Battery pack, and electric bicycle and vehicle including same

Abstract

A battery pack, and an electric bicycle and vehicle including same are disclosed. The battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a plurality of battery modules having a plurality of cylindrical battery cells; a pack case in which the plurality of battery modules are accommodated; and a flame propagation prevention member disposed between a first battery module from among the plurality of battery modules and a second battery module that is adjacent to the first battery module, so as to prevent the propagation of flames generated by any one battery module, wherein the flame propagation prevention member electrically connects the first battery module to the second battery module.

Description

Battery packs and electric bicycles and vehicles including the same

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0013432, filed on January 29, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery pack and an electric bicycle and an automobile including the same, and more particularly, to a battery pack capable of preventing flame propagation between battery modules and an electric bicycle and an automobile including the same.

[0003] Generally, secondary batteries refer to batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged, such as lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. A battery cell, the most basic type of secondary battery, can provide an output voltage of approximately 2.5 V to 4.2 V.

[0004] Recently, as these battery cells are applied to devices that require high output voltage and large charging capacity, such as electric vehicles and Energy Storage Systems (ESS), battery modules composed of multiple battery cells connected in series, parallel, or a combination of series and parallel, and battery packs composed of these battery modules connected again in series, parallel, or a combination of series and parallel, are widely used.

[0005] Lithium secondary batteries are currently in the spotlight due to their advantages such as high operating voltage and significantly higher energy density. However, because they use organic electrolytes, there is a problem that lithium secondary batteries can cause overcurrent and overheating when overcharged, which in severe cases can cause fire due to explosion or ignition.

[0006] That is, if a flame generated from a random battery module spreads to a neighboring battery module, the battery module or battery pack may be damaged, burned, or explode due to a chain reaction of flames, which may cause a problem in that the stability of the battery module or battery pack cannot be secured.

[0007] Accordingly, the technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to provide a battery pack capable of preventing a flame generated in one battery module from spreading to another battery module, and an electric bicycle and an automobile including the same.

[0008] In addition, the present invention provides a battery pack capable of preventing a chain reaction of thermal runaway of a battery module or battery pack due to flame, and an electric bicycle and automobile including the same.

[0009] In addition, the present invention provides a battery pack having a simple assembly structure and allowing simple electrical connection of battery modules, and an electric bicycle and automobile including the same.

[0010] In addition, the purpose is to provide a battery pack and an electric bicycle and automobile including the same, which can reduce the manufacturing process and reduce costs.

[0011] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery pack may be provided, comprising: a plurality of battery modules each having a plurality of cylindrical battery cells; a pack case in which the plurality of battery modules are accommodated; and a flame propagation prevention member disposed between a first battery module among the plurality of battery modules and a second battery module adjacent to the first battery module to prevent the propagation of a flame generated from one of the battery modules, wherein the flame propagation prevention member is configured to electrically connect the first battery module and the second battery module.

[0013] In one embodiment, the flame propagation prevention member may include a printed circuit board (PCB) having an electric circuit formed thereon; and electrical connection pins coupled to the printed circuit board and contacting the first battery module and the second battery module, respectively.

[0014] In one embodiment, the printed circuit board may be made of FR-4 material in which multiple layers of glass fibers impregnated with epoxy resin are laminated.

[0015] In one embodiment, the battery module includes a module case having a plurality of insertion holes formed therein into which the cylindrical battery cells are inserted, and the plurality of cylindrical battery cells can be inserted into the insertion holes of the module case and connected in parallel.

[0016] In one embodiment, four cylindrical battery cells may be inserted into one of the module cases.

[0017] In one embodiment, the printed circuit board may be circuit designed such that the first battery module and the second battery module are connected in series.

[0018] In one embodiment, the plurality of battery modules may be coupled to each other in a longitudinally straight shape.

[0019] In one embodiment, a first through hole is formed in the center of the module case, a second through hole is formed in the center of the flame propagation prevention member, and a fixing member that connects and fixes a plurality of battery modules by passing through the first through hole and the second through hole may be included.

[0020] In one embodiment, the fixing member may include a rod portion having threads formed thereon and passing through the first through hole and the second through hole; and a nut portion coupled to the rod portion.

[0021] In one embodiment, the module case is formed with a joining groove or joining protrusion so that a plurality of battery modules can be joined to each other.

[0022] In one embodiment, the printed circuit board may be formed with unit support portions corresponding to the number of cylindrical battery cells.

[0023] In one embodiment, the unit support corresponds to the negative electrode or the positive electrode of the cylindrical battery cell, and an electrical connection pin can be coupled to the unit support.

[0024] In one embodiment, the electrical connection pin includes a first pin protruding upwardly from the printed circuit board; and a second pin protruding downwardly from the printed circuit board, wherein the first pin and the second pin may be formed symmetrically with respect to the printed circuit board.

[0025] In one embodiment, the cylindrical battery cell or the flame propagation prevention member may be configured to be replaceable.

[0026] Meanwhile, according to another aspect of the present invention, an electric bicycle including the above-described battery pack may be provided, and further, an automobile including the above-described battery pack may be provided.

[0027] Embodiments of the present invention have the effect of preventing a flame generated in one battery module from spreading to another battery module.

[0028] Additionally, it has the effect of preventing a chain reaction of thermal runaway of a battery module or battery pack due to flame.

[0029] In addition, the assembly structure is simple, and it has the effect of simplifying the electrical connection of the battery module.

[0030] Additionally, it has the effect of reducing the manufacturing process and reducing costs.

[0031] However, the effects that can be obtained through the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and other technical effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0032] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention described below, serve to further understand the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to matters described in such drawings.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a plurality of battery modules connected to a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 1.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a flame propagation prevention member arranged between a first battery module among a plurality of battery modules included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention and a second battery module adjacent to the first battery module.

[0036] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 3.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a joining groove or joining projection in a plurality of battery modules included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a flame propagation prevention member of a plurality of battery modules included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Fig. 7 is a horizontal side view of the flame propagation prevention member of Fig. 6.

[0040] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a battery pack in which a plurality of battery modules are arranged in a pack case according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining an electric bicycle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted with meanings and concepts that conform to the technical idea of ​​the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the term to best explain his or her own invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and various equivalents and modifications may exist as of the time of this application.

[0044] In the drawings, the sizes of each component or specific parts of that component are exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for convenience and clarity of explanation. Therefore, the size of each component does not entirely reflect its actual size. If a detailed description of a related known function or configuration is deemed to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, such description will be omitted.

[0045] The term 'joint' or 'connection' as used herein includes not only cases where one member is directly joined or directly connected to another member, but also cases where one member is indirectly joined or indirectly connected to another member through a connecting member.

[0046] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a plurality of battery modules connected in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a view showing a flame propagation prevention member arranged between a first battery module and a second battery module adjacent to the first battery module among a plurality of battery modules included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is a view showing a coupling groove or a coupling protrusion in a plurality of battery modules included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a flame propagation prevention member of a plurality of battery modules included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a horizontal side view of the flame propagation prevention member of FIG. 6, and FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a plurality of battery modules arranged in a pack case of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Referring to the drawings, a battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery module (100), a pack case (200, see FIG. 8), and a flame propagation prevention member (300).

[0048] A plurality of battery modules (100) are provided, and each of the plurality of battery modules (100a, 100b) has a plurality of cylindrical battery cells (110). Here, the cylindrical battery cells (110) may include an electrode assembly, a battery can, and a cap plate.

[0049] The electrode assembly has a structure in which a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator interposed between the positive and negative electrode plates are wound in one direction. In addition, a central hole is formed in the center of the electrode assembly, and the electrode assembly can be formed in a jelly roll type.

[0050] For example, an electrode assembly can be manufactured by winding a laminate formed by sequentially stacking a negative electrode plate, a separator, a positive electrode plate, and a separator at least once. Here, the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate can be formed in a sheet shape.

[0051] That is, the electrode assembly applied to the present embodiment may be a coil-type electrode assembly. In this case, an additional separator may be provided on the outer surface of the electrode assembly for insulation from the battery can. That is, the electrode assembly may have a coil structure well known in the relevant technical field without limitation.

[0052] The positive electrode plate may have a positive electrode active material applied to one or both sides thereof, and a first non-coated portion on which the positive electrode active material is not applied may be formed at an end of the positive electrode plate. The first non-coated portion may be exposed to the outside of the separator while forming a plurality of turns around the center of the electrode assembly, and may be used as an electrode tab in its own right. However, the first non-coated portion may not be formed on the positive electrode plate.

[0053] The negative electrode plate may have a negative active material applied to one or both sides thereof, and a second non-coated region may be formed at an end of the negative electrode plate where the negative active material is not applied. The second non-coated region may be exposed to the outside of the separator while forming a plurality of winding turns based on the center of the electrode assembly, and may be used as an electrode tab in its own right. However, the second non-coated region may not be formed on the negative electrode plate.

[0054] Here, when the positive and negative plates each include a non-coated portion, the first non-coated portion and the second non-coated portion can be configured to face in opposite directions.

[0055] In addition, the positive electrode active material coated on the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode active material coated on the negative electrode plate can be used without limitation as long as they are active materials known in the art.

[0056] The separation membrane may be a porous polymer film, for example, a porous polymer film made of a polyolefin polymer such as an ethylene homopolymer, a propylene homopolymer, an ethylene / butene copolymer, an ethylene / hexene copolymer, an ethylene / methacrylate copolymer, etc., which may be used alone or in a laminated manner.

[0057] As another example, the separator may be a conventional porous nonwoven fabric, such as a nonwoven fabric made of high-melting-point glass fiber, polyethylene terephthalate fiber, etc.

[0058] At least one surface of the membrane may include a coating layer of inorganic particles. Furthermore, the membrane itself may be formed of a coating layer of inorganic particles. The particles constituting the coating layer may have a structure in which they are bound to a binder such that an interstitial volume exists between adjacent particles.

[0059] Additionally, the center hole of the electrode assembly is also used for welding the cell terminal (positive terminal) and the positive current collector plate. That is, the electrode assembly can be configured to weld the cell terminal and the positive current collector plate by irradiating a laser through the center hole.

[0060] An electrode assembly is housed in a battery can. A through hole may be formed in the battery can. The battery can is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the electrode assembly is housed within the battery can, and may be electrically connected to the negative electrode plate of the electrode assembly. Accordingly, the battery can have the same polarity as the negative electrode plate, i.e., a negative electrode.

[0061] The diameter of the battery can is formed to be larger than the diameter of the electrode assembly. A gap of a preset size is formed between the battery can and the positive electrode collector plate, and an insulator may be interposed between the gap.

[0062] If the size of the electrode assembly is increased while the size of the battery can is determined according to the standard, the total capacity of the cylindrical battery cell (110) increases, but the gap between the battery can and the electrode assembly decreases.

[0063] That is, when the size of the electrode assembly is increased to increase the overall capacity of the cylindrical battery cell (110), the gap between the battery can and the electrode assembly is reduced, so in order to increase the capacity of the cylindrical battery cell (110), an insulator must be able to be interposed between the reduced gap between the battery can and the electrode assembly, and for this purpose, it is desirable that the thickness of the insulator be as thin as possible.

[0064] A battery can is a roughly cylindrical container made of a conductive material, such as metal. The battery can may be made of, but is not limited to, a conductive metal, such as aluminum, steel, or stainless steel.

[0065] The positive electrode collector is electrically connected to the positive electrode plate, for example, at the top of the electrode assembly. For example, the positive electrode collector is made of a conductive metal material and can be electrically connected to the first non-conductive portion of the positive electrode plate.

[0066] The cell terminal is made of a conductive metal material and is electrically connected to the positive electrode collector plate. In addition, the cell terminal is electrically connected to the positive electrode plate of the electrode assembly through the positive electrode collector plate, thereby having a positive polarity.

[0067] That is, the cell terminal can function as a positive terminal. In addition, the battery can is electrically connected to the negative plate of the electrode assembly as described above, thereby having a negative polarity.

[0068] The negative current collector is electrically connected to the negative electrode plate, for example, at the bottom of the electrode assembly. For example, the negative current collector may be made of a conductive metal material such as aluminum, steel, copper, or nickel, and may be electrically connected to the second non-conductive portion of the negative electrode plate.

[0069] The negative electrode current collector may be electrically connected to the battery can. For this purpose, at least a portion of the edge portion of the negative electrode current collector may be secured between the inner surface of the battery can and a sealing gasket.

[0070] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the edge of the negative electrode current collector may be supported on the lower surface of the bead formed at the bottom of the battery can and secured to the bead by welding.

[0071] And, at least a portion of the remaining portion, excluding the joining portion of the beading portion of the negative electrode collector plate, can be joined to the folded surface of the second non-conductive portion by welding, for example, laser welding.

[0072] Additionally, the negative electrode current collector may be electrically coupled to at least a portion of an edge of the upper and lower surfaces of the beading portion, the surface adjacent to the crimping portion.

[0073] The cap plate is configured to seal the opening formed at the bottom of the battery can. The cap plate may be made of, for example, a metal material to ensure rigidity.

[0074] Additionally, the cap plate may be provided as non-polar, separate from the electrode assembly. That is, the cap plate may not have polarity even if it is provided as a conductive metal material.

[0075] The non-polarized cap plate means that it is electrically insulated from the battery can and cell terminals. Thus, the cap plate may be non-polarized, and its material does not necessarily have to be a conductive metal.

[0076] The cap plate may be supported by being seated on a beaded portion formed on the battery can. In addition, the cap plate is fixed by a crimping portion described below. A sealing gasket may be interposed between the cap plate and the crimping portion of the battery can to ensure airtightness of the battery can. That is, the sealing gasket may be arranged to be interposed between the edge of the cap plate and the opening of the battery can.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 3, the battery module (100) may include a module case (120), and a plurality of cylindrical battery cells (110) are arranged inside the module case (120). For example, referring to FIG. 4, a plurality of insertion holes (121) may be formed in the module case (120), and a plurality of cylindrical battery cells (110) are inserted into each of the plurality of insertion holes (121).

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, four cylindrical battery cells (110) are inserted into one module case (120), and the four cylindrical battery cells (110) are connected in parallel. However, the number of cylindrical battery cells (110) may be more than four.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 1, a plurality of battery modules (100) can be connected to each other in a longitudinally straight shape. And, as in FIG. 8, a plurality of battery modules (100) connected to each other are placed in a pack case (200).

[0080] The fixing member (400) can connect and fix a plurality of battery modules (100) by passing through the first through hole (122) and the second through hole (311).

[0081] That is, referring to FIG. 3, a first through hole (122) through which a fixing member (400) passes may be formed in the center of a module case (120) so that a plurality of battery modules (100) may be formed in a long straight shape and fixed, and a second through hole (311) may be formed in the center of a flame propagation prevention member (300).

[0082] The fixing member (400) can connect and fix a plurality of battery modules (100) in various ways, and for this purpose, for example, the fixing member (400) can include a load portion (410) and a nut portion (420).

[0083] Referring to FIG. 2, the load portion (410) passes through the first through hole (122, see FIG. 3) and the second through hole (311). In addition, a screw thread (411) may be formed on the load portion (410). The screw thread (411) may be formed only on one end of the load portion (410), or may be formed on both ends of the load portion (410), or may be formed on the entire load portion (410).

[0084] The nut part (420) is connected to the screw thread (411) of the load part (410) and fastens a plurality of battery modules (100) connected to each other.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 5, a coupling groove (123) or a coupling protrusion (124) may be formed in the module case (120), and a plurality of battery modules (100) may be coupled to each other by the coupling groove (123) or the coupling protrusion (124).

[0086] For example, only a fixing member (400) may be provided to connect multiple battery modules (100). Alternatively, only a joining groove (123) or a joining protrusion (124) may be formed in the module case (120) without the fixing member (400). Alternatively, not only the fixing member (400) may be provided, but also a joining groove (123) or a joining protrusion (124) may be formed in the module case (120).

[0087] In the case of a battery module (100) equipped with conventional cylindrical battery cells (110), the cylindrical battery cells (110) were electrically connected by welding. In this case, if a problem occurred in one of the cylindrical battery cells (110), it was impossible to replace only the cylindrical cell with the problem, so the entire battery module (100) was discarded.

[0088] However, since the battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention electrically connects the cylindrical battery cells (110) by the flame propagation prevention member (300) without welding, the cylindrical battery cells (110) or the flame propagation prevention member (300) are configured to be replaceable. Accordingly, only the cylindrical battery cell (110) or the flame propagation prevention member (300) in which a problem has occurred can be replaced without discarding the entire battery module (100).

[0089] That is, in the case of the fixed member (400), the nut part (420) can be loosened to replace the cylindrical battery cell (110) or the flame propagation prevention member (300). In addition, the battery module (100) in which the joining groove (123) or joining protrusion (124) is formed can also be easily detached, so that the cylindrical battery cell (110) or the flame propagation prevention member (300) can be replaced.

[0090] According to this, there is an effect of reducing resource waste and saving costs.

[0091] Referring to Fig. 8, a plurality of battery modules (100) are stored in a pack case (200). Here, the pack case (200) may further include various devices for controlling charging and discharging of cylindrical battery cells (110) included in the battery module (100), such as a BMS, a current sensor, a fuse, etc.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 3, a flame propagation prevention member (300) is disposed between a first battery module (100a) among a plurality of battery modules (100) and a second battery module (100b) adjacent to the first battery module (100a). Here, the flame propagation prevention member (300) prevents the propagation of a flame generated from any one of the battery modules (100).

[0093] For example, when a flame occurs in the first battery module (100a), the flame is prevented from spreading from the first battery module (100a) to the second battery module (100b), thereby preventing a chain reaction of fires in the batteries.

[0094] In addition, the flame propagation prevention member (300) is configured to contact each cylindrical battery cell (110) and electrically connect the first battery module (100a) and the second battery module (100b). That is, the flame propagation prevention member (300) not only has the function of preventing flame propagation between battery modules (100), but also has the function of electrically connecting a plurality of battery modules (100) to each other.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 3, the flame propagation prevention member (300) includes a printed circuit board (310, PCB, PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD) and an electrical connection pin (320).

[0096] An electric circuit is formed on a printed circuit board (310). Here, the printed circuit board (310) may be designed so that the first battery module (100a) and the second battery module (100b) are connected in series.

[0097] For example, a first battery module (100a) including a plurality of cylindrical battery cells (110) connected in parallel and a second battery module (100b) including a plurality of cylindrical battery cells (110) connected in parallel can be connected in series.

[0098] That is, a plurality of cylindrical battery cells (110) arranged in one battery module (100) are connected in parallel, but a plurality of battery modules (100) can be connected in series by a printed circuit board (310).

[0099] The printed circuit board (310) can be manufactured from FR-4 material, which is made of multiple layers of glass fibers impregnated with epoxy resin. FR-4 has good heat resistance due to its high glass transition temperature, and therefore, the printed circuit board (310) manufactured from FR-4 material can prevent the propagation of flames generated from any one battery module (100).

[0100] Referring to FIG. 6, the printed circuit board (310) may be formed with unit support portions (312) corresponding to the number of cylindrical battery cells (110). For example, if one battery module (100) is equipped with four cylindrical battery cells (110), the printed circuit board (310) may also have four unit support portions (312).

[0101] Here, the unit support member (312) corresponds to the negative or positive electrode of the cylindrical battery cell (110), and an electrical connection pin (320) can be coupled to the unit support member (312). Then, the electrical connection pin (320) coupled to the unit support member (312) contacts the negative or positive electrode of the cylindrical battery cell (110) to electrically connect a plurality of cylindrical battery cells (110).

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the electrical connection pin (320) is coupled to the printed circuit board (310) and contacts the first battery module (100a) and the second battery module (100b), respectively.

[0103] Referring to Fig. 7, the electrical connection pin (320) may be configured to include a first pin (321) and a second pin (322). The first pin (321) protrudes upward from the printed circuit board (310) with reference to Fig. 7. And, the second pin (322) protrudes downward from the printed circuit board (310) with reference to Fig. 7.

[0104] In addition, the first pin (321) may be in contact with the cylindrical battery cell (110) of the first battery module (100a), and the second pin (322) may be in contact with the cylindrical battery cell (110) of the second battery module (100b). As shown in Fig. 7, the first pin (321) and the second pin (322) may be formed symmetrically with respect to the printed circuit board (310), but are not limited thereto.

[0105] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining an electric bicycle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 9, an electric bicycle (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs (10) according to each embodiment of the present invention described above.

[0107] Here, the electric bicycle (20) includes all means of transportation that are commonly known as bicycles, in which a driving unit (e.g., a motor) is combined and operates by receiving power from a battery pack (10). That is, the electric bicycle (20) includes a motorcycle including the aforementioned battery pack (10).

[0108] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 10, a vehicle (30) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs (10) according to each embodiment of the present invention described above.

[0110] Here, the above-mentioned automobile (30) includes various automobiles that are designed to use electricity, such as electric automobiles or hybrid automobiles.

[0111] In this specification, when terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, and right are used, these terms are only for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms may vary depending on the location of the target object or the location of the observer.

[0112] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may make various modifications and variations within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims to be described below. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed above should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. In other words, the true scope of the technical spirit of the present invention is set forth in the claims, and all differences within the scope of equivalents thereof should be construed as being included in the present invention.

[0113] The present invention relates to a battery pack and an electric bicycle and an automobile including the same, and is particularly applicable to industries related to secondary batteries.

Claims

1. A plurality of battery modules each having a plurality of cylindrical battery cells; A pack case in which the plurality of battery modules are stored; and A flame propagation prevention member is disposed between a first battery module among the plurality of battery modules and a second battery module adjacent to the first battery module to prevent the propagation of a flame generated from any one of the battery modules. A battery pack, characterized in that the flame propagation prevention member is configured to electrically connect the first battery module and the second battery module.

2. In paragraph 1, The above flame propagation prevention member is, Printed circuit board (PCB, PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD) on which electric circuits are formed; and A battery pack characterized by comprising electrical connection pins coupled to the printed circuit board and contacting the first battery module and the second battery module, respectively.

3. In paragraph 2, A battery pack characterized in that the above printed circuit board is made of FR-4 material in which multiple layers of glass fibers impregnated with epoxy resin are stacked.

4. In paragraph 2, The above battery module includes a module case having a plurality of insertion holes formed into which the cylindrical battery cells are inserted, A battery pack characterized in that the plurality of cylindrical battery cells are inserted into the insertion holes of the module case and connected in parallel.

5. In paragraph 4, A battery pack characterized in that four cylindrical battery cells are inserted into one of the above module cases.

6. In paragraph 4, A battery pack, characterized in that the printed circuit board is designed so that the first battery module and the second battery module are connected in series.

7. In paragraph 4, A battery pack characterized in that the plurality of battery modules are connected to each other in a longitudinally straight shape.

8. In paragraph 7, A first through hole is formed in the center of the above module case, and a second through hole is formed in the center of the above flame propagation prevention member. A battery pack characterized by including a fixing member that connects and fixes a plurality of battery modules by passing through the first through hole and the second through hole.

9. In paragraph 8, The above fixed member is, A rod portion having a screw thread formed thereon and passing through the first through hole and the second through hole; and A battery pack characterized by including a nut portion coupled to the above load portion.

10. In paragraph 7, A battery pack characterized in that a plurality of battery modules are connected to each other by forming a connecting groove or connecting protrusion in the above module case.

11. In paragraph 2, A battery pack characterized in that the printed circuit board is formed with unit support portions corresponding to the number of cylindrical battery cells.

12. In paragraph 11, A battery pack characterized in that the unit support corresponds to the negative or positive electrode of the cylindrical battery cell, and an electrical connection pin is coupled to the unit support.

13. In paragraph 2, The above electrical connection pins are, a first pin protruding from the upper side of the printed circuit board; and A second pin protruding from the lower side of the printed circuit board is included, A battery pack, characterized in that the first pin and the second pin are formed symmetrically with respect to the printed circuit board.

14. In paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the cylindrical battery cell or the flame propagation prevention member is configured to be replaceable.

15. An electric bicycle comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A vehicle comprising a battery pack according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 14.

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