Battery module and battery pack including the same

Abstract

To provide: a battery module capable of dispersing high-temperature heat and flame discharged when an ignition phenomenon occurs in the battery module; and a battery pack including the same.SOLUTION: A battery module includes: a battery cell stack in which multiple battery cells are stacked; and a module frame for housing the battery cell stack. A venting part is formed on the lower surface of the module frame. The battery cell comprises: a cell main body; electrode leads formed to protrude from both ends of the cell main body; and a terrace part formed to extend from the cell case in a direction in which the electrode leads protrude. The venting part is formed adjacently to a portion where the terrace part is located rather than the cell main body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] [Cross-reference to related applications] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0039762 filed on April 1, 2020, and all contents disclosed in the documents of said Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery module and a battery pack including the same, and more particularly to a battery module with enhanced stability and a battery pack including the same. [Background technology]

[0003] Secondary batteries have attracted much attention as an energy source in various products such as mobile devices and electric vehicles. Such secondary batteries are a promising energy resource that can replace the use of existing products that use fossil fuels, and are in the spotlight as an environmentally friendly energy source that does not produce by-products due to energy consumption.

[0004] Recently, as the need for large-capacity secondary battery structures has increased, including the use of secondary batteries as energy storage sources, there has been an increasing demand for battery packs with medium to large module structures in which battery modules are assembled in which a number of secondary batteries are connected in series or parallel.

[0005] Meanwhile, when a battery pack is constructed by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series or parallel, a common method is to construct a battery module consisting of the plurality of battery cells, and then to construct a battery pack by adding other components to at least one of the battery modules. The battery cells constituting such a medium- to large-sized battery module are composed of secondary batteries that can be charged and discharged, and such high-output, large-capacity secondary batteries generate a large amount of heat during the charging and discharging process.

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

[0007] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the state of a battery module attached to a conventional battery pack when it ignites. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in Fig. 1, showing the state of flames affecting adjacent battery modules when a battery module attached to a conventional battery pack ignites.

[0008] 1 and 2, a conventional battery module includes a battery cell stack in which a number of battery cells 10 are stacked, a frame 20 that houses the battery cell stack, end plates 30 formed on front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack, and terminal bus bars 40 formed to protrude outside the end plates 30.

[0009] The frame 20 and the end plates 30 may be joined to be hermetically sealed by welding. When the battery module is overcharged, if the internal pressure of the battery cells 10 increases and exceeds the limit of the fusion strength of the battery cells 10, high temperature heat, gas, and flames generated in the battery cells 10 are discharged to the outside of the battery cells 10.

[0010] At this time, the high temperature heat, gas and flames are exhausted through the openings formed in the end plates 30, but in a battery pack structure in which a plurality of battery modules are arranged with the end plates 30 facing each other, the high temperature heat, gas and flames emitted from the battery modules may affect the adjacent battery modules, which may damage the terminal bus bars 40 formed on the end plates 30 of the adjacent battery modules, and the high temperature heat, gas and flames may enter the battery modules through the openings formed in the end plates 30 of the adjacent battery modules, causing damage to the plurality of battery cells 10. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to provide a battery module capable of dispersing high temperature heat and flames emitted when a fire occurs in a battery module, and a battery pack including the same.

[0012] The object of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned objects, and other objects not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; and a module frame that houses the battery cell stack, and a venting portion is formed on a lower surface of the module frame. The battery cells include a cell body; electrode leads protruding from both ends of the cell body; and a terrace portion extending from a cell case in a direction in which the electrode leads protrude, and the venting portion is formed adjacent to a portion of the cell body where the terrace portion is located.

[0014] The venting portion may be formed at a position corresponding to a portion where the terrace portion is located.

[0015] The battery cell stack may further include a first end plate and a second end plate located on a front surface and a rear surface, respectively, of the battery cell stack.

[0016] The venting portion may be a hole structure formed on a lower surface of the module frame.

[0017] The hole structure may extend obliquely through the lower surface of the module frame.

[0018] The hole structure may have an inclined direction approaching one of the first end plate and the second end plate that is located farther from the bending portion.

[0019] The venting portion may include an inlet formed on a lower surface of the module frame facing the battery cell stack, an outlet for discharging gas that has flowed in through the inlet, and a connecting portion for connecting the inlet and the outlet.

[0020] The outlet may be formed in a direction perpendicular to the inlet.

[0021] The connection portion may be protruded from a lower surface of the module frame.

[0022] The venting portion may be configured to exhaust gas toward one of the first and second end plates, which is located farther away.

[0023] The first end plate and the second end plate may include module mounting portions for fixing the battery modules, and a support member may be inserted into the module mounting portions to space a lower surface of the module frame from a bottom of a pack frame by the support member.

[0024] A support member may be formed on a lower surface of the module frame so as to protrude downward.

[0025] The battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may include two or more battery modules, and a first battery module and a second battery module among the battery modules may have openings formed in surfaces facing each other.

[0026] The venting portion of the first battery module may be configured to exhaust gas in a direction opposite to a direction in which the second battery module is located.

[0027] The battery pack may further include a pack frame that houses the battery module, the battery module being spaced apart from a bottom of the pack frame. Effect of the Invention

[0028] A battery module and a battery pack including the same according to an embodiment of the present invention may disperse high-temperature heat, gas, and flames generated when a battery module ignites through a vent formed on a lower surface of a module frame, thereby minimizing damage to a terminal of the battery module and a plurality of battery cells facing the battery module.

[0029] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which a battery module attached to a conventional battery pack catches fire. [Diagram 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 1, illustrating a state of flames affecting adjacent battery modules when a battery module attached to a conventional battery pack ignites. [Diagram 3] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 4 is a perspective view of a battery cell included in the battery module of FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the battery modules of FIG. 3 are joined together. [Figure 6] 6 is a plan view showing the lower surface of the battery module in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the section line "B" in FIG. 5. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to a modified embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to a modified embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached to a pack frame. [Figure 11(a)]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module on which a support member is formed. [Figure 11(b)] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module on which a support member is formed. [Figure 12] 1 is a plan view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention may, however, be embodied in various different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0032] In order to clearly describe the present invention, parts that are not relevant to the description will be omitted, and the same reference numerals will be used throughout the specification to refer to the same or similar components.

[0033] In addition, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for convenience of explanation, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those shown. In the drawings, thicknesses are exaggerated to clearly express multiple layers and regions. In the drawings, thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated for convenience of explanation.

[0034] In addition, when a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is said to be "on" or "above" another part, this includes not only the case where it is "directly above" the other part, but also the case where there is another part in between. Conversely, when a part is said to be "directly above" another part, it means that there is no other part in between. In addition, being "on" or "above" a reference part means being located above or below the reference part, and does not necessarily mean being located "on" or "above" the opposite direction of gravity.

[0035] Also, throughout the specification, when a part "comprises" a certain element, this means that it may further include other elements, but not to the exclusion of other elements, unless specifically stated to the contrary.

[0036] Also, throughout the specification, "in a plane" means when the subject part is viewed from above, and "in cross section" means when the subject part is cut vertically and viewed from the side.

[0037] Hereinafter, a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0038] Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a battery cell included in the battery module of Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which the battery module of Fig. 3 is assembled. Fig. 6 is a plan view showing the bottom of the battery module of Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along cutting line "B" of Fig. 5.

[0039] 3 to 7, a battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell stack 120 in which a plurality of battery cells 110 are stacked, and a module frame 200 that houses the battery cell stack 120, and a venting portion 400 is formed on a lower surface of the module frame 200. In this specification, the venting portion refers to a portion for discharging heat and gas from inside the battery module 100.

[0040] 4, the battery cell 110 is preferably a pouch-type battery cell. For example, the battery cell 110 according to this embodiment has a structure in which two electrode leads 111 and 112 face each other and protrude from one end 114a and the other end 114b of a cell body 113, respectively. More specifically, the electrode leads 111 and 112 are connected to an electrode assembly (not shown) and protrude from the electrode assembly (not shown) to the outside of the battery cell 110.

[0041] Meanwhile, the battery cell 110 can be manufactured by bonding both ends 114a, 114b of the cell case 114 and one side 114c connecting them with each other in a state where an electrode assembly (not shown) is housed in the cell case 114. That is, the battery cell 110 according to this embodiment has a total of three sealing parts 114sa, 114sb, 114sc, and the sealing parts 114sa, 114sb, 114sc are structured to be sealed by a method such as heat fusion, and the remaining other side part comprises a connecting part 115. The cell case 114 is made of a laminate sheet including a resin layer and a metal layer.

[0042] In addition, the connecting portion 115 may extend long along one edge of the battery cell 110, and a protruding portion 110p of the battery cell 110, called a bat-ear, is formed at an end of the connecting portion 115. In addition, the cell case 114 is sealed with the protruding electrode leads 111, 112 therebetween, and a terrace portion 116 is formed between the electrode leads 111, 112 and the cell body 113. In other words, the battery cell 110 includes the terrace portion 116 extending from the cell case 114 in the direction in which the electrode leads 111, 112 protrude.

[0043] A plurality of battery cells 110 may be configured, and the plurality of battery cells 110 may be stacked so as to be electrically connected to each other to form a battery cell stack 120. A top plate 130 may be located on the upper side of the battery cell stack 120, and bus bar frames 140 may be located on the front and rear sides of the battery cell stack 120, from which the electrode leads 111 and 112 protrude. The battery cell stack 120, the top plate 130, and the bus bar frame 140 may be housed together in a module frame 200.

[0044] A thermally conductive resin may be injected between the battery cell stack 120 and the lower surface of the module frame 200, and the injected thermally conductive resin forms a thermally conductive resin layer (not shown) between the battery cell stack 120 and the lower surface of the module frame 200. The battery cell stack 120 accommodated inside the module frame 200 and electrical components connected thereto can be protected from external physical impacts via the module frame 200.

[0045] The bus bar frames 140 are positioned on the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 120, respectively, to cover the battery cell stack 120 and guide the connection between the battery cell stack 120 and an external device. Specifically, the bus bar 141 and the terminal bus bar 142 are attached to the bus bar frame 140. The electrode leads 111 and 112 of the battery cells 110 may pass through slits formed in the bus bar frame 140 and then bend to be joined to the bus bar 141 or the terminal bus bar 142. The battery cells 110 constituting the battery cell stack 120 may be connected in series or parallel through the bus bar 141, and the battery cells 110 may be electrically connected to an external device or circuit through the terminal bus bar 142 exposed to the outside of the battery module 100. In addition, a connector (not shown) is attached to the bus bar frame 140, and temperature and voltage data of the battery cells 110 measured by a sensing assembly (not shown) is transmitted to an external BMS (Battery Management System) or the like through the connector (not shown).

[0046] The end plates 301, 302 are formed to cover the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 120. Specifically, a first end plate 301 and a second end plate 302 are located on the front and rear surfaces, respectively, of the battery cell stack 120. The end plates 301, 302 can protect the bus bar frame 140 and various electrical components connected thereto from external impact, and for this purpose should have a certain strength and may include a metal such as aluminum.

[0047] The end plates 301, 302 are formed with terminal bus bar openings 320 and connector openings 330 for connecting the terminal bus bars 142 and a connector (not shown) attached to the bus bar frame 140 to the outside, and gas and heat generated from the battery cells 110 can be discharged to the outside of the battery module 100 through the openings 320, 330. The end plates 301, 302 and the module frame 200 are joined by welding, and the module frame 200 and the multiple battery cells 110 located inside the end plates 300 are cut off from connection to the outside except for the above-mentioned openings 320, 330 due to the joining structure of the end plates 300 and the module frame 200 sealed by welding.

[0048] As described above, in conventional battery modules, high-temperature heat, gas, or flames generated in the battery cells are discharged through the openings. However, in a battery pack structure in which multiple battery modules are arranged with their end plates facing each other, the high-temperature heat, gas, flames, etc. emitted from the battery modules can damage adjacent battery modules.

[0049] To this end, a venting unit 400 is formed on the underside of the module frame 200 according to the present embodiment, and can disperse heat, gas, flames, and the like discharged through the openings 320 and 330. Such a venting unit 400 may be a hole structure formed on the underside of the module frame 200. The venting unit 400 diversifies the discharge paths within the battery module 100, preventing a phenomenon in which discharge is concentrated in only one part of the battery module 100 in the event of a fire, and disperses the discharge of high-temperature heat, gas, and flames.

[0050] In addition, the venting part 400 is formed adjacent to the portion where the terrace part 116 is located from the cell body 113. A lot of heat is generated in the electrode leads 111, 112 of the battery cell 110 and the adjacent terrace part 116, and the terrace part 116 is released from sealing due to a pressure change inside the battery module 100, and high temperature heat, gas and flame are discharged. At this time, the venting part 400 according to the present embodiment is formed adjacent to the portion where the terrace part 116 is located from the cell body 113, so that the high temperature heat, gas and flame can be immediately discharged to the outside of the battery module 100. As an example, the venting part 400 is formed at a position corresponding to the terrace part 116.

[0051] Meanwhile, since the venting portion 400 according to the embodiment of the present invention is formed on the lower surface of the module frame 200, it is possible to prevent foreign matter floating in the air from entering the inside of the battery module 100 through the venting portion 400.

[0052] Below, venting units 500 and 600 according to modified embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0053] 8 and 9 are cross-sectional views of battery modules according to modified embodiments of the present invention.

[0054] 8 and 9 together with Fig. 3, the venting portions 500, 600 according to the present embodiment are formed to exhaust gas in the direction of the end plate located farther out of the first end plate 301 and the second end plate 302. As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the venting portions 500, 600 located closer to the first end plate 301 may be formed to exhaust gas in the direction of the second end plate 302 located farther out.

[0055] The venting portions 500, 600 are formed at positions corresponding to the positions where the terrace portions 116 are located, but because the first end plate 301 is closer than the second end plate 302 located at the opposite side of the battery cell stack 120, if gas is discharged toward the first end plate 301, high temperature heat, gas, and flames may be discharged to other battery modules adjacent to the first end plate 301, causing damage. To prevent this, it is preferable that the venting portions 500, 600 are formed to discharge gas toward the second end plate 302. This will be described again with reference to FIG. 12 below.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 8, the venting portion 500 may be a hole structure formed on the lower surface of the module frame 200, and may further be a hole structure that penetrates the lower surface of the module frame 200 obliquely.

[0057] Specifically, the inner inlet of the obliquely penetrating venting portion 500 is formed closer to the first end plate 301 than the outer outlet, and the outer outlet is formed closer to the second end plate 302 than the inner inlet. That is, the venting portion 500 may have an inclination direction approaching the end plate located farther from the venting portion 500, out of the first end plate 301 and the second end plate 302.

[0058] By providing the above-mentioned structure, it is possible to naturally provide directionality to the heat and gas exhausted through the venting portion 500. That is, it is possible to guide the gas to be exhausted in the direction of the second end plate 302 located farther away, thereby preventing damage to the first end plate 301 and other battery modules adjacent thereto.

[0059] In addition, the venting part 500 according to the present embodiment has an advantage that it does not require any additional space as it has a through hole structure, and can simply pass through the module frame 200 to provide a direction for the exhaust gas.

[0060] Next, referring to FIG. 9 , the venting unit 600 may include an inlet 610 formed on the lower surface of the module frame 200 and facing one side of the battery cell in the stacking direction of the battery cell stack, an outlet 620 for discharging gas that has flowed in through the inlet 610, and a connection unit 630 for connecting the inlet 610 and the outlet 620.

[0061] The outlet 620 is formed in a direction perpendicular to the inlet 610. In addition, the connection part 630 may be formed to protrude from the lower surface of the module frame 200 and is formed to be inclined. Therefore, the outlet 620 is also formed on the outer side of the lower surface of the module frame 200.

[0062] Due to the above-mentioned structure, the venting part 600 according to the present embodiment can more reliably guide the heat and gas inside the battery module toward the second end plate 302. That is, it has an advantage that the directionality of the heat and gas can be more reliably given. In addition, the connecting part 630 acts as a kind of a lid, and can prevent external foreign objects from entering the inside of the battery module.

[0063] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached to a pack frame 1100. As shown in FIG.

[0064] 10 together with FIG 5, module mounting portions 310 are formed on the end plates 301, 302 so that the battery module 100 can be attached and fixed to the pack frame 1100 of the battery pack. There is no limit to the number of module mounting portions 310, but for stable attachment of the battery module 100, it is preferable to form a total of four module mounting portions 310, two on both sides of the first end plate 301 and two on both sides of the second end plate 302.

[0065] The support member 340 is inserted into the module mounting portion 310. More specifically, a mounting hole 311 is formed in the module mounting portion 310, and the support member 340 is inserted into the mounting hole 311. A through hole is formed in the bottom 1110 of the pack frame 1100, and one end of the support member 340 passing through the mounting hole 311 is coupled to the through hole of the bottom 1110. As an example, one end of the support member 340 is formed in a bolt shape and coupled to a nut-shaped through hole of the bottom 1110. However, the coupling is not limited to a bolt and nut coupling, and can be embodied in various embodiments.

[0066] Meanwhile, the support member 340 may be in the form of a cylindrical rod to be inserted into the mounting hole 311 of the module mounting part 310. A head part 341 is formed at the other end opposite to the one end of the support member 340. The head part 341 is formed with a radius wider than the mounting hole 311 and is not inserted into the mounting hole 311, so that the end plates 301, 302 can be closely attached and fixed to the bottom part 1110. In this way, the battery module 100 can be attached and fixed to the pack frame 1100.

[0067] At this time, it is preferable that the support member 340 is set to be somewhat longer so that the lower surface of the module frame 200 is spaced apart from the bottom 1110 of the pack frame 1100 by a predetermined distance d1. Also, as an example, although not specifically shown, a fixing member such as a nut surrounding the support member 340 can be provided at the lower end of the mounting part 310 to prevent the end plates 301, 302 and the battery module 100 from moving downward. In other words, the fixing member is provided to maintain a distance of the predetermined distance d1.

[0068] In the present invention, venting portions 400, 500, 600 are formed on the underside of the module frame 200 to discharge heat and gas through the underside, so it is preferable to separate the underside from the bottom 1110 of the pack frame 1100 to provide a space through which heat and gas can be discharged.

[0069] In particular, since the venting portions 500 and 600 in Figures 8 and 9 guide exhaust from the first end plate 301 to the second end plate 302, it is preferable that the lower surface of the module frame 200 is spaced apart as described above. Also, since the venting portion 600 in Figure 9 has a structure in which the connecting portion 630 and the exhaust port 620 protrude, it is more preferable that the lower surface of the module frame 200 is spaced apart.

[0070] 11a and 11b are cross-sectional views of a battery module having a support member 210 formed thereon according to a modified embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] 11a and 11b, a support member 210 is formed on the lower surface of a module frame 200 so as to protrude downward.

[0072] When the battery module is attached to the pack frame by the support members 210, the lower surface of the module frame 200 can be spaced apart from the bottom of the pack frame. This provides a space for discharging heat and gas, and allows the discharged heat and gas to easily move from the first end plate 301 to the second end plate 302.

[0073] The number of support members 210 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to have a plurality of support members 210 in order to stably support the battery module, and it is more preferable to arrange them evenly over the entire area of ​​the lower surface of the module frame 200.

[0074] For convenience of explanation, the venting portions 500, 600 and the support member 210 are shown together in Figures 11a and 11b, but in consideration of the paths of heat and gas, it is preferable that the support member 210 is formed offset from the venting portions 500, 600. Specifically, it is preferable that the positions of the venting portions 500, 600 and the support member 210 do not coincide with each other in a direction parallel to the surface of the cell body 113 (a direction parallel to the x-axis in Figure 5). This is to prevent the support member 210 from blocking the heat and gas discharged from the venting portions 500, 600.

[0075] There is no particular limitation on the material or manufacturing method of the support member 210, and it is preferable that the support member 210 has a predetermined strength to support the battery module. The support member 210 may be integrated with the module frame 200, or may be formed by bonding a member such as a metal to the lower surface of the module frame 200.

[0076] Meanwhile, there is no particular limit to the number of venting portions 400, 500, 600 according to the above-described embodiments of the present invention, and the venting portions 400, 500, 600 may be one or more. However, when the venting portions 400, 500, 600 are formed in a plurality of portions, they are preferably arranged in a direction parallel to the stacking direction of the battery cells 110 so as to correspond to the positions of the terrace portions 116 of the battery cells 110 constituting the battery cell stack 120. Here, the stacking direction of the battery cells 110 refers to a direction perpendicular to the surface of the cell body 113, i.e., a direction parallel to the y-axis in FIG. 5.

[0077] Referring again to FIG. 3, the module frame 200 according to the present invention may have a monoframe structure or a structure in which an upper cover is coupled to a U-shaped frame.

[0078] First, the monoframe may be in the form of a metal plate having an integrated upper surface, lower surface and both side surfaces, and may be manufactured by extrusion molding.

[0079] Next, in the case of a structure in which an upper cover is combined with a U-shaped frame, the upper cover is combined with the upper part of a U-shaped frame made of a metal plate material having an integrated bottom surface and both side surfaces, and the structure can be manufactured by press molding.

[0080] As shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the venting portions 400, 500 having a hole structure can be applied to both monoframes manufactured by extrusion molding and U-shaped frames manufactured by press molding.

[0081] 9, the venting part 600 having a protruding structure is more easily realized in a U-shaped frame manufactured by press molding than in a monoframe manufactured by extrusion molding. However, in forming the venting part 600 having a protruding structure, a through hole may be formed in the lower surface of the module frame 200, and the connection part 630 and the exhaust port 620 may be bonded to the lower surface. In this case, the venting part 600 may be applied to the monoframe manufactured by extrusion molding.

[0082] FIG. 12 is a top plan view of a battery pack 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 12, a battery pack 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include two or more of the battery modules 100a and 100b described above.

[0084] The battery modules 100a, 100b are housed in a pack frame 1100, and are attached together with various control and protection systems such as a BMS (Battery Management System) and a cooling system.

[0085] The first battery module 100a and the second battery module 100b have openings 320a, 330a, 320b, and 330b formed on the opposing surfaces thereof.

[0086] Specifically, the first end plate 301a of the first battery module 100a and the first end plate 301b of the second battery module 100b face each other. At this time, a terminal bus bar opening 320a and a connector opening 330a are formed in the first end plate 301a of the first battery module 100a. Also, a terminal bus bar opening 320b and a connector opening 330b are formed in the first end plate 301b of the second battery module 100b.

[0087] The battery modules 100a and 100b according to the present embodiment are provided with the previously described venting portions on the lower surface thereof, thereby reducing heat, gas, and flames discharged through the openings 320a, 330a, 320b, and 330b.

[0088] Also, the battery modules 100a, 100b are provided with venting units 500, 600 as shown in Figures 8 and 9. Therefore, the first battery module 100a can induce the exhaust of heat, gas, flame, etc. in the direction opposite to the direction in which the second battery module 100b is located, and the second battery module 100b can induce the exhaust of heat, gas, flame, etc. in the direction opposite to the direction in which the first battery module 100a is located. In other words, damage caused between the opposing battery modules 100a, 100b can be minimized.

[0089] Also, the battery modules 100a and 100b according to the present embodiment may be spaced apart from the bottom 1110 of the pack frame 1100. Specifically, the battery modules 100a and 100b may include the module mounting portion 310 and the support member 340 shown in Fig. 10, or may include the support member 210 shown in Figs. 11a and 11b. Therefore, a space is provided inside the battery pack 1000 through which heat, gas, flames, and the like can be exhausted.

[0090] In this embodiment, terms indicating directions such as front, back, left, right, up, and down are used, but these terms are used for convenience of explanation and may change depending on the position of the target object or the position of the observer, etc.

[0091] The battery module or battery pack according to the present embodiment may be applied to various devices, specifically, to transportation means such as electric bicycles, electric cars, and hybrid vehicles, but is not limited thereto, and may be applied to various devices that use secondary batteries.

[0092] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention defined in the following claims also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0093] Furthermore, the present invention preferably includes the following examples. [Section 1] A battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; and a module frame that houses the battery cell stack; A vent is formed on the bottom surface of the module frame, The battery cell includes: Cell body; Electrode leads protruding from both ends of the cell body; and The electrode lead includes a terrace portion extending from a cell casing in a protruding direction, The venting portion is formed adjacent to a portion where the terrace portion is located rather than the cell body. [Section 2] Item 2. The battery module according to item 1, wherein the venting portion is formed at a position corresponding to a portion where the terrace portion is located. [Section 3] Item 1. The battery module according to item 1, further comprising a first end plate and a second end plate located on the front and rear surfaces, respectively, of the battery cell stack. [Section 4] Item 4. The battery module according to item 3, wherein the venting portion is a hole structure formed on a lower surface of the module frame. [Section 5] 5. The battery module according to item 4, wherein the hole structure obliquely penetrates the lower surface of the module frame. [Section 6] Item 6. The battery module according to item 5, wherein the hole structure has an inclination direction approaching one of the first end plate and the second end plate that is located farther from the venting portion. [Section 7] Item 4. The battery module according to item 3, wherein the venting portion includes an inlet formed on the lower surface of the module frame facing the battery cell stack, an outlet for discharging gas that has flowed in through the inlet, and a connecting portion for connecting the inlet and the outlet. [Section 8] Item 8. The battery module according to item 7, wherein the outlet is formed in a direction perpendicular to the inlet. [Section 9] Item 8. The battery module according to item 7, wherein the connecting portion protrudes from a lower surface of the module frame. [Section 10] Item 4. The battery module according to item 3, wherein the venting portion is formed to exhaust gas toward one of the first end plate and the second end plate, which is located farther away. [Section 11] the first end plate and the second end plate include module mounting portions for fixing the battery modules; A support member is inserted into the module mounting portion; Item 4. The battery module according to item 3, wherein the support member separates the lower surface of the module frame from the bottom of the pack frame. [Section 12] Item 2. The battery module according to item 1, wherein a support member protruding downward is formed on a lower surface of the module frame. [Section 13] The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 12 includes two or more battery modules, The battery pack includes a first battery module and a second battery module, each of which has an opening formed on a surface facing each other. [Section 14] Item 14. The battery pack according to item 13, wherein the venting portion of the first battery module is formed to exhaust gas in a direction opposite to a direction in which the second battery module is located. [Section 15] The battery module further includes a pack frame that houses the battery module. Item 14. The battery pack according to item 13, wherein the battery module is spaced apart from a bottom of the pack frame. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 100, 100a, 100b Battery module 110 Battery Cell 111,112 Electrode leads 113 Cell Body 116 Terrace Club 120 Battery cell stack 200 module frame 301 1st end plate 302 2nd end plate 310 Module mounting part 400,500,600 Venting section 1000 Battery Packs 1100 Pack Frame

Claims

1. A battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; and a module frame that houses the battery cell stack; A vent is formed on the bottom surface of the module frame, The battery cell includes: Cell body; Electrode leads protruding from both ends of the cell body; and The electrode lead includes a terrace portion extending from a cell casing in a protruding direction, The venting portion is formed at a position corresponding to a portion where the terrace portion is located.

2. The battery module of claim 1 , further comprising a first end plate and a second end plate located on a front surface and a rear surface, respectively, of the battery cell stack.

3. The battery module according to claim 2 , wherein the venting portion is a hole structure formed on a lower surface of the module frame.

4. The battery module according to claim 3 , wherein the hole structure obliquely penetrates the lower surface of the module frame.

5. The battery module of claim 4 , wherein the hole structure has an inclination direction approaching one of the first end plate and the second end plate that is located farther from the venting portion.

6. 3. The battery module of claim 2, wherein the venting portion includes an inlet formed on a lower surface of the module frame facing the battery cell stack, an outlet for discharging gas that has flowed in through the inlet, and a connecting portion for connecting the inlet and the outlet.

7. The battery module according to claim 6 , wherein the outlet is formed in a direction perpendicular to the inlet.

8. The battery module according to claim 6 , wherein the connecting portion protrudes from a lower surface of the module frame.

9. The battery module of claim 2 , wherein the venting portion is formed to exhaust gas toward one of the first end plate and the second end plate, the other of the first end plate and the second end plate being located farther away.

10. the first end plate and the second end plate include module mounting portions for fixing the battery modules; A support member is inserted into the module mounting portion; The battery module according to claim 2 , wherein the support member separates a lower surface of the module frame from a bottom of a pack frame.

11. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein a supporting member is formed on a lower surface of the module frame so as to protrude downward.

12. A battery module comprising two or more battery modules according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The battery pack includes a first battery module and a second battery module, each of which has an opening formed on a surface facing each other.

13. The battery pack of claim 12 , wherein the venting portion of the first battery module is configured to exhaust gas in a direction opposite to a direction in which the second battery module is located.

14. The battery module further includes a pack frame that houses the battery module. The battery pack of claim 12 , wherein the battery module is spaced from a bottom of the pack frame.

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