Battery module and battery pack including same

Abstract

The present invention includes a battery module and a battery pack including the same. The 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 including a busbar assembly including a busbar electrically connected to the battery cell stack and a busbar frame covering at least one side of 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. 10-2023-0076754, filed June 15, 2023, and all contents disclosed in the documents of this 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] With the technological development and increasing demand for mobile devices, the demand for secondary batteries as an energy source is rapidly increasing, and as a result, research into secondary batteries that can meet various demands is actively being conducted.

[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 secondary batteries have been used as energy storage sources, the need for large-capacity secondary battery structures has increased, and 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 multiple 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 the battery pack.

[0007] The battery cells that make up such medium- to large-sized battery modules are configured as 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, potentially causing a rapid temperature rise. That is, 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 from the battery cells during charging and discharging. If the heat from the battery cells is not properly dissipated, the battery cells will deteriorate quickly, their lifespan will be shortened, and there will be an increased 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, because multiple battery modules are densely packed together to increase a vehicle's driving range, flames or heat generated in one battery module can easily spread to adjacent battery modules, ultimately leading to the battery pack itself catching fire or exploding.

[0009] To overcome this problem, at least two sub-modules can be electrically connected to form a long module, and a refrigerant such as insulating oil can be injected into the long module to directly cool the battery cells. Here, the sub-module is a battery cell stack to which a bus bar assembly is attached, and can also 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 submodule 1 and the second submodule 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 submodule 1 first and then the second submodule 2, which may cause a temperature difference between the first submodule 1 and the second submodule 2.

[0013] In addition, since the refrigerant moving within the long module 10 moves through a single flow path overall, if a flame occurs in the first submodule 1, the flame may be spread to the adjacent second submodule 2 by the refrigerant, increasing the risk of the battery exploding and reducing 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-mentioned 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 battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a first sub-module and a second sub-module, each including a busbar assembly including a busbar electrically connected to the battery cell stack and a busbar frame covering at least one side of 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.

[0017] The flame prevention members may include a first flame prevention member positioned in contact with the lower surface of the module frame, and a second flame prevention member positioned in contact with the upper surface of the module frame.

[0018] The first flame prevention member and the second flame prevention member may be positioned in an interlocked manner.

[0019] The first flame prevention member may include a first plate in contact with the lower surface of the module frame and a first insulating member positioned while covering the outer peripheral surface of the first plate, and the second flame prevention member may include a second plate in contact with the upper surface of the module frame and a second insulating member positioned while covering the outer peripheral surface of the second plate.

[0020] The first insulating member may include a first recess which is a recessed area on one side of the first insulating member, and a first protruding portion which is an area of ​​the first insulating member that protrudes compared to the first recess, and the second insulating member may include a second recess which is a recessed area on one side of the second insulating member, and a second protruding portion which is an area of ​​the second insulating member that protrudes compared to the second recess.

[0021] A first region in which the first recess and the first protrusion are located may be inserted into a second region in which the second recess and the second protrusion are located.

[0022] The first protrusion may be positioned in contact with the second protrusion and the second recess.

[0023] The first recess may be positioned at a predetermined distance from the second protrusion and the second recess.

[0024] A passage through which the refrigerant moves can be formed between the first recess and the second protrusion and second recess.

[0025] The movement path may correspond to the shape of the first recess.

[0026] The first plate may include a first support plate located in contact with the lower surface of the module frame, and a first prevention plate protruding in a plane perpendicular to the first support plate, the first prevention plate having one end in contact with the first support plate and another end extending from the one end, and the first recess and the first protrusion may be provided in a region adjacent to the other end of the first prevention plate from the one end of the first prevention plate.

[0027] The second plate may include a second support plate positioned in contact with the upper surface of the module frame, and a second prevention plate protruding in a plane perpendicular to the second support plate, the second prevention plate having one end in contact with the second support plate and another end extending from the one end, and the second recess and the second protrusion may be provided in a second region that is a region from the one end of the second prevention plate adjacent to the other end of the second prevention plate.

[0028] The first recess may be formed in plurality and spaced apart from each other with the first protrusion therebetween.

[0029] The first recess and the first protrusion have a protruding structure, and the first protrusion can function as a protrusion.

[0030] The second recess may be located between two of the second protrusions, and the thickness of the second insulating member may become thinner as the second protrusions extend in a direction away from the second recess.

[0031] The first recess may include a region where the first plate is partially exposed.

[0032] The first sub-module and the second sub-module may further include a bus bar assembly including a bus bar electrically connected to the battery cell stack and a bus bar frame covering at least one side of the battery cell stack.

[0033] A battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention includes the above-described battery module. [Effects of the Invention]

[0034] According to the embodiment, deviation in the cooling performance of the battery can be improved, and safety can be improved.

[0035] 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]

[0036] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a long module, which is a conventional battery module. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the battery module of FIG. 5 with the module frame removed. [Figure 8] 3 is a diagram showing a current path in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a submodule according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 1 is a perspective view of a flame arrester according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first flame prevention member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 12 is a diagram showing A1 in FIG. 11. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second flame prevention member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB' in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments of the present invention can be easily implemented by those skilled in the art. The present invention can be implemented in several different forms and is not limited to the examples described herein.

[0038] 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.

[0039] In addition, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for the convenience of explanation, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those shown in the drawings. In the drawings, thicknesses are exaggerated to clearly show multiple layers and regions. In the drawings, thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated for the convenience of explanation.

[0040] Furthermore, when a layer, film, region, plate, or other part is said to be "on" or "above" another part, this includes not only the case where it is "directly above" that 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 the middle. Furthermore, being "on" or "above" a reference part means being located above or below the reference part, and does not necessarily mean being "above" or "above" facing the opposite direction of gravity.

[0041] Furthermore, throughout the specification, when a part "comprises" a certain element, it does not mean that it excludes other elements, but that it may further include other elements, unless otherwise specified.

[0042] Also, throughout the specification, "on a plane" means when the target part is viewed from above, and "on a cross section" means when the target part is cut vertically and viewed from the side.

[0043] 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.

[0044] In addition, in this application, the upper and lower can be defined as meaning the z-axis direction and the -z-axis direction, the side can be defined as meaning the y-axis direction and the -y-axis direction, and the front and back can be defined as meaning the x-axis direction and the -x-axis direction, respectively; however, this is an arbitrary definition used within the specification for convenience, and the scope of rights is not limited to these names and directions.

[0045] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack of Fig. 2.

[0046] 2 and 3, a battery pack 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a lower pack frame 1100 on which a plurality of battery modules 100 are mounted, 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 may be joined to each other by welding or other methods to seal the interior of the battery pack 1000.

[0047] The battery module 100 may include a battery cell stack 120 in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked in a predetermined direction, and a module frame 200. The module frame 200 may be a monoframe made 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 may be mounted inside the module frame 200 to form the battery module 100.

[0048] 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.

[0049] The plurality of battery modules 100 may be mounted in areas defined by the side pack frame 1150 and at least two internal beams 1110. That is, the plurality of battery modules 100 may be disposed in the area between the side pack frame 1150 and the internal beams 1110, and in the area between adjacent internal beams 1110. More specifically, in the battery pack 1000, the battery modules 100 may be disposed between a pair of adjacent internal beams 1110 and the side pack frame 1150, among the plurality of internal beams 1110.

[0050] 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.

[0051] The side pack frames 1150 may be disposed on the edges of the bottom surface of the lower pack frame 1100 and may 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 edge of the bottom surface of the lower pack frame 1100. Here, the upper ends of the side pack frames 1150 may contact the upper pack frame 1200. At this time, the upper ends of the side pack frames 1150 and the upper pack frame 1200 may be joined to each other by a method such as welding, thereby sealing the interior of the battery pack 1000.

[0052] The internal beams 1110 may be spaced apart from one another. Here, the distance between adjacent internal beams 1110 may be equal to or greater than the size of the battery module 100.

[0053] Additionally, the ends of the internal beam 1110 can contact the inner surface 1151 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.

[0054] Hereinafter, a battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0055] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of Fig. 4.

[0056] 4 and 5, a battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is formed by electrically connecting conventional battery modules to each other to form a single battery module 100. Specifically, the battery module 100 of this embodiment may be formed by electrically connecting one end and the other end of each battery cell stack that constitutes two conventional battery modules.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] Such a battery cell 110 may be configured in plurality, 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.

[0060] The module frame 200 can be used to protect the battery cell stack 120 and the electrical components connected thereto from external physical shocks. The module frame 200 can accommodate the battery cell stack 120 and the electrical components connected thereto in its internal space.

[0061] The structure of the module frame 200 can be various. According to the drawing, the module frame 200 may have a mono-frame structure. The mono-frame can be manufactured by extrusion molding.

[0062] 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 or integrating the bottom and both side surfaces of the module frame 200. In this case, each frame or plate constituting the U-shaped frame may be manufactured by press molding. Furthermore, the module frame 200 may have a mono-frame or U-shaped frame structure, an L-shaped frame structure, or various other structures not described in the above examples.

[0063] 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 shielded 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.

[0064] The busbar assembly 300 includes a busbar frame 310 (described below) and a busbar 330 (FIG. 7) mounted on one surface of the busbar frame 310. 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.

[0065] The busbar assembly 300 can include a busbar frame 310 (FIG. 7) and a busbar 330 (FIG. 7), which are described below.

[0066] The sealing assemblies 400 may be located on the first open side (x-axis direction) and the second open side (-x-axis direction) of the module frame 200 and may be formed 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.

[0067] 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 seal the refrigerant to prevent it from leaking to the outside.

[0068] 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 flows into the module frame 200 through the inlet 421 and can 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 transfer heat generated therefrom. Therefore, the refrigerant can cool the battery module 100 while circulating inside the battery module 100.

[0069] The refrigerant may be a fluid. However, since the refrigerant directly contacts 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 a material with insulating properties. For example, the refrigerant may be insulating oil.

[0070] As described above, the refrigerant can directly cool the battery cell stack 120, other electrical components, and bus bar assembly 300 that generate heat within the battery module 100 by directly contacting them and transferring heat thereto. Therefore, compared to conventional methods of indirectly cooling a battery module using a heat sink or the like, the cooling efficiency of the battery can be improved, thereby extending the battery life.

[0071] The end plates 500 may be located on the first open side (x-axis direction) and the second open side (-x-axis direction) of the module frame 200 and may be formed 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.

[0072] Such an end plate 500 can physically protect the battery cell stack 120 and other electrical components from external impacts.

[0073] Each of the sub-modules constituting the battery module 100 of this embodiment will be described in more detail below.

[0074] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the battery module without the module frame of Fig. 5. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a current path in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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, a bus bar assembly 300a, 300b including a bus bar 330a electrically connected to the battery cell stack 120a, 120b, and a bus bar frame 310a covering at least one side of the battery cell stack 120a, 120b.

[0077] That is, the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b each include the same components.

[0078] When a flame occurs in the first submodule 100a, the flame prevention member 700 can prevent the flame from spreading to the second submodule 100b.

[0079] 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, allowing only the refrigerant to move from the first submodule 100a to the second submodule 100b, but preventing the movement of flames and the like.

[0080] 8, the region where the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b are electrically connected can be defined as a connection region (Ac). 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 below.

[0081] 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.

[0082] In the connection region (Ac), the first electrode lead 130a located at the outermost corner of the first battery cell stack 120a of the first submodule 100a and the second electrode lead 130b located at the outermost corner 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 at the other end of the first submodule 100a are electrically connected to the outermost second electrode leads 130b1 and 130b5 located at one end of the second submodule 100b.

[0083] In this case, the electrode leads, excluding the outermost first electrode leads 130a2 and 130a3 and the outermost second electrode leads 130b1 and 130b5, can 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, can 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, can be electrically connected to adjacent second electrode leads in pairs.

[0084] At one end of the first submodule 100a that is not 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.

[0085] At the other end of the second submodule 100b, which is not the connection region (Ac), adjacent second electrode leads may be electrically connected. For example, adjacent second electrode leads may be electrically connected in pairs. Here, the second outermost electrode leads 130b2 and 130b4 of the second submodule 100b may also be electrically connected in pairs with the second electrode leads adjacent thereto.

[0086] As explained above, when the electrical connection of the electrode leads 130a, 130b is formed, current can travel through such electrical connection of the electrode leads 130a, 130b.

[0087] That is, the arrows in this drawing indicate the flow of current, and the current flow is not limited to that described in this drawing, and any current flow is possible as long as a skilled artisan can easily change the electrical connection of the electrode lead to change the current flow.

[0088] 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.

[0089] That is, since only the outermost first electrode leads 130a2, 130a3 and the outermost second electrode leads 130b1, 130b5 are electrically connected to each other, even if the flame prevention member 700 is positioned between the first sub-module 100a and the second sub-module 100b, these electrical flows are not interrupted or obstructed.

[0090] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a submodule according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] As explained above, the first sub-module 100a and the second sub-module 100b each include the same components, so only the first sub-module 100a will be explained below.

[0092] 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 surface (x-axis direction) and rear surface (-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.

[0093] The first battery cell stack 120a is formed by stacking a plurality of first battery cells 110a.

[0094] The first battery cell stack 120a includes a first compression pad 250a provided on one side of the first outermost battery cell 110a, and first cooling fins 210a positioned between the first battery cells 110a and between the first battery cell 110a and the first compression pad 250a.

[0095] When the first cooling fins 210a are positioned between a plurality of first battery cells 110a, for example, the first cooling fins 210a may be positioned between two first battery cells 110a. Specifically, one first cooling fin 210a and another first cooling fin 210a adjacent to the other first cooling fin 210a may be positioned with the two first battery cells 110a between them. Alternatively, the first cooling fins 210a may be positioned between the outermost first battery cells 110a and the first compression pads 250a.

[0096] In this case, the first cooling fin 210a may include a cooling plate 211a in contact with one side of the first battery cell 110a. Here, the one side of the first battery cell 110a may be one side of the battery cell 110 extending along the length direction (x-axis direction) of the first battery cell 110a. One side of the cooling plate 211a may be in contact with one side of the first battery cell 110a facing the one side of the cooling plate 211a.

[0097] 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, thereby adhesively fixing the first battery cell 110a and the cooling plate 211a. For example, the adhesive may be insulating tape.

[0098] 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 fin 210a can be fixedly positioned within the module frame 200, and therefore the first battery cell 110a adhered to the first cooling fin 210a can also be fixedly positioned within the module frame 200.

[0099] 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 larger 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.

[0100] The first cooling fin 210a may further include a cooling plate 211a and a cooling fin protrusion 213a that protrudes from one end of the cooling plate 211a.

[0101] The cooling fin protrusion 213a may be a region that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the cooling plate 211a. The cooling fin protrusion 213a may contact the upper surface of the module frame 200 of FIG. 5. Specifically, one side of the cooling fin protrusion 213a may contact the upper surface of the module frame 200 of FIG. 5, and the other side of the cooling fin protrusion 213a may be positioned opposite the upper surface of the first battery cell 110a. For example, the first cooling fin 210a may be L-shaped. This allows the first cooling fin 210a to be more firmly fixed and positioned within the module frame 200.

[0102] However, the shape of the first cooling fin 210a is not limited to that shown in the drawing and may be a flat plate. That is, the first cooling fin 210a may have any shape as long as it can contact and secure the first battery cell 110a. For example, the cooling fin 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 fin protrusion 213a may protrude from both one end and the other end of the cooling plate 211a.

[0103] The first cooling fins 210a may be made of metal. Specifically, the first cooling fins 210a may be made of a metal with high thermal conductivity. Therefore, the first cooling fins 210a can directly transfer 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 fins 210a that contact the side surfaces of the first battery cell 110a, providing primary cooling, and the refrigerant directly contacts the upper and lower parts of the first battery cell 110a, providing secondary cooling. This allows direct cooling of the upper and lower edge regions of the battery cell, which have traditionally been relatively difficult to cool, thereby improving battery cooling efficiency.

[0104] The first compression pad 250a may be located at the outermost corner of the first battery cell stack 120a. The first compression pad 250a may absorb swelling of the first battery cell 110a caused by charging and discharging. Specifically, when the first battery cell 110a swells, the first compression pad 250a presses the side of the module frame 200 (FIG. 5) to prevent the battery case of the first battery cell 110a from cracking, thereby improving battery safety.

[0105] However, the first compression pads 250a are not limited to being positioned only at the outermost corners 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] The first bus bar frame 310a may include an electrically insulating material, which may 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] The first bus bar 330a can 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 can pass through slits formed in the first bus bar frame 310a, then bend and connect to the first bus bar 330a. The first bus bar 330a can connect the first battery cells 110a that make up the first battery cell stack 120a in series or parallel.

[0111] The first flexible printed circuit board 350a extends in the length direction of the first battery cell stack 120a and is attached to one side of the first battery cell stack 120a 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 attached to the upper surface (z-axis direction) of the first battery cell stack 120a to sense electrical and thermal data of the first battery cell 110a. The first flexible printed circuit board 350a is also bent toward the first bus bar frame 310a at an end of the first battery cell stack 120a and electrically connected to the first bus bar 330a.

[0112] 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.

[0113] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a flame arrester according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 10, a flame prevention member 700 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first flame prevention member 710 and a second flame prevention member 750 .

[0115] 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 and the second sub-module, preventing a flame generated in one sub-module from spreading to an adjacent sub-module.

[0116] Specifically, the first flame prevention member 710 can be positioned in contact with the lower surface (-z axis direction) of the module frame 200 (FIG. 5).

[0117] The first flame prevention member 710 includes first plates 720 and 730 that are positioned in contact with the lower surface of the module frame. Specifically, the first flame prevention member 710 includes a first support plate 720 that is positioned in contact with the lower surface of the module frame, and a first prevention plate 730 that protrudes in a plane perpendicular to the first support plate 720.

[0118] In this case, the first plates 720 and 730 may be provided with a first insulating member 740. Specifically, the first insulating member 740 may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the first prevention plate 730 facing the first sub-module and the second sub-module to maintain insulation between the first sub-module and the second sub-module. The first insulating member 740 may be positioned to cover the entire outer circumferential surface of the first prevention plate 730.

[0119] The second flame prevention member 750 can be positioned in contact with the top surface (z-axis direction) of the module frame 200 (FIG. 5).

[0120] The second flame prevention member 750 includes second plates 760, 770 that are positioned in contact with the upper surface of the module frame. Specifically, the first flame prevention member 710 includes a second support plate 760 that is positioned in contact with the upper surface of the module frame, and a second prevention plate 770 that protrudes in a plane perpendicular to the second support plate 760.

[0121] In this case, the second plates 760 and 770 may be provided with a second insulating member 780. Specifically, the second insulating member 780 may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the second prevention plate 770 facing the first and second sub-modules to maintain insulation between the first and second sub-modules. The second insulating member 780 may be positioned to cover the entire outer circumferential surface of the second prevention plate 770.

[0122] The first flame prevention member 710 and the second flame prevention member 750 can be coupled to each other in an interlocking manner to form a single flame prevention member 700 .

[0123] Specifically, the other end of the first prevention plate 730 of the first flame prevention member 710 and the other end of the second prevention plate 770 of the second flame prevention member 750 may be coupled to each other in an intermeshed state. More specifically, the first insulating member 740 positioned to cover the outer circumferential surface of the first prevention plate 730 and the second insulating member 780 positioned to cover the outer circumferential surface of the second prevention plate 770 may be coupled to each other in an intermeshed state.

[0124] The first flame prevention member 710 and the second flame prevention member 750 will now be described in more detail.

[0125] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a first flame prevention member according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 12 is a view showing A1 of Fig. 11.

[0126] 5, 7, 11 and 12, a first flame prevention member 710 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes first plates 720, 730 and a first insulating member 740 positioned to cover the outer circumferential surface of the first prevention plate 730.

[0127] The first plates 720 and 730 may include a first support plate 720 and a first prevention plate 730 protruding from the first support plate 720 .

[0128] The first support plate 720 is positioned in contact with the lower surface (-z axis direction) of the module frame 200, and the first flame prevention member 710 may be fixed and positioned within the module frame 200. Specifically, one surface of the first support plate 720 may be adhesively fixed and positioned on the lower surface of the module frame 200.

[0129] The first prevention plate 730 may be a plate that protrudes and extends in a plane perpendicular to the first support plate 720. The first prevention plate 730 may be a plate that extends from the first support plate 720 in the direction opposite to the lower surface of the module frame 200 that contacts the first support plate 720 (z-axis direction).

[0130] The first prevention plate 730 may have a surface that becomes more pointed as it extends from the first support plate 720. That is, the first prevention plate 730 includes one end 731 that contacts the first prevention plate 730 and another end 735 that extends from the one end 731. Here, the other end 735 of the first support plate 720 may be formed to have a surface that is more pointed than the one end 731 of the first prevention plate 730. That is, the other end 735 of the first prevention plate 730 may be formed to extend from the one end 731 of the first prevention plate 730 toward the top of the module frame 200 (z-axis direction) and have a shape that narrows in width (x-axis direction).

[0131] The height (z-axis direction) of the first prevention plate 730 may be the distance from one end 731 to the other end 735 of the first prevention plate 730. In this case, the height of the first prevention plate 730 may be lower than the height (z-axis direction) of the first sub-module 100a and the second sub-module 100b.

[0132] The first support plate 720 and the first protection plate 730 may be made of metal. For example, the first support plate 720 and the first protection plate 730 may be made of aluminum (Al). Therefore, the first support plate 720 and the first protection plate 730 can improve the mechanical rigidity of the battery module 100 according to the present invention. In addition, a portion of the first support plate 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 740 may be positioned on the outer circumferential surface of the first plate. Specifically, the first insulating member 740 may be positioned on the outer circumferential surface of the first prevention plate 730. More specifically, the first insulating member 740 may be positioned to cover the entire outer circumferential surface of the first prevention plate 730 that faces the first sub-module 100a and the second sub-module 100b. In this case, the first insulating member 740 may be provided to have a shape corresponding to that of the first prevention plate 730.

[0134] In this drawing, the first insulating member 740 is shown to be positioned so as to cover only the outer circumferential surface of the first prevention plate 730 that faces the first sub-module 100a and the second sub-module 100b, but this is not limited thereto and the first insulating member 740 may be positioned in any manner that can be easily modified by a person of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the first insulating member 740 may be positioned so as to cover one surface of the first support plate 720 that is connected to the first prevention plate 730.

[0135] The first insulating member 740 may include an electrically insulating material. Therefore, even if the first prevention plate 730 contacts 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.

[0136] The first insulating member 740 is provided to cover the entire first prevention plate 730 from one end 731 to the other end 735 of the first prevention plate 730. In this case, the first insulating member 740 includes a first recess 741 and a first protrusion 745, which may have a protruding structure, located adjacent to the other end 735 of the first prevention plate 730 from the one end 731 of the first prevention plate 730. The region of the first insulating member 740 where the first recess 741 and the first protrusion 745 are located may be defined as a first region (A1).

[0137] Specifically, the first recess 741 and the first protrusion 745 of the first insulating member 740 may function as a protrusion. In this case, the first recess 741 and the first protrusion 745 may be formed in a region adjacent to the other end 735 of the first prevention plate 730 from one end 731 of the first prevention plate 730.

[0138] The first recess 741 refers to a recessed area on one surface of the first insulating member 740. Specifically, the first recess 741 may be an area having a height lower than the height of the first insulating member 740. Here, the height of the first insulating member 740 may correspond to the thickness of the first insulating member 740.

[0139] The first recess 741 may be a region where a portion of the surface of the first insulating member 740 is recessed. That is, the thickness of the first insulating member 740 constituting the first recess 741 may become thinner as the first recess 741 approaches the other end 735 of the first prevention plate 730.

[0140] Although not shown in the drawings, the first recess 741 may include a region where the first plates 720, 730 are partially exposed. Specifically, the first recess 741 may include a region where the other end 735 of the first prevention plate 730 is partially exposed. In this case, the coolant can transfer heat to the first prevention plate 730 while contacting the other end 735 of the first prevention plate 730 exposed in the first recess 741. That is, the heat of the coolant passing through the first submodule 100a is transferred to the other end 735, thereby cooling the coolant. The cooled coolant then moves to the second submodule 100b, cooling the second submodule 100b. This reduces the temperature deviation between the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b, improving the battery cooling performance.

[0141] The first recesses 741 may be formed in plurality at regular intervals, with the first protrusions 745 spaced apart therebetween.

[0142] The first protrusion 745 refers to a region of the first insulating member 740 that protrudes compared to the first recess 741. Specifically, the first protrusion 745 may be a region that has the same height as the first insulating member 740 and is higher than the first recess 741.

[0143] The first protrusion 745 may maintain the same height even when approaching the other end 735 of the first prevention plate 730 of the first insulating member 740. That is, the first protrusion 745 may have the same height regardless of the position where the first protrusion 745 is provided.

[0144] The first protrusions 745 may be formed in plurality at regular intervals, and may be formed in plurality with the first recesses 741 spaced apart therebetween.

[0145] The first recess 741 and the first protrusion 745 may have a height difference to form a protrusion structure. Therefore, when the refrigerant passes through the flame prevention member 700 in the battery module 100, the refrigerant can move between the first recess 741 and the first protrusion 745.

[0146] In this case, the protrusion structure formed by the first recess 741 and the first protrusion 745 may cause turbulence in the refrigerant. In particular, the refrigerant passes between the first recess 741 and the first protrusion 745 of the protrusion structure, changing the laminar flow of the refrigerant to a turbulent flow, thereby improving the heat transfer coefficient of the refrigerant. Therefore, the refrigerant moves from the first sub-module 100a to the second sub-module 100b with improved heat transfer efficiency, thereby eliminating the temperature difference between the sub-modules 100a and 100b and improving the cooling performance of the battery.

[0147] The movement of refrigerant through the first recess 741 will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG.

[0148] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a second flame prevention member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0149] 5, 7 and 13, a second flame prevention member 750 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes second plates 760, 770 and a second insulating member 780 positioned to cover the outer circumferential surfaces of the second plates 760, 770.

[0150] The second plates 760 and 770 may include a second support plate 760 and a second prevention plate 770 protruding from the second support plate 760 .

[0151] The second support plate 760 is positioned in contact with the upper surface (z-axis direction) of the module frame 200, and the second flame prevention member 750 may be fixedly positioned within the module frame 200. Specifically, one surface of the second support plate 760 may be adhesively fixed to the upper surface (z-axis direction) of the module frame 200.

[0152] The second prevention plate 770 may be a plate that protrudes and extends in a plane perpendicular to the second support plate 760. The second prevention plate 770 may be a plate that extends from the second support plate 760 in the direction opposite (-z-axis direction) to the top surface of the module frame 200 that contacts the second support plate 760 (z-axis direction).

[0153] The second prevention plate 770 includes one end 771 that contacts the second support plate 760 and the other end 775 that extends from the one end 771. In this case, the height (z-axis direction) of the second prevention plate 770 is the distance from the one end 771 to the other end 775 of the second prevention plate 770, and the height (z-axis direction) of the second prevention plate 770 may be shorter than the heights (z-axis direction) of the first submodule 100a and the second submodule 100b.

[0154] The second support plate 760 and the second protection plate 770 may be made of metal. For example, the second support plate 760 and the second protection plate 770 may be made of aluminum (Al). Therefore, the second support plate 760 and the second protection plate 770 can improve the mechanical rigidity of the battery module 100 according to the present invention. In addition, a portion of the second support plate 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.

[0155] A second insulating member 780 may be positioned on the outer circumferential surfaces of the second plates 760 and 770. Specifically, the second insulating member 780 may be positioned on the outer circumferential surface of the second prevention plate 770. More specifically, the second insulating member 780 may be positioned to cover the entire outer circumferential surface of the second prevention plate 770 that faces the first sub-module 100a and the second sub-module 100b.

[0156] In the drawings, the second insulating member 780 is shown as being positioned to cover only the outer circumferential surface of the second prevention plate 770 that faces the first sub-module 100a and the second sub-module 100b, but is not limited to this and may be positioned in any manner that can be easily modified by a person of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the second insulating member 780 may be positioned to cover one surface of the second support plate 760 connected to the second prevention plate 770.

[0157] The second insulating member 780 is positioned to cover the entire area from one end 771 to the other end 775 of the second prevention plate 770. The second insulating member 780 includes a second recess 781 and a second protrusion 785 positioned adjacent to the other end 775 of the second prevention plate 770 from the one end 771 of the second prevention plate 770. The area of ​​the second insulating member 780 where the second recess 781 and the second protrusion 785 are positioned can be defined as a second area (A2).

[0158] The second recess 781 may be a region where one surface of the second insulating member 780 is partially recessed. The second recess 781 may be a region where the surface of the second insulating member 780 is partially recessed. The second recess 781 may be a region of the second insulating member 780 that is recessed relatively more than the second protrusion 785. Specifically, the second recess 781 may be a region of the second insulating member 780 that is recessed toward the other end 775 of the second prevention plate 770.

[0159] The second recess 781 may be located between the second protrusions 785. The second recess 781 may be located between two second protrusions 785. In this case, the second recess 781 may be V-shaped.

[0160] The second protrusion 785 refers to a region of the second insulating member 780 that protrudes further than the second recess 781. Specifically, the second protrusion 785 may be a region of the second insulating member 780 that protrudes further from the other end 775 of the second prevention plate 770. The second protrusion 785 may have a surface that becomes more pointed as it extends from the other end 775 of the second prevention plate 770. That is, the second protrusion 785 may be formed in a shape that narrows in width (x-axis direction) as it extends in a direction away from the second recess 781. That is, the thickness of the second insulating member 780 constituting the second protrusion 785 may become thinner as it extends in a direction away from the other end 775 of the second prevention plate 770 and the second recess 781.

[0161] The second protrusion 785 may have a second recess 781 therebetween. The second protrusion 785 may be formed in two and positioned with one second recess 781 therebetween.

[0162] The first recess 741 and the first protrusion 745 may be inserted and positioned between the second protrusion 785 and the second recess 781. This will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG.

[0163] The second insulating member 780 may include an electrically insulating material. Therefore, even if the second prevention plate 770 comes into contact with the battery cell stacks 120a, 120b or bus bar assemblies 300a, 300b that make up the first sub-module 100a and the second sub-module 100b, electrical insulation is maintained between them, thereby ensuring battery safety.

[0164] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB' in FIG.

[0165] 10 to 14, a flame prevention member 700 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first flame prevention member 710 and a second flame prevention member 750 that are engaged and coupled together.

[0166] Specifically, the first region (A1) where the first recess 741 and the first protrusion 745 of the first flame prevention member 710 are formed may be inserted and positioned in the second region (A2) where the second protrusion 785 and the second recess 781 of the second flame prevention member 750 are formed. Specifically, the first region (A1) and the second region (A2) may be positioned in a mutually interlocking manner.

[0167] More specifically, the first protrusion 745 of the first region (A1) is positioned in contact with the second recess 781 and second protrusion 785 of the second region (A2), allowing the first region (A1) and the second region (A2) to be fixed in a supported state while being interlocked with each other. The first recess 741 of the first region (A1) is positioned at a certain distance from the second recess 781 and second protrusion 785 of the second region (A2), thereby forming a movement path 800 that allows the refrigerant to move between the first protrusion 745 and the second region (A2).

[0168] That is, a movement path 800 through which the refrigerant can move can be formed between the first region (A1) and the second region (A2). The movement path 800 can correspond to the shapes of the first region (A1) and the second region (A2). That is, a movement path 800 through which the refrigerant can move can be formed between the first recess 741 and the second recess 781 and the second protrusion 785. The movement path 800 can correspond to the shape of the first recess 741 of the first region (A1).

[0169] The refrigerant can move through the first recess 741 of the first region (A1). The refrigerant can move between the first recess 741 of the first region (A1) and the second recess 781 and the second protrusion 785 of the second region (A2). For reference, the arrows shown in this drawing indicate the direction of movement of the refrigerant.

[0170] Therefore, as shown in the drawing, turbulence of the refrigerant may occur as the refrigerant moves along the lattice-protrusion structured movement path 800. The turbulent refrigerant has a higher heat transfer coefficient than the laminar flow, and thus can move within the battery module with improved heat transfer efficiency, improving battery cooling efficiency. In addition, the temperature difference between the first and second sub-modules, which are separated by the flame prevention member 700, can be reduced.

[0171] Furthermore, although not shown in the drawings, the first insulating member 740 constituting the first recess 741 may have a recessed shape, thereby partially exposing the first prevention plate 730 on the movement path 800. In this case, the coolant becomes turbulent as it moves through the movement path 800 and contacts the first prevention plate 730, transferring heat contained in the coolant to the first prevention plate 730, thereby partially lowering the temperature of the coolant. That is, the coolant partially cooled as it moves through the movement path 800 moves within the battery module, thereby further improving the cooling performance of the battery module and simultaneously reducing the temperature difference between the first sub-module and the second sub-module, which are positioned between the flame prevention member 700.

[0172] The overall height (z-axis direction) of the flame prevention member 700 can correspond to the height (z-axis direction) of the module frame 200, FIG. 5, which the flame prevention member 700 is provided with. Specifically, the overall height of the flame prevention member 700 can be the same as the height of the upper inner surface of the module frame 200 and 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.

[0173] If a fire occurs in one sub-module, the flame 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, so the flame prevention member 700 can prevent the flame from spreading to other adjacent sub-modules.

[0174] That is, within the battery module, the flame prevention member 700 moves only the refrigerant through the movement path 800 to the area where the adjacent sub-module is located, and prevents the flame from spreading, thereby preventing a chain reaction of explosions within the battery module, thereby improving the safety of the battery.

[0175] 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 to these, and can be applied to various devices that can use the battery module and the battery pack including the same, which also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0176] 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]

[0177] 100 Battery Module 100a First submodule 100b Second submodule 110 battery cells 120 Battery cell stack 300 Busbar Assembly 700 Flame arrestor 710 First flame prevention member 720 First Support Plate 730 First Prevention Plate 740 First insulating member 750 Second flame arrestor 760 Second Support Plate 770 Second Prevention Plate 780 Second insulating member

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; and a flame prevention member positioned between the first sub-module and the second sub-module; Including, a battery module in which 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 in contact with the lower surface of the module frame; and The battery module according to claim 1 , further comprising a second flame prevention member positioned in contact with the upper surface of the module frame.

3. The battery module of claim 2 , wherein the first flame prevention member and the second flame prevention member are interlocked with each other.

4. The first flame prevention member is a first plate in contact with a lower surface of the module frame; and a first insulating member positioned to cover an outer circumferential surface of the first plate, The second flame prevention member is The battery module according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising: a second plate in contact with an upper surface of the module frame; and a second insulating member positioned to cover an outer peripheral surface of the second plate.

5. The first insulating member is The first insulating member includes a first recess, which is a recessed region of one surface thereof, and a first protruding portion, which is a region of the first insulating member that protrudes compared to the first recess, The second insulating member is The battery module according to claim 4 , further comprising: a second recess, which is a recessed area on one surface of the second insulating member; and a second protrusion, which is a protruding area of ​​the second insulating member that protrudes compared to the second recess.

6. The first region in which the first recess and the first protrusion are located includes: The battery module according to claim 5 , wherein the second recess and the second protrusion are inserted into and positioned in the second region.

7. The battery module according to claim 5 , wherein the first protrusion is positioned in contact with the second protrusion and the second recess.

8. The battery module according to claim 5 , wherein the first recess is positioned at a predetermined distance from the second protrusion and the second recess.

9. The battery module according to claim 8 , wherein a passage for refrigerant to move is formed between the first recess and the second protrusion and the second recess.

10. The battery module according to claim 9 , wherein the movement path corresponds to a shape of the first recess.

11. the first plate includes a first support plate positioned in contact with a lower surface of the module frame, and a first prevention plate protruding in a plane perpendicular to the first support plate; the first prevention plate includes one end that contacts the first support plate and another end that extends from the one end, The battery module of claim 5 , wherein the first recess and the first protrusion are provided in a region from one end of the first protection plate to the other end of the first protection plate.

12. the second plate includes a second support plate positioned in contact with an upper surface of the module frame, and a second prevention plate protruding in a plane perpendicular to the second support plate; the second prevention plate includes one end that contacts the second support plate and another end that extends from the one end, The battery module of claim 5 , wherein the second recess and the second protrusion are provided in a second region that is a region from one end of the second protection plate to adjacent to the other end of the second protection plate.

13. The battery module according to claim 5 , wherein a plurality of the first recesses are formed and spaced apart with the first protrusions therebetween.

14. The battery module according to claim 5 , wherein the first recess and the first protrusion have a protruding structure, and the first protrusion functions as a protrusion.

15. the second recess is located between two of the second protrusions, The battery module according to claim 5 , wherein the thickness of the second insulating member decreases as the second protrusion extends in a direction away from the second recess.

16. The battery module according to claim 5 , wherein the first recess includes a region where the first plate is partially exposed.

17. 2. The battery module of claim 1, wherein the first sub-module and the second sub-module further include a bus bar assembly including a bus bar electrically connected to the battery cell stack and a bus bar frame covering at least one side of the battery cell stack.

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

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