more folding lines are formed extending in the longitudinal direction on the upper surface of the cover frame to allow it to bend at a certain angle.

[0026] The battery module according to the present invention has the advantage that a folding portion is formed at each corner of the cover frame, allowing it to be folded more easily and closely attached to the side of the module frame.

[0027] In addition, the battery module according to the present invention forms an opening cut in a certain area in the folding portion to facilitate folding of the folding portion and to alleviate stress that may occur in the folding portion.

[0028] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate 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.

[0029] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module according to the prior art.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a front view of a battery module according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a corner portion of a cover frame in a battery module according to the 6th embodiment of the present invention, vertically cut.

[0038] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a cover frame vertically cut in a battery module according to the 7th embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a corner portion of a cover frame in a battery module according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention, vertically cut.

[0042] In parts of the attached drawings, corresponding components are given the same reference numerals. Those skilled in the art understand that the drawings are intended to illustrate elements simply and clearly and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, to aid in understanding various embodiments, the dimensions of some elements depicted in the drawings may be exaggerated compared to others. Additionally, elements of known technology that are useful or essential in commercially viable embodiments may often be omitted so as not to hinder the spirit of the various embodiments of the present invention.

[0043] Embodiments that enable a person skilled in the art to easily implement the present invention are described below with reference to the attached drawings. However, in explaining the operating principles of the embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known functions or configurations may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the present invention, such description is omitted.

[0044] In addition, the same reference numerals are used for parts having similar functions and operations throughout the drawings. Throughout the specification, when a part is described as being connected to another part, this includes not only cases where they are directly connected, but also cases where they are indirectly connected with other elements in between. Furthermore, unless specifically stated otherwise, the inclusion of a certain component does not exclude other components but implies that additional components may be included.

[0045] As previously explained, the battery module is formed with a structure that includes a module frame for housing multiple battery cells and further includes cover members that wrap around the upper surface and both sides of the module frame.

[0046] Meanwhile, the module frame is formed by extrusion and injection molding, but shrinkage may occur during the processing process, which may result in sagging on the upper and lower surfaces of the module frame or partial indentation inward.

[0047] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module according to the prior art. Referring to FIG. 1, the battery module according to the prior art comprises a plurality of battery cells (12), a module case (11) that houses the plurality of battery cells (12), and a fireproof cover (60) that covers the upper surface and both sides of the module case (11).

[0048] In this battery module structure, a sagging shape due to shrinkage may occur on the upper and lower surfaces of the module case (11) during the processing process.

[0049] When the fireproof cover (60) covering the upper surface and both sides of the module case (11) is in close contact, a gap may occur between the module case (11) and the fireproof cover (60) due to the sagging shape that occurs on the upper and lower surfaces of the module case (11). As a result, there is a problem that the fireproof cover (60) may become detached when gas and thermal runaway occur inside the module case (11).

[0050] In consideration of such problems, the present invention provides a battery module designed so that the cover frame can more easily adhere to the upper surface and side of the module frame.

[0051] Hereinafter, a battery module including a cover frame with improved adhesion according to the present invention and a battery pack including the same will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0052] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a front view of a battery module according to a first embodiment of the present invention viewed from the front.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the battery module (10) according to the present invention comprises a battery cell (100), a module frame (200), an end plate (300), and a cover frame (400).

[0054] According to one embodiment, the battery cell (100) may be a pouch-type battery cell. The battery cell (100) comprises an electrode assembly, a pouch case housing the electrode assembly, an electrode lead protruding outward from the pouch case, and an insulating film positioned between the pouch case and the electrode lead.

[0055] The electrode assembly has a structure in which positive and negative electrodes are stacked alternately multiple times with a separator in between, and a pair of electrode leads, consisting of a positive lead and a negative lead, are electrically connected to the positive tab and the negative tab and then exposed to the outside of the pouch case.

[0056] The positive electrode is manufactured by applying a positive electrode composite containing a positive electrode active material onto a positive electrode current collector and then drying it, and the positive electrode composite may optionally further include a binder, a conductive agent, a filler, etc., as needed.

[0057] The positive current collector can generally have a thickness of about 3 μm to 500 μm. Such a positive current collector is not particularly limited as long as it has high conductivity without causing chemical changes in the battery, and for example, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, calcined carbon, or aluminum or stainless steel surface-treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, etc. may be used. In addition, the positive current collector may form fine irregularities on its surface to increase the adhesion of the positive active material, and various forms such as films, sheets, foils, nets, porous bodies, foams, and nonwoven fabrics are possible.

[0058] As the positive electrode active material, layered compounds such as lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) or lithium nickel oxide (LiNiO2), or compounds substituted with one or more transition metals; chemical formula Li 1+x Mn 2-x Lithium manganese oxides such as O4 (where x is 0 to 0.33), LiMnO3, LiMn2O3, LiMnO2, etc.; lithium copper oxide (Li2CuO2); vanadium oxides such as LiV3O8, V2O5, Cu2V2O7, etc.; chemical formula LiNi 1-x M x Ni-site type lithium nickel oxide represented by O2 (where M = Co, Mn, Al, Cu, Fe, Mg, B, or Ga, and x = 0.01 ~ 0.3); chemical formula LiMn 2-x M x Examples include lithium manganese complex oxides represented by O2 (where M = Co, Ni, Fe, Cr, Zn or Ta and x = 0.01 to 0.1) or Li2Mn3MO8 (where M = Fe, Co, Ni, Cu or Zn); LiMn2O4 in which part of the Li in the chemical formula is substituted with alkaline earth metal ions; disulfide compounds; Fe2(MoO4)3, but are not limited to these.

[0059] The cathode is manufactured by applying a cathode composite containing a cathode active material onto a cathode current collector and then drying it, and the cathode composite may include components such as a conductive agent, a binder, and a filler, as needed.

[0060] The negative electrode current collector is generally made with a thickness of about 3 μm to 500 μm. Such a negative electrode current collector is not particularly limited as long as it has high conductivity without causing chemical changes in the battery, and for example, copper, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, calcined carbon, copper or stainless steel surface treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, etc., and aluminum-cadmium alloy may be used. In addition, similar to the positive electrode current collector, fine irregularities may be formed on the surface to strengthen the bonding strength of the negative electrode active material, and it may be used in various forms such as films, sheets, foils, nets, porous bodies, foams, and nonwoven fabrics.

[0061] The separator prevents a short circuit between the aforementioned cathode and anode and enables only the movement of lithium ions; an insulating thin film having high ion permeability and mechanical strength is used. The pore diameter of the separator is generally about 0.01 μm to 10 μm, and the thickness is generally about 5 μm to 300 μm. The material of such a separator may be any one selected from polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene / polypropylene double layer, polyethylene / polypropylene / polyethylene triple layer, polypropylene / polyethylene / polypropylene triple layer, and organic fiber filter paper, but is not limited thereto.

[0062] Meanwhile, the cathode current collector and the anode current collector are composed of a portion coated with a slurry mixed with an active material and a non-coated portion not coated with the slurry. Electrode tabs are formed by cutting the non-coated portion or by connecting a separate conductive member to the non-coated portion using ultrasonic welding, and these electrode tabs are assembled to form a tab bundle.

[0063] The pouch case may be formed using a laminate sheet composed of an inner coating layer, a metal layer, and an outer coating layer, with a pocket portion capable of accommodating an electrode assembly and an edge portion extending to a certain length on the outer side of one side of the pocket portion.

[0064] Since the inner coating layer comes into direct contact with the electrode assembly, it must possess insulation and electrostatic resistance. Additionally, to ensure sealing from the outside, the sealing area where the inner layers are heat-bonded must have excellent thermal bonding strength.

[0065] The material for this inner coating layer may be selected from polyolefin resins such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene acrylic acid, and polybutylene, polyurethane resins, and polyimide resins, which have excellent chemical resistance and good sealing properties, but are not limited thereto; polypropylene, which has excellent mechanical properties such as tensile strength, stiffness, surface hardness, and impact strength, as well as excellent chemical resistance, may be used.

[0066] The metal layer in contact with the inner coating layer serves as a barrier layer that prevents moisture or various gases from penetrating into the battery from the outside, and a lightweight aluminum thin film with excellent formability can be used as the material for this metal layer.

[0067] An outer coating layer is provided on the other side of the metal layer, and this outer coating layer may use a heat-resistant polymer with excellent tensile strength, moisture resistance, and air permeability resistance to ensure heat resistance and chemical resistance while protecting the electrode assembly, and may use, for example, nylon or polyethylene terephthalate, but is not limited thereto.

[0068] In addition, a pair of electrode leads, consisting of a positive lead and a negative lead, are generally connected to the aforementioned electrode tab bundle, for example, a positive tab bundle and a negative tab bundle, by means such as welding, and then protrude to the outside of the pouch case.

[0069] The insulating film is positioned on the upper and lower surfaces of the electrode lead that overlap with the heat-fused pouch case sealing portion, and is configured to prevent electricity generated from the electrode assembly from flowing through the electrode lead to the pouch case and further maintain the sealing of the pouch case.

[0070] The insulating film may be made of a non-conductive material that does not conduct electricity well, and generally, insulating tape that is easy to attach to the electrode lead and is relatively thin may be used.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the insulating film may be any one or more materials selected from polyimide (PI), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high density polyethylene (HDPE), and epoxy resin, and is heat-fused and bonded to the inner resin layer of the pouch case through heat and pressure.

[0072] Although the description and drawings only describe a battery cell (100) having a structure in which electrode leads protrude in both directions on one side and the other side, as another embodiment of the present invention, a unidirectional pouch-type battery cell in which electrode leads protrude together in one direction can also be used.

[0073] The battery cells (100) may be composed of multiple cells, and the multiple battery cells (100) may be stacked along one direction to form a battery cell stack so that they can be easily electrically connected to each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, multiple battery cells (100) may be stacked along the X direction.

[0074] The module frame (200) accommodates multiple battery cells (100) and may be a metal frame with both sides open.

[0075] According to one embodiment, a module frame (200) may be opened in both directions where electrode leads protrude, based on a battery cell stack formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells (100). However, the module frame (200) shown in FIG. 3 is an exemplary structure, and there are no special limitations on its shape as long as it can accommodate the battery cell stack.

[0076] Additionally, the module frame (200) of FIG. 3 is shown as a monoframe in the form of a metal plate with an integrated top surface, bottom surface, and both sides, but a form in which an upper cover is attached to a U-shaped frame with an open top, or a form in which a U-shaped frame and an inverted U-shaped frame are combined with each other, are all possible.

[0077] One or more first through holes (210) are formed on the upper surface of the module frame (200).

[0078] The first through hole (210) is designed to allow venting gas to be discharged to the outside when venting gas is generated in the battery cell (100) housed within the module frame (200), thereby preventing or suppressing the explosion caused by the increase in internal pressure of the module frame (200) due to the venting gas.

[0079] The end plate (300) is positioned on both open sides of the module frame (200) to seal the interior of the module frame (200) and protect the stored multiple battery cells (100) from the outside.

[0080] Additionally, the end plate (300) may have an opening formed with a certain width, which is intended to allow a terminal part (not shown) to pass through to electrically connect the battery cell (100) housed inside the module frame (200) with an external device.

[0081] The cover frame (400) protects the module frame (200) to the outside and, according to one embodiment, may be formed in a shape that wraps around the upper surface and both sides of the module frame (200).

[0082] According to one embodiment, the module frame (200), the end plate (300), and the cover frame (400), excluding the battery cell (100), form a module case (500).

[0083] The cover frame (400) is made of a material having heat resistance and flame retardancy, and the material may be composed of, for example, one or more of mica and glass fiber reinforced plastic (FRP).

[0084] The cover frame (400) has two or more folding portions (410) formed in a folded shape at the corners. However, the number of folding portions (410) may be one as needed.

[0085] These folding parts (410) are configured to have lower elastic strength compared to other parts of the cover frame (400), so that when both sides of the cover frame (400) are folded and come into close contact with the sides of the module frame (200), they can be folded more flexibly, allowing both sides of the cover frame (400) to come into closer contact with both sides of the module frame (200).

[0086] One or more second through holes (420) are formed on the upper surface of the cover frame (400) and serve as a passage for discharging venting gas generated within the module frame (200).

[0087] When venting gas is discharged to the outside through the second through hole (420), high-temperature byproducts may be discharged together, and a cover frame (400) is provided on a part of the outer surface of the module frame (200) to prevent or suppress the byproducts from flowing back and damaging the module frame (200).

[0088] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 5, the battery module (20) according to the second embodiment is substantially the same as the battery module according to the first embodiment described in FIG. 2 to FIG. 4, except that a plurality of openings (430) are formed in the folding portion (410), so the description of the same configuration is omitted.

[0090] In the battery module (20) according to the second embodiment, each folding portion (410) has a plurality of openings (430) formed in a portion of the length direction (Y-axis direction).

[0091] According to one embodiment, the opening (430) may be slit-shaped, and the cross-section perpendicular to the depth direction, for example, the cross-section in the horizontal direction, may be formed in a rectangular shape.

[0092] Such an opening (430) can relieve stress occurring at the corners of the cover frame (400) when the folding part (410) is folded and improve flexibility, thereby further improving the contact force between both sides of the cover frame (400) and both sides of the module frame (200).

[0093] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 6, the battery module (30) according to the third embodiment is substantially the same as the battery module according to the first embodiment described in FIG. 2 to FIG. 4, except that a plurality of openings (430) are formed in each folding part (410), so the description of the same configuration is omitted.

[0095] In the battery module (30) according to the third embodiment, each folding portion (410) has a plurality of openings (430) formed in a portion of the length direction.

[0096] According to one embodiment, a plurality of openings (430) may be in the shape of holes, and a cross-section perpendicular to the depth direction, for example, a cross-section in the horizontal direction, may be formed in a circular shape.

[0097] Such an opening (430) can relieve stress occurring at the corners of the cover frame (400) when the folding part (410) is folded and improve flexibility, thereby further improving the contact force between both sides of the cover frame (400) and both sides of the module frame (200).

[0098] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 7, the battery module (40) according to the fourth embodiment is substantially the same as the battery module according to the first embodiment described in FIG. 2 to FIG. 4, except that a plurality of openings (430) are formed in each folding part (410), so the description of the same configuration is omitted.

[0100] In the battery module (40) according to the fourth embodiment, each folding portion (410) has a plurality of openings (430) formed in a portion of the length direction (Y-axis direction).

[0101] At this time, the opening (430) may be in the shape of a hole, and the vertical cross-section in the depth direction, for example, the horizontal cross-section shape may be formed in an elliptical shape.

[0102] Such an opening (430) can relieve stress occurring at the corners of the cover frame (400) when the folding part (410) is folded and improve flexibility, thereby further improving the contact force between both sides of the cover frame (400) and both sides of the module frame (200).

[0103] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 8, the battery module (50) according to the fifth embodiment is substantially identical to the battery module according to the first embodiment described in FIG. 2 to FIG. 4, except that a plurality of openings (430) are formed in the folding portion (410); therefore, the description of the identical configuration is omitted.

[0105] In the battery module (50) according to the fifth embodiment, three or more folding portions (410) may be formed, and a plurality of openings (430) are formed by cutting a portion of the folding portion (410) along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction).

[0106] Here, the width of the opening (430) formed in the uppermost folding part (410) and the width of the opening (430) formed in the lowermost folding part (410) are formed to be the same.

[0107] Meanwhile, according to one embodiment, the width of the opening (430) formed in the center between the uppermost folding part (410) and the lowermost folding part (410) is formed wider than the width of the opening (430) formed in the uppermost folding part (410).

[0108] For example, the width of the opening (430) formed in the central folding part (410) may be formed wider, so that the plurality of folding parts (410) have different widths from each other.

[0109] This structure can alleviate the stress that occurs more strongly in the center than at the edges when folding both sides of the cover frame (400).

[0110] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a corner portion of a cover frame in a battery module according to the 6th embodiment of the present invention, vertically cut.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 9, the battery module (60) according to the sixth embodiment is identical to the battery module according to the first embodiment described in FIG. 2 to FIG. 4, except for the thickness difference of the cover frame (400) at different positions, so the description of the identical configuration is omitted.

[0112] In the battery module according to the 6th embodiment, the cover frame (400) is formed such that the thickness at the location where the corners and folding portions (410) are formed is thinner than the thickness of the top surface and both sides.

[0113] The cover frame (400) of this structure has the advantage that the flexibility of the corner and folding part (410) positions is improved, and the adhesion force is further enhanced when both sides are folded and attached to the side of the module frame (200).

[0114] As a variation, the material forming the corners and folding portions (410) of the cover frame (400) may be made of a material with improved flexibility and elasticity compared to the material on the upper surface and both sides of the cover frame (400).

[0115] The present invention may be a battery pack comprising the aforementioned battery module, and may be a device comprising the battery module or battery pack.

[0116] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module (70) according to the 7th embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a cover frame vertically cut in the battery module (70) according to the 7th embodiment of the present invention.

[0117] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the battery module according to the first embodiment described in FIGS. 2 to 4 is substantially the same as the one described in FIGS. 4 except that a folding line (440) is formed on the cover frame (400), so the description of the same configuration is omitted.

[0118] In the battery module (70) according to the 7th embodiment, the cover frame (400) has one or more folding lines (440) formed on its upper surface that extend in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction).

[0119] These folding lines (440) allow the upper surface of the cover frame (400) to bend in a vertical direction (Z-axis direction), so that when the cover frame (400) is mounted on the module frame (200), the upper surface of the cover frame (400) is more closely attached to the upper surface of the module frame (200).

[0120] These folding lines (440) can prevent or suppress the phenomenon in which the upper surface of the module frame (200) sags downward due to shrinkage during the processing process carried out by extrusion, thereby preventing a gap from occurring between the cover frame (400) and the module frame (200).

[0121] In addition, the folding line (440) prevents the occurrence of a gap between the cover frame (400) and the module frame (200), thereby preventing or suppressing a situation where the cover frame (400) becomes detached from the module frame (200) when thermal runaway occurs in the battery module, thus preventing the function of preventing fire backflow.

[0122] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module (80) according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a corner portion of a cover frame in a battery module according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention, vertically cut.

[0123] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the battery module (80) according to the eighth embodiment is substantially identical to the battery module according to the first embodiment described in FIGS. 2 to 4, except for the shape of the folding part (410), so the description of the identical configuration is omitted.

[0124] In the battery module (80) according to the eighth embodiment, the folding portion (410) of the cover frame (400) has a vertical cross-sectional (XZ-axis plane) shape formed in a zigzag shape.

[0125] The zigzag shape of the folding part (410) facilitates folding, so that the side of the cover frame (400) can more easily come into close contact with the side of the module frame (200), thereby preventing or suppressing the cover frame (400) from detaching from the module frame (200) in the event of thermal runaway.

[0126] In addition, the zigzag-shaped folding part (410) has the advantage of being able to prevent or suppress damage to the folding part (410) by relieving the stress applied to the folding part (410) when folding the side of the cover frame (400).

[0127] Meanwhile, the vertical cross-sectional shape of the folding part (410) may be formed as an uneven part and a wave shape, and is not limited thereto as long as the shape can relieve the stress applied to the folding part (410) when folding the side of the cover frame (400).

[0128] Although the foregoing has been described with reference to the embodiments of the present disclosure, a person skilled in the art or having ordinary knowledge in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made to the various embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the technical scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the technical scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure should not be limited to the contents described in the detailed description of the specification, but should be determined by the claims.

[0129] (Explanation of symbols)

[0130] 10,20,30,40,50,60,70,80: Battery Module

[0131] 100: Battery cell

[0132] 200: Module Frame

[0133] 210: 1st through hole

[0134] 300: End plate

[0135] 400: Cover Frame

[0136] 410: Folding part

[0137] 420: Second through hole

[0138] 430: Opening

[0139] 440: Folding line

Claims

1. Multiple battery cells; A module frame for housing the above plurality of battery cells; End plates located on the front and rear sides of each of the plurality of battery cells; and A cover frame that wraps the upper surface and both sides of the above module frame; comprising, A battery module having two or more folding parts formed at each corner of the above-mentioned cover frame.

2. In Paragraph 1, A battery module having a plurality of first through holes formed by cutting a certain area on the upper surface of the module frame.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above cover frame is a battery module having a plurality of second through holes formed by cutting a certain area on the upper surface.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above cover frame is a battery module made of a material having heat resistance and flame retardancy.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above material is a battery module comprising one or more of mica and glass fiber reinforced plastic.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned folding portion is a battery module having a plurality of openings formed by cutting a portion of the area along the longitudinal direction.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above opening is a battery module in the shape of a slit or hole.

8. In Paragraph 6, The above opening is a battery module formed with different widths.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above folding part is formed in three or more places, and The openings of the folding part located at the uppermost side and the folding part located at the lowermost side have the same width, and A battery module in which the folding portion formed between the uppermost folding portion and the lowermost folding portion is formed with a wider width than the opening of the uppermost folding portion.

10. In Paragraph 2, A battery module in which the thickness of the above-mentioned folding portion is formed to be thinner than the upper surface thickness and side thickness of the above-mentioned cover frame.

11. In Paragraph 1, A battery module formed on the upper surface of the above cover frame, with one or more folding lines extending longitudinally to allow bending at a certain angle.

12. In Paragraph 1, The above folding part is a battery module having a vertical cross-sectional shape that is zigzag.

13. A battery pack comprising a battery module described in any one of paragraphs 1.

14. A modular frame designed to accommodate multiple battery cells; End plates located on the front and rear sides of each of the plurality of battery cells when the plurality of battery cells are housed in a module frame; and A cover frame that wraps the upper surface and both sides of the above module frame; comprising, A battery module case having two or more folding parts formed at each corner of the cover frame, the folding parts designed to have weaker elastic strength compared to other parts of the cover frame.

15. In Paragraph 14, The above cover frame is a battery module case having a plurality of through holes formed by cutting a certain area on the upper surface.

16. In Paragraph 14, The above cover frame is a battery module case made of a material having heat resistance and flame retardancy.

17. In Paragraph 16, The above material is a battery module case comprising one or more of mica and glass fiber reinforced plastic.

18. In Paragraph 14, The above folding part is a battery module case having a plurality of openings formed by cutting a portion of the length direction.

19. In Paragraph 18, The above opening is a battery module case in the shape of a slit or hole.

20. In Paragraph 14, A battery module case formed on the upper surface of the above cover frame, with one or more folding lines extending longitudinally to allow bending at a certain angle.

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