Battery module and battery pack comprising same

Abstract

A battery module according to example embodiments may include battery cells, a module frame, and a first thermal barrier, wherein the module frame accommodates the battery cells, the module frame includes a top plate including vent holes, and the first thermal barrier may be present between the battery cells and the top plate.

Description

Battery module and battery pack including the same

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

[0002] The present disclosure claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0184661 filed December 12, 2024, and all contents of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0184661 are incorporated by reference into the present disclosure.

[0003] Rechargeable batteries can be used repeatedly for extended periods through recharging. They are used in various fields, including mobility, portable electronic devices, and Energy Storage Systems (ESS). In particular, the demand for rechargeable batteries for mobility is increasing further in order to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and decrease carbon emissions. However, concerns regarding the safety of rechargeable batteries for mobility remain a significant challenge that needs to be addressed.

[0004] The smallest unit of a secondary battery for mobility is the battery cell. Mobility vehicles utilize multiple battery cells to ensure performance capabilities such as power output and driving range. A battery pack is mounted on a mobility vehicle and consists of multiple battery modules, each composed of multiple battery cells. The battery modules that make up the pack are located adjacent to each other. Therefore, if thermal runaway occurs in one battery module, heat propagates easily to other modules, potentially causing thermal runaway in those modules as well. If thermal runaway and heat propagation occur in a chain reaction like this, it can lead to a major explosion or fire.

[0005] The problem that the present disclosure aims to solve is to provide a battery module and a battery pack with enhanced safety.

[0006] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure capable of solving the above problems are as follows.

[0007] A battery module according to exemplary embodiments is,

[0008] Battery cells;

[0009] A module frame for accommodating the above battery cells, wherein the module frame comprises a top plate including vent holes; and

[0010] A first thermal barrier between the battery cells and the top plate;

[0011] It may include.

[0012] In exemplary embodiments, the top plate includes a first surface facing the battery cells, and the first thermal barrier may be coated on the first surface.

[0013] In exemplary embodiments, the first thermal barrier may not overlap with the vent holes in a first direction perpendicular to the top plate.

[0014] In exemplary embodiments, the melting temperature of the first thermal barrier may be higher than the melting temperature of the top plate.

[0015]

[0016] A battery module according to exemplary embodiments is,

[0017] Battery cells;

[0018] A module frame for accommodating the above battery cells, wherein the module frame comprises a top plate including vent holes; and

[0019] A second thermal barrier spaced apart from the battery cells with the top plate in between;

[0020] It may include.

[0021] In exemplary embodiments, the top plate includes a second surface opposite to the surface facing the battery cells, and the second thermal barrier may be coated on the second surface.

[0022] In exemplary embodiments, the second thermal barrier may not overlap with the vent holes in the first direction perpendicular to the top plate.

[0023] In exemplary embodiments, the melting temperature of the second thermal barrier may be higher than the melting temperature of the top plate.

[0024]

[0025] A battery module according to exemplary embodiments is,

[0026] Battery cells;

[0027] A module frame for accommodating the above battery cells, wherein the module frame includes a top plate including vent holes;

[0028] A first thermal barrier between the battery cells and the top plate; and

[0029] A second thermal barrier spaced apart from the battery cells with the top plate in between;

[0030] It may include.

[0031] In exemplary embodiments, the top plate includes a first surface facing the battery cells and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and the first thermal barrier may be coated on the first surface and the second thermal barrier may be coated on the second surface.

[0032] In exemplary embodiments, the first thermal barrier does not overlap with the vent holes in a first direction perpendicular to the top plate, and the second thermal barrier does not overlap with the vent holes in the first direction, and the first thermal barrier can completely overlap with the second thermal barrier in the first direction.

[0033] In exemplary embodiments, the melting temperature of the first thermal barrier may be higher than the melting temperature of the top plate, and the melting temperature of the second thermal barrier may be higher than the melting temperature of the top plate, and the melting temperature of the first thermal barrier may be the same as the melting temperature of the second thermal barrier.

[0034]

[0035] A battery pack according to exemplary embodiments is,

[0036] Pack housing including a base plate and side walls, and

[0037] Battery modules on the base plate above,

[0038] including

[0039] Each of the above battery modules may be one of the aforementioned battery modules.

[0040] According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, even if thermal runaway occurs, the top plate is not melted by the thermal barrier, thereby delaying thermal runaway and heat propagation. Additionally, venting can continue through the vent holes of the top plate.

[0041] The effects of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects can be clearly derived and understood by a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from the following description. That is, unintended effects resulting from the implementation of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be clearly derived and understood by a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

[0042] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to exemplary first embodiments.

[0043] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line II-II' of Figure 1.

[0044] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view for illustrating exemplary second embodiments.

[0045] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating exemplary third embodiments.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a battery pack according to exemplary fourth embodiments.

[0047] Terms or words used in this disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning consistent with the technical concept of this disclosure, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the meaning of terms or words to best describe his own invention.

[0048] In this disclosure, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this disclosure, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Furthermore, when a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is described as being "on" another part, this includes not only cases where it is "immediately above" the other part, but also cases where there is another part in between. Conversely, when a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is described as being "under" another part, this includes not only cases where it is "immediately below" the other part, but also cases where there is another part in between.

[0049] It should be understood that the embodiments and drawings are merely examples of the present disclosure and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present disclosure, and that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist.

[0050] In describing the present disclosure, if it is determined that a detailed description of a known configuration or function could obscure the essence of the present disclosure, such detailed description is omitted.

[0051] The drawings are provided to more fully explain the present disclosure to a person skilled in the art; therefore, the shapes, sizes, and number of components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted for clearer explanation. The shape, size, proportion, and number of each component in the drawings do not entirely reflect the actual shape, size, proportion, and number of each component.

[0052] In this disclosure, for convenience of explanation, a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system is used to describe the positions of the components, the shapes of the components, and the relationships between the components. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are shown in FIGS. 1 through 5. In this disclosure, "X direction" refers to a direction parallel to the X-axis. In this disclosure, "Y direction" refers to a direction parallel to the Y-axis. In this disclosure, "Z direction" refers to a direction parallel to the Z-axis.

[0053] In the present disclosure, "+X direction" means the same direction as the arrow direction of the X-axis shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. In the present disclosure, "-X direction" means the opposite direction to the arrow direction of the X-axis shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. In the present disclosure, "+Y direction" means the same direction as the arrow direction of the Y-axis shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. In the present disclosure, "-Y direction" means the opposite direction to the arrow direction of the Y-axis shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. In the present disclosure, "+Z direction" means the same direction as the arrow direction of the Z-axis shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. In the present disclosure, "-Z direction" means the opposite direction to the arrow direction of the Z-axis shown in FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0054] The direction of the arrow on the X-axis shown in FIG. 5 is independent of the "+X direction" and "-X direction" of the present disclosure. The direction of the arrow on the Y-axis shown in FIG. 5 is independent of the "+Y direction" and "-Y direction" of the present disclosure. The direction of the arrow on the Z-axis shown in FIG. 5 is independent of the "+Z direction" and "-Z direction" of the present disclosure.

[0055]

[0056] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0057]

[0058] (Exemplary first embodiments)

[0059] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to exemplary first embodiments.

[0060] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line II-II' of Figure 1.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the battery module (1100) may include battery cells (1110), a module frame (1120), a first bus bar assembly, a second bus bar assembly, a first insulating cover, a second insulating cover, a first end plate (1131), a second end plate (1132), and a first thermal barrier (1141).

[0062] Each of the battery cells (1110) may be a lithium secondary battery. Each of the battery cells (1110) may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a cell case. The electrode assembly may include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator. The positive electrode may include a positive active material layer, a positive current collector, and a positive tab. The negative electrode may include a negative active material layer, a negative current collector, and a negative tab. The electrode assembly may be a jelly roll type or a stack type. The jelly roll type may have a structure in which the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the separator are wound. The stack type may have a structure in which a first electrode unit comprising a first positive electrode, a first negative electrode, and a first separator, and a second electrode unit comprising a second positive electrode, a second negative electrode, and a second separator are stacked with a third separator in between. The electrolyte may be a liquid type or a gel type. The cell case may be cylindrical, prismatic, or pouch type. If the cell case is cylindrical or prismatic, the positive tab and the negative tab may be welded to the cell case. If the cell case is pouch-type, each of the battery cells (1110) may include a positive lead and a negative lead. The positive lead may be electrically connected to one or more positive tabs, and the negative lead may be electrically connected to one or more negative tabs. The positive lead and the negative lead may protrude from one side of the pouch-type cell case. The positive lead and the negative lead may protrude in the same direction or in opposite directions.

[0063] The present disclosure describes only embodiments in which each of the battery cells (1110) is a pouch cell in which the positive lead and the negative lead protrude in opposite directions. A person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains will be able to easily arrive at embodiments in which each of the battery cells (1110) is a pouch cell, a cylindrical cell, or a prismatic cell in which the positive lead and the negative lead protrude in the same direction, based on the present disclosure.

[0064] Some of the battery cells (1110) may include a positive lead protruding in the +X direction and a negative lead protruding in the -X direction. Some of the battery cells (1110) may include a positive lead protruding in the -X direction and a negative lead protruding in the +X direction. The battery cells may be arranged in the Y direction.

[0065] Battery cells (1110) can form banks. Each bank may include battery cells (1110) connected in parallel with each other. Banks may be connected in series with each other. Banks may include a first bank, intermediate banks, and a last bank.

[0066] When each of the banks contains m battery cells (1110) and the number of banks included in the battery module (1100) is n, the connection type of the battery cells (1110) can be described as m parallel - n series (mP-nS). The number of battery cells (1110) included in each of the battery modules (1100) and the connection type of the battery cells (1110) can be determined according to the current, voltage, and dimension, etc. required for each of the battery modules (1100).

[0067] The module frame (1120) can accommodate pouch cells (1110). The module frame (1120) can be opened in the X direction. The module frame (1120) may include a top plate (1121) containing vent holes (1121VH). The module frame (1120) may be formed by joining the U-frame and the top plate (1121) by means such as welding. The module frame (1120) may be a monoframe (or integral frame), and the top plate (1121) may be part of the monoframe. The module frame (1120) may have a roughly hollow rectangular column shape.

[0068] The top plate (1121) may be substantially perpendicular to the Z direction. The top plate (1121) may include a first surface (1121BS) facing the battery cells (1110) and a second surface (1121TS) opposite to the first surface (1121BS). The first surface (1121BS) of the top plate (1121) may be the lower surface of the top plate (1121). The second surface (1121TS) of the top plate (1121) may be the upper surface of the top plate (1121).

[0069] The melting temperature of the top plate (1121) may be lower than the melting temperature of the first thermal barrier (1141). As a non-limiting example, the melting temperature of the top plate (1121) may be about 300°C to 1500°C. As a non-limiting example, the top plate (1121) may comprise one or more of aluminum, aluminum alloy, steel, and stainless steel.

[0070] The first bus bar assembly may include a first bus bar frame, a positive bus bar, a negative bus bar, and first intermediate bus bars. The first bus bar assembly may cover an opening of the module frame (1120) in the +X direction.

[0071] The first bus bar frame may include first slits. Each of the first slits may extend in the Z direction. A positive lead or a negative lead of a corresponding battery cell (1110) may pass through each of the first slits. The positive lead or negative lead passing through each of the first slits may be bent in the Y direction and joined to a corresponding positive bus bar, negative bus bar, and first intermediate bus bars by means such as welding. The first bus bar frame may include a material with high electrical insulation and fire resistance.

[0072] The positive bus bar, the negative bus bar, and the first intermediate bus bars can be fixed to the first bus bar frame. The first intermediate bus bars may be located between the positive bus bar and the negative bus bar. The positive bus bar may include a portion extended in the Z direction and a portion bent in the +X direction. The negative bus bar may include a portion extended in the Z direction and a portion bent in the +X direction. Each of the first intermediate bus bars may have an approximately O-shape. The positive leads of the first bank may be joined to the positive bus bar by means such as welding. The negative leads of the last bank may be joined to the negative bus bar by means such as welding. Electrical connection between the battery module (1100) and an external system may be made through the positive bus bar and the negative bus bar. The positive leads or negative leads of the corresponding intermediate banks may be joined to each of the first intermediate bus bars by means such as welding. The first bank, the intermediate banks, and the last bank may be connected in series with each other by the first intermediate bus bars.

[0073] The second bus bar assembly may include a second bus bar frame and second intermediate bus bars. The second bus bar assembly may cover an opening of the module frame (1120) in the -X direction.

[0074] The second bus bar frame may include second slits. Each of the second slits may extend in the Z direction. The positive lead or negative lead of a corresponding battery cell (1110) may pass through each of the second slits. The positive lead or negative lead passing through each of the second slits may be bent in the Y direction and joined to a corresponding second intermediate bus bar by means such as welding. The second bus bar frame may include a material with high electrical insulation and fire resistance.

[0075] The second intermediate bus bars can be fixed to the second bus bar frame. Each of the second intermediate bus bars may have an approximate O shape. The positive or negative leads of the corresponding intermediate banks may be joined to each of the second intermediate bus bars by means such as welding. The first bank, intermediate banks, and final bank may be connected in series with each other by the second intermediate bus bars.

[0076] The first insulating cover can cover the first bus bar assembly in the +X direction. The first insulating cover may include inner holes. Through one of the inner holes, the portion of the positive bus bar bent in the +X direction may be exposed to the outside of the battery module (1100), and through the other, the portion of the negative bus bar bent in the +X direction may be exposed to the outside of the battery module (1100). The first insulating cover may include a material with high electrical insulation and fire resistance. The second insulating cover can cover the second bus bar assembly in the -X direction. The second insulating cover may include a material with high electrical insulation and fire resistance.

[0077] The first end plate (1131) can cover the first insulation cover in the +X direction. The first end plate (1131) may include outer holes. Each of the outer holes of the first end plate (1131) may be connected to a corresponding inner hole of the first insulation cover. Through one of the outer holes, the portion of the positive bus bar bent in the +X direction may be exposed to the outside of the battery module (1100), and through the other, the portion of the negative bus bar bent in the +X direction may be exposed to the outside of the battery module (1100). The first end plate (1131) may include a material with high rigidity and heat resistance. The second end plate (1132) can cover the second insulation cover in the -X direction. The second end plate (1132) may include a material with high rigidity and heat resistance.

[0078] The first thermal barrier (1141) can prevent the top plate (1121) from melting by ensuring that the temperature of the top plate (1121) does not rise above its melting point even if thermal runaway occurs in the battery module (1100) and the temperature of the battery module (1100) rises rapidly. Accordingly, thermal runaway of the battery module (1100) can be delayed, heat propagation to adjacent battery modules can be delayed, and venting can continue through the vent holes (1121VH) of the top plate (1121). Ultimately, the safety of the battery module (1100) and the battery pack (1000) can be enhanced.

[0079] A first thermal barrier (1141) may be located between the battery cells (1110) and the top plate (1121). The first thermal barrier (1141) may prevent or delay heat inside the battery module (1100) from raising the temperature of the top plate (1121). The first thermal barrier (1141) may be coated on a first surface (1121BS) of the top plate (1121).

[0080] The first thermal barrier (1141) may not overlap with the vent holes (1121VH) of the top plate (1121) in the Z direction. That is, the vent holes (1121VH) may be open.

[0081] The melting temperature of the first thermal barrier (1141) may be higher than the melting temperature of the top plate (1121). As a non-limiting example, the melting temperature of the first thermal barrier (1141) may be about 1000°C or higher. As a non-limiting example, the melting temperature of the first thermal barrier (1141) may be about 1500°C or higher. As a non-limiting example, the melting temperature of the first thermal barrier (1141) may be about 2000°C or higher. As a non-limiting example, the first thermal barrier (1141) may include one or more of calcium silicate, calcium-magnesium silicate, glass fiber, carbon fiber, alumina, silica, magnesia, boron nitride, and titania.

[0082]

[0083] (Exemplary second embodiments)

[0084] The exemplary second embodiments are identical to the exemplary first embodiments except that the battery module (1100') includes a second thermal barrier (1142) instead of a first thermal barrier (1141), so the description of the parts identical to the exemplary first embodiments is omitted.

[0085] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view for illustrating exemplary second embodiments.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 3, the battery module (1100') may include a second thermal barrier (1142). The second thermal barrier (1142) prevents the temperature of the top plate (1121) from rising above its melting point, thereby preventing the top plate (1121) from melting, even if thermal runaway occurs in another battery module adjacent to the battery module (1100') and heat propagation occurs to the battery module (1100'), causing the temperature of the battery module (1100') to rise rapidly. Accordingly, thermal runaway of the battery module (1100') can be prevented or delayed, heat propagation to another adjacent battery module can be delayed, and venting can continue through the vent holes (1121VH) of the top plate (1121). Ultimately, the safety of the battery module (1100') and the battery pack (1000) can be enhanced.

[0087] The second thermal barrier (1142) may be spaced apart from the battery cells (1110) in the Z direction with the top plate (1121) in between. The second thermal barrier (1142) may prevent or delay heat from outside the battery module (1100') from raising the temperature of the top plate (1121). The second thermal barrier (1142) may be coated on the second surface (1121TS) of the top plate (1121).

[0088] The second thermal barrier (1142) may not overlap with the vent holes (1121VH) of the top plate (1121) in the Z direction. That is, the vent holes (1121VH) may be open.

[0089] The melting temperature of the second thermal barrier (1142) may be higher than the melting temperature of the top plate (1121). As a non-limiting example, the melting temperature of the second thermal barrier (1142) may be about 1000°C or higher. As a non-limiting example, the melting temperature of the second thermal barrier (1142) may be about 1500°C or higher. As a non-limiting example, the melting temperature of the second thermal barrier (1142) may be about 2000°C or higher. As a non-limiting example, the second thermal barrier (1142) may include one or more of calcium silicate, calcium-magnesium silicate, glass fiber, carbon fiber, alumina, silica, magnesia, boron nitride, and titania.

[0090]

[0091] (Exemplary third embodiments)

[0092] Since the exemplary third embodiments are identical to the exemplary first embodiments except that the battery module (1100'') further includes a second thermal barrier (1142), the description of the parts identical to the exemplary first embodiments is omitted. Since the exemplary third embodiments are identical to the exemplary second embodiments except that the battery module (1100'') further includes a first thermal barrier (1141), the description of the parts identical to the exemplary second embodiments is omitted.

[0093] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating exemplary third embodiments.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 4, the battery module (1100'') may include a first thermal barrier (1141) and a second thermal barrier (1142). The first thermal barrier (1141) and the second thermal barrier (1142) may completely overlap in the Z direction. The melting temperature of the first thermal barrier (1141) and the melting temperature of the second thermal barrier (1142) may be substantially the same.

[0095]

[0096] (Exemplary 4th embodiments)

[0097] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a battery pack according to exemplary fourth embodiments.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 5, the battery pack (1000) may include battery modules (1100, 1100' or 1100'') and a pack housing (1200), electronic components and a pack lid. The battery pack (1000) may be the final form of a battery system mounted on a mobility. Each of the battery modules (1100, 1100' or 1100'') is the same as that described in the exemplary first through third embodiments.

[0099] The layout of the battery modules (1100, 1100' or 1100'') may be A row B column (A is an integer greater than or equal to 1, B is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and either A or B is not 1). The number of battery modules (1100, 1100' or 1100'') and the layout of the battery modules (1100, 1100' or 1100'') may be determined according to the current, voltage, and dimensions, etc. required of the battery pack (1000). The present disclosure describes only embodiments in which the layout of the battery modules (1100, 1100' or 1100'') is 2 rows and 3 columns. A person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains will be able to easily arrive at embodiments in which the layout of the battery modules (1100, 1100' or 1100'') is not 2 rows and 3 columns based on the present disclosure.

[0100] The first end plate (1131) of each of the battery modules (1100, 1100', or 1100'') may be closer to the center beam (1250) than the second end plate (1132).

[0101] The pack housing (1200) can protect battery modules (1100, 1100' or 1100'') and electronic components from external factors such as shock, vibration, dust, and moisture. The pack housing (1200) may include a base plate (1210), side walls (1221, 1222, 1223, 1224), a first cross beam (1230), second cross beams (1240), and a center beam (1250).

[0102] The base plate (1210) can support battery modules (1100, 1100' or 1100''), a first cross beam (1230), second cross beams (1240), a center beam (1250), and electronic components. The base plate (111) may have a flat shape. The base plate (111) may be substantially perpendicular to the Z direction. The base plate (111) may comprise metal. The base plate (111) may comprise one or more of aluminum, aluminum alloy, steel, and stainless steel.

[0103] Side walls (1221, 1222, 1223, 1224) may be located around the base plate (1210). Each of the side walls (1221, 1222, 1223, 1224) may be fixed to the base plate (1210) by bolting or welding, etc. Each of the side walls (1221, 1222, 1223, 1224) may be integrated with the base plate (1210). Some of the side walls (1221, 1222, 1223, 1224) may be in contact with the upper surface of the base plate (111). Some of the side walls (1221, 1222, 1223, 1224) may be in contact with the side of the base plate (111).

[0104] Side walls (1221, 1222, 1223, 1224) may enclose battery modules (1100, 1100' or 1100''), a first cross beam (1230), second cross beams (1240), a center beam (1250), and electronic components. Each of the side walls (1221, 1223) may be substantially perpendicular to the Y direction. Each of the side walls (1222, 1224) may be substantially perpendicular to the X direction. Each of the side walls (1221, 1222, 1223, 1224) may comprise metal. Each of the side walls (1221, 1222, 1223, 1224) may comprise one or more of aluminum, aluminum alloy, steel, and stainless steel.

[0105] One or more venting devices may be installed on one or more of the side walls (1221, 1222, 1223, 1224). One or more venting devices may be installed on the side wall (1221). The venting device may be configured to provide a path through which high-temperature gases, etc., inside the battery pack (1000) can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack (1000) in the event of an accident, such as a thermal runaway event, inside the battery pack (1000). The venting device may be configured to prevent dust, moisture, water, etc., from outside the battery pack (1000) from entering the battery pack (1000).

[0106] The first cross beam (1230) may be on the base plate (1210). The first cross beam (1230) may be fixed to the base plate (1210) by bolting or welding, etc. The first cross beam (1230) may isolate electrical components and battery modules (1100, 1100' or 1100'') in the Y direction. The first cross beam (1230) may be located between electrical components and battery modules (1100, 1100' or 1100''). The first cross beam (1230) may be substantially perpendicular to the Y direction. The first cross beam (1230) may extend in the X direction between the side wall (1222) and the side wall (1224). The first cross beam (1230) may comprise metal. The first cross beam (1230) may include one or more of aluminum, aluminum alloy, steel and stainless steel.

[0107] Each of the second cross beams (1240) may be on the base plate (1210). Each of the second cross beams (1240) may be fixed to the base plate (1210) by bolting or welding, etc. Each of the second cross beams (1240) may isolate the battery modules (1100, 1100' or 1100'') in the Y direction. Each of the second cross beams (1240) may be located between two corresponding battery modules (1100, 1100' or 1100''). Each of the second cross beams (1240) may be substantially perpendicular to the Y direction. Some of the second cross beams (1240) may extend in the X direction between the side wall (1222) and the center beam (1250), and other parts may extend in the X direction between the side wall (1224) and the center beam (1250). When the layout of the battery assemblies (120) is C rows and D columns (C is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and D is an integer greater than or equal to 2), the columns may be separated by each of the second cross beams (1240). Each of the second cross beams (1240) may include metal. Each of the second cross beams (1240) may include one or more of aluminum, aluminum alloy, steel, and stainless steel.

[0108] The center beam (1250) may be on the base plate (1210). The center beam (1250) may be fixed to the base plate (1210) by bolting or welding, etc. The center beam (1250) may isolate the battery modules (1100, 1100' or 1100'') in the X direction. The center beam (1250) may be located between some of the battery modules (1100, 1100' or 1100'') and other parts of the battery modules (1100, 1100' or 1100''). The center beam (1250) may be substantially perpendicular to the X direction. The center beam (1250) may extend in the Y direction between the first cross beam (1230) and the side wall (1250). When the layout of battery modules (1100, 1100' or 1100'') is E rows and F columns (E is an integer greater than or equal to 2, F is an integer greater than or equal to 1), the rows may be separated by a center beam (1250). The center beam (1250) may comprise metal. The center beam (116) may comprise one or more of aluminum, aluminum alloy, steel, and stainless steel.

[0109] Electronic components may be located between the first cross beam (1230) and the side wall (1221). Electronic components may include a Battery Management System (BMS), a Power Relay Assembly (PRA), etc. The BMS may be configured to monitor the conditions of the battery cells (1110), such as voltage, current, and temperature, to evenly balance the voltage and capacity among the battery cells (1110), and to control the charging and discharging of the battery cells (1110). The PRA may be configured to connect or disconnect a high-voltage circuit according to a signal from the BMS to supply or disconnect the high-voltage current of the battery modules (1100, 1100', or 1100'') to an external load, such as a motor or inverter. The PRA may be configured to mitigate voltage surges to prevent damage to the external load, such as a motor or inverter.

[0110] The pack lid can be joined to the side walls (1221, 1222, 1223, 1224) by fasteners. The pack lid can cover battery modules (1100, 1100' or 1100''), a first cross beam (1230), second cross beams (1240), a center beam (1250), and electronic components. The pack lid can protect the battery modules (1100, 1100' or 1100'') and electronic components from external factors such as shock, vibration, dust, and moisture. A gasket may be interposed between the pack lid and the side walls (1221, 1222, 1223, 1224). The gasket can fill the gap that may occur between the pack lid and the side walls (1221, 1222, 1223, 1224).

[0111]

[0112] The foregoing description is merely for illustrative purposes only. The scope of the rights of the present disclosure shall be interpreted by the claims, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent or equivalent thereto shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of the rights of the present disclosure.

[0113]

[0114] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0115] 1000: Battery pack

[0116] 1100: Battery module

[0117] 1110: Battery cell

[0118] 1120: Module Frame

[0119] 1121: Top Plate

[0120] 1121VH: Vent hole

[0121] 1121BS: 1st side

[0122] 1121TS: 2nd side

[0123] 1131: First end plate

[0124] 1132: Second end plate

[0125] 1141: 1st Thermal Barrier

[0126] 1142: Second Thermal Barrier

Claims

1. Battery cells; A module frame for accommodating the above battery cells, wherein the module frame comprises a top plate including vent holes; and A first thermal barrier between the battery cells and the top plate; A battery module including 2. In Paragraph 1, The top plate includes a first surface facing the battery cells, and The first thermal barrier is a battery module coated on the first surface.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above first thermal barrier is a battery module that does not overlap with the vent holes in a first direction perpendicular to the top plate.

4. In Paragraph 1, A battery module in which the melting temperature of the first thermal barrier is higher than the melting temperature of the top plate.

5. Battery cells; A module frame for accommodating the above battery cells, wherein the module frame comprises a top plate including vent holes; and A second thermal barrier spaced apart from the battery cells with the top plate in between; A battery module including 6. In Paragraph 5, The top plate includes a second surface opposite to the surface facing the battery cells, and The second thermal barrier is a battery module coated on the second surface.

7. In Paragraph 5, The above second thermal barrier is a battery module that does not overlap with vent holes in a first direction perpendicular to the top plate.

8. In Paragraph 5, A battery module in which the melting temperature of the second thermal barrier is higher than the melting temperature of the top plate.

9. Battery cells; A module frame for accommodating the above battery cells, wherein the module frame includes a top plate including vent holes; A first thermal barrier between the battery cells and the top plate; and A second thermal barrier spaced apart from the battery cells with the top plate in between; A battery module including 10. In Paragraph 9, The top plate includes a first surface facing the battery cells and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and The first thermal barrier is coated on the first surface, and The second thermal barrier is a battery module coated on the second surface.

11. In Paragraph 9, The first thermal barrier above does not overlap with the vent holes in a first direction perpendicular to the top plate, and The second thermal barrier above does not overlap with the vent holes in the first direction, and The first thermal barrier is a battery module that completely overlaps with the second thermal barrier in the first direction.

12. In Paragraph 9, The melting temperature of the first thermal barrier is higher than the melting temperature of the top plate, and The melting temperature of the second thermal barrier is higher than the melting temperature of the top plate, and A battery module in which the melting temperature of the first thermal barrier is the same as the melting temperature of the second thermal barrier.

13. Pack housing including a base plate and side walls, and Battery modules on the base plate above, including Each of the above battery modules is a battery pack that is one of the battery modules of claims 1 to 12.

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