Battery module and battery pack including the same

Abstract

A battery module according to an embodiment of the present application includes a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked in one direction, a module frame that accommodates the battery cell stack and has an inner surface and an outer surface, and an end plate that is coupled to the module frame and covers a front surface or a rear surface of the battery cell stack, wherein the module frame includes at least one hole-shaped discharge portion that defines an inlet formed on the inner surface thereof and an outlet formed on the outer surface thereof, and a terminal area of the discharge portion including the inlet or the outlet has an inverted conical shape.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0023580, filed on February 22, 2021, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] This disclosure relates to a battery module and a battery pack including the battery module, and more specifically, to a battery module having improved safety and a battery pack including the battery module. Background Technology

[0004] With technological advancements and increasing demand for mobile devices, the need for secondary batteries as an energy source has grown rapidly. In particular, secondary batteries have attracted considerable attention as a power source for electrically powered devices such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrid vehicles, as well as for mobile devices such as mobile phones, digital cameras, laptops, and wearable devices.

[0005] When secondary batteries are primarily used in devices such as mobile devices, using one or two to four battery cells is not difficult to achieve the storage capacity and energy output levels required by each device. However, medium or large devices such as automobiles and high-capacity storage devices require high power, so significant problems may arise in terms of energy storage capacity and energy output when using a small number of battery cells as described above. Therefore, in medium or large devices, it is common to install battery modules with multiple battery cells electrically connected or battery packs comprising multiple such battery modules.

[0006] Figure 1 It is an exploded 3D view of a conventional battery module.

[0007] Reference Figure 1 A conventional battery module 10 includes a battery cell stack 12 in which multiple battery cells 11 are stacked, a module frame 20 for protecting the battery cell stack 12 from external impact, heat or vibration, and an end plate 40 covering the front and / or rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 12.

[0008] The battery cell stack 12 is in a closed structure through the connection between the module frame 20 and the end plate 40. In order to maximize the energy storage capacity of the battery module 10, each of the battery cells 11 is mainly located within the battery cell stack 12 with narrow spacing.

[0009] However, this design of the battery module 10 may compromise its durability or long-term stability. Specifically, when the internal pressure of the battery cell 11 increases due to overcharging, high-temperature heat, gas, or flames may be released to the outside of the battery cell 11. In this case, heat, gas, or flames released from one battery cell 11 can be transferred to another adjacent battery cell 11 at a narrow interval, potentially causing a chain reaction of fires. Additionally, heat, gas, or flames released from each battery cell 11 can be discharged towards openings formed in the end plate 40. During this process, the busbar (not shown) located between the end plate 40 and the battery cell 11 may be damaged.

[0010] Furthermore, the multiple battery modules 10 in the battery pack are arranged such that at least two end plates 40 face each other. Therefore, when heat, gas, or flame generated within a battery module 10 is discharged to the outside of the battery module 10, this may affect the performance and stability of multiple battery cells 11 in another adjacent battery module 10.

[0011] Therefore, there is a need to develop a battery module 10 that effectively delays the rate of heat propagation and allows the generated heat, gas or flame to be rapidly discharged to the outside of the battery module 10 when a fire occurs inside the battery module 10, thereby improving durability and safety. Summary of the Invention

[0012] Technical issues

[0013] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a battery module and a battery pack including the battery module that effectively suppresses flames and effectively dissipates internal heat, gas or flames when a fire occurs inside the battery module.

[0014] The purpose of this disclosure is not limited to the purposes mentioned above, and those skilled in the art should clearly understand other purposes not described herein based on the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0015] Technical solution

[0016] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a battery module is provided, the battery module comprising: a battery cell stack having a plurality of battery cells stacked in one direction; a module frame accommodating the battery cell stack and having an inner surface and an outer surface; and an end plate coupled to the module frame and covering a front surface or a rear surface of the battery cell stack, wherein the module frame forms at least one orifice-shaped discharge portion, the at least one orifice-shaped discharge portion defining an inlet formed on the inner surface and an outlet formed on the outer surface, and wherein a terminal region of the discharge portion including the inlet or the outlet has an inverted conical shape.

[0017] Based on the axial section of the discharge section, the side surface of the discharge section extending between the inlet and the outlet may have a circular shape, and the effluent flowing in through the inlet may move along the circular shape to the outlet.

[0018] The discharge section may be provided with a cover for opening and closing the opening of the discharge section.

[0019] The cover may be located at the portion corresponding to the inlet of the discharge section.

[0020] The covers can be installed in pairs.

[0021] The cover is plate-shaped, and one edge of the cover can be fixed to the module frame.

[0022] Based on the axial section of the discharge section, the side surface of the discharge section extending between the inlet and the outlet has a circular shape, and the cover can be bent along the circular side surface of the discharge section according to the internal pressure of the battery module.

[0023] The cover may include aluminum.

[0024] When the direction in which the plurality of battery cells are stacked is defined as the stacking direction, the discharge portion can be formed on a surface of the module frame that extends along the stacking direction.

[0025] When the direction from the front surface to the rear surface of the battery cell stack is defined as the longitudinal direction, the position of the discharge portion in the longitudinal direction is closer to the front or rear surface of the battery cell stack than the center portion of the battery cell stack, and the distance from the center portion of the battery cell stack to the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack is the same in the longitudinal direction.

[0026] The battery cell includes an electrode lead protruding from one end portion of the battery cell, and the electrode lead may be located on the front or rear surface of the battery cell stack.

[0027] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, a battery pack including at least one of the above-described battery modules is provided.

[0028] Beneficial effects

[0029] According to the implementation method, an exhaust section is formed in the module frame for providing an exhaust path for heat, gas or flame within the battery module, thereby effectively suppressing the flame and effectively dissipating the internal heat and gas when a fire occurs inside the battery module.

[0030] According to another embodiment, an exhaust section for providing an exhaust path for heat, gas, or flame in the battery module and a cover for opening and closing the exhaust section are formed in the module frame, thereby enabling effective suppression of flame and effective exhaust of internal gas when a fire occurs in the battery module.

[0031] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand, based on the description of the appended claims, other effects not described above. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 It is an exploded 3D view of a conventional battery module.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded 3D view of the battery module;

[0035] Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 A diagram of the battery cells included in the battery module;

[0036] Figure 5 It is intercepted along line AA. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the battery module;

[0037] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the direction in which heat, gas, flame, etc. generated in the internal space of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are discharged through the exhaust section;

[0038] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of the discharge section of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 9 It is used for explanation Figure 8 A diagram of the cover; and

[0041] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a cover for a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Various embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, enabling those skilled in the art to readily implement them. This disclosure can be modified in various ways and is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0043] For clarity in describing this disclosure, parts irrelevant to the description will be omitted, and the same reference numerals will designate the same or similar elements throughout the description.

[0044] Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, for ease of description, the size and thickness of each element have been arbitrarily enlarged or reduced, and this disclosure is not necessarily limited to those illustrated in the drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the thickness of layers, regions, etc., has been exaggerated for clarity. In the accompanying drawings, the thickness of some layers and regions has been exaggerated for ease of description.

[0045] Furthermore, it will be understood that when an element such as a layer, membrane, region, or plate is referred to as being "on" or "above" another element, the element may be directly on the other element, or there may be intermediate elements present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, it means that there are no other intermediate elements present. Additionally, the terms "on" or "above" mean situated on or below a reference portion, and do not necessarily mean situated at the upper end of the reference portion facing the opposite direction of gravity. Moreover, similarly, the description of being situated "on" or "above" another portion will be understood with reference to the above-mentioned points.

[0046] Additionally, throughout the description, when a part is referred to as "including" or "contains" a component, it means that the part may also include other components without excluding them, unless otherwise stated.

[0047] Additionally, throughout the description, when referred to as a "plane," it means viewing the target portion from above, and when referred to as a "section," it means viewing the target portion from one side of a vertically cut section.

[0048] The following describes a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded 3D view of the battery module. Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 A diagram of the battery cells included in the battery module.

[0050] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a battery module 100 may include: a battery cell stack 120 in which a plurality of battery cells 110 are stacked in one direction; a module frame 200 for housing the battery cell stack 120; a busbar frame 300 located on the front and / or rear surface of the battery cell stack 120; an end plate 400 covering the front and / or rear surface of the battery cell stack 120; and busbars 510 and 520 mounted on the busbar frame 300.

[0051] The battery cell 110 can be configured in a pouch shape, which maximizes the number of cells stacked per unit area. The pouch-shaped battery cell 110 can be manufactured by the following steps: housing an electrode assembly including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator within a cell housing 114 of laminated sheet material, and then heat-sealing the sealing portion of the cell housing 114. However, it will be apparent that the battery cell 110 does not necessarily have to be pouch-shaped and can be configured in a square, cylindrical, or various other forms to achieve the storage capacity required for future installations.

[0052] Reference Figure 4 The battery cell 110 may include two electrode leads 111 and 112. Electrode leads 111 and 112 may have structures that protrude from one end of the cell body 113, respectively. Specifically, one end of each electrode lead 111 and 112 is located inside the battery cell 110 and is therefore electrically connected to the positive or negative terminal of the electrode assembly. The other end of each electrode lead 111 and 112 protrudes outside the battery cell 110 and can therefore be electrically connected to separate components (e.g., busbars 510 and 520).

[0053] The electrode assembly in the cell housing 114 can be sealed by sealing portions 114sa, 114sb and 114sc. The sealing portions 114sa, 114sb and 114sc of the cell housing 114 can be located on the two end portions 114a and 114b and a side portion 114c connecting them.

[0054] The cell housing 114 is typically formed of a laminated structure of resin layer / metal film layer / resin layer. For example, when the surface of the cell housing is formed of an O (oriented) nylon layer, it tends to slip due to external impacts when multiple battery cells 110 are stacked to form a medium or large battery module 100. Therefore, to prevent such slippage and maintain a stable stacked structure of the battery cells 110, adhesive components (e.g., adhesives such as double-sided tape or chemical adhesives that bond through a chemical reaction during bonding) can be bonded to the surface of the cell housing 114 to form a battery cell stack 120.

[0055] The connecting portion 115 may refer to the region extending longitudinally at one end of the cell housing 114 where the aforementioned sealing portions 114sa, 114sb, and 114sc are not located. A protrusion 110p, referred to as a bat-ear, of the battery cell 110 may be formed at the end portion of the connecting portion 115. Additionally, the terrace part 116 may refer to the region between the electrode leads 111 and 112, which partially protrude outside the cell housing 114, and the cell body 113 located inside the cell housing 114, based on the edge of the cell housing 114.

[0056] Furthermore, the battery cell 110, which is configured as a pouch, can have a length, width, and thickness, and the longitudinal direction, width direction, and thickness direction of the battery cell 110 can be perpendicular to each other.

[0057] Here, the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 110 can be defined according to the direction in which the electrode leads 111 and 112 protrude from the cell housing 114. For example, one electrode lead 111 may protrude from one end portion 114a of the cell housing 114 in one direction (x-axis direction), and the other electrode lead 112 may protrude from one end portion 114b of the cell housing 114 in the opposite direction (-x-axis direction). In this case, the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 110 can be defined as the x-axis direction or the -x-axis direction.

[0058] Additionally, the width direction of the battery cell 110 in this article can be as follows: Figure 4 The z-axis direction or -z-axis direction shown is from one side 114c of the battery cell 110 to the connecting portion 115 or from the connecting portion 115 to one side 114c of the battery cell 110. Additionally, the thickness direction of the battery cell 110 in this document can be defined as the y-axis direction or -y-axis direction perpendicular to the width and length directions.

[0059] Furthermore, the longitudinal direction, width direction, and thickness direction have been described above based on the axial direction shown in the accompanying drawings, but this is only for the purpose of illustration. Therefore, the thickness direction, length direction, and width direction described above may be defined differently from those shown in the accompanying drawings according to the structure of the battery cell 110.

[0060] The battery cell stack 120 can be a stack of multiple electrically connected battery cells 110 stacked along one direction. The direction in which the multiple battery cells 110 are stacked (hereinafter referred to as the "stack direction") can be as follows: Figure 2 and Figure 3 The y-axis direction shown (or it may be the -y-axis direction, and below, the expression "axial direction" can be interpreted to include all + / - directions).

[0061] Here, the stacking direction of the battery cell stack 120 can be the thickness direction of the battery cell 110. This is because the thickness of the battery cell 110 is designed to be smaller than its length and width, and its volume can be minimized when stacked along the aforementioned direction. Therefore, it should not be interpreted that the stacking direction of the battery cell stack 120 is always the same as the thickness direction of the battery cell 110, and its stacking direction can be determined according to the shape of the battery cell 110.

[0062] The battery cell stack 120 can have a shape similar to a cuboid as a whole. Each surface of the battery cell stack 120 can be defined by the stacking direction (y-axis direction).

[0063] For example, two surfaces of the battery cell stack 120 that face each other in the stacking direction can be defined as side surfaces of the battery cell stack 120. A surface of the battery cell 110 having length and width can be located on the side surface of the battery cell stack 120.

[0064] Additionally, on one surface of the battery cell stack 120, surfaces facing each other on an axis perpendicular to the stacking direction can be defined as a front / rear surface or a top / bottom surface. The front, rear, top, or bottom surface of the battery cell stack 120 can be surfaces extending along the stacking direction of the battery cell stack 120. A surface of multiple battery cells 110 can be located side-by-side on the front, rear, top, and bottom surfaces of the battery cell stack 120. Here, a surface of the side-by-side positioned battery cells 110 can be a surface parallel to the thickness direction.

[0065] The direction of the battery cell stack 120 from the front surface to the rear surface, or its rearward direction, can be defined as the longitudinal direction of the battery cell stack 120, which can be the x-axis direction. Additionally, the direction of the battery cell stack 120 from the top surface to the bottom surface, or its rearward direction, can be defined as the width direction of the battery cell stack 120, which can be the z-axis direction.

[0066] The longitudinal direction of the battery cell stack 120 can be substantially the same as the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 110. The electrode leads 111 and 112 of the battery cell 110 can be located on the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 120. For example... Figure 3As shown, when the electrode leads 111 and 112 of each battery cell 110 are arranged to be concentrated on the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 120, the busbars 510 and 520 of the battery module 100 can be designed to be positioned close to the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 120. Thus, the busbars 510 and 520 can more easily provide electrical connections between the electrode leads 111 and 112 located inside the battery module 100 and electrical components located outside the battery module 100.

[0067] The battery cell stack 120 may include a peripheral region 120a and a central region 120b defined according to their positions in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the battery cell stack 120 may include a central region 120b and a peripheral region 120a spaced apart from the central region. The central region 120b includes a central surface (or central portion) spaced equidistant from the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 120. Here, compared to the central region 120b, the peripheral region 120a may be positioned closer to the busbar frame 300, end plate 400, and busbars 510 and 520, which will be described later. Additionally, the peripheral region 120a may include the area where the electrode leads 111 and 112 are located, but this is not always the case.

[0068] The module frame 200 can be used to protect the battery cell stack 120 and the electrical components connected thereto from external physical impacts. The module frame 200 can house the battery cell stack 120 and the electrical devices connected thereto within its internal space. Here, the module frame 200 includes an inner surface 200a (see...). Figure 5 ) and outer surface 200b (see Figure 5 Furthermore, the internal space of the module frame 200 can be defined by the inner surface 200a.

[0069] The structure of the modular frame 200 can be varied. In one example, the modular frame 200 can be a single-frame structure. Here, the single frame can be a metal plate with its upper surface, lower surface, and two side surfaces integrated together. The single frame can be manufactured by extrusion molding. In another example, the modular frame 200 can be a structure combining a U-shaped frame and an upper plate. In the case of the U-shaped frame and upper plate combination structure, the structure of the modular frame 200 can be formed by attaching the upper plate to the upper side surface of the U-shaped frame, which is a metal plate with its lower surface and two side surfaces combined or integrated. Each frame or plate can be manufactured by press molding. In addition, besides a single frame or a U-shaped frame, the structure of the modular frame 200 can also be an L-shaped frame structure, and can be configured with various structures not described in the examples mentioned above.

[0070] The module frame 200 can be configured to have an opening along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell stack 120. The front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 120 may not be covered by the module frame 200. The electrode leads 111 and 112 of the battery cell 110 may also not be covered by the module frame 200. The front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 120 may be covered by the busbar frame 300, end plate 400, busbars 510 and 520, etc., which will be described later. This protects the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 120 from external physical impacts, etc.

[0071] Furthermore, the compression pad 150 may be located between one side surface of the inner surface of the battery cell stack 120 and the module frame 200. In this case, the compression pad 150 may be located on the y-axis of the battery cell stack 120 and may face at least one surface of the two battery cells 110 at both ends of the battery cell stack 120.

[0072] Additionally, although not shown in the figure, thermally conductive resin can be injected between the lower surfaces of the battery cell stack 120 and the module frame 200, and a thermally conductive resin layer (not shown) can be formed between the injected thermally conductive resin and the lower surfaces of the battery cell stack 120 and the module frame 200. In this case, the thermally conductive resin layer can be located on the z-axis of the battery cell stack 120, and the thermally conductive resin layer can be formed between the battery cell stack 120 and the bottom surface (or bottom portion) located on the -z-axis of the module frame 200.

[0073] The busbar frame 300 can be located on one surface of the battery cell stack 120 to cover one surface of the battery cell stack 120 and simultaneously guide the connection between the battery cell stack 120 and an external device. The busbar frame 300 can be located on the front or rear surface of the battery cell stack 120. At least one of the busbars 510 and 520 and the module connector can be mounted on the busbar frame 300. As a specific example, see [reference needed]. Figure 2 and Figure 3 One surface of the busbar frame 300 is connected to the front or rear surface of the battery cell stack 120, and the other surface of the busbar frame 300 can be connected to the busbars 510 and 520.

[0074] The busbar frame 300 may include an electrically insulating material. The busbar frame 300 may limit the contact between the busbars 510 and 520 and other portions of the battery cell 110 (except for the portions where they are joined to the electrode leads 111 and 112), and the busbar frame 300 may prevent electrical short circuits.

[0075] Although not shown in the figure, the busbar frame 300 can be formed as two and may include a first busbar frame located on the front surface of the battery cell stack 120 and a second busbar frame located on the rear surface of the battery cell stack 120.

[0076] End plate 400 can be used to protect the battery cell stack 120 and the electrical equipment connected thereto from external physical impacts by sealing the open surface of the module frame 200. For this purpose, end plate 400 can be made of a material with a predetermined strength. For example, end plate 400 can include a metal such as aluminum.

[0077] End plate 400 can be coupled (joined, sealed, or closed) to module frame 200, while covering busbar frame 300 or busbars 510 and 520 located on one surface of battery cell stack 120. Each edge of end plate 400 can be coupled to the corresponding edge of module frame 200 by means such as welding. Additionally, an insulating cover 800 for electrical insulation can be located between end plate 400 and busbar frame 300.

[0078] Although not shown in the figure, the end plate 400 can be formed as two, and can include a first end plate located on the front surface of the battery cell stack 120 and a second end plate located on the rear surface of the battery cell stack 120.

[0079] The first end plate can be coupled to the module frame 200 while covering the first busbar frame on the front surface of the battery cell stack 120, and the second end plate can be coupled to the module frame 200 while covering the second busbar frame. In other words, the first busbar frame can be located between the first end plate and the battery cell stack 120, and the second busbar frame can be located between the second end plate and the rear surface of the battery cell stack 120.

[0080] Busbars 510 and 520 can be mounted on one surface of the busbar frame 300 and can be used to electrically connect the battery cell stack 120 or battery cell 110 and external device circuitry. Busbars 510 and 520 are located between the battery cell stack 120 or busbar frame 300 and the end plate 400, thereby protecting them from external impacts and minimizing durability degradation due to external moisture.

[0081] Busbars 510 and 520 can be electrically connected to the battery cell stack 120 via the electrode leads 111 and 112 of the battery cell 110. Specifically, the electrode leads 111 and 112 of the battery cell 110 pass through slits formed in the busbar frame 300 and are then bent to connect to the busbars 510 and 520. The battery cells 110 constituting the battery cell stack 120 can be connected in series or in parallel via the busbars 510 and 520.

[0082] Busbars 510 and 520 may include a terminal busbar 520 for electrically connecting one battery module 100 to another battery module 100. At least a portion of the terminal busbar 520 may be exposed outside the end plate 400 for connection to another external battery module 100, and for this purpose, the end plate 400 may be provided with a terminal busbar opening 400H.

[0083] Unlike other busbars 510, terminal busbar 520 may also include an upwardly projecting protrusion, which may be exposed to the outside of battery module 100 via terminal busbar opening 400H. Terminal busbar 520 may be connected to another battery module 100 or BDU (battery disconnect unit) via the protrusion exposed through terminal busbar opening 400H, and may form a high-voltage (HV) connection with them.

[0084] Furthermore, as described above, fires may occur inside the battery module 100 where battery cells 110 are stacked at a high density. When a fire occurs in one battery module 100, the heat, gases, flames, etc., of the battery module 100 are transferred to adjacent battery modules 100, thereby causing continuous fires between battery modules 100. Therefore, the problem is that the durability and stability of the battery module 100 or the battery pack including the battery module are reduced.

[0085] Therefore, the following will describe the emission section 210, which can solve the above-mentioned fire phenomenon and thus improve the durability and stability of the battery module 100.

[0086] Figure 5 It is intercepted along line AA. Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of the battery module. Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the direction in which heat, gas, flame, etc. generated in the internal space of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are discharged through the exhaust section. Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of the discharge section of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0087] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the module frame 200 may include an exhaust portion 210 that penetrates the inner surface 200a and the outer surface 200b of the module frame 200.

[0088] The discharge section 210 can be used to connect the interior of the battery module 100, which is sealed by the module frame 200, end plate 400, etc., to the outside of the battery module 100. The discharge section 210 can be used to discharge heat, gas, flames, etc. generated when a fire occurs inside the battery module 100 to the outside of the battery module 100.

[0089] The discharge section 210 may have a hole-like structure communicating with an inlet 210a formed on the inner surface 200a of the module frame 200 and an outlet 210b formed on the outer surface 200b. The inlet 210a, the outlet 210b, and the side surface 210c extending between the inlet 210a and the outlet 210b of the discharge section 210 may be defined by the hole structure (shape) of the discharge section 210. Figure 5 In order to illustrate the shapes of the inlet 210a, outlet 210b and side surface 210c, the shape of the hole possessed by the discharge section 210 is shown by dashed lines.

[0090] Furthermore, the orifice of the discharge section 210 can have a cylindrical shape, but it can also have a shape such as Figure 5 The deformed cylindrical shape is shown. Here, a deformed cylindrical shape can mean that at least a portion of the circumferential surface is deformed in a convex or concave shape in the radial direction, because the size and shape of the radial section are not constant. In a conventional cylindrical shape, the axial section can have an angular shape, but in a deformed cylindrical shape, the axial section can have a circular shape.

[0091] In a specific example, the discharge section 210 may have a shape in which its radial cross-section (or diameter) increases toward the end of the terminal in the axial direction, like the neck of a gourd-shaped bottle. Figure 5 and Figure 6 (b) and Figure 6 As shown in (c), the end region of the discharge section 210 can extend radially outward. The end region of the discharge section 210 can have an inverted conical shape. Here, the end region of the discharge section 210 can refer to the region located at the end portion of the shaft of the discharge section 210, and the central region of the discharge section 210 can refer to the region located between the two end regions.

[0092] When the two end regions of the discharge section 210 have an inverted conical shape, the internal gas of the battery module 100 can be rapidly moved to the outside of the battery module 100 through the discharge section 210. Specifically, the volume per unit length of the central region located between the two end regions is smaller than that of the relative end regions. Gases can enter the central region via one end region near the inlet 210a. As the volume decreases, the pressure can increase, allowing rapid movement to the other end region near the outlet 210b (which is a relatively low pressure environment). In this way, the gas inside the battery module 100 can be rapidly discharged to the outside.

[0093] Furthermore, in the aforementioned figures, the two end regions of the discharge section 210 are shown as having an inverted conical shape, but only one of the two end regions of the discharge section 210 may have an inverted conical shape. Even if only one of the two end regions of the discharge section 210 has an inverted conical shape, it can still promote gas outflow compared to a conventional cylindrical shape, making it as... Figure 6 (b) and Figure 6 The gas emission effect of the emission unit 210 shown in (c) can be greater than that shown in (c). Figure 6 The gas emission effect of the emission section 210 shown in (a).

[0094] Furthermore, when the orifice of the discharge section 210 has such Figure 6 When the battery module 100 is in the cylindrical shape shown in (a), during the process of venting heat, gas, flames, etc. from inside the battery module 100 to the outside, the internal gas may collide with the edge portion 212 between the hole of the venting section 210 and the module frame 200, and the gas after the collision may re-enter the battery module 100, thereby causing damage to the ventilation function of the venting section 210. Here, the edge portion 212 means a region including the boundary between the venting section 210 and the module frame 200 or a region extending from the hole structure of the venting section 210 to the module frame 200.

[0095] Furthermore, when such Figure 6 (b) and Figure 6 When the orifice of the discharge section 210 is provided as shown in (c), the side surface 210c of the discharge section 210, which is included in the edge section 212, may be curved as the end region of the discharge section 210 expands outward. In the axial section of the discharge section 210, the side surface 210c of the discharge section 210, which is included in the edge section 212, may have a circular shape. Internal gases that collide with the edge section 212 may be drawn toward the outlet 210b along the direction guided by the circular shape of the edge section 212.

[0096] In this way, since the emission path of the gas, etc., is formed according to the shape of the edge portion 212 near the inlet 210a, the effect of the emission portion 210 can vary based on the angle (hereinafter referred to as the "diffraction angle") formed by the edge portion 212 and the inlet 210a according to the axial cross section of the emission portion 210. It can be explained that... Figure 6 The diffraction angle of (b) is greater than Figure 6 The diffraction angle of (a), and Figure 6 The diffraction angle of (c) is greater than Figure 6The diffraction angle (b) can be calculated based on the tangent at a point on the edge 212. A larger diffraction angle can improve the ventilation function of the discharge section 210, but the ventilation function can also depend on the size of the circular shape of the edge 212 and the diameter of the central region of the discharge hole 211. Therefore, a larger diffraction angle does not necessarily improve the ventilation function of the discharge section 210.

[0097] The discharge portion 210 may be formed on at least one surface of the module frame 200. Here, the module frame 200 may be in a state where two surface openings face each other along the x-axis (the x-axis is the longitudinal direction of the battery cell stack 120). The module frame 200 may have two surfaces facing each other along the y-axis (hereinafter referred to as "surfaces on the y-axis") and two surfaces facing each other along the z-axis (hereinafter referred to as "surfaces on the z-axis").

[0098] Here, a surface on the y-axis of the module frame 200 may face a side surface of the battery cell stack 120. A surface on the y-axis of the module frame 200 may be a surface extending along the width or length direction of the battery cell stack 120. A surface on the y-axis of the module frame 200 may face a surface of a battery cell 110. For ease of explanation, a surface on the y-axis of the module frame 200 may be referred to as a side surface of the module frame 200.

[0099] Additionally, here, a surface of the module frame 200 along the z-axis may face the upper or lower surface of the battery cell stack 120. A surface of the module frame 200 along the z-axis may extend along the stacking direction or longitudinal direction of the battery cell stack 120. A surface of the module frame 200 along the z-axis may face a surface of each of a plurality of battery cell stacks 120 arranged side-by-side in one direction. For ease of explanation, a surface of the module frame 200 along the z-axis may be referred to as the upper surface or the lower surface (bottom surface or bottom portion).

[0100] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the discharge section 210 can preferably be formed on a surface of the module frame 200 along the z-axis. This is because when the discharge section 210 is located on a surface of the module frame 200 along the z-axis, the inlet 210a of the discharge section 210 can be closer to the plurality of battery cells 110 of the battery cell stack 120 compared to when it is located on a surface along the y-axis, allowing heat, gas, or flame emitted from the plurality of battery cells 110 to be quickly discharged to the outside. In this way, the position of the discharge section 210 on the module frame 200 can be determined based on the position of a surface of the battery cell stack 120 in which the plurality of battery cells 110 are arranged side by side.

[0101] Furthermore, the position of the discharge section 210 on the module frame 200 can be determined based on the arrangement of the battery modules 100 within the battery pack. For example, multiple battery modules 100 can be arranged along the y-axis or x-axis within the battery pack, but not necessarily along the z-axis. In this case, as... Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, when the discharge section 210 is formed on a surface on the z-axis of the module frame 200, other adjacent battery modules 100 are not located on the discharge path extending from the inlet 210a to the outlet 210b of the discharge section 210, thereby minimizing the impact of emitted heat, gas, or flame on other battery modules 100. Furthermore, when the -z-axis surface is a mounting surface connected to the battery pack, the discharge section 210 can be formed on the +z-axis.

[0102] The discharge section 210 can be integrally formed on one surface of the module frame 200, or it can be formed on a portion of one surface of the module frame 200. When the discharge section 210 is formed on a portion of one surface of the module frame 200, it is preferably located at the periphery of the module frame 200. Specifically, when high-temperature gas or flame is generated from the battery cell 110, the high-temperature gas or flame can be transmitted to adjacent battery modules 100 through the terminal busbar opening 400H, etc., causing performance degradation in adjacent battery modules 100. Furthermore, if the flame is directly discharged, it can also be transmitted to adjacent battery modules, potentially causing a chain reaction of fires and explosions. Therefore, when the discharge section 210 is formed in the periphery of the module frame 200 near the busbar frame 300, end plate 400, and busbars 510 and 520, the fire phenomenon in the battery module 100 can be prevented by the discharge section 210, minimizing heat, gas, or flame on other battery modules 100. Additionally, the discharge section 210 can be located in the longitudinal direction at a position corresponding to the peripheral region of the electrode leads 111 and 112 included in the battery cell stack 120. In this case, heat, gas, or flame generated in the peripheral region of the electrode leads 111 and 112 can be more effectively discharged through the discharge section 210. Here, the peripheral region of the electrode leads 111 and 112 can refer to the area surrounding the electrode leads 111 and 112 and spaced apart from the electrode leads 111 and 112 by a predetermined distance or less.

[0103] At this point, the peripheral portion of the module frame 200 refers to the portion of the battery module 100 connected to the whole within the module frame 200 that corresponds to the peripheral region 120a of the battery cell stack 120. Here, the peripheral region 120a of the battery cell stack 120 may include, but is not necessarily, the peripheral regions of the electrode leads 111 and 112. Additionally, the central portion of the module frame 200 in this document may refer to the portion of the module frame 200 that corresponds to the central region 120b of the battery cell stack 120.

[0104] Furthermore, in the above Figures 2 to 6 The diagram shows four exhaust sections 210, but this is not always the case, and the number of exhaust sections 210 can vary. For example, as shown... Figure 7 (a) and Figure 7 As shown in (b), the number of emission sections 210 can be 1 ( Figure 7 The location of the emission section 210 is illustrated as area B. In another example, as described above... Figures 2 to 6 , Figure 7 (c) and Figure 7 As shown in (d), the number of emission sections 210 can be 2 or more.

[0105] When there are multiple discharge sections 210, they can be arranged in multiple rows or columns. In a specific example, the discharge sections 210 can be arranged to form a shape such as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The line shown. In another specific example, such as Figure 7 (c) and Figure 7 As shown in (d), the discharge sections 210 can be arranged to form two or more rows. In this case, each row can extend along the stacking direction. The discharge sections 210 arranged in multiple rows or columns can be set at a certain distance, and in order to effectively discharge the gas inside the battery module 100, it is preferable that the intervals between the corresponding discharge sections 210 are equal.

[0106] At this time, the arrangement direction of the multiple rows can be along the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the battery cell stack 120. Alternatively, the arrangement direction of the multiple columns can be along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the battery cell stack 120 (y-axis direction or z-axis direction). This can be determined differently depending on a surface of the module frame 200 on which the discharge portion 210 is located. For example, when the discharge portion 210 is formed on a surface on the z-axis of the module frame 200, the arrangement direction of the multiple columns can be the stacking direction of the battery cell stack 120 (y-axis direction).

[0107] The shape of the inlet 210a or outlet 210b of the discharge section 210 can be configured in various ways. In one example, the shape of the inlet 210a or outlet 210b can be configured to include features such as Figure 7 The curve of curvature shown in (a). Additionally, the shape of the inlet 210a or outlet 210b can be set to a circular or elliptical shape. In another example, as... Figure 7 As shown in (b), the shape of inlet 210a or outlet 210b can be set as a polygon with vertices. However, when the aforementioned edge portion 212 has a circular shape, each of the polygon vertices may not have a pointed shape. The shape of inlet 210a or outlet 210b may be set differently from the above, and its shape will not be limited by the illustrated figure.

[0108] Here, the shape of the inlet 210a or outlet 210b formed on the upper surface of the z-axis of the module frame 200 can have a length on the y-axis that is longer than the length on the x-axis, but this is not always the case.

[0109] On the other hand, the gas inside the battery module 100 can be discharged to the outside through the discharge section 210 in a direction from the inlet 210a to the outlet 210b. By changing the positions of the inlet 210a and the outlet 210b of the discharge section 210, the direction of the heat, gas or flame discharged from the discharge section 210 can be adjusted.

[0110] When the inlet 210a and outlet 210b on the z-axis are located at different positions in the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) or the stacking direction (y-axis direction), the emission direction of gases, etc., is designed to be different from the direction of Earth's gravity, so that the phenomenon of foreign objects from the outside of the battery module 100 entering the interior of the battery module 100 along the direction of gravity can be minimized. In addition, since the emission direction can form an angle with the direction from the battery cell stack 120 toward the hole inlet 211a, the direction of high-temperature heat, gas, and flame flowing in from the battery cell stack 120 can be switched, and the length of the emission path can be increased, so that the gases, etc., emitted through the outlet 210b can have a lower temperature.

[0111] Furthermore, the inlet 210a and outlet 210b are configured such that the discharge direction of the discharge section 210 forms an angle with the positioning direction of the surface of the module frame 200 on which the discharge section 210 is formed. This is to minimize the impact on adjacent battery modules 100 in the battery pack. Specifically, multiple battery modules 100 can be arranged in the battery pack along the x-axis direction, wherein, for various reasons such as design, the discharge section 210 can be formed on a surface of the module frame 200 that is positioned on the x-axis. When the discharge section 210 is positioned on the x-axis, it is easy to affect other adjacent battery modules 100, and therefore, it may be desirable to make the discharge path of the discharge section 210 form an angle with the x-axis, more specifically, to form the discharge path of the discharge section 210 in a direction in which adjacent battery modules 100 are not located.

[0112] Here, since it is preferable that the heat, gas or flame emitted from the discharge section 210 diffuses more quickly to the outside of the battery module 100, the size of the outlet 210b can be larger than the size of the inlet 210a.

[0113] Furthermore, when multiple discharge sections 210 are provided, the discharge directions of the corresponding discharge sections 210 may be the same, but they can be designed to be different depending on the implementation. When the discharge directions of the corresponding discharge sections 210 are formed differently, the gas discharged from the discharge section 210 can diffuse in various directions into a wider space outside the battery module 100. As a result, the gas can be discharged from the battery module 100 quickly, and the effect of preventing the battery module 100 from generating heat can be achieved.

[0114] On the other hand, when the module frame 200 is provided with a discharge section 210 for connecting the interior and exterior, dust, impurities, etc. from outside the module frame 200 can enter the module frame 200 through the perforated structure of the discharge section 210. Furthermore, in the event of a fire within the module frame 200, external ignition may be promoted by supplying external oxygen along the discharge section 210. Therefore, it is preferable that the discharge section 210 is provided with a cover to prevent foreign matter from flowing in through the perforations of the discharge section 210.

[0115] Therefore, a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, including the aforementioned cover, will now be described. The battery module described below may include each component of the battery module according to one embodiment described above, and is indicated by the same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings described below. Therefore, among the components of the battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, reference can be made to the above description for use with… Figures 1 to 7 The reference numerals are the same as those used for the parts indicated by the reference numerals; therefore, detailed descriptions will be omitted to avoid redundant explanations.

[0116] Figure 8This is a perspective view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 It is used for explanation Figure 8 The diagram of the cover. Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a cover for a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0117] Reference Figure 8 According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery module 100 may include a battery cell stack 120, a module frame 200, a busbar frame 300, an end plate 400, and busbars 510 and 520. According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery module 100 may include a discharge section 210 and a cover 220 disposed on the discharge section 210, wherein high-temperature gases generated inside the battery module 100 are rapidly discharged to the outside through the discharge section 210 and the cover 220, and foreign objects from the outside are prevented from entering the battery module 100. According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the discharge section 210 and the cover 220 can minimize temperature rise in the battery module 100 and compensate for the disadvantages caused by the porous structure of the discharge section 210, thereby improving the durability and long-term safety of the battery module 100.

[0118] The cover 220 can be configured as a membrane for covering the openings of the discharge section 210. The cover 220 can be configured as a plate extending from one edge to the other. The cover 220 can be arranged to cover the inlet 210a or the outlet 210b, thereby covering the openings of the discharge section 210.

[0119] Covers 220 can be provided in pairs, and a pair of covers 220a and 220b can be arranged symmetrically on the radial section of the discharge portion 210. In this case, one cover 220a and the other cover 220b can be positioned at a certain distance from each other. Alternatively, although not shown in the figure, one cover 220a and the other cover 220b can be positioned close to each other so that they are adjacent on one edge. Although covers 220 can be provided individually, it is easier to open the discharge portion 210 with covers 220 provided in pairs.

[0120] One end of the cover 220 can be connected to the module frame 200 or the edge portion 212, wherein the portion of the cover 220 connected to the module frame 200 or the edge portion 212 can be referred to as the connecting portion 221. The connecting portion 221 of the cover 220 can be fixed to the inner surface 200a of the module frame 200 or to the portion of the edge portion 212 adjacent to the inner surface 200a. Here, the connecting portion 221 of the cover 220 can be positioned along the edge of the inlet 210a, or it can be located outside the edge of the inlet 210a.

[0121] The other end of the cover 220 may not be connected to the module frame 200 or the edge portion 212. The portion of the cover 220 not connected to other components of the battery module 100 may be referred to as the deformable portion 222. The deformable portion 222 of the cover 220 can deform under external force, and for this purpose, the cover 220 may be made of a flexible material. The cover 220 may be made of a bendable metallic material. For example, the cover 220 may be made of aluminum.

[0122] Reference Figure 9 The cover 220 can open or close the opening of the discharge section 210. When... Figure 9 As shown in (a), when no fire occurs in the battery module 100, the cover 220 can close the opening of the vent 210, thereby preventing external impurities and oxygen from entering the interior of the battery module 100. Additionally, when the internal pressure of the cover 220 increases due to effluent generated during an internal fire in the battery module 100, the opening of the vent 210 can be closed as shown in (a). Figure 9 The opening shown in (b) allows the effluent to be discharged to the outside. Here, the effluent can be internal heat, gas, flame, or combustion emissions resulting therefrom.

[0123] As described above, the end region of the discharge section 210 where the edge portion 212 is formed can have an inverted conical shape. When the discharge section 210 is as described above... Figure 5 , Figure 6 (b) Figure 6 (c) or Figure 9 When formed as shown, the deformable portion 222 of the cover 220 can be bent along the shape of the edge portion 212 to open the hole of the discharge portion 210. By bending the deformable portion 222 along the edge portion 212, the gas entering the inlet 210a can move more easily to the outlet 210b.

[0124] The inlet 210a of the discharge section 210, which is provided with a cover 220, may include a curve, such as Figure 8 As shown in the figure. At this time, when the connecting portion 221 of the cover 220 is formed in the curved region of the inlet 210a, the cover 220 may have difficulty moving along the curve as shown in the figure. Figure 9 The shape of the edge shown is distorted. Therefore, as... Figure 10 As shown in (a), the connecting portion 221 of the cover 220 can be positioned along the straight portion of the inlet 210a. Additionally, the cover 220 may include cut lines to facilitate deformation. Figure 10(b) shows a case where the cover 220, including the cut lines, is completely separated by the cut lines, and each of the separated covers 220 is connected to the module frame 200 via a separate connector 221. However, since the covers 220 are not necessarily separated by a single cut line, multiple cut lines can be provided on a single cover 220. Furthermore, since the covers 220 do not necessarily have to cover most of the inlet 210a, the covers 220 can also be positioned only along the straight portion of the inlet 210a, such as... Figure 10 As shown in (c).

[0125] and Figure 8 Unlike the inlet shown, the inlet 210a of the discharge section 210, which is equipped with a cover 220, may not include a curve. Specifically, as shown... Figure 10 As shown in (d), the inlet 210a can be set to a polygonal shape. In this case, the cover 220 can be as follows: Figure 10 As shown in (d), they are set as a pair, but can be as follows: Figure 10 (e) and Figure 10 As shown in (f), the holes are arranged in two or more pairs. By changing the position of the connecting part 221, the opening mode of the discharge part 210 can be changed. Furthermore, in the above... Figure 10 In the diagram, the connecting portion 221 is shown positioned along the edge of the inlet 210a, but this is only for illustrative purposes. Therefore, it is obvious that the connecting portion 221 may be located outside the edge of the inlet 210a.

[0126] On the other hand, the aforementioned battery module 100 can be included in a battery pack. The battery pack includes one or more battery modules according to this embodiment and may have a structure in which a battery management system (BMS) and a cooling device for controlling and managing the temperature, voltage, etc. of the battery are packaged together.

[0127] Within the battery pack, battery modules 100 can be arranged in multiple rows or columns. For example, battery modules 100 can be positioned facing end plates 400 of other battery modules 100. Referring to the position of the end plate 400 in the above figures, it can be understood that at least two battery modules 100 are arranged along the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction). In another example, in addition to a different x-axis, battery modules 100 can be arranged along the y-axis or z-axis. The stacking direction of the battery modules 100 within the battery pack can vary depending on the volume and shape of the battery pack or the internal structure of the device mounting the battery pack. Therefore, the stacking direction of the battery modules 100 can differ from the examples described above.

[0128] At this point, to prevent continuous ignition between battery modules 100 in the battery pack, the location and discharge direction of the discharge section 210 can be determined. Specifically, the location and discharge direction of the discharge section 210 included in one battery module 100 can be designed to be in a direction that does not face another adjacent battery module 100. More detailed information related to this can be described with reference to the above description.

[0129] Battery modules and battery packs including such battery modules can be applied to various devices. Such devices can be applied to vehicle devices such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, or hybrid vehicles, but this disclosure is not limited thereto and applies to various devices that can use battery modules and battery packs including such battery modules, which also fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0130] Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described above, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and those skilled in the art can design numerous changes and modifications using the principles of the invention as defined in the appended claims, which also fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0131] 100: Battery Module

[0132] 110: Battery Cells

[0133] 120: Battery cell stacking

[0134] 200: Module Framework

[0135] 210: Emissions Department

[0136] 210a: Imported

[0137] 210b: Export

[0138] 210c: Side surface

[0139] 212: Edge

[0140] 220: Cover part

[0141] 221: Connecting part

[0142] 222: Deformation section

[0143] 300: Busbar Frame

[0144] 400: End plate

[0145] 510: Busbar

[0146] 520: Terminal busbar

Claims

1. A battery module, the battery module comprising: Battery cell stack, wherein multiple battery cells are stacked in one direction; A module frame that accommodates the stack of battery cells and has an inner surface and an outer surface; as well as An end plate, which is connected to the module frame and covers the front or rear surface of the battery cell stack. The module frame has at least one perforated discharge portion, which defines an inlet formed on the inner surface and an outlet formed on the outer surface. The discharge section, including the inlet and the outlet, has two end regions with an inverted cone shape, and Among them, the central region located between the two end regions has a smaller volume per unit length along the axial direction compared to the two end regions.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: Based on the axial section of the discharge section, the side surface of the discharge section extending between the inlet and the outlet has a circular shape, and The effluent flowing in through the inlet moves along the circular shape to the outlet.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The discharge section is provided with a cover for opening and closing the opening of the discharge section.

4. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein: The cover is located at the portion corresponding to the inlet of the discharge section.

5. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein: The covers are arranged in pairs.

6. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein: The cover is plate-shaped, and one edge of the cover is fixed to the module frame.

7. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein: Based on the axial section of the discharge section, the side surface of the discharge section extending between the inlet and the outlet has a circular shape, and According to the internal pressure of the battery module, the cover bends along the circular side surface of the discharge section.

8. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein: The cover comprises aluminum.

9. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: When the direction in which the plurality of battery cells are stacked is defined as the stacking direction, the discharge portion is formed on a surface of the module frame that extends along the stacking direction.

10. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: When the direction from the front surface to the rear surface of the battery cell stack is defined as the longitudinal direction... Compared to the central portion of the battery cell stack, the discharge portion is located closer in the longitudinal direction to the front or rear surface of the battery cell stack, and the central portion of the battery cell stack is equidistant from the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack in the longitudinal direction.

11. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The battery cell includes an electrode lead protruding from one end portion of the battery cell, and the electrode lead is located on the front or rear surface of the battery cell stack.

12. A battery pack comprising at least one battery module according to any one of claims 1-11.

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