Battery module and battery pack including same

Abstract

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, a module frame that houses the battery cell stack, and end plates that cover front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack exposed from the module frame, the end plates including a front end plate and a rear end plate, first and second venting holes formed in the front end plate and the rear end plate, a venting plate formed in the rear end plate to be connected to the second venting hole, and a duct member formed on an upper portion of the module frame to be connected to the venting plate, the duct member extending in a longitudinal direction of the upper portion of the module frame and connected to the front end plate.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0048856 dated April 20, 2022, and all contents disclosed in the documents of that 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 and a battery pack having a novel flame suppression structure. [Background technology]

[0003] With technological development and increasing demand for mobile devices, the demand for secondary batteries as an energy source is rapidly increasing. In particular, secondary batteries are attracting much attention not only for mobile devices such as mobile phones, digital cameras, laptops, and wearable devices, but also as an energy source for power devices such as electric bicycles, electric cars, and hybrid electric cars.

[0004] Small mobile devices use one, two, three, or four battery cells per device, while medium- to large-sized devices such as automobiles require high output and large capacity. Therefore, medium- to large-sized battery modules that electrically connect multiple battery cells are used.

[0005] Since it is preferable that medium- to large-sized battery modules are manufactured with as small a size and weight as possible, prismatic batteries, pouch-shaped batteries, etc., which can be stacked with a high degree of integration and have a small capacity-to-weight ratio, are mainly used as battery cells for medium- to large-sized battery modules. Such battery modules have a structure in which a number of cell assemblies, each including a plurality of unit battery cells, are connected in series to obtain high output. The battery cells include positive and negative electrode current collectors, separators, active materials, electrolytes, etc., and can be repeatedly charged and discharged by electrochemical reactions between the components.

[0006] Meanwhile, as the need for large capacity structures, including use as an energy storage source, has increased recently, there has been an increasing demand for a number of battery modules in which a number of secondary batteries are connected in series and / or parallel, and for battery packs with a multi-module structure in which the battery modules are assembled.

[0007] Furthermore, when connecting multiple battery cells in series / parallel to form a battery pack, it is common to first construct a battery module consisting of at least one battery cell, and then use this at least one battery module to add other components to form the battery pack.

[0008] In general, when a secondary battery is heated above an appropriate temperature, its performance is degraded, and if the temperature is severe, it may explode or catch fire. In particular, in a battery module or battery pack having a large number of secondary batteries, i.e., battery cells, the temperature may rise more rapidly and violently due to the heat generated from the large number of battery cells being combined in a small space. In other words, a battery module having a large number of stacked battery cells and a battery pack having such a battery module mounted thereon can obtain high output, but it is difficult to remove the heat generated from the battery cells during charging and discharging. If the heat dissipation of the battery cells is not performed well, the battery cells deteriorate faster, their lifespan is shortened, and the possibility of explosion or fire increases.

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

[0010] At this time, flames may occur when thermal runaway occurs in the battery module and battery pack, and there is a high possibility of fire occurring due to gases generated from the battery cells and ignition sources, etc. Also, if the inside of the battery module and battery pack are sealed, the degree of ignition inside the battery pack is low due to a lack of oxygen, but if the internal gas is vented to the outside to prevent the battery pack from exploding due to an increase in internal pressure, the scale and possibility of ignition inside increases.

[0011] Therefore, in order to minimize the possibility and scale of fire outside the battery module and battery pack when thermal runaway occurs, there is a need to introduce a new flame suppression structure that can suppress flames that occur inside the battery module and battery pack. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] An object of the present invention is to provide a battery module having a novel flame suppression structure and a battery pack including the same.

[0013] However, the problems that the present invention is intended to solve are not limited to those mentioned above, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from this specification and the attached drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] 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, a module frame that houses the battery cell stack, and end plates that cover front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack exposed from the module frame, the end plates including a front end plate and a rear end plate, first and second venting holes formed in the front end plate and the rear end plate, a venting plate formed in the rear end plate to be connected to the second venting hole, and a duct member formed on an upper portion of the module frame to be connected to the venting plate, the duct member extending in a longitudinal direction of the upper portion of the module frame and connected to the front end plate.

[0015] The duct member may include a duct portion formed in a longitudinal direction of an upper portion of the module frame, and a fire extinguishing agent storage portion connected to the duct portion and configured to store a fire extinguishing agent.

[0016] The duct portion and the extinguishing agent storage portion are integrally formed.

[0017] An end of the duct portion is fitted and connected to the venting plate.

[0018] The extinguishant containing portion may further include a first cap formed adjacent to the front end plate and between the first vent hole and the extinguishant containing portion.

[0019] The extinguishing agent may include extinguishing water.

[0020] The fire extinguishing agent container may further include a third vent hole formed in an upper portion of the fire extinguishing agent container, and a second cap covering the third vent hole.

[0021] The fire extinguishing agent container may further include a fourth vent hole formed in a side portion of the fire extinguishing agent container, and a third cap covering the fourth vent hole.

[0022] The fire extinguishing agent container may further include a flame arrestor formed on a side surface of the fire extinguishing agent container, the flame arrestor being adjacent to the fourth vent hole and the third cap.

[0023] In the battery module according to this embodiment, the first cap and the third cap can melt when thermal runaway occurs.

[0024] A hole is formed in the second cap, and steam is discharged through the hole when thermal runaway occurs.

[0025] The battery module according to this embodiment may further include a fire extinguishing agent formed in the duct portion.

[0026] The extinguishing agent is formed along the longitudinal direction of the duct portion.

[0027] The extinguishing agent is formed inside the duct portion and is configured to contact a side portion of the duct portion.

[0028] A battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention includes the battery module.

[0029] The battery pack according to this embodiment may further include a pack frame that houses the battery module.

[0030] The battery pack according to the present embodiment may include a plurality of the battery modules, and may further include a heat dissipation member interposed between adjacent battery modules among the battery modules. Effect of the Invention

[0031] A battery module and a battery pack including the same according to an embodiment of the present invention include a flame suppression structure connected by a venting plate and a duct member, thereby effectively suppressing a fire inside the battery module and the battery pack.

[0032] In particular, the battery module of the present invention includes primary flame suppression by an extinguishing agent inside the duct member, secondary flame suppression by an extinguishing agent contained in the extinguishing agent storage section of the duct member, and tertiary flame suppression by steam released through the third venting hole and second cap of the duct member, thereby forming multiple flame suppression paths and achieving an effective flame suppression effect.

[0033] Furthermore, the present invention minimizes the possibility and scale of fire inside and outside the battery module and battery pack, thereby improving the safety of the battery module and battery pack and protecting users.

[0034] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned will 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 description of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing only some components of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the components of FIG. 2 joined together. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing all the components of FIG. 1 joined together. [Diagram 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section taken along line AA' in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 5 is a diagram showing a path of flame movement when a flame occurs inside the battery module of FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a component corresponding to part B in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a flame movement path centered on a cross section taken along the line AA' in FIG. 4. [Figure 9] 5 is a diagram showing a duct member among the components of the battery module in FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 10] 5 is a diagram showing a duct member among the components of the battery module in FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 11] 5 is a diagram showing a duct member among the components of the battery module in FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state when a flame occurs inside a battery module. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state when a flame occurs inside a battery module. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state when a flame occurs inside a battery module. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a battery cell included in the battery module of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof so that those skilled in the art can easily practice the present invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0037] In order to clearly explain the present invention, parts that are not necessary for the explanation will be omitted, and the same reference numerals will be used throughout the specification to refer to the same or similar components.

[0038] 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 the illustrated examples. In the drawings, thicknesses are enlarged to clearly express various layers and regions. In the drawings, thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated for convenience of explanation.

[0039] In addition, when a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is said to be "on" another part, this includes not only the case where it is "directly on" the other part, but also the case where there is another part in between. Conversely, when a part is said to be "directly on" another part, it means that there is no other part in between. Furthermore, being "on" a reference part means being located above or below the reference part, and does not necessarily mean being located "on" in the opposite direction of gravity.

[0040] In addition, throughout the specification, when a part "comprises" a certain element, this means that it can further include other elements, not excluding other elements, unless otherwise specified to the contrary.

[0041] Furthermore, throughout the specification, a reference to "in a plane" means that the part is viewed from above, and a reference to "in cross section" means that the part is viewed from the side through a vertical cut.

[0042] 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.

[0043] The battery module of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 and 15. FIG.

[0044] Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing only some components of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the components of Fig. 2 are combined. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which all the components of Fig. 1 are combined. Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing a battery cell included in a battery module of the present invention.

[0045] 1 to 4, a battery module 100 according to this embodiment 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.

[0046] First, the battery cell 110 is preferably a pouch-type battery cell and is formed into a rectangular sheet-like structure. For example, referring to Fig. 15, 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. That is, the battery cell 110 includes the electrode leads 111 and 112 protruding in directions facing each other. 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.

[0047] Meanwhile, the battery cell 110 is 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. In other words, 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 is formed of the connecting part 115. In particular, the sealing parts 114sa, 114sb, 114sc may include the sealing part 114sc formed in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell and the sealing parts 114sa, 114sb formed in the width direction of the battery cell. The cell case 114 is made of a laminate sheet including a resin layer and a metal layer. In this case, the distance between both ends 114a, 114b of the cell case 114 can be defined as the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 110, and the distance between one side 114c connecting the both ends 114a, 114b of the cell case 114 and the connecting portion 115 can be defined as the width direction of the battery cell 110.

[0048] Furthermore, the connecting portion 115 may extend along one edge of the battery cell 110, and a butt ear 110p is formed at an end of the connecting portion 115. Furthermore, as the cell case 114 is sealed with the protruding electrode leads 111, 112 sandwiched therebetween, a terrace portion 116 is formed between the electrode leads 111, 112 and the cell body 113. In other words, the battery cell 110 may include the terrace portion 116 formed by extending from the cell case 114 in the direction in which the electrode leads 111, 112 protrude.

[0049] A plurality of such battery cells 110 are configured, and the plurality of battery cells 110 are stacked so as to be electrically connected to each other to form a battery cell stack 120. In particular, as shown in Fig. 2, the plurality of battery cells 110 are stacked in a direction parallel to the y-axis. Thus, the electrode leads 111 and 112 can protrude in the x-axis direction and the -x-axis direction, respectively.

[0050] Meanwhile, the module frame 200 includes a U-shaped frame 300 that has an open top, front, and rear and covers the bottom and both sides of the battery cell stack 120, and an upper plate 400 that covers the top of the battery cell stack 120. In this case, the U-shaped frame 300 may include a bottom portion that supports the bottom of the battery cell stack 120, and side portions that extend upward from both ends of the bottom portion. However, the module frame 200 is not limited thereto, and may be replaced with a frame of another shape, such as an L-shaped frame or a monoframe that surrounds the battery cell stack 120 except for the front and rear sides. The battery cell stack 120 accommodated inside the module frame 200 may be physically protected through the module frame 200.

[0051] The upper plate 400 may cover the opened upper side of the module frame 200. The end plate 150 may cover the front and rear sides of the battery cell stack 120 exposed from the module frame 200. The end plate 150 may be coupled to front and rear end corners of the upper plate 400 and the front and rear end corners of the module frame 200 by welding. In this case, the end plate may include a front end plate 151 and a rear end plate 152.

[0052] Conventional battery modules do not have a separate structure that can suppress flames that occur when thermal runaway occurs and minimize the possibility and scale of fire inside and outside the battery module, making it difficult to ensure the safety of the battery module.

[0053] Therefore, in order to minimize the possibility and scale of fire outside the battery module and battery pack when thermal runaway occurs, there is a need to introduce a new flame suppression structure that can suppress flames that occur inside the battery module and battery pack.

[0054] Hereinafter, the battery module 100 according to this embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to the previously referred drawings and to FIGS. 1 to 4 again.

[0055] 1 to 4, a first vent hole 155a is formed in a front end plate 151 of a battery module 100 according to this embodiment, and a second vent hole 155b is formed in a rear end plate 152. Therefore, gas, flames, ignition sources, etc. generated during thermal runaway inside the battery module 100 are exhausted to the outside through the front and rear of the battery module 100 via the first vent hole 155a and the second vent hole 155b, respectively.

[0056] At this time, the battery module 100 according to this embodiment may include a venting plate 500 formed on the rear end plate 152 .

[0057] The venting plate 500 is connected to the second venting hole 155b. The venting plate 500 may cover an area of ​​the rear end plate 152 opened by the second venting hole 155b. At the same time, the venting plate 500 is connected to an upper portion of the module frame 200.

[0058] At this time, since the venting plate 500 is connected to the duct member 600 as described below, a space is formed between the venting plate 500 and the upper part of the module frame 200. Therefore, the flame and gas transferred to the venting plate 500 through the second venting holes 155b can be guided to move along the venting plate 500 to the upper part of the module frame 200 and move along the longitudinal direction of the upper part of the module frame 200 by the duct member 600.

[0059] Meanwhile, a duct member 600 is formed on the upper part of the module frame 200, i.e., the upper plate 400. At this time, the duct member 600 is connected to the ventilation plate 500. Also, the duct member 600 extends in the longitudinal direction of the upper part of the module frame 200 and is connected to the front end plate 151. At this time, the longitudinal direction of the upper part of the module frame 200 may be the x-axis direction shown in FIG.

[0060] The duct member 600 included in the battery module 100 according to this embodiment will be described in more detail below.

[0061] 1 and 4, the duct member 600 may include a duct portion 610 formed in the longitudinal direction of the module frame 200, and a fire extinguishing agent containing portion 620 connected to the duct portion 610 and containing a fire extinguishing agent 630.

[0062] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' of FIG.

[0063] 5, the duct unit 610 and the extinguishing agent containing unit 620 are connected to each other to be integrally formed so that the flame can move. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the flame and gas generated from the front surface of the battery module 100 can move to the extinguishing agent containing unit 620 along the first venting hole 155a, the first cap 650a, and the fifth venting hole 155e, and the flame and gas generated from the rear surface of the battery module 100 can move to the extinguishing agent containing unit 620 along the second venting hole 155b, the venting plate 500, and the duct unit 610.

[0064] As described above, the duct member 600 is connected to the venting plate 500. In particular, in order for the duct member 600 to be connected to the venting plate 500, one end of the duct portion 610 is fitted into a space separated between the venting plate 500 and the upper portion of the module frame 200. At this time, the space is formed to have a shape and size corresponding to the shape and size of the duct portion 610 in order to fix the duct portion 610 and facilitate the movement of flames and gases through the duct portion 610.

[0065] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a path of a flame when a flame occurs inside the battery module of Fig. 4. Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of a component corresponding to part B of Fig. 6.

[0066] 6 and 7, the duct part 610 is formed in a hollow tube shape. At this time, an extinguishing agent 640 is formed in the duct part 610. Specifically, the extinguishing agent 640 is formed along the longitudinal direction of the duct part 610. The extinguishing agent 640 is formed inside the duct part 610, and is formed inside the duct part 610 having the tube shape. At this time, as shown in FIG. 7, the extinguishing agent 640 is formed to contact the side part of the duct part 610, and thus the extinguishing agent 640 can continuously act on the flame and gas passing through the duct part 610 to suppress the flame and gas.

[0067] The extinguishant containing portion 620 of the duct member 600 according to this embodiment is formed adjacent to the front end plate 151. Referring to Fig. 5, the extinguishant containing portion 620 is formed to cover the entire front end plate 151. Therefore, it is also formed adjacent to the first venting hole 155a.

[0068] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a flame movement path centered on a cross section taken along the line AA' in FIG.

[0069] At this time, a first cap 650a is formed between the first venting hole 155a and the extinguishant containing portion 620. Specifically, a fifth venting hole 155e is formed on one side of the extinguishant containing portion 620 located between the extinguishant containing portion 620 and the first cap 650a, and the first cap 650a may cover the fifth venting hole 155e. As described below, in the battery module 100 in a normal operating state, the first venting hole 155a and the extinguishant 630 contained in the extinguishant containing portion 620 may be separated from each other since the first cap 650a exists in a state in which the fifth venting hole 155e is covered. However, referring to FIG. 8, when thermal runaway of the battery module 100 occurs, the first cap 650a melts due to flames and gas generated from inside the battery module 100, so that the first venting hole 155a and the fifth venting hole 155e can be communicated with each other. Therefore, the fire and gas can be suppressed by the fire extinguishing agent 630 contained in the fire extinguishing agent container 620.

[0070] 1, a third vent hole 155c is formed in an upper portion of the extinguishant containing portion 620, and a fourth vent hole 155d is formed in one side portion of the extinguishant containing portion 620. In this case, the one side portion of the extinguishant containing portion 620 in which the fourth vent hole 155d is formed may be the one side portion of the extinguishant containing portion 620 formed adjacent to the flame arrestor 700, as described below.

[0071] 9 to 11 are diagrams showing the duct member among the components of the battery module of FIG.

[0072] 9, a second cap 650b covering the third venting hole 155c is formed on the top of the extinguishing agent receiving portion 620, and a third cap 650c covering the fourth venting hole 155d is formed on one side of the extinguishing agent receiving portion 620. In a normally operating battery module 100, the second cap 650b and the third cap 650c cover the third venting hole 155c and the fourth venting hole 155d, respectively. However, when thermal runaway occurs inside the battery module 100, the third cap 650c may melt due to flames and gases, forming a path for the flames and gases to move.

[0073] The third venting hole 155c and the second cap 650b are formed in a plurality of positions, and the fourth venting hole 155d and the third cap 650c are formed in at least one side surface of the extinguishant containing portion 620, and are formed in a plurality of side surfaces.

[0074] At this time, the second cap 650b may be melted by the flame, but may be made of a flame-retardant material that does not melt by the flame so that steam can be discharged through the second cap 650b. The second cap 650b is formed on the upper part of the extinguishant containing part 620, and a hole is formed in the second cap 650b. When thermal runaway occurs inside the battery module 100, the flame and gas come into contact with the extinguishant containing part 620 and the extinguishant 630 inside the extinguishant containing part 620, and the steam generated by the flame and gas coming into contact with the extinguishant 630 can be discharged to the outside of the extinguishant containing part 620 through the hole formed in the second cap 650b.

[0075] Meanwhile, the extinguishing agent 630 may be extinguishing water, a liquid extinguishing agent, or a foam extinguishing agent. More specifically, the extinguishing agent 630 may be a liquid extinguishing agent or extinguishing water, and preferably may be extinguishing water. Therefore, the extinguishing agent 630 formed in the extinguishing agent storage portion 620 suppresses the flame and gas, thereby minimizing the possibility and scale of ignition inside and outside the battery module 100. In particular, by configuring the duct member 600 so that the flame and gas can smoothly come into contact with the extinguishing agent 630, the flame can be suppressed by contacting the extinguishing agent 630 before being discharged to the outside of the battery module, thereby improving the safety of the battery module.

[0076] 10 and 11, a flame arrestor 700 is formed on one side of the extinguishing agent storage unit 620. The flame arrestor 700 may include a porous structure or a mesh structure, and as the flame and gas pass through the structure, the temperature of the flame and gas is reduced, thereby minimizing the possibility and scale of external ignition due to the flame. The flame arrestor 700 has a housing or cover that accommodates the porous structure or the mesh structure, thereby ensuring stable flame arrestor performance.

[0077] The flame arrestor 700 formed in the battery module 100 according to the present embodiment is formed adjacent to the fourth venting hole 155d and the third cap 650c. As described above, the third cap 650c may melt due to the flame and high-temperature gas generated when thermal runaway occurs inside the battery module 100. The melted third cap 650c connects the fourth venting hole 155d to the flame arrestor 700, so that the flame and gas vented from the fourth venting hole 155d can pass through the flame arrestor 700 and be stabilized. At this time, the flame and gas passing through the flame arrestor 700 are in contact with the porous structure or the mesh structure of the flame arrestor 700, and heat is absorbed and the temperature is reduced, so that the flame is suppressed, and the stabilized flame and gas can be discharged to the outside of the battery module 100.

[0078] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 8 and FIGS. 12 to 14, a flame generation path and a flame suppression path when thermal runaway occurs in the battery module 100 of the present invention will be specifically described.

[0079] 12 to 14 are perspective views showing a state when a flame occurs inside the battery module.

[0080] 8, flames and gases generated from the rear surface of the battery module 100 may move along the second venting hole 155b of the rear end plate 152, the venting plate 500, and the duct portion 610. At this time, the flames and gases move through the duct portion 610 and can be primarily suppressed by the fire extinguishing agent 640 formed in the duct portion 610.

[0081] Thereafter, the flame and gas primarily suppressed in the duct unit 610 may move along the duct unit 610 and reach the extinguishant housing unit 620. The flame and gas are suppressed by the extinguishant 630 housed in the extinguishant housing unit 620, and in some cases, the flame and gas may generate steam and gas in the extinguishant 630. The steam and gas are discharged to the outside through the second cap 650b, thereby secondarily suppressing the flame.

[0082] When the temperature of the flame and gas in the extinguishing agent containing portion 620 is maintained at a high temperature, the third cap 650c may melt. At this time, the third cap 650c may melt and communicate with the fourth venting hole 155d and the flame arrestor 700. Therefore, the flame and gas vented through the fourth venting hole 155d may pass through the flame arrestor 700 and be suppressed in a third way.

[0083] The flames and gases generated from the front surface of the battery module 100 can have a simpler path than the flames and gases generated from the rear surface.

[0084] 12 and 13, the first cap 650a may melt due to a flame generated from the front surface of the battery module 100. Therefore, the first venting hole 155a and the fifth venting hole 155e are connected to each other, and the flame and gas may move to the extinguishant containing part 620. The flame and gas are suppressed by the extinguishant 630 contained in the extinguishant containing part 620, and in some cases, the flame and gas may generate steam and gas from the extinguishant 630. Referring to FIG. 14, the steam and gas are discharged to the outside through the second cap 650b, and the flame may be suppressed temporarily.

[0085] When the temperature of the flame and gas in the extinguishing agent containing portion 620 is maintained at a high temperature, the third cap 650c may melt. At this time, the third cap 650c may melt and communicate with the fourth venting hole 155d and the flame arrestor 700. Therefore, the flame and gas vented through the fourth venting hole 155d may pass through the flame arrestor 700 and be secondarily suppressed.

[0086] Although the paths and suppression process of the flame and gas generated from the front or rear of the battery module 100 have been described separately above, this is for the sake of understanding, and the paths and suppression process of the flame and gas generated from the front and rear are formed by combining the paths described above. In particular, when the flame and gas generated from the front surface moves to the rear surface, it follows the flame path at the rear surface of the battery module, and when the flame and gas generated from the rear surface moves to the front surface, it follows the flame path at the front surface of the battery module.

[0087] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 16, a battery pack according to still another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0088] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] 16, the battery pack 1000 according to the present embodiment includes the above-mentioned battery module 100 and a pack frame 1100 that houses the battery module 100. At this time, the battery pack 100 according to the present embodiment may include a plurality of battery modules 100, and may further include a heat dissipation member 1200 interposed between adjacent battery modules 100 among the battery modules 100.

[0090] At this time, the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment may include a heat dissipation member 1200 formed between the plurality of battery modules 100, and a duct portion 610 is formed between adjacent heat dissipation members 1200. Therefore, the heat dissipation member 1200 effectively transfers and dissipates heat generated from the battery modules 100, and at the same time, when thermal runaway occurs, a flame is effectively suppressed by the flame suppression path.

[0091] In particular, the gas that has passed through the flame arrestor 700 of the battery module 100 moves along a moving path inside the battery pack 1000 and can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack 1000 through the battery pack vent 1300. At this time, the flame and gas can be effectively suppressed in scale by passing through a plurality of flame arrestors 700 formed between the plurality of battery modules 100.

[0092] In addition, the battery pack of the present invention may be structured 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, etc.

[0093] The battery pack can be applied to various devices, including vehicles 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 a battery module, which also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0094] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned specific embodiments, 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. However, such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical ideas and perspectives of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 100: Battery module 110: Battery cell 120: Battery cell stack 150: End plate 155a, 155b: 1st and 2nd venting holes 200: Module frame 300: U-shaped frame 400: Top plate 500: Venting plate 600: Duct parts 610: Duct section 620: Fire extinguishing agent storage section 630: Fire extinguishing agent 650a, 650b, 650c, 650d: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th caps 700: Flame arrester 800: Fire extinguishing agent 1000: Battery pack 1100: Pack Frame 1200: Heat dissipation materials 1300: Venting section

Claims

1. a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a module frame that houses the battery cell stack; end plates covering front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack exposed from the module frame; The end plates include a front end plate and a rear end plate, a first vent hole and a second vent hole formed in the front end plate and the rear end plate; a vent plate formed on the rear end plate to be connected to the second vent hole; a duct member formed on an upper portion of the module frame to be connected to the venting plate, The duct member extends in a longitudinal direction of an upper portion of the module frame and is connected to the front end plate of the battery module.

2. The duct member includes a duct portion formed in the longitudinal direction of an upper portion of the module frame; The battery module according to claim 1 , further comprising: a fire extinguishing agent storage section connected to the duct section and configured to store a fire extinguishing agent.

3. The battery module according to claim 2 , wherein the duct portion and the extinguishing agent storage portion are integrally formed.

4. The battery module according to claim 2 , wherein an end of the duct portion is fitted and connected to the venting plate.

5. The extinguishing agent storage section is formed adjacent to the front end plate, The battery module of claim 2 , further comprising a first cap formed between the first vent hole and the extinguishing agent containing portion.

6. The battery module according to claim 2 , wherein the extinguishing agent comprises extinguishing water.

7. A third vent hole formed in an upper portion of the extinguishing agent storage portion; The battery module of claim 2 , further comprising: a second cap covering the third vent hole.

8. A fourth vent hole formed in a side surface of the extinguishing agent storage portion; The battery module of claim 7 , further comprising: a third cap covering the fourth vent hole.

9. The fire extinguishing agent storage unit further includes a flame arrestor formed on a side surface thereof, The battery module of claim 8 , wherein the flame arrestor is formed adjacent to the fourth venting hole and the third cap.

10. The fire extinguishing agent container further includes a first cap formed between the first vent hole and the fire extinguishing agent container, When thermal runaway occurs, The battery module of claim 8 , wherein the first cap and the third cap are meltable.

11. The second cap has a hole formed therein. The battery module according to claim 8 , wherein when thermal runaway occurs, steam is discharged through the holes.

12. The battery module according to claim 2 , further comprising a fire extinguishing agent formed in the duct portion.

13. The battery module according to claim 12 , wherein the extinguishing agent is formed along a longitudinal direction of the duct portion.

14. The extinguishing agent is formed inside the duct portion, The battery module according to claim 12 , which is formed to contact a side portion of the duct portion.

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

16. The battery pack according to claim 15 , further comprising a pack frame that houses the battery module.

17. The battery module includes a plurality of the battery modules, The battery pack according to claim 15 , further comprising a heat dissipation member interposed between adjacent ones of the battery modules.

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