Battery module and battery pack including the same

Abstract

To provide a battery module with improved expandability, structural rigidity, cooling performance, and safety, and a battery pack including the battery module.SOLUTION: A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a module unit body including at least one battery cell and a unit module frame surrounding the at least one battery cell, the unit module frame including a recessed portion in a side portion thereof.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Cross-reference to related application(s) This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0053226, filed April 23, 2021, Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0053227, filed April 23, 2021, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0031525, filed March 14, 2022, and all contents disclosed in the documents of these Korean patent applications 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 and a battery pack including the same that have improved expandability, structural rigidity, cooling performance, and safety. [Background technology]

[0003] In modern society, as the use of portable devices such as mobile phones, laptops, camcorders, and digital cameras has become commonplace, the development of technologies related to these mobile devices has become active.In addition, rechargeable secondary batteries are being used as power sources for electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (P-HEVs), etc. as a solution to air pollution caused by existing gasoline-powered vehicles that use fossil fuels, and there is an increasing need for the development of secondary batteries.

[0004] Currently commercially available secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries. Of these, lithium secondary batteries are attracting attention due to their advantages over nickel-based secondary batteries, such as almost no memory effect, freedom in charging and discharging, a very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0005] Such lithium secondary batteries mainly use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively, and include an electrode assembly in which positive and negative electrode plates coated with the positive and negative electrode active materials are disposed with a separator between them, and a battery case that hermetically houses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0006] Generally, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into can-type secondary batteries, in which an electrode assembly is housed in a metal can, and pouch-type secondary batteries, in which an electrode assembly is housed in a pouch made of an aluminum laminate sheet, depending on the shape of the exterior material.

[0007] While secondary batteries used in small devices typically have two to three battery cells, secondary batteries used in medium- to large-sized devices such as automobiles typically use battery modules in which multiple battery cells are electrically connected. These battery modules improve capacity and output by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel to form a stack of battery cells. Furthermore, one or more battery modules may be installed with various control and protection systems, such as a Battery Management System (BMS) and a cooling system, to form a battery pack.

[0008] If a secondary battery's temperature rises above its optimum level, its performance may deteriorate, and in severe cases, it may explode or catch fire. In particular, in a battery module or battery pack equipped with multiple secondary batteries, i.e., battery cells, the heat generated by the multiple battery cells may be added together in a small space, causing the temperature to rise more quickly and violently. In other words, a battery module with multiple stacked battery cells and a battery pack equipped with such a battery module can obtain high output, but it is difficult to remove the heat generated by the battery cells during charging and discharging. If the battery cells do not properly dissipate heat, the battery cells will deteriorate more quickly, shortening their lifespan and increasing the risk of explosion or fire.

[0009] Furthermore, battery modules included in vehicle battery packs are frequently exposed to direct sunlight and may be placed in high temperature conditions such as in summer or desert regions.

[0010] Therefore, when constructing a battery module or a battery pack, it is very important to ensure stable and efficient cooling performance.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a conventional battery module, Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section taken along line A-A' in Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a plurality of conventional battery modules, and Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the temperature distribution in a conventional battery module.

[0012] 1 to 4, a conventional battery module 10 includes a plurality of battery cells 11 stacked together to form a battery cell stack 20, which is housed in a module frame 30. The battery module 10 also includes a busbar assembly that electrically connects the electrode leads 12 of the battery cells 11. The busbar assembly includes a busbar frame 15 having lead slots through which the electrode leads 12 of each battery cell 11 individually pass, and busbars 16 that are attached to the busbar frame 15, have busbar slots corresponding to the number of lead slots, and are connected by welding or the like to the electrode leads 12 that pass through the busbar slots.

[0013] Conventional battery modules have a complex structure due to the inclusion of multiple components as described above. Furthermore, conventional battery modules lack a structure that allows flames and gases to escape if a fire occurs inside the battery module. Therefore, when multiple battery modules are adjacent to each other, as shown in Figure 3, a fire that occurs in one battery module can spread to adjacent battery modules. In particular, conventional battery modules are highly vulnerable to chain reactions between them when thermal runaway propagation occurs. Furthermore, conventional battery modules are formed using a single module frame, making it difficult to suppress cell swelling and ensure structural rigidity.

[0014] 4, in the conventional battery module 10, a large temperature difference occurs between the outermost battery cell 11, which exchanges heat with the outside air, and the center battery cell 11. In particular, the center battery cell 11 receives the temperature of the closely adjacent battery cells 11 and remains at a high temperature, which increases the possibility of explosion or fire.

[0015] Therefore, to solve the above problems, there is a need for a new battery module structure that has a structure that can exhaust gases and flames generated when a thermal runaway propagation phenomenon occurs and prevent a chain reaction while eliminating structural complexity of the module, as well as a cooling structure that can improve expandability and module rigidity and eliminate temperature deviations between battery cells. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

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

[0017] However, the problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0018] A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a module unit including at least one battery cell and a unit module frame surrounding the at least one battery cell, and a side portion of the unit module frame includes a recess.

[0019] A battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include a gas discharge port formed on the recess.

[0020] The gas outlet may be formed in a portion of the recess.

[0021] The battery module may further include an electrode lead formed on the battery cell, and the gas discharge port may be formed on the recessed portion adjacent to the electrode lead.

[0022] The recessed portion may be recessed into the unit module frame toward a direction in which the battery cell is located.

[0023] The battery module may include a surface of the unit module frame where the recess is formed and a side surface of the battery cell that are parallel to each other.

[0024] A plurality of the module units may be stacked, and the recesses may form spaces between the module units by stacking the module units.

[0025] The gas outlet may be connected to the space.

[0026] The unit module frame may include a protrusion that protrudes compared to the recess, and the module units may be stacked such that the protrusions of the module units contact each other.

[0027] The stacked modular units may be connected by a connecting member.

[0028] The connecting member may include a strap, and the strap may surround the stacked modular units.

[0029] A battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include a reinforcing bead formed on the recess, and the reinforcing bead may be formed in a plurality of spaces on the recess.

[0030] A battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include a heat dissipation member formed on the space portion.

[0031] The battery module may further include a thermally conductive resin layer formed under the bottom of the unit module frame.

[0032] A battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention includes the above-described battery module.

[0033] The battery module may further include a fixing member, which includes a protrusion formed on the unit module frame of the battery module and is fitted onto the protrusion, and the battery module may be fixed by the fixing member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0034] The battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention is formed by stacking module units each including a unit module frame, thereby achieving effects of improving expandability and structural rigidity.

[0035] The battery module also includes recesses formed in the unit module frames, which form spaces to eliminate temperature differences between battery cells and improve cooling performance. In particular, the spaces form a heat insulating layer to prevent chain reactions between adjacent module units and battery cells.

[0036] In addition, the battery module includes a gas outlet formed in the unit module frame, and flames and gases are discharged through the gas outlet, thereby achieving the effect of suppressing the propagation of thermal runaway when it occurs.

[0037] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional battery module. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section taken along the line AA' in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a plurality of conventional battery modules. [Figure 4] 2 is a diagram showing the temperature distribution of battery cells included in the battery module of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view showing a module unit included in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 6 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention formed by connecting the module units of FIG. 5 together. [Figure 7] 7 is a view showing a coupling member formed in the battery module of FIG. 6; [Figure 8] 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the battery module of FIG. 6 as viewed from the y-axis direction of FIG. 5. [Figure 9]10 is a perspective view showing a module unit included in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 10] 10 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention formed by connecting the module units of FIG. 9 together. [Figure 11] 11 is a view showing a coupling member formed in the battery module of FIG. 10; [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of part B in FIG. [Figure 13] 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section taken along the line CC' in FIG. 12. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a battery cell included in the battery module of the present invention. [Figure 15] 10 is a perspective view of a module unit included in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 16] 10 is a view showing a heat dissipation member and a thermally conductive resin layer included in a battery module according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] 10 is a view showing a battery pack according to still another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] Although the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein, the present invention will be described in detail below so that those skilled in the art can easily practice the present invention.

[0040] In order to clearly explain the present invention, parts unnecessary for the explanation are omitted, and the same reference numerals are used throughout the specification to refer to the same or similar components.

[0041] Furthermore, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for the convenience of explanation, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those shown in the drawings. In the drawings, thicknesses are exaggerated to clearly show multiple layers and regions. In the drawings, thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated for the convenience of explanation.

[0042] Furthermore, when a layer, film, region, plate, or other part is said to be "on" another part, this does not only mean that it is "directly on" that other part, but also includes cases where there are other parts in between. Conversely, when a part is said to be "directly on" another part, it means that there are no other parts in between. Furthermore, being "on" a reference part means being located above or below the reference part, and does not necessarily mean being "on" in the opposite direction of gravity.

[0043] Furthermore, throughout the specification, when a part is said to "comprise" a certain element, this does not mean that it excludes other elements and may further include other elements, unless specifically stated to the contrary.

[0044] Also, throughout the specification, "on a plane" means when the subject part is viewed from above, and "on a cross section" means when the subject part is cut vertically and viewed from the side.

[0045] The terms "first" and "second" used in this application may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

[0046] Hereinafter, a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8 and 14. FIG.

[0047] Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a module unit included in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention formed by connecting the module units of Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a view showing a coupling member formed in the battery module of Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the battery module of Fig. 6 as viewed from the y-axis direction. Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing a battery cell included in the battery module of the present invention.

[0048] 5 and 8, a battery module 100 according to the present embodiment includes a module unit 300 including at least one battery cell 110 and a unit module frame 200 surrounding the at least one battery cell 110, and a side portion of the unit module frame 200 includes a recess 210. Here, the recess 210 may be recessed into the unit module frame 200 in the direction in which the battery cell 110 is located.

[0049] In this case, there may be at least one battery cell 110, and when a plurality of battery cells 110 are formed, they may be stacked in one direction to form a battery cell stack. Also, the plurality of battery cells 110 may be stacked in the x-axis direction as shown in FIG.

[0050] The battery cell 110 is preferably a pouch-type battery cell. For example, referring to FIG. 14, the battery cell 110 according to this embodiment has two electrode leads 111 and 112 that face each other and protrude from one end 114a and the other end 114b of a battery body 113, respectively. The battery cell 110 can be manufactured by bonding both ends 114a and 114b of the battery case 114 to both side surfaces 114c connecting the ends 114a and 114b of the battery case 114 after an electrode assembly (not shown) is housed in the battery case 114. In other words, the battery cell 110 according to this embodiment has three sealing portions 114sa, 114sb, and 114sc. The sealing portions 114sa, 114sb, and 114sc are sealed by a method such as heat sealing, and the other side may be a connecting portion 115. The length direction of the battery cell 110 can be defined as the distance between both ends 114a, 114b of the battery case 114, and the width direction of the battery cell 110 can be defined as the distance between one side portion 114c connecting both ends 114a, 114b of the battery case 114 and the connecting portion 115.

[0051] The connecting portion 115 is a region that extends elongatedly along one edge of the battery cell 110, and a protrusion 110p of the battery cell 110 may be formed at an end of the connecting portion 115. The protrusion 110p may be formed on at least one of both ends of the connecting portion 115 and may protrude in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the connecting portion 115. The protrusion 110p may be located between the connecting portion 115 and one of the sealing portions 114sa, 114sb of both ends 114a, 114b of the battery case 114.

[0052] The battery case 114 generally has a laminate structure of a resin layer / a metal thin film layer / a resin layer. For example, if the surface of the battery case is made of an O(oriented)-nylon layer, when a large number of battery cells are stacked to form a medium- to large-sized battery module, the battery case tends to slip easily due to external impact. Therefore, to prevent this and maintain a stable stacked structure of the battery cells, an adhesive material such as a pressure-sensitive adhesive such as double-sided tape or a chemical adhesive that bonds through a chemical reaction when bonded can be attached to the surface of the battery case to form the battery cell stack.

[0053] The unit module frame 200 included in the battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may have a recess 210 formed in a side portion. The battery cells 110 are located inside the unit module frame 200, and the recess 210 may be recessed toward the direction in which the battery cells 110 are located. More specifically, referring to FIG. 8 , the surface of the unit module frame 200 on which the recess 210 is formed and the side portions of the battery cells 110 may be formed parallel to each other. In this case, the side portions of the battery cells 110 may refer to surfaces perpendicular to the stacking direction of the battery cells 110. The recess 210 may also be formed on the side portions of the unit module frame 200 to correspond to and be parallel to the length direction of the battery cells 110.

[0054] In addition, a side portion of the unit module frame 200 may further include a protrusion 220 that protrudes compared to the recess 210. The recess 210 formed on the unit module frame 200 may form a protrusion 220 on the unit module frame 200 that is in contrast to the recess 210. In this case, the protrusion 220 may be formed adjacent to the recess 210 and connected to the upper and lower parts of the recess 210. In addition, regarding the protrusion 220, when the module units 300 are stacked as described below, the protrusions 220 of the module units 300 may be stacked so that they come into contact with each other. By stacking the protrusions 220 of the module units 300 so that they come into contact with each other, a space 250 may be formed as described below.

[0055] 6, lead slots 290 through which the electrode leads 111 and 112 pass may be formed on the front and rear surfaces of the unit module frame 200. Additional electrical connection of the electrode leads 111 and 112 may be possible through the lead slots 290.

[0056] A battery module 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a module unit 300 having a structure in which at least one battery cell 110 is surrounded by a unit module frame 200. In this case, the battery cell 110 may include a plurality of battery cells 110, but it is preferable to include a smaller number of battery cells 110 than conventional battery modules.

[0057] Conventional battery modules include a large number of battery cells within a single module frame, which can cause the single module frame to deform due to cell swelling caused by the large number of battery cells or be unable to absorb the cell swelling. Furthermore, due to the deformation, it is difficult to ensure the rigidity of the conventional battery module. Furthermore, the inclusion of a large number of battery cells within a single module frame can result in significant temperature deviation between the outermost battery cells, which are more likely to be cooled by the outside, and the central battery cell, which can shorten the lifespan of the battery cells and increase the risk of fire.

[0058] Therefore, referring to Figures 6 to 8, the battery module 100 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of stacked module units 300, and by stacking a plurality of module units 300, the recesses 210 can form spaces 250 between each module unit 300.

[0059] In this case, the battery module 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention is formed by stacking a plurality of module units 300, each including a smaller number of battery cells 110 than a conventional battery module, and each module unit 300 includes a single module frame 200, thereby ensuring module rigidity.

[0060] In addition, since a large number of single module frames 200 are included, even if a cell swelling phenomenon occurs in the battery cells 110, the cell swelling phenomenon can be absorbed by each single module frame 200, thereby minimizing deformation of the entire battery module 100.

[0061] In particular, the structure of the space 250 formed by the recess 210 when a plurality of module units 300 are stacked can form an air gap, or an additional cooling path can be formed by allowing cooling water and outside air to flow through the space.

[0062] The single module frame 200 and the recesses 210 formed in the side surfaces of the single module frame 200 can function as cooling pins themselves, thereby cooling the heat generated in the battery cells 110. Furthermore, the recesses 210 are formed widely in the length direction of the battery cells 110 along the side surfaces of the single module frame 200, allowing for efficient cooling of the heat generated in the battery cells 110. Therefore, even if a small number of battery cells 110 are included as described above, multiple cooling structures are formed for the battery cells 110 by the single module frame 200, the recesses 210, and the spaces 250, thereby eliminating temperature deviations between the battery cells 110.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 7, in the battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the stacked module units 300 may be coupled together by a coupling member.

[0064] More specifically, the connecting member 400 may include a strap 400, and the strap 400 may be configured to surround the stacked modular units 300. Alternatively, the stacked modular units 300 may be connected by adhesive or a bolting structure. The modular units 300 may be connected by various methods that enable connection between the modular units 300.

[0065] At this time, the modular units 300 of the present invention may be stacked with the protrusions 220 in contact with each other, or with the top and bottom of the modular units 300 in contact with each other. Therefore, a plurality of modular units 300 may be combined or stacked to form various connection structures.

[0066] Hereinafter, a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0067] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a module unit included in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention formed by connecting the module units of Figure 9. Figure 11 is a view showing a coupling member formed in the battery module of Figure 10. Figure 12 is an enlarged perspective view of part B of Figure 10. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section taken along section line CC' of Figure 12.

[0068] 9 and 13, a battery module 100 according to this embodiment includes a module unit 300 including at least one battery cell 110 and a unit module frame 200 surrounding the at least one battery cell 110, and a side portion of the unit module frame 200 includes a recess 210. The battery module 100 according to this embodiment also includes a gas discharge port 270 formed on the recess 210.

[0069] Conventional battery modules lack a structure or path for the discharge and movement of flames and gases generated within the battery module, which means that the flames are not properly discharged, creating a risk of fire and explosion. In particular, if thermal runaway propagation occurs due to the fire or explosion, there is a risk of a chain reaction occurring between adjacent battery cells and battery modules.

[0070] Therefore, referring to Figures 8, 10, 12 and 13 according to the previous embodiment, the battery module 100 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of stacked module units 300 each including a recess 210 and a gas discharge port 270, and by stacking a plurality of module units 300, the recess 210 can form a space 250 between each module unit 300.

[0071] In this case, when a fire occurs inside the battery module, particularly inside the single module frame 200, flames and gas can be quickly discharged through the gas discharge port 270 included in the battery module 100 according to this embodiment, thereby achieving the effect of quickly extinguishing the fire.

[0072] In addition, the space 250 formed by the recess 210 when a plurality of module units 300 are stacked can serve as a heat insulating layer by forming an air gap. The recess 210 serves as a heat insulating layer, thereby achieving the effect of blocking and delaying a chain reaction when a thermal runaway propagation phenomenon occurs.

[0073] Furthermore, since the space portion 250 can be formed along the shape of the recessed portion 210, the space portion 250 included in the battery module 100 according to this embodiment can be formed along the length direction of the battery cell 110, parallel to the side portion of the battery cell 110.

[0074] At this time, the gas discharge port 270 included in the battery module 100 according to the present embodiment may be connected to the space 250. Therefore, the gas and flame discharged through the gas discharge port 270 may move along the space 250, thereby allowing for efficient discharge of the gas and flame. Therefore, the configuration of the gas discharge port 270 and the space 250 connected to the gas discharge port 270 may form a path for the gas and flame to move.

[0075] 13, the gas discharge port 270 included in the battery module 100 according to this embodiment may be formed on the recess 210 adjacent to the electrode leads 111 and 112 formed on the battery cell 110. In this case, the gas discharge port 270 may be formed in a portion of the recess 210. The electrode leads 111 and 112 of the battery cell 110 are locations where heat is generated, and are therefore likely to ignite and explode due to the heat. Therefore, in the event of a fire at the electrode leads 111 and 112, gas and flames can be quickly discharged through the gas discharge port 270 formed adjacent to the electrode leads 111 and 112. In addition, the gas discharge port 270 is connected to the space 250 to form a path for gas and flame to travel, allowing the gas and flame to travel quickly through the path. By promoting the rapid movement of gas and flame in this manner, thermal runaway propagation can be prevented, and if thermal runaway propagation does occur, chain reactions that may occur between the battery cells and module units can be prevented or delayed.

[0076] According to this embodiment, the gas discharge port 270 may be formed in one side and / or both side surfaces of the module unit 300. More specifically, the gas discharge port 270 may be formed in a part or the entirety of the recess 210 of the module unit 300.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 11, in the battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of stacked module units 300 may also be coupled together by a coupling member.

[0078] More specifically, the connecting member 400 may include a strap 400, and the strap 400 may be configured to surround the stacked modular units 300. Alternatively, the stacked modular units 300 may be connected by adhesive or a bolting structure. The modular units 300 may be connected by various methods that enable connection between the modular units 300.

[0079] At this time, the modular units 300 of the present invention may be stacked with the protrusions 220 in contact with each other, or with the top and bottom of the modular units 300 in contact with each other. Therefore, a plurality of modular units 300 may be combined or stacked to form various connection structures.

[0080] Hereinafter, a module unit included in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0081] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a module unit included in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] Although there is some overlap with the battery module described above, only the differences from the battery module described above will be described.

[0083] 15 , a module unit 300 included in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention further includes a reinforcing bead 500 formed on a recess 210 of a unit module frame 200, and the reinforcing bead 500 may be formed in a plurality of spaces on the recess 210. In this case, the reinforcing bead 500 may be formed in a plurality of spaces along the length of the battery cell 110.

[0084] In addition, each reinforcing bead 500 may be formed perpendicular to the length of the battery cell 110 .

[0085] In order to further improve the module rigidity compared to the conventional battery module, a reinforcing bead 500 may be additionally formed on the recess 210 of the unit module frame 200 .

[0086] Therefore, through this structure, when cell swelling occurs in the battery cell 110, the cell swelling absorption effect of the unit module frame 200 can be enhanced, and deformation of the unit module frame 200 due to cell swelling absorption can be minimized.

[0087] In addition, the module unit 300 according to this embodiment includes a gas outlet 270 formed on the recess 210, which promotes the rapid movement of gas and flame, thereby preventing thermal runaway propagation and preventing and delaying chain reactions that may occur between the battery cells and the module unit if thermal runaway propagation occurs.

[0088] Hereinafter, a heat dissipation member and a thermally conductive resin layer included in a battery module according to still another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0089] FIG. 16 is a view showing a heat dissipation member and a thermally conductive resin layer included in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] Although there is some overlap with the battery module described above, only the differences from the battery module described above will be described.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 16, a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of stacked module units 300, a space 250 formed between the module units 300, and a heat dissipation member 550 formed in the space 250.

[0092] At this time, the heat dissipation member 550 formed in the space 250 may be a heat dissipation pad, a cooling pad, cooling water, or external air.

[0093] The heat dissipation member 550 may be formed to have the same size as the space 250, or may be formed to be smaller than the space 250 in the area where it contacts the space 250. Through this contact, heat generated in the battery cell 110 and transferred to the unit module frame 200 and the module unit body 300 can be transferred to the heat dissipation member 550.

[0094] Therefore, the heat generated in the battery cells 110 can be efficiently cooled through the heat dissipation member 550 formed in the space 250, thereby minimizing the possibility of fire and heat generation in the battery module.

[0095] Also, referring back to FIG. 16, the battery module according to still another embodiment of the present invention may further include a thermally conductive resin layer 600 formed under the bottom of the unit module frame 200 .

[0096] A thermally conductive resin layer 600 is formed under the bottom of the unit module frame 200, so that heat transferred from the battery cells 110 can be quickly transferred to the outside of the battery module, thereby cooling the battery cells 110.

[0097] Hereinafter, a battery pack according to still another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

[0098] FIG. 17 is a view showing a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] 17, a battery pack 1000 according to another embodiment of the present invention includes the battery module 100 described above. In particular, the battery pack 1000 includes a protrusion 220 formed on the unit module frame 200 of the battery module 100 described above. The battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment also includes the battery module 100 described above, the protrusion 220, and a fixing member 700 fitted onto the protrusion 220, and the unit module frame 200, the module unit 300, and / or the battery module 100 may be fixed by the fixing member 700. Although FIG. 17 shows only a battery module 100 formed of one module unit 300, a battery module 100 formed of a plurality of module units 300 may also be included in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment. In particular, safety can be improved only when the battery module 100 is stably fixed on the battery pack 1000, and therefore the protrusion 220 and fixing member 700 included in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment can achieve the effect of providing a battery pack with improved stability.

[0100] Furthermore, the battery pack of the present invention may be constructed by packing one or more battery modules according to the present embodiment together with a battery management system (BMS) for managing the temperature and voltage of the battery and a cooling device.

[0101] The battery pack may be applied to various devices, including transportation means such as electric bicycles, electric cars, and hybrid cars, but the present invention is not limited thereto and may be applied to various devices that can use a battery module, which also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0102] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications may be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical ideas and perspectives of the present invention.

[0103] [Section 1] a module unit including at least one battery cell and a unit module frame surrounding the at least one battery cell; The battery module includes a recess in a side portion of the unit module frame. [Section 2] Item 1. The battery module according to item 1, further comprising a gas discharge port formed on the recess. [Section 3] Item 3. The battery module according to item 2, wherein the gas discharge port is formed in a partial area of ​​the recess. [Section 4] The battery further includes an electrode lead formed on the battery cell, Item 3. The battery module according to item 2, wherein the gas discharge port is formed on the recess so as to be adjacent to the electrode lead. [Section 5] Item 3. The battery module according to item 2, wherein the recessed portion is recessed toward the inside of the unit module frame in a direction in which the battery cells are positioned. [Section 6] Item 3. The battery module according to item 2, wherein the surface of the unit module frame on which the recess is formed and the side surface of the battery cell are formed parallel to each other. [Section 7] The module units are stacked in plurality, 7. The battery module according to any one of items 2 to 6, wherein the recessed portion forms a space between each of the module units by stacking a plurality of the module units. [Section 8] Item 8. The battery module according to item 7, wherein the gas discharge port is connected to the space. [Section 9] The unit module frame includes a protrusion that protrudes compared to the recess, Item 8. The battery module according to item 7, wherein the module units are stacked so that the protrusions of the module units are in contact with each other. [Section 10] Item 8. The battery module according to item 7, wherein the stacked module units are connected by a connecting member. [Section 11] the connecting member includes a strap; Item 11. The battery module according to item 10, wherein the strap surrounds the stacked module units. [Section 12] Further comprising a reinforcing bead formed on the recessed portion, Item 8. The battery module according to item 7, wherein a plurality of the reinforcing beads are formed spaced apart on the recessed portion. [Section 13] Item 8. The battery module according to item 7, further comprising a heat dissipation member formed on the space portion. [Section 14] Item 1, the battery module further comprising a thermally conductive resin layer formed under the bottom of the unit module frame. [Section 15] Item 1. A battery pack including the battery module according to item 1. [Section 16] a protrusion formed on the unit module frame of the battery module, Further comprising a fixing member fitted onto the protrusion, Item 16. The battery pack according to item 15, wherein the battery module is fixed by the fixing member. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 100: Battery module 110: Battery cell 200: Unit module frame 210: Depression 220:Protrusion 250: Spatial part 270: Gas outlet 290: Lead slot 300: Module unit 400: Connecting member 500: Reinforced bead 550: Heat dissipation material 600: Thermally conductive resin layer 700: Fixing member

Claims

[Claim 1] a module unit including at least one battery cell and a unit module frame surrounding the at least one battery cell; The battery module includes a recess in a side portion of the unit module frame.

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