Battery module with flame-preventive structure and battery pack including the same

Abstract

A battery module according to the present invention includes a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, a module case for accommodating the battery cell stack, a first end plate disposed on one side of the module case, and a first flame prevention member disposed on the first end plate for preventing exposure to a flame to the outside.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module and a battery pack including the same, and more particularly to a battery module having a flame prevention structure that prevents flames from being exposed to the outside when thermal runaway occurs inside the battery module, and a battery pack including the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, which cannot be recharged, secondary batteries are batteries that can be charged and discharged. They are used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), which are powered by electrical sources.

[0003] Currently widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of such unit secondary battery cells, i.e., unit battery cells, is approximately 2.5V to 4.6V. Therefore, if a higher output voltage is required, a battery pack is constructed by connecting multiple battery cells in series. Alternatively, a battery pack may be constructed by connecting multiple battery cells in parallel depending on the required charge / discharge capacity of the battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be variously set depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0004] When a battery pack is constructed by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series / parallel, a common method is to first construct a battery module including at least one battery cell, preferably a plurality of battery cells, and then use at least one such battery module to construct the battery pack by adding other components. Here, the battery module refers to a component in which a plurality of battery cells are connected in series or parallel, and the battery pack refers to a component in which a plurality of battery modules are connected in series or parallel to increase capacity, output, etc.

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

[0006] Such a conventional battery module is shown in Figures 1 and 2. The battery module 10 shown in Figure 1 includes a battery cell stack, a module case 11 that houses the battery cell stack, a bus bar frame disposed on the front and / or rear surface of the battery cell stack, and end plates 13 and terminal bus bars 15 that are disposed on the front and rear surfaces of the module case 11.

[0007] The battery cell stack is made up of a plurality of electrically connected battery cells stacked in one direction and housed in a module case 11. A bus bar frame is disposed on the front and / or rear surface of the battery cell stack. The battery cells in the battery cell stack may be pouch-type battery cells.

[0008] A battery cell stack is housed inside the module case 11, and end plates 13 are attached to the front and rear surfaces of the module case 11 to cover the front and rear surfaces of the module case 11.

[0009] The terminal bus bar 15 is used to electrically connect one battery module 10 to another battery module 10, and a portion of the terminal bus bar 15 is exposed to the outside of the end plate 13 in order to be connected to another battery module 10.

[0010] However, in the case of thermal runaway, such a battery module 10 has a problem in that flames are exposed through the insulating cover 14 or end plate 13, which are susceptible to high temperatures (see FIG. 2). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a battery module having a flame prevention structure that prevents flame exposure to the outside even if a flame occurs inside the battery module, and a battery pack including the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] 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 case for accommodating the battery cell stack, a first end plate disposed on one side of the module case, and a first flame prevention member disposed on the first end plate for preventing exposure to a flame to the outside.

[0013] The first flame prevention member includes a side portion disposed on the first end plate, and an upper surface portion bent from the side portion and disposed on an upper surface of the battery module.

[0014] The first flame prevention member further includes a fixing pin for fixing the first flame prevention member to the battery module.

[0015] The side surface also includes a coupling hole into which the fixing pin is inserted.

[0016] Additionally, the fixing pin is coupled to the first end plate.

[0017] The first end plate also includes a module lifting hole for lifting the battery module, and the fixing pin is coupled to the module lifting hole.

[0018] The coupling holes are disposed on both sides of the side surface, and the fixing pins are inserted into the coupling holes.

[0019] The first end plate includes module mounting portions at both sides for coupling the battery module to a battery pack, and the module lifting holes are formed in the module mounting portions.

[0020] The module mounting portion of the first end plate includes a coupling hole formed in a vertical direction.

[0021] The module further includes a second end plate disposed on the other side of the module case, and a second flame prevention member disposed on the second end plate to prevent exposure of a flame to the outside.

[0022] The second flame prevention member also includes a side portion disposed on the second end plate, and an upper surface portion bent from the side portion and disposed on an upper surface of the battery module.

[0023] The second flame prevention member further includes a fixing pin for fixing the second flame prevention member to the battery module.

[0024] The side surface of the second flame prevention member includes a coupling hole into which the fixing pin of the second flame prevention member is inserted.

[0025] Additionally, the fixing pin of the second flame prevention member is coupled to the second end plate.

[0026] The second end plate also includes a module lifting hole for lifting the battery module, and the fixing pin is coupled to the module lifting hole.

[0027] The coupling holes are disposed on both sides of the side surface of the second flame prevention member, and the fixing pins are inserted into the coupling holes.

[0028] The second end plate also includes module mounting portions at both sides for coupling the battery module to a battery pack, and the module lifting holes are formed in the module mounting portions.

[0029] The module mounting portion of the second end plate includes a coupling hole formed in a vertical direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] The battery module and battery pack having the flame prevention structure according to the present invention have an effect that even if a flame occurs inside the battery module, it is not exposed to the outside. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional battery module. [Figure 2] 2 is a diagram showing a state in which a flame occurs in the battery module of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the state in which the flame prevention sheet is separated from FIG. 3. [Figure 5] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to the present invention; [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view of a battery cell according to the present invention; [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a terminal bus bar according to the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an insulating cover and end plate according to the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is a diagram showing the inside of a battery pack according to the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] The advantages and features of the present invention and methods for achieving them will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and may be embodied in various different forms. These embodiments are provided solely to complete the disclosure of the present invention and to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The present invention is defined only by the claims. Therefore, in some embodiments, well-known process steps, well-known device structures, and well-known techniques are not specifically described to avoid obscuring the present invention. The same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout the specification.

[0033] In the drawings, thicknesses may be exaggerated to clearly show the various layers and regions. Similar parts are designated by the same reference numerals throughout the specification. When a layer, film, region, plate, or other part 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 are other parts between them. Conversely, when a part is said to be "directly on" another part, it means that there are no other parts between them. Furthermore, when a part is said to be "under" another part, this includes not only the case where it is "directly under" the other part, but also the case where there are other parts between them. Conversely, when a part is said to be "directly under" the other part, it means that there are no other parts between them.

[0034] A battery module 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a battery module according to the present invention, FIG. 4 is a view showing the state in which the fire prevention sheet in FIG. 3 has been separated, FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to the present invention, FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a battery cell according to the present invention, FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a terminal bus bar according to the present invention, FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an insulating cover and end plate according to the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a view showing the inside of a battery pack according to the present invention.

[0036] A battery module 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a battery cell stack 100 in which a plurality of battery cells 110 are stacked, a module case 200 that houses the battery cell stack 100, a bus bar frame 300 that is positioned on the front and / or rear surface of the battery cell stack 100, end plates 400, 450 that cover the front and / or rear surface of the battery cell stack 100, and bus bars 310, 320 and a flame prevention part 600 that are mounted on the bus bar frame 300.

[0037] The battery cell stack 100 is formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells 110 in one direction, and the plurality of battery cells 110 may be electrically connected. The direction in which the plurality of battery cells 110 are stacked may be the X-axis direction (or the X-axis direction) in FIG. 5 .

[0038] The direction from the front surface to the rear surface of the battery cell stack 100 or the opposite direction may be defined as the length direction of the battery cell stack 100, which may be the Y-axis direction in the drawing. Also, the direction from the top surface to the bottom surface of the battery cell stack 100 or the opposite direction may be defined as the width direction of the battery cell stack 100, which may be the Z-axis direction in the drawing.

[0039] The longitudinal direction of the battery cell stack 100 may be substantially the same as the longitudinal direction of the battery cells 110. The electrode leads 111, 112 of the battery cells 110 are located on the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 100, and the bus bars 310, 320 of the battery module 1000 may be disposed near the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 100 to easily form electrical connections with the electrode leads 111, 112.

[0040] The battery cells 110 are provided as pouch-type battery cells, which can maximize the number of battery cells stacked per unit area. However, the battery cells 110 do not necessarily have to be provided as pouch-type cells, and may be provided as prismatic, cylindrical, or other various shapes.

[0041] The battery cell 110 provided in a pouch form can include an electrode assembly and a cell case 115 that houses the electrode assembly (see FIG. 6).

[0042] The cell case 115 of the battery cell 110 is for housing the electrode assembly and may be a pouch-type cell case 115. The cell case 115 may include a lower case and an upper case covering the lower case, and the upper and lower cases may be integrated. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 4, the connecting portion between the upper and lower cases may be folded to form a folding structure. As shown, the upper case may completely cover the lower case, and a sealing portion 114 may be formed around the periphery.

[0043] Both the upper and lower cases may have a laminate structure including an inner coating layer, a metal layer, and an outer coating layer. The inner coating layer is located inside the cell case 115 relative to the metal layer and is in direct contact with the electrode assembly, so it must have insulating and electrolytic resistance. Furthermore, the sealing properties, i.e., the sealing portion where the inner layers are thermally bonded together, must have excellent thermal adhesive strength to seal against the outside. The metal layer is located between the inner and outer coating layers and serves as a barrier layer to prevent moisture and various gases from penetrating into the battery from the outside. A suitable material for the metal layer in contact with the inner coating layer is an aluminum (Al) thin film, which is lightweight yet highly formable. The outer coating layer is located outside the cell case 115 relative to the metal layer. This outer coating layer can be made of a heat-resistant polymer with excellent tensile strength, moisture barrier, and air barrier properties to protect the electrode assembly while ensuring heat resistance and fire resistance. For example, nylon or polyethylene terephthalate can be used.

[0044] The upper and lower cases each have a receiving groove 116 formed therein, and the electrode assembly can be received in the receiving groove 116 of the upper and lower cases.

[0045] The electrode assembly accommodated in the cell case 115 may be one selected from the group consisting of a jelly-roll type electrode assembly having a structure in which a separator is interposed between a long sheet-shaped negative electrode and a positive electrode and then wound up; a stack type electrode assembly consisting of unit cells having a structure in which rectangular positive and negative electrodes are stacked with a separator between them; a stack-folding type electrode assembly in which unit cells are wound up with a long separator film; and a lamination-stack type electrode assembly in which unit cells are stacked with a separator between them and attached to each other.

[0046] The electrode assembly may also include two electrode tabs and two electrode leads 111 and 112 connected to the electrode tabs by welding, respectively.

[0047] One of the two electrode leads 111, 112 may be a positive electrode lead connected to a positive electrode tab, and the other electrode lead 111, 112 may be a negative electrode lead connected to a negative electrode tab.

[0048] A lead film 113 may be attached to each of the electrode leads 111 and 112. The lead film 113 connected to the electrode leads 111 and 112 is located between the electrode leads 111 and 112 and the cell case 115, and prevents short circuits from occurring between the electrode leads 111 and 112 and the cell case 115, and improves sealing strength to prevent leakage of electrolyte.

[0049] Although the two electrode leads 111, 112 are shown as being located on opposite sides of the electrode assembly, they may be located on only one side of the electrode assembly depending on the placement of the electrode tabs.

[0050] The module case 200 is intended to protect the battery cell stack 100 and the electrical components connected thereto from external physical impacts, and the module case 200 can accommodate the battery cell stack 100 and the electrical components connected thereto in the internal space of the module case 200.

[0051] The module case 200 may have various structures. For example, the module case 200 may have a mono-frame structure. Here, the mono-frame may have the form of a metal plate with an integrated top, bottom, and both side surfaces. The mono-frame may be manufactured by extrusion molding. As another example, the module case 200 may have a structure in which a U-shaped frame and an upper plate (upper surface 201) are coupled together. In the case of a structure in which a U-shaped frame and an upper plate are coupled together, the module case 200 is formed by coupling the upper plate to the top of a U-shaped frame, which is a metal plate with an integrated or combined bottom and both side surfaces, and each frame or plate may be manufactured by press molding. In addition to the mono-frame or U-shaped frame, the module case 200 may also have an L-shaped frame structure, and may have various structures not described in the above examples.

[0052] The structure of the module case 200 may be provided in a form that is open in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell stack 100. The front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 100 may not be blocked by the module case 200. The electrode leads 111, 112 of the battery cells 110 may not be blocked by the module case 200. The front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 100 are blocked by a bus bar frame 300, end plates 400, 450, or bus bars 310, 320, which will be described later, and thereby the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 100 can be protected from external physical impacts, etc.

[0053] A compression pad 150 may be positioned between the battery cell stack 100 and one side of the inner surface of the module case 200 .

[0054] The compression pad 150 may be disposed in the battery cell stack 100 so as to face the battery cell 110 at the outermost edge of the battery cell stack 100 in the X-axis direction on the drawing.

[0055] Furthermore, although not shown, a thermally conductive resin may be injected between the battery cell stack 100 and the inner surface of the module case 200, and the injected thermally conductive resin may form a thermally conductive resin layer (not shown) between the battery cell stack 100 and one side of the inner surface of the module case 200. Here, the thermally conductive resin layer may be located on the Z-axis of the battery cell stack 100, and the thermally conductive resin layer may be formed between the battery cell stack 100 and the bottom surface of the module case 200 located on the -Z-axis.

[0056] The bus bar frame 300 is positioned on one side of the battery cell stack 100 to cover that side and guide the connection of the battery cell stack 100 to an external device. As shown in the figure, the bus bar frame 300 is positioned on one side of the battery cell stack 100. For example, the bus bar frame 300 may be positioned on the top, bottom, front, rear, or side of the battery cell stack 100. At least one of bus bars 310, 320 and a module connector may be attached to the bus bar frame 300. As shown in FIG. 5 , one side of the bus bar frame 300 may be connected to one side of the battery cell stack 100, and the other side of the bus bar frame 300 may be connected to the bus bars 310, 320.

[0057] The bus bar frame 300 may include an electrically insulating material. The bus bar frame 300 may limit contact between the bus bars 310 and 320 and other parts of the battery cell 110 other than the parts connected to the electrode leads 111 and 112, thereby preventing an electrical short circuit from occurring.

[0058] The bus bar frames 300 may be located on one side and the other side of the battery cell stack 100, respectively.

[0059] The bus bars 310, 320 may be attached to one surface of the bus bar frame 300 and may be used to electrically connect the battery cell stack 100 or the battery cells 110 to an external device circuit. The bus bars 310, 320 are located between the battery cell stack 100 or the bus bar frame 300 and the end plates 400, 450, and are therefore protected from external impacts and can minimize deterioration in durability due to external moisture, etc.

[0060] The bus bars 310 , 320 can be electrically connected to the battery cell stack 100 via the electrode leads 111 , 112 of the battery cells 110 .

[0061] Specifically, the electrode leads 111, 112 of the battery cells 110 may pass through lead slits formed in the bus bar frame 300 and then bend to be connected to the bus bars 310, 320. The bus bars 310, 320 may connect the battery cells 110 that make up the battery cell stack 100 in series or parallel.

[0062] The bus bars 310, 320 may include a terminal bus bar 320 for electrically connecting one battery module 100 to another battery module 100. To be connected to another battery module 100, at least a portion of the terminal bus bar 320 is exposed to the outside of the end plates 400, 450, and the end plates 400, 450 may have a terminal opening 410 for this purpose.

[0063] One end (second portion 322 ) of the terminal bus bar 320 may be exposed through the opening 510 in the insulating cover 500 and the terminal opening 410 in the end plates 400 , 450 .

[0064] 7, the terminal bus bar 320 may include a first portion 321 connected to the electrode leads 111 and 112 of the battery cell 110 and a second portion 322 exposed to the outside through the terminal opening 410. The terminal bus bar 320 may further include a bending portion 323 formed between the first portion 321 and the second portion 322.

[0065] In the terminal bus bar 320, the first portion 321 is connected to the second portion 322 via a bent portion, and one side of the first portion 321 and one side of the second portion 322 may be perpendicular to each other. That is, by forming the bent portion 323 in the terminal bus bar 320, the second portion 322 protrudes and is seated on a seating portion of the insulating cover 500 (the portion of the insulating cover 500 on which the second portion 322 is seated), so that the second portion 322 may be electrically connected to the pack bus bar (not shown). The second portion 322 constituting one end of the terminal bus bar 320 has a coupling hole 322a formed therein, and the second portion 322 of the terminal bus bar 320 may be fixed by a pin or bolt inserted into the coupling hole 322a.

[0066] The end plates 400, 450 may be disposed on both sides of the module case 200 to cover one side and the other side of the battery cell stack 100, and may include a first end plate 400 disposed on one side of the module case 200 and a second end plate 450 disposed on the other side, which is the opposite side, of the module case 200.

[0067] Specifically, the first end plate 400 may be disposed on one side of the module case 200 where the terminal bus bar 320 is disposed, and the second end plate 450 may be disposed on the other side of the module case 200 opposite the first end plate 400.

[0068] The first and second end plates 400, 450 may serve to protect the battery cell stack 100 and the electrical components connected thereto from external physical impact by sealing the open side of the module case 200. To this end, the first and second end plates 400, 450 may be made of a material having a predetermined strength, and for example, the first and second end plates 400, 450 may include a metal such as aluminum or a plastic material.

[0069] Terminal openings 410 may be formed in the first and second end plates 400, 450. The terminal openings 410 may be disposed on both sides of the end plates 400, 450, and a portion of the insulating cover 500 and one end (second portion 322) of the terminal bus bar 320 may be exposed through the terminal openings 410.

[0070] The terminal bus bar 320 may not be disposed on the other side of the module case 200 where the second end plate 450 is disposed.

[0071] A connector opening is located between the terminal openings 410 located on both sides of the first and second end plates 400 and 450, and the module connector can be exposed to the outside through the connector opening.

[0072] Furthermore, module mounting portions 420 and 470 may be disposed on both the left and right sides of the first and second end plates 400 and 450 .

[0073] The module mounting parts 420, 470 are for fixing the battery module 1000 in the battery pack 2000 and may include coupling holes 421, 471 that penetrate in the vertical direction. Module mounting bolts (not shown) are coupled to the coupling holes 421, 471 to fix the battery module 1000 in the battery pack 2000. The module mounting parts 420, 470 may be formed integrally with the first and second end plates 400, 450.

[0074] The module mounting parts 420 and 470 may have module lifting holes 430 formed therein. The module lifting holes 430 are for lifting or transporting the battery module 1000, and a transport member (not shown) may be coupled to the module lifting holes 430 to lift the battery module 1000. The battery module 1000 may be transported or assembled into a battery pack 2000 while the battery module 1000 is lifted by the transport member.

[0075] The module lifting holes 430 are formed to a predetermined depth on the front surfaces of the module mounting portions 420 and 470 or the front surfaces 401 of the first and second end plates 400 and 450 and can communicate with the coupling holes 421 and 471 .

[0076] The first and second end plates 400, 450 may be coupled to the module case 200 while covering the bus bar frame 300 or the bus bars 310, 320 located on one side of the battery cell stack 100. Each corner of the first and second end plates 400, 450 may be coupled to a corresponding corner of the module case 200 by welding, bolting, hooking, or the like.

[0077] The first and second end plates 400 and 450 may be located on the front and rear surfaces of the module case 200, respectively, to cover the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 100.

[0078] An insulating cover 500 for electrical insulation may be located between the first and second end plates 400, 450 and the bus bar frame 300. That is, the bus bar frame 300, the insulating cover 500, and the first and second end plates 400, 450 may be located in this order from the outside of the battery cell stack 100. As with the first and second end plates 400, 450, the bus bar frame 300 and the insulating cover 500 may each be configured in multiple numbers.

[0079] The insulating cover 500 may include an electrically insulating material and may block contact between the bus bars 310 and 320 and the first and second end plates 400 and 450 .

[0080] The insulating cover 500 may include openings 510 and seats for receiving the second portions 322 of the terminal bus bars 320. The openings 510 are disposed on both sides of the upper portion of the insulating cover 500, and one end (second portion 322) of the terminal bus bars 320 may be exposed through the openings 510.

[0081] A connector opening is located between the openings 510 located on both sides of the insulating cover 500, and the module connector can be exposed to the outside through the connector opening.

[0082] The insulating cover 500 may be positioned on the inner surfaces of the first and second end plates 400 and 450 and may be in close contact with the inner surfaces of the first and second end plates 400 and 450, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0083] As described above, one end (second portion 322) of terminal bus bar 320 is exposed through opening 510, and this exposed end of terminal bus bar 320 can be seated on the seat. Therefore, the seat can be disposed adjacent to opening 510 and on the upper outer surface.

[0084] The second portion 322 of the terminal bus bar 320 may be seated on an upper surface of the seating portion, and thus the upper surface of the seating portion may form a seating surface. The seating portion may include a fixing portion that fixes the second portion 322 of the terminal bus bar 320, and the fixing portion may include a fixing groove to which a pin or a bolt inserted into a coupling groove 322a formed in the second portion 322 of the terminal bus bar 320 is coupled for fixation.

[0085] Furthermore, the insulating cover 500 may include an edge portion located outside the seating portion on which one end of the terminal bus bar 320 is seated, in the portion exposed through the terminal opening 510 .

[0086] A terminal cover portion (not shown) that covers one end of the exposed terminal bus bar 320 may be disposed on the insulating cover 500 .

[0087] The flame prevention part 600 is intended to prevent a flame from being exposed to the outside when a fire occurs within the battery module 1000, and may include a first flame prevention member 610 and a second flame prevention member 650, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0088] The first flame prevention member 610 may be disposed on the first end plate 400. An insulating cover 500 may be disposed inside the first end plate 400 on which the first flame prevention member 610 is disposed, with the insulating cover 500 positioned so that one end of the terminal bus bar 320 is exposed.

[0089] Specifically, the first flame prevention member 610 may include a side portion 620 arranged on the first end plate 400 arranged on one side of the module case 200, and an upper surface portion 630 arranged on the upper surface of the battery module 1000.

[0090] The side portion 620 of the first flame prevention member 610 is disposed on the first end plate 400 and can be disposed so as to cover the upper portion of the front surface 401 of the first end plate 400 .

[0091] The side portion 620 may include a lower portion 621 and an upper portion 622 disposed above the lower portion 621 .

[0092] The lower portion 621 of the side portion 620 may extend to the left and right of the module mounting portion 420 to cover the module mounting portion 420. Also, coupling holes 621a are formed on both sides of the lower portion 621, and fixing pins 623 may be inserted into the coupling holes 621a.

[0093] The first flame prevention member 610 can be connected to the first end plate 400 by a fixing pin 623 inserted into this connection hole 621a.

[0094] Meanwhile, as described above, module lifting holes 430 are formed on both sides of the first end plate 400, and the fixing pins 623 are coupled to the module lifting holes 430 to fix the first flame prevention member 610 to the first end plate 400. As such, the first flame prevention member 610 is firmly fixed to the first end plate 400 by the fixing pins 623, and therefore, the first flame prevention member 610 can be prevented from being separated from the battery module 1000 due to the release of high-pressure gas when thermal runaway or a fire occurs within the battery module 1000.

[0095] The fixing pin 623 can be press-fitted into the module lifting hole 430 and fixed.

[0096] Furthermore, since the fixing pin 623 is coupled to the module lifting hole 430, it is not necessary to form a separate coupling groove or coupling hole for coupling the fixing pin 623.

[0097] In addition, to prevent interference between the fixing pin 623 and the module mounting bolt coupled to the coupling hole 421 of the module mounting part 420, the end of the fixing pin 623 inserted into the module lifting hole 430 is located within the module lifting hole 430, and is not located in the coupling hole 421 of the module mounting part 420. To prevent interference with the module mounting bolt, the length of the fixing pin 623 is preferably 5 mm or less.

[0098] The upper portion 622 of the side portion 620 is narrower than the lower portion 621 and does not need to cover the module mounting portion 420. The upper portion 622 can cover the front portion of the insulating cover 500 exposed through the terminal openings 410 on both sides of the first end plate 400, and can cover one end (second portion 322) of the terminal bus bar 320 at the front.

[0099] The upper surface part 630 is disposed on the upper surface of the battery module 1000 , and may be disposed on the upper surface of the first end plate 400 , the upper surface of the insulating cover 500 , and the upper surface 201 of the module case 200 .

[0100] The top surface portion 630 may be bent and extend from the side surface portion 620 toward the top surface 201 of the module case 200, and may be formed integrally with the side surface portion 620. Therefore, the first flame prevention member 610 may have an L-shaped bent shape.

[0101] The top surface portion 630 is formed to be narrower than the upper portion 622 of the side surface portion 620 and can be positioned on a plane between the terminal bus bars 320. The bus bars 320 between modules are connected by connecting pack bus bars (not shown) between the terminal bus bars 320 (see FIG. 9 ), and the top surface portion 630 does not need to cover the terminal bus bars 320 exposed on the insulating cover 500 in order to secure space for connecting the bus bars 320 between such modules.

[0102] The upper surface portion 630 extends toward the upper surface 201 of the module case 200 and can cover the upper surface of the first end plate 400 , the upper surface of the insulating cover 500 , and part of the upper surface 201 of the module case 200 .

[0103] Therefore, since the first flame prevention member 610 has the above-described configuration, even if a flame occurs inside the battery module 1000, the flame can be prevented from being exposed through the insulating cover 500, which is a plastic injection material that is vulnerable to high temperatures, and the flame can be prevented from being exposed between the module case 200 and the first end plate 400 (or the insulating cover 500).

[0104] The first flame prevention member 610 has a sheet shape and may include mica (MICA) or be made of a mica sheet.

[0105] A second flame prevention member 650 may be disposed on the second end plate 450 opposite the first end plate 400 .

[0106] Specifically, the second flame prevention member 650 may include a side portion 660 arranged on the second end plate 450 arranged on the other side of the module case 200, and an upper surface portion 670 arranged on the upper surface of the battery module 1000.

[0107] The side portion 660 of the second flame prevention member 650 is disposed on the second end plate 450 and can be disposed so as to cover the upper part of the front surface of the second end plate 450 .

[0108] The side portion 660 may include a lower portion 661 and an upper portion 662 disposed above the lower portion 661 .

[0109] The lower portion 661 of the side portion 660 may extend to the module mounting portion 470 on both sides and cover the module mounting portion 470. Also, coupling holes 661a are formed on both sides of the lower portion 661, and fixing pins 663 may be inserted into the coupling holes 661a.

[0110] The second flame prevention member 650 can be connected to the second end plate 450 by a fixing pin 663 inserted into this connection hole 661a.

[0111] Meanwhile, like the first flame prevention member 610, the second flame prevention member 650 may also be fixed to the second end plate 450 by engaging a fixing pin 663 with a module lifting hole 480 formed on the front surface of the module mounting portion 470. In this manner, the second flame prevention member 650 may be firmly fixed to the second end plate 450 by the fixing pin 663, and therefore, the second flame prevention member 650 may be prevented from being separated from the battery module 1000 due to the release of high-pressure gas in the event of thermal runaway or the occurrence of a fire within the battery module 1000.

[0112] The fixing pin 663 can be press-fitted into the module lifting hole 480 and fixed.

[0113] Furthermore, since the fixing pin 663 is coupled to the module lifting hole 480, there is no need to form a separate coupling groove or coupling hole for coupling the fixing pin 663.

[0114] In addition, to prevent interference between the fixing pin 663 and the module mounting bolt coupled to the coupling hole 471 of the module mounting part 470, the end of the fixing pin 663 inserted into the module lifting hole 480 is located within the module lifting hole 480, and is not located in the coupling hole 471 of the module mounting part 470. To prevent interference with the module mounting bolt, the length of the fixing pin 663 is preferably 5 mm or less.

[0115] The upper portion 662 of the side portion 660 is formed narrower than the lower portion 661 and does not need to cover the module mounting portion 470 .

[0116] The upper surface part 670 is disposed on the upper surface of the battery module 1000 , and may be disposed on the upper surface of the second end plate 450 , the upper surface of the insulating cover 500 , and the upper surface 201 of the module case 200 .

[0117] The top surface portion 670 may be bent and extended from the side surface portion 660 toward the top surface 201 of the module case 200, and may be formed integrally with the side surface portion 660. Therefore, the second flame prevention member 650 may have an L-shaped bent shape.

[0118] The upper surface portion 670 extends toward the upper surface 201 of the module case 200 and can cover the upper surface of the second end plate 450 , the upper surface of the insulating cover 500 , and part of the upper surface 201 of the module case 200 .

[0119] The top surface portion 670 may have the same width as the upper portion 662 of the side surface portion 660, and may have an extension portion 675 disposed on the top surface 201 of the module case 200. The extension portion 675 is disposed on the top surface 201 of the module case 200, and may have an extension portion 675 whose width is expanded at the top surface 670 such that the left and right side ends of the extension portion 675 extend to the edges of the top surface 201 of the module case 200. Therefore, the width of the extension portion 675 may be the same as the top surface 201 of the module case 200.

[0120] Because the second flame prevention member 650 has the above-described configuration, even if a flame occurs inside the battery module 1000, it can prevent the flame from being exposed through the insulating cover 500, which is a plastic injection material that is weak against high temperatures, and it can prevent the flame from being exposed between the module case 200 and the second end plate 450 (or the insulating cover 500).

[0121] The second flame prevention member 650, like the first flame prevention member 610, has a sheet shape and may contain mica (MICA) or be made of a mica sheet.

[0122] Meanwhile, one or more battery modules 1000 according to the present invention as described above may form a battery pack 2000. The battery pack 2000 according to the present invention may accommodate at least one battery module 1000 inside a pack case, and may include various control and protection systems such as a BMS (Battery Management System) and a cooling system.

[0123] 9 is a view showing the inside of a battery pack 2000 according to the present invention, and shows eight battery modules 1000 arranged on a pack tray 2100. A pack case accommodating the battery modules 1000 may include the pack tray 2100 and a pack cover (not shown) coupled to the top of the pack tray 2100. As shown in the figure, the battery pack 2000 according to the present invention can accommodate a plurality of battery modules 1000, and for example, as shown in FIG. 9, can accommodate eight battery modules 1000.

[0124] Furthermore, within the battery pack 2000, the battery modules 1000 may be arranged such that the front surfaces of the battery modules 1000, on which the terminal bus bars 320 are arranged, face each other. That is, four battery modules 1000 may be arranged on each of the left and right sides of the battery pack 2000 such that the first flame prevention members 610 face each other, and a second flame prevention member 650 may be arranged on the rear surface of each battery module 1000.

[0125] In this way, in the battery pack 2000, the first flame prevention members 610 are arranged on the front of each of the battery modules 1000 facing each other, and the facing first flame prevention members 610 prevent flames from being released to the outside and cover the terminal bus bar 320 from the front, thereby improving safety.

[0126] As shown, the connection of the terminal bus bars 320 between the battery modules 1000 may be made by a pack bus bar.

[0127] The battery module 1000 and the battery pack 2000 according to the present invention configured as described above can be applied to various devices, specifically, but not limited to, transportation means such as electric bicycles, electric cars, and hybrid cars, and ESS (Energy Storage Systems).

[0128] As described above, the present invention has been described based on preferred embodiments, but it is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes and modifications may be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0129] The present invention can provide a battery module and a battery pack that are not exposed to the outside even if a flame occurs inside the battery module.

Claims

1. a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a module case for accommodating the battery cell stack; a first end plate disposed on one side of the module case; a first flame prevention member disposed on the first end plate and preventing flame exposure to the outside; Including a battery module.

2. The first flame prevention member is a side portion disposed on the first end plate; an upper surface portion bent from the side surface portion and disposed on an upper surface of the battery module; The battery module of claim 1 , comprising:

3. The battery module of claim 2 , wherein the first flame prevention member further comprises a fixing pin for fixing the first flame prevention member to the battery module.

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

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

6. the first end plate includes a module lifting hole for lifting the battery module; The battery module according to claim 5 , wherein the fixing pin is coupled to the module lifting hole.

7. The coupling holes are disposed on both sides of the side surface portion, The battery module according to claim 4 , wherein the fixing pins are inserted into the respective coupling holes.

8. the first end plate includes module lifting holes at both sides for lifting the battery module; The battery module according to claim 7 , wherein the fixing pins are respectively coupled to the module lifting holes.

9. the first end plate includes module mounting portions on both sides for connecting the battery module to a battery pack; The battery module according to claim 8 , wherein the module lifting hole is formed in the module mounting portion.

10. The battery module of claim 9 , wherein the module mounting portion includes a coupling hole formed in a vertical direction.

11. a second end plate disposed on the other side of the module case; a second flame prevention member disposed on the second end plate and preventing flame exposure to the outside; The battery module of claim 1 , further comprising:

12. The second flame prevention member is a side portion disposed on the second end plate; an upper surface portion bent from the side surface portion and disposed on an upper surface of the battery module; The battery module of claim 11 , comprising:

13. The battery module of claim 12 , wherein the second flame prevention member further includes a fixing pin for fixing the second flame prevention member to the battery module.

14. The battery module of claim 13 , wherein the side surface of the second flame prevention member includes a coupling hole into which the fixing pin of the second flame prevention member is inserted.

15. The battery module according to claim 14 , wherein the fixing pin of the second flame prevention member is coupled to the second end plate.

16. the second end plate includes a module lifting hole for lifting the battery module; The battery module according to claim 15 , wherein the fixing pin is coupled to the module lifting hole.

17. The coupling holes are arranged on both sides of the side surface portion of the second flame prevention member, The battery module according to claim 14 , wherein the fixing pin is inserted into each of the coupling holes.

18. the second end plate includes module lifting holes on both sides for lifting the battery module; The battery module according to claim 17 , wherein the fixing pins are respectively coupled to the module lifting holes.

19. the second end plate includes module mounting portions on both sides for connecting the battery module to a battery pack; The battery module according to claim 18 , wherein the module lifting hole is formed in the module mounting portion.

20. The battery module of claim 19 , wherein the module mounting portion includes a coupling hole formed in a vertical direction.

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