Battery module and battery pack including same

Abstract

A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a module frame that houses the battery cell stack; and a flame exhaust frame arranged to cover one side of the module frame. The flame exhaust frame is recessed in a direction opposite to the direction in which the one side of the module frame is located. A passage is formed between the flame exhaust frame and the one side of the module frame, and the passage leads to a flame exhaust port formed in the flame exhaust frame.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] [Cross-reference to related application(s)] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0035358 filed on March 18, 2021, Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0036925 filed on March 22, 2021, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0010585 filed on January 25, 2022, and all contents disclosed in the documents of said Korean patent applications 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 with enhanced safety 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 inside a metal can, and pouch-type secondary batteries, in which an electrode assembly is housed inside 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] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional battery module.

[0009] Referring to FIG. 1, battery modules 10a, 10b including a number of battery cells may be assembled and installed in a medium-sized or large-sized device such as an automobile. In the battery modules 10a, 10b including a number of battery cells or a battery pack including such battery modules 10a, 10b, the heat generated from the battery cells may be added together in a small space, causing the temperature to rise quickly and violently. In other words, the battery modules 10a, 10b including a number of stacked battery cells and the battery pack including such battery modules 10a, 10b can obtain high output, but it is not easy 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 deterioration of the battery cells will be accelerated, the lifespan will be shortened, and the possibility of explosion or fire will increase.

[0010] Furthermore, battery modules included in a vehicle battery pack are frequently exposed to direct sunlight and may be placed in high temperature conditions such as in summer or in desert regions. Also, since multiple battery modules 10a, 10b are arranged in a concentrated manner to increase the mileage of a vehicle, a flame or heat generated in any one battery module 10a may easily spread to the adjacent battery module 10b, which may ultimately lead to an explosion or fire of the battery pack itself.

[0011] Therefore, there is a need for a battery module that can block flame propagation. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] An object of the present invention is to provide a battery module capable of controlling the propagation of a flame generated inside to the outside, and a battery pack including the same.

[0013] 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]

[0014] A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a module frame that houses the battery cell stack; and a flame exhaust frame arranged to cover one side of the module frame. The flame exhaust frame is recessed in a direction opposite to the direction in which the one side of the module frame is located. A passage is formed between the flame exhaust frame and the one side of the module frame, and the passage leads to a flame exhaust port formed in the flame exhaust frame.

[0015] A through hole may be formed in the one surface of the module frame, and the passage portion may connect from the through hole to the flame exhaust port.

[0016] The battery module may further include a flame quenching member disposed between the one surface of the module frame and the flame exhaust frame, and the through hole may be in contact with the flame quenching member.

[0017] The passageway may be bent at least once to lead to the flame outlet.

[0018] The module frame may have opposite open sides, and a first end plate and a second end plate may be disposed to cover the opposite open sides of the module frame, respectively.

[0019] A first through hole and a second through hole may be formed in the one surface of the module frame, and the passage may connect the first through hole and the second through hole to the flame exhaust port. The first through hole may be located adjacent to the first end plate, and the second through hole may be located adjacent to the second end plate.

[0020] The battery cell may include electrode leads, one of the electrode leads may protrude toward the first end plate, and the other of the electrode leads may protrude toward the second end plate.

[0021] The flame exhaust frame may extend to a side of the first end plate and a side of the second end plate.

[0022] A through hole may be formed in at least one of a side surface of the first end plate and a side surface of the second end plate, and the passage may connect from the through hole to the flame exhaust port.

[0023] The battery module may further include a flame quenching member disposed between the one surface of the module frame and the flame exhaust frame, and the through hole may be in contact with the flame quenching member.

[0024] A partition may be formed in at least one of the surfaces of the flame exhaust frame or the module frame, and a path formed by the passage may be bent and connected in a plurality of ways by the partition.

[0025] The battery module may further include a flame-extinguishing member disposed between the one surface of the module frame and the flame exhaust frame, and the flame-extinguishing member may have a multi-layer flame-extinguishing mesh structure.

[0026] The battery module may further include a heat sink located under a bottom of the module frame, and a flow path through which a coolant flows may be formed between the bottom of the module frame and the heat sink.

[0027] The module frame may include module frame protrusions protruding in one direction from the bottom of the module frame. Any one of the module frame protrusions may be formed with a coolant inlet port for supplying a coolant to the heat sink, and the other of the module frame protrusions may be formed with a coolant outlet port for discharging the coolant from the heat sink.

[0028] The flame exhaust port may be opened in a direction opposite to the one direction in which the module frame protrusion protrudes. Effect of the Invention

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, by providing a separate flame exhaust path in a battery module, even if a flame occurs inside the battery module, the flame can be prevented from spreading to the outside. The flame that occurs in one battery module can be prevented from spreading to other battery modules or other electrical equipment. In other words, the safety of the battery module and the battery pack against fire can be increased.

[0030] 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]

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional battery module. [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 4 is a perspective view showing one of the battery cells included in the battery module of FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a flame exhaust frame and a top plate included in the battery module of FIG. 3. [Figure 6]6 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section taken along the line AA' in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a flame exhaust frame and top plate according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view of the flame exhaust frame and upper plate of FIG. 7 viewed from the "B" direction. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a flame ejection frame according to a modified embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a flame ejection frame according to a modified embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 11] 4 is a perspective view showing a heat sink included in the battery module of FIG. 3. [Figure 12] 4 is a perspective view showing a lower frame, a first thermally conductive resin layer, and a second thermally conductive resin layer included in the battery module of FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 13] 1 is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 15 is an exploded perspective view of the upper part of the battery module in FIG. 14. [Figure 16] 15 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module shown in FIG. 14 except for the upper part. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 15 is a top view showing an upper portion of the battery module of FIG. [Figure 18] 11 is a perspective view of a battery module according to still another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 19] 19 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of FIG. 18, showing a side surface of the battery module. [Figure 20] 19 is a side view showing a side surface of the battery module of FIG. 18. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] 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.

[0033] In order to clearly explain the present invention, parts unnecessary for the explanation are omitted, and the same reference numerals are used throughout the specification to refer to the same or similar components.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of Fig. 2, Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing one of the battery cells included in the battery module of Fig. 3.

[0039] 2 to 4, a battery module 100a 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 a flame exhaust frame 800 arranged to cover one side of the module frame 200.

[0040] First, the battery cell 110 is preferably a pouch-type battery cell and may be formed in a rectangular sheet-type structure. For example, the battery cell 110 according to this embodiment has a structure in which two electrode leads 111 and 112 face each other and protrude from one end 114a and the other end 114b of a cell body 113, respectively. That is, the battery cell 110 includes electrode leads 111 and 112 protruding in directions opposite to each other. More specifically, the electrode leads 111 and 112 are connected to an electrode assembly (not shown) and protrude from the electrode assembly (not shown) to the outside of the battery cell 110.

[0041] Meanwhile, the battery cell 110 may be manufactured by bonding both ends 114a, 114b of the cell case 114 to one side 114c connecting them in a state where an electrode assembly (not shown) is housed in the cell case 114. In other words, the battery cell 110 according to this embodiment has a total of three sealing parts 114sa, 114sb, and 114sc, and the sealing parts 114sa, 114sb, and 114sc are structured to be sealed by a method such as heat fusion, and the remaining other side may be formed of the connecting part 115. The cell case 114 may be formed of a laminate sheet including a resin layer and a metal layer.

[0042] In addition, the connecting portion 115 may extend long along one edge of the battery cell 110, and a butt ear 110p may be formed at an end of the connecting portion 115. In addition, when the cell case 114 is sealed with the protruding electrode leads 111, 112 therebetween, a terrace portion 116 may be formed between the electrode leads 111, 112 and the cell body 113. In other words, the battery cell 110 may include the terrace portion 116 formed by extending from the cell case 114 in the direction in which the electrode leads 111, 112 protrude.

[0043] Such a battery cell 110 may be configured in a plurality of pieces, and the plurality of battery cells 110 may be stacked so as to be electrically connected to each other to form a battery cell stack 120. As an example, as shown in FIG. 3, the plurality of battery cells 110 may be stacked along a direction parallel to the x-axis. To this end, the electrode leads 111 and 112 may protrude in the y-axis direction and the -y-axis direction, respectively. Although not specifically shown, an adhesive member may be disposed between the battery cells 110. To this end, the battery cells 110 may be adhered to each other to form the battery cell stack 120.

[0044] The battery cell stack 120 according to the present embodiment may be a large-area module having a larger number of battery cells 110 than in the past. Specifically, 32 to 48 battery cells 110 may be included per battery module 100a. In the case of such a large-area module, the horizontal length of the battery module becomes long. Here, the horizontal length may refer to the direction in which the battery cells 110 are stacked, i.e., the length in the direction parallel to the x-axis.

[0045] Meanwhile, when the battery cell 110 is repeatedly charged and discharged, heat is generated, and a large amount of heat is generated in the areas adjacent to the electrode leads 111 and 112. In other words, more heat is generated during charging and discharging closer to the terrace portion 116 than in the center portion of the cell body 113.

[0046] The module frame 200 may include a lower frame 210 that covers the bottom and both sides of the battery cell stack 120 , and a top plate 220 that covers the top of the battery cell stack 120 .

[0047] The lower frame 210 covers the lower surface and both side surfaces of the battery cell stack 120. Specifically, the lower frame 210 may include a bottom 210a and two side surfaces 210b extending upward from both ends of the bottom 210a. The bottom 210a may cover the lower surface of the battery cell stack 120, and the two side surfaces 210b may cover both side surfaces of the battery cell stack 120. Here, the lower surface of the battery cell stack 120 is referred to as a surface in the -z axis direction, and both side surfaces of the battery cell stack 120 are referred to as surfaces in the x axis and -x axis directions. However, these are referred to as surfaces for convenience of explanation, and may be changed depending on the position of the target object, the position of the observer, etc.

[0048] The upper plate 220 covers an upper surface of the battery cell stack 120. Here, the upper surface of the battery cell stack 120 refers to a surface in the z-axis direction. The upper plate 220 and the lower frame 210 are joined by welding with corresponding edges in contact with each other, thereby forming a structure that covers the battery cell stack 120 from above, below, left and right. The upper plate 220 and the lower frame 210 can physically protect the battery cell stack 120.

[0049] Meanwhile, the battery module 100a according to the present embodiment may further include a first end plate 410 and a second end plate 420. The module frame 200 may have opposite open sides, and the first end plate 410 and the second end plate 420 may be disposed to cover the opposite open sides of the module frame 200, respectively.

[0050] Specifically, a front surface of the battery cell stack 120 may be covered by a first end plate 410, and a rear surface of the battery cell stack 120 may be covered by a second end plate 420. Here, the front surface of the battery cell stack 120 refers to the surface in the y-axis direction, and the rear surface of the battery cell stack 120 refers to the surface in the -y-axis direction. In addition, from the perspective of the battery cells 110 and the electrode leads 111, 112, one of the electrode leads 111, 112 may protrude toward the first end plate 410, and the other of the electrode leads 111, 112 may protrude toward the second end plate 420.

[0051] The first end plate 410 and the second end plate 420 may be positioned on both open sides of the module frame 200 and formed to cover the battery cell stack 120. The first end plate 410 and the second end plate 420 may be joined by welding while in contact with the corresponding edge of the module frame 200. The first end plate 410 and the second end plate 420 may physically protect the battery cell stack 120 and other electrical components from external impacts.

[0052] Meanwhile, although not specifically shown, a bus bar frame on which a bus bar is mounted and an insulating cover for electrical insulation may be located between the battery cell stack 120 and the end plates 410 and 420.

[0053] The flame exhaust frame according to this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to Figs. 5 and 6 etc.

[0054] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a flame exhaust frame and an upper plate included in the battery module of Figure 3. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of Figure 5. At this time, Figure 6 shows a state in which the flame exhaust frame 800 and the upper plate 220 of Figure 5 are in contact with each other.

[0055] 3, 5 and 6, the flame exhaust frame 800 according to the present embodiment is disposed to cover one side of the module frame 200, as described above. As an example, as illustrated, the flame exhaust frame 800 may be positioned on the upper plate 220 while covering one side of the upper plate 220 of the module frame 200. That is, in one embodiment, the one side of the module frame 200 may correspond to the upper plate 220.

[0056] The flame exhaust frame 800 is recessed in the opposite direction to the one surface of the module frame 200. A passage 800p is formed between the flame exhaust frame 800 and the one surface of the module frame 200, and the passage 800p is connected to a flame exhaust port 800U formed in the flame exhaust frame 800.

[0057] Here, the flame exhaust frame 800 being recessed in the opposite direction to the one side of the module frame 200 means that the flame exhaust frame 800 is a frame having an open surface in the direction in which the one side of the module frame 200 is located. As an example, the flame exhaust frame 800 may include an upper surface 800-1, a front surface 800-2, a rear surface 800-3, and both side surfaces 800-4, and the lower surface may be open.

[0058] A through hole 220H may be formed on the one surface of the module frame 200. Specifically, the through hole 220H may be formed on the upper plate 220 of the module frame 200. The through hole 220H may be opened toward the battery cell stack 120, and the passage portion 800p may connect from the through hole 220H to the flame exhaust port 800U. The flame exhaust frame 800 according to the present embodiment is not a frame having a simple opening, but a member having a passage portion 800p through which the flame F can move. The flame F generated in the battery cell stack 120 of the battery module 100a flows into the passage portion 800p between the flame exhaust frame 800 and the one surface of the module frame 200 through the through hole 220H. The flame F moving along the passage portion 800p is exhausted to the outside through the flame exhaust port 800U.

[0059] The flame exhaust port 800U is open toward the outside of the battery module 100a. Specifically, the flame exhaust port 800U may be formed in at least one of the top surface 800-1, the front surface 800-2, the rear surface 800-3, or both side surfaces 800-4 of the flame exhaust frame 800. As an example, FIGS. 5 and 6 show the flame exhaust port 800U formed in the top surface 800-1 of the flame exhaust frame 800.

[0060] Corresponding edges between the flame exhaust frame 800 and the one side of the module frame 200 may be joined together.

[0061] The upper plate 220 may be a plate-shaped member having a through hole 220H formed therein. The upper plate 220 may be joined to the open lower surface of the flame exhaust frame 800 to form a passage 800p of the flame exhaust frame 800. There is no particular limitation on the joining method, and welding may be used as an example. The space between the flame exhaust frame 800 and the upper plate 220 may be formed as a passage 800p through which the flame F moves.

[0062] Meanwhile, the through hole 220H may include a first through hole 220H1 and a second through hole 220H2. That is, the first through hole 220H1 and the second through hole 220H2 may be formed on the surface of the module frame 200, and the passage portion 800p may connect the first through hole 220H1 and the second through hole 220H2 to the flame exhaust port 800U.

[0063] The first through hole 220H1 may be positioned adjacent to the first end plate 410, and the second through hole 220H2 may be positioned adjacent to the second end plate 420. The first through hole 220H1 and the second through hole 220H2 may be positioned apart from each other along the y-axis direction.

[0064] As described above, the first end plate 410 and the second end plate 420 may respectively cover the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 120. In this case, the electrode leads 111, 112 (see FIG. 4 ) of the battery cells 110 may be located at the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 120. In other words, one of the electrode leads 111, 112 of the battery cells 110 constituting the battery cell stack 120 may protrude toward the first end plate 410, and the other of the electrode leads 111, 112 of the battery cells 110 may protrude toward the second end plate 420.

[0065] In the battery cell 110, a large amount of heat is generated in the portion close to the electrode leads 111, 112 rather than in the central portion of the cell body 113 during charging and discharging. With respect to the battery cell stack 120, a large amount of heat is generated in the portion adjacent to the portion from which the electrode leads 111, 112 protrude. Therefore, the first through hole 220H1 and the second through hole 220H2 can be provided in the portion adjacent to the first end plate 410 and the second end plate 420, respectively, on the one surface of the module frame 200. That is, the first through hole 220H1 and the second through hole 220H2 can be positioned so as to be adjacent to the portion from which the electrode leads 111, 112 protrude. The first through hole 220H1 and the second through hole 220H2 can be positioned so as to be adjacent to the portion of the battery cell stack 120 that opens and generates the most heat, that is, the portion where a flame is likely to occur.

[0066] Meanwhile, the through holes 220H may be connected along the stacking direction of the battery cells 110. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the through holes 220H may be opened to be connected along the x-axis direction parallel to the stacking direction of the battery cells 110. More specifically, the first through holes 220H1 and the second through holes 220H2 may be opened to be connected along the x-axis direction. Therefore, all of the battery cells 110 constituting the battery cell stack 120 may be exposed through the through holes 220H. That is, the through holes 220H are not formed to expose only some of the battery cells 110, but are opened to correspond to all of the battery cells 110. Therefore, even if a flame occurs from a certain battery cell 110, it can easily flow into the flame exhaust frame 800 through the through holes 220H.

[0067] 5 and 6, a flame exhaust port 800U may be formed on an upper surface 800-1 of the flame exhaust frame 800. In this case, the through hole 220H and the flame exhaust port 800U may be positioned to be offset from each other based on a direction perpendicular to the upper surface 800-1 of the flame exhaust frame 800. Here, the direction perpendicular to the upper surface 800-1 of the flame exhaust frame 800 may be a direction parallel to the z-axis.

[0068] Specifically, the flame exhaust port 800U may be positioned so as to be offset from both the first through-hole 220H1 and the second through-hole 220H2 with respect to a direction perpendicular to the upper surface 800-1 of the flame exhaust frame 800. As an example, the flame exhaust port 800U may be positioned in the center of the upper surface 800-1 of the flame exhaust frame 800. As the flame exhaust port 800U is positioned so as to be offset from the through-hole 220H, the passage portion 800p may be bent at least once to connect from the through-hole 220H to the flame exhaust port 800U.

[0069] Due to the above-mentioned structure, the flame F flowing into the flame exhaust frame 800 is not immediately exhausted to the flame exhaust port 800U, but is exhausted after moving along the passage portion 800p to a certain extent. While the flame F moves along the path formed by the passage portion 800p, the flame F may be weakened or extinguished because not enough air (oxygen) is supplied. That is, a kind of smothering extinguishment effect may be achieved. Therefore, even if the flame F occurs inside the battery module 100a, the flame can be prevented or delayed from spreading to other adjacent battery modules or other electrical equipment. In particular, when the battery module 100a is included in a vehicle battery pack, the propagation of the flame F can be delayed, thereby ensuring time for the driver to escape from a fire or explosion.

[0070] In addition, when taking into consideration the nature of flames and sparks that have a strong tendency to travel in a straight line and shoot out instantaneously, if the path of the passage section 800p is configured so that it is bent at least once rather than in a straight line, there will be no significant effect on gas exhaust, but the direct ejection of flame F can be significantly restricted.

[0071] Meanwhile, as a comparative example of the present invention, a separate flame exhaust path may be provided in the end plate of the battery module itself. Unlike the present embodiment in which a flame exhaust path is provided in the flame exhaust frame 800 covering the upper surface of the battery cell stack 120, when a flame exhaust path is provided in the end plate itself, the path through which the flame moves is short and the amount of flame that can move is inevitably limited. Since the path is short and the amount of movement is limited, the smothering effect is insignificant compared to the present embodiment. In other words, the generated flame is more likely to be blown out of the battery module without being weakened or extinguished. In contrast, the flame exhaust frame 800 according to the present embodiment has the advantage of being able to form a flame exhaust path with sufficient length and movement amount.

[0072] Meanwhile, the path formed by the passage portion 800p may be bent and connected in multiple ways within the flame exhaust frame 800. Specifically, a partition wall portion 800W may be formed in at least one location on the one surface of the flame exhaust frame 800 or the module frame 200. The partition wall portion 800W may allow the path formed by the passage portion 800p to be bent and connected in multiple ways. In other words, the partition wall portion 800W allows the flame F to move along a winding path.

[0073] As long as the path formed by the passage portion 800p can be configured to be bent, there is no particular limit to the number or position of the partition wall portions 800W. As an example, four partition wall portions 800W are provided in Figures 5 and 6. Two of the partition wall portions 800W are connected to the upper surface 800-1 of the flame exhaust frame 800, and the other two partition wall portions 800W are connected to one surface of the module frame 200, i.e., the upper plate 220.

[0074] As described above, by disposing the partition wall portion 800W, the path of the passage portion 800p can be set to be more complicated. As the exhaust path of the flame F becomes more complicated, the flame F, which has a strong tendency to move in a straight line, can be effectively prevented from being directly exhausted to the outside. In addition, since the path along which the flame F moves becomes longer, the flame F can be weakened or extinguished while moving. In other words, the smothering extinguishment effect can be increased. The flame exhaust frame 800 to which the partition wall portion 800W is added according to this embodiment can have an improved fire extinguishing function.

[0075] Hereinafter, a flame exhaust frame according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figs.

[0076] Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a flame exhaust frame according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 8 is a plan view of the flame exhaust frame of Fig. 7 viewed from the "B" direction.

[0077] A flame exhaust frame 800' according to another embodiment of the present invention is recessed in a direction opposite to the direction in which the one surface of the module frame 200 is located, and a passage portion 800P' is formed between the flame exhaust frame 800' and the one surface of the module frame 200. The passage portion 800P' is connected to a flame exhaust port 800U' formed in the flame exhaust frame 800'.

[0078] The surface of the module frame 200, particularly the upper plate 220, may have a through hole 220H' formed therein.

[0079] As described above, the flame exhaust port according to this embodiment may be formed in at least one of the top, front, rear and side surfaces of the flame exhaust frame. Figures 7 and 8 show, as an example, a flame exhaust port 800U' formed in the rear surface of a flame exhaust frame 800'. Here, the rear surface of the flame exhaust frame refers to the surface in the -y-axis direction.

[0080] Meanwhile, the flame exhaust frame 800' may include a partition wall 800W', and a plurality of passages 800P' may be formed by the partition wall 800W'. There is no particular limit to the number or location of the partition wall 800W'. Figures 7 and 8 show seven partition walls 800W' connected to the flame exhaust frame 800'.

[0081] Meanwhile, Figures 9 and 10 are perspective views showing a flame exhaust frame according to a modified embodiment of the present invention. As described above, the flame exhaust port may be formed in at least one of the top, front, rear and side of the flame exhaust frame. Figures 5 and 6 show an example in which the flame exhaust port is formed in the top of the flame exhaust frame. Hereinafter, various positions of the flame exhaust port according to the modified embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figures 9 and 10.

[0082] First, referring to Fig. 9, a flame exhaust frame 800a according to a modified embodiment of the present invention may include a flame exhaust port 800U, which may be formed on a front surface 800-2 and a rear surface 800-3 of the flame exhaust frame 800a. There is no particular limitation on the size and position of the flame exhaust port 800U formed on the front surface 800-2 and the rear surface 800-3, and the size and position may vary depending on the design. As an example, Fig. 9 shows a flame exhaust port 800U located on one side of the front surface 800-2 or the rear surface 800-3.

[0083] Next, referring to Fig. 10, a flame exhaust frame 800b according to a modified embodiment of the present invention may include a flame exhaust port 800U, which may be formed on both sides 800-4 of the flame exhaust frame 800b. There is no particular limit to the size and position of the flame exhaust port 800U formed on both sides 800-4, and it may vary depending on the design. As an example, one flame exhaust port 800U in Fig. 10 may be formed in a portion of one side 800-4 close to the front surface 800-2, and another flame exhaust port 800U may be formed in a portion of the other side 800-4 close to the rear surface 800-3.

[0084] Hereinafter, a heat sink and a thermally conductive resin layer according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0085] Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing a heat sink included in the battery module of Fig. 3. Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing a lower frame, a first thermally conductive resin layer, and a second thermally conductive resin layer included in the battery module of Fig. 3.

[0086] 3, 11 and 12, the battery module 100a according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a heat sink 300 located below the bottom 210a of the module frame 200. The heat sink 300 is a member through which a coolant flows and may be disposed to cool the battery cell stack 120. Meanwhile, the coolant is a medium for cooling and may be, but is not limited to, cooling water.

[0087] Specifically, the heat sink 300 according to the present embodiment may be located under the bottom 210a of the lower frame 210. A flow path through which a coolant flows is formed between the heat sink 300 and the bottom 210a of the lower frame 210.

[0088] The heat sink 300 may include a lower plate 310 joined to the bottom 210a of the lower frame 210, and a recess 320 recessed downward from the lower plate 310. The lower plate 310 is a part that forms the framework of the heat sink 300, and may be directly joined to the bottom 210a of the lower frame 210 by welding.

[0089] The recess 320 is a portion recessed downward and may be a pipe having a U-shaped cross section cut in an xz plane or yz plane perpendicular to the direction in which the refrigerant flow path extends, and the bottom 210a may be located on the open upper side of the U-shaped pipe. The space between the recess 320 and the bottom 210a is an area where the refrigerant flows, i.e., the refrigerant flow path. Therefore, the bottom 210a of the lower frame 210 may be in direct contact with the refrigerant.

[0090] The module frame 200 may include module frame protrusions 211 protruding in one direction from a bottom 210a of the module frame 200. A coolant inlet port 610 for supplying a coolant to the heat sink may be formed in one of the module frame protrusions 211, and a coolant outlet port 620 for discharging the coolant from the heat sink 300 may be formed in the other of the module frame protrusions 211. Meanwhile, the heat sink 300 may include heat sink protrusions 300p protruding from regions corresponding to the module frame protrusions 211, respectively.

[0091] The refrigerant introduced through the refrigerant inlet port 610 flows from one side to the other along a path formed by the recess 320 and can then be discharged through the refrigerant outlet port 620 .

[0092] Meanwhile, the recess 320 may have a protruding pattern 300D protruding upward. In the case of a large-area battery module in which the number of stacked battery cells is increased compared to the conventional case, such as the battery cell stack 120 according to the present embodiment, the width of the refrigerant flow path may be wider, which may result in greater temperature deviation. The protruding pattern 300D has the effect of substantially reducing the width of the cooling flow path, thereby minimizing pressure drop and reducing temperature deviation across the width of the refrigerant flow path. Therefore, a uniform cooling effect can be achieved for the battery cell stack 120.

[0093] The battery module 100 a according to this embodiment may further include a first thermally conductive resin layer 710 and a second thermally conductive resin layer 720 located between the lower surface of the battery cell stack 120 and the bottom 210 a of the lower frame 210 .

[0094] The first thermally conductive resin layer 710 and the second thermally conductive resin layer 720 may include a thermally conductive resin. The thermally conductive resin may be applied to the bottom 210a of the lower frame 210 to form the first thermally conductive resin layer 710 and the second thermally conductive resin layer 720. The thermally conductive resin may include a thermally conductive adhesive material, and may specifically include at least one of a silicone material, a urethane material, and an acrylic material. The thermally conductive resin is liquid when applied, but hardens after application to fix one or more battery cells 110 constituting the battery cell stack 120. In addition, the thermally conductive resin has excellent thermal conductivity characteristics, and can quickly transfer heat generated in the battery cells 110 to the outside of the battery module 100a to prevent overheating of the battery module.

[0095] The first thermally conductive resin layer 710 and the second thermally conductive resin layer 720 may be positioned apart from each other along a direction parallel to the protruding direction of the electrode leads 111, 112. As described above, in the battery cell stack 120, the electrode leads 111, 112 may protrude in the y-axis direction and the -y-axis direction, respectively. The first thermally conductive resin layer 710 and the second thermally conductive resin layer 720 may be positioned apart from each other along a direction parallel to the y-axis in accordance with the protruding direction of the electrode leads 111, 112. In particular, the first thermally conductive resin layer 710 and the second thermally conductive resin layer 720 may be positioned adjacent to both opposing sides of the bottom 210a of the lower frame 210, respectively.

[0096] The battery module 100a according to the present embodiment is configured to provide the first thermally conductive resin layer 710 and the second thermally conductive resin layer 720 at the portions of the battery cells 110 that generate a lot of heat, thereby concentrating the cooling function and eliminating the temperature deviation of the battery cells 110. To this end, in the battery module 100a according to the present embodiment, heat can be effectively dissipated at both ends of the battery cells 110 that generate a lot of heat, thereby minimizing the temperature deviation between the various portions of the battery cells 110.

[0097] Specifically, heat generated at both ends of the battery cell 110 where heat is intense passes through the first thermally conductive resin layer 710 or the second thermally conductive resin layer 720, the bottom 210a of the lower frame 210, and the heat sink 300 in that order, and is then discharged to the outside.

[0098] Meanwhile, in the center portion of the battery cell 110 where heat generation is relatively weak, the thermally conductive resin is not applied, and a kind of air layer may be formed between the battery cell 110 and the bottom portion 210a of the lower frame 210. The air layer functions as a heat insulating layer and can relatively restrict heat emission.

[0099] As described above, the temperature difference between the parts of the battery cell 110 is eliminated by designing the parts of the battery cell 110 that generate a lot of heat and the parts of the battery cell 110 that generate only a small amount of heat to have different levels of heat emission.

[0100] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] 3 and 13, a battery pack 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include battery modules 100-1 and 100-2. The battery modules 100-1 and 100-2 may be configured in plurality, and each may include a flame exhaust frame 800.

[0102] If a flame F occurs in one battery module 100-1, the flame F can flow into the flame exhaust frame 800 and be exhausted to the outside of the battery module 100-1. Even if a flame F occurs inside one battery module 100-1, the flame can be prevented or delayed from spreading to another adjacent battery module 100-2. In particular, when the battery pack 1000 according to the present embodiment is installed in a vehicle, the spread of the flame F can be delayed, allowing the driver time to escape from a fire or explosion.

[0103] Hereinafter, a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described, except that a description of parts that are the same as those described above will be omitted.

[0104] Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the upper part of the battery module of Fig. 14.

[0105] 14 and 15, a battery module 100b 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 a flame exhaust frame 800 arranged to cover one side of the module frame 200.

[0106] The battery module 100b may further include a first end plate 410 and a second end plate 420 covering front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 120, respectively. A bus bar frame 150 may be disposed between each of the first and second end plates 410, 420 and the battery cell stack 120. Here, a bus bar (not shown) electrically connected to the battery cell stack 120 may be positioned on the bus bar frame 150.

[0107] Meanwhile, although not specifically shown, an insulating cover that covers the bus bar frame 150 and provides electrical insulation may be provided.

[0108] In addition, the module frame 200 may include a lower frame 210 having an open top surface, front surface, and rear surface, and an upper plate 220 covering an upper portion of the battery cell stack 120. In particular, the lower frame 210 may include a bottom portion 210a covering a lower surface of the battery cell stack 120, and side portions 210b covering both side surfaces of the battery cell stack 120.

[0109] However, the module frame 200 is not limited to this and may be replaced with a frame having one side connected to the upper part of an L-shaped frame, or a frame having an open lower center part of a monoframe that surrounds the battery cell stack 120 except for the front and rear sides.

[0110] Furthermore, the battery cell stack 120 has multiple battery cells 110 stacked in one direction (the y-axis direction), and it is preferable that the battery cells 110 are pouch-type battery cells. Descriptions of the battery cells 110 and the battery cell stack 120 will be omitted as they are the same as those described above.

[0111] The following description will focus on the flame ejection frame 800.

[0112] 14 and 15, a flame exhaust frame 800 is disposed to cover one side of a module frame 200. The flame exhaust frame 800 is recessed in a direction opposite to the direction in which the one side of the module frame 200 is disposed.

[0113] For example, the flame exhaust frame 800 may be similar to a monoframe with one side open, and may have at least one partition wall 800W extending toward the open side.

[0114] Here, the partition wall 800W may be integrated with the flame exhaust frame 800 or attached to the flame exhaust frame 800 by an adhesive method such as welding. For example, the partition wall 800W may be made of the same material as the flame exhaust frame 800 or may be made of a material having similar heat resistance to the flame exhaust frame 800.

[0115] More specifically, the partition wall portion 800W extends toward one open surface of the flame exhaust frame 800, and the width of the partition wall portion 800W may be the same as the thickness of the side surface of the flame exhaust frame 800.

[0116] Therefore, even if flame and / or high-temperature gas flows into the flame exhaust frame 800 when a fire event occurs in the battery module 100b, the flame and / or high-temperature gas can move along the flow path of the passage 800p formed by the partition 800W. In other words, the flame exhaust frame 800 can slow down the speed at which the flame and / or high-temperature gas in the battery module 100b is exhausted.

[0117] However, the number, position, thickness, etc. of the partition walls 800W included in the flame exhaust frame 800 are not limited to those shown in Figures 14 and 15, and can be changed depending on the flame exhaust effect of the flame exhaust frame 800.

[0118] In addition, a flame exhaust port 800U may be formed in the flame exhaust frame 800, and the passage portion 800p may be connected to the flame exhaust port 800U. More specifically, on one side of the flame exhaust frame 800, the flame exhaust port 800U may be formed between the side of the flame exhaust frame 800 and the partition wall portion 800W, or between two partition wall portions 800W located adjacent to each other.

[0119] To this end, the flame and / or high-temperature gas flowing into the flame exhaust frame 800 is exhausted to the outside of the battery module 100b in a direction guided by the flame exhaust port 800U.

[0120] More specifically, in this embodiment, the flame exhaust frame 800 may be positioned on the upper plate 220. Here, one surface of the upper plate 220 may constitute one open surface of the flame exhaust frame 800.

[0121] Therefore, the open side of the flame exhaust frame 800 can be substituted for one side of the module frame 200, thereby reducing the number of components of the flame exhaust frame 800. In addition, the space utilization rate of the battery module 100b can be increased, and the weight of the flame exhaust frame 800 can be reduced.

[0122] Also, in this embodiment, at least one through hole 220H may be formed on the one side of the module frame 200. As an example, the through hole 220H may be formed at a position corresponding to a passage portion 800p formed by at least one partition wall portion 800W of the flame exhaust frame 800. That is, the through hole 220H may be formed between a side surface of the flame exhaust frame 800 and the partition wall portion 800W, or between two partition wall portions 800W that are adjacent to each other.

[0123] However, the position of the through hole 220H is not limited to this, but is not limited to any position as long as the flame and / or high-temperature gas within the battery module 100b can be easily discharged while ensuring the durability and airtightness of the battery module 100b in the event of an ignition of the battery module 100b.

[0124] To this end, a through hole 220H is formed in the upper plate 220 so that flame and / or high-temperature gas within the battery module 100b can easily flow into the flame exhaust frame 800 in the event of a fire occurring in the battery module 100b.

[0125] In addition, the through hole 220H may include a first through hole 220H1 and a second through hole 220H2. That is, the first through hole 220H1 and the second through hole 220H2 may be formed on the one surface of the module frame 200, and the passage portion 800p may connect the first through hole 220H1 and the second through hole 220H2 to the flame exhaust port 800U.

[0126] The first through hole 220H1 may be positioned adjacent to the first end plate 410, and the second through hole 220H2 may be positioned adjacent to the second end plate 420. The first through hole 220H1 and the second through hole 220H2 may be positioned apart from each other along the x-axis direction. Details regarding the first through hole 220H1 and the second through hole 220H2 are omitted because they are overlapping with those described above.

[0127] Meanwhile, the battery module 100b according to the present embodiment may further include a flame quenching member 900 located between one side of the module frame 200 and the flame exhaust frame 800. That is, the flame quenching member 900 may be located on a flame exhaust path of the flame and / or high-temperature gas moving from one side of the module frame 200 to the flame exhaust frame 800.

[0128] As an example, the flame-extinguishing member 900 may have a multi-layer flame-extinguishing mesh structure. More specifically, the flame-extinguishing member 900 may be formed by applying a flame-extinguishing material to a multi-layer mesh structure. Here, the flame-extinguishing material may include any one of materials such as fire extinguishing agents and aerogel. However, the flame-extinguishing material is not limited thereto, and any material having a fire-extinguishing effect capable of eliminating a flame when an ignition event occurs in the battery module 100b may be used.

[0129] Here, the extinguishing agent may be a commonly used powder-type substance. For example, the extinguishing agent may be any one of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3), ammonium phosphate (NH4H2PO3), and a mixture of potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3) and urea ((NH2)2CO). However, the extinguishing agent is not limited thereto, and any substance that performs a fire extinguishing function may be used without limitation.

[0130] More specifically, in this embodiment, the flame quenching member 900 may be located between the upper surface of the upper plate 220 facing the flame exhaust frame 800 and the flame exhaust frame 800. Here, the flame quenching member 900 may extend along the upper surfaces of the flame exhaust frame 800 and the upper plate 220.

[0131] To this end, when a fire event occurs in the battery module 100b, the flame and / or high-temperature gas transferred to the flame exhaust frame 800 can be effectively removed by being filtered through the flame quenching member 900. In other words, the flame quenching member 900 can prevent the flame from escaping outside the battery module 100b and can prevent an additional event from occurring in an adjacent battery module 100b due to the escaping flame.

[0132] Furthermore, as described above, when the through hole 220H is formed in the upper plate 220, the through hole 220H can come into contact with the flame quenching member 900.

[0133] Therefore, when a fire event occurs in the battery module 100b, the flame and / or high-temperature gas inside the battery module 100b that is discharged toward the passage portion 800p of the flame exhaust frame 800 through the through hole 220H first passes through the flame quenching member 900. That is, the flame quenching member 900 directly contacts the flame and / or high-temperature gas that is discharged inside the battery module 100b, thereby enabling the flame to be eliminated primarily.

[0134] Also, one surface of the flame quenching member 900 can be in contact with the partition wall 800W. In other words, the flame quenching member 900 can be in contact with the path of the passage portion 800p divided by the partition wall 800W of the flame exhaust frame 800. Also, the partition wall 800W can bend and connect the path formed by the passage portion 800p into multiple parts. Therefore, the area and / or time for which the flame quenching member 900 comes into contact with the flame and / or high-temperature gas can be sufficiently secured. Also, the flame quenching member 900 can increase the resistance of the flow path in the passage portion 800p, so that the flow rate of the flame and / or high-temperature gas flowing in the flame exhaust frame 800 can be reduced.

[0135] In particular, even if the flame quenching member 900 primarily extinguishes the flame and / or high-temperature gas discharged from one side of the module frame 200, the flame may be insufficiently extinguished depending on the severity of the ignition event in the battery module 100b. Here, the flame quenching member 900 contacts the path of the passage portion 800p, so that the flame quenching member 900 can secondarily extinguish the remaining flame discharged through the path.

[0136] The heat sink formed in the lower part of the battery module according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0137] FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module excluding the upper part in FIG.

[0138] 14 to 16, the battery module 100b of the present embodiment may further include a heat sink 300 located under the bottom portion 210a of the module frame 200. However, the heat sink 300 may be omitted in some cases.

[0139] Although the following description will focus on the lower frame 210 of the module frame 200, the module frame 200 is not limited to a U-shaped frame structure.

[0140] The module frame 200 may include module frame protrusions 211 protruding in one direction from a bottom 210a of the module frame 200. A coolant injection port 610 for supplying a coolant to the heat sink may be formed in one of the module frame protrusions 211, and a coolant discharge port 620 for discharging a coolant from the heat sink 300 may be formed in the other of the module frame protrusions 211.

[0141] Specifically, the battery module 100b according to this embodiment includes a refrigerant inlet port 610 for supplying a refrigerant to the heat sink 300, and a refrigerant outlet port 620 for discharging the refrigerant from the heat sink 300. However, the same explanation can be given even if the positions of the refrigerant inlet port 610 and the refrigerant outlet port 620 are reversed.

[0142] The module frame protrusion 211 may include a first module frame protrusion and a second module frame protrusion located spaced apart from each other on one side of the lower frame 210, and the refrigerant injection port 610 may be disposed on the first module frame protrusion, and the refrigerant discharge port 620 may be disposed on the second module frame protrusion.

[0143] More specifically, the heat sink 300 may be located below the bottom portion 210a. Here, the bottom portion 210a may come into contact with the coolant supplied within the heat sink 300.

[0144] As described above, the heat sink 300 may include the lower plate 310 joined to the bottom 210a of the lower frame 210, and the recess 320 recessed downward from the lower plate 310.

[0145] In addition, the heat sink 300 may include a heat sink protrusion 300p protruding from one side of the heat sink 300. Here, the heat sink protrusion 300p may be formed at a position corresponding to the module frame protrusion 211. For example, the heat sink protrusion 300p and the module frame protrusion 211 may be directly coupled to each other by a method such as welding.

[0146] The recess 320 may be connected from one of the heat sink protrusions 300p to the other. The coolant supplied through the coolant inlet port 610 first flows into the space between the recess 320 and the bottom 210a through the gap between the module frame protrusion 211 and the heat sink protrusion 300p. The coolant then moves along the recess 320 and passes between the other module frame protrusion 211 and the heat sink protrusion 300p before being discharged through the coolant outlet port 620.

[0147] In addition, the present embodiment not only improves the cooling performance as described above through the cooling integrated structure of the bottom 210a and the heat sink 300, but also supports the load of the battery cell stack 120 housed in the module frame 200 and reinforces the rigidity of the battery module 100b. In addition, the heat sink 300 and the bottom 210a are sealed by welding or the like, so that the refrigerant can flow through the recess 320 of the heat sink 300 without leakage.

[0148] For effective cooling, as shown in Fig. 16, it is preferable that the recess 320 is formed over the entire area corresponding to the bottom 210a. For this purpose, the recess 320 may be bent at least once to connect from one side to the other. In particular, it is preferable that the recess 320 be bent several times to form the entire area corresponding to the bottom 210a. The coolant moves from the start point to the end point of the coolant flow path formed over the entire area corresponding to the bottom 210a, thereby allowing efficient cooling of the entire area of ​​the battery cell stack 120. Meanwhile, the coolant is a medium for cooling and is not particularly limited, and may be cooling water.

[0149] Hereinafter, a flame exhaust path when a ignition event occurs in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0150] FIG. 17 is a top view showing the upper part of the battery module of FIG.

[0151] 14, 15 and 17, when a fire event occurs in the battery module 100b according to the present embodiment, the flame and / or high-temperature gas generated in the battery module 100b may be discharged toward the flame exhaust frame 800 through the through-hole 220H. Here, at least one partition wall 800W is formed in the flame exhaust frame 800, and the movement of the flame and / or high-temperature gas flowing into the flame exhaust frame 800 may be blocked at the position where the partition wall 800W is formed. In other words, the flame and / or high-temperature gas flowing into the flame exhaust frame 800 may move to a position where the partition wall 800W is not formed.

[0152] In addition, the flame exhaust frame 800 includes a flame exhaust port 800U that is open to the outside, and the pressure at a position adjacent to the flame exhaust port 800U may be the same as the external pressure and may be relatively low. In contrast, the pressure at a position adjacent to the through hole 220H may be high due to the flame and / or high-temperature gas generated in the battery module 100b. That is, the flame and / or high-temperature gas flowing into the flame exhaust frame 800 may be discharged toward the flame exhaust port 800U due to the pressure difference depending on the position. As an example, a partition part 800W is formed at a position adjacent to the flame exhaust port 800U, and the flame and / or high-temperature gas flowing into the flame exhaust frame 800 may be guided to move toward the flame exhaust port 800U.

[0153] Therefore, in the event of a fire event occurring in the battery module 100b according to this embodiment, the flame and / or high-temperature gas within the battery module 100b can be effectively exhausted to the outside through a flame exhaust path via the flame exhaust frame 800.

[0154] 15 and 17, the flame exhaust port 800U may be formed to open in a direction opposite to the protruding direction of the module frame protrusion 211. In other words, the flame exhaust port 800U may be formed adjacent to the opposite side of the side of the lower frame 210 where the coolant inlet port 610 and the coolant outlet port 620 are located.

[0155] Therefore, in the event of an ignition event in the battery module 100b, the flame exhaust port 800U can exhaust flames and / or high-temperature gases within the battery module 100b while minimizing the impact on the refrigerant flow path of the heat sink 300 integrated at the bottom of the battery module 100b.

[0156] Furthermore, although not specifically shown in the drawings, when the battery module 100b according to this embodiment is mounted on a pack frame (not shown), the module frame protrusions 211 are mounted in a direction facing each other, and a flow path through which the refrigerant is injected or discharged can be disposed between the battery modules 100b.

[0157] In this case, the flame exhaust port 800U is formed adjacent to the surface opposite to the surface on which the module frame protrusion 211 is formed, and the flame and / or high-temperature gas exhausted from the flame exhaust port 800U can be exhausted toward the pack frame (not shown). In other words, even if the flame and / or high-temperature gas in the battery module 100b is exhausted, the flame exhaust port 800U can prevent the flame and / or high-temperature gas exhausted from the flame exhaust port 800U from being exhausted toward other battery modules 100b.

[0158] Therefore, even if an ignition event occurs in some battery modules 100b and flames and / or high-temperature gases are discharged into the pack frame (not shown) through the flame exhaust port 800U, the flames and / or high-temperature gases can be prevented from being transmitted to other battery modules 100b.

[0159] Hereinafter, a battery module 100c according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0160] Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 19 is an exploded perspective view of a side of the battery module of Fig. 18. However, the following description will focus on differences based on the battery module 100b according to the previously described embodiment, and other features may be described as being the same or similar to those described in the previously described embodiment.

[0161] 18 and 19, unlike the previously described embodiments, the flame exhaust frame 800 of this embodiment can be located on the side portion 210b of the module frame 200. As shown in FIG.

[0162] A passage 800p is formed between the flame exhaust frame 800 and one surface of the module frame 200, and the passage 800p is connected to a flame exhaust port 800U formed in the flame exhaust frame 800. That is, in this embodiment, the one surface of the module frame 200 corresponds to the side surface portion 210b of the module frame 200. In addition, a partition wall 800W may be formed in the flame exhaust frame 800.

[0163] However, the number, position, thickness, etc. of the partition wall parts 800W included in the flame exhaust frame 800 are not limited, and may be changed depending on the flame exhaust effect of the flame exhaust frame 800.

[0164] In this case, the flame exhaust frame 800 according to the present embodiment may extend to a side surface of the first end plate 410 and a side surface of the second end plate 420. As an example, the flame exhaust frame 800 extends along the side surfaces of the first and second end plates 410, 420, but may also extend to the outer surfaces of the first and second end plates 410, 420.

[0165] Also, a through hole 400H may be formed in at least one of the side surfaces of the first end plate 410 or the second end plate 420, and the passage portion 800p may connect from the through hole 400H to the flame exhaust port 800U. As an example, the through hole 400H may be formed at a position corresponding to the path of the passage portion 800p of the flame exhaust frame 800. Also, the through hole 400H is formed in at least one of the side surfaces of the first end plate 410 or the second end plate 420, and may be formed between the side surface of the flame exhaust frame 800 and the partition wall portion 800W, or between two partition wall portions 800W that are adjacent to each other.

[0166] However, the position of the through hole 400H is not limited to this, but is not limited to any position as long as it allows flames and / or high-temperature gases within the battery module 100c to be easily expelled in the event of an ignition of the battery module 100c while ensuring the durability and airtightness of the battery module 100c.

[0167] To this end, at least one through hole 400H that is open toward the flame exhaust frame 800 is formed on the side of the first and second end plates 410, 420, so that in the event of an ignition of the battery module 100c, flame and / or high-temperature gas within the battery module 100c can easily flow into the flame exhaust frame 800.

[0168] Also, the module frame 200 may further include a flame quenching member 900 located on the one side, i.e., between the side portion 210b and the flame exhaust frame 800. In other words, the flame quenching member 900 may be located on a flame exhaust path of the flame and / or high-temperature gas moving from the one side of the side portion 210b to the flame exhaust frame 800.

[0169] Furthermore, as described above, when the through hole 400H is formed in the side surface of the first and second end plates 410, 420, the through hole 400H can come into contact with the flame quenching member 900.

[0170] Therefore, when a fire event occurs in the battery module 100c, the flame and / or high-temperature gas inside the battery module 100c that is discharged toward the flame exhaust frame 800 through the through-hole 400H first passes through the flame quenching member 900. That is, the flame quenching member 900 directly contacts the flame and / or high-temperature gas that is discharged inside the battery module 100c, thereby enabling the flame to be eliminated primarily.

[0171] Hereinafter, a flame exhaust path when a fire event occurs in a battery module 100c according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0172] 20 is a side view showing the side of the battery module of FIG.

[0173] 18 to 20, when an ignition event occurs in the battery module 100c according to the present embodiment, the flame and / or high-temperature gas generated in the battery module 100c may be discharged toward the flame exhaust frame 800 through the through-hole 400H. Here, at least one partition wall 800W is formed in the flame exhaust frame 800, and the movement of the flame and / or high-temperature gas flowing into the flame exhaust frame 800 may be blocked at the position where the partition wall 800W is formed. In other words, the flame and / or high-temperature gas flowing into the flame exhaust frame 800 may move to a position where the partition wall 800W is not formed.

[0174] In addition, the flame exhaust frame 800 includes a flame exhaust port 800U that is open to the outside, and the position adjacent to the flame exhaust port 800U has the same pressure as the external pressure. That is, the pressure may be relatively low. In contrast, the pressure may be high at a position adjacent to the through hole 400H due to the flame and / or high-temperature gas generated in the battery module 100c. That is, the flame and / or high-temperature gas flowing into the flame exhaust frame 800 may be discharged toward the flame exhaust port 800U due to the pressure difference depending on the position. As an example, a partition part 800W is formed at a position adjacent to the flame exhaust port 800U, and the flame and / or high-temperature gas flowing into the flame exhaust frame 800 may be guided to move toward the flame exhaust port 800U.

[0175] Therefore, the flame and / or high-temperature gas within the battery module 100c can be effectively exhausted to the outside through the flame exhaust path passing through the flame exhaust frame 800.

[0176] 19 and 20, the flame exhaust port 800U may be formed to open in a direction opposite to the protruding direction of the module frame protrusion 211. In other words, the flame exhaust port 800U may be formed adjacent to the opposite side of the side of the lower frame 210 where the coolant inlet port 610 and the coolant outlet port 620 are located. A detailed description of this will be omitted as it is the same as that described above.

[0177] 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.

[0178] 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.

[0179] 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).

[0180] 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]

[0181] 100: Battery module 200: Module frame 800: Flame ejection frame 800P:Aisle section 800U: Flame outlet

Claims

1. A battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; A module frame that houses the battery cell stack; and a flame exhaust frame disposed to cover one surface of the module frame; The flame exhaust frame is recessed in a direction opposite to the direction in which the one surface of the module frame is located, A passage is formed between the flame exhaust frame and the one surface of the module frame, and the passage is connected to a flame exhaust port formed in the flame exhaust frame, The battery cell includes an electrode lead, The battery module, wherein the flame exhaust frame is provided on a surface different from a surface on which the electrode leads are provided.

2. a through hole is formed in the one surface of the module frame; The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the passage portion connects the through hole to the flame exhaust port.

3. The flame quenching member is disposed between the one surface of the module frame and the flame exhaust frame, The battery module according to claim 2 , wherein the through hole is in contact with the flame quenching member.

4. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the passage portion is bent at least once to lead to the flame exhaust port.

5. The module frame has an open shape on both sides, The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein a first end plate and a second end plate are arranged so as to cover both open sides of the module frame, respectively.

6. a first through hole and a second through hole are formed in the one surface of the module frame; The passage portion is connected from the first through hole and the second through hole to the flame exhaust port, The battery module of claim 5 , wherein the first through hole is located adjacent to the first end plate, and the second through hole is located adjacent to the second end plate.

7. A battery module as described in claim 5 or 6, wherein one of the electrode leads protrudes toward the first end plate and another of the electrode leads protrudes toward the second end plate.

8. The battery module according to claim 5, wherein the flame exhaust frame extends to a side surface of the first end plate and a side surface of the second end plate.

9. A through hole is formed in at least one of a side surface of the first end plate and a side surface of the second end plate, The battery module according to claim 8 , wherein the passage portion connects the through hole to the flame exhaust port.

10. The flame quenching member is disposed between the one surface of the module frame and the flame exhaust frame, The battery module according to claim 9 , wherein the through hole is in contact with the flame quenching member.

11. A partition wall is formed in at least one location of the one surface of the flame exhaust frame or the module frame, The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the partition wall causes a path formed by the passage portion to be bent in a plurality of directions and connected to each other.

12. The flame quenching member is disposed between the one surface of the module frame and the flame exhaust frame, The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the flame-extinguishing member has a multi-layer flame-extinguishing net structure.

13. a heat sink located beneath a bottom of the module frame; The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein a flow path through which a coolant flows is formed between the bottom of the module frame and the heat sink.

14. the module frame includes a module frame protrusion protruding in one direction from the bottom of the module frame, a coolant inlet port for supplying a coolant to the heat sink is formed in one of the module frame protrusions; The battery module according to claim 13 , wherein another one of the module frame protrusions is formed with a coolant discharge port for discharging the coolant from the heat sink.

15. The battery module according to claim 14 , wherein the flame exhaust port is open in a direction opposite to the one direction in which the module frame protrusion protrudes.

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

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