Battery module and battery pack comprising same

Abstract

The technical idea of the present invention provides a battery module comprising: a cell block including a plurality of battery cells; a module case including a bottom plate facing the bottom surface of the cell block, a first side plate facing a first side surface of the cell block, a second side plate facing a second side surface of the cell block, and a top plate facing the top surface of the cell block; a front frame facing a front surface of the cell block; a rear frame facing a rear surface of the cell block and including a gas discharge hole; and a fire extinguishing cover including an upper cover portion between the top surface of the cell block and the top plate, and a side cover portion between the rear surface of the cell block and the rear frame.

Description

Battery module and battery pack including the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module and a battery pack including the same.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0151941 dated October 31, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the documents of said Korean patent applications are incorporated herein as part of this specification.

[0003] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. Secondary batteries are widely used as energy sources for various wireless devices such as handsets, laptops, and cordless vacuum cleaners. Recently, as the manufacturing cost per unit capacity of secondary batteries has decreased dramatically due to improved energy density and economies of scale, and as the driving range of BEVs (battery electric vehicles) has increased to a level equivalent to that of fuel vehicles, the primary use of secondary batteries is shifting from mobile devices to mobility.

[0004] As rechargeable batteries are increasingly used in mobility, demands for their safety are rising. Given that accidents such as fires involving rechargeable batteries in mobility applications can endanger the lives of drivers, research into technologies to enhance battery safety is indispensable.

[0005] The problem that the technical concept of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a battery module and a battery pack including the same.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problem, the technical concept of the present invention provides a battery module comprising: a cell block including a plurality of battery cells; a module case including a bottom plate facing the bottom surface of the cell block, a first side plate facing the first side of the cell block, a second side plate facing the second side of the cell block, and a top plate facing the top surface of the cell block; a front frame facing the front of the cell block; a rear frame facing the rear of the cell block and including a gas discharge hole; and a fire extinguishing cover including an upper cover portion between the top surface of the cell block and the top plate, and a side cover portion between the rear of the cell block and the rear frame.

[0007] In exemplary embodiments, the side cover portion of the fire extinguishing cover comprises a plurality of slits, and each of the plurality of slits of the side cover portion of the fire extinguishing cover accommodates one end of a corresponding battery cell among the plurality of battery cells.

[0008] In exemplary embodiments, it is characterized by further including an insulating charge layer that at least partially fills the space between each of the plurality of battery cells and the front frame.

[0009] In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of battery cells each include a cell case having a receiving space for receiving an electrode assembly, the cell case includes a sealing portion for sealing the receiving space of the cell case, and the insulating charge layer is in contact with the sealing portion of the cell case.

[0010] In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of battery cells each further comprises an electrode lead protruding to the outside of the cell case through a portion of the seal of the cell case in contact with the insulating charge layer.

[0011] In exemplary embodiments, the insulating filler is characterized by comprising a resin.

[0012] In exemplary embodiments, the apparatus further comprises an adhesive layer provided between the bottom plate and the cell block and attaching the cell block to the bottom plate; wherein the plurality of battery cells each comprise a cell case having a receiving space for receiving an electrode assembly, the cell case comprises a sealing portion for sealing the receiving space of the cell case, and the adhesive layer is in contact with the sealing portion of the cell case.

[0013] In exemplary embodiments, the invention is further characterized by comprising: an insulating charge layer that at least partially fills the space between each of the plurality of battery cells and the front frame; and an adhesive layer provided between the bottom plate and the cell block and attaching the cell block to the bottom plate.

[0014] In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of battery cells each comprise a cell case having a receiving space for receiving an electrode assembly, a first electrode lead protruding from a first end of the cell case facing the rear frame, and a second electrode lead protruding from a second end of the cell case facing the front frame, and the cell case comprises a sealing portion for sealing the receiving space of the cell case, wherein the sealing portion of the cell case comprises: a first sealing portion provided on the bottom of the cell case facing the bottom plate and in contact with the adhesive layer; a second sealing portion provided on the first end of the cell case; and a third sealing portion provided on the second end of the cell case and in contact with the insulating charge layer.

[0015] In exemplary embodiments, the digestion cover is characterized by containing a digestion substance.

[0016] In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of battery cells are arranged in a first direction, and

[0017] The cell block is characterized by further including an inter-cell pad disposed between two adjacent battery cells among the plurality of battery cells.

[0018] To solve the above-mentioned problem, the technical concept of the present invention provides a battery pack comprising: a pack housing; and a battery module mounted on the pack housing; wherein the battery module comprises: a cell block comprising a plurality of battery cells; a module case comprising a bottom plate facing the bottom surface of the cell block, a first side plate facing the first side of the cell block, a second side plate facing the second side of the cell block, and a top plate facing the top surface of the cell block; a front frame facing the front of the cell block; a rear frame facing the rear of the cell block and comprising a gas discharge hole; an insulating charge layer that at least partially fills the space between each of the plurality of battery cells and the front frame; an adhesive layer provided between the bottom plate and the cell block and attaching the cell block to the bottom plate; and a fire cover provided between the top surface of the cell block and the top plate and between the rear of the cell block and the rear frame.

[0019] In exemplary embodiments, the fire extinguishing cover comprises a plurality of slits, and each of the plurality of slits of the fire extinguishing cover accommodates one end of a corresponding battery cell among the plurality of battery cells.

[0020] In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of battery cells each comprise a cell case having a receiving space for receiving an electrode assembly, a first electrode lead protruding from a first end of the cell case facing the rear frame, and a second electrode lead protruding from a second end of the cell case facing the front frame, and the cell case comprises a sealing portion for sealing the receiving space of the cell case, wherein the sealing portion of the cell case comprises: a first sealing portion provided on the bottom of the cell case facing the bottom plate and in contact with the adhesive layer; a second sealing portion provided on the first end of the cell case; and a third sealing portion provided on the second end of the cell case and in contact with the insulating charge layer.

[0021] In exemplary embodiments, the adhesive layer extends along the first seal of the cell case, and the insulating filler layer extends along the third seal of the cell case.

[0022] According to the battery module according to the exemplary embodiments, directional venting for discharging gas and flame in a specific direction can be achieved, so gas and flame can be efficiently controlled at the module level and the pack level.

[0023] According to the battery module according to exemplary embodiments, a fire extinguishing cover configured to extinguish flames generated when a battery cell ignites is placed at the end of the battery cell where gas venting is induced, thereby effectively mitigating the ignition phenomenon of the battery cell.

[0024] The effects obtainable from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure belong from the following description. That is, unintended effects resulting from the implementation of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to exemplary embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module according to exemplary embodiments.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a side view showing a battery cell provided in a battery module according to exemplary embodiments.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery module according to exemplary embodiments.

[0029] FIG. 5 is a side view showing a part of a battery module according to exemplary embodiments.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a part of a battery module according to exemplary embodiments.

[0031] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0032] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings. Instead, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best describe his invention, they should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0033] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention; thus, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0034] In addition, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions may obscure the essence of the invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0035] Since embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the invention to those skilled in the art, the shapes and sizes of the components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted for clearer explanation. Accordingly, the size or proportion of each component does not entirely reflect the actual size or proportion.

[0036]

[0037] (1st embodiment)

[0038] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a battery module (10) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module (10) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 3 is a side view showing a battery cell (110) provided in a battery module (10) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery module (10) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 5 is a side view showing a part of a battery module (10) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the battery module (10) may include a cell block (100), a module case (210), a rear frame (230), a front frame (250), an adhesive layer (310), and a fire cover (330).

[0040] The cell block (100) may include a plurality of battery cells (110).

[0041] An individual battery cell (110) is a basic unit of a lithium-ion battery, i.e., a secondary battery. An individual battery cell (110) may include an electrode assembly (111), an electrolyte, and a cell case (120). The electrode assembly (111) embedded in the cell case (120) may include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive and negative electrodes. Depending on the assembly form, the electrode assembly (111) may be either a jelly-roll type or a stack type. A jelly-roll type electrode assembly (111) may include a wound structure of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between them. A stack type electrode assembly (111) may include a plurality of positive electrodes, a plurality of negative electrodes, and a plurality of separators interposed between them that are sequentially stacked. The positive electrode may include a positive current collector and a positive active material. The negative electrode may include a negative current collector and a negative active material.

[0042] The individual battery cells (110) may correspond to pouch-type battery cells, cylindrical battery cells, or prismatic battery cells. The electrode assembly (111) of a pouch-type battery cell is embedded in a pouch case containing an aluminum laminate sheet. The electrode assembly (111) of a cylindrical battery cell is embedded in a cylindrical metal can. The electrode assembly (111) of a prismatic battery cell is embedded in a prismatic metal can.

[0043] A plurality of battery cells (110) provided in a cell block (100) may be connected in series and / or in parallel. For example, a plurality of battery cells (110) may be connected in series with each other. For example, a plurality of battery cells (110) may be connected in parallel with each other. For example, when a set of two or more battery cells (110) connected in parallel is defined as a bank, one bank consisting of two or more battery cells (110) connected in parallel with each other and another bank consisting of two or more battery cells (110) connected in parallel with each other may be connected in series.

[0044] In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of battery cells (110) provided in a cell block (100) may be arranged in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction), and individual battery cells (110) may be extended in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). An electrode lead may be provided at least one of the two ends of an individual battery cell (110) along the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). The electrode leads of adjacent battery cells (110) among the plurality of battery cells (110) may be electrically and physically connected to each other.

[0045] A cell block (100) may include a first side and a second side opposite in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction), a front and a rear opposite in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction), and a bottom surface and a top surface opposite in a vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction). The front surface of the cell block (100) may include the front surfaces of a plurality of battery cells (110), and the rear surface of the cell block (100) may include the rear surfaces of a plurality of battery cells (110). The bottom surface of the cell block (100) may include the bottom surfaces of a plurality of battery cells (110), and the top surface of the cell block (100) may include the top surfaces of a plurality of battery cells (110).

[0046] The cell case (120) may be made of a laminate sheet having a multilayer structure. For example, the laminate sheet may include an inner insulating layer, a metal layer, and an outer insulating layer that are sequentially laminated. The inner insulating layer may be made of a thermoplastic resin. For example, the inner insulating layer may be made of polypropylene resin. For example, the metal layer may include aluminum. For example, the outer insulating layer may be made of polyethylene terephthalate resin.

[0047] The cell case (120) may provide a receiving space for accommodating an electrode assembly (111). The cell case (120) may include a sealing portion (130) for sealing the receiving space in which the electrode assembly (111) is accommodated. The sealing portion (130) of the cell case (120) may extend along at least a portion of the edge portion of the cell case (120). When manufacturing the cell case (120), after folding the single sheet so that the first portion and the second portion of the single sheet overlap, the edge portion of the first portion of the single sheet and the edge portion of the second portion of the single sheet may be heat-fused. The sealing portion (130) of the cell case (120) may correspond to the portion where the edge portion of the first portion of the single sheet and the edge portion of the second portion of the single sheet are heat-fused.

[0048] The sealing portion (130) of the cell case (120) may include a first sealing portion (131) provided at the bottom portion (121) of the cell case (120), a second sealing portion (133) provided at the first end portion (123) along the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) of the cell case (120), and a third sealing portion (135) provided at the second end portion (125) along the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) of the cell case (120). The upper portion (127) of the cell case (120) may correspond to the portion where the first and second portions of the single sheet constituting the cell case (120) are folded.

[0049] The first sealing portion (131) of the cell case (120) may have a folded shape. In exemplary embodiments, the first sealing portion (131) of the cell case (120) may have a folded shape at least once with the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) as the axis of rotation.

[0050] In each individual battery cell (110), a first electrode lead (113) connected to an electrode assembly (111) can protrude outside the cell case (120) through a first seal (131) of the cell case (120), and a second electrode lead (115) connected to an electrode assembly (111) can protrude outside the cell case (120) through a second seal (133) of the cell case (120).

[0051] The cell block (100) may further include a plurality of inter-cell pads (180). Each of the plurality of inter-cell pads (180) may be disposed between two adjacent battery cells (110) among the plurality of battery cells (110). Each individual inter-cell pad (180) may have a flat plate shape extending approximately in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) and a vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction). The plurality of inter-cell pads (180) may be spaced apart from each other in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction), and at least one battery cell (110) may be disposed between two adjacent inter-cell pads (180). Each individual inter-cell pad (180) may be attached to an adjacent battery cell (110) by an adhesive member such as tape or resin. One side of each individual cell inter-pad (180) can be attached to the opposing battery cell (110), and the other side of each individual cell inter-pad (180) can be attached to the opposing battery cell (110).

[0052] In exemplary embodiments, individual inter-cell pads (180) may be configured to be placed between two adjacent battery cells (110) to prevent heat transfer between the two battery cells (110). Additionally, individual inter-cell pads (180) may be in close contact with the side of the battery cell (110) to support the battery cell (110). By supporting the battery cell (110), the individual inter-cell pads (180) may suppress deformation of the battery cell (110) due to swelling of the battery cell (110). In exemplary embodiments, the inter-cell pads (180) may be configured to elastically deform under external force to support the corresponding battery cell (110). When the thickness of the battery cell (110) along the first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) increases due to swelling of the battery cell (110), the inter-cell pad (180) can be elastically deformed to absorb or disperse the force acting due to swelling of the corresponding battery cell (110). In exemplary embodiments, the inter-cell pad (180) may comprise polyurethane, silicone, or a combination thereof.

[0053] A module case (210) can support a cell block (100) and can surround the cell block (100). The module case (210) may include a bottom plate (211) facing the bottom surface of the cell block (100), a first side plate (212) facing the first side of the cell block (100), a second side plate (213) facing the second side of the cell block (100), and a top plate (214) facing the top surface of the cell block (100). The lower edge of the first side plate (212) and the lower edge of the second side plate (213) may be connected to the bottom plate (211), and the upper edge of the first side plate (212) and the upper edge of the second side plate (213) may be connected to the top plate (214). The bottom plate (211) and the top plate (214) may each extend approximately in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). The first side plate (212) and the second side plate (213) may each extend approximately in a vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction).

[0054] The rear frame (230) may face the rear of the cell block (100). The rear frame (230) may be coupled to the module case (210) to cover the rear of the cell block (100). The rear frame (230) may be a single frame or an assembly of multiple frames. In exemplary embodiments, a busbar frame supporting multiple busbars coupled to the first electrode leads (113) of the battery cells (110) may be disposed between the rear frame (230) and the cell block (100).

[0055] The rear frame (230) may include a plurality of gas exhaust holes (231) configured to discharge gas generated from the battery cells (110) of the cell block (100) to the outside of the battery module (10). Each of the plurality of gas exhaust holes (231) may penetrate the rear frame (230) in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction). The plurality of gas exhaust holes (231) may connect the internal space of the battery module (10) provided between the rear frame (230) and the cell block (100) to a space outside the battery module (10).

[0056] The front frame (250) may face the front of the cell block (100). The front frame (250) may be coupled to a module case (210) to cover the front of the cell block (100). The front frame (250) may be a single frame or an assembly of multiple frames. In exemplary embodiments, a busbar frame supporting multiple busbars coupled to the second electrode leads (115) of the battery cells (110) may be disposed between the front frame (250) and the cell block (100).

[0057] An adhesive layer (310) may be interposed between the bottom plate (211) and the bottom surface of the cell block (100). The adhesive layer (310) may attach the cell block (100) to the bottom plate (211). For example, the adhesive layer (310) may include a resin. In exemplary embodiments, the adhesive layer (310) may include a thermal resin or a thermal interface material.

[0058] When the cell block (100) is mounted on the module case (210), the first seal portion (131) of the cell case (120) of the battery cell (110) may face the bottom plate (211). The adhesive layer (310) may come into contact with the first seal portion (131) of the cell case (120) and may extend along the first seal portion (131) of the cell case (120). Since the first seal portion (131) of the cell case (120) comes into contact with and is fixed to the adhesive layer (310), the seal of the first seal portion (131) of the cell case (120) may be prevented from being destroyed in the event of ignition of the battery cell (110). For example, when assembling the battery module (10), the cell block (100) may be mounted on the bottom plate (211) of the module case (210) to which a liquid adhesive material has been applied, and the adhesive material may be cured. The cured adhesive material can be an adhesive layer (310), and the adhesive layer (310) can be in contact with and fixed to the first sealing portion (131) of the cell case (120).

[0059] The fire extinguishing cover (330) may cover at least a portion of the cell block (100). The fire extinguishing cover (330) may be configured to extinguish flames generated when the battery cell (110) ignites. The fire extinguishing cover (330) may be a sheet or film having a generally uniform thickness. The thickness of the fire extinguishing cover (330) may range from several millimeters.

[0060] The fire extinguishing cover (330) may include a fire extinguishing agent having a fire extinguishing effect. In exemplary embodiments, the fire extinguishing agent may include a powder fire extinguishing agent and / or a liquid fire extinguishing agent. The powder fire extinguishing agent may include a first fire extinguishing powder with sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) as the main component, a second fire extinguishing powder with potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3) as the main component, a third fire extinguishing powder with ammonium phosphate (NH4H2PO4) as the main component, and a fourth fire extinguishing powder with a reaction product of potassium bicarbonate and urea as the main component. For example, the liquid fire extinguishing agent may include sodium bicarbonate, ammonium phosphate, a surfactant, and antifreeze.

[0061] The fire cover (330) may have a folded shape extending along the upper and rear surfaces of the cell block (100). The fire cover (330) may include an upper cover portion (331) located between the upper surface of the cell block (100) and the top plate (214) of the module case (210), and a side cover portion (333) located between the rear surface of the cell block (100) and the rear frame (230). The upper cover portion (331) may cover at least partially the upper surface of the cell block (100). The side cover portion (333) may cover at least partially the rear surface of the cell block (100). The upper cover portion (331) may be attached to the top plate (214) of the module case (210) and / or the upper surface of the cell block (100).

[0062] The side cover portion (333) of the fire extinguishing cover (330) may include a plurality of slits (335). The plurality of slits (335) may be spaced apart from each other along a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction), and the plurality of slits (335) may each extend in a vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction). Each of the plurality of slits (335) of the side cover portion (333) may accommodate a portion of a corresponding battery cell (110) among a plurality of battery cells (110). In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of slits (335) of the side cover portion (333) may each accommodate a first end (123) along a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) of the cell case (120) of a corresponding battery cell (110). Since the ends of a plurality of battery cells (110) are inserted into a plurality of slits (335) of a side cover portion (333), the side cover portion (333) of the fire extinguishing cover (330) can be fixed to the plurality of battery cells (110), and the plurality of battery cells (110) can protrude to the outside of the side cover portion (333).

[0063] FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a part of a battery module (10) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0064] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 6, the battery module (10) may include an insulating charge layer (350) that at least partially fills the space between the front of the cell block (100) and the front frame (250). The insulating charge layer (350) may be electrically non-conductive. The insulating charge layer (350) may include a resin. The insulating charge layer (350) may contact a third seal (135) of the cell case (120) of the battery cell (110) and may extend along the third seal (135) of the cell case (120) of the battery cell (110). An insulating adhesive layer (310) may contact a second electrode lead (115) protruding through the third seal (135) of the cell case (120). Since the third seal portion (135) of the cell case (120) is in contact with and fixed to the insulating charge layer (350), the seal of the third seal portion (135) of the cell case (120) can be prevented from being broken when the battery cell (110) ignites. For example, when assembling the battery module (10), a liquid resin can be injected into the space between the front of the cell block (100) and the front frame (250), and the liquid resin can be cured. The cured resin can become the insulating charge layer (350), and the insulating charge layer (350) can be in contact with and fixed to the third seal portion (135) of the cell case (120).

[0065] Generally, when ignition and / or thermal runaway occurs in a battery cell (110), the seal of the seal portion (130) of the cell case (120) is broken, and gas and flames are released to the outside of the cell case (120) through the broken seal portion (130) of the cell case (120). When gas and flames generated when ignition and / or thermal runaway occurs in a battery cell (110) are discharged in multiple directions from the battery cell (110), it is difficult to control the gas and flames at the module level and pack level.

[0066] According to the battery module (10) according to exemplary embodiments, the first seal (131) of the cell case (120) provided at the bottom of the battery cell (110) is in contact with and fixed to the adhesive layer (310), and the third seal (135) of the cell case (120) provided at one end of the battery cell (110) is in contact with and fixed to the insulating charge layer (350), so that when ignition and / or thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell (110), the seal is broken at the second seal (133) of the cell case (120) provided at the other end of the cell case (120). Accordingly, when ignition and / or thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell (110), the generated gas and flame can be discharged to the outside of the battery cell (110) through the portion where the seal is broken in the second seal portion (133) of the cell case (120), and can be discharged to the rear side of the battery module (10) through the gas discharge hole (231) of the rear frame (230). According to the battery module (10) according to exemplary embodiments, directional venting for discharging gas and flame in a specific direction can be achieved, so that gas and flame can be efficiently controlled at the module level and the pack level.

[0067] According to the battery module (10) according to exemplary embodiments, a fire extinguishing cover (330) configured to extinguish the flame generated when the battery cell (110) ignites is placed at the end of the battery cell (110) where gas venting is induced, so the ignition phenomenon of the battery cell (110) can be effectively mitigated.

[0068]

[0069] (2nd Example)

[0070] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a battery pack (20) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 7 together with FIGS. 1 to 6, the battery pack (20) may include a pack housing (400) and a plurality of battery modules (10).

[0072] The pack housing (400) may provide an internal space for accommodating a plurality of battery modules (10). The pack housing (400) may include a base frame (410), a first side frame (420), a second side frame (430), a pack front frame (440), and a pack rear frame (450).

[0073] The base frame (410) can support a plurality of battery modules (10). The base frame (410) may have a flat plate shape extending in a first direction (D1) and a second direction (D2) perpendicular to each other. The upper surface of the base frame (410) may be a flat plane perpendicular to a third direction (D3).

[0074] The first side frame (420) can be attached to the perimeter of the base frame (410). The first side frame (420) can be extended in a second direction (D2) along the edge of the base frame (410). The first side frame (420) can face the side of at least one corresponding battery module (10) among the plurality of battery modules (10).

[0075] The second side frame (430) can be attached to the perimeter of the base frame (410). The second side frame (430) can be spaced apart from the first side frame (420) in a first direction (D1). The second side frame (430) can extend along the edge of the base frame (410) in a second direction (D2). The second side frame (430) can face the side of at least one corresponding battery module (10) among the plurality of battery modules (10).

[0076] The pack front frame (440) can be coupled to the base frame (410). The pack front frame (440) can be extended along the front edge of the base frame (410). The pack front frame (440) can be extended in a first direction (D1) between the first side frame (420) and the second side frame (430).

[0077] The pack rear frame (450) can be coupled to the base frame (410). The pack rear frame (450) can be extended along the rear edge of the base frame (410). The pack rear frame (450) can be extended in a first direction (D1) between the first side frame (420) and the second side frame (430). The pack rear frame (450) can be spaced apart from the pack front frame (440) in a second direction (D2) with a plurality of battery modules (10) in between.

[0078] The pack rear frame (450), pack front frame (440), first side frame (420), and second side frame (430) may form a square-ring shaped perimeter wall surrounding a plurality of battery modules (10). The pack housing (400) may further include a pack cover (not shown) coupled to the pack rear frame (450), pack front frame (440), first side frame (420), and second side frame (430) to cover the plurality of battery modules (10).

[0079] The pack housing (400) may further include a center beam (460). The center beam (460) may be placed on the base frame (410). The center beam (460) may extend in a second direction (D2) between the pack front frame (440) and the pack rear frame (450).

[0080] A plurality of battery modules (10) may be mounted on a base frame (410). A plurality of battery modules (10) may be arranged on the base frame (410) in a first direction (D1) and / or a second direction (D2). A plurality of battery modules (10) may be arranged to form a plurality of columns. Battery modules (10) belonging to the same column may be arranged in a second direction (D2). In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of battery modules (10) may include battery modules (10) in a first column and battery modules (10) in a second column. A center beam (460) may be positioned between battery modules (10) in a first column and battery modules (10) in a second column. The battery modules (10) of the first row may be closer to the first side frame (420) than to the second side frame (430), and the battery modules (10) of the second row may be closer to the second side frame (430) than to the second side frame (430).

[0081] In exemplary embodiments, battery modules (10) belonging to the same column may be configured to vent gas in the same direction.

[0082] In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of battery modules (10) may each be configured to vent gas to the outside of the battery pack (20). The battery modules (10) of the first row may each be mounted in the pack housing (400) such that the pack rear frame (450) provided with a gas exhaust hole (231) faces the first side frame (420), and the battery modules (10) of the second row may each be mounted in the pack housing (400) such that the pack rear frame (450) provided with a gas exhaust hole (231) faces the second side frame (430). The battery modules (10) of the first row may vent gas toward the first side frame (420), and the battery modules (10) of the second row may vent gas toward the second side frame (430).

[0083] In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of battery modules (10) may each be configured to vent gas toward the center of the battery pack (20). The first row of battery modules (10) may each be mounted in a pack housing (400) such that a pack rear frame (450) provided with a gas exhaust hole (231) faces the center beam (460) or the second side frame (430), and the second row of battery modules (10) may each be mounted in a pack housing (400) such that a pack rear frame (450) provided with a gas exhaust hole (231) faces the center beam (460) or the first side frame (420). The first row of battery modules (10) and the second row of battery modules (10) may vent gas toward the center space of the pack housing (400) provided between the first row of battery modules (10) and the second row of battery modules (10).

[0084] According to exemplary embodiments, the battery module (10) has a directional venting function configured to vent gas in a specific direction, so that gas and flame can be efficiently controlled within a battery pack (20) comprising a plurality of battery modules (10).

[0085]

[0086] The present invention has been described in more detail above through drawings and embodiments. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments described in this specification are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all technical concepts of the present invention; therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0087]

[0088] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0089] 10: Battery module 20: Battery pack

[0090] 100: Cell block 110: Battery cell

[0091] 111: Electrode assembly 113: First electrode lead

[0092] 115: Second electrode lead 120: Cell case

[0093] 130: Sealing section 180: Inter-cell pad

[0094] 210: Modular case 211: Bottom plate

[0095] 212: 1st side plate 213: 2nd side plate

[0096] 214: Top plate 230: Rear frame

[0097] 231: Gas exhaust hole 250: Front frame

[0098] 310: Adhesive layer 330: Fire extinguishing cover

[0099] 331: Upper cover part 333: Side cover part

[0100] 335: Slit 350: Insulating filler

[0101] 400: Pack Housing

Claims

1. A cell block comprising a plurality of battery cells; A module case comprising a bottom plate facing the bottom surface of the cell block, a first side plate facing the first side of the cell block, a second side plate facing the second side of the cell block, and a top plate facing the top surface of the cell block; A front frame facing the front of the cell block above; A rear frame facing the rear surface of the cell block and including a gas exhaust hole; and A fire extinguishing cover comprising an upper cover portion located between the upper surface of the cell block and the upper plate, and a side cover portion located between the rear surface of the cell block and the rear frame; A battery module including 2. In Paragraph 1, The side cover portion of the above fire extinguishing cover includes a plurality of slits, and A battery module characterized in that the plurality of slits in the side cover portion of the above-described fire cover each accommodate one end of a corresponding battery cell among the plurality of battery cells.

3. In Paragraph 1, An insulating charge layer that at least partially fills the space between each of the plurality of battery cells and the front frame; A battery module characterized by further including 4. In Paragraph 3, Each of the above plurality of battery cells includes a cell case having a receiving space for accommodating an electrode assembly, and the cell case includes a sealing portion for sealing the receiving space of the cell case. A battery module characterized in that the insulating charge layer is in contact with the seal portion of the cell case.

5. In Paragraph 4, A battery module characterized in that each of the above plurality of battery cells further includes an electrode lead protruding to the outside of the cell case through a portion of the sealing part of the cell case that is in contact with the insulating charge layer.

6. In Paragraph 3, A battery module characterized in that the insulating charge layer comprises a resin.

7. In Paragraph 1, An adhesive layer provided between the floor plate and the cell block, and for attaching the cell block to the floor plate; Includes more, Each of the above plurality of battery cells includes a cell case having a receiving space for accommodating an electrode assembly, and the cell case includes a sealing portion for sealing the receiving space of the cell case. A battery module characterized in that the adhesive layer is in contact with the sealing portion of the cell case.

8. In Paragraph 1, An insulating charge layer that at least partially fills the space between each of the plurality of battery cells and the front frame; and An adhesive layer provided between the floor plate and the cell block, and for attaching the cell block to the floor plate; A battery module characterized by further including 9. In Paragraph 8, Each of the above plurality of battery cells includes a cell case having a receiving space for accommodating an electrode assembly, a first electrode lead protruding from a first end of the cell case facing the rear frame, and a second electrode lead protruding from a second end of the cell case facing the front frame. The cell case above includes a sealing portion for sealing the receiving space of the cell case, and The sealing part of the cell case above is, A first sealing portion provided on the bottom of the cell case facing the bottom plate and in contact with the adhesive layer; A second seal provided at the first end of the cell case; and A third sealing portion provided at the second end of the cell case and in contact with the insulating filling layer; A battery module characterized by including 10. In Paragraph 1, The battery module is characterized by the above-mentioned fire cover containing a fire extinguishing substance.

11. In Paragraph 1, The above plurality of battery cells are arranged in a first direction, and A battery module characterized in that the cell block further includes an inter-cell pad disposed between two adjacent battery cells among the plurality of battery cells.

12. Pack housing; and A battery module mounted in the above-mentioned pack housing; Includes, The above battery module is, A cell block comprising a plurality of battery cells; A module case comprising a bottom plate facing the bottom surface of the cell block, a first side plate facing the first side of the cell block, a second side plate facing the second side of the cell block, and a top plate facing the top surface of the cell block; A front frame facing the front of the cell block above; A rear frame facing the rear surface of the cell block and including a gas discharge hole; An insulating charge layer that at least partially fills the space between each of the plurality of battery cells and the front frame; An adhesive layer provided between the floor plate and the cell block and attaching the cell block to the floor plate; and A fire extinguishing cover provided between the upper surface of the cell block and the upper plate, and between the rear surface of the cell block and the rear frame; A battery pack including 13. In Paragraph 12, The above fire extinguishing cover includes a plurality of slits, and A battery pack characterized in that each of the plurality of slits of the fire cover accommodates one end of a corresponding battery cell among the plurality of battery cells.

14. In Paragraph 12, Each of the above plurality of battery cells includes a cell case having a receiving space for accommodating an electrode assembly, a first electrode lead protruding from a first end of the cell case facing the rear frame, and a second electrode lead protruding from a second end of the cell case facing the front frame. The cell case above includes a sealing portion for sealing the receiving space of the cell case, and The sealing part of the cell case above is, A first sealing portion provided on the bottom of the cell case facing the bottom plate and in contact with the adhesive layer; A second seal provided at the first end of the cell case; and A third sealing portion provided at the second end of the cell case and in contact with the insulating filling layer; A battery pack characterized by including 15. In Paragraph 14, The adhesive layer extends along the first sealing portion of the cell case, and A battery pack characterized in that the insulating charge layer extends along the third seal portion of the cell case.

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