Battery module with flame-prevention structure and battery pack including the same

Abstract

A battery module according to the present invention includes a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, a module case for accommodating the battery cell stack, a first end plate disposed on one side of the module case, and a first flame prevention member disposed on the first end plate for preventing exposure to a flame to the outside.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module and a battery pack including the same, and more particularly, to a battery module having a flame prevention structure that prevents flames from being exposed to the outside when thermal runaway progresses within the battery module, and a battery pack including the same.

Background Art

[0002] A secondary battery refers to a battery that can be charged and discharged, unlike a primary battery that cannot be charged, and is applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), etc. that are driven by an electric drive source.

[0003] Types of secondary batteries currently widely used include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel cadmium batteries, nickel metal hydride batteries, nickel zinc batteries, etc. The operating voltage of such a unit secondary battery cell, that is, a unit battery cell, is about 2.5V to 4.6V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, a large number of battery cells are connected in series to form a battery pack. Also, depending on the charge and discharge capacity required for the battery pack, a large number of battery cells may be connected in parallel to form a battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be set variously depending on the required output voltage or charge and discharge capacity.

[0004] When configuring a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel, it is common practice to first configure a battery module consisting of at least one battery cell, preferably multiple battery cells, and then use at least one such battery module to add other components and configure the battery pack. Here, a battery module refers to a component in which multiple battery cells are connected in series or parallel, and a battery pack refers to a component in which multiple battery modules are connected in series or parallel to increase capacity, output, etc.

[0005] A battery module is constructed by electrically connecting a large number of cells using busbars.

[0006] Such conventional battery modules are shown in Figures 1 and 2. The battery module 10 shown in Figure 1 includes a stack of battery cells, a module case 11 that houses the stack of battery cells, a busbar frame positioned on the front and / or rear surface of the stack of battery cells, and end plates 13 and terminal busbars 15 positioned on the front and rear surfaces of the module case 11.

[0007] The battery cell stack consists of multiple electrically connected battery cells stacked in one direction and housed within a module case 11. A busbar frame is positioned on the front and / or rear surface of the battery cell stack. In the battery cell stack, the battery cells may be pouch-type battery cells.

[0008] The battery cell stack is housed inside the module case 11, and the end plates 13 are attached to the front and rear surfaces of the module case 11 to cover the front and rear surfaces of the module case 11.

[0009] The terminal busbar 15 is used to electrically connect one battery module 10 to another battery module 10, and a portion of the terminal busbar 15 is exposed to the outside of the end plate 13 in order to be connected to the other battery module 10.

[0010] However, in such a battery module 10, there is a problem that when thermal runaway occurs, flames are exposed through the insulating cover 14 or end plate 13, which are susceptible to high temperatures (see Figure 2). [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0011] The present invention aims to solve the aforementioned problems and to provide a battery module and a battery pack including the same that have a flame prevention structure that prevents flame exposure to the outside even if a flame occurs inside the battery module. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by including a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, a module case for housing the battery cell stack, a first end plate disposed on one side of the module case, and a first flame prevention member disposed on the first end plate for preventing flame exposure to the outside.

[0013] Furthermore, the first flame prevention member includes a side portion that is positioned on the first end plate and an upper portion that is bent from the side portion and positioned on the upper surface of the battery module.

[0014] Furthermore, the first flame prevention member further includes fixing pins for securing the first flame prevention member to the battery module.

[0015] Furthermore, the side portion includes a coupling hole into which the fixing pin is inserted.

[0016] Furthermore, the fixing pin is connected to the first end plate.

[0017] Furthermore, the first end plate includes a module lifting hole for lifting the battery module, and the fixing pin is coupled to the module lifting hole.

[0018] Furthermore, the coupling holes are located on both sides of the side portion, and the fixing pins are inserted into each of the coupling holes.

[0019] Furthermore, the first end plate includes module mounting portions on both sides for connecting the battery module to the battery pack, and the module lifting holes are formed in the module mounting portions.

[0020] Furthermore, the module mounting portion of the first end plate includes coupling holes formed in the vertical direction.

[0021] The module case further includes a second end plate positioned on the other side of the module case, and a second flame prevention member positioned on the second end plate to prevent flame exposure to the outside.

[0022] Furthermore, the second flame prevention member includes a side portion that is positioned on the second end plate and an upper portion that is bent from the side portion and positioned on the upper surface of the battery module.

[0023] Furthermore, the second flame prevention member further includes fixing pins for securing the second flame prevention member to the battery module.

[0024] Furthermore, the side portion of the second flame prevention member includes a coupling hole into which the fixing pin of the second flame prevention member is inserted.

[0025] Furthermore, the fixing pin of the second flame prevention member is connected to the second end plate.

[0026] Further, the second end plate includes a module lifting hole for lifting the battery module, and the fixing pin is coupled to the module lifting hole.

[0027] Further, the coupling holes are respectively disposed on both sides of the side surface of the second flame prevention member, and the fixing pins are inserted into the respective coupling holes.

[0028] Further, the second end plate includes module mounting portions for coupling the battery modules to the battery pack on both sides, and the module lifting holes are formed in the module mounting portions.

[0029] Further, the module mounting portion of the second end plate includes coupling holes formed in the vertical direction.

Advantages of the Invention

[0030] The battery module and the battery pack having the flame prevention structure according to the present invention have the effect that even if a flame occurs inside the battery module, it is not exposed to the outside.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of a conventional battery module. [Figure 2] It is a view showing a state in which a flame occurs in the battery module of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view of a battery module according to the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a view showing a state in which the flame prevention sheet is separated in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] It is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view of a battery cell according to the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view of a terminal bus bar according to the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view of the insulating cover and end plate according to the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing the inside of the battery pack according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] The advantages and features of the present invention and how to achieve them will become clear from the examples described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the examples disclosed below and can be embodied in a variety of different forms. These examples are merely provided to complete the disclosure of the present invention and to fully inform those who are ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains of the invention of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the claims. Therefore, in some examples, well-known process steps, well-known element structures and well-known techniques are not specifically described in order to avoid ambiguity of the present invention. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals indicate the same components.

[0033] To clearly represent many layers and regions in drawings, thickness may be shown enlarged. Similar parts throughout the specification are given the same drawing reference numerals. When a layer, film, region, plate, or other part is said to be "on top" of another part, this includes not only when it is "directly above" the other part, but also when there is another part in between. Conversely, when a part is said to be "directly above" another part, it means there is no other part in between. Similarly, when a layer, film, region, plate, or other part is said to be "below" another part, this includes not only when it is "directly below" the other part, but also when there is another part in between. Conversely, when a part is said to be "directly below" another part, it means there is no other part in between.

[0034] A battery module 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0035] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the battery module according to the present invention, Figure 4 shows the state in which the flame prevention sheet is separated in Figure 3, Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module according to the present invention, Figure 6 is a perspective view of the battery cell according to the present invention, Figure 7 is a perspective view of the terminal busbar according to the present invention, Figure 8 is a perspective view of the insulating cover and end plate according to the present invention, and Figure 9 shows the inside of the battery pack according to the present invention.

[0036] A battery module 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery cell stack 100 in which a plurality of battery cells 110 are stacked, a module case 200 that houses the battery cell stack 100, a busbar frame 300 located on the front and / or rear surface of the battery cell stack 100, end plates 400, 450 that cover the front and / or rear surface of the battery cell stack 100, and busbars 310, 320 and a flame prevention section 600 mounted on the busbar frame 300.

[0037] The battery cell stack 100 consists of multiple battery cells 110 stacked in one direction, and the multiple battery cells 110 can be electrically connected. The direction in which the multiple battery cells 110 are stacked may be the X-axis direction (or the X-axis direction) in Figure 5.

[0038] The direction from the front to the rear of the battery cell stack 100, or the opposite direction, can be defined as the longitudinal direction of the battery cell stack 100, and may be the Y-axis direction on the drawing. Furthermore, the direction from the top to the bottom of the battery cell stack 100, or the opposite direction, can be defined as the width direction of the battery cell stack 100, and may be the Z-axis direction on the drawing.

[0039] The longitudinal direction of the battery cell stack 100 may be substantially the same as the longitudinal direction of the battery cells 110. The electrode leads 111 and 112 of the battery cells 110 are located on the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 100, and the busbars 310 and 320 of the battery module 1000 may be positioned close to the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 100 to facilitate electrical connection with the electrode leads 111 and 112.

[0040] The battery cell 110 is supplied as a pouch-type battery cell, which allows for the maximum number of cells stacked per unit area. However, the battery cell 110 does not necessarily have to be supplied as a pouch type; it can also be supplied in prismatic, cylindrical, or other various forms.

[0041] The battery cell 110, provided in a pouch, may include an electrode assembly and a cell case 115 that houses the electrode assembly (see Figure 6).

[0042] The cell case 115 of the battery cell 110 is for housing the electrode assembly and may be a pouch-type cell case 115. The cell case 115 includes a lower case and an upper case that covers the lower case, and the upper and lower cases may be integrated. Also, as shown in Figure 4, the connecting portion of the upper and lower cases may be folded. Furthermore, as shown in the figure, the upper case may completely cover the lower case, and a sealing portion 114 may be formed around the periphery.

[0043] Both the upper and lower cases can be laminate structures including an internal coating layer, a metal layer, and an external coating layer. The internal coating layer is located inside the cell case 115 relative to the metal layer and is in direct contact with the electrode assembly. Therefore, it must have insulating and electrolytic resistance properties, and for sealing to the outside, it is required to have sealing properties, i.e., the sealing portions where the internal layers are heat-bonded together must have excellent thermal bonding strength. The metal layer is located between the internal and external coating layers and acts as a barrier layer that prevents moisture and various gases from penetrating into the inside of the battery from the outside. A suitable material for the metal layer in contact with the internal coating layer is a thin film of aluminum (Al) which is lightweight yet has excellent moldability. The external coating layer is located outside the cell case 115 relative to the metal layer. Such an external coating layer can use a heat-resistant polymer with excellent tensile strength, moisture permeability prevention, and air permeability prevention properties so as to protect the electrode assembly while ensuring heat resistance and fire resistance. For example, nylon or polyethylene terephthalate can be used.

[0044] Each of the upper and lower cases has a housing groove 116, and the electrode assembly can be housed in the housing groove 116 of the upper and lower cases.

[0045] The electrode assembly housed in the cell case 115 may be one selected from the group consisting of a jelly roll type electrode assembly having a structure in which a separation membrane is interposed between a long sheet-like negative electrode and a positive electrode before it is wound up, a stack type electrode assembly consisting of unit cells having a structure in which rectangular positive and negative electrodes are stacked with a separation membrane in between, a stack-folding type electrode assembly in which the unit cells are wound up by a long separation film, and a lamination-stack type electrode assembly in which the unit cells are stacked with a separation membrane in between and adhere to each other.

[0046] The electrode assembly may also include two electrode tabs and two electrode leads 111 and 112 connected to these electrode tabs by welds.

[0047] One of the two electrode leads 111, 112 is a positive lead connected to a positive tab, and the other electrode lead 111, 112 may be a negative lead connected to a negative tab.

[0048] A lead film 113 can be attached to each of the electrode leads 111 and 112. The lead film 113 attached to the electrode leads 111 and 112 is located between the electrode leads 111 and 112 and the cell case 115, preventing short circuits from occurring between the electrode leads 111 and 112 and the cell case 115, improving the sealing force and preventing leakage of the electrolyte.

[0049] Although the two electrode leads 111 and 112 are shown positioned on both sides of the electrode assembly, they may be positioned on only one side of the electrode assembly depending on the arrangement of the electrode tabs.

[0050] The module case 200 is intended to protect the battery cell stack 100 and the electrical components connected thereto from external physical shocks, and the module case 200 can house the battery cell stack 100 and the electrical components connected thereto in the internal space of the module case 200.

[0051] The structure of the module case 200 is diverse. As an example, the module case 200 may have a monoframe structure. Here, the monoframe may have the form of a metal sheet material with an integrated top surface, bottom surface, and both sides. The monoframe can be manufactured by extrusion molding. As another example, the structure of the module case 200 may be a structure in which a U-shaped frame and an upper plate (top surface 201) are joined. In the case of a structure in which a U-shaped frame and an upper plate are joined, the structure of the module case 200 is formed by joining the upper plate to the upper side of a U-shaped frame which is a metal sheet material with an integrated bottom surface and both sides, and each frame or plate can be manufactured by press molding. Furthermore, in addition to the monoframe or U-shaped frame, the structure of the module case 200 can also be provided as an L-shaped frame structure, and can be provided as a variety of structures not described in the examples above.

[0052] The structure of the module case 200 may be provided in a form that is open in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell stack 100. The front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 100 do not need to be shielded by the module case 200. The electrode leads 111 and 112 of the battery cells 110 do not need to be shielded by the module case 200. The front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 100 can be shielded by a busbar frame 300, end plates 400, 450, or busbars 310, 320, etc., which will be described later, thereby protecting the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 100 from external physical impacts, etc.

[0053] A compression pad 150 may be positioned between the battery cell stack 100 and one of the inner surfaces of the module case 200.

[0054] The compression pad 150 may be positioned in the battery cell stack 100 so as to face the battery cell 110, which is located in the outermost shell of the battery cell stack 100, in the X-axis direction in the drawing.

[0055] Furthermore, although not shown in the figures, a thermally conductive resin is injected between the battery cell stack 100 and the inner surface of the module case 200, and a thermally conductive resin layer (not shown) may be formed between the battery cell stack 100 and one side of the inner surface of the module case 200 by the injected thermally conductive resin. Here, the thermally conductive resin layer is located on the Z-axis of the battery cell stack 100, and the thermally conductive resin layer may be formed between the battery cell stack 100 and the bottom surface of the module case 200 located on the -Z-axis.

[0056] The busbar frame 300 is positioned on one surface of the battery cell stack 100, covering one surface of the battery cell stack 100 and guiding the connection between the battery cell stack 100 and external equipment. As shown in the figure, the busbar frame 300 is positioned on one surface of the battery cell stack 100, and for example, the busbar frame 300 may be positioned on the top, bottom, front, rear, or side of the battery cell stack 100. At least one of the busbars 310, 320 and module connectors may be mounted on the busbar frame 300. As shown in Figure 5, one surface of the busbar frame 300 is connected to one side of the battery cell stack 100, and the other surface of the busbar frame 300 may be connected to the busbars 310, 320.

[0057] The busbar frame 300 may include an electrically insulating material. The busbar frame 300 can limit the contact of the busbars 310 and 320 with other parts of the battery cell 110, other than the parts joined to the electrode leads 111 and 112, thereby preventing electrical short circuits.

[0058] The busbar frame 300 may be located on one side and the other side of the battery cell stack 100, respectively.

[0059] Busbars 310 and 320 are mounted on one surface of the busbar frame 300 and may be used to electrically connect the battery cell stack 100 or the battery cells 110 to external equipment circuits. By positioning the busbars 310 and 320 between the battery cell stack 100 or the busbar frame 300 and the end plates 400 and 450, they are protected from external impacts and other factors, minimizing the reduction in durability due to external moisture and other factors.

[0060] The busbars 310 and 320 can be electrically connected to the battery cell stack 100 via the electrode leads 111 and 112 of the battery cell 110.

[0061] Specifically, the electrode leads 111 and 112 of the battery cell 110 can pass through lead slits formed in the busbar frame 300, then bend and connect to the busbars 310 and 320. The busbars 310 and 320 allow the battery cells 110 constituting the battery cell stack 100 to be connected in series or in parallel.

[0062] The busbars 310, 320 may include terminal busbars 320 for electrically connecting one battery module 100 to another battery module 100. To connect with other battery modules 100, at least a portion of the terminal busbar 320 is exposed to the outside of the end plates 400, 450, which may have terminal openings 410 for this purpose.

[0063] One end (second portion 322) of the terminal busbar 320 can be exposed through the opening 510 of the insulating cover 500 and the terminal opening 410 of the end plates 400, 450.

[0064] As shown in Figure 7, the terminal busbar 320 may include a first portion 321 connected to the electrode leads 111 and 112 of the battery cell 110, and a second portion 322 exposed to the outside through the terminal opening 410. The terminal busbar 320 may further include a bending portion 323 formed between the first portion 321 and the second portion 322.

[0065] In the terminal bus bar 320, the first portion 321 is connected to the second portion 322 via a bending portion, and one surface of the first portion 321 and one surface of the second portion 322 may be perpendicular to each other. That is, by forming a bent bending portion 323 in the terminal bus bar 320, the second portion 322 protrudes so that the second portion 322 sits on the seating portion of the insulating cover 500 (the portion of the insulating cover 500 on which the second portion 322 sits), and the second portion 322 can be electrically connected to a pack bus bar (not shown). A coupling hole 322a is formed in the second portion 322 that constitutes one end of the terminal bus bar 320, and the second portion 322 of the terminal bus bar 320 can be fixed by a pin or bolt inserted into this coupling hole 322a.

[0066] The end plates 400 and 450 are arranged on both sides of the module case 200 to cover one side and the other side of the battery cell stack 100, and may include a first end plate 400 arranged on one side of the module case 200 and a second end plate 450 arranged on the other side opposite to the module case 200.

[0067] Specifically, the first end plate 400 may be positioned on one side of the module case 200 where the terminal bus bar 320 is located, and the second end plate 450 may be positioned on the other side of the module case 200, opposite to the first end plate 400.

[0068] The first and second end plates 400 and 450 may be intended to protect the battery cell stack 100 and the electrical components connected thereto from external physical shocks by sealing the open surface of the module case 200. For this purpose, the first and second end plates 400 and 450 may be manufactured from a material having a predetermined strength, and for example, the first and second end plates 400 and 450 may include a metal such as aluminum or a plastic material.

[0069] Terminal openings 410 may be formed in the first and second end plates 400 and 450. The terminal openings 410 are located on both sides of the end plates 400 and 450, respectively, and a portion of the insulating cover 500 and one end (second portion 322) of the terminal bus bar 320 may be exposed through the terminal openings 410.

[0070] A terminal busbar 320 does not need to be placed on the other side of the module case 200 where the second end plate 450 is located.

[0071] Furthermore, a connector opening is located between the terminal openings 410 on both sides of the first and second end plates 400 and 450, through which the module connector can be exposed to the outside.

[0072] Furthermore, module mounting sections 420 and 470 may be positioned on both the left and right sides of the first and second end plates 400 and 450.

[0073] The module mounting sections 420 and 470 are for securing the battery module 1000 within the battery pack 2000 and may include coupling holes 421 and 471 that penetrate vertically. By coupling module mounting bolts (not shown) into these coupling holes 421 and 471, the battery module 1000 can be secured within the battery pack 2000. The module mounting sections 420 and 470 may be formed integrally with the first and second end plates 400 and 450.

[0074] Furthermore, module lifting holes 430 may be formed in the module mounting sections 420 and 470. The module lifting holes 430 are for lifting or transporting the battery module 1000, and a transport member (not shown) can be connected to the module lifting holes 430 to lift the battery module 1000. Then, with the battery module 1000 lifted by the transport member, the battery module 1000 can be transported or assembled into the battery pack 2000.

[0075] The module lifting holes 430 are formed to a predetermined depth on the front surfaces of the module mounting sections 420 and 470 or on the front surface 401 of the first and second end plates 400 and 450, and can communicate with the coupling holes 421 and 471.

[0076] The first and second end plates 400 and 450 can be connected to the module case 200 while covering the busbar frame 300 or busbars 310 and 320 located on one surface of the battery cell stack 100. Each corner of the first and second end plates 400 and 450 can be connected to the corresponding corner of the module case 200 by methods such as welding, bolting, or hook fastening.

[0077] The first and second end plates 400 and 450 may be positioned on the front and rear surfaces of the module case 200, respectively, so as to cover the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 100.

[0078] An insulating cover 500 for electrical insulation may be positioned between the first and second end plates 400, 450 and the busbar frame 300. That is, the busbar frame 300, insulating cover 500, and first and second end plates 400, 450 may be positioned sequentially outward from the battery cell stack 100. Similar to the first and second end plates 400, 450, the busbar frame 300 and insulating cover 500 may each be composed of multiple units.

[0079] The insulating cover 500 may include an electrically insulating material that can prevent the busbars 310 and 320 from coming into contact with the first and second end plates 400 and 450.

[0080] The insulating cover 500 may include an opening 510 and a seating portion on which the second portion 322 of the terminal bus bar 320 is seated. The openings 510 are located on both sides of the upper part of the insulating cover 500, and one end (second portion 322) of the terminal bus bar 320 may be exposed through the openings 510.

[0081] Furthermore, a connector opening is located between the openings 510 on both sides of the insulating cover 500, through which the module connector can be exposed to the outside.

[0082] The insulating cover 500 is located on the inner surfaces of the first and second end plates 400 and 450, and can be in close contact with the inner surfaces of the first and second end plates 400 and 450, but is not necessarily limited to that.

[0083] As described above, one end (second portion 322) of the terminal bus bar 320 is exposed through the opening 510, and this exposed end of the terminal bus bar 320 can be seated on the seating portion. Therefore, the seating portion can be positioned adjacent to the opening 510 and on the upper outer surface.

[0084] The second portion 322 of the terminal bus bar 320 can be seated on the upper surface of the seating portion, thereby forming a seating surface. The seating portion may also include a fixing portion for fixing the second portion 322 of the terminal bus bar 320, and the fixing portion may include a fixing groove into which a pin or bolt, which is inserted into a coupling groove 322a formed in the second portion 322 of the terminal bus bar 320, is coupled and fixed.

[0085] Furthermore, the insulating cover 500 may include an edge located outside the seating area on which one end of the terminal busbar 320 sits, in the portion exposed through the terminal opening 510.

[0086] Furthermore, a terminal cover portion (not shown) that covers one end of the exposed terminal bus bar 320 may be placed on the insulating cover 500.

[0087] The flame prevention unit 600 is intended to prevent flames from being exposed to the outside when flames occur inside the battery module 1000, and as shown in Figures 3 and 4, it may include a first flame prevention member 610 and a second flame prevention member 650.

[0088] The first flame prevention member 610 may be positioned on the first end plate 400. Inside the first end plate 400 on which the first flame prevention member 610 is positioned, an insulating cover 500 may be positioned such that one end of the terminal bus bar 320 is exposed.

[0089] Specifically, the first flame prevention member 610 may include a side portion 620 positioned on a first end plate 400 located on one side of the module case 200, and a top portion 630 positioned on the top surface of the battery module 1000.

[0090] The side portion 620 of the first flame prevention member 610 may be positioned on the first end plate 400 and cover the upper part of the front surface 401 of the first end plate 400.

[0091] The side portion 620 may include a lower portion 621 and an upper portion 622 positioned above the lower portion 621.

[0092] The lower part 621 of the side portion 620 extends to the left and right until it reaches the module mounting portion 420, covering the module mounting portion 420. Connecting holes 621a are formed on both sides of the lower part 621, and fixing pins 623 can be inserted into these connecting holes 621a.

[0093] The fixing pin 623 inserted into this coupling hole 621a allows the first flame prevention member 610 to be coupled to the first end plate 400.

[0094] On the other hand, as mentioned above, module lifting holes 430 are formed on both sides of the first end plate 400, and the fixing pins 623 are connected to the module lifting holes 430, thereby fixing the first flame prevention member 610 to the first end plate 400. In this way, the first flame prevention member 610 is firmly fixed to the first end plate 400 by the fixing pins 623, and therefore, in the event of thermal runaway or flame generation in the battery module 1000, it is possible to prevent the first flame prevention member 610 from being separated from the battery module 1000 by the ejection of high-pressure gas.

[0095] The fixing pin 623 can be crimped and secured into the module lifting hole 430.

[0096] Furthermore, by connecting the fixing pin 623 to the module lifting hole 430, it becomes unnecessary to form a separate coupling groove or coupling hole for connecting the fixing pin 623.

[0097] Furthermore, in order to prevent interference between the fixing pin 623 and the module mounting bolt which is connected to the coupling hole 421 of the module mounting section 420, the end of the fixing pin 623 inserted into the module lifting hole 430 is located inside the module lifting hole 430 and not in the coupling hole 421 of the module mounting section 420. To prevent interference with the module mounting bolt, the length of the fixing pin 623 is preferably 5 mm or less.

[0098] The upper part 622 of the side portion 620 is formed to be narrower than the lower part 621, and does not need to cover the module mounting portion 420. The upper part 622 can cover the front portion of the insulating cover 500 that is exposed through the terminal openings 410 on both sides of the first end plate 400, and can cover one end (second portion 322) of the terminal bus bar 320 at the front.

[0099] The upper portion 630 is positioned on the upper surface of the battery module 1000, and may be positioned on the upper surface of the first end plate 400, the upper surface of the insulating cover 500, and the upper surface 201 of the module case 200.

[0100] The upper portion 630 can be bent and extended from the side portion 620 toward the upper surface 201 of the module case 200, and can be formed integrally with the side portion 620. Thus, the first flame prevention member 610 can have an "L" shaped form.

[0101] The top portion 630 is formed to be narrower than the upper portion 622 of the side portion 620 and may be located between the terminal busbars 320 on a plane. The busbars 320 between modules are connected by connecting pack busbars (not shown) between the terminal busbars 320 (see Figure 9), and in order to secure space for such connection of busbars 320 between modules, the top portion 630 does not have to cover the terminal busbars 320 exposed on the insulating cover 500.

[0102] Furthermore, the upper portion 630 extends toward the upper surface 201 of the module case 200, and can cover the upper surface of the first end plate 400, the upper surface of the insulating cover 500, and a portion of the upper surface 201 of the module case 200.

[0103] Therefore, by having the first flame prevention member 610 have the configuration described above, even if a flame occurs inside the battery module 1000, it is possible to prevent the flame from being exposed through the insulating cover 500, which is a plastic injection molding that is susceptible to high temperatures, and to prevent the flame from being exposed between the module case 200 and the first end plate 400 (or insulating cover 500).

[0104] The first flame-preventing member 610 has a sheet-like shape and may contain mica or be composed of a mica sheet.

[0105] The second flame prevention member 650 may be positioned on the second end plate 450 opposite the first end plate 400.

[0106] Specifically, the second flame prevention member 650 may include a side portion 660 positioned on a second end plate 450 located on the other side of the module case 200, and a top portion 670 positioned on the top surface of the battery module 1000.

[0107] The side portion 660 of the second flame prevention member 650 may be positioned on the second end plate 450 and cover the upper front portion of the second end plate 450.

[0108] The side portion 660 may include a lower portion 661 and an upper portion 662 positioned above the lower portion 661.

[0109] The lower part 661 of the side portion 660 extends to the left and right to the module mounting portion 470, covering the module mounting portion 470. Connecting holes 661a are formed on both sides of the lower portion 661, and fixing pins 663 can be inserted into these connecting holes 661a.

[0110] The fixing pin 663 inserted into this coupling hole 661a allows the second flame prevention member 650 to be coupled to the second end plate 450.

[0111] On the other hand, similar to the first flame prevention member 610, the second flame prevention member 650 can also be fixed to the second end plate 450 by having a fixing pin 663 connected to a module lifting hole 480 formed on the front surface of the module mounting portion 470. In this way, the second flame prevention member 650 can be firmly fixed to the second end plate 450 by the fixing pin 663, thereby preventing the second flame prevention member 650 from being separated from the battery module 1000 by the ejection of high-pressure gas in the event of thermal runaway or flame generation within the battery module 1000.

[0112] The fixing pin 663 can be crimped and secured into the module lifting hole 480.

[0113] Furthermore, by connecting the fixing pin 663 to the module lifting hole 480, it becomes unnecessary to form a separate coupling groove or coupling hole for connecting the fixing pin 663.

[0114] Furthermore, in order to prevent interference between the fixing pin 663 and the module mounting bolt which is connected to the coupling hole 471 of the module mounting section 470, the end of the fixing pin 663 inserted into the module lifting hole 480 is located inside the module lifting hole 480 and not in the coupling hole 471 of the module mounting section 470. To prevent interference with the module mounting bolt, the length of the fixing pin 663 is preferably 5 mm or less.

[0115] The upper part 662 of the side portion 660 is formed to be narrower than the lower part 661, and does not need to cover the module mounting portion 470.

[0116] The upper portion 670 is positioned on the upper surface of the battery module 1000, and may be positioned on the upper surface of the second end plate 450, the upper surface of the insulating cover 500, and the upper surface 201 of the module case 200.

[0117] The upper portion 670 may be bent and extended from the side portion 660 toward the upper surface 201 of the module case 200 and be formed integrally with the side portion 660. Thus, the second flame prevention member 650 may have an "L" shaped form.

[0118] Furthermore, the upper portion 670 extends toward the upper surface 201 of the module case 200, and can cover the upper surface of the second end plate 450, the upper surface of the insulating cover 500, and a portion of the upper surface 201 of the module case 200.

[0119] The top portion 670 has the same width as the upper portion 662 of the side portion 660 and may have an extension portion 675 that is positioned on the top surface 201 of the module case 200. The extension portion 675 is positioned on the top surface 201 of the module case 200 and its width expands at the top portion 670 so that the left and right ends of the extension portion 675 extend to the edges of the top surface 201 of the module case 200. Therefore, the width of the extension portion 675 may be the same as the top surface 201 of the module case 200.

[0120] Because the second flame prevention member 650 has the configuration described above, even if a flame occurs inside the battery module 1000, it is possible to prevent the flame from being exposed through the insulating cover 500, which is a plastic injection molding that is susceptible to high temperatures, and to prevent the flame from being exposed between the module case 200 and the second end plate 450 (or insulating cover 500).

[0121] The second flame-preventing member 650, like the first flame-preventing member 610, is in the form of a sheet and may contain mica or be composed of a mica sheet.

[0122] On the other hand, one or more battery modules 1000 according to the present invention, as described above, can form a battery pack 2000. The battery pack 2000 according to the present invention can house at least one or more battery modules 1000 inside a pack case and can include various control and protection systems such as a BMS (Battery Management System) and a cooling system.

[0123] Figure 9 is a diagram showing the interior of a battery pack 2000 according to the present invention, in which eight battery modules 1000 are arranged in a pack tray 2100. The pack case for housing the battery modules 1000 may include a pack tray 2100 and a pack cover (not shown) coupled to the top of the pack tray 2100. As shown, the battery pack 2000 according to the present invention can house multiple battery modules 1000, and as an example, as shown in Figure 9, it can house eight battery modules 1000.

[0124] Furthermore, within the battery pack 2000, the battery modules 1000 may be arranged such that the fronts of the battery modules 1000 on which the terminal busbars 320 are located face each other. That is, four battery modules 1000 may be arranged on each of the left and right sides of the battery pack 2000 such that the first flame prevention members 610 face each other, and a second flame prevention member 650 may be placed on the rear surface of each battery module 1000.

[0125] In this way, in the battery pack 2000, the first flame prevention members 610 are positioned on the front of each of the battery modules 1000 facing each other. The first flame prevention members 610 facing each other prevent flames from being released to the outside and cover the terminal bus bar 320 at the front, thereby improving safety.

[0126] As shown in the figure, the terminal busbars 320 between the battery modules 1000 can be connected by pack busbars.

[0127] The battery module 1000 and battery pack 2000 according to the present invention, configured in this manner, can be applied to a variety of devices. Specifically, they can be applied to means of transportation such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrid vehicles, as well as to ESS (Energy Storage Systems), but are not limited to these, and can be applied to a variety of devices that can use secondary batteries.

[0128] As described above, the present invention has been described based on preferred embodiments, but is not limited to the embodiments described herein, and various modifications and alterations are possible by persons with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains, without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0129] The present invention provides a battery module and pack that prevent flames from being exposed to the outside, even if they occur inside the battery module.

Claims

1. A battery cell stack in which multiple battery cells are stacked, A module case for housing the aforementioned battery cell stack, An insulating cover disposed on one side of the aforementioned battery cell stack, A first end plate is positioned on one side of the module case, outside the insulating cover, A first flame prevention member is positioned on the first end plate to prevent flame exposure to the outside, Includes, The first flame prevention member is, The side portion arranged on the first end plate, The upper portion is bent from the side portion and positioned on the upper surface of the module case, A battery module, including the battery module.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the first flame prevention member further includes a fixing pin for fixing the first flame prevention member to the battery module.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein the side portion includes a coupling hole into which the fixing pin is inserted.

4. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein the fixing pin is coupled to the first end plate.

5. The first end plate includes a module lifting hole for lifting the battery module, The battery module according to claim 4, wherein the fixing pin is coupled to the module lifting hole.

6. The connecting holes are arranged on both sides of the side portion, The battery module according to claim 3, wherein the fixing pins are inserted into each of the aforementioned coupling holes.

7. The first end plate includes module lifting holes on both sides for lifting the battery module, The battery module according to claim 6, wherein the fixing pins are each connected to the module lifting holes.

8. The first end plate includes module mounting portions on both sides for connecting the battery module to the battery pack. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein the module lifting hole is formed in the module mounting portion.

9. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein the module mounting portion includes coupling holes formed in the vertical direction.

10. A second end plate is positioned on the other side of the module case, A second flame prevention member is positioned on the second end plate to prevent flame exposure to the outside, The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising:

11. The second flame prevention member is, The side portion positioned on the second end plate, The upper portion is bent from the side portion and positioned on the upper surface of the battery module, The battery module according to claim 10, including the following:

12. The battery module according to claim 11, wherein the second flame prevention member further includes a fixing pin for fixing the second flame prevention member to the battery module.

13. The battery module according to claim 12, wherein the side portion of the second flame prevention member includes a coupling hole into which the fixing pin of the second flame prevention member is inserted.

14. The battery module according to claim 13, wherein the fixing pin of the second flame prevention member is coupled to the second end plate.

15. The second end plate includes a module lifting hole for lifting the battery module, The battery module according to claim 14, wherein the fixing pin is coupled to the module lifting hole.

16. The coupling holes are arranged on both sides of the side portion of the second flame prevention member, The battery module according to claim 13, wherein the fixing pins are inserted into each of the coupling holes.

17. The second end plate includes module lifting holes on both sides for lifting the battery module, The battery module according to claim 16, wherein the fixing pins are each connected to the module lifting holes.

18. The second end plate includes module mounting portions on both sides for connecting the battery module to the battery pack. The battery module according to claim 17, wherein the module lifting hole is formed in the module mounting portion.

19. The battery module according to claim 18, wherein the module mounting portion includes coupling holes formed in the vertical direction.

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