Battery module and battery pack including the same

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery module and a battery pack including the battery module. A battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; and a module frame for accommodating the battery cell stack, wherein a vent is formed on one side plate of the module frame, wherein the vent includes an inlet and an outlet for discharging gas flowing in through the inlet, and wherein the inlet and outlet of the vent are arranged spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the one side plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery module and a battery pack including the same, and more particularly, to a battery module with enhanced safety and a battery pack including the same. Background Art

[0002] With the development of technology and the increase in demand for mobile devices, the demand for secondary batteries as energy sources is rapidly increasing, and thus many studies on batteries that can meet various needs are emerging.

[0003] Secondary batteries have attracted considerable attention as energy sources for electric drive devices such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrid electric vehicles, and as energy sources for mobile devices such as mobile phones, digital cameras, and laptop computers.

[0004] Recently, as demand for large-capacity secondary battery structures (including using secondary batteries as energy storage sources) continues to increase, demand for multi-module structured battery packs that are battery module assemblies in which multiple secondary batteries are connected in series / parallel is growing.

[0005] Meanwhile, when a plurality of battery cells are connected in series or parallel to configure a battery pack, a method of configuring a battery module consisting of at least one battery cell and then adding other components to the at least one battery module to configure the battery pack is common. Since the battery cells constituting these medium-sized or large-sized battery modules are composed of rechargeable / dischargeable secondary batteries, such high-output and large-capacity secondary batteries generate a large amount of heat during charging and discharging.

[0006] The battery module may include a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, a frame for accommodating the battery cell stack, and end plates for covering front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack.

[0007] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of a battery module mounted on a conventional battery pack at the time of fire. Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 1 , which shows the appearance of flames affecting adjacent battery modules during a fire in a battery module mounted on a conventional battery pack.

[0008] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 A conventional battery module includes: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells 10 are stacked; a frame 20 for accommodating the battery cell stack; end plates 30 formed on the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack; a terminal bus bar 40 formed to protrude to the outside of the end plates 30; and the like.

[0009] The frame 20 and end plates 30 may be combined to seal the battery cell stack by welding. When the frame 20 and end plates 30 are combined in this manner to accommodate the battery cell stack, the internal pressure of the battery cells 10 may increase during overcharging of the battery module, exceeding the limit of the battery cell's fusion strength. In this case, high-temperature heat, gas, and flames generated within the battery cells 10 may be discharged to the outside of the battery cells 10.

[0010] At this time, high-temperature heat, gas, and flames can be exhausted through the openings formed in the end plates 30. However, in a battery pack structure in which multiple battery modules are arranged so that the end plates 30 face each other, the high-temperature heat, gas, and flames exhausted from the battery modules may affect the battery modules. As a result, the terminal bus bars 40 formed on adjacent end plates 30 of the battery modules may be damaged, and the high-temperature heat, gas, and flames may enter the interior of the battery modules through the openings formed in the adjacent end plates 30 of the battery modules, damaging the multiple battery cells 10. Summary of the Invention

[0011] Technical issues

[0012] An object of the present invention is to provide a battery module having enhanced safety by suppressing high-temperature heat and flames released when a fire phenomenon occurs inside the battery module, and a battery pack including the same.

[0013] However, the technical problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and various extensions can be made within the scope of the technical ideas included in the present disclosure.

[0014] Technical Solution

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery module is provided, which includes: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; and a module frame for accommodating the battery cell stack, wherein a vent is formed on an upper side plate, a lower side plate, and one of the lateral side plates of the module frame, wherein the vent includes an inlet and an outlet, the outlet being used to discharge gas flowing in through the inlet, and wherein the inlet and the outlet of the vent are arranged spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the one side plate.

[0016] The battery module may include a first fire extinguishing material layer between the one side plate of the module frame and the battery cell stack, and the first fire extinguishing material layer may include a fire extinguishing agent.

[0017] A second fire extinguishing material layer containing a fire extinguishing agent may be formed in the vent.

[0018] A first fire extinguishing material layer containing a fire extinguishing agent may be formed between the one side plate of the module frame and the battery cell stack, a second fire extinguishing material layer containing a fire extinguishing agent may be formed in the vent, and the fire extinguishing agent contained in the first fire extinguishing material layer and the second fire extinguishing material layer may contain potassium bicarbonate, and at least one of the first fire extinguishing material layer and the second fire extinguishing material layer may cause a thermal decomposition reaction during a fire.

[0019] The first fire extinguishing material layer and the second fire extinguishing material layer may be connected to each other.

[0020] The vent may have a hole structure, and the hole structure may have an inclined structure.

[0021] The vent may have a hole structure formed in an upper side plate of the module frame, and the hole structure may obliquely penetrate the upper side plate.

[0022] The vent may include an inlet formed on an upper side plate of the module frame and facing the battery cell stack, and an exhaust port exhausting gas flowing in through the inlet, wherein the exhaust port may be formed in a direction perpendicular to the inlet.

[0023] The vent portion includes a connection portion formed between the inlet and the outlet and guiding the gas flowing into the inlet in a direction in which the outlet is located, and an upper surface of the connection portion may be formed inclined.

[0024] The ventilation portion includes: an inlet, which is connected to the battery cell stack and formed on the upper side plate of the module frame in an upward direction; an outlet, which is formed in an upward direction and discharges the gas flowing in through the inlet; and a connecting portion, which connects the inlet and the outlet, wherein the connecting portion can be formed in a direction perpendicular to the inlet direction and the outlet direction of the outlet.

[0025] A discharge passage may be formed between the one side plate of the module frame and the battery cell stack through a thermal decomposition reaction of the first fire extinguishing material layer.

[0026] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery pack including the above-mentioned battery module is provided.

[0027] Beneficial effects

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in order to control high-temperature heat, gas, and flames when a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs in a battery module, a porous module frame with a fire extinguishing function and a gas discharge function can be implemented, thereby preventing pollution from the outside before the flame occurs and suppressing the flame through a chemical reaction when the flame occurs.

[0029] The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described effects, and other additional effects not described above will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of a battery module mounted on a conventional battery pack at the time of fire;

[0031] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 1 , which shows the appearance of flames affecting adjacent battery modules during a fire in a battery module mounted on a conventional battery pack.

[0032] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of a battery module;

[0034] Figure 5 is included in Figure 4 A perspective view of a battery cell in a battery module;

[0035] Figure 6 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line BB;

[0036] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a state after a thermal decomposition reaction when a flame occurs in the battery module according to the present embodiment;

[0037] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0038] Figure 9 is a perspective view illustrating a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Description of Reference Numerals

[0040] 200: Module Framework

[0041] 310: Busbar frame

[0042] 440: Barrier layer

[0043] 440a, 440b: Fire extinguishing material layer

[0044] 450: Exhaust channel

[0045] 900, 910, 920: ventilation part DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. The present disclosure can be modified in various ways and is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0047] In order to clearly describe the present disclosure, parts irrelevant to the description will be omitted, and the same reference numerals denote the same elements throughout the specification.

[0048] In addition, in the drawings, for the convenience of description, the size and thickness of each element are arbitrarily shown, and the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to those shown in the drawings. In the drawings, the thickness of layers, regions, etc. are exaggerated for clarity. In the drawings, for the convenience of description, the thickness of some layers and regions is exaggerated.

[0049] Furthermore, it should be understood that when an element, such as a layer, film, region, or plate, is referred to as being "on" or "over" another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may be present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, this means that no intervening elements are present. Furthermore, the terms "on" or "over" mean disposed above or below the referenced portion and do not necessarily mean disposed at the upper end of the referenced portion in a direction opposite to the force of gravity.

[0050] In addition, throughout the specification, when a part is referred to as “comprising” a certain component, it means that the part may further include other components, rather than excluding the other components, unless otherwise stated.

[0051] Furthermore, throughout the specification, when referred to as a “plane”, it means when the target portion is viewed from the upper side, and when referred to as a “cross section”, it means when the target portion is viewed from the side of a vertically cut cross section.

[0052] Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating a battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of the battery module. Figure 5 is included in Figure 4 A three-dimensional view of a battery cell in a battery module.

[0053] Reference Figures 3 to 5According to one embodiment of the present invention, a battery module 100a includes: a battery cell stack 120 in which a plurality of battery cells 110 are stacked, the battery cells 110 including electrode leads 111 and 112 protruding in opposite directions from each other; a module frame 200 for accommodating the battery cell stack 120; and a first bus bar frame 310 provided on one surface of the battery cell stack 120 along a direction (x-axis direction) in which the electrode leads 111 protrude.

[0054] First, refer to Figure 5 The battery cell 110 is preferably a pouch-type battery cell. For example, the battery cell 110 according to this embodiment has a structure in which two electrode leads 111 and 112 face each other and protrude from one end 114a and the other end 114b of the battery body 113, respectively. More specifically, the electrode leads 111 and 112 are connected to an electrode assembly (not shown) and protrude from the electrode assembly (not shown) to the outside of the battery cell 110.

[0055] On the other hand, in a state where the electrode assembly (not shown) is housed in the battery case 114, the battery cell 110 can be manufactured by joining the two end portions 114a and 114b of the battery case 114 and one side portion 114c connecting them. In other words, the battery cell 110 according to the present embodiment has a total of three sealing portions 114sa, 114sb, and 114sc, and the sealing portions 114sa, 114sb, and 114sc have a structure sealed by a method such as heat fusion, and the remaining other side portion may be formed by the connecting portion 115. The battery case 114 may be formed of a laminate sheet including a resin layer and a metal layer.

[0056] Furthermore, the connection portion 115 may be elongated along one edge of the battery cell 110, and a protrusion 110p of the battery cell 110, referred to as a bat ear, may be formed at the end of the connection portion 115. Furthermore, when the battery case 114 is sealed with the protruding electrode leads 111 and 112 inserted therebetween, a step portion 116 may be formed between the electrode leads 111 and 112 and the battery body 113. That is, the battery cell 110 includes the step portion 116 formed to extend from the battery case 114 in the direction in which the electrode leads 111 and 112 protrude.

[0057] The battery cell 110 may be composed of a plurality of battery cells, and the plurality of battery cells 110 may be stacked to be electrically connected to each other, thereby forming a battery cell stack 120. Figure 4, the battery cells 110 may be stacked along the y-axis direction to form a battery cell stack 120. The first bus bar frame 310 may be located on one surface of the battery cell stack 120 along the protruding direction of the electrode leads 111 (the x-axis direction). Although not specifically shown, the second bus bar frame may be located on the other surface of the battery cell stack 120 in the protruding direction of the electrode leads 112 (the −x-axis direction). The module frame 200 may protect the battery cell stack 120 housed inside the module frame 200 and the electrical components connected thereto from external physical impact.

[0058] The module frame 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may have an integral frame structure. First, the integral frame may be in the form of a metal plate material in which the upper surface, the lower surface, and the two side surfaces are integrated, and may be manufactured by extrusion molding. However, the structure of the module frame 200 is not limited thereto, and may be a structure in which a U-shaped frame and an upper side plate are combined. In the case of a structure in which the U-shaped frame and the upper side plate are combined, the upper side plate may be combined to the upper side of the U-shaped frame, and the U-shaped frame may be formed by combining the upper side plate with the upper side of the U-shaped frame, which is a metal plate material in which the lower surface is combined or integrated with the two side surfaces, and which may be manufactured by die-casting.

[0059] Thermally conductive resin may be injected between the battery cell stack 120 and the lower surface of the module frame 200 , and a thermally conductive resin layer (not shown) may be formed between the battery cell stack 120 and the lower surface of the module frame 200 by the injected thermally conductive resin.

[0060] On the other hand, the module frame 200 may be open in the protruding direction (x-axis direction, -x-axis direction) of the electrode leads 111 and 112, and the first end plate 410 and the second end plate 420 may be respectively located on the two open sides of the module frame 200. The first end plate 410 may be joined to the module frame 200 while covering the first bus bar frame 310, and the second end plate 420 may be joined to the module frame 200 while covering the second bus bar frame (not shown). That is, the first bus bar frame 310 may be located between the first end plate 410 and the battery cell stack 120, and the second bus bar frame (not shown) may be located between the second end plate 420 and the battery cell stack 120. In addition, the insulating cover 800 (see FIG. 1 ) for electrical insulation is provided. Figure 3 ) may be located between the first end plate 410 and the first busbar frame 310 .

[0061] The first and second end plates 410, 420 are positioned to cover one and the other surfaces of the battery cell stack 120, respectively. The first and second end plates 410, 420 protect the first busbar frame 310 and the various electrical components connected thereto from external impact. To this end, they must possess a predetermined strength and may be made of a metal such as aluminum. Furthermore, the first and second end plates 410, 420 may be joined to respective edges of the module frame 200 by methods such as welding.

[0062] The first bus bar frame 310 is located on one surface of the battery cell stack 120 to cover the battery cell stack 120 while guiding the connection between the battery cell stack 120 and external devices. Specifically, at least one of the bus bar, the terminal bus bar, and the module connector may be mounted on the first bus bar frame 310. In particular, at least one of the bus bar, the terminal bus bar, and the module connector may be mounted on a surface opposite to the surface of the first bus bar frame 310 facing the battery cell stack 120. In one example, Figure 4 A state in which the bus bar 510 and the terminal bus bar 520 are mounted on the first bus bar frame 310 is shown.

[0063] The battery cells 110 constituting the battery cell stack 120 may be connected in series or in parallel via the bus bars 510 or the terminal bus bars 520, and the battery cells 110 may be electrically connected to an external device or circuit via the terminal bus bars 520 exposed to the outside of the battery module 100a. In one example, the terminal bus bars 520 may be connected to an external bus bar that allows connection to other battery modules adjacent to the battery module including the terminal bus bars 520.

[0064] The first busbar frame 310 may include an electrically insulating material and restricts the busbars 510 or the terminal busbars 520 from contacting the battery cells 110 except for portions where the busbars 510 or the terminal busbars 520 are bonded to the electrode leads 111 , thereby preventing a short circuit from occurring.

[0065] On the other hand, as described above, a second bus bar frame may be located on the other surface of the battery cell stack 120 , and bus bars and module connectors may be mounted on the second bus bar frame. The electrode leads 112 may be bonded to such bus bars.

[0066] According to this embodiment, an opening in which the terminal bus bar 520 is exposed may be formed in the first end plate 410. The opening may be a terminal bus bar opening. In one example, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, a terminal bus bar opening 410H through which the terminal bus bar 520 is exposed may be formed in the first end plate 410. Compared to the bus bar 510, the terminal bus bar 520 further includes an upwardly protruding portion. This upwardly protruding portion is exposed to the outside of the battery module 100a through the terminal bus bar opening 410H. The terminal bus bar 520 exposed through the terminal bus bar opening 410H may be connected to another battery module or a battery disconnect unit (BDU) to form a high voltage (HV) connection.

[0067] Figure 6 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line BB. Figure 7 : is a cross-sectional view showing a state after a thermal decomposition reaction when a flame occurs in the battery module according to the present embodiment.

[0068] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 6 , the battery module according to this embodiment includes a barrier layer 440 located between the upper side plate of the module frame 200 and the battery cell stack 120. The barrier layer 440 according to this embodiment includes a fire extinguishing agent. Here, the fire extinguishing agent can be a fire extinguishing agent material in powder form. In one example, the fire extinguishing agent can be any one of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3), ammonium phosphate (NH4H2PO3) and a mixture of "potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3) and urea ((NH2)2CO)". Specifically, the fire extinguishing agent material included in the barrier layer 440 according to this embodiment may include potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3). Potassium carbonate (K2CO3), water vapor (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) can be generated by the thermal decomposition reaction of potassium bicarbonate, and the water vapor extinguishes the flame, and the carbon dioxide can prevent the flame from contacting oxygen, etc. However, the fire extinguishing agent material is not limited thereto, and any material that performs a fire extinguishing function can be used without limitation.

[0069] When a flame occurs within the battery module, a thermal decomposition reaction, as shown in Chemical Formula 1 below, may occur within barrier layer 440, generating carbon dioxide and water vapor. The generated carbon dioxide and water vapor create a suffocating effect, cutting off the oxygen supply and thereby suppressing the flame. Specifically, the thermal decomposition reaction is an endothermic reaction that absorbs the heat generated in the battery module and also cuts off the oxygen supply, effectively delaying the flame and heat propagation rate, thereby improving the safety of the battery module.

[0070] 2KHCO3→K2CO3+H2O+CO2-Q Chemical formula 1

[0071] The vent 900 may be formed in the upper side plate of the module frame 200 according to the present embodiment. The vent 900 has a hole structure and may include an inlet 901, an outlet 902, and a connection portion 903. The vent 900 may include an inlet 901 connected to the battery cell stack 120, an outlet 902 for discharging gas flowing in through the inlet 901, and a connection portion 903 for connecting the inlet 901 and the outlet 902. The connection portion 903 may be formed to form an angle with the inflow and exhaust directions of the inlet 901 and the outlet 902.

[0072] Here, the inlet 901 and the outlet 902 can be arranged spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the upper side plate. The imaginary straight line connecting the inlet 901 and the outlet 902 can form an angle with the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the upper side plate. The imaginary straight line connecting the inlet 901 and the outlet 902 can form an angle with the upper side plate. The connecting portion 903 can have an inclined structure that forms an angle with the upper side plate.

[0073] The hole structure of the vent 900 may have an inclined structure. In this case, the hole structure may penetrate the upper side plate of the module frame 200 at an angle. Figure 7 As shown, when the vent 900 is opened by the thermal decomposition reaction of the barrier layer 440 , a flame and gas exhaust path is ensured, and direct exposure of the interior of the battery module can be minimized by the inclined structure.

[0074] Refer again Figure 6 According to the present embodiment, the barrier layer 440 may include a first fire extinguishing material layer 440a and a second fire extinguishing material layer 440b. The first fire extinguishing material layer 440a may be located between the upper side plate of the module frame 200 and the battery cell stack 120, and the second fire extinguishing material layer 440b may be located in the vent 900. The first fire extinguishing material layer 440a and the second fire extinguishing material layer 440b contain a fire extinguishing agent. As described above, when a fire occurs inside the battery module, at least one of the first fire extinguishing material layer 440a and the second fire extinguishing material layer 440b containing the fire extinguishing agent may cause a thermal decomposition reaction. The first fire extinguishing material layer 440a and the second fire extinguishing material layer 440b may be connected to each other.

[0075] Before a fire breaks out in the battery module, second fire extinguishing material layer 440b blocks vent 900, preventing external contaminants from flowing into the battery module. If a fire breaks out inside the battery module, first and second fire extinguishing material layers 440a, 440b are thermally decomposed, opening vent 900 and allowing flames and gases to escape through it. At this point, the thermal energy stored in the battery module can be released.

[0076] Although it has been described that the vent 900 is formed on the upper side plate of the module frame 200 , the position where the vent 900 is formed is not limited to the upper side plate of the module frame 200 and may be formed on the lower side plate and the lateral side plate.

[0077] According to this embodiment, Figure 7 As shown, a vent 450 may be formed between the upper portion of the module frame 200 and the battery cell stack 120. Before a flame occurs, a first fire extinguishing material layer 440a is formed in the portion where the vent 450 is formed. Due to the thermal decomposition reaction of the first fire extinguishing material layer 440a, the vent 450 is formed between one side plate of the module frame 200 and the battery cell stack 120, and gas or heat generated from one side of the battery module can move through the vent 450. Thereafter, it can be discharged from the battery module via the vent 900 or can be extinguished during the thermal decomposition process of the barrier layer 440.

[0078] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the case of conventional battery modules, high-temperature heat, gas, and flames ejected through the openings of the battery modules can affect adjacent battery modules. In particular, adjacent battery modules facing each other for HV connection may cause damage to other electrical components including the terminal busbars 40 or the battery cells 10.

[0079] Unlike conventional methods, in the battery module 100a according to this embodiment, a vent 900 is formed on the upper side plate of the module frame 200, thereby limiting the discharge of high-temperature heat, gas, flames, and the like generated from the battery cells 110 through the opening of the first end plate 410 (e.g., the terminal bus bar opening 410H). When the flame is transmitted to the terminal bus bar 520, the external bus bar connecting the adjacent battery modules may melt and further ignite due to an internal short circuit, which is likely to be transmitted to the adjacent battery modules. According to this embodiment, damage to adjacent battery modules and the HV connection structure can be reduced.

[0080] Figure 8 is a perspective view illustrating a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] See also Figure 8, the vent 910 according to the present embodiment can be formed to ventilate in an upward direction relative to the battery cell stack 120. The vent 910 may include an inlet 911, an outlet 912 and a connection portion 913. The vent 910 may include: an inlet 911, which is connected to the battery cell stack 120 and formed in an upward direction on the upper surface of the module frame 200; an outlet 912, which is formed in an upward direction and discharges the gas flowing in through the inlet 911; and a connection portion 913, which connects the inlet 911 and the outlet 912. The connection portion 913 may be formed in a direction perpendicular to the inlet direction of the inlet 911 and the outlet direction of the outlet 912. Here, the inlet 911 and the outlet 912 may be arranged spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the upper side plate. The imaginary straight line connecting the inlet 911 and the outlet 912 may form an angle with the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the upper side plate. An imaginary straight line connecting the inlet 911 and the outlet 912 may form an angle with the upper plate.

[0082] The vent 910 can discharge high-temperature heat, gases, and flames from within the battery module toward the upper side of the battery module, thereby minimizing damage to other battery modules arranged adjacent to the end plates. However, since the exhaust port 912 is formed in an upward direction, impurities in the air may enter the exhaust port 912 due to gravity. Therefore, the connection portion 913 can be formed in a direction perpendicular to the exhaust port 912, thereby minimizing the phenomenon of impurities flowing into the exhaust port 912 flowing into the battery module through the inlet 911.

[0083] Furthermore, a foreign matter blocking portion (not shown) for blocking foreign matter entering through the discharge port 912 is formed on the connection portion 913 , thereby preventing foreign matter from entering the inlet 911 from the discharge port 912 via the connection portion 913 .

[0084] Figure 9 is a perspective view illustrating a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0085] See also Figure 9According to the present embodiment, the vent 920 includes an inlet 921 formed on the upper surface of the module frame 200 to connect to the battery cell stack and an outlet 922 for discharging the gas flowing through the inlet 921, wherein the outlet 922 can be formed in a direction perpendicular to the inlet 921. In addition, the vent 920 includes a connecting portion 923 formed between the inlet 921 and the outlet 922, which guides the gas flowing into the inlet 921 in the direction of the outlet 922, and the upper surface of the connecting portion 923 can be formed at an angle. The connecting portion 923 can have an inclined structure that forms an angle with the upper side plate. Here, the inlet 921 and the outlet 922 can be arranged spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the upper side plate. The imaginary straight line connecting the inlet 921 and the outlet 922 can form an angle with the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the upper side plate. The imaginary straight line connecting the inlet 921 and the outlet 922 can form an angle with the upper side plate.

[0086] Exhaust port 922 is formed perpendicularly to inlet 921 and the upper surface of module frame 200, thereby preventing impurities floating in the air from entering exhaust port 922 due to gravity. Furthermore, the upper surface of connecting portion 923 is formed to be inclined toward exhaust port 922, so that high-temperature heat, gas, and flames flowing into inlet 921 are redirected by connecting portion 923 and naturally discharged through exhaust port 922.

[0087] The battery module may be included in a battery pack. The battery pack may have a structure in which one or more battery modules according to the present embodiment are aggregated and packaged together with a battery management system (BMS) and a cooling device that controls and manages the temperature, voltage, etc. of the battery.

[0088] The battery module and the battery pack including the battery module can be applied to various devices. Such devices can be applied to vehicle devices such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, or hybrid vehicles, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto and can be applied to various devices that can use battery modules, which also falls within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0089] Although the invention has been shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment, the scope of the disclosure is not limited thereto, and numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of the invention as described in the appended claims.

[0090] Cross-reference to related applications

[0091] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0168895 filed on December 4, 2020, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0150562 filed on November 4, 2021, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; as well as a module frame for accommodating the battery cell stack, A ventilation portion is formed on one of the upper side plate, the lower side plate and the lateral side plate of the module frame. The vent portion includes an inlet and an outlet, and the outlet is used to discharge the gas flowing in through the inlet. wherein the inlet and the outlet of the vent are arranged spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the one side plate, wherein the vent includes a fire extinguishing agent, and Wherein, the discharge channel is formed by the thermal decomposition reaction of the fire extinguishing agent.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The battery module includes a first layer of fire extinguishing material between the one side plate of the module frame and the battery cell stack, and The first fire extinguishing material layer includes a fire extinguishing agent.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: A second fire extinguishing material layer containing the fire extinguishing agent is formed in the ventilation portion.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: A first fire extinguishing material layer containing a fire extinguishing agent is formed between the one side plate of the module frame and the battery cell stack, A second fire extinguishing material layer containing the fire extinguishing agent is formed in the vent portion, and The fire extinguishing agent contained in the first fire extinguishing material layer and the second fire extinguishing material layer includes potassium bicarbonate, and at least one of the first fire extinguishing material layer and the second fire extinguishing material layer causes a thermal decomposition reaction when a fire occurs.

5. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein: The first fire extinguishing material layer and the second fire extinguishing material layer are connected to each other.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The vent has a hole structure, and the hole structure has an inclined structure.

7. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The vent has a hole structure formed in an upper plate of the module frame, and the hole structure obliquely penetrates the upper plate.

8. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The inlet port is formed on the upper side plate of the module frame and faces the battery cell stack; and The discharge port is formed in a direction perpendicular to the inlet.

9. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein: The vent portion includes a connection portion formed between the inlet and the outlet and guiding the gas flowing into the inlet in a direction in which the outlet is located, and The upper surface of the connecting portion is formed to be inclined.

10. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The inlet port is connected to the battery cell stack and is formed on the upper side plate of the module frame in an upward direction, The discharge port is formed in the upward direction, Wherein, the vent portion further includes a connecting portion connecting the inlet and the outlet, and The connecting portion is formed in a direction perpendicular to an inflow direction of the inlet and a discharge direction of the discharge port.

11. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: The exhaust passage is formed between the one side plate of the module frame and the battery cell stack by a thermal decomposition reaction of the first fire extinguishing material layer. 12 . A battery pack comprising the battery module according to claim 1 .

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