Battery module and battery pack including same

Abstract

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a battery module includes a battery cell stack having a plurality of stacked battery cells, a module frame for accommodating the battery cell stack, end plates each having an opening and disposed on one side and the other side of the battery cell stack, a bus bar frame disposed between the battery cell stack and the end plate, and a terminal bus bar attached to the bus bar frame and exposed through the opening. The bus bar frame includes a blocking member protruding toward the opening.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] [Cross-reference to related applications] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0069473 filed on May 28, 2021, 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 capable of suppressing the propagation of a thermal runaway phenomenon and a battery pack including the same. [Background technology]

[0003] In modern society, as the use of portable devices such as mobile phones, laptops, camcorders, and digital cameras has become commonplace, the development of technologies related to such mobile devices has become active. In addition, rechargeable secondary batteries are used as the power source for electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (P-HEVs), etc. as a solution to air pollution caused by existing gasoline-powered vehicles that use fossil fuels, and the need for the development of secondary batteries is increasing.

[0004] Currently, commercial secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries. Of these, lithium secondary batteries are attracting attention due to their advantages over nickel-based secondary batteries, such as almost no memory effect, freedom in charging and discharging, a very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0005] Such lithium secondary batteries mainly use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as positive and negative active materials, respectively, and include an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate, each coated with the positive and negative active materials, are disposed with a separator therebetween, and a battery case that hermetically houses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0006] Generally, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into can-type secondary batteries, in which an electrode assembly is housed in a metal can, and pouch-type secondary batteries, in which an electrode assembly is housed in a pouch made of an aluminum laminate sheet, depending on the shape of the exterior material.

[0007] In the case of secondary batteries used in small devices, two to three battery cells are arranged, whereas in the case of secondary batteries used in medium to large devices such as automobiles, a battery module in which a number of battery cells are electrically connected is used. In such battery modules, a number of battery cells are connected to each other in series or parallel to form a battery cell stack, thereby improving capacity and output. In addition, one or more battery modules may be mounted with various control and protection systems such as a BMS (Battery Management System) and a cooling system to form a battery pack.

[0008] In a battery pack made up of multiple battery modules, the heat generated from the multiple battery cells is added together in a small space, causing the temperature to rise quickly and violently. In other words, a battery module in which multiple battery cells are stacked and a battery pack equipped with such a battery module can obtain high output, but it is difficult to remove the heat generated in the battery cells during charging and discharging. If the heat of the battery cells is not dissipated well, the battery cells deteriorate quickly, shortening their lifespan and increasing the possibility of explosion or fire.

[0009] In addition, 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 in desert regions. In addition, since multiple battery modules are densely arranged to increase the mileage of a vehicle, a thermal runaway phenomenon occurring in any one battery module can easily spread to adjacent battery modules, ultimately leading to an explosion or fire of the battery pack itself.

[0010] Therefore, it is necessary to design a model that will not lead to a fire or explosion of the battery pack itself even if a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs in any one of the battery modules. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a battery module and a battery pack including the same, which can prevent high-temperature gas and flames from being emitted even if a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs in the battery module.

[0012] However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above problems, and may be variously expanded within the scope of the technical ideas included in the present invention. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell stack having a plurality of stacked battery cells, a module frame for accommodating the battery cell stack, end plates each having an opening and disposed on one side and the other side of the battery cell stack, a bus bar frame disposed between the battery cell stack and the end plate, and a terminal bus bar attached to the bus bar frame and exposed through the opening. The bus bar frame includes a blocking member protruding toward the opening.

[0014] The blocking member may be located between the terminal bus bar and an inner side of the opening.

[0015] The blocking member may be formed at a portion of the bus bar frame corresponding to the opening.

[0016] The blocking member may include a protruding portion protruding from one surface of the bus bar frame, and a blocking portion surrounding the protruding portion.

[0017] The blocking portion may include at least one of a foam material and a resin material.

[0018] The blocking portion may include at least one of an epoxy resin, a vinyl chloride resin, and a fluorine resin.

[0019] The terminal bus bar may be attached to one side of the bus bar frame in a direction in which the end plate is located, and the blocking member may be located on the one side of the bus bar frame.

[0020] The battery module may further include an insulating cover positioned between the bus bar frame and the end plate, and an opening hole may be formed in the insulating cover at a portion corresponding to the opening.

[0021] The blocking member may be positioned between the terminal bus bar and an inner side of the opening hole.

[0022] The terminal bus bar may include a first portion connected to an electrode lead of the battery cell, and a second portion exposed to the outside through the opening.

[0023] The terminal bus bar may further include a bent portion formed between the first portion and the second portion, and the blocking member may be positioned between an inner side of the opening and the bent portion or between an inner side of the opening and the second portion. Effect of the Invention

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs in a battery module, the pressure inside the battery module increases, and therefore the blocking member can close the gap formed in the battery module, i.e., the gap through which high-temperature gas and flames may be emitted can be offset by utilizing the pressure increase inside the battery module.

[0025] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of FIG. [Diagram 3] 4 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention with an end plate and an insulating cover removed; FIG. [Figure 4] 4(a) and (b) are drawings showing a terminal bus bar included in the battery module of FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an end plate and an insulating cover according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a cross section taken along the line AA' in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a cross section taken along the line AA' in FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention may, however, be embodied in various different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0028] In order to clearly describe the present invention, parts unnecessary for the description are omitted, and the same reference numerals are used throughout the specification to refer to the same or similar components.

[0029] In addition, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for convenience of explanation, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those shown in the drawings. In the drawings, thicknesses are enlarged to clearly show multiple layers and regions. In the drawings, thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated for convenience of explanation.

[0030] In addition, when a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is said to be "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. In addition, being "above" a reference part means being located above or below the reference part, and does not necessarily mean being located "above" in the opposite direction to gravity.

[0031] Furthermore, throughout the specification, when a part is said to "comprise" a certain element, this does not mean that it excludes other elements and may further include other elements, unless specifically stated to the contrary.

[0032] Also, throughout the specification, a reference to "in a plane" means when the subject part is viewed from above, and a reference to "in cross section" means when the subject part is cut vertically and viewed from the side.

[0033] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of Fig. 1.

[0034] 1 and 2, a battery module 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention 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; and end plates 400 located on one and the other sides of the battery cell stack 120.

[0035] First, the battery cell 110 may be a pouch-type battery cell. Such a battery cell 110 may be formed in a rectangular sheet-type structure. For example, the battery cell 110 according to the present embodiment may have a structure in which two electrode leads 111 face each other and protrude from one side and the other side, respectively. More specifically, the electrode leads 111 are connected to an electrode assembly (not shown) and protrude from the electrode assembly (not shown) to the outside of the battery cell 110.

[0036] Meanwhile, the battery cell 110 may be manufactured by heat sealing the outer periphery of a pouch-type cell case in a state where an electrode assembly (not shown) is housed in the pouch-type cell case. The pouch-type cell case may be made of a laminate sheet including a resin layer and a metal layer.

[0037] Although only the battery cell 110 having a structure in which the electrode leads 111 protrude in both directions has been described above, it is of course possible to provide a unidirectional pouch-type battery cell in which the electrode leads protrude in both directions as another embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] The battery cell 110 is composed of a plurality of battery cells 110, which are stacked in one direction so as to be electrically connected to each other to form a battery cell stack 120. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of battery cells 110 may be stacked in a direction parallel to the x-axis. The pouch-type cell case generally has a laminate structure of a resin layer / metal thin film layer / resin layer. For example, if the surface of the pouch-type cell case is made of an O(oriented)-nylon layer, it tends to easily slip due to external impact when stacking a number of battery cells 110 to form a medium- to large-sized battery module. Therefore, in order to prevent this and maintain a stable stacked structure of the battery cells, an adhesive member such as a pressure-sensitive adhesive such as double-sided tape or a chemical adhesive that bonds by a chemical reaction during adhesion may be attached to the surface of the pouch-type cell case to form the battery cell stack 120.

[0039] The battery cell stack 120 is housed in a module frame 200. The module frame 200 may be a metal frame with both sides open. More specifically, the module frame 200 may be open in both directions in which the electrode leads 111 protrude from the battery cell stack 120. However, the module frame 200 shown in FIG. 2 is only an exemplary structure, and there is no particular limitation on the shape of the module frame 200 as long as it can house the battery cell stack 120. The module frame 200 in FIG. 2 is shown as a monoframe made of a metal plate material with an integrated upper surface, lower surface, and both side surfaces, but other shapes are possible, such as a U-shaped frame with an open top and a U-shaped frame and an inverted U-shaped frame combined with each other.

[0040] The end plates 400 are located on one and the other sides of the battery cell stack 120. That is, the end plates 400 may be located on both open sides of the module frame 200.

[0041] The module frame 200 and the end plate 400 may be joined by welding with corresponding edge portions in contact with each other. However, this is an exemplary method, and bolt fastening, hook fastening, etc. may be used as a mechanical connection form. The battery cell stack 120 is housed in a space formed by the module frame 200 and the end plate 400, so that the battery cell stack 120 can be physically protected. For this purpose, the module frame 200 and the end plate 400 may include a metal material having a predetermined strength, such as aluminum, or a plastic material.

[0042] Meanwhile, the battery module 100 according to the present embodiment includes a bus bar frame 300 positioned between the battery cell stack 120 and the end plate 400. In addition, the battery module 100 may include an insulating cover 600 positioned between the bus bar frame 300 and the end plate 400. That is, the bus bar frame 300, the insulating cover 600, and the end plate 400 may be sequentially positioned from the battery cell stack 120 outward. Like the end plate 400, the bus bar frame 300 and the insulating cover 600 may each be configured in a plurality of units.

[0043] Hereinafter, the openings formed in the terminal bus bar and the end plate according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0044] Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention with an end plate and an insulating cover removed. Fig. 4 (a) and (b) are views showing a terminal bus bar included in the battery module of Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing an end plate and an insulating cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] 2 to 5, a battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a terminal bus bar 320 mounted on a bus bar frame 300. In particular, an opening 410H is formed in the end plate 400, and the terminal bus bar 320 is exposed to the outside of the battery module 100 through the opening 410H.

[0046] More specifically, the battery module 100 according to the present embodiment may include a bus bar 310 and a terminal bus bar 320. The bus bar 310 and the terminal bus bar 320 may be mounted on a bus bar frame 300.

[0047] The busbars 310 and the terminal busbars 320 may be joined to the electrode leads 111 of the battery cells 110 to electrically connect the plurality of battery cells 110. Specifically, the busbar frames 300 to which the busbars 310 and the terminal busbars 320 are attached may be located on one side (y-axis direction) and the other side (-y-axis direction) of the battery cell stack 120, respectively. The one side (y-axis direction) and the other side (-y-axis direction) of the battery cell stack 120 correspond to the direction in which the electrode leads 111 of the battery cells 110 protrude. In other words, as described above, any one of the busbar frames 300 may be located between any one of the end plates 400 and the battery cell stack 120.

[0048] The bus bar frame 300 is formed with lead slits, and the electrode leads 111 of the battery cells 110 may pass through the lead slits and then bend to be joined to the bus bar 310 or the terminal bus bar 320. As long as a physical and electrical connection is possible, there is no particular limitation on the joining method, and welding may be performed as an example. That is, the battery cells 110 may be electrically connected to each other via the bus bar 310.

[0049] Meanwhile, a portion of the terminal bus bar 320 is exposed to the outside of the battery module 100. Specifically, an opening 410H is formed in the end plate 400, and a portion of the terminal bus bar 320 is exposed through the opening 410H. More specifically, the terminal bus bar 320 may include a first portion 321 connected to the electrode lead 111 of the battery cell 110, and a second portion 322 exposed to the outside through the opening 410H.

[0050] The second part 322 exposed to the outside of the battery module 100 may be connected to another battery module or a BDU (Battery Disconnect Unit) to form a HV (High Voltage) connection. Here, the HV connection is a connection that serves as a power source for supplying power, and refers to a connection between battery cells or a connection between battery modules. That is, the battery module 100 may be electrically connected to another adjacent battery module through the terminal bus bar 320.

[0051] Meanwhile, the battery module 100 according to the present embodiment may further include a sensing assembly 500. Here, the sensing assembly 500 is for a low voltage (LV) connection, where the LV connection means a sensing connection for sensing and controlling the voltage and temperature of a battery cell. Through the sensing assembly 500, voltage information and temperature information of the battery cell 110 may be measured and transmitted to an external BMS (Battery Management System). The sensing assembly 500 according to the present embodiment may include a module connector 510, a connection cable 520, and a joint member 530.

[0052] The module connector 510 is configured to transmit and receive signals to and from an external control device. A connector opening 420H is formed in the end plate 400, and the module connector 510 is exposed to the outside of the battery module 100 through the connector opening 420H, so that the module connector 510 can be connected to an external BMS.

[0053] The connection cable 520 is a component that connects the module connector 510 and the joint member 530, and may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) or a flexible flat cable (FFC). The module connector 510 and the connection cable 520 may be located at the upper end of the bus bar frame 300.

[0054] A joint member 530 may be connected to one end of the connecting cable 520, and the joint member 530 may be joined to one surface of the bus bar 310 by welding.

[0055] Voltage information regarding the plurality of battery cells 110 can be transmitted to an external BMS (Battery Management System) through the joining member 530, the connecting cable 520, and the module connector 510 in sequence.

[0056] Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 2, two bus bar frames 300 may be disposed on one side and the other side of the battery cell stack 120, respectively. In this case, the module connector 510 may be disposed on only one of the bus bar frames 300, and the module connector may not be disposed on the other bus bar frame 300. A connection cable 520 may be extended from the module connector 510 to the other bus bar frame 300 so that the module connector 510 may be connected to the bus bar 310 disposed on the other bus bar frame 300. An extended portion of the connection cable 520 may be disposed on an upper portion of the battery cell stack 120. A temperature sensor may be provided in a portion of the connection cable 520 disposed on the upper portion of the battery cell stack 120. Information on the temperature inside the battery module 100 may be transmitted to an external BMS (Battery Management System) through the temperature sensor via the connection cable 520 and the module connector 510 in sequence.

[0057] In this manner, the sensing assembly 500 can detect and control phenomena such as overvoltage, overcurrent, and overheating of each battery cell 110.

[0058] Meanwhile, as described above, the battery module 100 according to the present embodiment may include the insulating cover 600 located between the bus bar frame 300 and the end plate 400. It is preferable that a plurality of insulating covers 600 are provided. The insulating cover 600 may include an electrically insulating material, and blocks the bus bar 310 and the terminal bus bar 320 from contacting the end plate 400.

[0059] 3 and 5, an opening hole 610H may be formed in the insulating cover 600 at a portion corresponding to the opening 410H of the end plate 400. In addition, a connector opening hole 620H may be formed in the insulating cover 600 at a portion corresponding to the connector opening 420H of the end plate 400.

[0060] The terminal bus bar 320 according to this embodiment may be exposed to the outside of the battery module 100 through the opening hole 610H of the insulating cover 600 and the opening 410H of the end plate 400. In addition, the module connector 510 may be exposed to the outside of the battery module 100 through the connector opening hole 620H of the insulating cover 600 and the connector opening 420H of the end plate 400.

[0061] Meanwhile, the terminal bus bar 320 may be configured in a plurality of parts, one of which may function as a positive terminal of the battery module 100 and the other of which may function as a negative terminal of the battery module 100. Accordingly, the openings 410H and the opening holes 610H may each be configured in a plurality of parts.

[0062] Hereinafter, a blocking member according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0063] Figures 6 and 7 are partial cross-sectional views taken along line A-A' in Figure 1. At this time, Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery module in a normal state, and Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs in the battery module.

[0064] 3, 4, 6 and 7, the bus bar frame 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a blocking member 700 protruding toward the opening 410H. The blocking member 700 may be located inside the opening 410H.

[0065] Specifically, the blocking member 700 may be formed in a portion of the busbar frame 300 corresponding to the opening 410H of the end plate 400. The terminal busbar 320 is attached to one surface of the busbar frame 300, and the blocking member 700 may be located on the one surface of the busbar frame 300. In particular, the blocking member 700 may have a shape that protrudes toward the opening 410H from the one surface of the busbar frame 300, and may be located between the terminal busbar 320 and the inner side of the opening 410H.

[0066] A thermal runaway phenomenon may occur in the battery cells 110 inside the battery module 100. One example of a thermal runaway phenomenon is as follows: Physical, thermal, and electrical damage may occur to the battery cells 110, including overcharging, and the internal pressure of the battery cells 110 may increase. If the fusion strength of the pouch-type cell case of the battery cells 110 exceeds its limit, high temperature heat, venting gas, and the like generated in the battery cells 110 may be ejected to the outside of the battery cells 110.

[0067] A thermal runaway phenomenon occurring in any one battery cell may spread to other battery cells due to the convection effect, eventually generating high-temperature gas and flames inside the battery module 100. The generated high-temperature gas and flames may be ejected to the outside through the opening 410H of the end plate 400, causing damage to adjacent battery modules or inducing other thermal runaway phenomena in the adjacent battery modules. Ultimately, the thermal runaway phenomenon may spread to multiple battery modules, causing explosion and fire of the battery pack.

[0068] Therefore, in the battery module 100 according to the present embodiment, a blocking member 700 is provided inside the opening 410H of the end plate 400, which can block the opening 410H when the internal pressure of the module frame 200 increases. The internal pressure of the module frame 200 refers to the air pressure in the internal space of the module frame 200 that houses the battery cell stack 120. An increase in the internal pressure of the module frame 200 means that a large amount of gas has been generated in the internal space of the module frame 200 due to the thermal runaway phenomenon.

[0069] During a thermal runaway phenomenon, gas is emitted from the battery cells, causing an increase in the internal pressure of the module frame 200. This increase in internal pressure may cause the bus bar frame 300 to adhere closely to the end plate 400. In addition, the internal pressure P of the module frame 200 may cause a portion of the bus bar frame 300 to bend toward the end plate 400. For ease of explanation, this state is somewhat exaggerated in FIG. 7.

[0070] Due to this increase in the internal pressure of the module frame 200, the blocking member 700 located inside the opening 410H approaches the opening 410H, and ultimately closes the gap between the opening 410H and the terminal bus bar 320. This makes it possible to prevent high-temperature gas and flames from being ejected to the outside of the battery module 100. In other words, the gap through which high-temperature gas and flames may be ejected can be offset by utilizing the increase in the internal pressure of the battery module 100. Ultimately, it is possible to prevent the thermal runaway phenomenon occurring in one battery module from being propagated to other battery modules.

[0071] As described above, the terminal bus bar 320 may include the first portion 321 connected to the electrode lead 111 of the battery cell 110, and the second portion 322 exposed to the outside through the opening 410H. In addition, the terminal bus bar 320 may further include a bending portion 323 formed between the first portion 321 and the second portion 322. Therefore, one surface of the first portion 321 and one surface of the second portion 322 may be perpendicular to each other.

[0072] According to the present embodiment, the blocking member 700 may be located between the inner side of the opening 410H and the bent portion 323, or between the inner side of the opening 410H and the second portion 322. Although not specifically shown, the terminal bus bar 320 may be connected to another battery module or a battery disconnect unit (BDU) through a connecting member (not shown). The terminal bus bar 320 and the connecting member (not shown) may be joined by a method such as welding. At this time, the terminal bus bar 320 is designed to have a bent bent portion 323 and one surface of the second portion 322 is arranged parallel to the ground, so that the second portion 322 and the connecting member (not shown) can be easily joined.

[0073] Due to the above-mentioned structure, a gap is naturally formed between the inner edge of the opening 410H and the bending portion 323 or between the inner edge of the opening 410H and the second portion 322, and high-temperature gas and flames can be ejected in a concentrated manner through the gap.

[0074] By positioning the blocking member 700 inside the opening 410H, particularly between the inner edge of the opening 410H and the bending portion 323 or between the inner edge of the opening 410H and the second portion 322, the blocking member 700 is able to block the gap when the internal pressure of the module frame 200 rises.

[0075] Meanwhile, as described above, the battery module 100 according to the present embodiment may further include an insulating cover 600 positioned between the bus bar frame 300 and the end plate 400, and an opening hole 610H may be formed in a portion of the insulating cover 600 corresponding to the opening 410H. In addition, the terminal bus bar 320 may be exposed to the outside of the battery module 100 through the opening hole 610H of the insulating cover 600 and the opening 410H of the end plate 400.

[0076] At this time, the opening hole 610H may have a smaller opening area than the opening 410H in order to ensure insulation, and the inner side of the opening hole 610H may be located closer to the terminal bus bar 320 than the inner side of the opening 410H. The blocking member 700 according to the present embodiment may be located between the terminal bus bar 320 and the inner side of the opening hole 610H. More specifically, the blocking member 700 may be located between the inner side of the opening hole 610H and the bending portion 323, or between the inner side of the opening hole 610H and the second portion 322. Therefore, when a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs, the blocking member 700 approaches the opening hole 610H due to an increase in the internal pressure of the module frame 200, and can block the gap between the opening hole 610H and the terminal bus bar 320. Due to the operating principle of the blocking member 700, it is possible to prevent high-temperature gas and flames from being ejected to the outside of the battery module 100.

[0077] The shape of the blocking member 700 preferably corresponds to the opening area of ​​the opening 410H or the opening hole 610H. For example, referring to Fig. 3 and Fig. 5, the blocking member 700 may be connected along the horizontal direction to match the opening shape of the opening hole 610H, which has a horizontal width greater than its vertical width.

[0078] The blocking member 700 according to the present embodiment may include a protruding portion 710 protruding from one side of the busbar frame 300, and a blocking portion 720 surrounding the protruding portion 710. Specifically, the busbar frame 300 may be an insulating plastic member, and may be manufactured by injection molding, for example. At this time, the protruding portion 710 may be designed to be formed on one side of the busbar frame 300 during the injection molding process. That is, the protruding portion 710 may be configured to be integrated with the busbar frame 300.

[0079] The blocking portion 720 may include at least one of a foam material and a resin material. The blocking member 700 according to the present embodiment may be manufactured by covering the protruding portion 710 with the blocking portion 720. Meanwhile, the foam material and the resin material are preferably flame retardant.

[0080] Also, the blocking part 720 may include at least one of an epoxy resin, a vinyl chloride resin, and a fluorine resin. Referring to Figs. 6 and 7, when a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs, the internal temperature of the battery module 100 may rise, and the blocking part 720 may expand due to the temperature rise. Although the diagram is somewhat exaggerated for the convenience of explanation, Fig. 7 shows the blocking part 720 expanded more than the blocking part 720 shown in Fig. 6. The expanded blocking part 720 is more effective in sealing the gap between the opening 410H and the terminal bus bar 320 and the gap between the opening hole 610H and the terminal bus bar 320.

[0081] In this embodiment, terms indicating directions such as front, back, left, right, up, and down are used, but these terms are merely for convenience of explanation and may change depending on the position of the target object, the position of the observer, etc.

[0082] One or more battery modules according to the present embodiment described above may be mounted together with various control and protection systems, such as a Battery Management System (BMS), a Battery Disconnect Unit (BDU), and a cooling system, to form a battery pack.

[0083] The battery module or the battery pack may be applied to various devices, specifically, but not limited to, transportation means such as electric bicycles, electric cars, and hybrids, and ESS (Energy Storage Systems).

[0084] 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 claims also fall within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 100: Battery module 120: Battery cell stack 200:Module frame 300: Busbar frame 320: Terminal busbar 400: End plate 410H: Opening 700: Blocking member

Claims

1. A battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a module frame that houses the battery cell stack; end plates, each end of the battery cell stack having an opening formed therein; a bus bar frame positioned between the battery cell stack and the end plate; and a battery module including a terminal bus bar attached to the bus bar frame and exposed through the opening, the bus bar frame includes a blocking member protruding toward the opening, the blocking member is movable to block the opening due to increased pressure inside the battery module. Battery module.

2. The blocking member is located between the terminal bus bar and the inner side of the opening. The battery module according to claim 1 .

3. The blocking member is formed in a portion of the bus bar frame corresponding to the opening. The battery module according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The blocking member includes a protruding portion protruding from one surface of the bus bar frame and a blocking portion surrounding the protruding portion. The battery module according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The blocking portion includes at least one of a foam material and a resin material. The battery module according to claim 4 .

6. The blocking portion includes at least one of an epoxy resin, a vinyl chloride resin, and a fluorine resin. The battery module according to claim 4 .

7. the terminal bus bar is attached to one surface of the bus bar frame in a direction in which the end plate is located, The blocking member is located on the one surface of the bus bar frame. The battery module according to claim 1 or 2.

8. an insulating cover disposed between the bus bar frame and the end plate; an opening hole is formed in a portion of the insulating cover corresponding to the opening; The battery module according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The blocking member is located between the terminal bus bar and an inner side of the opening hole. The battery module according to claim 8 .

10. the terminal bus bar includes a first portion connected to an electrode lead of the battery cell and a second portion exposed to the outside through the opening. The battery module according to claim 1 or 2.

11. the terminal bus bar further includes a bending portion formed between the first portion and the second portion, The blocking member is located between an inner side of the opening and the bent portion, or between an inner side of the opening and the second portion. The battery module according to claim 10.

12. A battery pack comprising the battery module according to claim 1 or 2.

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