Battery module for delaying thermal runaway and battery pack including same

Abstract

A battery module for delaying thermal runaway according to an embodiment of 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; and an end plate disposed on one side of the module case, wherein a flame retardant paint is applied to at least a portion of the end plate.

Description

Battery module for thermal runaway delay and battery pack including same

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module and a battery pack including the same, and more particularly, to a battery module for delaying thermal runaway and a battery pack including the same.

[0002] Secondary batteries, unlike primary batteries that cannot be recharged, are batteries that can be charged and discharged. They are used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) that are driven by electrical power sources.

[0003] Currently, widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of these unit secondary battery cells, i.e., unit battery cells, is approximately 2.5 V to 4.6 V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery pack. Furthermore, depending on the charge / discharge capacity required for the battery pack, multiple battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be set in various ways depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0004] When configuring a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel, it is common to first configure a battery module comprising at least one battery cell, preferably multiple battery cells, and then use at least one such battery module and add other components to 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 and output, etc.

[0005] However, in the case of overcharging, etc. in these battery packs, swelling of the battery module may cause an explosion or fire, and such explosion or fire may cause greater danger, even leading to casualties.

[0006] During thermal runaway of a battery pack, gases and particles generated from the modules may cause external short circuits in adjacent modules, thereby accelerating the rate of heat transfer.

[0007] The present invention is intended to solve the problems described above, and aims to provide a battery module for thermal runaway delay and a battery pack including the same.

[0008] A battery module for delaying thermal runaway according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a module case for accommodating the battery cell stack; and an end plate disposed on one side of the module case; characterized in that a flame retardant paint is applied to at least a portion of the end plate.

[0009] Additionally, the end plate includes a terminal opening.

[0010] Additionally, the flame retardant paint is applied around the terminal opening in the end plate.

[0011] Additionally, the battery module for thermal runaway delay further includes a terminal bus bar, one end of which is exposed through the terminal opening.

[0012] In addition, it further includes a bus bar frame arranged on one side of the battery cell stack.

[0013] Additionally, the terminal busbar is arranged on the busbar frame.

[0014] Additionally, it further includes an insulating cover placed on the outside of the busbar frame.

[0015] Additionally, the insulating cover includes an opening through which the terminal bus bar is exposed.

[0016] Additionally, the flame retardant paint is applied to the front surface of the end plate.

[0017] A battery module for delaying thermal runaway according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a module case for accommodating the battery cell stack; and an end plate disposed on one side of the module case; characterized in that a heat-resistant paint is applied to at least a portion of the end plate.

[0018] Additionally, the heat-resistant paint is applied around the terminal opening in the end plate.

[0019] Additionally, the heat-resistant paint is applied to the front surface of the end plate.

[0020] A battery module and a battery pack including the same according to one embodiment of the present invention have the effect of delaying or preventing the occurrence of an external short circuit in an adjacent module due to gas and particles generated in the battery module during thermal runaway, thereby delaying thermal runaway.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a battery cell in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a terminal bus bar in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an insulating cover and an end plate in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an end plate in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 7 is a front view of an end plate in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 8 is a perspective view of an end plate in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided only to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Accordingly, in some embodiments, well-known process steps, well-known device structures, and well-known techniques are not specifically described to avoid ambiguity in the interpretation of the present invention. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification.

[0030] In order to clearly represent multiple layers and regions in the drawings, the thickness may be enlarged. Similar parts are designated by the same drawing reference numerals throughout the specification. When an element such as a layer, film, region, or plate is said to be "over" another element, this includes not only the case where it is "directly over" that element but also the case where there are other elements in between. Conversely, when an element is said to be "directly over" another element, this means that there are no other elements in between. Furthermore, when an element such as a layer, film, region, or plate is said to be "under" another element, this includes not only the case where it is "directly under" that element but also the case where there are other elements in between. Conversely, when an element is said to be "directly under" another element, this means that there are no other elements in between.

[0031] A battery module (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to the present invention, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a battery cell in the present invention, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a terminal bus bar in the present invention, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an insulating cover and an end plate in the present invention, FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an end plate in one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a front view of an end plate in one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an end plate in another embodiment.

[0033] 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 accommodates the battery cell stack (100), a bus bar frame (300) positioned on one side and / or the other side of the battery cell stack (100), an insulating cover (500) positioned on the outside of the bus bar frame (300), and an end plate (400) positioned on the outside of the insulating cover (500).

[0034] The above battery cell stack (100) may be formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells (110) along one direction, and the plurality of battery cells (110) may be electrically connected. The direction in which the plurality of battery cells (110) are stacked may be the X-axis direction (or -X-axis direction) in FIG. 2.

[0035] The direction from the front to the rear of the battery cell stack (100), or the opposite direction, may be defined as the longitudinal direction of the battery cell stack (100), and may be the Y-axis direction in the drawing. In addition, the direction from the upper surface to the lower surface of the battery cell stack (100), or the opposite direction, may be defined as the width direction of the battery cell stack (100), and may be the Z-axis direction in the drawing.

[0036] The longitudinal direction of the battery cell stack (100) may be substantially the same as the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (110). The electrode leads (111, 112) of the battery cell (110) may be positioned on the front and rear sides of the battery cell stack (100), and the bus bars (310, 320) of the battery module (1000) may be positioned close to the front and rear sides of the battery cell stack (100) to easily form an electrical connection with the electrode leads (111, 112).

[0037] The battery cell (110) may be provided as a pouch-shaped battery cell, and the number of pouch-shaped battery cells stacked per unit area may be maximized. However, the battery cell (110) does not necessarily have to be provided as a pouch-shaped battery cell, and may be provided in a square, cylindrical, or other various shapes.

[0038] A battery cell (110) provided in a pouch form may include an electrode assembly and a cell case (115) that accommodates the electrode assembly (see FIG. 3).

[0039] The cell case (115) of the battery cell (110) may be a pouch-type cell case (115) for accommodating the electrode assembly. The cell case (115) includes a lower case and an upper case covering the lower case, and the upper and lower cases may be formed integrally. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the connecting portions of the upper and lower cases may be formed in a structure in which they are bent and folded. In addition, as illustrated, the upper case may completely cover the lower case, and a sealing portion (114) may be formed at the periphery.

[0040] Both the upper and lower cases can be formed of a laminate structure including an inner covering layer, a metal layer, and an outer covering layer. The inner covering layer is located on the inside of the cell case (115) based on the metal layer and is in direct contact with the electrode assembly, so it must have insulation and electrolytic resistance. In addition, in order to seal it from the outside, the sealing portion where the inner layers are thermally bonded must have excellent thermal bonding strength. The metal layer is located between the inner covering layer and the outer covering layer and serves as a barrier layer that prevents moisture or various gases from penetrating into the battery from the outside. A preferable material for the metal layer in contact with the inner covering layer is an aluminum (Al) thin film that is lightweight and has excellent formability. The outer covering layer is located on the outside of the cell case (115) based on the metal layer, and this outer covering layer can use a heat-resistant polymer with excellent tensile strength, moisture permeability, and air permeability to protect the electrode assembly while ensuring heat resistance and chemical resistance. For example, nylon or polyethylene terephthalate can be used.

[0041] A receiving groove (116) can be formed in each of the upper and lower cases, and an electrode assembly can be accommodated in the receiving groove (116) of the upper and lower cases.

[0042] The electrode assembly housed in the cell case (115) may be one of a group consisting of a jelly-roll type electrode assembly having a structure in which a separator is interposed between long sheet-shaped positive and negative electrodes and then rolled up, a stack type electrode assembly having unit cells having a structure in which rectangular positive and negative electrodes are stacked with a separator interposed between them, a stack-folding type electrode assembly in which the unit cells are rolled up by a long separator film, and a lamination-stack type electrode assembly in which the unit cells are stacked with a separator interposed between them and attached to each other.

[0043] Additionally, the electrode assembly may include two electrode tabs and two electrode leads (111, 112) each connected to the electrode tabs by a weld.

[0044] One of the two electrode leads (111, 112) may be a positive lead connected to the positive tab, and the other electrode lead (111, 112) may be a negative lead connected to the negative tab.

[0045] A lead film (113) may be attached to each of the electrode leads (111, 112). The lead film (113) coupled to the electrode leads (111, 112) is positioned between the electrode leads (111, 112) and the cell case (115), thereby preventing a short circuit from occurring between the electrode leads (111, 112) and the cell case (115) and improving the sealing force, thereby preventing leakage of the electrolyte, etc.

[0046] The two electrode leads (111, 112) are shown as being arranged on each side of the electrode assembly, but may be arranged on only one side of the electrode assembly depending on the arrangement of the electrode tabs.

[0047] The above module case (200) may be for protecting the battery cell stack (100) and electrical components connected thereto from external physical impact, and the module case (200) may accommodate the battery cell stack (100) and electrical components connected thereto in the internal space of the module case (200).

[0048] The structure of the module case (200) may vary, and for example, the structure of the module case (200) may be a mono-frame structure. Here, the mono-frame may be in the form of a metal plate having an upper surface, a lower surface, and both side surfaces that are integrated. The mono-frame may 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 (upper surface (201)) are combined. In the case of a structure in which a U-shaped frame and an upper plate are combined, the structure of the module case (200) may be formed by combining an upper plate on the upper side of a U-shaped frame, which is a metal plate having a lower surface and both side surfaces that are combined or integrated, and each frame or plate may be manufactured by press molding. In addition, the structure of the module case (200) may be provided as an L-shaped frame structure in addition to a mono-frame or a U-shaped frame, and may be provided as various structures not described in the above-described examples.

[0049] The structure of the module case (200) may be provided in an open form along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell stack (100). The front and rear sides of the battery cell stack (100) may not be covered by the module case (200). The electrode leads (111, 112) of the battery cells (110) may not be covered by the module case (200). The front and rear sides of the battery cell stack (100) may be covered by a bus bar frame (300), an end plate (400), or bus bars (310, 320) to be described later, and through this, the front and rear sides of the battery cell stack (100) may be protected from external physical impacts, etc.

[0050] A compression pad (150) may be positioned between one side of the inner surface of the battery cell stack (100) and the module case (200).

[0051] The compression pad (150) can be arranged to face the battery cell (110) at the outermost end of the battery cell stack (100) in the X-axis direction in the drawing.

[0052] Also, although not shown, a thermally conductive resin may be injected between the inner surface of the battery cell stack (100) and the module case (200), and a thermally conductive resin layer (not shown) may be formed between one of the inner surfaces of the battery cell stack (100) and the module case (200) by the injected thermally conductive resin. At this time, the thermally conductive resin layer may be positioned 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 positioned on the -Z-axis of the module case (200).

[0053] The above busbar frame (300) is positioned on one side of the battery cell stack (100), and can cover one side of the battery cell stack (100) and simultaneously guide the connection between the battery cell stack (100) and an external device. Specifically, the busbar frame (300) can be positioned on the front or rear side of the battery cell stack (100) as illustrated, and can also be positioned on the upper side, lower side, or side. At least one of a busbar (310, 320) and a module connector can be mounted on the busbar frame (300). As illustrated in FIG. 2, one side of the busbar frame (300) can be connected to one side or the other side of the battery cell stack (100), and the other side of the busbar frame (300) can be connected to the busbar (310, 320).

[0054] The busbar frame (300) may include an electrically insulating material. The busbar frame (300) may limit contact between the busbars (310, 320) and other parts of the battery cells (110) other than the parts where the busbars are connected to the electrode leads (111, 112), thereby preventing electrical short circuits from occurring.

[0055] The busbar frame (300) may be positioned on one side and the other side of the battery cell stack (100).

[0056] The busbar (310, 320) may be mounted on a busbar mounting plate (340) on one side of the busbar frame (300) and may be used to electrically connect the battery cell stack (100) or battery cells (110) and an external device circuit. A plurality of busbars (310, 320) may be arranged, and may be positioned between the battery cell stack (100) or busbar frame (300) and the end plate (400), thereby protecting the battery from external impacts, etc., and minimizing deterioration of durability due to external moisture, etc.

[0057] The busbar (310, 320) can be electrically connected to the battery cell stack (100) through the electrode leads (111, 112) of the battery cell (110).

[0058] Specifically, the electrode leads (111, 112) of the battery cell (110) can be bent and connected to the bus bars (310, 320) after passing through the lead slit formed in the bus bar frame (300). As illustrated in FIG. 8, the electrode leads (111, 112) of the battery cell (110) can be connected to both sides of the bus bars (310, 320), and the electrode lead (111) connected to one side of the bus bars (310, 320) can be a positive lead, and the electrode lead (112) connected to the other side of the bus bars (310, 320) can be a negative lead.

[0059] Battery cells (110) constituting the battery cell stack (100) can be connected in series or parallel by bus bars (310, 320).

[0060] The busbars (310, 320) may include terminal busbars (320) for electrically connecting one battery module (100) to another battery module (100). At least a portion of the terminal busbars (320) may be exposed to the outside of the end plate (400) to be connected to another battery module (100), and the end plate (400) may be provided with terminal openings (410) for this purpose.

[0061] The terminal bus bar (320) can have one end (second part (322)) exposed to the outside of the module (1000) through the opening (510) of the insulating cover (500) and the terminal opening (410) of the end plate (400).

[0062] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the terminal bus bar (320) may include a first portion (321) connected to the electrode leads (111, 112) of the battery cell (110) and a second portion (322) exposed to the outside through a terminal opening (410). In addition, the terminal bus bar (320) may further include a bending portion (323) formed between the first portion (321) and the second portion (322).

[0063] In the terminal bus bar (320), the first part (321) can be connected to the second part (322) through the bending part (323), and one side of the first part (321) and one side of the second part (322) can be perpendicular to each other. That is, by forming a bent bending part (323) in the terminal bus bar (320), the second part (322) can protrude and be seated in the seating part (530) of the insulating cover (500), and the second part (322) can be electrically connected to the pack bus bar (1100). A joining hole (322a) is formed in the second part (322) constituting one end of the terminal bus bar (320), and the second part (322) of the terminal bus bar (320) is fixed by a fixing pin (550) inserted into the joining hole (322a).

[0064] Additionally, an insulating cover (500) for electrical insulation may be positioned between the busbar frame (300) and the end plate (400). That is, the busbar frame (300), the insulating cover (500), and the end plate (400) may be sequentially positioned outward from the battery cell stack (100). Like the end plate (400), the busbar frame (300) and the insulating cover (500) may each be configured in multiples.

[0065] The insulating cover (500) may include an electrically insulating material and may block the busbar (310, 320) from contacting the end plate (400).

[0066] The insulating cover (500) may include an opening (510) and a mounting portion (530). The openings (510) may be positioned on each of the upper sides of the insulating cover (500), and one end (second portion (322)) of the terminal bus bar (320) may be exposed through the openings (510).

[0067] In addition, a connector opening may be located between the openings (510) located on both sides of the insulating cover (500), and the module connector may be exposed to the outside through the connector opening.

[0068] The insulating cover (500) may be positioned on the inner surface of the end plate (400) and may be in close contact with the inner surface of the end plate (400), but this is not necessarily the case.

[0069] As described above, one end (the second part (322)) of the terminal bus bar (320) can be exposed through the opening (510), and the exposed one end (the second part (322)) of the terminal bus bar (320) can be seated on the mounting portion (530). Accordingly, the mounting portion (530) can be positioned adjacent to the opening (510) and can be positioned on the upper outer surface.

[0070] The mounting portion (530) may have a second portion (322) of the terminal bus bar (320) mounted on its upper surface, and thus the upper surface of the mounting portion (530) may form a mounting surface. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the mounting portion (530) may include a fixing member (531) for fixing the terminal bus bar (320).

[0071] The fixing member (531) can fix the second part (322) of the terminal bus bar (320) and may include a fixing hole (531a).

[0072] A fixing pin (not shown) can be inserted into the fixing hole (531a) above. A fixing pin (not shown) inserted into a joining hole (322a) formed in a second part (322) of the terminal bus bar (320) is fixed by being coupled to the fixing hole (531a), thereby fixing the second part (322) of the terminal bus bar (320) to the insulating cover (500).

[0073] Accordingly, the second part (322) of the terminal bus bar (320) is seated on the mounting portion (530) of the insulating cover (500), and the second part (322) is seated on the fixing member (531) arranged on the mounting portion (530) and comes into contact with it.

[0074] In addition, a terminal cover portion (not shown) covering one end (second portion (322)) of the exposed terminal bus bar (320) can be placed on the insulating cover (500).

[0075] The end plate (400) may be used to protect the battery cell stack (100) and electrical components connected thereto from external physical impact by covering the open surface of the module case (200). To this end, the end plate (400) may be manufactured from a material having a predetermined strength, and for example, the end plate (400) may include a metal such as aluminum or a plastic material.

[0076] A terminal opening (410) may be formed in the end plate (400). The terminal openings (410) may be positioned on each side of the end plate (400), 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).

[0077] In addition, a connector opening may be located between terminal openings (410) located on both sides of the end plate (400), and a module connector may be exposed to the outside through the connector opening.

[0078] The end plate (400) can be combined with the module case (200) while covering the busbar frame (300) or busbar (310, 320) located on one side of the battery cell stack (100). Each corner of the end plate (400) can be combined with a corresponding corner of the module case (200) by welding, bolting, hooking, or the like.

[0079] The end plate (400) can be positioned on one side and the other side of the module case (200) to cover both sides of the battery cell stack (100). In this embodiment, an example in which the end plate (400) is positioned on the front and rear sides of the module case (200) is shown.

[0080] In addition, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 8, in one embodiment of the present invention, a heat-resistant paint or flame-retardant paint (412) may be applied to at least a portion of the end plate (400). Accordingly, the end plate (400) may include a flame-retardant paint layer (heat-resistant paint layer) on at least a portion.

[0081] A flame-retardant paint layer (heat-resistant paint layer) can be formed by applying a heat-resistant paint or flame-retardant paint (412) to the end plate (400). The heat-resistant paint or flame-retardant paint (412) (indicated in gray in the drawings) can be applied to the surrounding area (411) of the terminal opening (410) as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, and thus the flame-retardant paint layer (heat-resistant paint layer) can be formed in the surrounding area (411) of the terminal opening (410). The heat-resistant paint or flame-retardant paint (412) can be applied to the entire edge along the perimeter of the terminal opening (410). For example, the surrounding area (411) of the terminal opening (410) where the flame-retardant paint layer (heat-resistant paint layer) is formed can be within 10 mm from the terminal opening (410), or can be within 5 mm.

[0082] A flame retardant coating layer (heat-resistant coating layer) can be placed on the front surface (420) of the end plate (400), and the front surface (420) can include an upper vertical surface portion (412a), a horizontal surface portion (412b), and a lower vertical surface portion (412c) in the upper to lower direction.

[0083] A flame retardant coating layer (heat-resistant coating layer) can be formed on the upper vertical surface portion (412a), the horizontal surface portion (412b), and the upper edge (412d) of the lower vertical surface portion (412c) of the front surface portion (420).

[0084] In the front portion (420), the upper vertical surface portion (412a) may be positioned on the upper portion of the front portion (420) and may extend vertically in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the battery module (1000). A flame-retardant coating layer (heat-resistant coating layer) may be formed on the entire upper vertical surface portion (412a) of the front portion (420).

[0085] The horizontal surface portion (412b) may be bent outwardly in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery module (1000) from the lower end of the upper vertical surface portion (412a) and may extend horizontally, and may be positioned between the upper vertical surface (412a) and the lower vertical surface (412c). A flame-retardant coating layer (heat-resistant coating layer) may be formed on the entire horizontal surface (412b).

[0086] In the front portion (420), the lower vertical surface portion (412c) may be arranged at the lower portion of the front portion (420), and may be bent downward from the front end of the horizontal surface portion (412b) to extend vertically in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the battery module (1000). A flame-retardant coating layer (heat-resistant coating layer) may be formed on the upper edge (412d) of the lower vertical surface (412c), and the width of the upper edge (412d) on which the flame-retardant coating layer (heat-resistant coating layer) is formed may be within 5 mm.

[0087] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 8, a heat-resistant paint or flame-retardant paint (412) may be applied to the entire front part (420) of the end plate (400) as well as the surrounding area (411) of the terminal opening (410).

[0088] The end plate (400) may include a front part (420) facing the outside of the module (1000) (or module case (200)) and exposed to the outside of the module (1000), and a rear part (430) facing the inside of the module (1000) (or module case (200)).

[0089] In the end plate (400), the front portion (420) is a portion facing the outside of the module (1000) (or module case (200)) and may correspond to the outer surface of the end plate (400), and the front portion (420) includes an upper vertical surface (412a), a horizontal surface (412b), and a lower vertical surface (412c) in the upper to lower direction.

[0090] In the end plate (400), the rear portion (430) may correspond to the inner surface of the end plate (400) and may correspond to the opposite surface of the front portion (420) as the portion facing the inside of the module (1000) (or module case (200)).

[0091] The rear portion (430) may be opposed to the module case (200) or the insulating cover (500) and may be coupled to the module case (200).

[0092] Here, as in Fig. 8, a heat-resistant paint or flame-retardant paint (412) can be applied to the front part (420) except for the rear part (430) facing the insulating cover (500).

[0093] In this embodiment, the heat-resistant paint or flame-retardant paint (412) may be a silicone-based or epoxy-based paint.

[0094] When thermal runaway occurs in a battery pack, gases and particles generated from the battery modules cause external short circuits in adjacent modules, accelerating the rate of heat transfer.

[0095] In particular, a terminal bus bar (320) is exposed in the terminal opening (410) area of ​​the end plate (400), and gas and particles can be released through this terminal opening (410) when ignited.

[0096] In this embodiment, as described above, heat-resistant paint or flame-retardant paint (412) is applied to the area around the terminal opening (410) or the front surface (420) of the end plate (400), thereby delaying or preventing the occurrence of an external short circuit in an adjacent module (1000) and delaying thermal runaway.

[0097] In this embodiment, the end plate (400) can be manufactured by sequentially going through die casting, shot blast, painting, processing, and washing steps.

[0098] First, in the die casting step, the shape of the end plate (400) is obtained by injecting molten metal into a mold. For example, the shape of the end plate (400) can be obtained by injecting molten aluminum into a mold.

[0099] The shape of the end plate (400) obtained after die casting may be subjected to shot blasting. The shot blasting step is intended to remove foreign substances such as sand remaining on the surface of the end plate (400) obtained after die casting, and foreign substances may be removed by projecting fine particles of metal or non-metal onto the end plate (400).

[0100] After shot blasting, the painting step can be performed.

[0101] In the painting step, as described above, heat-resistant paint or flame-retardant paint (412) can be applied to the surrounding area (411) of the terminal opening (410) or the entire front part (420) of the end plate (400).

[0102] After the processing and washing steps, the end plate (400) can be manufactured.

[0103] [Table 1] below shows the results of an insulation evaluation test of an end plate (400) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0104] As shown in [Table 1], in the insulation evaluation test, no leakage current was detected at both 0.5 kV and 1 kV voltages, resulting in a pass (OK).

[0105] Test Conditions Sample No. Test Results Voltage 1234560.5kVOKOKOKOKOKOK1kVOKOKOKOKOKOK

[0106] As described above, one or more battery modules (1000) according to the present invention can form a battery pack, and electrical connection between battery modules (1000) can be made through an inter-bus bar (not shown). The inter-bus bar is a member for connecting one battery module (1000) to another adjacent battery module (1000) or a BDU (Battery Disconnect Unit), and can be connected to an exposed end (second part (322)) of a terminal bus bar (320). For example, the inter-bus bar can be connected to overlap an upper portion of one end (second part (322)) of the terminal bus bar (320).

[0107] After one end of the inter-bus bar is placed overlappingly on the second part (322) of the terminal bus bar (320), a fixing pin is sequentially inserted into the joining hole of the inter-bus bar and the joining hole (322a) of the second part (322) of the terminal bus bar (320), and then the fixing pin is fixed to the fixing groove (531a) of the mounting portion (530), so that the inter-bus bar can be connected to the terminal bus bar (320).

[0108] And, the second part (322) of the terminal bus bar (320) together with the inter bus bar can be fixed to the insulating cover (500) by a fixed pin.

[0109] A battery pack according to the present invention can accommodate at least one battery module (1000) inside a pack case, and can include various control and protection systems such as a BMS (Battery Management System) and a cooling system.

[0110] The battery module (1000) and battery pack according to the present invention, configured as described above, can be applied to various devices. Specifically, they can be applied to transportation vehicles such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrid vehicles, or ESS (Energy Storage Systems), but are not limited thereto and can be applied to various devices capable of using secondary batteries.

[0111] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments as described above, it is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes and modifications may be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains within a scope that does not depart from the spirit of the present invention.

[0112] The present invention can provide a battery module and battery pack in which the occurrence of an external short circuit in an adjacent module is delayed or prevented by gas and particles generated in the battery module during thermal runaway, thereby delaying thermal runaway.

Claims

1. A battery cell stack in which multiple battery cells are stacked; A module case for accommodating the above battery cell stack; and An end plate disposed on one side of the above module case; A battery module for thermal runaway delay, wherein at least a portion of the end plate is coated with a flame retardant paint.

2. In paragraph 1, The above end plate is a battery module for thermal runaway delay including terminal openings.

3. In paragraph 2, The above flame retardant paint is a battery module for thermal runaway delay applied around the terminal opening in the end plate.

4. In paragraph 3, Including additional terminal bus bars, A battery module for thermal runaway delay, one end of the terminal bus bar being exposed through the terminal opening.

5. In paragraph 4, A battery module for delaying thermal runaway further comprising a busbar frame arranged on one side of the battery cell stack.

6. In paragraph 5, The above terminal busbar is a battery module for thermal runaway delay arranged on the above busbar frame.

7. In paragraph 6, A battery module for thermal runaway delay further comprising an insulating cover disposed on the outside of the busbar frame.

8. In paragraph 7, A battery module for thermal runaway delay, wherein the insulating cover includes an opening through which the terminal bus bar is exposed.

9. In paragraph 1, The above flame retardant paint is applied to the front side of the end plate to delay thermal runaway in the battery module.

10. In paragraph 9, The front portion of the end plate includes an upper vertical surface portion, a horizontal surface portion that is bent from the upper vertical surface portion and extends horizontally, and a lower vertical surface portion that is bent from the front end of the horizontal surface portion and extends vertically. A battery module in which the above flame retardant paint is applied to the upper vertical surface and the horizontal surface.

11. In paragraph 10, A battery module in which the above flame retardant paint is applied to the upper edge of the lower vertical surface.

12. In paragraph 11, A battery module wherein the width of the upper edge of the lower vertical surface portion on which the flame retardant paint is applied is within 5 mm.

13. A battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; A module case for accommodating the above battery cell stack; and An end plate disposed on one side of the above module case; A battery module for thermal runaway delay, wherein at least a portion of the end plate is coated with a heat-resistant paint.

14. In paragraph 13, The above end plate is a battery module for thermal runaway delay including terminal openings.

15. In paragraph 14, The above heat-resistant paint is a battery module for thermal runaway delay applied around the terminal opening in the end plate.

16. In paragraph 15, Including additional terminal bus bars, A battery module for thermal runaway delay, one end of the terminal bus bar being exposed through the terminal opening.

17. In paragraph 16, A battery module for delaying thermal runaway further comprising a busbar frame arranged on one side of the battery cell stack.

18. In paragraph 17, The above terminal busbar is a battery module for thermal runaway delay arranged on the above busbar frame.

19. In paragraph 18, A battery module for thermal runaway delay further comprising an insulating cover disposed on the outside of the busbar frame.

20. In paragraph 13, The above heat-resistant paint is applied to the front side of the end plate to delay thermal runaway in the battery module.

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