Battery module and battery pack including same

Abstract

The present invention comprises a battery module and a battery pack including same, the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention comprising: a first sub-module and a second sub-module each including a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked and a bus bar assembly including a bus bar electrically connected to the battery cell stack and a bus bar frame covering at least one side of the battery cell stack; a module frame in which the first sub-module and the second sub-module are accommodated; and a fire-preventing member positioned between the first sub-module and the second sub-module, wherein one end of the first sub-module and the other end of the second sub-module are electrically connected to each other.

Description

Battery module and battery pack including same

[0001] Cross-citation with related application(s)

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0076755, filed June 15, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] The present invention relates to a battery module and a battery pack including the same, and more particularly, to a battery module having improved cooling performance deviation and safety inside the battery module and a battery pack including the same.

[0004] As technological developments and demand for mobile devices increase, the demand for secondary batteries as an energy source is rapidly increasing. Accordingly, extensive research is being conducted on secondary batteries that can meet diverse needs.

[0005] Secondary batteries are attracting much attention not only as an energy source for mobile devices such as cell phones, digital cameras, and laptops, but also as a power source for power devices such as electric bicycles, electric cars, and hybrid electric vehicles.

[0006] Recently, as the need for large-capacity secondary battery structures has increased, including the use of secondary batteries as energy storage sources, the demand for battery packs with medium- to large-sized module structures that assemble battery modules in which a number of secondary batteries are connected in series / parallel is increasing.

[0007] Meanwhile, when configuring a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series / parallel, it is common to configure a battery module composed of at least one battery cell and configure a battery pack by adding other components using at least one battery module.

[0008] The battery cells that make up these medium- to large-sized battery modules are composed of rechargeable secondary batteries. Therefore, these high-output, large-capacity secondary batteries generate a large amount of heat during the charging and discharging process. In this case, the heat from multiple battery cells accumulates in a small space, which can cause the temperature to rise rapidly and severely. In other words, battery modules with multiple battery cells stacked on top of each other and battery packs equipped with such battery modules can achieve high output, but it is difficult to remove the heat generated from the battery cells during charging and discharging. If the heat dissipation of the battery cells is not properly performed, the deterioration of the battery cells will be accelerated, shortening their lifespan and increasing the possibility of explosion or fire.

[0009] Moreover, battery modules included in vehicle battery packs are frequently exposed to direct sunlight and may be subjected to high-temperature conditions, such as summer or desert environments. Furthermore, because multiple battery modules are densely packed together to increase vehicle range, flames or heat generated in one module can easily spread to neighboring modules, ultimately leading to ignition or explosion of the battery pack itself.

[0010] Accordingly, to overcome the above-mentioned problem, at least two sub-modules can be electrically connected to form a single long module, and a coolant such as insulating oil can be injected into the long module to directly cool the battery cells. Here, the sub-module may refer to a battery cell stack in which a busbar assembly is mounted, and may refer to components excluding the module frame in a conventional general battery module.

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a conventional battery module, a long module.

[0012] Referring to Fig. 1, a conventional battery module, a long module (10), includes a first sub-module (1) and a second sub-module (2).

[0013] Specifically, the refrigerant can cool the long module (10) by flowing into the long module (10) through the inlet (3), sequentially passing through the first sub-module (1) and the second sub-module (2), and then being discharged to the outside through the outlet (4). In this case, the overall length of the long module (10) is longer than that of a conventional general battery module, and the refrigerant cools the first sub-module (1) first and then the second sub-module (2), so a temperature difference may occur between the first sub-module (1) and the second sub-module (2).

[0014] In addition, since the refrigerant moving inside the battery module (10) moves entirely through a single path, if a flame occurs in the first sub-module (1), the flame may spread to the neighboring second sub-module (2) by the refrigerant, which increases the possibility of explosion of the battery and lowers the safety of the battery.

[0015] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery module with improved cooling performance deviation and safety, and a battery pack including the same.

[0016] However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the problems described above and can be expanded in various ways within the scope of the technical ideas included in the present invention.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a battery module includes a first sub-module and a second sub-module, each including a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a module frame in which the first sub-module and the second sub-module are accommodated; and a flame prevention member positioned between the first sub-module and the second sub-module, wherein one end of the first sub-module and the other end of the second sub-module are electrically connected to each other.

[0018] The above flame prevention member may include a first flame prevention member positioned facing the first sub-module, and a second flame prevention member positioned facing the second sub-module.

[0019] The first flame prevention member may include a first support member positioned in contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the module frame, and a first insulating member positioned while covering an outer circumferential surface of the first support member and facing the first sub-module, and the second flame prevention member may include a second support member positioned in contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the module frame, and a second insulating member positioned while covering an outer circumferential surface of the second support member and facing the second sub-module.

[0020] The first support member may include a first support hole penetrating the first support member, the first insulating member may include a first insulating hole penetrating the first insulating member, the second support member may include a second support hole penetrating the second support member, and the second insulating member may include a second insulating hole penetrating the second insulating member.

[0021] The first support hole and the first insulation hole may be provided facing each other at corresponding positions, and the second support hole and the second insulation hole may be provided facing each other at corresponding positions.

[0022] The first support hole may be provided while penetrating the center of the first support member, and the second support hole may be provided while penetrating both side portions of the second support member.

[0023] The second flame-preventing member may include a protrusion positioned so as to protrude from the second support member toward the first support member.

[0024] The above protrusion may be positioned between the second support holes provided on both side surfaces of the second support member and protrude toward the first support hole.

[0025] The above protrusion may be provided facing each other at a position corresponding to the first support hole.

[0026] The first support member may include a first support plate that is in contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the module frame, and a first moving portion that is a region protruding from the first support plate toward the first sub-module, and the second support member may include a second support plate that is in contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the module frame, and a second moving portion that is a region protruding from the second support plate toward the second sub-module.

[0027] The edges of the first support plate and the second support plate can be positioned so as to be in contact with each other.

[0028] The first flow portion and the second flow portion may be positioned so as to protrude in opposite directions, and a flow area, which is a constant space in which the refrigerant can move, may be provided between the first flow portion and the second flow portion.

[0029] The first support member may include a first protrusion that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the first support plate from one end and the other end of the first support plate, respectively, and the second support member may include a second protrusion that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the second support plate from one end and the other end of the second support plate, respectively.

[0030] The first protrusion and the second protrusion may be positioned so as to be in contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the module frame, respectively.

[0031] A battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention includes the battery module described above.

[0032] According to embodiments, the cooling performance deviation of the battery can be improved and safety can be enhanced.

[0033] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

[0034] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a conventional battery module, a long module.

[0035] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack of Figure 2.

[0037] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of Figure 4.

[0039] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the battery module excluding the module frame of Figure 5.

[0041] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a current movement path in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of a sub-module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a flame prevention member according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10(a) is a perspective view showing a first side of the flame prevention member, and Fig. 10(b) is a perspective view showing a second side of the flame prevention member.

[0044] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a first flame prevention member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a first surface of a second flame-preventing member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a second surface of a second flame-preventing member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the movement of refrigerant in a flame prevention member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the movement of refrigerant within a flame prevention unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the invention. The present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0050] In order to clearly explain the present invention, parts that are not related to the description are omitted, and the same reference numerals are used for identical or similar components throughout the specification.

[0051] Furthermore, the sizes and thicknesses of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily indicated for convenience of explanation, and thus the present invention is not necessarily limited to the illustrated components. In the drawings, the thicknesses are enlarged to clearly represent various layers and regions. Furthermore, in the drawings, the thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated for convenience of explanation.

[0052] Furthermore, when we say that a layer, membrane, region, plate, or other part is "on" or "over" another part, this includes not only cases where it is "directly on" the other part, but also cases where there are other parts in between. Conversely, when we say that a part is "directly on" another part, we mean that there are no other parts in between. Furthermore, saying that a part is "on" or "over" a reference part means that it is located above or below the reference part, and does not necessarily mean that it is located "above" or "over" the reference part in the opposite direction of gravity.

[0053] Additionally, throughout the specification, whenever a part is said to "include" a component, this does not mean that it excludes other components, but rather that it may include other components, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0054] Additionally, throughout the specification, when we say "in plan", we mean when the target portion is viewed from above, and when we say "in cross section", we mean when the target portion is viewed from the side in a cross-section cut vertically.

[0055] Additionally, terms such as "first" and "second" used in this application may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0056] In addition, in the present application, the upper and lower may be defined as meaning the z-axis direction and the -z-axis direction, respectively, the side as meaning the y-axis direction and the -y-axis direction, and the front and rear as meaning the x-axis direction and the -x-axis direction, respectively, but these are defined arbitrarily within the specification for convenience, and the scope of rights is not limited to these names and directions.

[0057]

[0058] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack of Fig. 2.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a battery pack (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a lower pack frame (1100) on which a plurality of battery modules (100) are mounted, an upper pack frame (1200) positioned above the battery modules (100), and at least one venting portion (2000) provided on a side surface of the lower pack frame (1100). Here, the lower pack frame (1100) and the upper pack frame (1200) can be joined to each other by a method such as welding to seal the inside of the battery pack (1000).

[0060] The battery module (100) may include a battery cell stack (120) in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked along a preset direction, and a module frame (200). The module frame (200) may be a monoframe in the form of a metal plate in which the upper and lower surfaces (z-axis direction and -z-axis direction) and both side surfaces (y-axis direction and -y-axis direction) are integrated. The battery cell stack (120) may be mounted inside the module frame (200) to constitute the battery module (100).

[0061] The lower pack frame (1100) includes a side pack frame (1150) and at least two internal beams (1110) formed on the bottom surface of the lower pack frame (1100). Here, the bottom surface of the lower pack frame (1100) and the at least two internal beams (1110), and the bottom surface of the lower pack frame (1100) and the side pack frame (1150) may be joined to each other by a method such as welding.

[0062] A plurality of battery modules (100) may be mounted in an area partitioned from each other by a side pack frame (1150) and at least two internal beams (1110). In other words, the plurality of battery modules (100) may be respectively disposed in an area between the side pack frame (1150) and the internal beams (1110), and an area positioned between adjacent internal beams (1110). More specifically, in the battery pack (1000), the battery modules (100) may be disposed between a pair of internal beams (1110) that are positioned adjacent to each other among the plurality of internal beams (1110) and the side pack frame (1150).

[0063] Accordingly, the plurality of battery modules (100) are surrounded by at least two internal beams (1110) and side pack frames (1150), so that each battery module (100) can be protected from external impact.

[0064] The side pack frame (1150) may be arranged at an edge of the bottom surface of the lower pack frame (1100) and may extend upward (in the z-axis direction) from the bottom surface of the lower pack frame (1100). More specifically, it may extend upward from each edge of the bottom surface of the lower pack frame (1100). Here, the upper end of the side pack frame (1150) may be in contact with the upper pack frame (1200). At this time, the upper end of the side pack frame (1150) and the upper pack frame (1200) may be joined to each other by a method such as welding, thereby sealing the inside of the battery pack (1000).

[0065] The plurality of inner beams (1110) may be spaced apart from each other. Here, the distance at which the adjacent inner beams (1110) are spaced apart may be equal to or greater than the size of the battery module (100).

[0066] Additionally, the end portion of the inner beam (1110) may be in contact with the inner surface (1152) of the side pack frame (1150). More specifically, both ends of the inner beam (1110) may be in contact with the inner surface (1151) of the side pack frame (1150), respectively.

[0067] Hereinafter, a battery module (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0068]

[0069] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of Fig. 4.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a battery module (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be formed by electrically connecting conventional general battery modules to each other to form a single battery module (100). Specifically, the battery module (100) of the present embodiment may be formed by electrically connecting one end and the other end of each battery cell stack that constitutes two conventional battery modules.

[0071] A battery module (100) includes a battery cell stack (120) in which a plurality of battery cells (110) are stacked, a module frame (200) for accommodating the battery cell stack (120), a bus bar assembly (300) positioned on the front and / or rear surface of the battery cell stack (120), a sealing assembly (400) covering the front and / or rear surface of the bus bar assembly (300), and an end plate (500) covering the front and / or rear surface of the sealing assembly (400).

[0072] First, the battery cell (110) may be a pouch-shaped battery cell. Such a pouch-shaped battery cell may be formed by housing an electrode assembly in a pouch case made of a laminate sheet including a resin layer and a metal layer, and then heat-sealing the sealing portion of the pouch case. In this case, the battery cell (110) may be formed in a rectangular sheet-shaped structure.

[0073] These battery cells (110) may be composed of a plurality of them, and the plurality of battery cells (110) may be stacked so as to be electrically connected to each other to form a battery cell stack (120). In particular, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the plurality of battery cells (110) may be stacked along a direction parallel to the y-axis.

[0074] The module frame (200) may be intended to protect the battery cell stack (120) and electrical components connected thereto from external physical impact. The module frame (200) may accommodate the battery cell stack (120) and electrical components connected thereto in the internal space of the module frame (200).

[0075] The structure of the module frame (200) may vary. According to this drawing, the structure of the module frame (200) may be a monoframe structure. The monoframe may be manufactured by extrusion molding.

[0076] However, the structure of the module frame (200) is not limited thereto, and as another example, the module frame (200) may have a structure in which a U-shaped frame and an upper plate are combined. In this case, the U-shaped frame may be formed by combining or integrating the lower surface and both sides of the module frame (200). At this time, each frame or plate constituting the U-shaped frame may be manufactured by press forming. In addition, the structure of the module frame (200) may be provided as an L-shaped frame structure in addition to a mono-frame or a U-shaped frame, and may also be provided as various structures not described in the above-described examples.

[0077] The module frame (200) may be provided in an open form along the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the battery cell stack (120). In this case, the front (x-axis direction) and the rear (-x-axis direction) of the battery cell stack (120) may not be covered by the module frame (200). The front and the rear of the battery cell stack (120) may be covered by a bus bar assembly (300), a sealing assembly (400), an end plate (500), or the like, through which the front (x-axis direction) and the rear (-x-axis direction) of the battery cell stack (120) may be protected from external physical impacts, etc.

[0078] The busbar assembly (300) includes a busbar frame (310a, FIG. 7) to be described later and busbars (330a, 330b, FIG. 7) mounted on one surface of the busbar frame (310a, FIG. 7). The busbar assembly (300) may be formed to cover the battery cell stack (120) by being positioned on the open first side (x-axis direction) and second side (-x-axis direction) of the module frame (200). The busbar assembly (300) may electrically connect the battery cells (110) constituting the battery cell stack (120) in series or in parallel.

[0079] The sealing assembly (400) may be formed to cover the battery cell stack (120) by being positioned on the open first side (x-axis direction) and the second side (-x-axis direction) of the module frame (200). The sealing assembly (400) positioned on the open first side of the module frame (200) may be a first sealing assembly (410), and the sealing assembly (400) positioned on the open second side of the module frame (200) may be a second sealing assembly (450).

[0080] The sealing assembly (400) can isolate the open first and second sides of the module frame (200) from the external environment. Specifically, the sealing assembly (400) can serve to seal the module frame (200) so that the refrigerant does not leak to the outside when the refrigerant is injected into the module frame.

[0081] Specifically, the sealing assembly (400) may include a sealing cover, an inlet (421) through which a coolant flows in, and an outlet (461). Specifically, the coolant may flow into the module frame (200) through the inlet (421) and then be discharged to the outside of the battery module (100) through the outlet (461). The coolant may directly contact the battery cell stack (120) mounted inside the module frame (200), other electrical components, and the busbar assembly (300), and receive heat generated therefrom. Accordingly, the coolant may cool the battery module (100) while circulating inside the battery module (100).

[0082] The refrigerant may be a fluid. However, since the refrigerant comes into direct contact with the battery cell stack (120), other electrical components, and the busbar assembly (300) within the battery module (100), it must be electrically insulated. Therefore, the refrigerant may be a material having insulating properties. For example, the refrigerant may be an insulating oil.

[0083] As described above, the refrigerant can directly cool the battery cell stack (120) and other electrical components and the busbar assembly (300) that generate heat within the battery module (100) by directly contacting them and transferring heat thereto. Therefore, compared to indirectly cooling the battery module using a heat sink or the like as in the past, the cooling efficiency of the battery can be improved, thereby extending the life of the battery.

[0084] The end plate (500) may be formed to cover the sealing assembly (400) by being positioned on the first open side (x-axis direction) and the second side (-x-axis direction) of the module frame (200). The end plate (500) positioned on the first open side of the module frame (200) may be a first end plate (510), and the end plate (500) positioned on the second open side of the module frame (200) may be a second end plate (550).

[0085] These end plates (500) can physically protect the battery cell stack (120) and other electrical components from external impact.

[0086] Below, each sub-module constituting the battery module (100) of the present embodiment will be described in more detail.

[0087]

[0088] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the battery module excluding the module frame of Fig. 5. Fig. 8 is a drawing showing the current movement path in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a battery module (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first sub-module (100a), a second sub-module (100b), and a flame prevention member (700). Here, the battery module (100) may be one in which the first sub-module (100a) and the second sub-module (100b) are electrically connected.

[0090] The first sub-module (100a) and the second sub-module (100b) may each include a battery cell stack (120a, 120b) in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, a bus bar assembly (300a, 300b) including a bus bar (330a, 330b) electrically connected to the battery cell stack (120a, 120b), and a bus bar frame (310a, 310b) covering the battery cell stack (120a, 120b) on at least one side.

[0091] That is, the first sub-module (100a) and the second sub-module (100b) each include the same configuration.

[0092] The flame prevention member (700) can prevent a flame from spreading to the second sub-module (100b) when a flame occurs in the first sub-module (100a).

[0093] Specifically, the flame prevention member (700) can be positioned between the first sub-module (100a) and the second sub-module (100b). The flame prevention member (700) is positioned between the other end (-x-axis direction) of the first sub-module (100a) and one end (x-axis direction) of the second sub-module (100b), so as to allow only the refrigerant to move from the first sub-module (100a) to the second sub-module (100b), and prevent flames and the like from moving.

[0094] Referring to Fig. 8, the region where the first sub-module (100a) and the second sub-module (100b) are electrically connected can be defined as a connection region (Ac). Hereinafter, the connection structure of one end of the first sub-module (100a), the other end of the second sub-module (100b), and the electrode leads (130a, 130b) in the connection region (Ac) and the flow of current will be described in detail.

[0095] The first outermost electrode lead (130a1) located at one end of the first sub-module (100a) and the first electrode lead (130a6) located adjacent thereto are electrically connected to the outside to supply current to the first sub-module (100a) and the second sub-module (100b). In this case, current is supplied from the outside to the first sub-module (100a), but since the first electrode lead (130a) and the second electrode lead (130b) are electrically connected in the connection area (Ac), current can also flow to the second sub-module (100b).

[0096] In the connection area (Ac), the first electrode lead (130a) located at the outermost side of the first battery cell stack (120a) of the first sub-module (100a) and the second electrode lead (130b) located at the outermost side of the second battery cell stack (120b) of the second sub-module (100b) are electrically connected to each other. Specifically, the outermost first electrode leads (130a2, 130a3) located at the other end of the first sub-module (100a) are electrically connected to the outermost second electrode leads (130b1, 130b5) located at one end of the second sub-module (100b).

[0097] In this case, the electrode leads except for the outermost first electrode leads (130a2, 130a3) and the outermost second electrode leads (130b1, 130b5) can be electrically connected to the neighboring electrode leads, respectively. More specifically, at the other end of the first sub-module (100a), the first electrode leads except for the outermost first electrode leads (130a2, 130a3) can be electrically connected to the neighboring first electrode leads while forming pairs. Similarly, at one end of the second sub-module (100b), the second electrode leads except for the outermost second electrode leads (130b1, 130b5) can be electrically connected to the neighboring second electrode leads while forming pairs.

[0098] At one end of the first sub-module (100a) other than the connection area (Ac), the remaining first electrode leads, excluding the first outermost electrode lead (130a1) and the first electrode lead (130a6) adjacent thereto, which are electrically connected to an external power source, may be electrically connected to adjacent first electrode leads. For example, adjacent first electrode leads may be electrically connected to form pairs.

[0099] At the other end of the second sub-module (100b) other than the connection area (Ac), adjacent second electrode leads may be electrically connected. For example, adjacent second electrode leads may be electrically connected in pairs. Here, the second outermost electrode leads (130b2, 130b4) located at the other end of the second sub-module (100b) may also be electrically connected by forming pairs with the adjacent second electrode leads.

[0100] When the electrical connection of the electrode leads (130a, 130b) is formed as described above, current can flow along the electrical connection of these electrode leads (130a, 130b).

[0101] That is, the arrows in this drawing indicate the flow of current, but the flow of current is not limited to what is described in this drawing, and any current flow can be easily changed by a person skilled in the art by changing the electrical connection of the electrode leads.

[0102] Referring again to FIGS. 6 to 8, in this case, the flame prevention member (700) may be positioned between the first sub-module (100a) and the second sub-module (100b) without coming into contact with the outermost first electrode leads (130a2, 130a3) and the outermost second electrode leads (130b1, 130b5).

[0103] That is, since only the outermost first electrode leads (130a2, 130a3) and the outermost second electrode leads (130b1, 130b5) are electrically connected to each other, even if the flame prevention member (700) is positioned between the first sub-module (100a) and the second sub-module (100b), the electrical flow between them may not be interrupted or disturbed.

[0104]

[0105] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of a sub-module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] As described above, the first sub-module (100a) and the second sub-module (100b) each have the same configuration, so only the first sub-module (100a) will be described below.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 9, the first sub-module (100a) includes a first battery cell stack (120a) in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, a first bus bar assembly (300a) covering the front (x-axis direction) and the rear (-x-axis direction) of the first battery cell stack (120a), and a first flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) (350a) electrically connected to the first bus bar assembly (300a).

[0108] The first battery cell stack (120a) is formed by stacking a plurality of first battery cells (110a). The first battery cell stack (120a) includes a first compression pad (250a) provided on one surface of the first outermost battery cell (110a). In addition, the first battery cell stack (120a) includes a first cooling fin (210a) positioned between the plurality of first battery cells (110a) and between the first battery cells (110a) and the first compression pad (250a).

[0109] The first cooling fin (210a) may be positioned between a plurality of first battery cells (110a). For example, the first cooling fin (210a) may be positioned between two first battery cells (110a). Specifically, one first cooling fin (210a) and another neighboring first cooling fin (210a) may be positioned with two first battery cells (110a) therebetween. Alternatively, the first cooling fin (210a) may be positioned between the outermost first battery cell (110a) and the first compression pad (250a).

[0110] In this case, the first cooling fin (210a) may include a cooling plate (211a) that is in contact with one side of the first battery cell (110a). Here, the one side of the first battery cell (110a) may be one side of the battery cell (110) that extends along the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the first battery cell (110a). One side of the cooling plate (211a) may be in contact with one side of the first battery cell (110a) that faces one side of the cooling plate (211a).

[0111] The other side of the cooling plate (211a) may be in contact with one side of another first battery cell (110a) facing the other side of the cooling plate (211a) or one side of the first compression pad (250a). In this case, although not shown in the drawing, an adhesive may be interposed between the side of the first battery cell (110a) and the cooling plate (211a), or between one side of the first compression pad (250a) and the cooling plate (211a), so that the first battery cell (110a) and the cooling plate (211a) may be adhesively fixed. For example, the adhesive may be an insulating tape.

[0112] The upper surface (z-axis direction) of the cooling plate (211a) can be in contact with the upper surface (z-axis direction) of the module frame (200) of FIG. 5, and the lower surface (-z-axis direction) of the cooling plate (211a) can be in contact with the lower surface (-z-axis direction) of the module frame (200) of FIG. 5. Accordingly, the first cooling fin (210a) can be fixedly positioned within the module frame (200), and thereby the first battery cell (110a) attached to the first cooling fin (210a) can also be fixedly positioned within the module frame (200).

[0113] The size of the cooling plate (211a) may be larger than the size of the first battery cell (110a). That is, the height (z-axis direction) of the cooling plate (211a) may be larger than the height of the first battery cell (110a). In this case, the first battery cell (110a) may be attached to the cooling plate (211a) and positioned as if floating inside the module frame without coming into contact with the module frame. Specifically, the upper and lower portions of the first battery cell (110a) may be positioned at a constant height from the upper and lower portions of the module frame (200). More specifically, when the height (z-axis direction) of the cooling plate (211a) is higher than the height (z-axis direction) of the first battery cell (110a), the first battery cell (110a) may be positioned at the center of the cooling plate (211a) and may be adhesively fixed thereto.

[0114] The first cooling fin (210a) may further include a cooling plate (211a) and a cooling fin protrusion (213a) in which one end of the cooling plate (211a) protrudes.

[0115] The cooling fin protrusion (213a) may be an area that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the cooling plate (211a). The cooling fin protrusion (213a) may be in contact with the upper surface of the module frame (200) of FIG. 5. Specifically, one surface of the cooling fin protrusion (213a) may be in contact with the upper surface of the module frame (200) of FIG. 5, and the other surface of the cooling fin protrusion (213a) may be positioned to face the upper surface of the first battery cell (110a). For example, the first cooling fin (210a) may have an L shape. As a result, the first cooling fin (210a) may be more firmly fixed and positioned within the module frame (200).

[0116] However, the shape of the first cooling fin (210a) is not limited to this drawing, and may be a flat plate shape. That is, the first cooling fin (210a) may have any shape as long as it can be in contact with the first battery cell (110a) and fix the first battery cell (110a). For example, the cooling fin protrusion (213a) may protrude from the other end of the cooling plate (211a), come into contact with the lower surface of the module frame, and be positioned facing the lower surface of the first battery cell (110a). Alternatively, the cooling fin protrusion (213a) may be formed to protrude from both one end and the other end of the cooling plate (211a).

[0117] The first cooling fin (210a) may be made of metal. Specifically, the first cooling fin (210a) may be made of a metal having high thermal conductivity. Therefore, the first cooling fin (210a) can directly receive heat generated from the first battery cell (110a) by charging and discharging the battery. When heat is generated, the heat is transferred to the first cooling fin (210a) in contact with the side surface of the first battery cell (110a), thereby primarily cooling the first battery cell (110a). In addition, the coolant can directly contact the upper and lower portions of the first battery cell (110a), thereby secondarily cooling the first battery cell (110a). Accordingly, direct cooling is possible even for the upper and lower edge regions of the battery cell, which were relatively difficult to cool in the past, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the battery.

[0118] The first compression pad (250a) may be positioned at the outermost portion of the first battery cell stack (120a). The first compression pad (250a) may serve to absorb swelling of the first battery cell (110a) when it is charged and discharged. Specifically, the first compression pad (250a) may push out the side portion of the module frame (200) of FIG. 5 when the first battery cell (110a) swells, thereby preventing the battery case of the first battery cell (110a) from being broken, thereby improving the safety of the battery.

[0119] However, the first compression pad (250a) is not limited to being located only at the outermost edge of the first battery cell stack (120a), and may also be located between the first battery cells (110a) constituting the first battery cell stack (120a).

[0120] The first busbar assembly (300a) includes a first busbar frame (310a) and a first busbar (330a) mounted on the first busbar frame (310a).

[0121] The first busbar frame (310a) may be positioned on one surface of the first battery cell stack (120a) to cover one surface of the first battery cell stack (120a) and at the same time guide the connection between the first battery cell stack (120a) and an external device. The first busbar frame (310a) may be positioned on the front (x-axis direction) and the rear (-x-axis direction) of the first battery cell stack (120a). A first busbar (330a) may be mounted on the first busbar frame (310a). Specifically, the inner surface of the first busbar frame (310a) may be connected to the front (x-axis direction) and the rear (-x-axis direction) of the first battery cell stack (120a), and the outer surface of the first busbar frame (310a) may be connected to the first busbar (330a).

[0122] The first busbar frame (310a) may include an electrically insulating material. The first busbar frame (310a) may limit the first busbar (330a) from contacting other parts of the first battery cells (110a) other than the part where the first busbar (330a) is connected to the electrode lead (not shown), and may prevent an electrical short circuit from occurring.

[0123] The first bus bar (330a) is mounted on one surface of the first bus bar frame (310a) and may be used to electrically connect the first battery cell stack (120a) or the first battery cells (110a) and an external device circuit. The first bus bar (330a) is positioned on the first bus bar frame (310a), and the first bus bar assembly (300a) is covered by the sealing assembly (400) and the end plate (500) of FIG. 5, so that it can be protected from external impacts, etc., and deterioration of the battery's durability due to external moisture, etc. can be minimized.

[0124] The first bus bar (330a) can be electrically connected to the first battery cell stack (120a) through the electrode lead of the first battery cell (110a). Specifically, the electrode lead of the first battery cell (110a) can be bent after passing through a slit formed in the first bus bar frame (310a) to be connected to the first bus bar (330a). The first battery cells (110a) constituting the first battery cell stack (120a) can be connected in series or in parallel by the first bus bar (330a).

[0125] The first flexible printed circuit board (350a) extends in the longitudinal direction of the first battery cell stack (120a) and is configured to be mounted on one surface of the first battery cell stack (120a) to sense the first battery cell (110a). Specifically, the first flexible printed circuit board (350a) can be positioned in contact with a battery cell located at the center of the first battery cell stack (120a) among the battery cells constituting the first battery cell stack (120a). The first flexible printed circuit board (350a) senses electrical and thermal data of the first battery cell (110a) while being mounted on the upper surface (z-axis direction) of the first battery cell stack (120a). Additionally, the first flexible printed circuit board (350a) is electrically connected to the first bus bar (330a) while being bent toward the first bus bar frame (310a) at the end of the first battery cell stack (120a).

[0126] Hereinafter, the flame prevention member (700) provided between the first sub-module (100a) and the second sub-module (100b) will be described in more detail.

[0127]

[0128] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a flame prevention member according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10(a) is a perspective view showing a first side of the flame prevention member, and Fig. 10(b) is a perspective view showing a second side of the flame prevention member.

[0129] Referring to FIGS. 5, 7, and 10, a flame prevention member according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first flame prevention member (710) and a second flame prevention member (750).

[0130] The first flame prevention member (710) and the second flame prevention member (750) are positioned between the first sub-module (100a) and the second sub-module (100b) in a combined state, so that a flame, etc. generated in one sub-module can be prevented from moving to an adjacent sub-module.

[0131] The first flame prevention member (710) may be positioned facing the first sub-module (100a), and the second flame prevention member (750) may be positioned facing the second sub-module (100b). In addition, the first flame prevention member (710) and the second flame prevention member (750) may be positioned in contact with each other. Specifically, one side of the first flame prevention member (710) may be positioned facing the first sub-module (100a), and the other side of the first flame prevention member (710) may be positioned in contact with one side of the second flame prevention member (750). One side of the second flame prevention member (750) may be positioned in contact with the other side of the first flame prevention member (710), and the other side of the second flame prevention member (750) may be positioned in contact with the second sub-module (100b).

[0132] The first flame prevention member (710) and the second flame prevention member (750) may be positioned so as to be in contact with the upper surface (z-axis direction) and the lower surface (-z-axis direction) of the module frame (200). In this case, the height (z-axis direction) of the first flame prevention member (710) and the second flame prevention member (750) may correspond to the height of the module frame (200). Specifically, the height of the first flame prevention member (710) and the second flame prevention member (750) may be equal to the distance to the upper surface and the lower surface of the module frame (200).

[0133] The first flame-preventing member (710) includes a first support member (720) positioned so as to be in contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the module frame. In this case, the first support member (720) may be provided with a first insulating member (730). Specifically, a first insulating member (730) may be provided on an outer circumferential surface of the first support member (720) facing the first sub-module to maintain insulation with the first sub-module. The first insulating member (730) may be positioned so as to cover the entire outer circumferential surface of the first support member (720).

[0134] The second flame-preventing member (750) includes a second support member (760) positioned in contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the module frame. In this case, the second support member (760) may be provided with a second insulating member (770). Specifically, a second insulating member (770) may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the second support member (760) facing the second sub-module to maintain insulation with the second sub-module. The second insulating member (770) may be positioned to cover the entire outer circumferential surface of the second support member (760).

[0135] Below, each of the first flame prevention member (710) and the second flame prevention member (750) will be described in more detail.

[0136]

[0137] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a first flame prevention member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0138] Referring to FIGS. 5, 7, and 11, a first flame prevention member (710) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first support member (720), and a first insulating member (730) positioned to cover an outer circumferential surface of the first support member (720).

[0139] The first support member (720) can be positioned so that the first flame prevention member (710) is fixed within the module frame (200).

[0140] The first support member (720) may include a first support plate (721), a first moving part (722), and a first support hole (723).

[0141] The first support plate (721) can be positioned so as to be in contact with the upper surface (z-axis direction) and the lower surface (-z-axis direction) of the module frame (200), and the first flame prevention member (710) can be fixedly positioned within the module frame (200).

[0142] The first support plate (721) includes a first moving portion (722), which is an area located at the center of the first support plate (721), and a first support hole (723) penetrating the first support plate (721).

[0143] The first flow portion (722) may be an area spaced apart from the center at a constant distance from the four edges constituting the first support plate (721). The first flow portion (722) may be an area protruding from the first support plate (721) toward the first sub-module (100a). Specifically, in the battery module (100) according to the present invention, the coolant may move from the first sub-module (100a) to the flame prevention member (700), and the first flow portion (722) may be an area protruding in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the coolant.

[0144] The first support hole (723) may be at least one hole penetrating the first support plate (721). Specifically, the first support hole (723) may be provided while penetrating the first flow portion (722). More specifically, the first support hole (723) may be provided while penetrating the center of the first support member (720). The first support hole (723) may be provided while penetrating the center of the first support plate (721). The first support hole (723) may be provided while penetrating the center of the first flow portion (722). In this case, the refrigerant moving inside the module frame (200) may move while passing through the first flame prevention member (710) through the first support hole (723).

[0145] The first support member (720) may include a first support protrusion (725), which is a surface protruding from the first support plate (721). The first support protrusion (725) is positioned so as to be in contact with the upper surface (z-axis direction) and the lower surface (-z-axis direction) of the module frame (200), thereby enabling the first support member (720) to be more stably fixed and positioned within the module frame (200).

[0146] The first support protrusion (725) may be an extended plate that protrudes in a plane perpendicular to the first support plate (721).

[0147] The first support protrusion (725) may include a first-first support protrusion (726) and a first-second support protrusion (727) located at one end and the other end of the first support plate (721), respectively.

[0148] The first-first support protrusion (726) may be a plate that protrudes and extends from one end (-z-axis direction) of the first support plate (721) in a direction perpendicular to the first support plate (721). The first-first support protrusion (726) may be a plate that extends in a direction parallel to the lower surface (-z-axis direction) of the module frame (200). Therefore, one surface of the first-first support protrusion (726) may be positioned so as to be in contact with the lower surface of the module frame (200). In this case, although not disclosed in the drawing, an adhesive member may be provided on one surface of the first-first support protrusion (726) so as to be adhesively fixed to the lower surface of the module frame (200).

[0149] The first-second support protrusion (727) may be a plate that protrudes and extends in a direction perpendicular to the first support plate (721) from the other end (z-axis direction) of the first support plate (721). The first-second support protrusion (727) may be a plate that extends in a direction parallel to the upper surface (z-axis direction) of the module frame (200). Accordingly, one surface of the first-second support protrusion (727) may be positioned so as to be in contact with the upper surface of the module frame (200). In this case, although not disclosed in the drawing, one surface of the first-second support protrusion (727) may be provided with an adhesive member so as to be adhesively fixed to the upper surface of the module frame (200).

[0150] The surface of the first-first support protrusion (726) that does not contact the lower surface of the module frame (200) and the surface of the first-second support protrusion (727) that does not contact the upper surface of the module frame (200) can be positioned facing each other.

[0151] The first-first support protrusion (726) and the first-second support protrusion (727) may be provided so as to protrude in the same direction as each other. Specifically, the first-first support protrusion (726) and the first-second support protrusion (727) may be provided so as to protrude in the direction toward the first sub-module (100a), and may be provided so as to protrude in the direction opposite to the direction of movement of the coolant within the battery module (100).

[0152] Since the first support protrusion (725) is provided to protrude from the upper and lower portions of the first support plate (721), the first flame prevention member (710) can be more stably fixed and positioned within the module frame (200) within the battery module (100).

[0153] The first support member (720) may be formed of metal. For example, the first support member (720) may be formed of aluminum (Al). Therefore, the first support member (720) may improve the mechanical rigidity of the battery module (100) according to the present invention. In addition, a portion of the first support member (720) may come into contact with a coolant circulating within the battery module (100), thereby cooling the coolant, thereby improving the cooling performance of the battery module (100).

[0154] A first insulating member (730) may be positioned on the outer circumference of the first support member (720). Specifically, the first insulating member (730) may be positioned on the outer circumference of the first support member (720) facing the first sub-module (100a). More specifically, the first insulating member (730) may be positioned while covering the outer circumference of the first support plate (721) facing the first sub-module (100a) and the first support protrusion (725) that does not come into contact with the module frame (200). At this time, the first insulating member (730) may be provided with a shape corresponding to that of the first support member (720).

[0155] Since the first insulating member (730) is positioned to cover the outer surface of the first supporting member (720), it may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the first supporting member (720). Specifically, the first insulating member (730) may include a first insulating plate (731), a first insulating moving portion (732), and a first insulating hole (733).

[0156] The first insulating plate (731) may be a region of the first insulating member (730) positioned while covering the first support plate (721). The first insulating plate (731) may include a first insulating moving portion (732), which is a region positioned at the center of the first insulating plate (731). In this case, the first insulating moving portion (732) may be a region of the first insulating member (730) positioned in a region corresponding to the first moving portion (722). Accordingly, the first insulating moving portion (732) may be a region protruding from the first insulating plate (731) toward the first sub-module (100a), and may be a region protruding in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the refrigerant.

[0157] The first insulating moving part (732) may be provided with a first insulating hole (733). The first insulating hole (733) may be provided facing the first support hole (723) at a corresponding position. Accordingly, the number of the first insulating holes (733) may be the same as the number of the first support holes (723), and the size of the first insulating hole (733) may be the same as the size of the first support hole (723). In this case, the refrigerant may move while sequentially passing through the first insulating hole (733) and the first support hole (723).

[0158] The first insulating member (730) may include a first insulating protrusion (735), which is a surface that protrudes vertically from the first insulating plate (731). Since the first insulating protrusion (735) is positioned while covering the first support protrusion (725), the shape of the first insulating protrusion (735) may correspond to the shape of the first support protrusion (725).

[0159] The first insulating protrusion (735) may include a first-first insulating protrusion (736) and a first-second insulating protrusion (737) located at one end and the other end of the first insulating plate (731), respectively.

[0160] The first-first insulating protrusion (736) may be a plate that protrudes and extends from one end (-z-axis direction) of the first insulating plate (731) in a direction perpendicular to the first insulating plate (731). The first-first insulating protrusion (736) may be a plate that extends in a direction parallel to the lower surface (-z-axis direction) of the module frame (200). One surface of the first-first insulating protrusion (736) may be positioned so as to be in contact with the first-first support protrusion (726). In this case, although not disclosed in the drawing, an adhesive member may be provided on one surface of the first-first insulating protrusion (736) so as to be adhesively fixed to the first-first support protrusion (726).

[0161] The first-second insulating protrusion (737) may be a plate that protrudes and extends in a direction perpendicular to the first insulating plate (731) from the other end (z-axis direction) of the first insulating plate (731). The first-second insulating protrusion (737) may be a plate that extends in a direction parallel to the upper surface (z-axis direction) of the module frame (200). One surface of the first-second insulating protrusion (737) may be positioned so as to be in contact with the first-second support protrusion (727). In this case, although not disclosed in the drawing, an adhesive member may be provided on one surface of the first-second insulating protrusion (737) so as to be adhesively fixed to the first-second support protrusion (727).

[0162] The surface of the first-first insulating protrusion (736) that does not come into contact with the first-first support protrusion (726) and the surface of the first-second insulating protrusion (737) that does not come into contact with the first-second support protrusion (727) can be positioned to face each other.

[0163] The first-first insulating protrusion (736) and the first-second insulating protrusion (737) may be provided so as to protrude in the same direction. Specifically, the first-first insulating protrusion (736) and the first-second insulating protrusion (737) may be provided so as to protrude in a direction toward the first sub-module (100a), and may be provided so as to protrude in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the coolant within the battery module (100).

[0164] The first insulating member (730) may include an electrically insulating material. Accordingly, even if the first supporting member (720) comes into contact with the battery cell stacks (120a, 120b) or bus bar assemblies (300a, 300b) constituting the first sub-module (100a) and the second sub-module (100b), electrical insulation between them is maintained, thereby ensuring the safety of the battery.

[0165]

[0166] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a first surface of a second flame-preventing member according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a second surface of a second flame-preventing member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0167] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, a second flame prevention member (750) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a second support member (760) and a second insulating member (770) positioned to cover an outer surface of the second support member (760).

[0168] The second support member (760) can be positioned so that the second flame prevention member (750) is fixed within the module frame (200).

[0169] The second support member (760) may include a second support plate (761), a second moving member (762), a second support hole (763), and a protrusion (764).

[0170] The second support plate (761) can be positioned so as to be in contact with the upper surface (z-axis direction) and the lower surface (-z-axis direction) of the module frame (200), and the second flame prevention member (750) can be fixedly positioned within the module frame (200).

[0171] The second support plate (761) includes a second moving portion (762) which is an area located at the center of the second support plate (761), a second support hole (763) penetrating the second support plate (761), and a protrusion (764) located between the second support holes (763).

[0172] The second flow portion (762) may be an area spaced apart from the center at a constant distance from the four edges constituting the second support plate (761). The second flow portion (762) may be an area protruding from the second support plate (761) toward the second sub-module (100b). Specifically, in the battery module (100) according to the present invention, the coolant may move from the flame prevention member (700) to the second sub-module (100b), and the second flow portion (762) may be an area protruding in the direction of movement of the coolant.

[0173] The second support hole (763) may be at least one hole penetrating the second support member (760). The second support hole (763) may be at least one hole penetrating the second support plate (761). Specifically, the second support hole (763) may be provided while penetrating the second moving part (762). More specifically, the second support hole (763) may be provided while passing through each of the two side portions of the second support member (760). The second support hole (763) may be provided while passing through each of the two side portions of the second support plate (761). The second support hole (763) may be provided while passing through each of the two side portions (in the y-axis direction and the -y-axis direction) of the second moving part (762). That is, the second support hole (763) may be positioned so as to be divided into two regions within the second moving part (762). In this case, the refrigerant moving inside the module frame (200) can move while passing through the second flame prevention member (750) through the second support hole (763).

[0174] The protrusion (764) may be positioned so as to protrude from the second support member (760) toward the first support member (720). Specifically, the protrusion (764) may be positioned on the second moving member (762) and between the second support holes (763). More specifically, the protrusion (764) may be positioned at the center of the second moving member (762). The protrusion (764) may be positioned at the center of the second moving member (762) rather than the second support hole (763).

[0175] The protrusion (764) may be an area protruding from the second flow portion (762). The protrusion (764) may be an area protruding from the second flow portion (762) in the opposite direction of the second sub-module (100b). Specifically, the protrusion (764) may be an area protruding in the opposite direction to the direction of movement of the refrigerant.

[0176] The refrigerant moving from the first flame prevention member (710) to the second flame prevention member (750) may change from a laminar flow state to a turbulent flow state when it comes into contact with the protrusion (764). In this case, since the state of the refrigerant changes from laminar flow to turbulent flow, the heat transfer coefficient of the refrigerant may be improved. Accordingly, since the refrigerant moves from the first sub-module (100a) to the second sub-module (100b) in a state of improved heat transfer efficiency, the temperature difference between the sub-modules (100a, 100b) may be eliminated, and the cooling performance of the battery may be improved.

[0177] The second support member (760) may include a second support protrusion (765) which is a surface protruding from the second support plate (761). The second support protrusion (765) is positioned so as to be in contact with the upper surface (z-axis direction) and the lower surface (-z-axis direction) of the module frame (200), thereby enabling the second support member (760) to be more stably fixed and positioned within the module frame (200).

[0178] The second support protrusion (765) may be an extended plate that protrudes in a plane perpendicular to the second support plate (761).

[0179] The second support protrusion (765) may include a second-first support protrusion (766) and a second-second support protrusion (767) located at one end and the other end of the second support plate (761), respectively.

[0180] The second-first support protrusion (766) may be a plate that protrudes and extends from one end (-z-axis direction) of the second support plate (761) in a direction perpendicular to the second support plate (761). The second-first support protrusion (766) may be a plate that extends in a direction parallel to the lower surface (-z-axis direction) of the module frame (200). Therefore, one surface of the second-first support protrusion (766) may be positioned so as to be in contact with the lower surface of the module frame (200). In this case, although not disclosed in the drawing, an adhesive member may be provided on one surface of the second-first support protrusion (766) so as to be adhesively fixed to the lower surface of the module frame (200).

[0181] The second-second support protrusion (767) may be a plate that protrudes and extends in a direction perpendicular to the second support plate (761) from the other end (z-axis direction) of the second support plate (761). The second-second support protrusion (767) may be a plate that extends in a direction parallel to the upper surface (z-axis direction) of the module frame (200). Accordingly, one surface of the second-second support protrusion (767) may be positioned so as to be in contact with the upper surface of the module frame (200). In this case, although not disclosed in the drawing, one surface of the second-second support protrusion (767) may be provided with an adhesive member so as to be adhesively fixed to the upper surface of the module frame (200).

[0182] The other surface of the second-1 support protrusion (766) that does not contact the lower surface of the module frame (200) and the other surface of the second-2 support protrusion (767) that does not contact the upper surface of the module frame (200) can be positioned facing each other.

[0183] The second-first support protrusion (766) and the second-second support protrusion (767) may be provided so as to protrude in the same direction. Specifically, the second-first support protrusion (766) and the second-second support protrusion (767) may be provided so as to protrude in the direction toward the second sub-module (100b), and may be provided so as to protrude in the direction of movement of the coolant within the battery module (100).

[0184] Since the second support protrusion (765) is provided to protrude from the upper and lower portions of the second support plate (761), the second flame prevention member (750) can be more stably fixed and positioned within the module frame (200) within the battery module (100).

[0185] The second support member (760) may be formed of metal. For example, the second support member (760) may be formed of aluminum (Al). Therefore, the second support member (760) may improve the mechanical rigidity of the battery module (100) according to the present invention. In addition, a portion of the second support member (760) may come into contact with the coolant circulating within the battery module (100), thereby cooling the coolant, thereby improving the cooling performance of the battery module (100).

[0186] A second insulating member (770) may be positioned on the outer circumference of the second support member (760). Specifically, the second insulating member (770) may be positioned on the outer circumference of the second support member (760) facing the second sub-module (100b). More specifically, the second insulating member (770) may be positioned while covering the outer circumference of the second support plate (761) facing the second sub-module (100b) and the second support protrusion (765) that does not come into contact with the module frame (200). At this time, the second insulating member (770) may be provided with a shape corresponding to that of the second support member (760).

[0187] Since the second insulating member (770) is positioned to cover the outer surface of the second supporting member (760), it may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the second supporting member (760). Specifically, the second insulating member (770) may include a second insulating plate (771), a second insulating moving portion (772), and a second insulating hole (773).

[0188] The second insulating plate (771) may be a region of the second insulating member (770) positioned while covering the second support plate (761). The second insulating plate (771) may include a second insulating moving portion (772), which is a region positioned at the center of the second insulating plate (771). In this case, the second insulating moving portion (772) may be a region of the second insulating member (770) positioned in a region corresponding to the second moving portion (762). Accordingly, the second insulating moving portion (772) may be a region protruding from the second insulating plate (771) toward the second sub-module (100b) and a region protruding in the direction of movement of the refrigerant.

[0189] The second insulating moving part (772) may be provided with a second insulating hole (773). The second insulating hole (773) may be provided facing the second support hole (763) at a corresponding position. Therefore, the number of the second insulating holes (773) may be the same as the number of the second support holes (763), and the size of the second insulating hole (773) may be the same as the size of the second support hole (763). In this case, the refrigerant may move while sequentially passing through the second support hole (763) and the second insulating hole (773).

[0190] The second insulating member (770) may include a second insulating protrusion (775), which is a surface that protrudes vertically from the second insulating plate (771). Since the second insulating protrusion (775) is positioned while covering the second support protrusion (765), the shape of the second insulating protrusion (775) may correspond to the shape of the second support protrusion (765).

[0191] The second insulating protrusion (775) may include a second-first insulating protrusion (776) and a second-second insulating protrusion (777) located at one end and the other end of the second insulating plate (771), respectively.

[0192] The second-first insulating protrusion (776) may be a plate that protrudes and extends from one end (-z-axis direction) of the second insulating plate (771) in a direction perpendicular to the second insulating plate (771). The second-first insulating protrusion (776) may be a plate that extends in a direction parallel to the lower surface (-z-axis direction) of the module frame (200). One surface of the second-first insulating protrusion (776) may be positioned so as to be in contact with the second-first support protrusion (766). In this case, although not disclosed in the drawing, an adhesive member may be provided on one surface of the second-first insulating protrusion (776) so as to be adhesively fixed to the second-first support protrusion (766).

[0193] The second-second insulating protrusion (777) may be a plate that protrudes and extends in a direction perpendicular to the second insulating plate (771) from the other end (z-axis direction) of the second insulating plate (771). The second-second insulating protrusion (777) may be a plate that extends in a direction parallel to the upper surface (z-axis direction) of the module frame (200). One surface of the second-second insulating protrusion (777) may be positioned so as to be in contact with the second-second supporting protrusion (767). In this case, although not disclosed in the drawing, an adhesive member may be provided on one surface of the second-second insulating protrusion (777) so as to be adhesively fixed to the second-second supporting protrusion (767).

[0194] The surface of the 2-1 insulating protrusion (776) that does not come into contact with the 2-1 supporting protrusion (766) and the surface of the 2-2 insulating protrusion (777) that does not come into contact with the 2-2 supporting protrusion (767) can be positioned facing each other.

[0195] The second-first insulating protrusion (776) and the second-second insulating protrusion (777) may be provided so as to protrude in the same direction. Specifically, the second-first insulating protrusion (776) and the second-second insulating protrusion (777) may be provided so as to protrude in the direction toward the second sub-module (100b), and may be provided so as to protrude in the direction of movement of the coolant within the battery module (100).

[0196] The second insulating member (770) may include an electrically insulating material. Accordingly, even if the second supporting member (760) comes into contact with the battery cell stacks (120a, 120b) or bus bar assemblies (300a, 300b) constituting the first sub-module (100a) and the second sub-module (100b), electrical insulation between them is maintained, thereby ensuring the safety of the battery.

[0197]

[0198] Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing the movement of refrigerant in a flame prevention member according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing the movement of refrigerant in a flame prevention member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0199] Referring to FIGS. 4, 10, and 15, the first flame-preventing member (710) and the second flame-preventing member (750) constituting the flame-preventing member (700) can be positioned in contact with each other. In this case, the flame-preventing member (700) can allow only refrigerant to pass through the first flame-preventing member (710) and the second flame-preventing member (750) and prevent flames from moving.

[0200] Specifically, in the first flame prevention member (710) and the second flame prevention member (750), the first support plate (721) can be positioned so as to be in contact with the second support plate (761). More specifically, the edge of the first support plate (721) is positioned so as to be in contact with the edge of the second support plate (761), and at this time, the first support protrusion (725) and the second support protrusion (765) can protrude in opposite directions. That is, the surfaces where the first support plate (721) and the second support plate (761) come into contact with each other can be surfaces positioned in opposite directions to the protruding directions of the first support protrusion (725) and the second support protrusion (765), respectively.

[0201] In addition, in the first support plate (721) and the second support plate (761), the first support hole (723) may be provided at a position that does not face the second support hole (763). That is, since the first support hole (723) is located at the center of the first support plate (721) and the second support hole (763) is located at both edges of the second support plate (761), the first support hole (723) may be located without facing the second support hole (763). A protrusion (764) may be located in an area of ​​the second support plate (761) that faces the area where the first support hole (723) is provided.

[0202] The protrusion (764) may be an area protruding from the second support plate (761) toward the first support hole (723). The protrusion (764) may be an area protruding from the second moving portion (762) toward the first support hole (723). In this case, the height of the protrusion (764) may correspond to the degree to which the second moving portion (762) protrudes. Specifically, the height of the protrusion (764) may be equal to or less than the height to which the second moving portion (762) protrudes. Accordingly, even if the protrusion (764) protrudes toward the first flame prevention member (710), the protrusion (764) may not come into contact with the first support hole (723).

[0203] When the first support plate (721) and the second support plate (761) are positioned in contact with each other, the first flow portion (722) and the second flow portion (762) are positioned to protrude in opposite directions, so that a flow area (Af), which is a constant space, can be provided between the first flow portion (722) and the second flow portion (762). The flow area (Af) can be a space in which the refrigerant moves within the flame prevention member (700).

[0204] Regarding the movement of the refrigerant in the flame prevention member (700), this will be described in more detail below.

[0205] Referring to FIGS. 5, 14, and 15, the refrigerant may move while passing through the flame prevention member (700) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the refrigerant may be introduced into the module frame (200) from the outside through the inlet (421), and may pass through the first flame prevention member (710) while moving in the first direction (D1). Thereafter, the refrigerant may pass through the second flame prevention member (750) and move in the second direction (D2), and then be discharged to the outside of the module frame (200) through the outlet (461). Here, the first direction (D1) and the second direction (D2) may be the refrigerant movement direction, may be the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the module frame (200), and may be the same direction as each other.

[0206] More specifically, referring to FIG. 15, the refrigerant moves in the first direction (D1) and sequentially passes through the first insulating hole (733) and the first support hole (723). In this case, the refrigerant that has passed through the first insulating hole (733) and the first support hole (723) can move in the third direction (D3) through the flow area (Af), and then sequentially passes through the second support hole (763) and the second insulating hole (773) to move in the second direction (D2).

[0207] When the refrigerant flows into the flame prevention member (700) in the first direction (D1), the refrigerant can move to the flow area (Af) while coming into contact with the protrusion (764). When the introduced refrigerant comes into contact with the protrusion (764), the refrigerant can change from a laminar flow state to a turbulent flow state. Since the refrigerant in the turbulent flow state has a higher heat transfer coefficient than the refrigerant in the laminar flow state, the refrigerant can move in the flow area (Af) in the third direction (D3) with improved heat transfer efficiency, and then pass through the second flame prevention member (750) to move in the second direction (D2). That is, since the refrigerant moves from the first sub-module (100a) to the second sub-module (100b) with improved heat transfer efficiency, the refrigerant provided to the second sub-module (100b) corresponds to a refrigerant with an improved heat transfer coefficient compared to the prior art, and thus can more effectively receive heat generated in the second sub-module (100b). Accordingly, the temperature difference between the sub-modules (100a, 100b) can be resolved.

[0208] In addition, the refrigerant that has moved through the first insulating hole (733) becomes turbulent when it comes into contact with the protrusion (764), and at the same time, it comes into contact with the first support hole (723), the first flow part (722), the second flow part (762), and the second support hole (763), thereby transferring the heat of the refrigerant to the above components, whereby the temperature of the refrigerant can be lowered to some extent. That is, as the refrigerant that has been partially cooled while moving through the flame prevention member (700) moves inside the battery module, the cooling performance of the battery module is further improved, and at the same time, the temperature difference between the first sub-module (100a) and the second sub-module (100b) positioned with the flame prevention member (700) between them is reduced, so that the cooling performance of the battery can be improved.

[0209] As mentioned above, the overall height (z-axis direction) of the flame prevention member (700) may correspond to the height (z-axis direction) of the module frame (200) in which the flame prevention member (700) is provided. Specifically, the overall height of the flame prevention member (700) may be the same as the height of the upper inner surface of the module frame (200) and the lower inner surface of the module frame (200). Accordingly, the flame prevention member (700) may be configured to partition the interior of the battery module.

[0210] When a flame occurs in a first sub-module (100a), which is a single sub-module, the flame may travel along the refrigerant. At this time, since a flame prevention member (700) is positioned in the refrigerant's travel path within the battery module (100), the flame prevention member (700) can prevent the flame from being transmitted to the neighboring second sub-module (100b).

[0211] That is, within the battery module, the flame prevention member (700) functions to prevent only the refrigerant from moving to the area where the neighboring sub-module is located through the movement path (800) and prevents the flame from spreading, thereby preventing a chain reaction of explosions within the battery module. Accordingly, the safety of the battery can be improved.

[0212] The battery module and battery pack containing the battery module described above can be applied to various devices. These devices include, but are not limited to, means of transportation such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrid vehicles. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and can be applied to various devices that can utilize the battery module and battery pack containing the battery module, which also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0213] 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.

[0214]

[0215] [Explanation of symbols]

[0216] 100: Battery module

[0217] 100a: Submodule 1

[0218] 100b: Second submodule

[0219] 110: Battery cell

[0220] 120: Battery cell stack

[0221] 300: Busbar assembly

[0222] 700: Flame retardant member

[0223] 710: First flame-prevention member

[0224] 720: First support plate

[0225] 723: First Support Hall

[0226] 733: First insulation hole

[0227] 730: First insulating member

[0228] 750: Second flame-prevention member

[0229] 760: Second support plate

[0230] 763: Second Support Hall

[0231] 764: Protrusion

[0232] 770: Second insulating member

[0233] 773: Second insulating hole

[0234] Af: Fluid area

Claims

1. A first sub-module and a second sub-module each including a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; A module frame in which the first sub-module and the second sub-module are stored; and A flame prevention member positioned between the first sub-module and the second sub-module is included, A battery module in which one end of the first sub-module and the other end of the second sub-module are electrically connected to each other.

2. In paragraph 1, The above flame-preventing member is, A first flame-preventing member positioned facing the first sub-module, and A battery module comprising a second flame-preventing member positioned facing the second sub-module.

3. In paragraph 2, The above first flame-preventing member is, A first support member positioned in contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the module frame, and A first insulating member is positioned while covering the outer surface of the first support member and facing the first sub-module, The above second flame-preventing member is, A second support member positioned in contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the module frame, and A battery module comprising a second insulating member positioned while covering the outer surface of the second support member and facing the second sub-module.

4. In paragraph 3, The first support member includes a first support hole penetrating the first support member, The first insulating member includes a first insulating hole penetrating the first insulating member, The second support member includes the second support hole penetrating the second support member, A battery module wherein the second insulating member includes a second insulating hole penetrating the second insulating member.

5. In paragraph 4, The first support hole and the first insulation hole are provided facing each other at corresponding positions, A battery module in which the second support hole and the second insulation hole are provided facing each other at corresponding positions.

6. In paragraph 4, The above first support hole is provided through the center of the first support member, A battery module in which the second support hole is provided so as to penetrate through each of the two side surfaces of the second support member.

7. In paragraph 4, A battery module in which the second flame-preventing member includes a protrusion positioned so as to protrude from the second support member toward the first support member.

8. In paragraph 7, A battery module in which the protrusion is positioned between the second support holes provided on both side surfaces of the second support member and protrudes toward the first support hole.

9. In paragraph 7, A battery module in which the above protrusion is provided facing each other at a position corresponding to the first support hole.

10. In paragraph 3, The above first support member is, A first support plate which is a plate in contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the above module frame, and A first fluid portion is included, which is a region protruding from the first support plate toward the first sub-module, The above second support member is, A second support plate in contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the above module frame, and A battery module including a second fluid section, which is an area protruding from the second support plate toward the second sub-module.

11. In paragraph 10, A battery module in which the edges of the first support plate and the second support plate are positioned in contact with each other.

12. In paragraph 11, The first fluid part and the second fluid part are positioned so as to protrude in opposite directions, A battery module having a flow area, which is a constant space in which a coolant can move, between the first flow section and the second flow section.

13. In paragraph 10, The first support member includes a first protrusion protruding from one end and the other end of the first support plate in a direction perpendicular to the first support plate, respectively. A battery module in which the second support member includes a second protrusion protruding from one end and the other end of the second support plate in a direction perpendicular to the second support plate.

14. In paragraph 13, A battery module in which the first protrusion and the second protrusion are positioned in contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the module frame, respectively.

15. A battery pack comprising a battery module according to paragraph 1.

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