Battery module and battery pack including the same

Abstract

To provide a battery module having enhanced safety by suppressing high-temperature heat and flame discharged when an ignition phenomenon occurs inside the battery module, and a battery pack including the same.SOLUTION: A battery module includes: a battery cell stack with a plurality of battery cells stacked; and a module frame accommodating the battery cell stack. A venting part is formed on one side plate of the module frame. The venting part includes an inflow port and a discharge port for discharging gas introduced through the inflow port, where the inflow port and the discharge port of the venting part are spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction of the one side plate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [Cross-reference to related applications] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0168895 filed on December 4, 2020, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0150562 filed on November 4, 2021, and all contents disclosed in the documents of said 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 with enhanced safety and a battery pack including the same. [Background technology]

[0003] Demand for secondary batteries as an energy source is rapidly increasing due to technological developments and increasing demand for mobile devices, and accordingly, much research is being conducted into secondary batteries that can meet various demands.

[0004] Secondary batteries are attracting much attention as an energy source for power devices such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrid electric vehicles, as well as for mobile devices such as mobile phones, digital cameras, and notebook computers.

[0005] 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 that assemble battery modules in which a number of secondary batteries are connected in series / parallel.

[0006] Meanwhile, when a battery pack is constructed by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series / parallel, a common method is to construct a battery module consisting of at least one battery cell, and then to construct a battery pack by adding other components using the at least one battery module. The battery cells that constitute such a medium- to large-sized battery module are composed of secondary batteries that can be charged and discharged, and such high-power, large-capacity secondary batteries generate a large amount of heat during the charging and discharging process.

[0007] The battery module includes 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 the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack.

[0008] Figure 1 shows what happens when a battery module attached to a conventional battery pack catches fire. Figure 2 shows the area AA in Figure 1, and shows how flames affect adjacent battery modules when a battery module attached to a conventional battery pack catches fire.

[0009] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a conventional battery module includes a battery cell stack formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells 10, a frame 20 that houses the battery cell stack, end plates 30 formed on the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack, and terminal bus bars 40 that protrude from the end plates.

[0010] The frame 20 and the end plates 30 can be joined together by welding to be hermetically sealed. When the frame 20 and the end plates 30 that house the battery cell stack are joined together in this manner, if the internal pressure of the battery cells 10 increases during overcharge of the battery module 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 released to the outside of the battery cells 10.

[0011] At this time, the high-temperature heat, gas, and flames are discharged through the openings formed in the end plates 30, but in a battery pack structure in which multiple battery modules are arranged with the end plates 30 facing each other, the battery module that emits the high-temperature heat, gas, and flames may affect the adjacent battery modules. This 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, damaging the multiple battery cells 10. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] An object of the present invention is to provide a battery module and a battery pack including the same, which have enhanced safety by suppressing high-temperature heat and flames emitted when a fire occurs within the battery module.

[0013] However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above problems, and can be variously expanded within the scope of the technical ideas included in the present invention. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] A battery module according to an 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. One side plate of the module frame is formed with a venting portion. The venting portion includes an inlet and an outlet that discharges gas that has flowed in through the inlet. The inlet and the outlet of the venting portion are positioned spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction of the one side plate.

[0015] The battery module may include a first fire-extinguishing material layer positioned between one side plate of the module frame and the battery cell stack, and the first fire-extinguishing material layer may include a fire extinguishing agent.

[0016] A second fire-extinguishing material layer containing a fire-extinguishing agent may be formed in the venting portion.

[0017] A first extinguishing material layer containing a fire extinguishing agent is formed between one side plate of the module frame and the battery cell stack, and a second extinguishing material layer containing a fire extinguishing agent is formed in the venting portion. The fire extinguishing agent contained in the first and second extinguishing material layers includes potassium bicarbonate, and when a fire occurs, at least one of the first and second extinguishing material layers may undergo a thermal decomposition reaction.

[0018] The first layer of fire-extinguishing material and the second layer of fire-extinguishing material may be connected to one another.

[0019] The venting portion may have a hole structure, and the hole structure may have an inclined structure.

[0020] The venting portion may have a hole structure formed in the upper plate of the module frame, and the hole structure may obliquely penetrate the upper plate.

[0021] The venting portion may include an inlet formed in an upper plate of the module frame facing the battery cell stack, and an outlet for discharging gas that has flowed in through the inlet, the outlet being formed in a direction perpendicular to the inlet.

[0022] The venting portion may include a connecting portion formed between the inlet and the outlet to guide the gas flowing into the inlet toward the outlet, and an upper surface of the connecting portion may be inclined.

[0023] The venting portion may include an inlet connected to the battery cell stack and formed in an upward direction on an upper plate of the module frame, an outlet formed in the upward direction to discharge gas that has flowed in through the inlet, and a connecting portion connecting the inlet and the outlet, the connecting portion being formed in a direction perpendicular to the inflow direction of the inlet and the discharge direction of the outlet.

[0024] A thermal decomposition reaction of the first fire-extinguishing material layer may form a discharge passage between one side plate of the module frame and the battery cell stack.

[0025] A battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention includes the above-described battery module. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] According to an embodiment, in order to control high-temperature heat, gas, and flames when a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs within a battery module, a perforated module frame with fire extinguishing and gas exhaust functions is realized, which prevents external contaminants from entering before a flame occurs and suppresses the flame through a chemical reaction when a flame occurs.

[0027] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned above will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which a battery module attached to a conventional battery pack catches fire. [Figure 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 1, showing a state of flames that affect adjacent battery modules when a battery module attached to a conventional battery pack catches fire. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] 5 is a perspective view of a battery cell included in the battery module of FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 3. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the state after a pyrolysis reaction when a flame occurs in the battery module according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to still another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] The present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0030] In order to clearly explain 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.

[0031] In addition, 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, 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.

[0032] Furthermore, when a layer, film, region, plate, or other part is said to be "on" or "above" another part, this includes not only the case where it is "directly above" that 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. Furthermore, being "on" or "above" a reference part means being located above or below the reference part, and does not necessarily mean being located "above" or "above" the opposite direction of gravity.

[0033] Also, throughout the specification, when a part is said to "comprise" a certain element, this means that it may further include other elements, rather than excluding other elements, unless otherwise specified to the contrary.

[0034] 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.

[0035] Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of Fig. 3, and Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a battery cell included in the battery module of Fig. 4.

[0036] 3 to 5, a battery module 100a according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell stack 120 in which a plurality of battery cells 110, each having electrode leads 111 and 112 protruding in opposing directions, is stacked, a module frame 200 that houses the battery cell stack 120, and a first bus bar frame 310 arranged on one side of the battery cell stack 120 in one direction (x-axis direction) in which the electrode leads 111 protrude.

[0037] 5, the battery cell 110 is preferably a pouch-type battery cell. For example, 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 the 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.

[0038] 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 together while an electrode assembly (not shown) is housed in the cell case 114. In other words, the battery cell 110 according to this embodiment has a total of three sealing portions 114sa, 114sb, and 114sc, and the sealing portions 114sa, 114sb, and 114sc are sealed by a method such as heat fusion, and the remaining one side comprises the connecting portion 115. The cell case 114 is made of a laminate sheet including a resin layer and a metal layer.

[0039] 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 butt-ear, may be formed at an end of the connecting portion 115. In addition, the cell casing 114 may be sealed with the protruding electrode leads 111 and 112 therebetween, and a terrace portion 116 may be formed between the electrode leads 111 and 112 and the cell body 113. That is, the battery cell 110 includes the terrace portion 116 extending from the cell casing 114 in the direction in which the electrode leads 111 and 112 protrude.

[0040] A plurality of battery cells 110 may be configured, and the plurality of battery cells 110 may be stacked to be electrically connected to each other to form a battery cell stack 120. Referring to FIG. 4 , the battery cells 110 may be stacked along the y-axis direction to form the battery cell stack 120. A first bus bar frame 310 may be positioned on one side of the battery cell stack 120 in the direction in which the electrode leads 111 protrude (x-axis direction). Although not specifically shown, a second bus bar frame may be positioned on the other side of the battery cell stack 120 in the direction in which the electrode leads 112 protrude (-x-axis direction). The battery cell stack 120 and the first bus bar frame 310 may be housed together in a module frame 200. The module frame 200 may protect the battery cell stack 120 housed therein and electrical components connected thereto from external physical impacts.

[0041] The module frame 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention may have a monoframe structure. First, the monoframe may be a metal plate material with an integrated top, bottom, and both side surfaces, and may be manufactured by extrusion molding. However, the structure of the module frame 200 is not limited thereto, and may be a structure in which a U-shaped frame and an upper plate are combined. In the case of a structure in which a U-shaped frame and an upper plate are combined, the upper plate may be combined with the top of a U-shaped frame, which is a metal plate material with an integrated or combined bottom and both side surfaces, and may be manufactured by press molding.

[0042] A thermally conductive resin may be injected between the battery cell stack 120 and the lower surface of the module frame 200, and a thermally conductive resin layer (not shown) may be formed between the battery cell stack 120 and the lower surface of the module frame 200 via the injected thermally conductive resin.

[0043] Meanwhile, the module frame 200 may be opened in the directions in which the electrode leads 111 and 112 protrude (x-axis direction, -x-axis direction), and a first end plate 410 and a second end plate 420 may be positioned on each open side of the module frame 200. The first end plate 410 may be joined to the module frame 200 by covering the first bus bar frame 310, and the second end plate 420 may be joined to the module frame 200 by covering the second bus bar frame (not shown). That is, the first bus bar frame 310 may be positioned between the first end plate 410 and the battery cell stack 120, and the second bus bar frame (not shown) may be positioned between the second end plate 420 and the battery cell stack 120. In addition, an insulating cover (800, see FIG. 3) for electrical insulation may be positioned between the first end plate 410 and the first bus bar frame 310.

[0044] The first end plate 410 and the second end plate 420 are positioned to respectively cover the one side and the other side of the battery cell stack 120. The first end plate 410 and the second end plate 420 can protect the first bus bar frame 310 and the multiple electrical components connected thereto from external impact, and to this end, should have a predetermined strength and may include a metal such as aluminum. In addition, the first end plate 410 and the second end plate 420 can each be joined to the corresponding edge of the module frame 200 by a method such as welding.

[0045] The first bus bar frame 310 is located on one side of the battery cell stack 120 to cover the battery cell stack 120 and guide the connection between the battery cell stack 120 and an external device. Specifically, at least one of a bus bar, a terminal bus bar, and a module connector is attached to the first bus bar frame 310. In particular, at least one of a bus bar, a terminal bus bar, and a module connector is attached to the side of the first bus bar frame 310 opposite to the side facing the battery cell stack 120. As an example, FIG. 4 shows a state in which a bus bar 510 and a terminal bus bar 520 are attached to the first bus bar frame 310.

[0046] The battery cells 110 constituting the battery cell stack 120 may be connected in series or parallel by the bus bars 510 and the terminal bus bars 520, and the battery cells 110 may be electrically connected to external devices or circuits through the terminal bus bars 520 exposed to the outside of the battery module 100a. For example, the terminal bus bars 520 may be connected to an external bus bar that connects the battery module including the terminal bus bar 520 to another adjacent battery module.

[0047] The first bus bar frame 310 may include an electrically insulating material. The first bus bar frame 310 limits contact between the bus bar 510 and the terminal bus bar 520 and the battery cell 110, except for the portion where the bus bar 510 and the terminal bus bar 520 are joined to the electrode lead 111, thereby preventing a short circuit.

[0048] Meanwhile, as described above, a second bus bar frame may be located on the other side of the battery cell stack 120, and a bus bar and a module connector may be attached to the second bus bar frame. The electrode leads 112 may be joined to the bus bar.

[0049] According to this embodiment, an opening through which the terminal bus bar 520 is exposed may be formed in the first end plate 410. The opening may be a terminal bus bar opening. As an example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first end plate 410 may be formed with a terminal bus bar opening 410H through which the terminal bus bar 520 is exposed. The terminal bus bar 520 further includes an upwardly protruding portion compared to the bus bar 510, and this upwardly protruding portion may be exposed to the outside of the battery module 100a through the terminal bus bar opening 410H. The terminal bus bar 520 exposed through the terminal bus bar opening 410H may be connected to another battery module or a BDU (Battery Disconnect Unit) to form a high voltage (HV) connection.

[0050] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in Fig. 3. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the state after a pyrolysis reaction when a flame occurs in the battery module according to this embodiment.

[0051] 3 and 6, the battery module according to this embodiment includes a barrier layer 440 positioned between the upper plate of the module frame 200 and the battery cell stack 120. The barrier layer 440 according to this embodiment includes a fire extinguishing agent. Here, the fire extinguishing agent may be a powder-type fire extinguishing material. For example, the fire extinguishing agent may be any one of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO), potassium bicarbonate (KHCO), ammonium phosphate (NHHPO), and a mixture of potassium bicarbonate (KHCO) and urea ((NH)CO). In particular, the fire extinguishing agent included in the barrier layer 440 according to this embodiment may include potassium bicarbonate (KHCO). The thermal decomposition of potassium bicarbonate may produce potassium carbonate (KCO), water vapor (H0), and carbon dioxide (CO). The water vapor can extinguish the flame, and the carbon dioxide can block the flame from contacting oxygen, etc. However, the extinguishing agent material is not limited to this, and any material that performs a fire extinguishing function can be used without limitation.

[0052] If a fire breaks out inside the battery module, a thermal decomposition reaction similar to that shown in Chemical Formula 1 below may occur in the barrier layer 440 according to this embodiment, generating carbon dioxide and water vapor. The generated carbon dioxide and water vapor create a suffocating effect that blocks oxygen supply, thereby suppressing the fire. Specifically, the thermal decomposition reaction can absorb heat generated within the battery module through an endothermic reaction, and the oxygen supply can also be blocked, effectively slowing the flame and heat propagation speed, thereby improving the safety of the battery module.

[0053] 2KHCO3→K2CO3+H2O+CO2-Q Chemical formula 1

[0054] According to this embodiment, a venting portion 900 may be formed on the upper plate of the module frame 200. The venting portion 900 has a hole structure and may include an inlet 901, an outlet 902, and a connecting portion 903. The venting portion 900 may include the inlet 901 connected to the battery cell stack 120, the outlet 902 for discharging gas that has flowed in through the inlet 901, and the connecting portion 903 for connecting the inlet 901 and the outlet 902. The connecting portion 903 may be formed to form an angle with the inflow and outflow directions of the inlet 901 and the outlet 902.

[0055] Here, the inlet 901 and the outlet 902 may be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the upper plate. An imaginary line connecting the inlet 901 and the outlet 902 may form an angle with the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the upper plate. The imaginary line connecting the inlet 901 and the outlet 902 may form an angle with the upper plate. The connecting portion 903 may have an inclined structure that forms an angle with the upper plate.

[0056] The hole structure of the venting portion 900 may have an inclined structure. In this case, the hole structure may obliquely penetrate the upper plate of the module frame 200. When the venting portion 900 is opened by the thermal decomposition reaction of the barrier layer 440 as shown in Fig. 7, a flame and gas exhaust path is secured, and the inclined structure can minimize direct exposure of the inside of the battery module.

[0057] 6, the barrier layer 440 according to this embodiment may include a first fire-extinguishing material layer 440a and a second fire-extinguishing material layer 440b. The first fire-extinguishing material layer 440a may be positioned between the upper plate of the module frame 200 and the battery cell stack 120, and the second fire-extinguishing material layer 440b may be positioned in the venting portion 900. The first fire-extinguishing material layer 440a and the second fire-extinguishing material layer 440b contain a fire-extinguishing agent, and as described above, at least one of the first fire-extinguishing material layer 440a and the second fire-extinguishing material layer 440b containing the fire-extinguishing agent may undergo a pyrolysis reaction when a fire occurs inside the battery module. The first fire-extinguishing material layer 440a and the second fire-extinguishing material layer 440b may be connected to each other.

[0058] Before a fire breaks out inside the battery module, the second fire-extinguishing material layer 440b closes the vent 900, preventing external contaminants from entering the battery module. If a fire breaks out inside the battery module, the first and second fire-extinguishing material layers 440a and 440b thermally decompose, opening the vent 900 and allowing flames and gas to escape through the vent 900. At this time, thermal energy accumulated inside the battery module can be released.

[0059] Although the above-mentioned venting portion 900 has been described as being formed on the upper plate of the module frame 200, the position where the venting portion 900 is formed is not limited to the upper plate of the module frame 200, but may also be formed on the lower plate or side plate.

[0060] According to this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 7, an exhaust passage 450 may be formed between the upper part of the module frame 200 and the battery cell stack 120. Before a fire occurs, a first fire-extinguishing material layer 440a is formed in the area where the exhaust passage 450 is formed. The thermal decomposition reaction of the first fire-extinguishing material layer 440a forms the exhaust passage 450 between one side plate of the module frame 200 and the battery cell stack 120, and gas and heat generated on one side of the battery module can move through the exhaust passage 450. The gas and heat are then discharged from the battery module through the vent 900 or extinguished during the thermal decomposition process of the barrier layer 440.

[0061] 1 and 2, in the case of conventional battery modules, high-temperature heat, gas, and flames emitted through openings in the battery modules can affect adjacent battery modules. In particular, in adjacent battery modules where the terminal bus bars 40 face each other for HV connection, damage can occur to the terminal bus bars 40, battery cells 10, and other electrical components.

[0062] Unlike conventional battery modules, the battery module 100a according to this embodiment has a vent 900 formed on the upper plate of the module frame 200, which prevents high-temperature heat, gas, and flames from the battery cells 110 from escaping through openings in the first end plate 410, such as the terminal bus bar opening 410H. If a fire spreads to the terminal bus bar 520, the external bus bars connecting adjacent battery modules may melt, causing an internal short circuit and resulting in an additional fire, which may then spread to the adjacent battery module. This embodiment reduces damage to adjacent battery modules and the HV connection structure.

[0063] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] 8 , the venting portion 910 according to this embodiment may be formed to vent upward relative to the battery cell stack 120. The venting portion 910 may include an inlet 911, an outlet 912, and a connecting portion 913. The venting portion 910 may include an inlet 911 connected to the battery cell stack 120 and formed upward on the upper surface of the module frame 200, an outlet 912 formed upward to discharge gas that has entered through the inlet 911, and a connecting portion 913 connecting the inlet 911 and the outlet 912. The connecting portion 913 may be formed in a direction perpendicular to the inflow direction of the inlet 911 and the discharge direction of the outlet 912. The inlet 911 and the outlet 912 may be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the upper plate. An imaginary line connecting the inlet 911 and the outlet 912 may form an angle with the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the upper plate. An imaginary line connecting the inlet 911 and the outlet 912 can form an angle with the upper plate.

[0065] The venting part 910 discharges high-temperature heat, gas, and flames from inside the battery module toward the upper side of the battery module, minimizing damage to other battery modules disposed opposite the end plate. However, since the exhaust port 912 is formed toward the upper side, foreign matter in the air may enter the exhaust port 912 due to gravity. Therefore, the connecting part 913 is formed perpendicular to the exhaust port 912, minimizing the phenomenon in which foreign matter entering the exhaust port 912 enters the battery module through the inlet 911.

[0066] In addition, a foreign object blocking section (not shown) that blocks foreign objects entering through the outlet 912 is formed on the connecting section 913, thereby preventing foreign objects from entering the inlet 911 section through the connecting section 913 at the outlet 912.

[0067] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] 9 , the venting portion 920 according to this embodiment includes an inlet 921 formed on the upper surface of the module frame 200 and connected to the battery cell stack, and an outlet 922 for discharging gas that has entered through the inlet 921. The outlet 922 may be formed perpendicular to the inlet 921. The venting portion 920 also includes a connecting portion 923 formed between the inlet 921 and the outlet 922 for guiding the gas that has entered the inlet 921 toward the outlet 922. The upper surface of the connecting portion 923 may be inclined. The connecting portion 923 may have an inclined structure that forms an angle with the upper plate. Here, the inlet 921 and the outlet 922 may be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the upper plate. An imaginary line connecting the inlet 921 and the outlet 922 may form an angle with the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the upper plate. An imaginary line connecting the inlet 921 and the outlet 922 can form an angle with the upper plate.

[0069] The exhaust port 922 is formed in a direction perpendicular to the inlet 921 and the upper surface of the module frame 200, thereby preventing foreign matter floating in the air from entering the inside of the exhaust port 922 due to gravity. In addition, the upper surface of the connection part 923 is formed at an angle toward the exhaust port 922, so that high-temperature heat, gas, and flames that have flowed into the inlet 921 can be redirected through the connection part 923 and naturally exhausted through the exhaust port 922.

[0070] The battery module may be included in a battery pack. The battery pack may be configured by assembling one or more battery modules according to the present embodiment and adding a battery management system (BMS) for managing the temperature and voltage of the battery, a cooling device, and the like.

[0071] The battery module and the battery pack including the same can 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 can be applied to various devices that can use the battery module and the battery pack including the same, which also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0072] 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. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 200 Module Frame 310 Busbar Frame 440 Barrier Layer 440a, 440b Fire extinguishing material layer 450 Discharge passage 900,910,920 Venting section

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 one side plate of the module frame, the venting portion includes an inlet and an outlet for discharging gas flowing in through the inlet, The inlet and the outlet of the venting portion are spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction of the one side plate.

2. the battery module includes a first fire-extinguishing material layer positioned between one side plate of the module frame and the battery cell stack; The battery module of claim 1 , wherein the first fire-extinguishing material layer comprises a fire-extinguishing agent.

3. The battery module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a second fire-extinguishing material layer containing a fire-extinguishing agent is formed in the venting portion.

4. a first fire-extinguishing material layer containing a fire-extinguishing agent is formed between one side plate of the module frame and the battery cell stack; a second fire-extinguishing material layer containing a fire-extinguishing agent is formed in the venting portion; 2. The battery module of claim 1, wherein the fire-extinguishing agent contained in the first fire-extinguishing material layer and the second fire-extinguishing material layer includes potassium bicarbonate, and when a fire occurs, at least one of the first fire-extinguishing material layer and the second fire-extinguishing material layer undergoes a thermal decomposition reaction.

5. The battery module of claim 4 , wherein the first and second fire-extinguishing material layers are connected to each other.

6. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the venting portion has a hole structure, and the hole structure has an inclined structure.

7. The battery module of claim 1 , wherein the venting portion has a hole structure formed in the upper plate of the module frame, the hole structure obliquely penetrating the upper plate.

8. The venting section is an inlet formed in an upper plate of the module frame facing the battery cell stack; an outlet for discharging the gas that has flowed in through the inlet; The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the outlet is formed in a direction perpendicular to the inlet.

9. The venting section is a connecting portion formed between the inlet and the outlet to guide the gas flowing into the inlet toward the outlet, The battery module according to claim 8 , wherein the upper surface of the connecting portion is formed to be inclined.

10. The venting section is an inlet port connected to the battery cell stack and formed in an upward direction on an upper plate of the module frame; an outlet formed in the upward direction to discharge gas flowing in through the inlet; and a connecting portion connecting the inlet and the outlet, The battery module of claim 1 , wherein the connecting portion is formed in a direction perpendicular to an inflow direction of the inlet and a discharge direction of the outlet.

11. The battery module of claim 2 , wherein a discharge passage is formed between one side plate of the module frame and the battery cell stack by the thermal decomposition reaction of the first fire-extinguishing material layer.

12. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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