Battery module and battery pack including same

Abstract

A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; and a module frame that houses the battery cell stack, wherein a vent is formed on a lower surface of the module frame, and the battery cells include a cell body; electrode leads that protrude from both ends of the cell body; and terrace portions that extend from a cell casing in the direction in which the electrode leads protrude, and the vent is formed adjacent to a portion of the cell body where the terrace portions are located.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [Cross-reference to related applications] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0039762, filed April 1, 2020, and all contents disclosed in the documents of said 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 with enhanced stability and a battery pack including the same. [Background technology]

[0003] Secondary batteries have attracted much attention as an energy source for a variety of products, such as mobile devices and electric vehicles. These secondary batteries are a promising energy source that can replace the use of existing products that use fossil fuels, and are attracting attention as an environmentally friendly energy source that does not produce by-products due to energy consumption.

[0004] Recently, as secondary batteries are increasingly used as energy storage sources and the need for large-capacity secondary battery structures has increased, there has been an increasing demand for battery packs with medium to large modular structures that assemble battery modules in which a number of secondary batteries are connected in series or parallel.

[0005] Meanwhile, when a battery pack is constructed by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series or parallel, a common method is to construct a battery module consisting of the plurality of battery cells and then add other components to at least one of the battery modules to construct the battery pack. The battery cells that make up such a medium- to large-sized battery module are composed of secondary batteries that can be charged and discharged, and such high-power, large-capacity secondary batteries generate a large amount of heat during the charging and discharging process.

[0006] The battery module may include a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, a frame that houses the battery cell stack, and end plates that cover the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack.

[0007] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing what happens when a battery module attached to a conventional battery pack catches fire. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 1, showing how flames affect adjacent battery modules when a battery module attached to a conventional battery pack catches fire.

[0008] 1 and 2, a conventional battery module includes a battery cell stack formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells 10, a frame 20 that houses the battery cell stack, end plates 30 formed on the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack, and terminal bus bars 40 that protrude from the end plates 30.

[0009] The frame 20 and the end plates 30 can be hermetically joined by welding. When the battery module is overcharged, if the internal pressure of the battery cells 10 increases and exceeds the limit of the fusion strength of the battery cells 10, the high temperature heat, gas, and flames generated in the battery cells 10 are discharged to the outside of the battery cells 10.

[0010] At this time, the high-temperature heat, gas, and flames are discharged through the openings formed in the end plates 30. However, in a battery pack structure in which multiple battery modules are arranged with the end plates 30 facing each other, the high-temperature heat, gas, and flames emitted from the battery modules may affect adjacent battery modules. This may damage the terminal bus bars 40 formed on the end plates 30 of adjacent battery modules, and the high-temperature heat, gas, and flames may enter the battery modules through the openings formed in the end plates 30 of the adjacent battery modules and damage the multiple battery cells 10. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a battery module and a battery pack including the same that can disperse high-temperature heat and flames emitted when a fire occurs in the battery module.

[0012] The objects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned objects, and other objects not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; and a module frame that houses the battery cell stack, wherein a vent is formed on a lower surface of the module frame, and the battery cells include a cell body; electrode leads that protrude from both ends of the cell body; and terrace portions that extend from a cell casing in the direction in which the electrode leads protrude, and the vent is formed adjacent to a portion of the cell body where the terrace portions are located.

[0014] The venting portion may be formed at a position corresponding to the terrace portion.

[0015] The battery cell stack may further include a first end plate and a second end plate located on the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack, respectively.

[0016] The venting portion may be a hole structure formed on the lower surface of the module frame.

[0017] The hole structure may extend obliquely through the lower surface of the module frame.

[0018] The hole structure may have an inclined direction approaching one of the first and second end plates that is located farther from the venting portion.

[0019] The venting portion may include an inlet formed on a lower surface of the module frame and facing the battery cell stack, an outlet for discharging gas that has flowed in through the inlet, and a connecting portion for connecting the inlet and the outlet.

[0020] The outlet may be formed in a direction perpendicular to the inlet.

[0021] The connecting portion may be protruded from the lower surface of the module frame.

[0022] The venting portion may be configured to discharge gas toward one of the first and second end plates, whichever is located farther away.

[0023] The first end plate and the second end plate may include module mounting portions for fixing the battery modules, and support members may be inserted into the module mounting portions to space the lower surface of the module frame from the bottom of the pack frame by the support members.

[0024] A support member may be formed on the lower surface of the module frame so as to protrude downward.

[0025] A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention includes two or more battery modules, and a first battery module and a second battery module among the battery modules may have openings formed on opposing surfaces thereof.

[0026] The venting portion of the first battery module may be configured to discharge gas in a direction opposite to a direction in which the second battery module is located.

[0027] The battery pack may further include a pack frame that houses the battery module, the battery module being spaced apart from a bottom of the pack frame. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] A battery module and a battery pack including the same according to an embodiment of the present invention can minimize damage to terminals of the battery module and portions of the battery cells facing the battery module by dispersing high-temperature heat, gas, and flames generated when the battery module ignites through vents formed on the underside of the module frame.

[0029] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned above will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which a battery module attached to a conventional battery pack catches fire. [Figure 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 1, illustrating a state of flames that affect adjacent battery modules when a battery module attached to a conventional battery pack catches fire. [Figure 3] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 4 is a perspective view of a battery cell included in the battery module of FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the battery modules of FIG. 3 connected together. [Figure 6] 6 is a plan view showing the underside of the battery module of FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line "B" in FIG. 5. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to a modified embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module according to a modified embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached to a pack frame. [Figure 11a]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module on which a support member is formed. [Figure 11b] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module on which a support member is formed. [Figure 12] 1 is a plan view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] The present invention may, however, be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0032] In order to clearly explain the present invention, parts that are not relevant to the description will be omitted, and the same reference numerals will be used throughout the specification to refer to the same or similar components.

[0033] Furthermore, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for the sake of convenience, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those shown. Thicknesses are exaggerated in the drawings to clearly depict multiple layers and regions. Also, thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated in the drawings for the sake of convenience.

[0034] Furthermore, when a layer, film, region, plate, or other part is said to be "on" or "above" another part, this includes not only the case where it is "directly above" that part, but also the case where there is another part in between. Conversely, when a part is said to be "directly above" another part, it means that there is no other part in between. Furthermore, being "on" or "above" a reference part means being located above or below the reference part, and does not necessarily mean being located "on" or "above" in the opposite direction of gravity.

[0035] Also, throughout the specification, when a part is said to "comprise" a certain element, this means that it may further include other elements, rather than excluding other elements, unless otherwise specified to the contrary.

[0036] Also, throughout the specification, "on a plane" means when the subject part is viewed from above, and "on a cross section" means when the subject part is cut vertically and viewed from the side.

[0037] Hereinafter, a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0038] Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a battery cell included in the battery module of Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the battery module of Fig. 3 assembled together. Fig. 6 is a plan view showing the bottom of the battery module of Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along cutting line "B" in Fig. 5.

[0039] 3 to 7, a battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell stack 120 in which a plurality of battery cells 110 are stacked, and a module frame 200 that houses the battery cell stack 120, and a vent 400 is formed on the bottom surface of the module frame 200. In this specification, the vent refers to a portion for discharging heat and gas from inside the battery module 100.

[0040] 4, the battery cell 110 is preferably a pouch-type battery cell. 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. 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 can be manufactured by enclosing an electrode assembly (not shown) in the cell case 114 and then bonding both ends 114a, 114b of the cell case 114 to one side 114c connecting them. That is, the battery cell 110 according to this embodiment has a total of three sealing portions 114sa, 114sb, and 114sc, and the sealing portions 114sa, 114sb, and 114sc are sealed by a method such as heat fusion, and the remaining side comprises a connecting portion 115. The cell case 114 is made of a laminate sheet including a resin layer and a metal layer.

[0042] The connecting portion 115 may extend lengthwise along one edge of the battery cell 110, and a protruding portion 110p of the battery cell 110, called a butt-ear, is formed at the end of the connecting portion 115. The cell casing 114 is sealed with the protruding electrode leads 111 and 112 therebetween, and a terrace portion 116 is formed between the electrode leads 111 and 112 and the cell body 113. That is, the battery cell 110 includes the terrace portion 116 extending from the cell casing 114 in the direction in which the electrode leads 111 and 112 protrude.

[0043] A plurality of battery cells 110 may be configured, 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. A top plate 130 may be located on the upper side of the battery cell stack 120, and bus bar frames 140 may be located on the front and rear sides of the battery cell stack 120, from which the electrode leads 111 and 112 protrude. The battery cell stack 120, the top plate 130, and the bus bar frame 140 may be housed together in a module frame 200.

[0044] A thermally conductive resin may be injected between the battery cell stack 120 and the lower surface of the module frame 200, and the injected thermally conductive resin forms a thermally conductive resin layer (not shown) between the battery cell stack 120 and the lower surface of the module frame 200. The module frame 200 can protect the battery cell stack 120 housed inside the module frame 200 and the electrical components connected thereto from external physical impacts.

[0045] The bus bar frames 140 are positioned on the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 120, respectively, to cover the battery cell stack 120 and guide the connection between the battery cell stack 120 and an external device. Specifically, bus bars 141 and terminal bus bars 142 are attached to the bus bar frame 140. The electrode leads 111 and 112 of the battery cells 110 may pass through slits formed in the bus bar frame 140 and then bend to be connected to the bus bars 141 and terminal bus bars 142. The battery cells 110 constituting the battery cell stack 120 may be connected in series or parallel via the bus bars 141, and the battery cells 110 may be electrically connected to external devices or circuits via the terminal bus bars 142 exposed to the outside of the battery module 100. In addition, a connector (not shown) is attached to the bus bar frame 140, and temperature and voltage data of the battery cells 110 measured by a sensing assembly (not shown) is transmitted to an external BMS (Battery Management System) or the like via the connector (not shown).

[0046] The end plates 301 and 302 are formed to cover the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 120. Specifically, a first end plate 301 and a second end plate 302 are located on the front and rear surfaces, respectively, of the battery cell stack 120. The end plates 301 and 302 can protect the bus bar frame 140 and various electrical components connected thereto from external impacts, and for this purpose, they must have a certain strength and may include a metal such as aluminum.

[0047] The end plates 301, 302 are formed with terminal bus bar openings 320 and connector openings 330 for connecting the terminal bus bars 142 and connectors (not shown) attached to the bus bar frame 140 to the outside, and gas and heat generated from the battery cells 110 can be discharged to the outside of the battery module 100 through the openings 320, 330. The end plates 301, 302 and the module frame 200 are joined by welding, and the module frame 200 and the multiple battery cells 110 positioned inside the end plates 300 are cut off from the outside except for the openings 320, 330 due to the joining structure of the end plates 300 and the module frame 200 sealed by welding.

[0048] As described above, conventional battery modules allow high-temperature heat, gas, or flames generated in battery cells to escape through openings. However, in a battery pack structure in which multiple battery modules are arranged with their end plates facing each other, the high-temperature heat, gas, flames, etc. emitted from a battery module can damage adjacent battery modules.

[0049] To this end, according to the present embodiment, a venting portion 400 is formed on the underside of the module frame 200, and can disperse heat, gas, and flames that are discharged through the openings 320 and 330. The venting portion 400 may have a hole structure formed on the underside of the module frame 200. The venting portion 400 diversifies the discharge paths within the battery module 100, preventing the discharge from concentrating on only one part of the battery module 100 in the event of a fire, and dispersing the discharge of high-temperature heat, gas, and flames.

[0050] In addition, the venting portion 400 is formed adjacent to the terrace portion 116 from the cell body 113. A large amount of heat is generated in the electrode leads 111 and 112 of the battery cell 110 and the adjacent terrace portion 116, and the terrace portion 116 is unsealed due to a pressure change inside the battery module 100, allowing high-temperature heat, gas, and flames to be discharged. At this time, the venting portion 400 according to the present embodiment is formed adjacent to the terrace portion 116 from the cell body 113, allowing the high-temperature heat, gas, and flames to be quickly discharged to the outside of the battery module 100. For example, the venting portion 400 is formed at a position corresponding to the terrace portion 116.

[0051] Meanwhile, since the venting portion 400 according to the embodiment of the present invention is formed on the lower surface of the module frame 200, it is possible to prevent foreign matter floating in the air from entering the inside of the battery module 100 through the venting portion 400.

[0052] Venting sections 500 and 600 according to modified embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0053] 8 and 9 are cross-sectional views of battery modules according to modified embodiments of the present invention.

[0054] 8 and 9 together with Fig. 3, the venting portions 500 and 600 according to this embodiment are formed to discharge gas in the direction of the end plate located farther out of the first end plate 301 and the second end plate 302. As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the venting portions 500 and 600 located closer to the first end plate 301 may be formed to discharge gas in the direction of the second end plate 302 located farther away.

[0055] Venting portions 500 and 600 are formed at positions corresponding to the positions where terrace portion 116 is located. However, because first end plate 301 is closer to battery cell stack 120 than second end plate 302, which is located on the opposite side, if gas is discharged toward first end plate 301, high-temperature heat, gas, and flames may be released and damage may occur to other battery modules adjacent to first end plate 301. To prevent this, venting portions 500 and 600 are preferably formed to discharge gas toward second end plate 302. This will be described again below with reference to FIG. 12.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 8, the venting portion 500 may be a hole structure formed on the lower surface of the module frame 200, and may further be a hole structure that penetrates the lower surface of the module frame 200 obliquely.

[0057] Specifically, the inner inlet of the obliquely penetrating venting portion 500 is formed closer to the first end plate 301 than the outer outlet, and the outer outlet is formed closer to the second end plate 302 than the inner inlet. That is, the venting portion 500 may have an inclination direction approaching the end plate located farther from the venting portion 500, either the first end plate 301 or the second end plate 302.

[0058] The above-described structure can naturally provide directionality to the heat and gases exhausted through the venting portion 500. That is, the gases can be guided to be exhausted in the direction of the second end plate 302, which is located farther away, thereby preventing damage to the first end plate 301 and other adjacent battery modules.

[0059] In addition, the venting part 500 according to this embodiment has a through hole structure, so that it does not require any additional space, and has the advantage that it can simply give direction to the exhaust gas by penetrating the module frame 200.

[0060] Next, referring to FIG. 9 , the venting unit 600 may include an inlet 610 formed on the lower surface of the module frame 200 and facing one side of the battery cell in the stacking direction of the battery cell stack, an outlet 620 for discharging gas that has flowed in through the inlet 610, and a connecting unit 630 for connecting the inlet 610 and the outlet 620.

[0061] The outlet 620 is formed in a direction perpendicular to the inlet 610. In addition, the connecting portion 630 may be formed to protrude from the lower surface of the module frame 200 and is formed to be inclined. Therefore, the outlet 620 is also formed on the outer side of the lower surface of the module frame 200.

[0062] Due to the above-described structure, the venting part 600 according to the present embodiment can more reliably guide heat and gas from inside the battery module toward the second end plate 302. That is, it has the advantage of more reliably providing directionality for heat and gas. In addition, the connecting part 630 acts as a kind of lid, preventing external foreign matter from entering the battery module.

[0063] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention is attached to a pack frame 1100.

[0064] 10 together with FIG. 5, module mounting portions 310 are formed on end plates 301 and 302 so that the battery module 100 can be attached and fixed to the pack frame 1100 of the battery pack. There is no limit to the number of module mounting portions 310, but for stable attachment of the battery module 100, it is preferable to form a total of four module mounting portions 310, two on each side of the first end plate 301 and two on each side of the second end plate 302.

[0065] The support member 340 is inserted into the module mounting portion 310. More specifically, a mounting hole 311 is formed in the module mounting portion 310, and the support member 340 is inserted into the mounting hole 311. A through hole is formed in the bottom 1110 of the pack frame 1100, and one end of the support member 340 passing through the mounting hole 311 is coupled to the through hole of the bottom 1110. For example, one end of the support member 340 is formed in a bolt shape and coupled to a nut-shaped through hole of the bottom 1110. However, the coupling is not limited to a bolt and nut coupling and can be implemented in various embodiments.

[0066] Meanwhile, the support member 340 may have a cylindrical rod shape so as to be inserted into the mounting hole 311 of the module mounting part 310. A head portion 341 is formed at the other end opposite the one end of the support member 340. The head portion 341 is formed with a wider radius than the mounting hole 311 and is not inserted into the mounting hole 311, so that the end plates 301 and 302 can be closely attached and fixed to the bottom 1110. This allows the battery module 100 to be attached and fixed to the pack frame 1100.

[0067] In this case, it is preferable that the support member 340 is set to be somewhat longer so that the lower surface of the module frame 200 is spaced a predetermined distance d1 from the bottom 1110 of the pack frame 1100. Also, as an example, although not specifically shown, a fixing member such as a nut surrounding the support member 340 can be provided at the lower end of the mounting portion 310 to prevent the end plates 301, 302 and the battery module 100 from moving downward. In other words, the fixing member is provided to maintain the distance of the predetermined distance d1.

[0068] In the present invention, venting portions 400, 500, and 600 are formed on the underside of the module frame 200 to discharge heat and gas through the underside, so it is preferable to separate the underside from the bottom 1110 of the pack frame 1100 to provide a space through which heat and gas can be discharged.

[0069] In particular, since the venting portions 500 and 600 in Figures 8 and 9 guide the exhaust from the first end plate 301 to the second end plate 302, it is preferable that the lower surface of the module frame 200 be spaced apart as described above. Also, since the venting portion 600 in Figure 9 has a structure in which the connecting portion 630 and the exhaust port 620 protrude, it is more preferable that the lower surface of the module frame 200 be spaced apart.

[0070] 11a and 11b are cross-sectional views of a battery module having a support member 210 formed thereon according to a modified embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] 11a and 11b, a support member 210 is formed on the lower surface of the module frame 200 so as to protrude downward.

[0072] When the battery module is attached to the pack frame by the support members 210, the lower surface of the module frame 200 can be spaced apart from the bottom of the pack frame, providing a space for discharging heat and gas, facilitating the transfer of the discharged heat and gas from the first end plate 301 to the second end plate 302.

[0073] There is no particular limit to the number of support members 210, but it is preferable to have a plurality of support members 210 in order to stably support the battery module, and it is more preferable to arrange them evenly over the entire area of ​​the lower surface of the module frame 200.

[0074] 11a and 11b, the venting portions 500 and 600 and the support member 210 are shown together, but in consideration of the paths of heat and gas, it is preferable that the support member 210 is formed offset from the venting portions 500 and 600. Specifically, it is preferable that the positions of the venting portions 500 and 600 and the support member 210 do not coincide with each other in the direction parallel to the surface of the cell body 113 (the direction parallel to the x-axis in FIG. 5). This is to prevent the support member 210 from blocking the heat and gas discharged from the venting portions 500 and 600.

[0075] There are no particular limitations on the material or manufacturing method of the support member 210, and it is preferable that the support member 210 has a predetermined strength to support the battery module. The support member 210 may be integral with the module frame 200, or alternatively, may be formed by joining a member such as a metal to the underside of the module frame 200.

[0076] Meanwhile, there is no particular limit to the number of venting portions 400, 500, and 600 according to the above-described embodiments of the present invention, and they may be configured as one or more. However, when a plurality of venting portions 400, 500, and 600 are formed, they are preferably arranged in a direction parallel to the stacking direction of the battery cells 110 so as to correspond to the positions of the terrace portions 116 of the battery cells 110 constituting the battery cell stack 120. Here, the stacking direction of the battery cells 110 means a direction perpendicular to the surface of the cell body 113, i.e., a direction parallel to the y-axis in FIG. 5 .

[0077] Referring again to FIG. 3, the module frame 200 according to the present invention may have a mono-frame structure or a structure in which an upper cover is coupled to a U-shaped frame.

[0078] First, the monoframe may be in the form of a metal plate with an integrated upper surface, lower surface, and both side surfaces, and may be manufactured by extrusion molding.

[0079] Next, in the case of a structure in which an upper cover is combined with a U-shaped frame, the upper cover is combined with the upper part of a U-shaped frame made of a metal plate material whose bottom and both sides are integrated, and the structure can be manufactured by press molding.

[0080] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the venting portions 400 and 500 having a hole structure can be applied to both monoframes manufactured by extrusion molding and U-shaped frames manufactured by press molding.

[0081] 9, a protruding vent 600 can be easily implemented in a U-shaped frame manufactured by press molding rather than in a monoframe manufactured by extrusion molding. However, in forming the protruding vent 600, a through hole can be formed in the lower surface of the module frame 200, and the connecting part 630 and the exhaust port 620 can be bonded to the lower surface. In this case, such a vent 600 can also be applied to a monoframe manufactured by extrusion molding.

[0082] FIG. 12 is a plan view of a battery pack 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 12, a battery pack 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include two or more of the battery modules 100a and 100b described above.

[0084] The battery modules 100a and 100b are housed in a pack frame 1100, and are attached together with various control and protection systems such as a BMS (Battery Management System) and a cooling system.

[0085] The first battery module 100a and the second battery module 100b have openings 320a, 330a, 320b, and 330b formed on their opposing surfaces, respectively.

[0086] Specifically, the first end plate 301a of the first battery module 100a and the first end plate 301b of the second battery module 100b face each other. At this time, a terminal bus bar opening 320a and a connector opening 330a are formed in the first end plate 301a of the first battery module 100a. Also, a terminal bus bar opening 320b and a connector opening 330b are formed in the first end plate 301b of the second battery module 100b.

[0087] The battery modules 100a and 100b according to this embodiment are provided with the previously described venting portions on the bottom surface, thereby reducing heat, gas, and flames that are discharged through the openings 320a, 330a, 320b, and 330b.

[0088] 8 and 9 are provided on the battery modules 100a and 100b. Therefore, the first battery module 100a can guide heat, gas, and flames to be discharged in the direction opposite to the direction in which the second battery module 100b is located, and the second battery module 100b can guide heat, gas, and flames to be discharged in the direction opposite to the direction in which the first battery module 100a is located. In other words, damage to the opposing battery modules 100a and 100b can be minimized.

[0089] Furthermore, the battery modules 100a and 100b according to this embodiment may be spaced apart from the bottom 1110 of the pack frame 1100. Specifically, the battery modules 100a and 100b may include the module mounting portion 310 and the support member 340 shown in Fig. 10 or the support member 210 shown in Figs. 11a and 11b. Therefore, a space is provided inside the battery pack 1000 for discharging heat, gas, flames, and the like.

[0090] In this embodiment, terms indicating directions such as front, back, left, right, up, and down are used for convenience of explanation, but these terms may change depending on the position of the object of interest, the position of the observer, etc.

[0091] The battery module and battery pack according to the present embodiment can be applied to various devices, specifically, transportation means such as electric bicycles, electric cars, and hybrid vehicles, but is not limited thereto, and can be applied to various devices that can use secondary batteries.

[0092] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention defined in the following claims also fall within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 100, 100a, 100b battery modules 110 battery cells 111,112 Electrode leads 113 Cell Body 116 Terrace 120 Battery cell stack 200 Module Frame 301 First end plate 302 Second end plate 310 Module mounting part 400,500,600 Venting section 1000 battery packs 1100 pack frame

Claims

1. A battery pack including two or more battery modules, Each of the battery modules comprises: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; and a module frame that houses the battery cell stack; A vent is formed on the lower surface of the module frame, The battery cell is Cell body; Electrode leads protruding from both ends of the cell body that form the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack; and a terrace portion that is thinner than the cell body and that is formed by extending from the cell case in a direction in which the electrode lead protrudes; the venting portion is formed adjacent to a portion where the terrace portion is located rather than the cell main body, the battery pack further includes a first end plate and a second end plate located on the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack, respectively, wherein at least one of the first end plate or the second end plate has an opening.

2. A battery pack including two or more battery modules, Each of the battery modules comprises: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; and a module frame that houses the battery cell stack; A vent is formed on the lower surface of the module frame, The battery cell is Cell body; Electrode leads protruding from both ends of the cell body that form the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack; and The electrode lead includes a terrace portion extending from the cell casing in a protruding direction thereof, the venting portion is formed adjacent to a portion where the terrace portion is located rather than the cell main body, the battery cell stack further includes a first end plate and a second end plate located on the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack, respectively, wherein at least one of the first end plate and the second end plate has an opening; the venting portion is a hole structure formed on the lower surface of the module frame, the hole structure obliquely penetrates the lower surface of the module frame; The hole structure has an inclination direction approaching one of the first end plate and the second end plate that is located farther from the vent portion.

3. A battery pack including two or more battery modules, Each of the battery modules comprises: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; and a module frame that houses the battery cell stack; A vent is formed on the lower surface of the module frame, The battery cell is Cell body; Electrode leads protruding from both ends of the cell body that form the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack; and The electrode lead includes a terrace portion extending from the cell casing in a protruding direction thereof, the venting portion is formed adjacent to a portion where the terrace portion is located rather than the cell main body, the battery cell stack further includes a first end plate and a second end plate located on the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack, respectively, wherein at least one of the first end plate and the second end plate has an opening; the venting portion is formed on the lower surface of the module frame and includes an inlet facing the battery cell stack, an outlet for discharging gas that has flowed in through the inlet, and a connecting portion connecting the inlet and the outlet.

4. The battery pack according to claim 3 , wherein the outlet is formed in a direction perpendicular to the inlet.

5. The battery pack according to claim 3 , wherein the connecting portion protrudes from a lower surface of the module frame.

6. A battery pack including two or more battery modules, Each of the battery modules comprises: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; and a module frame that houses the battery cell stack; A vent is formed on the lower surface of the module frame, The battery cell is Cell body; Electrode leads protruding from both ends of the cell body that form the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack; and The electrode lead includes a terrace portion extending from the cell casing in a protruding direction thereof, the venting portion is formed adjacent to a portion where the terrace portion is located rather than the cell main body, the battery cell stack further includes a first end plate and a second end plate located on the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack, respectively, wherein at least one of the first end plate and the second end plate has an opening; The venting portion is formed to discharge gas toward one of the first and second end plates, which is located farther away.

7. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the venting portion is formed at a position corresponding to a portion where the terrace portion is located.

8. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the venting portion is a hole structure formed on the lower surface of the module frame.

9. The battery pack according to claim 8 , wherein the hole structure obliquely penetrates the lower surface of the module frame.

10. 10. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein a support member is formed on a lower surface of the module frame so as to protrude downward.

11. A battery pack including two or more battery modules, Each of the battery modules comprises: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; and a module frame that houses the battery cell stack; A vent is formed on the lower surface of the module frame, The battery cell is Cell body; Electrode leads protruding from both ends of the cell body that form the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack; and The electrode lead includes a terrace portion extending from the cell casing in a protruding direction thereof, the venting portion is formed adjacent to a portion where the terrace portion is located rather than the cell main body, the battery cell stack further includes a first end plate and a second end plate located on the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack, respectively, wherein at least one of the first end plate and the second end plate has an opening; The battery pack has the opening formed on the surfaces of the first and second battery modules facing each other.

12. The battery pack of claim 11 , wherein the venting portion of the first battery module is configured to exhaust gas in a direction opposite to a direction in which the second battery module is located.

13. further comprising a pack frame that houses the battery module; The battery pack according to claim 11 , wherein the battery module is spaced apart from the bottom of the pack frame.

14. the first end plate and the second end plate include module mounting portions for fixing the battery modules; A support member is inserted into the module mounting portion, The battery pack according to claim 13 , wherein the support member separates the lower surface of the module frame from the bottom of the pack frame. End

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