Battery module having fireproof structure and battery pack comprising same

Abstract

The battery module according to the present invention comprises: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a module case for accommodating the battery cell stack; a first end plate disposed at one side of the module housing; and a first fireproof member disposed at the first end plate so as to prevent a flame from being exposed to the outside.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The disclosure relates to a battery module and a battery pack including the same, and more particularly, to a battery module having a fire prevention structure that suppresses flames from being exposed to the outside when thermal runaway occurs in the battery module and a battery pack including the same. BACKGROUND

[0002] Unlike primary batteries that cannot be recharged, secondary batteries refer to batteries that can be charged and discharged, and they are applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles ("EVs") and hybrid electric vehicles ("HEVs") driven by electric driving sources.

[0003] Types of secondary batteries that are widely used at present can include lithium ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of such unit secondary battery cells, i.e., unit battery cells, is about 2.5 V to 4.6 V. Thus, when a higher output voltage is required, a battery pack is formed by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series. In addition, a battery pack can be configured by connecting a plurality of battery cells in parallel in accordance with the required charge / discharge capacity of the battery pack. Thus, the number of battery cells included in a battery pack can be set in various ways in accordance with the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0004] When a battery pack is configured by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series / parallel, generally, a battery module composed of at least one battery cell or a plurality of battery cells is first constructed, and a battery pack is constructed by using at least one such battery module and adding other components. Here, the battery module refers to an assembly in which a plurality of battery cells are connected in series or in parallel, and the battery pack refers to an assembly in which a plurality of battery modules are connected in series or in parallel to increase capacity, output, etc.

[0005] A battery module is configured by electrically connecting a plurality of cells using bus bars.

[0006] Such a battery module of the related art is exemplified in Figure 1 and Figure 2 . Figure 1 The illustrated battery module 10 includes a battery cell stack, a module case 11 that accommodates the battery cell stack, a bus bar frame provided on a front surface and / or a rear surface of the battery cell stack, and end plates 13 and terminal bus bars 15 provided on the front and rear surfaces of the module case 11.

[0007] The battery cell stack can include a plurality of electrically connected battery cells stacked in one direction and accommodated in the module case 11. The bus bar frame is provided on the front surface and / or the rear surface of the battery cell stack. The battery cells in the battery cell stack can be pouch-type battery cells.

[0008] The battery cell stack can be housed in the module housing 11, and the end plate 13 can be connected to the front and rear surfaces of the module housing 11 to cover the front and rear surfaces of the module housing 11.

[0009] Terminal busbar 15 is used to electrically connect one battery module 10 to another battery module 10, and a portion of terminal busbar 15 may be exposed outside end plate 13 for connection to another battery module 10.

[0010] However, in this battery module 10, there is a problem that flames may be exposed during thermal runaway through the heat-sensitive insulating cover 14 or end plate 13 (see [link]). Figure 2 ). Summary of the Invention

[0011] Technical issues

[0012] This disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and relates to providing a battery module with an external fireproof structure that suppresses flame exposure when thermal runaway occurs in the battery module, and a battery pack including the battery module.

[0013] Technical solution

[0014] A battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a battery cell stack having a plurality of battery cells stacked in the battery cell stack; a module housing configured to house the battery cell stack; a first end plate disposed on one side of the module housing; and a first fire-resistant member disposed on the first end plate to suppress flame exposure to the outside of the battery module.

[0015] In addition, the first fireproof component may include a side surface portion disposed on the first end plate and an upper surface portion bent from the side surface portion and disposed on the upper surface of the battery module.

[0016] In addition, the first flame-retardant member may also include a retaining pin configured to secure the first flame-retardant member to the battery module.

[0017] In addition, the side surface may include a connecting hole into which a retaining pin is inserted.

[0018] In addition, the retaining pin can be connected to the first end plate.

[0019] In addition, the first end plate may include a module lifting hole configured for lifting the battery module, and a retaining pin may be connected to the module lifting hole.

[0020] Furthermore, multiple connecting holes can be provided and can be provided on each opposite side of the side surface portion, and multiple retaining pins can be provided and can be inserted into each connecting hole.

[0021] In addition, the first end plate may include a module mounting portion on the opposite side configured to connect the battery module to the battery pack, and a module lift hole may be formed in the module mounting portion.

[0022] In addition, the module mounting section may include connection holes formed in the vertical direction.

[0023] In addition, the battery module may also include a second end plate disposed on the other side of the module housing, and a second fireproof member disposed on the second end plate to suppress flame exposure to the outside of the battery module.

[0024] In addition, the second fireproof component may include a side surface portion disposed on the second end plate and an upper surface portion bent from the side surface portion and disposed on the upper surface of the battery module.

[0025] In addition, the second flame-retardant component may also include a retaining pin configured to secure the second flame-retardant component to the battery module.

[0026] In addition, the side surface of the second fireproof component may include a connecting hole into which the fixing pin of the second fireproof component is inserted.

[0027] In addition, the fixing pin of the second fireproof component can be connected to the second end plate.

[0028] In addition, the second end plate may include a module lifting hole configured to lift the battery module, and a retaining pin may be connected to the module lifting hole.

[0029] Furthermore, multiple connecting holes can be provided and can be located on opposite sides of the side surface, and multiple retaining pins can be provided and can be inserted into each connecting hole.

[0030] In addition, the second end plate may include a module mounting portion on the opposite side configured to connect the battery module to the battery pack, and a module lift hole may be formed in the module mounting portion.

[0031] In addition, the module mounting section may include connection holes formed in the vertical direction.

[0032] Beneficial effects

[0033] The battery module and battery pack including the fireproof structure according to this disclosure can have the effect of suppressing the flame from being exposed to the outside even if a flame occurs in the battery module. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a perspective view illustrating a battery module of a related technology; Figure 2 This is an example in Figure 1 A diagram of the flames occurring within the battery module; Figure 3 This is a perspective view illustrating a battery module according to the present disclosure; Figure 4 This is an example Figure 3 A diagram showing the fireproof sheet in a separated state; Figure 5 This is an example of an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to the present disclosure; Figure 6 This is a perspective view illustrating a battery cell according to the present disclosure. Figure 7 This is a perspective view illustrating a terminal busbar according to the present disclosure. Figure 8 This is a perspective view illustrating the insulating cover and end plate according to the present disclosure, and Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the interior of a battery pack according to this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The advantages and features of this disclosure, as well as the methods for implementing them, will become clear from the following detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and will be implemented in various different forms. The embodiments of this disclosure are provided only to ensure that the disclosure is complete and fully informs those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains, and this disclosure is limited only by the scope of the claims. Therefore, in some embodiments, well-known process steps, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known technologies are not specifically described to avoid obscuring the meaning of this disclosure. Throughout the specification, similar reference numerals refer to similar elements.

[0036] To clearly indicate multiple layers and regions in the accompanying drawings, the thickness may be increased. Throughout the specification, similar components are given the same reference numerals. When a portion of a layer, film, region, plate, etc., is referred to as being "on" another component, this includes not only being "directly" on the other component but also the presence of another component in between. Conversely, when a portion is referred to as being "directly" on another component, it means that there is no other component in between. Furthermore, when a portion of a layer, film, region, plate, etc., is referred to as being "below" another component, this includes not only being "directly below" the other component but also the presence of another component in between. Conversely, when a portion is referred to as being "directly below" the other component, it means that there is no other component in between.

[0037] The battery module 1000 according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] Figure 3 This is a perspective view illustrating a battery module according to the present disclosure. Figure 4 This is an example Figure 3A diagram showing the fireproof sheet in a separated state. Figure 5 This is an example of an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to the present disclosure. Figure 6 This is a perspective view illustrating a battery cell according to the present disclosure. Figure 7 This is a perspective view illustrating a terminal busbar according to the present disclosure. Figure 8 This is a perspective view illustrating the insulating cover and end plate according to the present disclosure, and Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the interior of a battery pack according to this disclosure.

[0039] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a battery module 1000 may include a battery cell stack 100 in which a plurality of battery cells 110 are stacked, a module housing 200 configured to house the battery cell stack 100, a busbar frame 300 disposed on the front and / or rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 100, end plates 400, 450 configured to cover the front and / or rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 100, and busbars 310, 320 and fireproof members 600 mounted on the busbar frame 300.

[0040] The battery cell stack 100 can be formed by stacking multiple battery cells 110 along one direction, and the multiple battery cells 110 can be electrically connected to each other. The direction in which the multiple battery cells 110 are stacked can be... Figure 5 The X-axis direction or -X-axis direction in the text.

[0041] The direction from the front surface to the rear surface of the battery cell stack 100, or the opposite direction, can be defined as the longitudinal direction of the battery cell stack 100, and can be the Y-axis direction in the figure. Additionally, the direction from the upper surface to the lower surface of the battery cell stack 100, or the opposite direction, can be defined as the width direction of the battery cell stack 100, and can be the Z-axis direction in the figure.

[0042] The longitudinal direction of the battery cell stack 100 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 disposed on the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 100, and the busbars 310 and 320 of the battery module 1000 can be disposed close to the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 100 to facilitate electrical connection with the electrode leads 111 and 112.

[0043] The battery cell 110 can be provided as a pouch-type battery cell, and the number of battery cells stacked per unit area in the pouch-type battery cell can be maximized. However, the battery cell 110 does not necessarily have to be provided in a pouch shape, and can be provided in polygonal, cylindrical, or other various shapes.

[0044] The battery cell 110 provided in a pouch form may include an electrode assembly and a cell housing 115 that houses the electrode assembly (see [link]). Figure 6 ).

[0045] The cell housing 115 of the battery cell 110 can be a pouch-type cell housing 115 for accommodating electrode assemblies. The cell housing 115 may include a lower housing and an upper housing covering the lower housing, and the upper and lower housings may be integrally formed as a single piece. Additionally, as... Figure 4 As shown, the connection between the upper and lower housings can be configured to be bent and folded. Additionally, as shown, the upper housing can completely cover the lower housing, and a sealing portion 114 can be formed in the peripheral area.

[0046] Both the upper and lower housings can be formed as a laminated structure comprising an inner cover layer, a metal layer, and an outer cover layer. The inner cover layer, located inside the cell housing 115 relative to the metal layer, may require insulation and electrolyte resistance (as it directly contacts the electrode assembly) and a sealing performance relative to the outside; that is, the heat-sealed portion of the inner layer should have excellent thermal bonding strength. The metal layer located between the inner and outer cover layers serves as a barrier layer to prevent moisture or various gases from permeating into the battery from the outside, and the material used for the metal layer in contact with the inner cover layer can be a lightweight aluminum (Al) film with excellent formability. The outer cover layer is located outside the cell housing 115 relative to the metal layer, and the outer cover layer can be a heat-resistant polymer with excellent properties in terms of tensile strength, moisture permeability, and gas permeability to protect the electrode assembly while ensuring heat and chemical resistance; for example, nylon or polyethylene terephthalate can be used.

[0047] Receiving recess 116 may be formed in each of the upper and lower housings, and the electrode assembly may be accommodated in the receiving recess 116 of the upper and lower housings.

[0048] The electrode assembly housed in the cell housing 115 can be one of the following: a wound-core type electrode assembly having a structure in which a separator is disposed between an elongated sheet-like negative electrode and a positive electrode and then rolled up; a stacked type electrode assembly consisting of unit cells having a structure in which rectangular negative and positive electrodes are stacked with separators disposed therebetween; a stacked-folded type electrode assembly in which unit cells are rolled up by elongated separators; and a laminated-stacked type electrode assembly in which unit cells are stacked and attached to each other with separators disposed therebetween.

[0049] Additionally, the electrode assembly may include two electrode tabs and two electrode leads 111 and 112 respectively connected to the electrode tabs via a welding portion.

[0050] One of the two electrode leads 111 or 112 can be a negative electrode lead connected to the negative electrode tab, and the other electrode lead 111 or 112 can be a positive electrode lead connected to the positive electrode tab.

[0051] The lead film 113 can be attached to each of the electrode leads 111 and 112. The lead film 113 connected to the electrode leads 111 and 112 can be disposed between the electrode leads 111 and 112 and the cell housing 115 to prevent short circuits between the electrode leads 111 and 112 and the cell housing 115 and to improve the sealing force, thereby preventing electrolyte leakage, etc.

[0052] Although the two electrode leads 111 and 112 are illustrated as being disposed on opposite sides of the electrode assembly, depending on the arrangement of the electrode tabs, the two electrode leads 111 and 112 may be disposed on only one side of the electrode assembly.

[0053] The module housing 200 can be configured to protect the battery cell stack 100 and the electrical components connected thereto from external physical impacts, and the module housing 200 can accommodate the battery cell stack 100 and the electrical components connected thereto within its internal space.

[0054] The structure of the module housing 200 can vary, and for example, the module housing 200 can be a single-frame structure. Here, the single frame can be in the form of a metal plate in which the upper surface, lower surface, and opposite side surfaces are integrally formed. The single frame can be manufactured by extrusion molding. As another example, the module housing 200 can have a structure in which a U-shaped frame and the upper surface 201 of the upper plate are connected to each other. In the case where the U-shaped frame and the upper plate are connected to each other, the structure of the module housing 200 can be formed by attaching the upper plate to the upper side of the U-shaped frame, which is a metal plate in which the lower surface and opposite side surfaces are connected to each other or integrally formed, and each frame or plate can be manufactured by compression molding. In addition, besides a single frame or a U-shaped frame, the structure of the module housing 200 can be provided as an L-shaped frame structure, and can be provided as various structures not described in the above examples.

[0055] The module housing 200 can be provided with an opening along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell stack 100. The front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 100 may not be covered by the module housing 200. The electrode leads 111 and 112 of the battery cell 110 may not be covered by the module housing 200. The front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 100 may be covered by the busbar frame 300, end plates 400 and 450, or busbars 310 and 320, as described below, and thus, the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 100 can be protected from external physical impacts, etc.

[0056] Compression pad 150 can be disposed between one side surface of the battery cell stack 100 and the inner surface of the module housing 200.

[0057] Compression pad 150 can be configured to face the outermost battery cell 110 in the X-axis direction of the figure, which is facing the battery cell stack 100.

[0058] Furthermore, thermally conductive resin can be injected between the inner surfaces of the battery cell stack 100 and the module housing 200, and a thermally conductive resin layer can be formed between one side surface of the inner surfaces of the battery cell stack 100 and the module housing 200 by the injected thermally conductive resin. In this case, the thermally conductive resin layer can be disposed in the Z-axis direction of the battery cell stack 100, and the thermally conductive resin layer can be formed between the bottom surfaces of the battery cell stack 100 and the module housing 200 located in the -Z-axis direction.

[0059] The busbar frame 300 can be disposed on one surface of the battery cell stack 100 and can cover one surface of the battery cell stack 100, while guiding the connection between the battery cell stack 100 and an external device. The busbar frame 300 can be disposed on one surface of the battery cell stack 100 as shown in the figure; for example, the busbar frame 300 can be disposed on the upper surface, lower surface, front surface, rear surface, or side surface of the battery cell stack 100. At least one of the busbars 310 and 320 and a module connector can be disposed on the busbar frame 300. Figure 5 As shown, one surface of the busbar frame 300 can be connected to one side of the battery cell stack 100, and the other surface of the busbar frame 300 can be connected to the busbars 310 and 320.

[0060] The busbar frame 300 may include an electrically insulating material. The busbar frame 300 may limit the contact of the busbars 310, 320 with the battery cell 110 except for the portions of the busbars 310, 320 that are connected to the electrode leads 111, 112, and may prevent electrical short circuits.

[0061] The busbar frame 300 can be disposed on each of one side and the other side of the battery cell stack 100.

[0062] Busbars 310 and 320 can be disposed on one surface of the busbar frame 300 and can be used to electrically connect the battery cell stack 100 or the battery cell 110 to an external device circuit. Busbars 310 and 320 can be disposed between the battery cell stack 100 and the end plates 400 and 450 or between the busbar frame 300 and the end plates 400 and 450, thereby being protected from external impacts and minimizing durability degradation caused by external moisture.

[0063] Busbars 310 and 320 can be electrically connected to the battery cell stack 100 via electrode leads 111 and 112 of the battery cell 110.

[0064] Specifically, the electrode leads 111 and 112 of the battery cell 110 can be bent and connected to the busbars 310 and 320 after passing through the lead slits formed in the busbar frame 300. The battery cells 110 constituting the battery cell stack 100 can be connected in series or in parallel through the busbars 310 and 320.

[0065] Busbars 310, 320 may include terminal busbars 320 configured to electrically connect one battery module 100 to another battery module 100. At least a portion of the terminal busbars 320 may be exposed outside the end plates 400, 450 for connection to the other battery module 100, and for this purpose, the end plates 400, 450 may have terminal openings 410.

[0066] The terminal busbar 320 may have one end (second part 322) exposed through the opening 510 of the insulating cover 500 and the terminal opening 410 of the end plates 400, 450.

[0067] like Figure 7 As shown, the terminal busbar 320 may include a first portion 321 of electrode leads 111 and 112 connected to the battery cell 110 and a second portion 322 exposed to the outside through the terminal opening 410. Additionally, the terminal busbar 320 may also include a bent portion 323 formed between the first portion 321 and the second portion 322.

[0068] In the terminal busbar 320, the first portion 321 can be connected to the second portion 322 via a bent portion, and one surface of the first portion 321 and one surface of the second portion 322 can be perpendicular to each other. That is, by forming a bent portion 323 in the terminal busbar 320, the second portion 322 can protrude, such that the second portion 322 can be mounted on the mounting portion of the insulating cover 500 (the portion of the insulating cover 500 on which the second portion 322 is mounted), and the second portion 322 can be electrically connected to the busbar. A connecting hole 322a can be formed in the second portion 322 constituting one end of the terminal busbar 320, and the second portion 322 of the terminal busbar 320 can be secured by a pin or bolt inserted into the connecting hole 322a.

[0069] End plates 400 and 450 can be disposed on opposite sides of the module housing 200 to cover one side surface and the other side surface of the battery cell laminate 100, and can include a first end plate 400 disposed on one side of the module housing 200 and a second end plate 450 disposed on the opposite side of the module housing 200.

[0070] Specifically, the first end plate 400 can be disposed on one side of the module housing 200 where the terminal busbar 320 is disposed, and the second end plate 450 can be disposed on the other side of the module housing 200 opposite to the first end plate 400.

[0071] The first end plate 400 and the second end plate 450 can seal the opening surfaces of the module housing 200 to protect the battery cell stack 100 and the electrical components connected thereto from external physical impacts. For this purpose, the first end plate 400 and the second end plate 450 can be made of a material with a predetermined strength, and for example, the first end plate 400 and the second end plate 450 can include metal materials such as aluminum or plastic materials.

[0072] The first end plate 400 and the second end plate 450 may have terminal openings 410. The terminal openings 410 may be provided on each of the opposite sides of the first end plate 400 and the second end plate 450, and a portion of the insulating cover 500 and one end (second portion 322) of the terminal busbar 320 may be exposed through the terminal openings 410.

[0073] The terminal busbar 320 may not be located on the other side of the module housing 200 where the second end plate 450 is located.

[0074] Additionally, the connector opening can be positioned between terminal openings 410 located on opposite sides of the first end plate 400 and the second end plate 450, and the module connector can be exposed to the outside through the connector opening.

[0075] In addition, the module mounting parts 420 and 470 can be located on the left and right sides of the first end plate 400 and the second end plate 450, respectively.

[0076] Module mounting portions 420 and 470 can be configured to secure the battery module 1000 within the battery pack 2000, and may include vertically penetrating connection holes 421 and 471. Module mounting bolts can be connected to the connection holes 421 and 471, allowing the battery module 1000 to be secured within the battery pack 2000. Module mounting portions 420 and 470 can be integrally formed with the first end plate 400 and the second end plate 450.

[0077] Module lifting holes 430 may be formed in module mounting portions 420 and 470. Module lifting holes 430 are used to lift or transport battery module 1000, and transport members may be connected to module lifting holes 430 to lift battery module 1000. When battery module 1000 is lifted by transport members, battery module 1000 may be transported or battery module 1000 may be assembled into battery pack 2000.

[0078] The module lifting hole 430 can be formed to a predetermined depth in the front surface of the module mounting portions 420 and 470 or the front surface 401 of the first end plate 400 and the second end plate 450, and can communicate with the connecting holes 421 and 471.

[0079] The first end plate 400 and the second end plate 450 can be connected to the module housing 200 and simultaneously cover the busbar frame 300 or busbars 310, 320 located on one surface of the battery cell stack 100. Each corner of the first end plate 400 and the second end plate 450 can be connected to the corresponding corner of the module housing 200 by means such as welding, bolting, or hooking.

[0080] The first end plate 400 and the second end plate 450 can be positioned on the front and rear surfaces of the module housing 200, respectively, to cover the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell laminate 100.

[0081] An insulating cover 500 for electrical insulation can be positioned between the first end plate 400 and the busbar frame 300, and between the second end plate 450 and the busbar frame 300. That is, the busbar frame 300, the insulating cover 500, the first end plate 400, and the second end plate 450 can be positioned sequentially outward from the battery cell stack 100. Similar to the first end plate 400 and the second end plate 450, multiple busbar frames 300 and insulating covers 500 can each be configured.

[0082] The insulating cover 500 may include an electrically insulating material and may prevent the busbars 310, 320 from contacting the first end plate 400 and the second end plate 450.

[0083] The insulating cover 500 may include an opening 510 and a mounting portion thereon on which a second portion 322 of the terminal busbar 320 is mounted. The opening 510 may be provided on each of the opposite sides of the upper portion of the insulating cover 500, and one end (second portion 322) of the terminal busbar 320 may be exposed through the opening 510.

[0084] Additionally, the connector opening can be positioned between openings 510 on opposite sides of the insulating cover 500, and the module connector can be exposed to the outside through the connector opening.

[0085] The insulating cover 500 may be positioned on the inner surfaces of the first end plate 400 and the second end plate 450 and may be in close contact with the inner surfaces of the first end plate 400 and the second end plate 450, but this is not necessarily the case.

[0086] As described above, one end (second portion 322) of the terminal busbar 320 can be exposed through the opening 510, and the exposed end of the terminal busbar 320 can be mounted on the mounting portion. Therefore, the mounting portion can be disposed adjacent to the opening 510 and can be disposed on the upper outer surface.

[0087] The mounting portion allows the second portion 322 of the terminal busbar 320 to be mounted on its upper surface, and thus the upper surface of the mounting portion can form a mounting surface. Additionally, the mounting portion may include a fixing portion configured to fix the second portion 322 of the terminal busbar 320, and the fixing portion may include a fixing groove into which a pin, bolt, or the like is inserted and fixed after being connected to and secured in a connecting groove 322a formed in the second portion 322 of the terminal busbar 320.

[0088] Additionally, the insulating cover 500 may include an edge portion positioned on the outside of the mounting portion where one end of the terminal busbar 320 is mounted at the portion exposed through the terminal opening 510.

[0089] Additionally, a terminal cover portion covering one exposed end of the terminal busbar 320 may be provided on the insulating cover 500.

[0090] Fire-resistant component 600 is used to suppress the exposure (spread) of flames to the outside when a flame occurs inside the battery module 1000, and as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, it may include a first fireproof component 610 and a second fireproof component 650.

[0091] The first fireproof component 610 can be disposed on the first end plate 400. The insulating cover 500 can be disposed on the inner side of the first end plate 400 in which the first fireproof component 610 is disposed, so that one end of the terminal busbar 320 is exposed.

[0092] Specifically, the first fireproof component 610 may include a side surface portion 620 disposed on the first end plate 400 (the first end plate 400 is disposed on one side of the module housing 200) and an upper surface portion 630 disposed on the upper surface of the battery module 1000.

[0093] The side surface portion 620 of the first fireproof component 610 can be provided on the first end plate 400 and can be provided to cover the upper part of the front surface 401 of the first end plate 400.

[0094] The side surface portion 620 may include a lower portion 621 and an upper portion 622 disposed above the lower portion 621.

[0095] The lower portion 621 of the side surface portion 620 can extend laterally to cover the module mounting portion 420. Additionally, a connecting hole 621a can be formed on each of the opposite sides of the lower portion 621, and a retaining pin 623 can be inserted into the connecting hole 621a.

[0096] The first fireproof component 610 can be connected to the first end plate 400 by means of a fixing pin 623 inserted into the connecting hole 621a.

[0097] Furthermore, as described above, module lifting holes 430 can be formed on opposite sides of the first end plate 400, and fixing pins 623 can be connected to module lifting holes 430, so that the first fireproof member 610 can be fixed to the first end plate 400. In this way, since the first fireproof member 610 can be fixed to the first end plate 400 by fixing pins 623, it can be firmly fixed, and therefore, when thermal runaway or flame occurs in the battery module 1000, the separation of the first fireproof member 610 from the battery module 1000 due to high-pressure gas discharge can be prevented.

[0098] The retaining pin 623 can be pressed and secured into the module lifting hole 430.

[0099] Since the retaining pin 623 is connected to the module lifting hole 430, there is no need to form a separate connecting groove or connecting hole for connecting the retaining pin 623.

[0100] To suppress interference between the retaining pin 623 and the module mounting bolt connected to the connecting hole 421 of the module mounting portion 420, the end of the retaining pin 623 that inserts into the module lifting hole 430 may be located in the module lifting hole 430 or may not be located in the connecting hole 421 of the module mounting portion 420. To suppress interference with the module mounting bolt, the length of the retaining pin 623 may be 5 mm or less.

[0101] The upper portion 622 of the side surface portion 620 may be narrower than the lower portion 621 and may not cover the module mounting portion 420. The upper portion 622 may cover the front portion of the insulating cover 500 exposed through the terminal openings 410 on opposite sides of the first end plate 400 and may cover one end (second portion 322) of the terminal busbar 320 from the front.

[0102] The upper surface portion 630 can be disposed on the upper surface of the battery module 1000, and can also be disposed on the upper surface of the first end plate 400, the upper surface of the insulating cover 500, and the upper surface 201 of the module housing 200.

[0103] The upper surface portion 630 can be extended by bending from the side surface portion 620 toward the upper surface 201 of the module housing 200, and can be integrally formed with the side surface portion 620. Therefore, the first fireproof member 610 can be formed in an inverted "L" shape.

[0104] The upper surface portion 630 may be formed to have a narrower width than the upper portion 622 of the side surface portion 620, and may be positioned in a plane between the terminal busbars 320. The connection of the busbars 320 between modules can be achieved by connecting battery pack busbars between the terminal busbars 320 (see [reference]). Figure 9 Furthermore, to ensure space for the connection of the busbar 320 between modules, the upper surface portion 630 may not cover the terminal busbar 320 exposed on the insulating cover 500.

[0105] The upper surface portion 630 may extend toward the upper surface 201 of the module housing 200 to cover a portion of the upper surface 201 of the module housing 200, the upper surface of the first end plate 400, and the upper surface of the insulating cover 500.

[0106] Therefore, since the first fireproof component 610 has the configuration described above, even if a flame occurs inside the battery module 1000, the flame can be suppressed from being exposed (spread) through the insulating cover 500, which is a plastic injection-molded product susceptible to high temperature, and the flame can be suppressed from being exposed (spread) between the module housing 200 and the first end plate 400 (or the insulating cover 500).

[0107] The first fireproof component 610 can be formed in sheet form and can include mica or be formed from mica sheets.

[0108] The second fireproof component 650 can be installed on the second end plate 450 opposite to the first end plate 400.

[0109] Specifically, the second fireproof component 650 may include a side surface portion 660 disposed on the second end plate 450 (which is disposed on the other side of the module housing 200) and an upper surface portion 670 disposed on the upper surface of the battery module 1000.

[0110] The side surface portion 660 of the second fireproof component 650 can be provided on the second end plate 450 and can be configured to cover the upper part of the front surface of the second end plate 450.

[0111] The side surface portion 660 may include a lower portion 661 and an upper portion 662 disposed on the upper side of the lower portion 661.

[0112] The lower portion 661 of the side surface portion 660 can extend laterally to cover the module mounting portion 470. Additionally, a connecting hole 661a can be formed on each of the opposite sides of the lower portion 661, and a retaining pin 663 can be inserted into the connecting hole 661a.

[0113] The second fireproof component 650 can be connected to the second end plate 450 by means of a fixing pin 663 inserted into the connecting hole 661a.

[0114] Similar to the first fireproof member 610, in the second fireproof member 650, the second fireproof member 650 can be fixed to the second end plate 450 when the retaining pin 663 is engaged with the module lift hole 480 formed in the front surface of the module mounting portion 470. In this way, since the second fireproof member 650 is fixed to the second end plate 450 by the retaining pin 663, it can be firmly fixed, and therefore, in the event of thermal runaway or flame in the battery module 1000, the second fireproof member 650 can be prevented from separating from the battery module 1000 due to the release of high-pressure gas.

[0115] The retaining pin 663 can be pressed and secured to the module lifting hole 480.

[0116] Since the retaining pin 663 is connected to the module lifting hole 480, there is no need to form a separate connecting groove or connecting hole for connecting the retaining pin 663.

[0117] To suppress interference between the retaining pin 663 and the module mounting bolt connected to the connection hole 471 of the module mounting portion 470, the end of the retaining pin 663 inserted into the module lifting hole 480 may be positioned in the module lifting hole 480 or may not be positioned in the connection hole 471 of the module mounting portion 470. To suppress interference with the module mounting bolt, the length of the retaining pin 663 may be 5 mm or less.

[0118] The upper part 662 of the side surface portion 660 can be formed to have a narrower width than the lower part 661 and may not cover the module mounting portion 470.

[0119] The upper surface portion 670 can be disposed on the upper surface of the battery module 1000, and can also be disposed on the upper surface of the second end plate 450, the upper surface of the insulating cover 500, and the upper surface 201 of the module housing 200.

[0120] The upper surface portion 670 can be extended by bending from the side surface portion 660 toward the upper surface 201 of the module housing 200, and can be integrally formed with the side surface portion 660. Therefore, the second fireproof member 650 can be in the form of an inverted "L" shaped bend.

[0121] The upper surface portion 670 may extend toward the upper surface 201 of the module housing 200 to cover a portion of the upper surface 201 of the module housing 200, the upper surface of the second end plate 450, and the upper surface of the insulating cover 500.

[0122] The upper surface portion 670 may have the same width as the upper portion 662 of the side surface portion 660 and may include an extension 675 disposed on the upper surface 201 of the module housing 200. The extension 675 may be disposed on the upper surface 201 of the module housing 200 and may extend from the upper surface portion 670 in width, such that the left and right ends of the extension 675 may extend to the edge of the upper surface 201 of the module housing 200. Therefore, the width of the extension 675 may be the same as the upper surface 201 of the module housing 200.

[0123] Because the second fireproof component 650 has the configuration described above, even if a flame occurs inside the battery module 1000, the flame can be suppressed from being exposed (spread) through the insulating cover 500, which is a plastic injection-molded product susceptible to high temperatures, and the flame can be suppressed from being exposed (spread) between the module housing 200 and the second end plate 450 (or the insulating cover 500).

[0124] Similar to the first fireproof component 610, the second fireproof component 650 can be formed in sheet form and can include mica or be formed from mica sheets.

[0125] Furthermore, as described above, one or more battery modules 1000 according to this disclosure can form a battery pack 2000. The battery pack 2000 according to this disclosure can house at least one or more battery modules 1000 within a battery pack housing and can include various control and protection systems such as a BMS (Battery Management System), a cooling system, etc.

[0126] Figure 9This is an illustration of the interior of a battery pack 2000 according to the present disclosure, illustrating eight battery modules 1000 disposed on a battery pack tray 2100. The battery pack housing housing the battery modules 1000 may include the battery pack tray 2100 and a battery pack cover attached to the upper part of the battery pack tray 2100. As shown, the battery pack 2000 according to the present disclosure can accommodate multiple battery modules 1000, and by way of example, it can be as follows... Figure 9 The diagram shows a capacity of 1000 eight battery modules.

[0127] Additionally, the battery modules 1000 in the battery pack 2000 can be configured such that the front surfaces of the battery modules 1000, where the terminal busbars 320 are located, can face each other. That is, four battery modules 1000 can be located on each of the left and right sides of the battery pack 2000, such that the first fire-resistant members 610 can face each other, and the second fire-resistant members 650 can be located on the rear surface of each battery module 1000.

[0128] Thus, since the first fireproof members 610 can each be disposed on the front surface of the battery modules 1000 facing each other in the battery pack 2000, the first fireproof members 610 facing each other can suppress flames from being emitted to the outside and cover the terminal busbar 320 from the front, thereby improving safety.

[0129] As shown in the figure, the connection of the terminal busbar 320 between the battery modules 1000 can be achieved by the battery pack busbar.

[0130] The battery module 1000 and battery pack 2000 configured as described above according to this disclosure can be applied to various devices. Specifically, they can be applied to transportation vehicles or energy storage systems (ESS) such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrid vehicles, but are not limited to these devices, and can be applied to various devices that can use secondary batteries.

[0131] This disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments described above, but this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0132] [Industrial Applicability]

[0133] This disclosure provides a battery module and battery pack in which even if a flame occurs inside the battery module, the flame can be suppressed from being exposed to the outside.

Claims

1. A battery module, the battery module comprising: A battery cell stack, wherein multiple battery cells are stacked in the battery cell stack; A module housing configured to accommodate the battery cell stack; The first end plate is disposed on one side of the module housing; as well as A first fireproof component is disposed on the first end plate to suppress flame exposure to the outside of the battery module.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The first fireproof component includes: Side surface portion, the side surface portion being disposed on the first end plate; and The upper surface portion bends from the side surface portion and is disposed on the upper surface of the battery module.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein, The first fireproof component also includes a retaining pin configured to secure the first fireproof component to the battery module.

4. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein, The side surface includes a connecting hole, into which the fixing pin is inserted.

5. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein, The fixing pin is connected to the first end plate.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein, The first end plate includes a module lift hole configured for lifting the battery module, and The fixing pin is connected to the module lifting hole.

7. The battery module according to claim 4, wherein, The connecting holes are provided in multiple portions and are respectively located on opposite sides of the side surface portion, and The retaining pins are arranged in a plurality and inserted into each of the connecting holes.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein, The first end plate includes module lifting holes configured to lift the battery module on opposite sides, and The retaining pin is connected to each of the module lifting holes.

9. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein, The first end plate includes module mounting portions on opposite sides configured to connect the battery module to the battery pack, and The module lifting hole is formed in the module mounting portion.

10. The battery module according to claim 9, wherein, The module mounting section includes connection holes formed in the vertical direction.

11. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising: The second end plate is disposed on the other side of the module housing; as well as A second fireproof component is disposed on the second end plate to suppress flame exposure to the outside of the battery module.

12. The battery module according to claim 11, wherein, The second fireproof component includes: Side surface portion, the side surface portion being disposed on the second end plate; and The upper surface portion bends from the side surface portion and is disposed on the upper surface of the battery module.

13. The battery module according to claim 12, wherein, The second fireproof component also includes a retaining pin configured to secure the second fireproof component to the battery module.

14. The battery module according to claim 13, wherein, The side surface portion of the second fireproof component includes a connecting hole, and the fixing pin of the second fireproof component is inserted into the connecting hole.

15. The battery module according to claim 14, wherein, The fixing pin of the second fireproof component is connected to the second end plate.

16. The battery module according to claim 15, wherein, The second end plate includes a module lift hole configured for lifting the battery module, and The fixing pin is connected to the module lifting hole.

17. The battery module according to claim 14, wherein, The connecting holes are provided in multiple portions and are respectively located on opposite sides of the side surface portion, and The retaining pins are arranged in a plurality and inserted into each of the connecting holes.

18. The battery module according to claim 17, wherein, The second end plate includes module lifting holes configured to lift the battery module on opposite sides, and The retaining pin is connected to each of the module lifting holes.

19. The battery module according to claim 18, wherein, The second end plate includes module mounting portions on opposite sides configured to connect the battery module to the battery pack, and The module lifting hole is formed in the module mounting portion.

20. The battery module according to claim 19, wherein, The module mounting section includes connection holes formed in the vertical direction.

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