Battery module and battery pack including same

Abstract

The present invention includes a battery module and a battery pack including the same. 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 first sub-module and a second sub-module, each of which includes a bus bar assembly including a bus bar frame covering at least one side of the battery cell stack and a bus bar electrically connected to the battery cell stack, a module frame in which the first sub-module and the second sub-module are housed, and a flame prevention member located between the first sub-module and the second sub-module, wherein one end of the first sub-module and the other end of the second sub-module are electrically connected to each other.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0076755, filed June 15, 2023, 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 including the same, which have improved cooling performance deviation and safety within the battery module. [Background technology]

[0003] As technological development and demand for mobile devices increases, the demand for secondary batteries as an energy source is rapidly increasing. As a result, much research is being conducted into secondary batteries that can meet various demands.

[0004] Secondary batteries are attracting much attention not only for use in mobile devices such as mobile phones, digital cameras, and laptop computers, but also as energy sources for power plants such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrid electric vehicles.

[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 modular structures that assemble battery modules in which multiple 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 use the at least one battery module to add other components to construct a battery pack.

[0007] The battery cells that make up such medium- to large-sized battery modules are composed of rechargeable secondary batteries, and such high-power, large-capacity secondary batteries generate a large amount of heat during the charging and discharging process. In this case, the heat generated from the multiple battery cells can be combined in a small space, causing a rapid and excessive rise in temperature. In other words, a battery module with multiple stacked battery cells and a battery pack equipped with such a battery module can produce high power output, but it is difficult to remove the heat generated by the battery cells during charging and discharging. If the battery cells do not properly dissipate heat, the battery cells will deteriorate more quickly, shortening their lifespan and increasing the risk of explosion or fire.

[0008] Furthermore, battery modules included in vehicle battery packs are frequently exposed to direct sunlight and may be placed in high-temperature conditions such as in summer or desert regions. Also, since multiple battery modules are closely packed together to increase the vehicle's mileage, flames or heat generated in one battery module can easily spread to adjacent battery modules, ultimately leading to fire or explosion of the battery pack itself.

[0009] To overcome this problem, at least two sub-modules may be electrically connected to form a long module, and a refrigerant such as insulating oil may be injected into the long module to directly cool the battery cells. Here, the sub-module may be a battery cell stack to which a bus bar assembly is attached, and may refer to a configuration in which the module frame is removed from a conventional battery module.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a long module, which is a conventional battery module.

[0011] Referring to FIG. 1, a long module 10, which is a conventional battery module, includes a first sub-module 1 and a second sub-module 2.

[0012] Specifically, the refrigerant flows into the long module 10 through the inlet 3, passes through the first sub-module 1 and the second sub-module 2 in sequence, and is then discharged to the outside through the outlet 4, thereby cooling the long module 10. In this case, the overall length of the long module 10 is longer than that of a conventional battery module, and the refrigerant cools the first sub-module 1 first and then the second sub-module 2, which may cause a temperature difference between the first sub-module 1 and the second sub-module 2.

[0013] In addition, since the refrigerant moving inside the long module 10 moves through a single flow path as a whole, if a flame occurs in the first sub-module 1, the flame may be propagated to the adjacent second sub-module 2 by the refrigerant, which increases the possibility of the battery exploding and reduces the safety of the battery. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0014] An object of the present invention is to provide a battery module and a battery pack including the same, which have improved cooling performance deviation and safety.

[0015] 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]

[0016] A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first sub-module and a second sub-module, each of which includes a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, a module frame in which the first sub-module and the second sub-module are housed, and a flame prevention member located between the first sub-module and the second sub-module, wherein one end of the first sub-module and the other end of the second sub-module are electrically connected to each other.

[0017] The flame prevention member may include a first flame prevention member positioned opposite the first sub-module, and a second flame prevention member positioned opposite the second sub-module.

[0018] The first flame prevention member may include a first support member positioned in contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the module frame, and a first insulating member positioned covering the outer peripheral surface of the first support member and facing the first sub-module, and the second flame prevention member may include a second support member positioned in contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the module frame, and a second insulating member positioned covering the outer peripheral surface of the second support member and facing the second sub-module.

[0019] The first support member may include a first support hole penetrating the first support member, the first insulating member may include a first insulating hole penetrating the first insulating member, the second support member may include a second support hole penetrating the second support member, and the second insulating member may include a second insulating hole penetrating the second insulating member.

[0020] The first support hole and the first insulation hole may be provided at corresponding positions opposite to each other, and the second support hole and the second insulation hole may be provided at corresponding positions opposite to each other.

[0021] The first support hole may be formed through a center portion of the first support member, and the second support holes may be formed through both side portions of the second support member.

[0022] The second flame prevention member may include a protrusion located on the second support member and protruding toward the first support member.

[0023] The protrusions may be located between the second support holes formed on both side surfaces of the second support member and may protrude toward the first support holes.

[0024] The protrusion may be provided at a position facing the first support hole.

[0025] The first support member may include a first support plate which is a plate that contacts the upper and lower surfaces of the module frame, and a first flow portion which is a region of the first support plate that protrudes toward the first submodule, and the second support member may include a second support plate which contacts the upper and lower surfaces of the module frame, and a second flow portion which is a region of the second support plate that protrudes toward the second submodule.

[0026] A peripheral edge of the first support plate and a peripheral edge of the second support plate may be positioned adjacent to each other.

[0027] The first flow portion and the second flow portion may be positioned to protrude in opposite directions from each other, and a flow region, which is a certain space through which the refrigerant can move, may be provided between the first flow portion and the second flow portion.

[0028] The first support member may include a first protrusion that protrudes perpendicular to the first support plate at one end and the other end of the first support plate, and the second support member may include a second protrusion that protrudes perpendicular to the second support plate at one end and the other end of the second support plate.

[0029] The first protrusion and the second protrusion may be located in contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the module frame, respectively.

[0030] A battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention includes the above-described battery module. [Effects of the Invention]

[0031] According to the embodiment, deviation in the cooling performance of the battery can be improved, and safety can be improved.

[0032] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a long module, which is a conventional battery module. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the battery module of FIG. 5 with the module frame removed. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a path of current movement in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a submodule according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a flame prevention member according to one embodiment of the present invention, where Figure 10(a) is a perspective view showing a first surface of the flame prevention member, and Figure 10(b) is a perspective view showing a second surface of the flame prevention member. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a first flame prevention member according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a first surface of a second flame prevention member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the second surface of the second flame prevention member according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14]FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the movement of refrigerant in a flame arrestor according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing coolant movement in a flame arrestor according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] The present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0035] In order to clearly describe the present invention, parts that are not relevant to the description will be omitted, and the same reference numerals will be used throughout the specification to refer to the same or similar components.

[0036] Furthermore, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for the convenience of explanation, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those shown in the drawings. Thicknesses are exaggerated in the drawings to clearly show multiple layers and regions. Also, in the drawings, the thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated for the convenience of explanation.

[0037] 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" the other part, but also the case where there is another part in between. Conversely, when a part is said to be "directly above" another part, it means that there is no other part in between. Furthermore, being "on" or "above" a reference part means being located above or below the reference part, and does not necessarily mean being located "on" or "above" in the direction opposite to gravity.

[0038] Furthermore, throughout the specification, when a part is said to "comprise" a certain element, this does not mean that it excludes other elements, but that it may further include other elements, unless otherwise specified to the contrary.

[0039] Furthermore, 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.

[0040] Furthermore, terms such as "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.

[0041] In addition, in this application, the upper and lower sides may be defined as meaning the z-axis direction and the -z-axis direction, the side sides as meaning the y-axis direction and the -y-axis direction, and the front and rear sides as meaning the x-axis direction and the -x-axis direction, respectively; however, these are arbitrary definitions within the specification for convenience, and the scope of rights is not limited to these names and directions.

[0042] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack of Fig. 2.

[0043] 2 and 3, a battery pack 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a lower pack frame 1100 to which a plurality of battery modules 100 are attached, an upper pack frame 1200 located on top of the battery modules 100, and at least one vent 2000 provided on a side of the lower pack frame 1100. Here, the lower pack frame 1100 and the upper pack frame 1200 are joined to each other by a method such as welding, thereby sealing the interior of the battery pack 1000.

[0044] The battery module 100 may include a battery cell stack 120 in which multiple battery cells are stacked in a predetermined direction, and a module frame 200. The module frame 200 may be a monoframe in the form of a metal plate with its top and bottom surfaces (z-axis direction and -z-axis direction) and both side surfaces (y-axis direction and -y-axis direction) integrated. The battery cell stack 120 can be attached inside the module frame 200 to form the battery module 100.

[0045] The lower pack frame 1100 includes a side pack frame 1150 and at least two internal beams 1110 formed on the bottom surface of the lower pack frame 1100. Here, the bottom surface of the lower pack frame 1100 and the at least two internal beams 1110, and the bottom surface of the lower pack frame 1100 and the side pack frame 1150 may be connected to each other by a method such as welding.

[0046] The plurality of battery modules 100 may be attached to an area defined by the side pack frame 1150 and at least two internal beams 1110. In other words, the plurality of battery modules 100 may be arranged in an area between the side pack frame 1150 and the internal beam 1110, and in an area located between adjacent internal beams 1110. More specifically, in the battery pack 1000, the battery modules 100 may be arranged between a pair of internal beams 1110 and the side pack frame 1150 that are adjacent to each other among the plurality of internal beams 1110.

[0047] As a result, the plurality of battery modules 100 are surrounded by at least two internal beams 1110 and the side pack frame 1150, and each battery module 100 can be protected from external impacts.

[0048] The side pack frames 1150 may be disposed on the peripheral edge of the bottom surface of the lower pack frame 1100 and extend upward (in the z-axis direction) from the bottom surface of the lower pack frame 1100. More specifically, they may extend upward from each peripheral edge of the bottom surface of the lower pack frame 1100. Here, the upper end of the side pack frame 1150 may contact the upper pack frame 1200. In this case, the upper end of the side pack frame 1150 and the upper pack frame 1200 may be joined to each other by a method such as welding, thereby sealing the inside of the battery pack 1000.

[0049] The internal beams 1110 may be spaced apart from one another. Here, the distance between adjacent internal beams 1110 may be the same as or greater than the size of the battery module 100.

[0050] Additionally, the ends of the internal beam 1110 can contact the inner surface 1152 of the side pack frame 1150. More specifically, both ends of the internal beam 1110 can contact the inner surface 1151 of the side pack frame 1150, respectively.

[0051] A battery module 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0052] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of Fig. 4.

[0053] 4 and 5, the battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be formed by electrically connecting conventional general battery modules to each other to form a single battery module 100. Specifically, the battery module 100 according to the present embodiment may be formed by electrically connecting one end and the other end of each battery cell stack that constitutes two conventional battery modules.

[0054] The battery module 100 includes a battery cell stack 120 in which a plurality of battery cells 110 are stacked, a module frame 200 that houses the battery cell stack 120, a bus bar assembly 300 located on the front and / or rear surface of the battery cell stack 120, a sealing assembly 400 that covers the front and / or rear surface of the bus bar assembly 300, and an end plate 500 that covers the front and / or rear surface of the sealing assembly 400.

[0055] First, the battery cell 110 may be a pouch-type battery cell. Such a pouch-type battery cell may be formed by housing an electrode assembly in a pouch case made of a laminate sheet including a resin layer and a metal layer, and then heat-sealing the sealing portion of the pouch case. In this case, the battery cell 110 may be formed in a rectangular sheet structure.

[0056] Such a battery cell 110 may be configured in a plurality of pieces, and the plurality of battery cells 110 may be stacked so as to be electrically connected to each other to form a battery cell stack 120. In particular, as shown in Fig. 5, the plurality of battery cells 110 may be stacked along a direction parallel to the y-axis.

[0057] The module frame 200 may be configured to protect the battery cell stack 120 and the electrical components connected thereto from external physical impacts. The module frame 200 may accommodate the battery cell stack 120 and the electrical components connected thereto in its internal space.

[0058] The structure of the module frame 200 may be various. According to the drawings of the present invention, the structure of the module frame 200 may be a mono-frame structure. The mono-frame can be manufactured by extrusion molding.

[0059] However, the structure of the module frame 200 is not limited thereto, and as another example, the module frame 200 may have a structure in which a U-shaped frame and an upper plate are combined. In this case, the U-shaped frame may be formed by combining the bottom and both side surfaces of the module frame 200 or by integrating them. In this case, each frame or plate constituting the U-shaped frame may be manufactured by press molding. Furthermore, the module frame 200 may be provided as a mono-frame or U-shaped frame, or as an L-shaped frame, and may also be provided in various structures not described in the above examples.

[0060] The module frame 200 may be provided in an open form along the length direction (x-axis direction) of the battery cell stack 120. In this case, the front surface (x-axis direction) and rear surface (-x-axis direction) of the battery cell stack 120 may not be covered by the module frame 200. The front surface and rear surface of the battery cell stack 120 may be covered by a bus bar assembly 300, a sealing assembly 400, an end plate 500, or the like, thereby protecting the front surface (x-axis direction) and rear surface (-x-axis direction) of the battery cell stack 120 from external physical impacts, etc.

[0061] The busbar assembly 300 includes a busbar frame 310a (FIG. 7) described below and busbars 330a and 330b (FIG. 7) attached to one surface of the busbar frame 310a (FIG. 7). The busbar assembly 300 is located on the open first side (x-axis direction) and second side (-x-axis direction) of the module frame 200 and can be formed to cover the battery cell stack 120. The busbar assembly 300 can electrically connect the battery cells 110 that make up the battery cell stack 120 in series or parallel.

[0062] The sealing assemblies 400 may be formed to be located on the first open side (x-axis direction) and second open side (-x-axis direction) of the module frame 200 and to cover the battery cell stack 120. The sealing assembly 400 located on the first open side of the module frame 200 may be a first sealing assembly 410, and the sealing assembly 400 located on the second open side of the module frame 200 may be a second sealing assembly 450.

[0063] The sealing assembly 400 can separate the open first and second sides of the module frame 200 from the external environment. Specifically, when a refrigerant is injected into the module frame 200, the sealing assembly 400 can serve to seal the refrigerant so that it does not leak to the outside.

[0064] Specifically, the sealing assembly 400 may include a sealing cover, an inlet 421 through which a refrigerant flows, and an outlet 461. Specifically, the refrigerant may flow into the module frame 200 through the inlet 421 and then be discharged to the outside of the battery module 100 through the outlet 461. The refrigerant is in direct contact with the battery cell stack 120, other electrical components, and the bus bar assembly 300 mounted inside the module frame 200, and can receive heat generated therefrom. Therefore, the refrigerant can cool the battery module 100 while circulating inside the battery module 100.

[0065] The refrigerant may be a fluid. However, since the refrigerant comes into direct contact with the battery cell stack 120, other electrical components, and the bus bar assembly 300 within the battery module 100, it must be electrically insulated. Therefore, the refrigerant may be an insulating material. For example, the refrigerant may be insulating oil.

[0066] As described above, the refrigerant is in direct contact with the battery cell stack 120, other electrical components, and bus bar assembly 300 that generate heat within the battery module 100, and receives heat from them, thereby directly cooling them. Therefore, compared to conventional methods of indirectly cooling battery modules using a heat sink or the like, the cooling efficiency of the battery can be improved, thereby extending the battery life.

[0067] The end plates 500 may be formed to be located on the first open side (x-axis direction) and the second open side (-x-axis direction) of the module frame 200 and to cover the sealing assembly 400. The end plate 500 located on the first open side of the module frame 200 may be a first end plate 510, and the end plate 500 located on the second open side of the module frame 200 may be a second end plate 550.

[0068] Such end plates 500 can physically protect the battery cell stack 120 and other electrical components from external impacts.

[0069] Each of the sub-modules constituting the battery module 100 of this embodiment will be described in more detail below.

[0070] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the battery module from which the module frame of Fig. 5 has been removed. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a current path in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] 6 and 7, a battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first sub-module 100a, a second sub-module 100b, and a flame prevention member 700. Here, the battery module 100 may include the first sub-module 100a and the second sub-module 100b electrically connected to each other.

[0072] The first sub-module 100a and the second sub-module 100b may each include a battery cell stack 120a, 120b in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, bus bars 330a, 330b electrically connected to the battery cell stacks 120a, 120b, and bus bar assemblies 300a, 300b including bus bar frames 310a, 310b covering at least one side of the battery cell stacks 120a, 120b.

[0073] That is, the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b each include the same components.

[0074] If a flame occurs in the first submodule 100a, the flame prevention member 700 can prevent the flame from spreading to the second submodule 100b.

[0075] Specifically, the flame prevention member 700 can be located between the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b. The flame prevention member 700 is located between the other end (-x-axis direction) of the first submodule 100a and one end (x-axis direction) of the second submodule 100b, and can allow only the refrigerant to move from the first submodule 100a to the second submodule 100b, while preventing the movement of flames and the like.

[0076] 8, the region where the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b are electrically connected can be defined as a connection region Ac. Hereinafter, the connection structure and current flow of the electrode leads 130a, 130b at one end of the first submodule 100a, the other end of the second submodule 100b, and the connection region Ac will be described in detail.

[0077] The first outermost electrode lead 130a1 located at one end of the first submodule 100a and the first electrode lead 130a6 located adjacent thereto are electrically connected to the outside, and can supply current to the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b. In this case, current is supplied to the first submodule 100a from the outside, but since the first electrode lead 130a and the second electrode lead 130b are electrically connected at the connection region Ac, the current can also flow to the second submodule 100b.

[0078] In the connection region Ac, the first electrode lead 130a located on the outermost surface of the first battery cell stack 120a of the first submodule 100a and the second electrode lead 130b located on the outermost surface of the second battery cell stack 120b of the second submodule 100b are electrically connected to each other. Specifically, the outermost first electrode leads 130a2 and 130a3 located on the other end of the first submodule 100a are electrically connected to the outermost second electrode leads 130b1 and 130b5 located on one end of the second submodule 100b.

[0079] In this case, the electrode leads, excluding the outermost first electrode leads 130a2 and 130a3 and the outermost second electrode leads 130b1 and 130b5, may be electrically connected to adjacent electrode leads. More specifically, at the other end of the first submodule 100a, the first electrode leads, excluding the outermost first electrode leads 130a2 and 130a3, may be electrically connected to adjacent first electrode leads in pairs. Similarly, at one end of the second submodule 100b, the second electrode leads, excluding the outermost second electrode leads 130b1 and 130b5, may be electrically connected to adjacent second electrode leads in pairs.

[0080] At one end of the first sub-module 100a that is not in the connection region Ac, the remaining first electrode leads, excluding the first outermost electrode lead 130a1 electrically connected to an external power source and the adjacent first electrode lead 130a6, may be electrically connected to adjacent first electrode leads. For example, adjacent first electrode leads may be electrically connected in pairs.

[0081] Adjacent second electrode leads at the other end of the second submodule 100b, which is not in the connection region Ac, may be electrically connected. For example, adjacent second electrode leads may be electrically connected in pairs. Here, second outermost electrode leads 130b2 and 130b4 located at the other end of the second submodule 100b may also be electrically connected in pairs with the second electrode leads adjacent thereto.

[0082] When the electrical connection between the electrode leads 130a, 130b is formed as described above, current can travel along such an electrical connection between the electrode leads 130a, 130b.

[0083] That is, the arrows in the drawings of the present invention indicate the flow of current, but the current flow is not limited to that illustrated in the drawings of the present invention, and can be anything that allows a skilled artisan to easily change the current flow by changing the electrical connection of the electrode lead.

[0084] Referring again to Figures 6 to 8, in this case, the flame prevention member 700 can be positioned between the first sub-module 100a and the second sub-module 100b without contacting the outermost first electrode leads 130a2, 130a3 and the outermost second electrode leads 130b1, 130b5.

[0085] In other words, since only the outermost first electrode leads 130a2, 130a3 and the outermost second electrode leads 130b1, 130b5 are electrically connected to each other, the electrical flow between them is not interrupted or obstructed even when the flame prevention member 700 is positioned between the first sub-module 100a and the second sub-module 100b.

[0086] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a submodule according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] As mentioned above, the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b each include the same configuration, so only the first submodule 100a will be described below.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 9, the first submodule 100a includes a first battery cell stack 120a in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, a first bus bar assembly 300a covering the front (x-axis direction) and rear (-x-axis direction) of the first battery cell stack 120a, and a first flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) 350a electrically connected to the first bus bar assembly 300a.

[0089] The first battery cell stack 120a is formed by stacking a plurality of first battery cells 110a. The first battery cell stack 120a includes a first compression pad 250a provided on one side of the first outermost battery cell 110a. The first battery cell stack 120a also includes first cooling pins 210a located between the plurality of first battery cells 110a and between the first battery cell 110a and the first compression pad 250a.

[0090] The first cooling pin 210a may be located between the plurality of first battery cells 110a. For example, the first cooling pin 210a may be located between two first battery cells 110a. Specifically, one first cooling pin 210a and another first cooling pin 210a adjacent to the first cooling pin 210a may be located with the two first battery cells 110a sandwiched between them. Alternatively, the first cooling pin 210a may be located between the outermost first battery cell 110a and the first compression pad 250a.

[0091] In this case, the first cooling pin 210a may include a cooling plate 211a in contact with one side surface of the first battery cell 110a. Here, the one side surface of the first battery cell 110a may be one surface of the battery cell 110 extending along the length direction (x-axis direction) of the first battery cell 110a. One surface of the cooling plate 211a may be in contact with one side surface of the first battery cell 110a facing the one surface of the cooling plate 211a.

[0092] The other side of the cooling plate 211a may contact one side of another adjacent first battery cell 110a or one side of the first compression pad 250a, which faces the other side of the cooling plate 211a. In this case, although not shown in the drawings, an adhesive may be interposed between the side of the first battery cell 110a and the cooling plate 211a, or between one side of the first compression pad 250a and the cooling plate 211a, to adhesively fix the first battery cell 110a and the cooling plate 211a. For example, the adhesive may be insulating tape.

[0093] The upper surface (z-axis direction) of the cooling plate 211a can be in contact with the upper surface (z-axis direction) of the module frame 200 in Fig. 5, and the lower surface (-z-axis direction) of the cooling plate 211a can be in contact with the lower surface (-z-axis direction) of the module frame 200 in Fig. 5. Therefore, the first cooling pin 210a can be fixed and positioned within the module frame 200, and therefore the first battery cell 110a attached to the first cooling pin 210a can also be fixed and positioned within the module frame 200.

[0094] The size of the cooling plate 211a may be larger than the size of the first battery cell 110a. That is, the height (z-axis direction) of the cooling plate 211a may be larger than the height of the first battery cell 110a. In this case, the first battery cell 110a may be attached to the cooling plate 211a and positioned so as to float inside the module frame without contacting the module frame. Specifically, the upper and lower portions of the first battery cell 110a may be positioned at a certain height from the upper and lower portions of the module frame 200. More specifically, if the height (z-axis direction) of the cooling plate 211a is higher than the height (z-axis direction) of the first battery cell 110a, the first battery cell 110a may be adhesively fixed while positioned at the center of the cooling plate 211a.

[0095] The first cooling pin 210a may further include a cooling plate 211a and a cooling pin protrusion 213a that protrudes from one end of the cooling plate 211a.

[0096] The cooling pin protrusion 213a may be a region that protrudes perpendicular to the cooling plate 211a. The cooling pin protrusion 213a may be in contact with the upper surface of the module frame 200 of FIG. 5. Specifically, one side of the cooling pin protrusion 213a may be in contact with the upper surface of the module frame 200 of FIG. 5, and the other side of the cooling pin protrusion 213a may be positioned facing the upper surface of the first battery cell 110a. For example, the first cooling pin 210a may be L-shaped. This allows the first cooling pin 210a to be more firmly fixed and positioned within the module frame 200.

[0097] However, the shape of the first cooling pin 210a is not limited to that shown in the drawings of the present invention and may be a flat plate shape. In other words, the first cooling pin 210a may have any shape as long as it can contact the first battery cell 110a and secure the first battery cell 110a. For example, the cooling pin protrusion 213a may protrude from the other end of the cooling plate 211a, contact the lower surface of the module frame, and face the lower surface of the first battery cell 110a. Alternatively, the cooling pin protrusion 213a may be formed to protrude from both one end and the other end of the cooling plate 211a.

[0098] The first cooling pin 210a may be made of metal. Specifically, the first cooling pin 210a may be made of a metal with high thermal conductivity. Therefore, the first cooling pin 210a can directly receive heat generated in the first battery cell 110a during battery charging and discharging. When heat is generated, the heat is transferred to the first cooling pin 210a, which is in contact with the side of the first battery cell 110a, thereby primarily cooling the first battery cell 110a. The refrigerant then comes into direct contact with the upper and lower parts of the first battery cell 110a, thereby secondarily cooling the first battery cell 110a. This enables direct cooling of the upper and lower peripheral regions of the battery cell, which have traditionally been relatively difficult to cool, thereby improving battery cooling efficiency.

[0099] The first compression pad 250a may be located on the outermost surface of the first battery cell stack 120a. The first compression pad 250a may absorb expansion of the first battery cell 110a due to charging and discharging. Specifically, the first compression pad 250a may push against the side surface of the module frame 200 (FIG. 5) as the first battery cell 110a expands, preventing the battery case of the first battery cell 110a from breaking and improving battery safety.

[0100] However, the first compression pad 250a is not limited to being positioned only on the outermost shell of the first battery cell stack 120a, but can also be positioned between the first battery cells 110a that make up the first battery cell stack 120a.

[0101] The first bus bar assembly 300a includes a first bus bar frame 310a and a first bus bar 330a attached to the first bus bar frame 310a.

[0102] The first bus bar frame 310a may be positioned on one surface of the first battery cell stack 120a to cover that surface and guide the connection of the first battery cell stack 120a to an external device. The first bus bar frame 310a may be positioned on the front surface (x-axis direction) and rear surface (negative x-axis direction) of the first battery cell stack 120a. A first bus bar 330a may be attached to the first bus bar frame 310a. Specifically, the inner surface of the first bus bar frame 310a may be connected to the front surface (x-axis direction) and rear surface (negative x-axis direction) of the first battery cell stack 120a, and the outer surface of the first bus bar frame 310a may be connected to the first bus bar 330a.

[0103] The first bus bar frame 310a may include an electrically insulating material, which can limit contact between the first bus bar 330a and other parts of the first battery cell 110a other than the part connected to the electrode lead (not shown), thereby preventing an electrical short circuit.

[0104] The first bus bar 330a may be attached to one surface of the first bus bar frame 310a and may be used to electrically connect the first battery cell stack 120a or the first battery cell 110a to an external device circuit. The first bus bar 330a is located on the first bus bar frame 310a, and the first bus bar assembly 300a is covered by the sealing assembly 400 and end plate 500 shown in FIG. 5, which can protect the first bus bar assembly 300a from external impacts and minimize deterioration of battery durability due to external moisture.

[0105] The first bus bar 330a may be electrically connected to the first battery cell stack 120a via the electrode leads of the first battery cells 110a. Specifically, the electrode leads of the first battery cells 110a may be passed through slits formed in the first bus bar frame 310a, bent, and connected to the first bus bar 330a. The first battery cells 110a constituting the first battery cell stack 120a may be connected in series or parallel by the first bus bar 330a.

[0106] The first flexible printed circuit board 350a extends in the length direction of the first battery cell stack 120a, is attached to one surface of the first battery cell stack 120a, and is configured to sense the first battery cell 110a. Specifically, the first flexible printed circuit board 350a may be positioned in contact with a battery cell located in the center of the first battery cell stack 120a among the battery cells constituting the first battery cell stack 120a. The first flexible printed circuit board 350a is placed on the upper surface (z-axis direction) of the first battery cell stack 120a and senses electrical and thermal data of the first battery cell 110a. In addition, the first flexible printed circuit board 350a is bent toward the first bus bar frame 310a at an end of the first battery cell stack 120a and is electrically connected to the first bus bar 330a.

[0107] The flame prevention member 700 provided between the first sub-module 100a and the second sub-module 100b will be described in more detail below.

[0108] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a flame prevention member according to one embodiment of the present invention, where Figure 10(a) is a perspective view showing a first surface of the flame prevention member, and Figure 10(b) is a perspective view showing a second surface of the flame prevention member.

[0109] 5, 7 and 10, a flame prevention member according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first flame prevention member 710 and a second flame prevention member 750.

[0110] The first flame prevention member 710 and the second flame prevention member 750 are connected to each other and positioned between the first sub-module 100a and the second sub-module 100b, preventing a flame or the like generated in one sub-module from spreading to an adjacent sub-module.

[0111] The first flame prevention member 710 may be positioned facing the first submodule 100a, and the second flame prevention member 750 may be positioned facing the second submodule 100b. The first flame prevention member 710 and the second flame prevention member 750 may also be positioned in contact with each other. Specifically, one surface of the first flame prevention member 710 may be positioned facing the first submodule 100a, and the other surface of the first flame prevention member 710 may be positioned in contact with one surface of the second flame prevention member 750. One surface of the second flame prevention member 750 may be positioned in contact with the other surface of the first flame prevention member 710, and the other surface of the second flame prevention member 750 may be positioned facing the second submodule 100b.

[0112] The first flame prevention member 710 and the second flame prevention member 750 may be positioned in contact with the upper surface (z-axis direction) and lower surface (-z-axis direction) of the module frame 200. In this case, the height (z-axis direction) of the first flame prevention member 710 and the second flame prevention member 750 may correspond to the height of the module frame 200. Specifically, the height of the first flame prevention member 710 and the second flame prevention member 750 may be the same as the distance to the upper surface and lower surface of the module frame 200.

[0113] The first flame prevention member 710 includes a first support member 720 positioned in contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the module frame. In this case, the first support member 720 may be provided with a first insulating member 730. Specifically, the first insulating member 730 may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the first support member 720 facing the first sub-module to maintain insulation from the first sub-module. The first insulating member 730 may be positioned to cover the entire outer circumferential surface of the first support member 720.

[0114] The second flame prevention member 750 includes a second support member 760 positioned in contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the module frame. In this case, the second support member 760 may be provided with a second insulating member 770. Specifically, the second insulating member 770 may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the second support member 760 facing the second sub-module to maintain insulation from the second sub-module. The second insulating member 770 may be positioned to cover the entire outer circumferential surface of the second support member 760.

[0115] The first flame prevention member 710 and the second flame prevention member 750 will now be described in more detail.

[0116] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a first flame prevention member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0117] Referring to Figures 5, 7, and 11, a first flame prevention member 710 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first support member 720 and a first insulating member 730 positioned to cover the outer peripheral surface of the first support member 720.

[0118] The first support member 720 may allow the first flame prevention member 710 to be fixedly positioned within the module frame 200 .

[0119] The first support member 720 may include a first support plate 721 , a first flow portion 722 and a first support hole 723 .

[0120] The first support plate 721 is positioned in contact with the upper surface (z-axis direction) and lower surface (-z-axis direction) of the module frame 200, and can enable the first flame prevention member 710 to be fixedly positioned within the module frame 200.

[0121] The first support plate 721 includes a first flow portion 722 which is an area located in the center of the first support plate 721 , and a first support hole 723 which penetrates the first support plate 721 .

[0122] The first flow portion 722 may be a region spaced a certain distance from the four peripheral edges of the first support plate 721 toward the center. The first flow portion 722 may be a region protruding from the first support plate 721 toward the first sub-module 100a. Specifically, in the battery module 100 according to the present invention, the refrigerant may move from the first sub-module 100a to the flame prevention member 700, and the first flow portion 722 may be a region protruding in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the refrigerant.

[0123] The first support hole 723 may be at least one hole penetrating the first support plate 721. Specifically, the first support hole 723 may be provided penetrating the first flow portion 722. More specifically, the first support hole 723 may be provided penetrating the center of the first support member 720. The first support hole 723 may be provided penetrating the center of the first support plate 721. The first support hole 723 may be provided penetrating the center of the first flow portion 722. In this case, the coolant moving inside the module frame 200 can move through the first flame prevention member 710 via the first support hole 723.

[0124] The first support member 720 may include a first support protrusion 725, which is a protruding surface of the first support plate 721. The first support protrusion 725 is positioned in contact with the upper surface (z-axis direction) and the lower surface (-z-axis direction) of the module frame 200, allowing the first support member 720 to be more stably fixed and positioned within the module frame 200.

[0125] The first support protrusion 725 may be a plate that protrudes and extends in a plane perpendicular to the first support plate 721 .

[0126] The first support protrusion 725 may include a first support protrusion 726 and a first support protrusion 727 located at one end and the other end of the first support plate 721, respectively.

[0127] The 1-1 support protrusion 726 may be a plate that protrudes and extends perpendicular to the first support plate 721 from one end (-z-axis direction) of the first support plate 721. The 1-1 support protrusion 726 may be a plate that extends in a direction parallel to the lower surface (-z-axis direction) of the module frame 200. Therefore, one surface of the 1-1 support protrusion 726 may be positioned in contact with the lower surface of the module frame 200. In this case, although not shown in the drawings of the present invention, an adhesive member may be provided on one surface of the 1-1 support protrusion 726, allowing it to be adhesively fixed to the lower surface of the module frame 200.

[0128] The first-second support protrusion 727 may be a plate that protrudes and extends perpendicular to the first support plate 721 from the other end (z-axis direction) of the first support plate 721. The first-second support protrusion 727 may be a plate that extends in a direction parallel to the top surface (z-axis direction) of the module frame 200. Therefore, one surface of the first-second support protrusion 727 may be positioned in contact with the top surface of the module frame 200. In this case, although not shown in the drawings of the present invention, an adhesive member may be provided on one surface of the first-second support protrusion 727, allowing it to be adhesively fixed to the top surface of the module frame 200.

[0129] The other surface of the first-first support protrusion 726 that does not contact the lower surface of the module frame 200 and the other surface of the first-second support protrusion 727 that does not contact the upper surface of the module frame 200 may be positioned opposite each other.

[0130] The first-first support protrusion 726 and the first-second support protrusion 727 may be provided to protrude in the same direction. Specifically, the first-first support protrusion 726 and the first-second support protrusion 727 may be provided to protrude in a direction toward the first sub-module 100a, or may be provided to protrude in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the refrigerant within the battery module 100.

[0131] The first support protrusions 725 protrude from the top and bottom of the first support plate 721, so that the first flame prevention member 710 can be fixed and positioned more stably within the module frame 200 within the battery module 100.

[0132] The first support member 720 may be made of metal. For example, the first support member 720 may be made of aluminum (Al). Therefore, the first support member 720 can improve the mechanical rigidity of the battery module 100 according to the present invention. In addition, some areas of the first support member 720 can come into contact with the refrigerant circulating inside the battery module 100, thereby cooling the refrigerant and improving the cooling performance of the battery module 100.

[0133] A first insulating member 730 may be positioned on the outer circumferential surface of the first support member 720. Specifically, the first insulating member 730 may be positioned on the outer circumferential surface of the first support member 720 that faces the first submodule 100a. More specifically, the first insulating member 730 may be positioned to cover the outer circumferential surface of the first support plate 721 that faces the first submodule 100a and the first support protrusion 725 that does not contact the module frame 200. In this case, the first insulating member 730 may be provided to have a shape corresponding to the first support member 720.

[0134] The first insulating member 730 is positioned to cover the outer circumferential surface of the first supporting member 720, and may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the first supporting member 720. Specifically, the first insulating member 730 may include a first insulating plate 731, a first insulating fluid portion 732, and a first insulating hole 733.

[0135] The first insulating plate 731 may be a region of the first insulating member 730 that is positioned to cover the first support plate 721. The first insulating plate 731 may include a first insulating flow portion 732 that is a region located in the center of the first insulating plate 731. In this case, the first insulating flow portion 732 may be a region of the first insulating member 730 that is located in a region corresponding to the first flow portion 722. Therefore, the first insulating flow portion 732 may be a region of the first insulating plate 731 that protrudes toward the first submodule 100a and in a direction opposite to the direction of coolant flow.

[0136] The first insulation flow portion 732 may be provided with first insulation holes 733. The first insulation holes 733 may be provided facing each other at positions corresponding to the first support holes 723. Therefore, the number of first insulation holes 733 may be the same as the number of first support holes 723, and the size of the first insulation holes 733 may be the same as the size of the first support holes 723. In this case, the coolant may move by passing through the first insulation holes 733 and the first support holes 723 sequentially.

[0137] The first insulating member 730 may include a first insulating protrusion 735, which is a surface that protrudes perpendicularly from the first insulating plate 731. The first insulating protrusion 735 is positioned to cover the first supporting protrusion 725, and therefore the shape of the first insulating protrusion 735 may correspond to the shape of the first supporting protrusion 725.

[0138] The first insulating protrusion 735 may include a first-first insulating protrusion 736 and a first-second insulating protrusion 737 located at one end and the other end of the first insulating plate 731, respectively.

[0139] The first-1 insulating protrusion 736 may be a plate that protrudes and extends perpendicular to the first insulating plate 731 from one end (-z-axis direction) of the first insulating plate 731. The first-1 insulating protrusion 736 may be a plate that extends in a direction parallel to the lower surface (-z-axis direction) of the module frame 200. One surface of the first-1 insulating protrusion 736 may be positioned in contact with the first-1 supporting protrusion 726. In this case, although not shown in the drawings of the present invention, an adhesive member may be provided on one surface of the first-1 insulating protrusion 736 to adhesively fix it to the first-1 supporting protrusion 726.

[0140] The first-second insulating protrusion 737 may be a plate that protrudes and extends perpendicular to the first insulating plate 731 from the other end (z-axis direction) of the first insulating plate 731. The first-second insulating protrusion 737 may be a plate that extends in a direction parallel to the upper surface (z-axis direction) of the module frame 200. One surface of the first-second insulating protrusion 737 may be positioned in contact with the first-second support protrusion 727. In this case, although not shown in the drawings of the present invention, an adhesive member may be provided on one surface of the first-second insulating protrusion 737 to adhesively fix it to the first-second support protrusion 727.

[0141] The other surface of the first-first insulating protrusion 736 that does not contact the first-first support protrusion 726 and the other surface of the first-second insulating protrusion 737 that does not contact the first-second support protrusion 727 may be positioned opposite to each other.

[0142] The first-first insulating protrusion 736 and the first-second insulating protrusion 737 may be provided to protrude in the same direction. Specifically, the first-first insulating protrusion 736 and the first-second insulating protrusion 737 may be provided to protrude in a direction toward the first submodule 100a, or in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the coolant within the battery module 100.

[0143] The first insulating member 730 may include an electrically insulating material. Therefore, even if the first support member 720 comes into contact with the battery cell stacks 120a, 120b and bus bar assemblies 300a, 300b that make up the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b, electrical insulation is maintained between them, thereby ensuring battery safety.

[0144] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a first surface of a second flame prevention member according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 is a perspective view of a second surface of a second flame prevention member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0145] 12 and 13, a second flame prevention member 750 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a second support member 760 and a second insulating member 770 positioned to cover the outer circumferential surface of the second support member 760.

[0146] The second support member 760 may allow the second flame prevention member 750 to be fixedly positioned within the module frame 200 .

[0147] The second support member 760 may include a second support plate 761 , a second flow portion 762 , a second support hole 763 , and a protrusion 764 .

[0148] The second support plate 761 is positioned in contact with the upper surface (z-axis direction) and lower surface (-z-axis direction) of the module frame 200, and can enable the second flame prevention member 750 to be fixedly positioned within the module frame 200.

[0149] The second support plate 761 includes a second flow portion 762 which is an area located in the center of the second support plate 761, second support holes 763 which penetrate the second support plate 761, and protrusions 764 which are located between the second support holes 763.

[0150] The second flow portion 762 may be a region spaced a certain distance from the four peripheral edges of the second support plate 761 toward the center. The second flow portion 762 may be a region protruding from the second support plate 761 toward the second sub-module 100b. Specifically, in the battery module 100 according to the present invention, the refrigerant may move from the flame prevention member 700 to the second sub-module 100b, and the second flow portion 762 may be a region protruding in the direction of movement of the refrigerant.

[0151] The second support holes 763 may be at least one hole penetrating the second support member 760. The second support holes 763 may be at least one hole penetrating the second support plate 761. Specifically, the second support holes 763 may be provided penetrating the second flow portion 762. More specifically, the second support holes 763 may be provided passing through both side surfaces of the second support member 760. The second support holes 763 may be provided passing through both side surfaces of the second support plate 761. The second support holes 763 may be provided passing through both side surfaces (y-axis direction and -y-axis direction) of the second flow portion 762. That is, the second support holes 763 may be located within the second flow portion 762 and divided into two regions. In this case, the coolant flowing inside the module frame 200 can pass through the second flame prevention member 750 via the second support holes 763.

[0152] The protrusion 764 may be positioned on the second support member 760 to protrude toward the first support member 720. Specifically, the protrusion 764 may be positioned on the second flowable portion 762 and between the second support holes 763. More specifically, the protrusion 764 may be positioned at the center of the second flowable portion 762. The protrusion 764 may be positioned closer to the center of the second flowable portion 762 than the second support holes 763.

[0153] The protrusion 764 may be a protruding region of the second flow portion 762. The protrusion 764 may be a protruding region of the second flow portion 762 in the opposite direction to the second submodule 100b. Specifically, the protrusion 764 may be a protruding region in the opposite direction to the movement direction of the refrigerant.

[0154] The refrigerant moving from the first flame prevention member 710 to the second flame prevention member 750 may change from a laminar flow state to a turbulent flow state upon contact with the protrusions 764. In this case, the refrigerant's state changes from laminar to turbulent, improving the heat transfer coefficient of the refrigerant. Therefore, the refrigerant moves from the first submodule 100a to the second submodule 100b with improved heat transfer efficiency, eliminating the temperature difference between the submodules 100a and 100b and improving the battery cooling performance.

[0155] The second support member 760 may include a second support protrusion 765, which is a protruding surface of the second support plate 761. The second support protrusion 765 is positioned in contact with the upper surface (z-axis direction) and the lower surface (-z-axis direction) of the module frame 200, allowing the second support member 760 to be more stably fixed and positioned within the module frame 200.

[0156] The second support protrusion 765 may be a plate that protrudes and extends in a plane perpendicular to the second support plate 761 .

[0157] The second support protrusion 765 may include a 2-1 support protrusion 766 and a 2-2 support protrusion 767 located at one end and the other end of the second support plate 761, respectively.

[0158] The 2-1 support protrusion 766 may be a plate that protrudes and extends perpendicular to the second support plate 761 from one end (-z-axis direction) of the second support plate 761. The 2-1 support protrusion 766 may be a plate that extends in a direction parallel to the lower surface (-z-axis direction) of the module frame 200. Therefore, one surface of the 2-1 support protrusion 766 may be positioned in contact with the lower surface of the module frame 200. In this case, although not shown in the drawings of the present invention, an adhesive member may be provided on one surface of the 2-1 support protrusion 766, allowing it to be adhesively fixed to the lower surface of the module frame 200.

[0159] The 2-2 support protrusion 767 may be a plate that protrudes and extends perpendicular to the second support plate 761 from the other end (z-axis direction) of the second support plate 761. The 2-2 support protrusion 767 may be a plate that extends in a direction parallel to the top surface (z-axis direction) of the module frame 200. Therefore, one surface of the 2-2 support protrusion 767 may be positioned in contact with the top surface of the module frame 200. In this case, although not shown in the drawings of the present invention, an adhesive member may be provided on one surface of the 2-2 support protrusion 767, allowing it to be adhesively fixed to the top surface of the module frame 200.

[0160] The other surface of the 2-1 support protrusion 766 that does not contact the lower surface of the module frame 200 and the other surface of the 2-2 support protrusion 767 that does not contact the upper surface of the module frame 200 may be positioned opposite each other.

[0161] The 2-1 support protrusion 766 and the 2-2 support protrusion 767 may be provided to protrude in the same direction. Specifically, the 2-1 support protrusion 766 and the 2-2 support protrusion 767 may be provided to protrude in a direction toward the second submodule 100b, or in a direction in which the refrigerant moves within the battery module 100.

[0162] The second support protrusions 765 protrude from the top and bottom of the second support plate 761, so that the second flame prevention member 750 can be more stably fixed and positioned within the module frame 200 within the battery module 100.

[0163] The second support member 760 may be made of metal. For example, the second support member 760 may be made of aluminum (Al). Therefore, the second support member 760 can improve the mechanical rigidity of the battery module 100 according to the present invention. In addition, a portion of the second support member 760 can come into contact with the refrigerant circulating inside the battery module 100, thereby cooling the refrigerant and improving the cooling performance of the battery module 100.

[0164] A second insulating member 770 may be positioned on the outer circumferential surface of the second support member 760. Specifically, the second insulating member 770 may be positioned on the outer circumferential surface of the second support member 760 that faces the second submodule 100b. More specifically, the second insulating member 770 may be positioned to cover the outer circumferential surface of the second support plate 761 that faces the second submodule 100b and the second support protrusion 765 that does not contact the module frame 200. In this case, the second insulating member 770 may be provided to have a shape corresponding to the second support member 760.

[0165] The second insulating member 770 is positioned to cover the outer circumferential surface of the second supporting member 760, and may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the second supporting member 760. Specifically, the second insulating member 770 may include a second insulating plate 771, a second insulating fluid portion 772, and a second insulating hole 773.

[0166] The second insulating plate 771 may be a region of the second insulating member 770 that is positioned to cover the second support plate 761. The second insulating plate 771 may include a second insulating flow portion 772 that is a region located in the center of the second insulating plate 771. In this case, the second insulating flow portion 772 may be a region of the second insulating member 770 that is located in a region corresponding to the second flow portion 762. Therefore, the second insulating flow portion 772 may be a region of the second insulating plate 771 that protrudes toward the second submodule 100b and in the direction of coolant movement.

[0167] Second insulation holes 773 may be formed in the second insulation flow portion 772. The second insulation holes 773 may be formed opposite to the second support holes 763 at positions corresponding to the second support holes 763. Therefore, the number of second insulation holes 773 may be the same as the number of second support holes 763, and the size of the second insulation holes 773 may be the same as the size of the second support holes 763. In this case, the coolant may move by passing through the second support holes 763 and the second insulation holes 773 sequentially.

[0168] The second insulating member 770 may include a second insulating protrusion 775, which is a surface that protrudes perpendicularly from the second insulating plate 771. The second insulating protrusion 775 is positioned to cover the second support protrusion 765, and therefore the shape of the second insulating protrusion 775 may correspond to the shape of the second support protrusion 765.

[0169] The second insulating protrusion 775 may include a 2-1 insulating protrusion 776 and a 2-2 insulating protrusion 777 located at one end and the other end of the second insulating plate 771, respectively.

[0170] The 2-1 insulating protrusion 776 may be a plate that protrudes and extends perpendicular to the second insulating plate 771 from one end (-z-axis direction) of the second insulating plate 771. The 2-1 insulating protrusion 776 may be a plate that extends in a direction parallel to the lower surface (-z-axis direction) of the module frame 200. One surface of the 2-1 insulating protrusion 776 may be positioned in contact with the 2-1 supporting protrusion 766. In this case, although not shown in the drawings of the present invention, an adhesive member may be provided on one surface of the 2-1 insulating protrusion 776 to adhesively fix it to the 2-1 supporting protrusion 766.

[0171] The 2-2 insulating protrusion 777 may be a plate that protrudes and extends perpendicular to the second insulating plate 771 from the other end (z-axis direction) of the second insulating plate 771. The 2-2 insulating protrusion 777 may be a plate that extends in a direction parallel to the upper surface (z-axis direction) of the module frame 200. One surface of the 2-2 insulating protrusion 777 may be positioned in contact with the 2-2 support protrusion 767. In this case, although not shown in the drawings of the present invention, an adhesive member may be provided on one surface of the 2-2 insulating protrusion 777 to adhesively fix it to the 2-2 support protrusion 767.

[0172] The other surface of the 2-1 insulating protrusion 776 that is not in contact with the 2-1 support protrusion 766 and the other surface of the 2-2 insulating protrusion 777 that is not in contact with the 2-2 support protrusion 767 may be positioned opposite to each other.

[0173] The 2-1 insulating protrusion 776 and the 2-2 insulating protrusion 777 may be provided to protrude in the same direction. Specifically, the 2-1 insulating protrusion 776 and the 2-2 insulating protrusion 777 may be provided to protrude in a direction toward the second submodule 100b, or in a direction in which the coolant moves inside the battery module 100.

[0174] The second insulating member 770 may include an electrically insulating material. Therefore, even if the second support member 760 comes into contact with the battery cell stacks 120a, 120b and bus bar assemblies 300a, 300b that make up the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b, electrical insulation is maintained between them, thereby ensuring battery safety.

[0175] Figure 14 is a perspective view showing the movement of refrigerant in a flame prevention member according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 is a transparent view showing the movement of refrigerant in a flame prevention member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0176] 4 and 10 to 15, the first flame prevention member 710 and the second flame prevention member 750 constituting the flame prevention member 700 may be positioned in contact with each other. In this case, the flame prevention member 700 can allow only the refrigerant to pass through the first flame prevention member 710 and the second flame prevention member 750, preventing the movement of a flame.

[0177] Specifically, in first flame prevention member 710 and second flame prevention member 750, first support plate 721 may be positioned in contact with second support plate 761. More specifically, the peripheral edge of first support plate 721 may be positioned in contact with the peripheral edge of second support plate 761, and in this case, first support protrusion 725 and second support protrusion 765 may protrude in opposite directions. In other words, the surfaces where first support plate 721 and second support plate 761 are in contact with each other may be surfaces located in the opposite direction from the protruding directions of first support protrusion 725 and second support protrusion 765, respectively.

[0178] Furthermore, in the first support plate 721 and the second support plate 761, the first support holes 723 may be provided in positions that do not face the second support holes 763. That is, the first support holes 723 are located in the center of the first support plate 721, and the second support holes 763 are located on both peripheral edges of the second support plate 761, so that the first support holes 723 do not face the second support holes 763. A protrusion 764 may be provided in one area of ​​the second support plate 761 that faces the area where the first support holes 723 are provided.

[0179] The protrusion 764 may be a region that protrudes from the second support plate 761 toward the first support hole 723. The protrusion 764 may be a region that protrudes from the second flowing portion 762 toward the first support hole 723. In this case, the height of the protrusion 764 may correspond to the degree to which the second flowing portion 762 protrudes. In particular, the height of the protrusion 764 may be the same as or smaller than the height to which the second flowing portion 762 protrudes. Therefore, even if the protrusion 764 protrudes toward the first flame prevention member 710, the protrusion 764 may not contact the first support hole 723.

[0180] When the first support plate 721 and the second support plate 761 are positioned in contact with each other, the first flow portion 722 and the second flow portion 762 are positioned to protrude in opposite directions from each other, so a flow region Af, which is a certain space, may be provided between the first flow portion 722 and the second flow portion 762. The flow region Af may be a space through which the refrigerant moves inside the flame prevention member 700.

[0181] The movement of refrigerant through the flame arrestor 700 is described in more detail below.

[0182] 5, 14, and 15, a refrigerant can move through a flame prevention member 700 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the refrigerant can flow into module frame 200 from the outside through inlet 421 and pass through first flame prevention member 710 while moving in first direction D1. The refrigerant then passes through second flame prevention member 750 and moves in second direction D2, and can then be discharged to the outside of module frame 200 through outlet 461. Here, first direction D1 and second direction D2 are refrigerant movement directions, and may be the length direction (x-axis direction) of module frame 200 or may be the same direction.

[0183] 15, the refrigerant moves in a first direction D1 and sequentially passes through the first insulating holes 733 and the first support holes 723. In this case, the refrigerant that passes through the first insulating holes 733 and the first support holes 723 moves in a third direction D3 through the flow region Af, and then sequentially passes through the second support holes 763 and the second insulating holes 773 and moves in a second direction D2.

[0184] When the refrigerant flows into the flame prevention member 700 in the first direction D1, it comes into contact with the protrusions 764 and moves to the flow region Af. When the flowing refrigerant comes into contact with the protrusions 764, the refrigerant may change from a laminar flow state to a turbulent flow state. Because a turbulent refrigerant has a higher heat transfer coefficient than a laminar refrigerant, the refrigerant moves through the flow region Af in the third direction D3 with improved heat transfer efficiency and then passes through the second flame prevention member 750 and moves in the second direction D2. That is, the refrigerant moves from the first submodule 100a to the second submodule 100b with improved heat transfer efficiency. Therefore, the refrigerant provided to the second submodule 100b has a higher heat transfer coefficient than a conventional refrigerant, and therefore, the heat generated in the second submodule 100b can be transferred more efficiently. This eliminates the temperature difference between the submodules 100a and 100b.

[0185] In addition, the refrigerant that has moved through the first insulating holes 733 comes into contact with the protrusions 764 and becomes turbulent, and the refrigerant's heat is transferred to the first support holes 723, the first flow portion 722, the second flow portion 762, and the second support holes 763, which may cause a partial drop in the temperature of the refrigerant. That is, as the refrigerant moves through the flame prevention member 700 and is partially cooled, it moves within the battery module, thereby further improving the cooling performance of the battery module. At the same time, the temperature difference between the first sub-module 100a and the second sub-module 100b, which are positioned on either side of the flame prevention member 700, is reduced, thereby improving the cooling performance of the battery.

[0186] As described above, the overall height (z-axis direction) of the flame prevention member 700 may correspond to the height (z-axis direction) of the module frame 200 on which the flame prevention member 700 is provided. Specifically, the overall height of the flame prevention member 700 may be the same as the height of the upper inner surface of the module frame 200 and the height of the lower inner surface of the module frame 200. Therefore, the flame prevention member 700 may be configured to partition the inside of the battery module.

[0187] When a fire occurs in the first submodule 100a, the fire may travel along the coolant. At this time, the flame prevention member 700 is positioned in the path of the coolant movement within the battery module 100, so the flame prevention member 700 can prevent the fire from spreading to the adjacent second submodule 100b.

[0188] That is, within the battery module, the flame prevention member 700 moves only the refrigerant to the area where the adjacent sub-module is located through the movement path 800, and prevents the flame from spreading, thereby preventing a chain reaction of explosions within the battery module, thereby improving the safety of the battery.

[0189] 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 using a battery module and a battery pack including the same, which also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0190] 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]

[0191] 100: Battery module 100a: First submodule 100b: Second submodule 110: Battery cell 120: Battery cell stack 300: Busbar assembly 700: Flame prevention material 710: First flame prevention member 721: First support plate 723: First Support Hall 733: First insulation hole 730: First insulating member 750: Second flame arrestor 761: Second support plate 763: Second Support Hall 764:Protrusion 770: Second insulating member 773: Second insulation hole Af: Flow region

Claims

1. a first sub-module and a second sub-module each including a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a module frame in which the first sub-module and the second sub-module are housed; a flame prevention member located between the first sub-module and the second sub-module; Including, One end of the first sub-module and the other end of the second sub-module are electrically connected to each other.

2. The flame prevention member is a first flame prevention member positioned opposite the first sub-module; a second flame prevention member positioned opposite the second sub-module; The battery module of claim 1 , comprising:

3. The first flame prevention member is a first support member positioned in contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the module frame; a first insulating member positioned to cover an outer peripheral surface of the first support member and to face the first sub-module; Including, The second flame prevention member is a second support member positioned in contact with the upper surface and the lower surface of the module frame; a second insulating member positioned to cover an outer peripheral surface of the second support member and to face the second sub-module; The battery module of claim 2 , comprising:

4. the first support member includes a first support hole penetrating the first support member; the first insulating member includes a first insulating hole penetrating the first insulating member; the second support member includes a second support hole penetrating the second support member, The battery module of claim 3 , wherein the second insulating member includes a second insulating hole penetrating the second insulating member.

5. The first supporting hole and the first insulating hole are provided at corresponding positions opposite to each other, The battery module of claim 4 , wherein the second support hole and the second insulating hole are provided at corresponding positions opposite to each other.

6. The first support hole is formed through a center of the first support member, The battery module of claim 4 , wherein the second support holes are formed by passing through both side surfaces of the second support member.

7. The battery module according to claim 4 , wherein the second flame prevention member includes a protrusion located on the second support member and protruding toward the first support member.

8. The battery module of claim 7 , wherein the protrusions are located between the second support holes formed on both side surfaces of the second support member and protrude toward the first support holes.

9. The battery module of claim 7 , wherein the protrusions are provided at positions opposite to the first support holes.

10. The first support member is a first support plate that is a plate that contacts the upper and lower surfaces of the module frame; a first flow portion that is a region of the first support plate that protrudes toward the first submodule; Including, The second support member is a second support plate in contact with the upper surface and the lower surface of the module frame; a second flow portion that is a region of the second support plate that protrudes toward the second sub-module; The battery module of claim 3 , comprising:

11. The battery module according to claim 10 , wherein a peripheral edge of the first support plate and a peripheral edge of the second support plate are positioned in contact with each other.

12. The first flow portion and the second flow portion are positioned to protrude in opposite directions from each other, The battery module of claim 11 , wherein a flow region, which is a predetermined space through which the refrigerant can move, is provided between the first flow portion and the second flow portion.

13. the first support member includes first protrusions that protrude perpendicularly to the first support plate from one end and the other end of the first support plate, The battery module of claim 10 , wherein the second support member includes second protrusions that protrude perpendicularly to the second support plate from one end and the other end of the second support plate.

14. The battery module of claim 13 , wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion are positioned in contact with an upper surface and a lower surface of the module frame, respectively.

15. A battery pack comprising the battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

Images