Battery module and battery pack comprising same

Abstract

The battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a battery cell stack having multiple battery cells stacked on each other; a module frame for containing the battery cell stack; a refrigerant line along which a refrigerant flows into the module frame or flows out of the module frame; and a venting valve disposed in the refrigerant line. Gases generated inside the battery module may be discharged through the venting valve via the refrigerant line.

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. 10-2024-0032004, filed March 6, 2024, 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 and a battery pack including the same, which improve cooling efficiency to enhance cooling performance and can prevent venting gas emitted by a thermal runaway phenomenon occurring within a battery module from spreading to adjacent battery modules.

[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 battery cells deteriorate quickly, shortening their lifespan and increasing the risk 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 battery module can easily spread to neighboring modules, ultimately leading to ignition or explosion of the battery pack itself.

[0010] In addition, since the battery pack is composed of a structure in which multiple battery modules are combined, it is heavy and unsuitable for loading multiple batteries into a vehicle such as an automobile, so there is a need to improve the energy density.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a conventional battery pack. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack of Fig. 1.

[0012] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a conventional battery pack (10) includes a lower pack frame (11) on which a plurality of battery modules (1) are mounted, an upper pack frame (12) positioned above the battery modules (1), and an internal beam (13) that defines a location where the battery modules (1) are mounted within the battery pack (10).

[0013] In this way, when a battery module (1) is mounted inside a battery pack (10), the energy density of the battery pack (10) decreases due to the internal beam (13) that partitions between the battery modules (1), so there was a problem that a larger number of battery packs (10) had to be equipped to meet the efficiency required in a device, etc. In addition, there was a limit to the number of battery packs (10) that could be equipped in a device due to the weight of the battery pack (10). Therefore, in order to reduce the weight of the battery pack (10) and increase the energy density of the battery pack (10) at the same time, there was a need to mount a larger number of battery modules (1) inside the battery pack (10).

[0014] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a conventional battery pack (10) is configured to house a plurality of battery modules (1). Accordingly, in the event that a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs in any one of the plurality of battery modules (1), there is a need for a structure or method capable of preventing the venting gas generated in the battery module (1) in which the thermal runaway phenomenon occurred from being transmitted to other battery modules (1) and the thermal runaway phenomenon from being transmitted to other battery modules (1).

[0015] In addition, since the conventional battery module (1) and battery pack (10) do not directly cool the battery cell stack provided in the battery module (1), a more effective method for improving cooling efficiency is required.

[0016] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery module and a battery pack including the same, which can improve cooling efficiency to enhance cooling performance and prevent venting gas emitted by a thermal runaway phenomenon occurring within a battery module from spreading to adjacent battery modules.

[0017] 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.

[0018] A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, a module frame accommodating the battery cell stack, a refrigerant line through which refrigerant flows into the interior of the module frame or flows out from the interior of the module frame, and a venting valve disposed in the refrigerant line, wherein gas generated inside the battery module can be discharged through the venting valve via the refrigerant line.

[0019] The above venting valve can discharge gas from the refrigerant line when the pressure of the refrigerant line reaches a predetermined pressure.

[0020] The venting valve may include a valve inlet through which gas from the refrigerant line flows, a main body forming an internal space through which the gas flowing into the valve inlet flows, and a blocking member movable to be accommodated in the internal space to close the valve inlet or to be separated from the internal space to form a first flow path through which the gas flows.

[0021] The blocking member further includes an elastic member that presses the blocking member in a direction to close the valve inlet, and the blocking member can form the first flow path by moving in a direction away from the internal space when the pressure of the refrigerant line reaches the predetermined pressure.

[0022] The venting valve may further include a cap portion through which the discharge direction of the gas is guided and a valve outlet through which the gas is discharged, and the cap portion may include a second flow path through which the path of the gas flowing in from the main body portion is bent.

[0023] The cap portion includes a plate-shaped portion spaced apart from the main body portion and positioned to face the first flow path, and a spaced space between the main body portion and the plate-shaped portion can be opened to communicate with the outside.

[0024] The cap portion may further include a skirt portion extending from an edge of the plate portion toward the main body portion.

[0025] The battery module may further include an inlet port connected to the refrigerant line and through which refrigerant flows into the interior of the module frame, an outlet port connected to the refrigerant line and through which the refrigerant flows out from the interior of the module frame, and a filter unit disposed between the inlet port and the venting valve and between the outlet port and the venting valve among the refrigerant lines.

[0026] The above filter unit may include a filter inlet through which the refrigerant flows in and a filter member that filters the refrigerant flowing in from the filter inlet.

[0027] The above filter inlet may include a diffusion portion whose cross-sectional area increases toward the filter member.

[0028] The filter unit further includes an elastic member connected to the filter member, the filter member being movable between a first position for filtering the refrigerant and a second position for bypassing the refrigerant, the filter member being held in the first position by the elastic member, and when a pressure applied to the filter member reaches a predetermined filter pressure, the filter member can be moved from the first position to the second position.

[0029] The above-described filter pressure may be a pressure that causes the force applied to the filter member to exceed the restoring force of the elastic member.

[0030] The filter unit may further include a position sensor that detects movement of the filter member from the first position to the second position.

[0031] The above refrigerant may include an insulating refrigerant or a non-flammable refrigerant.

[0032] A battery pack comprising a plurality of battery modules according to the above-described embodiments, wherein the refrigerant line may include a first refrigerant line connected to the inlet port of each of the plurality of battery modules and a second refrigerant line connected to the outlet port of each of the plurality of battery modules.

[0033] The venting valves may be positioned between each inlet port of the plurality of battery modules and between each outlet port of the plurality of battery modules.

[0034] The venting valve may be additionally disposed between the uppermost portion of the first refrigerant line and the inlet port of the battery module disposed most adjacent to the uppermost portion, and between the lowermost portion of the second refrigerant line and the outlet port of the battery module disposed most adjacent to the lowermost portion.

[0035] The battery pack may further include a filter unit disposed between each of the inlet ports of the plurality of battery modules and the venting valve located on the flow direction side of the first refrigerant line from the inlet port, and between each of the outlet ports of the plurality of battery modules and the venting valve located on the flow direction side of the second refrigerant line from the outlet port.

[0036] The filter unit may be additionally arranged between the uppermost portion of the first refrigerant line and the venting valve arranged closest to the uppermost portion.

[0037] The battery pack further includes a pressure sensor that measures the pressure of at least one of the first refrigerant line and the second refrigerant line, and the pressure sensor can be disposed at least one of between the uppermost portion of the first refrigerant line and the filter unit disposed most adjacent to the uppermost portion and between the lowermost portion of the second refrigerant line and the filter unit disposed most adjacent to the lowermost portion.

[0038] The battery pack may further include a processor that outputs an alarm signal when the pressure measured by the pressure sensor deviates from a predetermined reference pressure.

[0039] A battery module and a battery pack including the same according to embodiments of the present invention can increase cooling efficiency by directly cooling a coolant to a battery cell, thereby increasing energy density.

[0040] In addition, since the venting gas released by the thermal runaway phenomenon occurring within the battery module can be prevented from spreading to the adjacent battery module, the stability of the battery module and the battery pack including the same can be improved even if a specific situation such as the thermal runaway phenomenon occurs.

[0041] 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.

[0042] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a conventional battery pack.

[0043] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack of Figure 1.

[0044] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of Figure 3.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing one of the battery cells included in the battery cell stack of FIG. 4.

[0047] Figure 6 is a drawing of the battery module of Figure 3 viewed along the -x-axis direction on the yz plane.

[0048] Figure 7 is a drawing of the inlet port viewed along the -x-axis direction on the yz plane.

[0049] Figure 8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of the venting valve illustrated in Figure 6.

[0050] Figure 9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating other examples of the venting valve illustrated in Figure 8.

[0051] Fig. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of the filter unit of Fig. 6.

[0052] Fig. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing a modified example of the filter unit illustrated in Fig. 10.

[0053] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a battery pack including a battery module according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack illustrated in Figure 12.

[0055] Figure 14 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the locations where venting valves and filter units are arranged in a battery pack.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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, it means 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 direction opposite to gravity.

[0060] Additionally, terms indicating directions such as front, back, left, right, up, and down are used, but these terms are only for convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the location of the target object or the location of the observer.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0064] Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a plan view illustrating one of the battery cells included in the battery cell stack of Fig. 4.

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, a battery module (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell stack (120) formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells (110), a module frame (200) that accommodates the battery cell stack (120), an inlet port (510) through which refrigerant flows into the interior of the module frame (200), an outlet port (516) through which refrigerant flows out from the interior of the module frame (200), a first refrigerant line (501) connected to the inlet port (510), a second refrigerant line (502) connected to the outlet port (516), a venting valve (520) and a filter unit (530) respectively disposed in the first refrigerant line (501) and the second refrigerant line (502).

[0066] First, the battery cell (110) may be a pouch-type battery in which an electrode assembly having electrode leads (111) protruding in one or both directions is housed in a pouch case (114). However, this is merely an example, and a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present invention may be a square battery. For convenience of explanation, the following description will be based on the battery cell (110) which is a pouch-type battery.

[0067] The battery cell (110) may be in the shape of a rectangular sheet. The battery cell (110) may be formed by housing an electrode assembly in a pouch case (114) of a laminate sheet including a resin layer and a metal layer, and then bonding the outer periphery of the pouch case (114). For example, the battery cell (110) may have a structure in which two electrode leads (111) face each other and protrude from one end and the other end of the cell body (113), respectively. As another embodiment, a structure in which all electrode leads (111) of the battery cell (110) protrude in one direction is also possible. One of the electrode leads (111) is a positive electrode lead, and the other is a negative electrode lead.

[0068] The battery cell (110) can be manufactured by bonding the periphery of the pouch case (114) while the electrode assembly (not shown) is housed in the pouch case (114). As another example, the battery cell (110) can be housed in a state where one side of the pouch case (114) is folded and the remaining sides are sealed.

[0069] The pouch case (114) of the laminate sheet may include an inner resin layer for sealing, a metal layer for preventing penetration of materials, and an outermost outer resin layer. Based on the electrode assembly inside the pouch case (114), the inner resin layer may be positioned at the innermost side, the outer resin layer may be positioned at the outermost side, and the metal layer may be positioned between the inner resin layer and the outer resin layer.

[0070] The outer resin layer may have excellent tensile strength and weather resistance relative to its thickness and may exhibit electrical insulation properties to protect the electrode assembly from the outside. The outer resin layer may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin or nylon resin. The metal layer may prevent air, moisture, etc. from entering the pouch-type secondary battery. The metal layer may include aluminum (Al). The inner resin layers may be thermally bonded to each other by heat and / or pressure applied while the electrode assembly is embedded. The inner resin layer may include cast polypropylene (CPP) or polypropylene (PP).

[0071] A pouch case (114) may be divided into two parts, and a concave receiving portion in which an electrode assembly can be mounted may be formed in at least one of the two parts. Along the outer periphery of the receiving portion, the inner resin layers of the two parts of the pouch case (114) are bonded to each other, thereby sealing the pouch case (114), and a battery cell (110), which is a pouch-type battery, may be manufactured.

[0072] The battery cell (110) may be configured in multiple units, and the multiple 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. 4, the multiple battery cells (110) may be stacked along a direction parallel to the y-axis while standing upright with one side of the cell body (113) facing each other. Accordingly, the electrode leads (111) may protrude in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the battery cells (110) are stacked. That is, in the battery cell (110), one electrode lead (111) may protrude toward the x-axis direction, and the other electrode lead (111) may protrude toward the -x-axis direction. If the electrode leads (111) of the battery cell protrude only in one direction, the electrode leads (111) protrude in the x-axis direction or the -x-axis direction.

[0073] The module frame (200) may be intended to protect the battery cell stack (120) and electrical components connected thereto from external physical impact. The battery cell stack (120) and electrical components connected thereto may be accommodated in the internal space of the module frame (200).

[0074] The structure of the module frame (200) may vary. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the structure of the module frame (200) may be a monoframe structure. Here, the monoframe may be 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 monoframe may be manufactured by extrusion molding.

[0075] However, the structure of the module frame (200) is not limited thereto, and in another embodiment, 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 have a lower surface and two side surfaces extending upward from both edges of the lower surface, and the upper plate may have a plate-like shape. In this case, 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.

[0076] The module frame (200) may be open on both sides. More specifically, the module frame (200) may be provided in an open form along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (110). In this case, the front and rear sides of the battery cell stack (120) may not be covered by the module frame (200). The front and rear sides of the battery cell stack (120) may be covered by the bus bar assembly (300) and the end plate (400), and through this, the front and rear sides of the battery cell stack (120) may be protected from external physical impacts, etc.

[0077] The battery module (100) may include a busbar assembly (300) positioned on each of one side and the other side of the battery cell stack (120). Specifically, the busbar assembly (300) may be positioned on each of the two directions in which the electrode leads (111) of the battery cells (110) included in the battery cell stack (120) protrude. The busbar assembly (300) may electrically connect the battery cells (110) constituting the battery cell stack (120) in series or in parallel. The busbar assembly (300) may each include a busbar frame (310), a busbar (320), and a terminal busbar.

[0078] The busbar frame (310) may be positioned on one side of the battery cell stack (120) to cover one side of the battery cell stack (120) and simultaneously guide the connection between the battery cell stack (120) and an external device. The busbar frame (310) may be positioned on the front (x-axis direction) and the rear (-x-axis direction) of the battery cell stack (120).

[0079] A busbar (320) may be mounted on the busbar frame (310). Specifically, the inner surface of the busbar frame (310) may be connected to the front (x-axis direction) and the rear surface (-x-axis direction) of the battery cell stack (120), and the outer surface of the busbar frame (310) may be connected to the busbar (320).

[0080] The busbar frame (310) may include an electrically insulating material. The busbar frame (310) may limit contact between the busbar (320) and other parts of the battery cells (110) other than the part where the busbar is connected to the electrode lead (not shown), thereby preventing electrical short circuits from occurring.

[0081] The bus bar (320) is mounted on one side of the bus bar frame (310) and may be used to electrically connect the battery cell stack (120) or battery cells (110) and an external device circuit. The bus bar (320) is positioned on the bus bar frame (310), and the bus bar assembly (300) is covered by the end plate (500) of FIG. 4, 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.

[0082] The bus bar (320) can be electrically connected to the battery cell stack (120) through the electrode leads of the battery cells (110). Specifically, the electrode leads (111) of the battery cells (110) can be bent after passing through slits formed in the bus bar frame (310) and connected to the bus bar (320). The battery cells (110) constituting the battery cell stack (120) can be connected in series or in parallel by the bus bar (320). There is no particular limitation on the connection method between the electrode leads (111) and the bus bar (320), and for example, welding may be applied.

[0083] Meanwhile, although not shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the battery module (100) may be provided with a terminal bus bar. The terminal bus bar may include a first terminal bus bar and a second terminal bus bar, and the first terminal bus bar and the second terminal bus bar may have different polarities.

[0084] The terminal bus bar may be electrically connected to the bus bar (320) or the electrode lead to electrically connect one battery module (100) to another battery module (100). At least a portion of the terminal bus bar may be exposed to the outside of the end plate (400) to connect one battery module (100) to another external battery module (100), and the end plate (400) may be provided with a terminal bus bar opening (not shown) for this purpose. The terminal bus bar may be connected to another battery module (100) or a BDU (Battery Disconnect Unit) through a portion exposed through the terminal bus bar opening, and may form an HV (High voltage) connection with them.

[0085] An end plate (400) may be formed to cover the battery cell stack (120) by being positioned on both open sides (in the x-axis direction and the -x-axis direction) of the module frame (200). This end plate (400) may physically protect the battery cell stack (120) and other electrical components from external impact.

[0086] The end plate (400) may be formed with a refrigerant opening (410) for the inflow or outflow of refrigerant. The refrigerant opening (410) is an opening provided in the end plate (400) and is a hole penetrating the end plate (400). Accordingly, even when the end plate (510) is mounted, the refrigerant may be introduced from the outside to the inside of the module frame (200) or may be introduced from the inside to the outside of the module frame (200) through the refrigerant opening (410). The refrigerant opening (410) may be covered by an inflow port (510) or an outflow port (516) described below and may be connected to a first refrigerant line (501) or a second refrigerant line (502), respectively.

[0087] The coolant opening (410) may be a hole formed to extend in the vertical direction (z-axis direction and -z-axis direction). The upper end of the coolant opening (410) may be located above the center with respect to the height of the battery cell stack (120). The lower end of the coolant opening (410) may be located below the center with respect to the height of the battery cell stack (120). Specifically, the length from the center of the coolant opening (410) to the upper end of the coolant opening (410) may be greater than or equal to the length from the upper edge of the end plate (400) to the upper end of the coolant opening (410). Additionally, the length from the center of the refrigerant opening (410) to the lower end of the refrigerant opening (410) may be greater than or equal to the length from the lower edge of the end plate (400) to the lower end of the refrigerant opening (410). More specifically, the length from the upper end of the refrigerant opening (410) to the lower end may be between 0.5 and 0.9 times the length from the upper edge of the end plate (400) to the lower edge.

[0088] The above refrigerant can directly contact the battery cell stack (120), busbar assembly (300) and other electrical components housed inside the module frame (200) and receive heat generated therefrom.

[0089] The above refrigerant may be a fluid. Since the refrigerant comes into direct contact with the battery cell stack (120), busbar assembly (300), and other electrical components within the battery module (100), it must be electrically insulated. Therefore, the refrigerant may be an insulating refrigerant. As an example, the refrigerant may be an insulating oil. However, the type of the refrigerant is not limited by the above. For example, since the refrigerant must not ignite even when exposed to a high-temperature environment within the battery module (100), the refrigerant may be a non-flammable refrigerant.

[0090] That is, in the case of the present embodiment, the refrigerant can directly cool the battery cell stack (120), busbar assembly (300), and other electrical components that generate heat within the battery module (100) by directly contacting them and receiving heat from them. Therefore, compared to indirectly cooling the battery module using a heat sink or the like in a conventional battery module, the battery module (100) according to the embodiments of the present invention can have improved cooling efficiency through direct cooling, thereby extending the life of the battery.

[0091] Meanwhile, although not shown in FIG. 4, the battery module (100) may further include a sealing assembly. The sealing assembly may be formed to cover the battery cell stack (120) by being positioned on both open sides of the module frame (200). That is, the sealing assembly may be positioned between the end plate (400) and the battery cell stack (120), thereby isolating the open sides of the module frame (200) from the external environment. Specifically, the sealing assembly may serve to seal the coolant so that it does not leak to the outside when the coolant is injected into the module frame (200).

[0092] Fig. 6 is a drawing of the battery module of Fig. 3 viewed along the -x-axis direction on the yz plane. Fig. 7 is a drawing of the inlet port viewed along the -x-axis direction on the yz plane.

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the battery module (100) includes an inlet port (510) and an outlet port (516) for circulating a refrigerant into the interior of the module frame (200), and a refrigerant line (500) connected to the inlet port (510) and the outlet port (516), respectively. The refrigerant moves from a refrigerant storage (2100) described below through a heat exchanger (2200) and the refrigerant line (500), then flows into the interior of the module frame (200) through the inlet port (510), flows out of the exterior of the module frame (200) through the outlet port (516), and then is returned to the refrigerant storage (2100) through the refrigerant line (500). Meanwhile, since the outlet port (516) has the same shape and structure as the inlet port (510), the illustration of the outlet port (516) is omitted in FIGS. 6 and 7, and the description of the same or corresponding content as the inlet port (510) will be omitted below.

[0094] The refrigerant line (500) includes a first refrigerant line (501) connected to an inlet port (510) and a second refrigerant line (502) connected to an outlet port (516). The refrigerant line (500) may be a rigid pipe-shaped member that allows the refrigerant to flow.

[0095] The inlet port (510) may have a shape corresponding to the refrigerant opening (410) in order to cover the refrigerant opening (410). As described above, since the refrigerant opening (410) is a hole extending in the vertical direction, the inlet port (510) may also have a shape extending in the vertical direction. In addition, the inlet port (510) may include a cover member (511) for covering the refrigerant opening (410) of the end plate (400). The cover member (511) may be formed to be inclined downward on a surface facing the refrigerant opening (410). Accordingly, the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet port (510) may decrease from the upper side to the lower side (-z-axis direction).

[0096] Considering the shape and position of the coolant opening (410) extending vertically as described above, the coolant opening (410) connected to the inlet port (510) may have a lower end positioned lower than the center based on the height of the battery cell stack (120). That is, the lower end of the coolant opening (410) connected to the inlet port (510) may be positioned close to the lower edge of the end plate (400). In addition, the coolant opening (410) connected to the outlet port (516) may have an upper end positioned higher than the center based on the height of the battery cell stack (120). That is, the upper end of the coolant opening (410) connected to the outlet port (516) may be positioned close to the upper edge of the end plate (400).

[0097] If the lower end of the refrigerant opening (410) connected to the inlet port (510) is located above the center based on the height of the battery cell stack (120), there is a possibility that bubbles will form inside the refrigerant because the refrigerant will flow into the inside of the battery module (100) as if it were falling from a high position. Such bubbles will hinder the cooling effect.

[0098] In addition, if the upper end of the coolant opening (410) connected to the outlet port (516) is located lower than the center based on the height of the battery cell stack (120), the coolant flowing into the inside of the battery module (100) is filled only up to the height of the outlet port (516) and then escapes to the outside, so the inside of the battery module (100) is not filled with a sufficient amount of coolant, which may result in a decrease in cooling performance.

[0099] It is preferable that the coolant opening (410) connected to the inlet port (510) has a lower end positioned lower than the center based on the height of the battery cell stack (120), and that the coolant opening (410) connected to the outlet port (516) has an upper end positioned higher than the center based on the height of the battery cell stack (120).

[0100] In addition, since the refrigerant opening (410) connected to the inlet port (510) extends in the vertical direction, the refrigerant flowing into the module frame (200) through the inlet port (510) can come into contact with the battery cell stack (120) as a whole. Similarly, the refrigerant in contact with the battery cell stack (120) as a whole can flow out of the module frame (200) through the outlet port (516). Therefore, since the refrigerant can flow without stagnating within the module frame (200), the cooling performance can be improved.

[0101] In addition, the refrigerant flowing in from the first refrigerant line (501) can flow along the inclined cover member (511) between the first refrigerant line (501) and the refrigerant opening (410). Therefore, since the refrigerant can flow into the interior of the battery module (100) without the flow direction of the refrigerant changing abruptly, the possibility of bubbles forming inside the refrigerant can be reduced.

[0102] In addition, since the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet port (510) increases as it moves from the first refrigerant line (501) toward the refrigerant opening (410), the refrigerant flowing in from the first refrigerant line (501) has a reduced flow rate inside the inlet port (510). Therefore, since the flow rate of the refrigerant is reduced in advance before it flows into the interior of the module frame (200) and comes into contact with the battery cell stack (120), a rapid change in flow rate inside the module frame (200) can be reduced. Accordingly, the possibility of bubbles forming inside the refrigerant due to a rapid change in flow rate can be reduced, and the time that the refrigerant comes into contact with the battery cell stack (120) can be increased, so that the cooling performance can be improved.

[0103] Fig. 8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of the venting valve illustrated in Fig. 6. Fig. 8 (a) illustrates the state of the venting valve (520a) before gas is vented, and Fig. 8 (b) illustrates the state of the venting valve (520a) while gas is being vented.

[0104] First, since the battery module (100) according to the embodiments of the present invention cools the battery module (100) by introducing a coolant into the module frame (200), the sealing property of the battery module (100) is very excellent in order to prevent coolant leakage. That is, when a venting gas is generated inside the battery module (100) at a certain temperature and pressure or higher, the venting gas can be primarily discharged to the outside of the module frame (200) through the coolant opening (410) formed to introduce and discharge the coolant into the battery module (100). Accordingly, the venting gas generated inside the battery module (100) can spread toward the adjacent battery module (100) through the coolant line (500). According to embodiments of the present invention, since the venting valve (520) is connected to the refrigerant line (500), gas generated inside the battery module (100) can be vented through the venting valve (520) via the refrigerant line (500). Accordingly, the venting gas that diffuses to the adjacent battery module (100) along the refrigerant line (500) can be discharged from the refrigerant line (500), thereby reducing the pressure of the refrigerant line (500) and preventing the venting gas from diffusing through the refrigerant line (500).

[0105] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 8, the venting valve (520) can be connected to the refrigerant line (500). More specifically, the venting valve (520) can be connected to each of the first refrigerant line (501) and the second refrigerant line (502). The venting valve (520) can discharge the gas in the refrigerant line (500) when the pressure in the refrigerant line (500) reaches a predetermined pressure due to the gas generated inside the module. That is, the venting valve (520) can discharge the gas in the refrigerant line (500) that has reached a predetermined pressure among the first refrigerant line (501) and the second refrigerant line (502) when the pressure in at least one of the first refrigerant line (501) and the second refrigerant line (502) reaches the predetermined pressure.

[0106] Referring to (a) of FIG. 8, a venting valve (520a) may include a valve inlet (521) through which gas from a refrigerant line (500) flows, a main body (522) forming an internal space (523) through which gas flowing into the valve inlet (521) flows, a blocking member (525) movable to close the valve inlet (521), a valve spring (527) that pressurizes the blocking member (525), a cap part (524a) through which the discharge direction of the gas is guided, and a valve discharge port (529) through which the gas is discharged.

[0107] The blocking member (525) is movable so as to be accommodated in the internal space (523) to close the valve inlet (521) or to be spaced apart from the internal space (523) to form a first flow path through which gas flows. That is, the blocking member (525) is movable in the direction in which the valve shaft (526) extends from the cap portion (524a) toward the valve inlet (521). As an example, the valve shaft (526) is telescopically expandable, and the blocking member (525) is fixed to an end of the valve shaft (526) so as to be movable in the extension direction of the valve shaft (526). As another example, the valve shaft (526) extends through the blocking member (525), and the blocking member (525) is inserted into the valve shaft (526) so as to be movable in the extension direction of the valve shaft (526). Meanwhile, the structure or method by which the blocking member (525) moves in the extension direction of the valve shaft (526) is not limited by what has been described above, and can be modified or changed in various ways.

[0108] The valve spring (527) may be arranged on the valve shaft (526) so as to pressurize the blocking member (525) in a direction in which the blocking member (525) closes the valve inlet (521). Accordingly, the blocking member (525) can prevent the refrigerant in the refrigerant line (500) from leaking out to the outside through the venting valve (520) under normal circumstances. If the venting gas is diffused through the refrigerant line (500), the pressure of the refrigerant line (500) reaches a predetermined pressure that is normally higher than the pressure at which the refrigerant circulates, and the blocking member (525) can form the first flow path by overcoming the pressing force of the valve spring (527) and moving away from the internal space (523) due to the high-pressure environment generated in the refrigerant line (500). Accordingly, the elastic coefficient of the valve spring (527) can be determined by considering the pressure of the refrigerant line (500) in the event of a thermal runaway phenomenon occurring within the battery module (100). However, the elastic coefficient of the valve spring (527) can be varied in various ways depending on the specifications of the battery module (100) and the battery pack (1000) including the same.

[0109] The gas flowing into the valve inlet (521) moves to the cap portion (524a) along the first flow path that is inclined from the inside to the outside of the main body portion (522). The temperature and / or pressure of the high-temperature and / or high-pressure gas may decrease as it passes through the inclined first flow path. Meanwhile, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the first flow path is formed in an inclined shape, but is not limited to the illustrated shape. For example, the shape of the first flow path can be variously modified or changed depending on the cross-sectional shape of the internal space (523) in which the main body portion (522) is formed.

[0110] The cap portion (524a) of the venting valve (520a) illustrated in (a) of FIG. 8 may include a second flow path (528) formed such that the path of gas flowing in from the first flow path (523) of the main body portion (522) is bent. Accordingly, the discharge direction of the gas discharged from the venting valve (520a) can be determined. For example, the gas discharged from the venting valve (520a) may be bent in the second flow path (528) so as to proceed in the direction in which the module frame (200) of the battery module (100) extends (x-axis or -x-axis direction). Accordingly, the influence of the gas discharged from the venting valve (520a) on the adjacent battery module (100) can be minimized.

[0111] Fig. 9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating other examples of the venting valve illustrated in Fig. 8. Fig. 9 (a) illustrates the state of the venting valve (520b) while gas is being vented, and Fig. 9 (b) illustrates the state of the venting valve (520c) while gas is being vented.

[0112] Referring to (a) of Fig. 9, the cap portion (524b) of the venting valve (520b) may include a plate-shaped portion (5241) that is spaced apart from the main body portion (522) and is positioned to face the internal space (523). Meanwhile, descriptions regarding the same or corresponding contents as those of the venting valve (520a) described with reference to (a) of Fig. 8 will be omitted below.

[0113] The separation space (5242) between the main body (522) and the plate portion (5241) can be opened to communicate with the outside. Gas passing through the first passage formed between the main body (522) and the blocking member (525) expands in the separation space (5242) of the cap portion (524b), thereby reducing the temperature and / or pressure of the gas and allowing it to be discharged to the outside of the battery module (100).

[0114] Referring to (b) of FIG. 9, the cap portion (524c) of the venting valve (520c) may further include a skirt portion (5243) extending from the edge of the plate portion (5241) toward the main body portion (522). Meanwhile, descriptions regarding the same or corresponding contents as those of the venting valves (520a, 520b) described with reference to (a) and (b) of FIG. 8 will be omitted below.

[0115] The gas discharged to the outside through the separation space (5242) between the main body (522) and the plate portion (5241) by the skirt portion (5243) of the cap portion (524c) is discharged by bending in the downward direction of the venting valve (520c). Therefore, the gas discharged from the venting valve (520c) can be prevented from directly contacting the upper pack frame (1200) of the battery pack (1000), thereby preventing the upper pack frame (1200) from being damaged by high temperature and / or high pressure gas.

[0116] Fig. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of the filter unit of Fig. 6.

[0117] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 10, the filter unit (530) may be connected to the refrigerant line (500). Specifically, the filter unit (530) may be disposed in the refrigerant line (500) between the inlet port (510) and the venting valve (520) and between the outlet port (516) and the venting valve (520). More specifically, the filter unit (530) may be disposed in the first refrigerant line (501) between the inlet port (510) and the venting valve (520), and may be disposed in the second refrigerant line (502) between the outlet port (516) and the venting valve (520).

[0118] The filter unit (530) may include a filter inlet (531) through which the refrigerant flows in, a filter main body (533), a filter member (534) positioned within the filter main body (533) to filter the refrigerant flowing in from the filter inlet (531), and a filter outlet (536) through which the refrigerant filtered by the filter member (534) flows out. At this time, the filter member (534) may be a porous metal filter.

[0119] The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant line (500) can pass through the filter member (534), but other foreign substances, etc. can be filtered out by the filter member (534). In particular, high-temperature particles and / or flames, etc. moving through the refrigerant line (500) can be filtered out by the filter member (534).

[0120] The venting gas emitted due to the thermal runaway phenomenon occurring within the battery module (100) may contain high-temperature particles such as active material particles or electrolyte in the form of sparks. In addition, flames may also be emitted when the venting gas is emitted. Such venting gas may be transmitted to an adjacent battery module (100) through the refrigerant line (500). The filter unit (530) is connected to the refrigerant line (500) and may filter out the above-described high-temperature particles and / or flames.

[0121] In addition, as described above, the filter unit (530) may be disposed in the first refrigerant line (501) between the inlet port (510) and the venting valve (520). In addition, the filter unit (530) may be disposed in the second refrigerant line (502) between the outlet port (516) and the venting valve (520). That is, the gas generated within the battery module (100) may be filtered through the filter unit (530) before flowing into the venting valve (520). Accordingly, cooling of the high-temperature refrigerant moving in the refrigerant line (500) and / or filtering of the flame may be performed, thereby improving the operational reliability of the venting valve (520). In addition, since the gas discharged through the venting valve (520) is gas that has passed through the filter unit (530), it may be discharged in a state in which foreign substances inside have been removed and / or in a state in which the temperature has been reduced. Accordingly, even if the gas passing through the filter unit (530) is discharged through the venting valve (520), the impact on the adjacent battery module (100) can be reduced.

[0122] The filter inlet (531) may include a diffusion portion (532) whose cross-sectional area increases toward the filter member (534). The gas flowing into the filter inlet (531) may have its temperature and pressure reduced as it passes through the diffusion portion (532) whose cross-sectional area increases. Accordingly, the gas flowing into the filter unit (530) may first have its temperature and pressure reduced by the diffusion portion (532), and then high-temperature particles and / or flames, etc. may be filtered out by the filter member (534).

[0123] The connecting member (506) is a member that connects the refrigerant line (500) and the filter unit (530). That is, the connecting member (506) connects the filter inlet (531) of the filter unit (530) disposed in each of the first refrigerant line (501) and the second refrigerant line to each of the first refrigerant line (501) and the second refrigerant line. The connecting member (506) can be connected to the refrigerant line (500) and the filter unit (530) by a screw connection, thereby connecting the refrigerant line (500) and the filter unit (530) to each other. The connection between the filter unit (530) and the refrigerant line (500) can be more easily achieved through the connecting member (506). Meanwhile, the manner in which the connecting member (506) fixes the refrigerant line (500) and the filter unit (530) is not limited to what has been described above, and can be variously modified and changed.

[0124] Fig. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing a modified example of the filter unit illustrated in Fig. 10.

[0125] Referring to FIG. 11, the filter unit (530) may further include an elastic member (535) connected to the filter member (534). At this time, the filter member (534) is movable between a first position for filtering the refrigerant and a second position for bypassing the refrigerant. The example illustrated in FIG. 11 illustrates a state in which the filter member (534) is positioned at the first position.

[0126] The filter member (534) is maintained in the first position by the elastic member (535). When the refrigerant flows into the filter unit (530) and passes through the filter member (534), the filter member (534) receives pressure (force) in the direction in which the refrigerant flows. Accordingly, the filter member (534) receives a force (pressure) to move to the second position where the refrigerant is bypassed. If a pressure (force) exceeding a certain level is applied to the filter member (534), the filter member (534) may be damaged. To prevent this, when the pressure applied to the filter member (534) reaches a predetermined filter pressure, the filter member (534) may be moved from the first position to the second position. At this time, the predetermined filter pressure may be a pressure that causes the force applied to the filter member (534) to exceed the restoring force of the elastic member (535).

[0127] When the pressure applied to the filter member (534) reaches a predetermined filter pressure, it may be a case where the pressure within the filter unit (530) increases due to venting gas released due to a thermal runaway phenomenon occurring within the battery module (100). However, the above-described case is merely an example, and the cases where the pressure applied to the filter member (534) reaches a predetermined filter pressure may vary. For example, as foreign substances in the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant line (500) accumulate in the filter member (534), the pressure applied to the filter member (534) increases, and when a certain level or more of foreign substances accumulates in the filter member (534), the pressure applied to the filter member (534) may reach a predetermined filter pressure.

[0128] When the pressure applied to the filter member (534) reaches a predetermined filter pressure due to the above-described cases, the filter member (534) moves from the first position to the second position, and the refrigerant flowing into the filter unit (530) bypasses the filter member (534) and can flow out of the filter unit (530) through the filter outlet (536) without being filtered by the filter member (534).

[0129] Meanwhile, although not shown in FIG. 11, the battery module (100) may further include a position sensor that detects movement of the filter member (534). The position sensor may detect movement of the filter member (534) from the first position to the second position. For example, the position sensor may include a Hall sensor (hall IC) that uses the Hall effect to detect a change in a magnetic field and generate a signal. The position sensor may generate an electrical signal when it detects movement of the filter member (534) from the first position to the second position. Whether a pressure greater than a predetermined filter pressure is applied to the filter member (534) may be monitored by the electrical signal generated by the position sensor.

[0130] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a battery pack including a battery module according to embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack illustrated in Fig. 12.

[0131] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, a battery pack (1000) includes a lower pack frame (1100) on which a plurality of battery modules (100) are mounted, and an upper pack frame (1200) positioned above the battery modules (100). Here, the lower pack frame (1100) 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). In addition, the plurality of battery modules (100) may be mounted together with various control and protection systems such as a BMS (Battery Management System) and a BDU (Battery Disconnect Unit) to form a battery pack (1000).

[0132] 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.

[0133] 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).

[0134] 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.

[0135] 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).

[0136] 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).

[0137] Additionally, the end portion of the inner beam (1110) may be in contact with the inner surface (1151) 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 frame (1150), respectively.

[0138] When a plurality of battery modules (100) are mounted on the lower pack frame (1100), each of the plurality of battery modules (100) can be connected to a refrigerant line (500). Specifically, a first refrigerant line (501) can be connected to an inlet port (510) of each of the plurality of battery modules (100), and a second refrigerant line (502) can be connected to an outlet port (516) of each of the plurality of battery modules (100).

[0139] At this time, the refrigerant line (500) connecting the plurality of battery modules (100) may extend through the upper portion of the inner beam (1110). As another example, the refrigerant line (500) connecting the plurality of battery modules (100) may extend through the inner beam (1110). However, the connection structure of the refrigerant line (500) connecting the plurality of battery modules (100) is not limited to the above-described structure, and may be variously changed and modified depending on the arrangement of various components such as the plurality of battery modules (100) and the BMS (Battery Management System), BDU (Battery Disconnect Unit) arranged inside the battery pack (1000).

[0140] Figure 14 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the locations where venting valves and filter units are arranged in a battery pack.

[0141] Referring to FIG. 14, the battery pack (1000) may be connected to an external device (2000) including a coolant storage (2100) and a heat exchanger (2200). For convenience of explanation, only components for circulating coolant are illustrated in FIG. 14, but various components may be included depending on the device to which the battery pack (1000) is mounted.

[0142] The refrigerant stored in the refrigerant storage (2100) passes through the heat exchanger (2200) and then circulates along the refrigerant line (500) of the battery pack (1000). Specifically, the refrigerant passing through the heat exchanger (2200) flows into the inlet port (510) of each of the plurality of battery modules (100) through the first refrigerant line (501). The refrigerant flowing into the plurality of battery modules (100) cools the battery modules (100) and then flows out through the second refrigerant line (502) through the outlet port (516) of each of the plurality of battery modules (100). The refrigerant flowing out through the second refrigerant line (502) flows back into the refrigerant storage (2100).

[0143] As illustrated in FIG. 14, the venting valves (520) may be respectively positioned between the inlet ports (510) of each of the plurality of battery modules (100) and between the outlet ports (516) of each of the plurality of battery modules (100). Therefore, even if a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs in any one of the plurality of battery modules (100), the venting valves (520) positioned between the plurality of battery modules (100) can prevent the venting gas from spreading to the adjacent battery modules (100).

[0144] A venting valve (520) may be additionally positioned between the uppermost portion of the first refrigerant line (501) and the inlet port (510) of the battery module (100) positioned closest to the uppermost portion of the first refrigerant line (501). In addition, a venting valve (520) may also be additionally positioned between the lowermost portion of the second refrigerant line (502) and the outlet port (516) of the battery module (100) positioned closest to the lowermost portion of the second refrigerant line (502). Accordingly, even if a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs in the battery module (100) closest to the external device (2000) among the plurality of battery modules (100), the venting gas can be prevented from being transmitted to the external device (2000) by the venting valve (520) disposed between the uppermost part of the first refrigerant line (501) and the battery module (100) disposed closest to the uppermost part of the first refrigerant line (501) and between the lowermost part of the second refrigerant line (502) and the battery module (100) disposed closest to the lowermost part of the second refrigerant line (502).

[0145] A filter unit (530) may be disposed between each of the inlet ports (510) of the plurality of battery modules (100) and a venting valve (520) located on the flow direction side of the first refrigerant line (501) from the inlet ports (510). In addition, the filter unit (530) may be additionally disposed between the most upstream side of the first refrigerant line (501) and the venting valve (520) located closest to the most upstream side of the first refrigerant line (501). In addition, the filter unit (530) may be disposed between each of the outlet ports (516) of the plurality of battery modules (100) and a venting valve (520) located on the flow direction side of the second refrigerant line (502) from the outlet ports (516). Therefore, the refrigerant circulating inside the battery pack (1000) may be filtered by the filter unit (530) before flowing into the venting valve (520).

[0146] The battery pack (1000) may include a pressure sensor (540) that measures the pressure of at least one of the first refrigerant line (501) and the second refrigerant line (502). More specifically, the pressure sensor (540) may be disposed at least one of between the most upstream portion of the first refrigerant line (501) and the filter unit (530) disposed most adjacent to the most upstream portion of the first refrigerant line (501) and between the most downstream portion of the second refrigerant line (502) and the filter unit (530) disposed most adjacent to the downstream portion of the second refrigerant line (502).

[0147] The pressure sensor (540) measures the pressure of the refrigerant line (500), so that it can be monitored whether the refrigerant is circulating smoothly along the refrigerant line (500). For example, if the filter member (534) of the filter unit (530) is clogged by foreign substances, etc., the pressure of the refrigerant line (500) measured by the pressure sensor (540) increases. Accordingly, it can be monitored by the pressure sensor (540) whether there is an abnormality in the circulation of the refrigerant line (500) of the battery pack (1000).

[0148] In addition, in the case of the filter unit (530) described with reference to FIG. 11, since it is possible to identify a filter unit (530) in which a pressure higher than a predetermined filter pressure is applied to the filter member (534) by a position sensor that detects the position of the filter member (534), it is easy to identify a filter unit (530) in which an abnormality has occurred among the plurality of filter units (530) included in the battery pack (1000). Accordingly, maintenance related to refrigerant circulation in the battery pack (1000) can be easy.

[0149] In addition, the battery module (100) and the battery pack (1000) including the same according to embodiments of the present invention can be applied to various external devices (2000). In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14, electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles are shown as examples of such devices, but are not limited thereto. That is, the present invention can be applied to various devices that can use the battery module and the battery pack including the same, and for example, can be applied to transportation means such as electric bicycles and / or energy storage systems (ESS), which also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0150] 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.

[0151] [Explanation of symbols]

[0152] 100: Battery module

[0153] 110: Battery cell

[0154] 120: Battery cell stack

[0155] 200: Module Frame

[0156] 300: Busbar assembly

[0157] 310: Busbar frame

[0158] 320: Busbar

[0159] 400: End Plate

[0160] 410: Refrigerant opening

[0161] 500: Refrigerant line

[0162] 506: Absence of connection

[0163] 510: Inlet port

[0164] 511: Cover absence

[0165] 516: Outlet port

[0166] 520: Venting valve

[0167] 530: Filter unit

[0168] 540: Pressure sensor

[0169] 1000: Battery Pack

[0170] 1100: Lower pack frame

[0171] 1110: Inner beam

[0172] 1150: Side pack frame

[0173] 1200: Upper pack frame

[0174] 2000: External devices

[0175] 2100: Refrigerant storage

[0176] 2200: Heat exchanger

Claims

1. In the battery module, A battery cell stack in which multiple battery cells are stacked; A module frame accommodating the above battery cell stack; A refrigerant line through which refrigerant flows into or out of the interior of the module frame; and including a venting valve disposed in the above refrigerant line; A battery module in which gas generated inside the battery module is discharged through the venting valve via the refrigerant line.

2. In paragraph 1, The above venting valve is a battery module that discharges gas from the refrigerant line when the pressure of the refrigerant line reaches a predetermined pressure.

3. In paragraph 2, The above venting valve, A valve inlet through which gas from the above refrigerant line flows; A main body forming an internal space through which the gas flowing into the valve inlet port flows; and A battery module comprising a blocking member that is movable to be accommodated in the internal space to close the valve inlet or to be separated from the internal space to form a first flow path through which the gas flows.

4. In paragraph 3, The blocking member further includes an elastic member that presses the blocking member in a direction to close the valve inlet, A battery module in which the blocking member moves away from the internal space when the pressure of the refrigerant line reaches the predetermined pressure, thereby forming the first flow path.

5. In paragraph 4, The above venting valve, A cap portion through which the direction of discharge of the above gas is guided; and Further comprising a valve outlet through which the above gas is discharged, A battery module, wherein the cap portion includes a second path through which the path of the gas flowing in from the main body portion is bent.

6. In paragraph 5, The cap portion includes a plate-shaped portion spaced apart from the main body portion and positioned to face the first euro, A battery module in which the space between the main body and the plate portion is opened to communicate with the outside.

7. In paragraph 6, A battery module, wherein the cap portion further includes a skirt portion extending from an edge of the plate portion toward the main body portion.

8. In paragraph 1, An inlet port connected to the above refrigerant line and through which refrigerant flows into the interior of the module frame; A discharge port connected to the above refrigerant line and through which the refrigerant flows out from the inside of the module frame; and A battery module further comprising a filter unit disposed between the inlet port and the venting valve and between the outlet port and the venting valve among the refrigerant lines.

9. In paragraph 8, The above filter unit, a filter inlet through which the refrigerant flows; and A battery module comprising a filter member for filtering the refrigerant flowing in from the filter inlet.

10. In paragraph 9, A battery module, wherein the filter inlet includes a diffusion portion whose cross-sectional area increases toward the filter member.

11. In paragraph 9, The filter unit further includes an elastic member connected to the filter member, The filter member is movable between a first position where the refrigerant is filtered and a second position where the refrigerant is bypassed, The filter member is maintained in the first position by the elastic member, A battery module, wherein when the pressure applied to the filter member reaches a predetermined filter pressure, the filter member moves from the first position to the second position.

12. In paragraph 11, A battery module wherein the above-described filter pressure is a pressure that causes the force applied to the filter member to exceed the restoring force of the elastic member.

13. In paragraph 11, A battery module, wherein the filter unit further includes a position sensor that detects movement of the filter member from the first position to the second position.

14. In paragraph 1, The above refrigerant is a battery module including an insulating refrigerant or a non-flammable refrigerant.

15. A battery pack comprising a plurality of battery modules according to paragraph 1, The above refrigerant line, a first refrigerant line connected to the inlet port of each of the plurality of battery modules; and A battery pack comprising a second refrigerant line connected to the outlet port of each of the plurality of battery modules.

16. In paragraph 15, A battery pack, wherein the venting valves are respectively positioned between the inlet ports of each of the plurality of battery modules and between the outlet ports of each of the plurality of battery modules.

17. In paragraph 16, The battery pack, wherein the venting valve is additionally disposed between the uppermost portion of the first refrigerant line and the inlet port of the battery module disposed most adjacent to the uppermost portion, and between the lowermost portion of the second refrigerant line and the outlet port of the battery module disposed most adjacent to the lowermost portion.

18. In paragraph 17, A battery pack further comprising a filter unit disposed between each of the inlet ports of the plurality of battery modules and the venting valve located on the flow direction side of the first refrigerant line from the inlet port, and between each of the outlet ports of the plurality of battery modules and the venting valve located on the flow direction side of the second refrigerant line from the outlet port.

19. In paragraph 18, A battery pack wherein the filter unit is additionally disposed between the uppermost portion of the first refrigerant line and the venting valve disposed closest to the uppermost portion.

20. In paragraph 19, Further comprising a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of at least one of the first refrigerant line and the second refrigerant line, A battery pack, wherein the pressure sensor is disposed at least one of between the uppermost portion of the first refrigerant line and the filter unit disposed most adjacent to the uppermost portion, and between the lowermost portion of the second refrigerant line and the filter unit disposed most adjacent to the lowermost portion.

21. In paragraph 20, A battery pack further comprising a processor that outputs an alarm signal when the pressure measured by the pressure sensor deviates from a predetermined reference pressure.

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