Battery module and battery pack including same

Abstract

The present disclosure includes a battery module and a battery pack including the same. A battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a first submodule and a second submodule each including a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, and a bus bar assembly including a bus bar electrically connected to the battery cell stack and a bus bar frame covering the battery cell stack on at least one side; a battery module frame in which the first sub-module and the second sub-module are accommodated; and a flame prevention member between the first sub-module and the second sub-module, in which one end of the first sub-module and the other end of the second sub-module are electrically connected to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0076754, filed on June 15, 2023, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a battery module and a battery pack including the same, and more particularly, to a battery module with improved cooling performance deviation and safety inside the battery module and a battery pack including the same. Background Art

[0004] As the technology of mobile devices develops and the demand for them increases, the demand for secondary batteries as energy sources has rapidly increased. Accordingly, a lot of research has been conducted on secondary batteries that can meet various demands.

[0005] Secondary batteries have attracted widespread attention as energy sources for power-driven devices such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrid electric vehicles, and for mobile devices such as mobile phones, digital cameras, and laptop computers.

[0006] Recently, as demand for large-capacity secondary battery structures (including utilizing secondary batteries as energy storage sources) continues to increase, demand for battery packs with medium or large module structures as components of battery modules in which multiple secondary batteries are connected in series / parallel continues to increase.

[0007] On the other hand, when a plurality of battery cells are connected in series or in parallel to form a battery pack, generally, a battery module composed of at least one battery cell is first configured, and then the battery pack is formed by using the at least one battery module and adding other elements.

[0008] Since the battery cells that make up such medium or large battery modules are composed of secondary batteries that can be charged and discharged, such high-output, large-capacity secondary batteries generate a large amount of heat during the charging and discharging process. In this case, the heat generated from multiple battery cells may accumulate in a narrow space, so that the temperature may rise faster and excessively. In other words, a battery module in which multiple battery cells are stacked and a battery pack equipped with these battery modules can obtain high output, but it is not easy to remove the heat generated from the battery cells during charging and discharging. When the heat dissipation of the battery cells is not performed correctly, the degradation of the battery cells is accelerated, the service life is shortened, and the possibility of explosion or fire increases.

[0009] Furthermore, when battery modules are included in a vehicle battery pack, they are frequently exposed to direct sunlight and may be placed in high-temperature conditions, such as during summer or in desert areas. Furthermore, since multiple battery modules are centrally arranged to increase vehicle range, flames or heat generated in any one battery module can easily spread to adjacent battery modules, potentially leading to fire or explosion of the battery pack itself.

[0010] Therefore, to overcome the above problems, at least two submodules can be electrically connected to form a long module, and a coolant such as insulating oil can be injected into the long module to directly cool the battery cells. Here, a submodule is a module with a busbar assembly mounted on a battery cell stack, and can refer to the components of a conventional battery module other than the battery module frame.

[0011] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a long module as a conventional battery module.

[0012] Reference Figure 1 A long module 10 as a conventional battery module includes a first submodule 1 and a second submodule 2 .

[0013] Specifically, the coolant flows into the long module 10 via the inlet 3, passes through the first submodule 1 and the second submodule 2 in sequence, and is discharged to the outside via the outlet 4, thereby cooling the long module 10. In this case, the total length of the long module 10 is longer than that of a typical conventional battery module, and the coolant preferentially cools the first submodule 1 and then the second submodule 2, which may cause a temperature difference between the first submodule 1 and the second submodule 2.

[0014] In addition, the coolant moving inside the long module 10 moves as a whole via one flow path. Therefore, when a flame occurs in the first submodule 1, the flame may spread to the adjacent second submodule 2 through the coolant, which increases the possibility of battery explosion and reduces the safety of the battery. Summary of the Invention

[0015] Technical issues

[0016] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a battery module having improved cooling performance deviation and safety, and a battery pack including the same.

[0017] However, the 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.

[0018] Technical Solution

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a battery module including: a first submodule and a second submodule, each of the first submodule and the second submodule including a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a battery module frame in which the first submodule and the second submodule are accommodated; and a flame prevention member located between the first submodule and the second submodule, wherein one end of the first submodule and the other end of the second submodule are electrically connected to each other.

[0020] The flame prevention member may include a first flame prevention member disposed in contact with a lower surface of the battery module frame and a second flame prevention member disposed in contact with an upper surface of the battery module frame.

[0021] The first flame prevention member and the second flame prevention member may be combined and disposed in a state of being engaged with each other.

[0022] The first flame prevention member may include a first plate in contact with the lower surface of the battery module frame and a first insulating member arranged to cover the outer peripheral surface of the first plate, and the second flame prevention member may include a second plate in contact with the upper surface of the battery module frame and a second insulating member arranged to cover the outer peripheral surface of the second plate.

[0023] The first insulating member may include: a first recess, which is an area on a surface of the first insulating member that is recessed; and a first protrusion, which is an area on the first insulating member that protrudes compared to the first recess, and the second insulating member may include: a second recess, which is an area on a surface of the second insulating member that is recessed; and a second protrusion, which is an area on the second insulating member that protrudes compared to the second recess.

[0024] The first region where the first recess and the first protrusion are located may be inserted into and disposed in the second region where the second recess and the second protrusion are located.

[0025] The first protrusion may be disposed in contact with the second protrusion and the second recess.

[0026] The first recess may be provided to maintain a prescribed distance from the second protrusion and the second recess.

[0027] A movement path through which the coolant moves is formed between the first recess, the second protrusion, and the second recess.

[0028] The movement path may correspond to the shape of the first recess.

[0029] The first plate may include a first support plate configured to contact the lower surface of the battery module frame and a first preventing plate protruding toward a surface perpendicular to the first support plate, the first preventing plate may include one end in contact with the first support plate and the other end extending from the one end, and the first recess and the first protrusion may be provided in an area closer to the other end of the first preventing plate than the one end of the first preventing plate.

[0030] The second plate may include a second support plate configured to contact the upper surface of the battery module frame and a second preventing plate protruding toward a surface perpendicular to the second support plate, the second preventing plate may include one end in contact with the second support plate and the other end extending from the one end, and the second recess and the second protrusion may be provided in a second area, which is an area closer to the other end of the second preventing plate than the one end of the second preventing plate.

[0031] A plurality of first recesses may be formed at intervals with the first protrusion interposed therebetween.

[0032] The first recess and the first protrusion have a protruding structure, wherein the first protrusion can function as a bump.

[0033] The second recess is located between the two second protrusions, and the second protrusion extends in a direction away from the second recess, and the thickness of the second insulating member can be reduced.

[0034] The first recess may include a region where the first plate is partially exposed.

[0035] The first and second submodules may further include a bus bar assembly including a bus bar electrically connected to the battery cell stack and a bus bar frame covering the battery cell stack on at least one side.

[0036] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery pack including the above-mentioned battery module is provided.

[0037] Beneficial effects

[0038] According to the embodiment, cooling performance deviation of the battery may be improved and safety may be enhanced.

[0039] The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other additional effects not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a long module as a conventional battery module.

[0041] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Exploded perspective view of the battery pack.

[0043] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of the battery module.

[0045] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 7 Is not included Figure 5 A three-dimensional view of a battery module with a battery module frame.

[0047] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a movement path of current in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of a submodule according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a flame prevention member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a first flame prevention member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Figure 12 It shows Figure 11 FIG. 10 is a diagram of part A1 of FIG. 10 .

[0052] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a second flame prevention member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 14 It is along Figure 10 A cross-sectional view taken along line BB'. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] 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 these embodiments. The present disclosure can be modified in various ways and is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0055] Parts irrelevant to the description will be omitted to clearly describe the present disclosure, and the same reference numerals denote the same elements throughout the specification.

[0056] In addition, in the drawings, the size and thickness of each element are arbitrarily shown for the sake of convenience of description, and the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to the sizes and thicknesses shown in the drawings. In the drawings, the thicknesses of layers, regions, etc. are exaggerated for the sake of clarity. In the drawings, the thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated for the sake of convenience of description.

[0057] 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. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, this means that no other intervening elements are present. Furthermore, the terms "on" or "over" refer to being disposed above or below a reference portion, and do not necessarily mean being disposed on the upper end of the reference portion in a direction opposite to gravity.

[0058] Furthermore, throughout the specification, when a part is referred to as “comprising” a certain component, it means that the part may further include other components, and does not exclude other components, unless otherwise stated.

[0059] In addition, throughout the specification, when referred to as a "plane", this refers to the situation when the target part is viewed from the upper side, and when referred to as a "section", this refers to the situation when the target part is viewed from one side of the section cut vertically.

[0060] In this document, the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used to describe various components, but these components are not limited by the terms. These terms may only be used to distinguish one component from another.

[0061] In addition, in the present application, the upper portion and the lower portion may be defined as referring to the z-axis direction and the -z-axis direction, the side surface may be defined as referring to the y-axis direction and the -y-axis direction, and the front surface and the rear surface may be defined as referring to the x-axis direction and the -x-axis direction, respectively. However, for the sake of convenience, these names are arbitrarily defined within the specification, and the scope of the rights is not limited to these names and directions.

[0062] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Exploded perspective view of the battery pack.

[0063] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3The battery pack 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a lower battery pack frame 1100 on which a plurality of battery modules 100 are mounted, an upper battery pack frame 1200 located above the battery modules 100, and at least one vent 2000 provided on a side surface of the lower battery pack frame 1100. Here, the lower battery pack frame 1100 and the upper battery pack frame 1200 may be joined to each other by a method such as welding to seal the interior of the battery pack 1000.

[0064] The battery module 100 may include a battery cell stack 120, in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked along a predetermined direction, and a battery module frame 200. The battery module frame 200 may be a single frame in the shape of a metal plate, with the upper and lower surfaces (in the z-axis and -z-axis directions) and two side surfaces (in the y-axis and -y-axis directions) being integrated. The battery cell stack 120 may be mounted within the battery module frame 200 to form the battery module 100.

[0065] The lower battery pack frame 1100 includes a side battery pack frame 1150 and at least two inner beams 1110 formed on the bottom surface of the lower battery pack frame 1100. Here, the bottom surface of the lower battery pack frame 1100 and the at least two inner beams 1110, as well as the bottom surface of the lower battery pack frame 1100 and the side battery pack frames 1150 may be joined to each other by, for example, welding.

[0066] Multiple battery modules 100 can be mounted in areas separated from each other by side pack frames 1150 and at least two internal beams 1110. In other words, multiple battery modules 100 can be arranged in areas between side pack frames 1150 and internal beams 1110, and in areas between adjacent internal beams 1110. More specifically, in battery pack 1000, battery modules 100 can be arranged between a pair of adjacent internal beams 1110 among the plurality of internal beams 1110 and the side pack frames 1150.

[0067] Therefore, the plurality of battery modules 100 are surrounded by at least two inner beams 1110 and the side pack frames 1150 , so that each battery module 100 can be protected from external impact.

[0068] The side battery pack frames 1150 may be arranged at the edges of the bottom surface of the lower battery pack frame 1100 and may extend from the bottom surface of the lower battery pack frame 1100 to the upper portion (in the z-axis direction). More specifically, the side battery pack frames 1150 may extend from each edge of the bottom surface of the lower battery pack frame 1100 toward the upper portion. Here, the upper ends of the side battery pack frames 1150 may contact the upper battery pack frame 1200. At this time, the upper ends of the side battery pack frames 1150 and the upper battery pack frame 1200 may be joined to each other by, for example, welding, thereby sealing the interior of the battery pack 1000.

[0069] The plurality of inner beams 1110 may be spaced apart from each other. Here, the spacing distance between the adjacent inner beams 1110 may be equal to or greater than the size of the battery module 100.

[0070] In addition, the end portion of the inner beam 1110 may be in contact with the inner surface 1151 of the side battery pack frame 1150. More specifically, both ends of the inner beam 1110 may be in contact with the inner surface 1151 of the side battery pack frame 1150, respectively.

[0071] Next, the battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0072] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of the battery module.

[0073] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be a module in which conventional general battery modules are electrically connected to form one battery module 100. Specifically, the battery module 100 of this embodiment may be a module in which one end and the other end of each battery cell stack constituting two conventional battery modules are electrically connected.

[0074] The battery module 100 includes: a battery cell stack 120 in which a plurality of battery cells 110 are stacked; a battery module frame 200 that accommodates the battery cell stack 120; a bus bar assembly 300 located on the front surface and / or rear surface of the battery cell stack 120; a sealing assembly 400 covering the front surface and / or rear surface of the bus bar assembly 300; and an end plate 500 covering the front surface and / or rear surface of the sealing assembly 400.

[0075] First, the battery cell 110 may be a pouch-type battery cell. This type of pouch-type battery cell can be formed by housing the electrode assembly in a pouch case made of a laminate including a resin layer and a metal layer, and then heat-sealing the sealing portion of the pouch case. In this case, the battery cell 110 may be formed into a rectangular sheet-like structure.

[0076] Such a battery cell 110 may be configured in plurality, and the plurality of battery cells 110 may be stacked to be electrically connected to each other, thereby forming a battery cell stack 120. Specifically, the plurality of battery cells 110 may be stacked along a direction parallel to the y-axis, such as Figure 5 shown.

[0077] The battery module frame 200 may be intended to protect the battery cell stack 120 and electrical components connected thereto from external physical impacts. The battery module frame 200 may accommodate the battery cell stack 120 and electrical components connected thereto in an inner space of the battery module frame 200.

[0078] The structure of the battery module frame 200 can have various shapes. According to this figure, the structure of the battery module frame 200 can be a single frame structure. The single frame can be manufactured by extrusion molding.

[0079] However, the structure of the battery module frame 200 is not limited thereto, and in another example, the battery module frame 200 may have a structure in which a U-shaped frame is combined with an upper plate. In this case, the U-shaped frame may be formed so that the lower surface and both side surfaces of the battery module frame 200 are combined and integrated. In this case, each frame or plate constituting the U-shaped frame may be manufactured by press molding. In addition, in addition to the U-shaped frame, the structure of the battery module frame 200 may be configured as a single frame or L-shaped frame structure, and may be configured as various structures not described in the above examples.

[0080] The battery module frame 200 may be configured to have an open shape along the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the battery cell stack 120. In this case, the front surface (x-axis direction) and the rear surface (-x-axis direction) of the battery cell stack 120 may not be blocked by the battery module frame 200. The front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 120 may be blocked by the bus bar assembly 300, the sealing assembly 400, the end plate 500, etc., thereby protecting the front surface (x-axis direction) and the rear surface (-x-axis direction) of the battery cell stack 120 from external physical impact, etc.

[0081] The busbar assembly 300 includes a busbar frame 310 ( Figure 7 ) and the bus bar 330 ( Figure 7The bus bar assembly 300 may be located at the open first side (x-axis direction) and the second side (-x-axis direction) of the battery module frame 200 to cover the battery cell stack 120. The bus bar assembly 300 may electrically connect the battery cells 110 constituting the battery cell stack 120 in series or in parallel.

[0082] The bus bar assembly 300 may include a bus bar frame 310 ( Figure 7 ) and bus bar 330( Figure 7 ), and its details will be described later.

[0083] The sealing assembly 400 may be located on the open first side (x-axis direction) and the second side (−x-axis direction) of the battery module frame 200 to cover the battery cell stack 120. The sealing assembly 400 located on the open first side of the battery module frame 200 may be a first sealing assembly 410, and the sealing assembly 400 located on the open second side of the battery module frame 200 may be a second sealing assembly 450.

[0084] The sealing assembly 400 may separate the open first and second sides of the battery module frame 200 from the external environment. Specifically, when coolant is injected into the battery module frame 200, the sealing assembly 400 may perform a function of sealing the coolant to prevent the coolant from leaking to the outside.

[0085] Specifically, the sealing assembly 400 may include a sealing cover, an inlet 421, and an outlet 461, and the coolant flows in through the inlet 421. Specifically, the coolant may flow into the battery module frame 200 through the inlet 421 and then be discharged to the outside of the battery module 100 through the outlet 461. The coolant may directly contact the battery cell stack 120, other electrical components, and the bus bar assembly 300 installed inside the battery module frame 200 and receive heat transfer generated therefrom. Therefore, the coolant can cool the battery module 100 while circulating inside the battery module 100.

[0086] The coolant can be a fluid. However, the coolant needs to be electrically insulating because it is in direct contact with the battery cell stack 120, other electrical components, and the busbar assembly 300 within the battery module 100. Therefore, the coolant can be a material with insulating properties. In one example, the coolant can be insulating oil.

[0087] As described above, the coolant directly contacts the battery cell stack 120, other electrical components, and busbar assembly 300, which generate heat within the battery module 100, and can directly cool these components while receiving heat transfer. Therefore, compared to conventional methods that indirectly cool battery modules using a radiator or other method, this method can improve battery cooling efficiency, thereby extending battery life.

[0088] The end plates 500 may be located on the open first side (x-axis direction) and the second side (−x-axis direction) of the battery module frame 200 and formed to cover the sealing assembly 400. The end plate 500 located on the open first side of the battery module frame 200 may be a first end plate 510, and the end plate 500 located on the open second side of the battery module frame 200 may be a second end plate 550.

[0089] Such an end plate 500 may physically protect the battery cell stack 120 and other electrical components from external impact.

[0090] Next, each submodule constituting the battery module 100 of this embodiment will be described in more detail.

[0091] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 Except Figure 5 A three-dimensional view of the battery module outside the battery module frame. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a movement path of current in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0092] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first submodule 100a, a second submodule 100b, and a flame prevention member 700. Here, the battery module 100 may be a module in which the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b are electrically connected to each other.

[0093] The first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b may each include: battery cell stacks 120a and 120b stacked with a plurality of battery cells; and bus bar assemblies 300a and 300b, the bus bar assemblies 300a and 300b including a bus bar 330a electrically connected to the battery cell stacks 120a and 120b and a bus bar frame 310a covering the battery cell stacks 120a and 120b on at least one side.

[0094] That is, the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b each include the same structure.

[0095] The flame preventing member 700 can prevent the flame from propagating to the second submodule 100b when the flame is generated in the first submodule 100a.

[0096] Specifically, the flame prevention member 700 may be located between the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b. The flame prevention member 700 is located between the other end (-x-axis direction) of the first submodule 100a and one end (x-axis direction) of the second submodule 100b, thereby allowing only coolant to move from the first submodule 100a to the second submodule 100b while preventing the movement of flames, etc.

[0097] Reference Figure 8 The area where the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b are electrically connected can be defined as a connection area Ac. The connection structure and current flow of the electrode leads 130a and 130b located at one end of the first submodule 100a, the other end of the second submodule 100b, and the connection area Ac will be described in detail below.

[0098] The outermost first electrode lead 130a1 located at one end of the first submodule 100a and the first electrode lead 130a6 disposed adjacent thereto are electrically connected to the outside, thereby enabling current to be supplied to the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b. In this case, current is supplied from the outside to the first submodule 100a. However, since the first electrode lead 130a and the second electrode lead 130b are electrically connected in the connection region Ac, current can also flow to the second submodule 100b.

[0099] In the connection region Ac, the first electrode lead 130a located at the outermost side of the first battery cell stack 120a of the first submodule 100a and the second electrode lead 130b located at the outermost side of the second battery cell stack 120b of the second submodule 100b are electrically connected to each other. Specifically, the outermost first electrode leads 130a2 and 130a3 located at the other end of the first submodule 100a are electrically connected to the outermost second electrode leads 130b1 and 130b5 located at one end of the second submodule 100b.

[0100] In this case, the electrode leads other than the outermost first electrode leads 130a2 and 130a3 and the outermost second electrode leads 130b1 and 130b5 can be electrically connected to adjacent electrode leads, respectively. More specifically, at the other end of the first submodule 100a, the first electrode leads other than the outermost first electrode leads 130a2 and 130a3 can form a pair with the adjacent first electrode leads and be electrically connected thereto. Similarly, even at one end of the second submodule 100b, the second electrode leads other than the outermost second electrode leads 130b1 and 130b5 can form a pair with the adjacent second electrode leads and be electrically connected thereto.

[0101] At one end of the first submodule 100a that is not the connection area Ac, except for the outermost first electrode lead 130a1 and the adjacent first electrode lead 130a6 that are electrically connected to the external power source, the remaining first electrode leads can be electrically connected to adjacent first electrode leads. In one example, adjacent first electrode leads can be electrically connected to form a pair.

[0102] At the other end of the second submodule 100b that is not the connection area Ac, adjacent second electrode leads can be electrically connected. In one example, adjacent second electrode leads can form a pair and be electrically connected at the same time. Here, the outermost second electrode leads 130b2 and 130b4 of the second submodule 100b can also form a pair with adjacent second electrode leads and be electrically connected thereto.

[0103] As described above, when the electrical connection of the electrode leads 130 a and 130 b is formed, current may move along the electrical connection of the electrode leads 130 a and 130 b.

[0104] That is, the arrows in this figure indicate the flow of current, but the flow of current is not limited to the flow described in this figure, and any situation is possible if a person skilled in the art can easily change the flow of current by changing the electrical connection of the electrode leads.

[0105] Refer again Figures 6 to 8 In this case, the flame prevention member 700 may be located between the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b without contacting the outermost first electrode leads 130a2 and 130a3 and the outermost second electrode leads 130b1 and 130b5.

[0106] That is, only the outermost first electrode leads 130a2 and 130a3 and the outermost second electrode leads 130b1 and 130b5 are electrically connected to each other, so even if the flame prevention member 700 is located between the first and second submodules 100a and 100b, their currents are not interrupted or disturbed.

[0107] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of a submodule according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0108] As described above, since the first submodule 100 a and the second submodule 100 b each include the same structure, only the first submodule 100 a will be described below.

[0109] Reference Figure 9The first submodule 100a includes: a first battery cell stack 120a stacked with a plurality of battery cells; a first bus bar assembly 300a covering the front surface (x-axis direction) and the rear surface (-x-axis direction) of the first battery cell stack 120a; and a first flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) 350a electrically connected to the first bus bar assembly 300a.

[0110] The first battery cell stack 120a is formed by stacking a plurality of first battery cells 110a. The first battery cell stack 120a includes a first compression pad 250a disposed on one surface of the outermost first battery cells 110a. The first battery cell stack 120a also includes a first cooling fin 210a located between the plurality of first battery cells 110a and between the first battery cells 110a and the first compression pad 250a.

[0111] The first cooling fin 210a may be located between the plurality of first battery cells 110a. For example, the first cooling fin 210a may be located between two first battery cells 110a. Specifically, another first cooling fin 210a adjacent to one first cooling fin 210a may be provided so that the two first battery cells 110a are interposed therebetween. Alternatively, the first cooling fin 210a may be located between the outermost first battery cells 110a and the first compression pad 250a.

[0112] In this case, the first cooling fin 210a may include a cooling plate 211a that contacts one side surface of the first battery cell 110a. Here, the one side surface of the first battery cell 110a may be a surface of the battery cell 110 extending along the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the first battery cell 110a. One surface of the cooling plate 211a may contact one surface of the first battery cell 110a that faces the one surface of the cooling plate 211a.

[0113] The other surface of the cooling plate 211a may face the other surface of the cooling plate 211a while contacting one surface of another adjacent first battery cell 110a or one surface of the first compression pad 250a. In this case, although not shown in the drawings, an adhesive is interposed between the side surface of the first battery cell 110a and the cooling plate 211a, or between one surface of the first compression pad 250a and the cooling plate 211a, so that the first battery cell 110a and the cooling plate 211a can be bonded and fixed. For example, the adhesive may be an insulating tape.

[0114] The upper surface (z-axis direction) of the cooling plate 211a can be Figure 5 The upper surface (z-axis direction) of the battery module frame 200 is in contact with the lower surface (-z-axis direction) of the cooling plate 211a. Figure 5The first cooling fin 210a contacts the lower surface (-z axis direction) of the battery module frame 200. Therefore, the first cooling fin 210a can be fixed and disposed in the battery module frame 200, and the first battery cell 110a attached to the first cooling fin 210a can also be fixed and disposed in the battery module frame 200.

[0115] The size of the cooling plate 211a may be larger than the size of the first battery cell 110a. That is, the height (z-axis direction) of the cooling plate 211a may be greater than the height of the first battery cell 110a. In this case, the first battery cell 110a may be attached to the cooling plate 211a and arranged as if it floats inside the battery module frame without contacting the battery module frame. Specifically, the upper and lower portions of the first battery cell 110a may be arranged to have a preset height from the upper and lower portions of the battery module frame 200. More specifically, when the height (z-axis direction) of the cooling plate 211a is higher than the height (z-axis direction) of the first battery cell 110a, the first battery cell 110a may be located in the central portion of the cooling plate 211a and bonded thereto.

[0116] The first cooling fin 210a may further include a cooling plate 211a and a cooling fin protrusion 213a protruding from one end of the cooling plate 211a.

[0117] The cooling fin protrusion 213a may be a region protruding in a direction perpendicular to the cooling plate 211a. Figure 5 Specifically, one surface of the cooling fin protrusion 213a may be in contact with the upper surface of the battery module frame 200. Figure 5 The first cooling fin 210a is provided in a manner that contacts the upper surface of the battery module frame 200, and the other surface of the cooling fin protrusion 213a can be arranged to face the upper surface of the first battery cell 110a. In one example, the first cooling fin 210a can be L-shaped. Therefore, the first cooling fin 210a can be more firmly fixed and arranged in the battery module frame 200.

[0118] However, the shape of the first cooling fin 210a is not limited to the shape shown in this figure and may be a flat plate. That is, the first cooling fin 210a may have any shape as long as it can fix the first battery cell 110a while in contact with the first battery cell 110a. For example, the cooling fin protrusion 213a may protrude from the other end of the cooling plate 211a to contact the lower surface of the battery module frame and may be arranged to face the lower surface of the first battery cell 110a. Alternatively, the cooling fin protrusion 213a may be formed to protrude from both one end and the other end of the cooling plate 211a.

[0119] The first cooling fin 210a may be a metal. Specifically, the first cooling fin 210a may be a metal with high thermal conductivity. Therefore, the first cooling fin 210a may directly receive the transfer of heat generated from the first battery cell 110a due to the charging and discharging of the battery. When heat is generated, primary cooling may be performed while the heat is transferred to the first cooling fin 210a in contact with the side surface of the first battery cell 110a, and the coolant may be in direct contact with the upper and lower portions of the first battery cell 110a to perform secondary cooling. Therefore, even for the upper and lower edge areas of the battery cell, which were relatively difficult to cool in the past, direct cooling may be possible, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the battery.

[0120] The first compression pad 250a may be located at the outermost side of the first battery cell stack 120a. When the first battery cell 110a expands due to charging and discharging, the first compression pad 250a may play a role in absorbing the expansion. Specifically, the first compression pad 250a may push the first battery cell 110a while it expands. Figure 5 The side surface of the battery module frame 200 is formed to prevent the battery case of the first battery cell 110a from being broken, thereby improving the safety of the battery.

[0121] However, the first compression pad 250 a is not limited to being located only at the outermost portion of the first battery cell stack 120 a , but may also be located between the first battery cells 110 a constituting the first battery cell stack 120 a .

[0122] The first bus bar assembly 300 a includes a first bus bar frame 310 a and a first bus bar 330 a mounted on the first bus bar frame 310 a .

[0123] The first bus bar frame 310a can be located on one surface of the first battery cell stack 120a to cover one surface of the first battery cell stack 120a while guiding the connection between the first battery cell stack 120a and an external device. The first bus bar frame 310a can be located on the front surface (x-axis direction) and the rear surface (-x-axis direction) of the first battery cell stack 120a. The first bus bar 330a can be mounted on the first bus bar frame 310a. Specifically, the inner surface of the first bus bar frame 310a can be connected to the front surface (x-axis direction) and the rear surface (-x-axis direction) of the first battery cell stack 120a, and the outer peripheral surface of the first bus bar frame 310a can be connected to the first bus bar 330a.

[0124] The first bus bar frame 310a may include an electrically insulating material and may limit contact between the first bus bar 330a and other portions of the first battery cell 110a except for portions joined to electrode leads (not shown), thereby preventing an electrical short circuit.

[0125] The first bus bar 330a is mounted on one surface of the first bus bar frame 310a and can electrically connect the first battery cell stack 120a or the first battery cell 110a to an external device circuit. The first bus bar 330a is located on the first bus bar frame 310a, and the first bus bar assembly 300a is Figure 5 The sealing assembly 400 and the end plate 500 are covered, thereby protecting it from external impact, etc., and minimizing the deterioration of battery durability due to external moisture, etc.

[0126] The first bus bar 330a may be electrically connected to the first battery cell stack 120a via the electrode leads of the first battery cells 110a. Specifically, the electrode leads of the first battery cells 110a may pass through slits formed in the first bus bar frame 310a and then be bent to connect to the first bus bar 330a. The first battery cells 110a constituting the first battery cell stack 120a may be connected in series or in parallel via the first bus bar 330a.

[0127] The first flexible printed circuit board 350a extends in the longitudinal direction of the first battery cell stack 120a and is mounted on one surface of the first battery cell stack 120a to sense the first battery cell 110a. Specifically, the first flexible printed circuit board 350a can be arranged to contact the battery cell located at the center portion of the first battery cell stack 120a among the battery cells forming the first battery cell stack 120a. While being positioned on the upper surface (z-axis direction) of the first battery cell stack 120a, the first flexible printed circuit board 350a senses electrical and thermal data of the first battery cell 110a. In addition, the first flexible printed circuit board 350a is electrically connected to the first bus bar 330a while being bent toward the first bus bar frame 310a at the end of the first battery cell stack 120a.

[0128] Next, the flame prevention member 700 provided between the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b will be described in more detail.

[0129] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a flame prevention member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0130] Reference Figure 10 , the flame prevention member 700 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first flame prevention member 710 and a second flame prevention member 750 .

[0131] The first and second flame prevention members 710 and 750 are provided between the first and second submodules in a state of being coupled to each other, thereby preventing flames or the like generated in one submodule from moving to an adjacent submodule.

[0132] Specifically, the first flame preventing member 710 may be provided to be aligned with the battery module frame 200 ( Figure 5 )'s lower surface (-z axis direction).

[0133] The first flame prevention member 710 includes first plates 720 and 730 disposed to contact the lower surface of the battery module frame. Specifically, the first flame prevention member 710 includes: a first support plate 720 disposed to contact the lower surface of the battery module frame; and a first prevention plate 730 protruding toward a surface perpendicular to the first support plate 720.

[0134] In this case, the first plates 720 and 730 may be provided with a first insulating member 740. Specifically, the outer peripheral surface of the first preventing plate 730 facing the first submodule and the second submodule may be provided with the first insulating member 740 to maintain the insulation characteristics between the first submodule and the second submodule. The first insulating member 740 may be provided to cover the entire outer peripheral surface of the first preventing plate 730.

[0135] The second flame preventing member 750 may be provided to be aligned with the battery module frame 200 ( Figure 5 )'s upper surface (z-axis direction).

[0136] The second flame prevention member 750 includes second plates 760 and 770 disposed in contact with the upper surface of the battery module frame. Specifically, the first flame prevention member 710 includes: a second support plate 760 disposed in contact with the upper surface of the battery module frame; and a second prevention plate 770 protruding toward a surface perpendicular to the second support plate 760.

[0137] In this case, the second plates 760 and 770 may be provided with a second insulating member 780. The outer circumference of the second preventing plate 770 facing the first and second submodules may be provided with the second insulating member 780 to maintain the insulation characteristics between the first and second submodules. The second insulating member 780 may be provided to cover the entire outer circumference of the second preventing plate 770.

[0138] The first flame prevention member 710 and the second flame prevention member 750 may be coupled in a mated state to form a single flame prevention member 700 .

[0139] Specifically, the other end of the first preventing plate 730 of the first flame preventing member 710 and the other end of the second preventing plate 770 of the second flame preventing member 750 can be joined in a mutually matched state. More specifically, the first insulating member 740 provided to cover the outer circumference of the first preventing plate 730 and the second insulating member 780 provided to cover the outer circumference of the second preventing plate 770 can be joined in a mutually matched state.

[0140] Next, the first flame preventing member 710 and the second flame preventing member 750 will be described in more detail.

[0141] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a first flame prevention member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12 It shows Figure 11 FIG. 10 is a diagram of part A1 of FIG. 10 .

[0142] Reference Figure 5 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 11 and Figure 12 The first flame preventing member 710 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes first plates 720 and 730 and a first insulating member 740 provided to cover an outer circumferential surface of the first preventing plate 730 .

[0143] The first plates 720 and 730 may include a first support plate 720 and a first prevention plate 730 protruding from the first support plate 720 .

[0144] The first support plate 720 may be disposed in contact with the lower surface (-z axis direction) of the battery module frame 200 so that the first flame prevention member 710 may be fixed and disposed within the battery module frame 200. Specifically, one surface of the first support plate 720 may be adhesively fixed and disposed to the lower surface of the battery module frame 200.

[0145] The first preventing plate 730 may be a plate protruding and extending toward a surface perpendicular to the first supporting plate 720. The first preventing plate 730 may be a plate extending from the first supporting plate 720 toward a direction (z-axis direction) opposite to the lower surface of the battery module frame 200 contacting the first supporting plate 720.

[0146] The first prevention plate 730 may have a surface that becomes increasingly pointed as it extends from the first support plate 720. That is, the first prevention plate 730 includes one end 731 in contact with the first support plate 720 and the other end 735 extending therefrom. Here, the other end 735 of the first support plate 720 may be formed to have a more pointed surface than the one end 731 of the first prevention plate 730. In other words, the other end 735 of the first support plate 720 may be formed to have a shape in which the width (x-axis direction) becomes narrower as it extends from the one end 731 of the first prevention plate 730 toward the upper direction (z-axis direction) of the battery module frame 200.

[0147] The height (z-axis direction) of the first preventing plate 730 may be a distance from one end 731 to the other end 735 of the first preventing plate 730. In this case, the height of the first preventing plate 730 may be lower than the height (z-axis direction) of the first and second submodules 100a and 100b.

[0148] The first support plate 720 and the first prevention plate 730 can be formed of metal. For example, the first support plate 720 and the first prevention plate 730 can be formed of aluminum (Al). Therefore, according to the present disclosure, the first support plate 720 and the first prevention plate 730 can improve the mechanical rigidity of the battery module 100. In addition, a portion of the first support plate 720 can be in contact with the coolant circulating inside the battery module 100, thereby cooling the coolant and improving the cooling performance of the battery module 100.

[0149] The first insulating member 740 may be located on the outer circumference of the first plate. Specifically, the first insulating member 740 may be located on the outer circumference of the first prevention plate 730. More specifically, the first insulating member 740 may be provided to cover the entire outer circumference of the first prevention plate 730 facing the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b. In this case, the first insulating member 740 may be provided to have a shape corresponding to the first prevention plate 730.

[0150] In this figure, the first insulating member 740 is depicted as being provided to cover only the outer peripheral surface of the first preventing plate 730 facing the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b, but is not limited thereto and may be provided in any shape that is easily changeable from the perspective of a person skilled in the art. For example, the first insulating member 740 may be provided to cover one surface of the first supporting plate 720 connected to the first preventing plate 730.

[0151] The first insulating member 740 may include an electrically insulating material. Therefore, even if the first preventing plate 730 contacts the battery cell stacks 120a and 120b or the bus bar assemblies 300a and 300b constituting the first and second submodules 100a and 100b, electrical insulation characteristics can be maintained therebetween, thereby ensuring battery safety.

[0152] The first insulating member 740 is provided to entirely cover the first preventing plate 730 from one end 731 to the other end 735. The first insulating member 740 includes a first recess 741 and a first protrusion 745. The first protrusion 745 is provided closer to the other end 735 of the first preventing plate 730 than to the one end 731. The first protrusion 745 may be a protruding structure. The region of the first insulating member 740 where the first recess 741 and the first protrusion 745 are located may be defined as a first region A1.

[0153] Specifically, the first protrusion 745 may function as a protrusion among the first recess 741 and the first protrusion 745 of the first insulating member 740. At this time, the first recess 741 and the first protrusion 745 may be formed in a region closer to the other end 735 of the first prevention plate 730 than to the one end 731 of the first prevention plate 730.

[0154] The first concave portion 741 refers to a region where one surface of the first insulating member 740 is concavely recessed. Specifically, the first concave portion 741 may be a region whose height is lower than that of the first insulating member 740. Here, the height of the first insulating member 740 may correspond to the thickness of the first insulating member 740.

[0155] The first recess 741 may be a partially recessed area of ​​the surface of the first insulating member 740. That is, as the first recess 741 approaches the other end 735 of the first prevention plate 730, the thickness of the first insulating member 740 forming the first recess 741 may become thinner.

[0156] Furthermore, although not disclosed in the figures, the first recess 741 may include an area that partially exposes the first plates 720 and 730. Specifically, the first recess 741 may include an area that partially exposes the other end 735 of the first prevention plate 730. In this case, the coolant can transfer its heat to the first prevention plate 730 while in contact with the other end 735 of the first prevention plate 730 exposed to the first recess 741. In other words, the heat of the coolant passing through the first submodule 100a can be transferred to the other end 735, thereby cooling the coolant. The cooled coolant can then move to the second submodule 100b and cool the second submodule 100b. Consequently, the temperature difference between the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b can be reduced, thereby improving the cooling performance of the battery.

[0157] The plurality of first recesses 741 may be formed to be spaced apart from each other at regular intervals. The plurality of first recesses 741 may be formed to be spaced apart from each other via the first protrusions 745 .

[0158] The first protrusion 745 refers to a region of the first insulating member 740 that protrudes more than the first recess 741. Specifically, the first protrusion 745 may be a region having the same height as that of the first insulating member 740 and higher than the first recess 741.

[0159] The first protrusion 745 may maintain the same height even if it approaches the other end 735 of the first prevention plate 730 of the first insulating member 740. That is, the first protrusion 745 may have the same height regardless of the position where the first protrusion 745 is disposed.

[0160] The plurality of first protrusions 745 may be formed to be spaced apart from each other at fixed intervals, and the plurality of first protrusions 745 may be formed to be spaced apart from each other, with the first recess 741 interposed between the plurality of first protrusions 745 .

[0161] The first recess 741 and the first protrusion 745 may form a protrusion structure having a height difference with each other. Therefore, when the coolant passes through the flame prevention member 700 in the battery module 100, the coolant may simultaneously move between the first recess 741 and the first protrusion 745.

[0162] In this case, the protruding structure formed by the first recess 741 and the first protrusion 745 can induce turbulent flow of the coolant. Specifically, as the coolant passes between the first recess 741 and the first protrusion 745 of the protruding structure, the coolant changes from a laminar flow state to a turbulent flow state, thereby improving the coolant's heat transfer coefficient. Therefore, since the coolant moves from the first submodule 100a to the second submodule 100b in a state with improved heat transfer efficiency, the temperature difference between the submodules 100a and 100b can be eliminated, and the cooling performance of the battery can be improved.

[0163] Later on Figure 14 The movement of the coolant through the first recess 741 is described in more detail in FIG.

[0164] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a second flame prevention member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0165] Reference Figure 5 、 Figure 7 and Figure 13 , the second flame preventing member 750 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes second plates 760 and 770 and a second insulating member 780 provided to cover outer circumferential surfaces of the second plates 760 and 770 .

[0166] The second plates 760 and 770 may include a second support plate 760 and a second prevention plate 770 protruding from the second support plate 760 .

[0167] The second support plate 760 may be provided to contact the upper surface (z-axis direction) of the battery module frame 200, and the second flame prevention member 750 may be fixed and disposed within the battery module frame 200. Specifically, one surface of the second support plate 760 may be provided to be adhesively fixed to the upper surface (z-axis direction) of the battery module frame 200.

[0168] The second preventing plate 770 may be a plate that protrudes and extends toward a surface perpendicular to the second supporting plate 760. The second preventing plate 770 may be a plate that extends from the second supporting plate 760 in a direction (−z-axis direction) opposite to the upper surface (z-axis direction) of the battery module frame 200 that contacts the second supporting plate 760.

[0169] The second preventing plate 770 includes one end 771 in contact with the second supporting plate 760 and the other end 775 extending therefrom. In this case, the height (z-axis direction) of the second preventing plate 770 may be the distance from the one end 771 to the other end 775 of the second preventing plate 770, and the height (z-axis direction) of the second preventing plate 770 may be lower than the height (z-axis direction) of the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b.

[0170] The second support plate 760 and the second prevention plate 770 can be formed of metal. For example, the second support plate 760 and the second prevention plate 770 can be formed of aluminum (Al). Therefore, according to the present disclosure, the second support plate 760 and the second prevention plate 770 can improve the mechanical rigidity of the battery module 100. In addition, a portion of the second support plate 760 can be in contact with the coolant circulating inside the battery module 100, thereby cooling the coolant and improving the cooling performance of the battery module 100.

[0171] The second insulating member 780 may be located on the outer circumference of the second plates 760 and 770. Specifically, the second insulating member 780 may be located on the outer circumference of the second prevention plate 770. More specifically, the second insulating member 780 may be provided to cover the entire outer circumference of the second prevention plate 770 facing the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b.

[0172] In this figure, the second insulating member 780 is shown as being provided to cover only the outer peripheral surface of the second preventing plate 770 facing the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b, but is not limited thereto and may be provided in any shape that is easily changed from the perspective of a person skilled in the art. For example, the second insulating member 780 may be provided to cover one surface of the second supporting plate 760 connected to the second preventing plate 770.

[0173] The second insulating member 780 is provided to completely cover the area from one end 771 of the second preventing plate 770 to the other end 775 of the second preventing plate 770. The second insulating member 780 includes a second recess 781 and a second protrusion 785, and the second protrusion 785 is provided closer to the other end 775 of the second preventing plate 770 than to the one end 771 of the second preventing plate 770. In the second insulating member 780, the area where the second recess 781 and the second protrusion 785 are located can be defined as a second area A2.

[0174] The second recessed portion 781 may be a partially recessed area on one surface of the second insulating member 780. The second recessed portion 781 may be a partially recessed area on the surface of the second insulating member 780. The second recessed portion 781 may be an area of ​​the second insulating member 780 that is relatively recessed relative to the second protrusion 785. Specifically, the second recessed portion 781 may be an area of ​​the second insulating member 780 that is recessed toward the other end 775 of the second prevention plate 770.

[0175] The second recess 781 may be located between the second protrusions 785. The second recess 781 may be located between two second protrusions 785. In this case, the second recess 781 may be V-shaped.

[0176] The second protrusion 785 refers to an area of ​​the second insulating member 780 that protrudes compared to the second recess 781. Specifically, the second protrusion 785 can be an area of ​​the second insulating member 780 that protrudes in a further extended form from the other end 775 of the second prevention plate 770. The second protrusion 785 can have a surface that becomes increasingly pointed as it extends from the other end 775 of the second prevention plate 770. In other words, the second protrusion 785 can be formed in a shape whose width (x-axis direction) becomes narrower as it extends in a direction away from the second recess 781. That is, the second protrusion 785 extends in a direction away from the other end 775 of the second prevention plate 770 and the second recess 781, and the thickness of the second insulating member 780 constituting the second protrusion 785 can become thinner.

[0177] The second protrusion 785 may be provided so that the second recess 781 is interposed therebetween. The second protrusion 785 may be formed in two pieces and provided so that one second recess 781 is interposed therebetween.

[0178] The first recess 741 and the first protrusion 745 can be inserted into and disposed in the second recess 781 located between the second protrusions 785. This will be described below with reference to Figure 14 Describe in more detail.

[0179] The second insulating member 780 may include an electrically insulating material. Therefore, even if the second preventing plate 770 contacts the battery cell stacks 120a and 120b or the bus bar assemblies 300a and 300b constituting the first and second submodules 100a and 100b, the electrical insulation characteristics therebetween are maintained, thereby ensuring battery safety.

[0180] Figure 14 It is along Figure 10 A cross-sectional view taken along line BB'.

[0181] Reference Figures 10 to 14 , the flame prevention member 700 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided in a state in which the first flame prevention member 710 and the second flame prevention member 750 are engaged with each other.

[0182] Specifically, the first area A1 of the first flame prevention member 710 having the first recess 741 and the first protrusion 745 formed therein may be inserted into and disposed in the second area A2 of the second flame prevention member 750 having the second protrusion 785 and the second recess 781 formed therein. Specifically, the first area A1 and the second area A2 may be disposed to engage with each other.

[0183] More specifically, the first protrusion 745 of the first area A1 is positioned so as to contact the second recess 781 and the second protrusion 785 of the second area A2, thereby enabling the first area A1 and the second area A2 to be fixedly supported while being engaged with each other. Since the first recess 741 of the first area A1 is positioned a predetermined distance from the second recess 781 and the second protrusion 785 of the second area A2, a movement path 800 is formed for the coolant to move between the first protrusion 745 and the second area A2.

[0184] That is, a movement path 800 through which the coolant can move may be formed between the first area A1 and the second area A2. The movement path 800 may correspond to the shapes of the first area A1 and the second area A2. In other words, a movement path 800 through which the coolant can move may be formed between the first recess 741, the second recess 781, and the second protrusion 785. The movement path 800 may correspond to the shape of the first recess 741 in the first area A1.

[0185] The coolant can move through the first recess 741 of the first area A1. The coolant can move between the first recess 741 of the first area A1 and the second recess 781 and the second protrusion 785 of the second area A2. For reference, the arrow shown in this figure is the direction of coolant movement.

[0186] Therefore, similar to the movement path 800 shown in this figure, the coolant moves along the movement path 800 of the grille protrusion structure, resulting in turbulent coolant flow. Turbulent coolant flow can have a higher heat transfer coefficient than laminar flow, allowing it to move within the battery module with improved heat transfer efficiency, thereby improving battery cooling efficiency. Furthermore, the temperature difference between the first and second submodules, between which the flame prevention member 700 is interposed, can be reduced.

[0187] Furthermore, although not shown in the drawings, the first insulating member 740 forming the first recess 741 may have a portion that is more recessed, thereby allowing the first preventing plate 730 to be partially exposed to the movement path 800. In this case, the coolant becomes turbulent while moving through the movement path 800, and simultaneously transfers its heat to the first preventing plate 730 while in contact with the first preventing plate 730, which can partially reduce the coolant's temperature. In other words, the coolant, which has been partially cooled while moving through the movement path 800, moves within the battery module, thereby further improving the cooling performance of the battery module and reducing the temperature difference between the first submodule and the second submodule, between which the flame preventing member 700 is disposed.

[0188] The total height (z-axis direction) of the flame prevention member 700 may correspond to the battery module frame 200 ( Figure 5 ) in the z-axis direction. Specifically, the total height of the flame prevention member 700 may be equal to the height from the upper inner surface of the battery module frame 200 to the lower inner surface of the battery module frame 200. Therefore, the flame prevention member 700 may be a structure that partitions the interior of the battery module.

[0189] When a flame occurs in one submodule, the flame may move along the coolant. At this time, since the flame prevention member 700 is located in the movement path of the coolant in the battery module, the flame prevention member 700 can prevent the flame from spreading to other adjacent submodules.

[0190] That is, within the battery module, the flame prevention member 700 is used to move the coolant only to the area where the adjacent submodule is located through the movement path 800, thereby preventing the spread of flames and thus preventing a chain reaction explosion within the battery module. Therefore, the safety of the battery can be improved.

[0191] 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, and hybrid electric vehicles, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto and can also be applied to various devices that can use the battery module and the battery pack including the battery module, which falls within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0192] Although the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will understand that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and that various modifications and improvements may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, and that the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0193] [Explanation of Reference Numerals]

[0194] 100: Battery module

[0195] 100a: First submodule

[0196] 100b: Second submodule

[0197] 110: Battery cell

[0198] 120: Battery cell stack

[0199] 300: Busbar assembly

[0200] 700: Flame prevention components

[0201] 710: First flame prevention member

[0202] 720: First support plate

[0203] 730: First prevention plate

[0204] 740: First insulating member

[0205] 750: Second flame prevention member

[0206] 760: Second support plate

[0207] 770: Second prevention plate

[0208] 780: Second insulating member

Claims

1. A battery module comprising: a first submodule and a second submodule, each of the first submodule and the second submodule including a battery cell stack having a plurality of battery cells stacked thereon; a battery module frame, in which the first submodule and the second submodule are accommodated; as well as a flame prevention member located between the first submodule and the second submodule, One end of the first submodule and the other end of the second submodule are electrically connected to each other.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The flame prevention member comprises: a first flame prevention member disposed in contact with a lower surface of the battery module frame; and A second flame prevention member is provided to be in contact with an upper surface of the battery module frame.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: The first flame prevention member and the second flame prevention member are combined and disposed in a state of being engaged with each other.

4. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: The first flame prevention member comprises: a first plate in contact with a lower surface of the battery module frame; and a first insulating member provided to cover an outer peripheral surface of the first plate, and The second flame prevention member includes: a second plate in contact with an upper surface of the battery module frame; and A second insulating member is provided to cover the outer peripheral surface of the second plate.

5. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein: The first insulating member includes: a first recessed portion, the first recessed portion being a region where one surface of the first insulating member is recessed; and a first protrusion, the first protrusion being a region of the first insulating member that protrudes more than the first recess, and The second insulating member includes: a second recessed portion, the second recessed portion being a region where one surface of the second insulating member is recessed; and A second protrusion is a region of the second insulating member that protrudes beyond the second recess.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein: A first region where the first recess and the first protrusion are located is inserted into and disposed in a second region where the second recess and the second protrusion are located.

7. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein: The first protrusion is disposed in contact with the second protrusion and the second recess.

8. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein: The first recess is provided to maintain a predetermined distance from the second protrusion and the second recess.

9. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein: A movement path through which coolant moves is formed between the first recess, the second protrusion, and the second recess.

10. The battery module according to claim 9, wherein: The movement path corresponds to a shape of the first recess.

11. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein: The first plate includes a first support plate disposed in contact with a lower surface of the battery module frame and a first prevention plate protruding toward a surface perpendicular to the first support plate. The first preventing plate includes one end in contact with the first supporting plate and the other end extending from the one end, and The first recess and the first protrusion are provided in a region closer to the other end of the first prevention plate than to one end of the first prevention plate.

12. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein: The second plate includes a second support plate disposed in contact with an upper surface of the battery module frame and a second prevention plate protruding toward a surface perpendicular to the second support plate. The second preventing plate includes one end in contact with the second supporting plate and the other end extending from the one end, and The second recess and the second protrusion are provided in a second region that is a region closer to the other end of the second preventing plate than to one end of the second preventing plate.

13. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein: A plurality of the first recesses are formed at intervals with the first protrusions interposed therebetween.

14. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein: The first recess and the first protrusion have a protruding structure, wherein the first protrusion functions as a bump.

15. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein: The second recess is located between the two second protrusions, and The second protrusion extends in a direction away from the second recess, and the thickness of the second insulating member decreases.

16. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein: The first recess includes an area where the first plate is partially exposed.

17. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The first submodule and the second submodule further include a bus bar assembly including a bus bar electrically connected to the battery cell stack and a bus bar frame covering the battery cell stack on at least one side.

18. A battery pack comprising the battery module according to claim 1.

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