KR20220103629A - Battery module and battery pack including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a module frame for accommodating the battery cell stack; and an end plate covering the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack. At least one of the module frame and the end plate includes a venting unit for discharging gas and flame. The venting unit is formed in a shape of inducing a discharge path of the gas and the flame to be bent.

Description

A battery module and a battery pack including the same

The present invention relates to a battery module and a battery pack including the same, and more particularly, to a battery module with enhanced safety and a battery pack including the same.

In modern society, as portable devices such as mobile phones, laptops, camcorders, and digital cameras are used in daily life, the development of technologies related to the mobile devices as described above is being actively developed. In addition, a rechargeable battery capable of charging and discharging is a measure to solve air pollution such as conventional gasoline vehicles using fossil fuels, and electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles ( P-HEV) is being used as a power source, and the need for the development of secondary batteries is increasing.

Currently commercialized secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries. Among them, lithium secondary batteries have little memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, so they can be charged and discharged freely. , the self-discharge rate is very low and the energy density is high.

Such a lithium secondary battery mainly uses a lithium-based oxide and a carbon material as a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material, respectively. A lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate to which the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material are respectively applied with a separator interposed therebetween, and a battery case for sealingly accommodating the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

In general, a lithium secondary battery may be classified into a can-type secondary battery in which an electrode assembly is embedded in a metal can and a pouch-type secondary battery in which an electrode assembly is embedded in a pouch of an aluminum laminate sheet according to the shape of the exterior material.

In the case of secondary batteries used in small devices, 2-3 battery cells are disposed, but in the case of secondary batteries used in mid- to large-sized devices such as automobiles, a battery module in which a plurality of battery cells are electrically connected this is used In such a battery module, a plurality of battery cells are connected in series or parallel to each other to form a battery cell stack, thereby improving capacity and output. One or more battery modules may be mounted together with various control and protection systems such as a Battery Disconnect Unit (BDU), a Battery Management System (BMS), and a cooling system to form a battery pack.

1 is a perspective view showing a conventional battery module.

Referring to FIG. 1 , in the conventional battery module 10 , the battery cell stack (not shown) is accommodated in the module frame 20 , and then the end plate 40 is bonded to the open part of the module frame 20 . can be manufactured. In this case, a terminal bus bar opening 41H through which a part of the terminal bus bar is exposed and a module connector opening 42H through which a part of the module connector is exposed may be formed in the end plate 40 . The terminal bus bar opening 41H is for guiding the high voltage (HV) connection of the battery module 10 , and the terminal bus bar exposed through the terminal bus bar opening 41H is another battery module or BDU (Battery Disconnect Unit). can be connected with The module connector opening 42H is for guiding the LV (Low voltage) connection of the battery module 10, and the module connector exposed through the module connector opening 42H is connected to the BMS (Battery Management System) to Voltage information or temperature information can be transmitted.

FIG. 2 is a view showing a state when the battery module is ignited in the conventional battery pack in which the battery module of FIG. 1 is mounted. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line I-I' of FIG. 2, and is a cross-sectional view showing a flame affecting an adjacent battery module when the conventional battery module is ignited.

1 to 3 , the conventional battery module 10 includes a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells 11 are stacked, a module frame 20 for accommodating the battery cell stack, and a battery cell stack. It includes an end plate 40 formed on the front and rear surfaces.

When physical, thermal, or electrical damage occurs to the battery cell, including overcharging, the internal pressure of the battery cell 11 increases and exceeds the fusion strength limit of the battery cell 11, the high-temperature heat generated in the battery cell 11; Gas and flame may be discharged to the outside of the battery cell (11).

At this time, high-temperature heat, gas, and flame may be discharged through the openings 41H and 42H formed in the end plate 40 , and a battery pack for disposing a plurality of battery modules 10 so that the end plates 40 face each other. In the structure, high-temperature heat, gas, and flame ejected from the battery module 10 may affect the neighboring battery module 10 . Accordingly, the terminal bus bar formed on the end plate 40 of the neighboring battery module, etc. may be damaged, and the opening formed in the end plate 40 of the neighboring battery module 10 with high temperature heat, gas and flame It may enter the inside of the battery module 10 through the battery module 10 and may damage other electronic components including the plurality of battery cells 11 . In addition, this leads to heat propagation of the neighboring battery modules 10, resulting in a chain ignition within the battery pack.

Accordingly, when thermal propagation occurs in the battery module, it is necessary to develop a technology capable of controlling a high-temperature flame so as to minimize the effect on the neighboring battery module.

An object of the present invention is to provide a battery module capable of controlling an emission path of a flame when an ignition phenomenon occurs in the battery module, and a battery pack including the same.

However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-described problems and may be variously expanded within the scope of the technical idea included in the present invention.

A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a module frame for accommodating the battery cell stack; and an end plate covering the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack. At least one of the module frame and the end plate includes a venting unit for discharging gas and flame. The venting part is in a form to induce the discharge path of the gas and the flame to be bent.

The venting unit may include: a through hole formed in at least one of the module frame and the end plate; a first cover part covering the through hole; and a first opening formed on one side of the first cover and communicating with the through hole.

An area of the first cover part may be larger than an opening area of the through hole.

An opening direction of the through hole may be different from an opening direction of the first opening.

An opening direction of the through hole and an opening direction of the first opening may be perpendicular to each other.

The venting part may include a second cover part that covers the through hole while being positioned opposite the first cover part with respect to the through hole; and a second opening formed on one side of the second cover part and communicating with the through hole.

An area of the second cover part may be larger than an opening area of the through hole.

An opening direction of the through hole may be different from an opening direction of the second opening.

An opening direction of the through hole and an opening direction of the second opening may be perpendicular to each other.

The discharge path of the gas and the flame may be bent at least twice by the first cover part and the second cover part.

The venting unit may induce discharge of the gas and the flame in a direction parallel to one surface of at least one of the module frame or the end plate.

The battery module may further include an insulating cover positioned between the battery cell stack and the end plate, the venting part may be formed on the end plate, and a position corresponding to the venting part in the insulating cover. An insulating cover opening may be formed in the .

According to embodiments of the present invention, by implementing so that the discharge path of the flame generated within the battery module is not in a straight line, it is possible to effectively regulate the flame emission without affecting the gas discharge function.

In addition, when considering the nature of the flame with a strong straight tendency, it is possible to prevent direct damage to the neighboring battery module by preventing the flame discharge path from being straight.

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

1 is a perspective view showing a conventional battery module.
FIG. 2 is a view showing a state when the battery module is ignited in the conventional battery pack in which the battery module of FIG. 1 is mounted.
3 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section taken along the cutting line I-I' of FIG.
4 is a perspective view illustrating a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of FIG. 4 .
6 is a perspective view illustrating a battery cell included in the battery module of FIG. 5 .
7 is a perspective view showing the second end plate of the battery module of FIG. 4 at different angles to be seen from the front.
8 is a perspective view illustrating an end plate and an insulating cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a state cut along the cutting line A-A' of FIG.
10 is a cross-sectional view of the cut end plate and the insulating cover of FIG. 9 viewed in the -y-axis direction on the xz plane.
11 is a perspective view showing the end plate and the insulating cover of FIG. 8 at different angles so that the side facing the battery cell stack is visible.
12 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.
13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cross-section taken along the cutting line B-B' of FIG. 12 .
14 is a perspective view illustrating an end plate and an insulating cover according to a modified embodiment of the present invention.
15 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a state cut along the cutting line C-C' of FIG. 14 .
16 is a cross-sectional view of the cut end plate and the insulating cover of FIG. 15 viewed in the -y-axis direction on the xz plane.
17 is a perspective view showing the end plate and the insulating cover of FIG. 14 at different angles so that the surface facing the battery cell stack is visible.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those of ordinary skill in the art can easily carry out the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

In order to clearly describe the present invention, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted, and the same reference numerals are assigned to the same or similar elements throughout the specification.

In addition, since the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily indicated for convenience of description, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the illustrated bar. In order to clearly express various layers and regions in the drawings, the thicknesses are enlarged. And in the drawings, for convenience of explanation, the thickness of some layers and regions is exaggerated.

Also, when a part of a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is said to be “on” or “on” another part, it includes not only cases where it is “directly on” another part, but also cases where another part is in between. . Conversely, when we say that a part is "just above" another part, we mean that there is no other part in the middle. In addition, to be "on" or "on" the reference part means to be located above or below the reference part, and it means to be located "on" or "on" in the direction opposite to the gravity. not.

In addition, throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a certain component, this means that other components may be further included rather than excluding other components unless otherwise stated.

In addition, throughout the specification, when it is referred to as "planar view", it means when the target part is viewed from above, and when it is referred to as "cross-section", it means when the cross-section obtained by cutting the target part vertically is viewed from the side.

4 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of FIG. 4 . 6 is a perspective view illustrating a battery cell included in the battery module of FIG. 5 .

4 to 6 , the battery module 100a according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell stack 120 in which a plurality of battery cells 110 are stacked; a module frame 200 for accommodating the battery cell stack 120; and end plates 410 and 420 covering the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 120 .

First, referring to FIG. 6 , the battery cell 110 is preferably a pouch-type battery cell. For example, in the battery cell 110 according to the present embodiment, the two electrode leads 111 and 112 are opposite to each other and protrude from one end 114a and the other end 114b of the cell body 113, respectively. has a structure in In more detail, the electrode leads 111 and 112 are connected to an electrode assembly (not shown) and protrude from the electrode assembly (not shown) to the outside of the battery cell 110 .

Meanwhile, in the battery cell 110 , both ends 114a and 114b of the cell case 114 and one side 114c connecting them are adhered in a state in which an electrode assembly (not shown) is accommodated in the cell case 114 . It can be manufactured by In other words, the battery cell 110 according to the present embodiment has a total of three sealing portions 114sa, 114sb, 114sc, and the sealing portions 114sa, 114sb, 114sc are sealed by a method such as thermal fusion. , the other one side may be formed of a connection part 115 . The cell case 114 may be formed of a laminate sheet including a resin layer and a metal layer.

In addition, the connection part 115 may extend along one edge of the battery cell 110 , and a protrusion 110p of the battery cell 110 called a bat-ear is formed at an end of the connection part 115 . can be In addition, as the cell case 114 is sealed with the protruding electrode leads 111 and 112 interposed therebetween, a terrace portion 116 is formed between the electrode leads 111 and 112 and the cell body 113 . can That is, the battery cell 110 includes a terrace portion 116 formed to extend from the cell case 114 in a direction in which the electrode leads 111 and 112 protrude.

The battery cells 110 may be configured in plurality, and the plurality of battery cells 110 may be stacked to be electrically connected to each other to form the battery cell stack 120 . Referring to FIG. 5 , the battery cells 110 may be stacked along the y-axis direction to form the battery cell stack 120 . The first bus bar frame 310 may be positioned on one surface of the battery cell stack 120 in the direction in which the electrode leads 111 protrude (x-axis direction). Although not specifically illustrated, the second bus bar frame may be positioned on the other surface of the battery cell stack 120 in the direction in which the other electrode leads 112 protrude (-x-axis direction). The battery cell stack 120 and the first bus bar frame 310 may be accommodated together in the module frame 200 . The module frame 200 may protect the battery cell stack 120 accommodated in the module frame 200 and the electrical components connected thereto from external physical impact.

On the other hand, in the direction in which the electrode leads 111 and 112 are protruded (x-axis direction, -x-axis direction), the module frame 200 may be opened, and each end of the module frame 200 is opened on both sides of the end. Plates 410 and 420 may be positioned. The two end plates 410 and 420 are referred to as a first end plate 410 and a second end plate 420, respectively. The first end plate 410 may be joined to the module frame 200 while covering the first bus bar frame 310 , and the second end plate 420 may cover the second bus bar frame (not shown) while the second end plate 420 covers the second bus bar frame (not shown). It may be bonded to the module frame 200 . That is, the first bus bar frame 310 may be positioned between the first end plate 410 and the battery cell stack 120 , and between the second end plate 420 and the battery cell stack 120 . A second bus bar frame (not shown) may be positioned. Also, an insulating cover 800 (refer to FIG. 4 ) for electrical insulation may be positioned between the first end plate 410 and the first bus bar frame 310 .

The first end plate 410 and the second end plate 420 are positioned to cover the one surface and the other surface of the battery cell stack 120 , respectively. The first end plate 410 and the second end plate 420 can protect the first bus bar frame 310 and various electrical components connected thereto from external impact, and for this, they must have a predetermined strength, such as aluminum It may contain a metal. In addition, the first end plate 410 and the second end plate 420 may be joined to the corresponding edge of the module frame 200 by welding or the like, respectively.

The first bus bar frame 310 is positioned on one surface of the battery cell stack 120 to cover the battery cell stack 120 and guide the connection between the battery cell stack 120 and external devices at the same time. can Specifically, at least one of a bus bar, a terminal bus bar, and a module connector may be mounted on the first bus bar frame 310 . In particular, at least one of a bus bar, a terminal bus bar, and a module connector may be mounted on a surface opposite to the surface of the first bus bar frame 310 facing the battery cell stack. For example, in FIG. 5 , the bus bar 510 and the terminal bus bar 520 are mounted on the first bus bar frame 310 .

After passing through the slit formed in the first bus bar frame 310 , the electrode lead 111 of the battery cell 110 may be bent to be bonded to the bus bar 510 or the terminal bus bar 520 . The battery cells 110 constituting the battery cell stack 120 may be connected in series or in parallel by the bus bar 510 or the terminal bus bar 520 . In addition, the battery cells 110 may be electrically connected to an external device or circuit through the terminal bus bar 520 exposed to the outside of the battery module 100a.

The first bus bar frame 310 may include an electrically insulating material. In the first bus bar frame 310 , the bus bar 510 or the terminal bus bar 520 is a battery except for a portion in which the bus bar 510 or the terminal bus bar 520 is bonded to the electrode lead 111 . By limiting the contact with the cells 110, it is possible to prevent a short circuit.

Meanwhile, as described above, the second bus bar frame may be positioned on the other surface of the battery cell stack 120 , and at least one of a bus bar, a terminal bus bar, or a module connector is mounted on the second bus bar frame. can An electrode lead 112 may be bonded to such a bus bar.

An opening through which at least one of a terminal bus bar and a module connector is exposed may be formed in the first end plate 410 according to the present embodiment. The opening may be a terminal busbar opening or a module connector opening. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , a terminal bus bar opening 410H through which the terminal bus bar 520 is exposed may be formed in the first end plate 410 . Compared with the bus bar 510 , the terminal bus bar 520 further includes an upwardly protruding portion, which is to be exposed to the outside of the battery module 100a through the terminal busbar opening 410H. can The terminal bus bar 520 exposed through the terminal bus bar opening 410H may be connected to another battery module or a battery disconnect unit (BDU) to form a high voltage (HV) connection.

7 is a perspective view showing the second end plate of the battery module of FIG. 4 at different angles to be seen from the front.

Referring to FIG. 7 , for example, a module connector opening 420H through which the module connector 600 is exposed may be formed in the second end plate 420 . This means that the module connector 600 is mounted on the aforementioned second bus bar frame. The module connector 600 may be connected to a temperature sensor or a voltage measuring member provided inside the battery module 100a. This module connector 600 is connected to an external BMS (Battery Management System) to form an LV (Low voltage) connection. responsible for the function

The first end plate 410 and the second end plate 420 shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 7 are exemplary structures, and the module is mounted on the first bus bar frame 310 according to another embodiment of the present invention. A connector may be mounted and a terminal busbar may be mounted on the second busbar frame. Accordingly, the module connector opening may be formed in the first end plate, and the terminal bus bar opening may be formed in the second end plate.

Meanwhile, the end plates 410 and 420 according to this embodiment cover the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 120 , and the module frame 200 includes the upper surface, lower surface and both sides of the battery cell stack 120 . covers the Here, the front surface means the surface of the battery cell stack 120 in the x-axis direction, and the rear surface means the surface of the battery cell stack 120 in the -x-axis direction. The upper surface means the surface of the battery cell stack 120 in the z-axis direction, the lower surface means the surface in the -z-axis direction of the battery cell stack 120 , and both sides are the battery cell stack 120 , respectively. of the y-axis and -y-axis directions. However, these are aspects referred to for convenience of explanation, and may vary depending on the location of the target object or the location of the observer. As described above, the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 120 may be surfaces on which the protruding electrode leads 111 and 112 of the battery cell 110 are located.

According to this embodiment, at least one of the module frame 200 or the end plates 410 and 420 may include a venting part 700a for discharging gas and flame.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11 , according to an embodiment of the present invention, a venting portion formed on the first end plate will be described in detail. In order to avoid repetition of the description, the description is based on the first end plate 410 , but the same or similar structure may be applied to the second end plate 420 .

8 is a perspective view illustrating an end plate and an insulating cover according to an embodiment of the present invention. 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a state cut along the cutting line A-A' of FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the cut end plate and the insulating cover of FIG. 9 viewed in the -y-axis direction on the xz plane. 11 is a perspective view showing the end plate and the insulating cover of FIG. 8 at different angles so that the side facing the battery cell stack is visible.

Referring to FIGS. 8 to 11 , the venting part 700a according to the present embodiment is in the form of inducing the exhaust path of the gas and the flame to be bent. That is, the venting part 700a includes a passage connecting the inside of the battery module 100a wrapped by the module frame 200 and the end plates 410 and 420 to the outside, and through the passage, the gas and the Although the flame is discharged, the passage is not formed only in a straight line, but includes a bent portion, so that the exhaust path of the gas and the flame is guided to be bent.

Specifically, the venting portion 700a may include a through hole 710a formed in the first end plate 410; a first cover portion 720a covering the through hole 710a; and a first opening 730a formed on one side of the first cover portion 720a and communicating with the through hole 710a. Here, the first cover portion 720a does not cover one side of the through hole 710a as if it is completely sealed, but is spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval, and the first cover portion 720a is separated from one surface of the first end plate 410 . The first opening 730a may be formed as much as the spaced apart space.

The through hole 710a and the first opening 730a may be passages through which the aforementioned gas and flame are discharged.

The first cover part 720a may have a shape that covers the through hole 710a from the outside. Also, the first cover part 720a may be connected to the first end plate 410 in a portion where the first opening 730a is not formed. To form this structure, the area of the first cover part 720a may be larger than the opening area of the through hole 710a.

Although it is shown that four first openings 730a are formed in the y-axis direction, the -y-axis direction, the z-axis direction, and the -z-axis direction with respect to one venting part 700a, the There is no special limit on the number. In addition, unless the opening direction of the through hole 710a coincides with the opening direction of the first opening 730a, the opening direction of the first opening 730a is not limited.

In the case of the conventional battery module 10, as described above, high-temperature heat, gas, and flame are intensively discharged through the terminal bus bar opening 41H or the module connector opening 42H to the neighboring battery module 10 ) may be damaged.

On the other hand, in the case of the other battery module 100a in this embodiment, since a separate venting part 700a is provided, the discharge of gas or flame is dispersed, and the terminal bus bar opening 410H or the module connector opening 420H is closed. It can greatly reduce the gas or flame emitted through the

In addition, due to the first cover portion 720a covering the through hole 710a, gas or flame does not pass through the through hole 710a in a straight line. That is, as shown in FIG. 10 , the venting part 700a including the first cover part 720a and the first opening part 730a may induce the discharge path of the gas and the flame to be bent.

Specifically, the opening direction of the through hole 710a may be different from the opening direction of the first opening 730a. More specifically, the opening direction of the through hole 710a and the opening direction of the first opening 730a may be perpendicular to each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 10 , the opening direction of the through hole 710a is parallel to the x-axis, whereas the opening direction of the first opening 730a is parallel to the yz plane or a direction close to the yz plane. can be Accordingly, the venting part 700a may induce the discharge of gas and the flame in a direction parallel to one surface of the first end plate 410 .

In the case of the high-temperature gas, there is no particular limitation on the discharge to the outside even if the discharge path is formed to be bent. On the other hand, in the case of a flame or spark having a strong straight-line tendency, as in this embodiment, if the discharge path is designed to be bent, it is possible to limit direct injection toward the neighboring battery module or the like. The venting part 700a according to this embodiment can suppress the direct discharge of the flame, and even if the flame is discharged, the direction is regulated, thereby minimizing damage to other adjacent battery modules. That is, it has the advantage of reducing the damage caused by the flame without deteriorating the gas discharge function.

There is no particular limitation on the number of such venting parts 700a, and may be arranged in a single or a plurality. For example, it is shown that three venting parts 700a are provided in FIGS. 8 to 11 .

Meanwhile, as described above, an insulating cover 800 for electrical insulation may be positioned between the first end plate 410 and the first bus bar frame 310 (refer to FIG. 5 ). As long as it is an electrically insulating material, it may be applied as the insulating cover 800 without limitation. At this time, as shown in FIG. 11 , an insulating cover opening 800H may be formed at a position corresponding to the venting part 700a of the insulating cover 800 . The high-temperature gas or flame inside the battery module may pass through the insulating cover opening 800H and the venting part 700a in turn and be discharged to the outside.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13 , according to another embodiment of the present invention, a venting unit formed in a module frame will be described in detail.

12 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section taken along the cutting line B-B' of FIG. 12 .

12 and 13 , the battery module 100b according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a module frame 200 for accommodating the battery cell stack 120 and a venting part formed in the module frame 200 . (700b). The venting part 700b is in the form of inducing the exhaust path of the gas and the flame to be bent. That is, the venting part 700b includes a passage connecting the inside of the battery module 100b wrapped by the module frame 200 and the end plates 410 and 420 to the outside, and through the passage, the gas and the Although the flame is discharged, the passage is not formed only in a straight line, but includes a bent portion, so that the exhaust path of the gas and the flame is guided to be bent.

The venting part 700b includes a through hole 710b formed in the module frame 200; a first cover portion 720b covering the through hole 710b; and a first opening 730b formed on one side of the first cover part 720b and communicating with the through hole 710b. Similar to that described above, here, the first cover portion 720b does not cover one side of the through hole 710b completely as if it were completely sealed, but is spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval, and the first cover portion 720b is the module frame 200 . ), the first opening 730a may be formed by a space spaced apart from one surface.

The through hole 710b and the first opening 730b may be passages through which the aforementioned gas and flame are discharged.

The first cover part 720b may have a shape that covers the through hole 710b from the outside. Also, the first cover part 720b may be connected to the module frame 200 in a portion where the first opening 730b is not formed. To form such a structure, the area of the first cover part 720b may be larger than the opening area of the through hole 710b.

Similar to the venting part 700a formed in the end plates 410 and 420, the venting part 700b according to the present embodiment includes a first cover part 720b and a first opening part 730b, so that gas and the It can lead to a bend in the exit path of the flame.

Specifically, the opening direction of the through hole 710b may be different from the opening direction of the first opening 730b. More specifically, the opening direction of the through hole 710b and the opening direction of the first opening 730b may be perpendicular to each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 13 , the opening direction of the through hole 710b is parallel to the z-axis, whereas the opening direction of the first opening 730b is parallel to or close to the xy plane. can be Accordingly, the venting unit 700b may induce the discharge of gas and the flame in a direction parallel to one surface of the module frame 200 . The venting unit 700b according to the present embodiment has the advantage of reducing the damage caused by the flame, while the gas discharge function is not deteriorated. The detailed information is omitted because it overlaps with the previous description.

On the other hand, since the module frame 200 may have a relatively larger area than the end plates 410 and 420 , the number of venting parts 700b may be increased compared to the case where the module frame 200 is formed on the end plates 410 and 420 . Also, the opening area of the first opening 730b may be increased. The increased number of venting parts 700b or the opening area of the first opening 730b is more effective in dispersing gas or flame.

In addition, since the venting part 700b is formed on one surface of the module frame 200, it is possible to reduce the gas or flame itself discharged in the direction in which the end plate is located.

In particular, as shown, the venting parts 700b may be formed on the upper surface of the module frame 200 . In this case, the discharge of gas or flame may be induced to occur at the top of the battery module 100b. Accordingly, damage to other battery modules mainly disposed on the side can be reduced.

Meanwhile, although the venting part 700a formed on the end plates 410 and 420 and the venting part 700b formed on the module frame 200 have been separately described, the battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention includes the end plate Both the venting part 700a formed in the 410 and 420 and the venting part 700b formed in the module frame 200 may be included.

Hereinafter, a venting unit according to a modified embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 14 to 17 . Although the description is based on the first end plate 410 in order to avoid repetition of the description, the same or similar structure may be applied to the module frame 200 or the second end plate 420 .

14 is a perspective view illustrating an end plate and an insulating cover according to a modified embodiment of the present invention. 15 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a state cut along the cutting line C-C' of FIG. 14 . 16 is a cross-sectional view of the cut end plate and the insulating cover of FIG. 15 viewed in the -y-axis direction on the xz plane. 17 is a perspective view showing the end plate and the insulating cover of FIG. 14 at different angles so that the surface facing the battery cell stack is visible.

14 to 17 , the venting part 700c according to a modified embodiment of the present invention includes a through hole 710c formed in the first end plate 410; a first cover portion 720c covering the through hole 710c; and a first opening 730c formed on one side of the first cover portion 720c and communicating with the through hole 710c. In addition, the venting portion 700c includes a second cover portion 740c and a second cover portion ( A second opening 750c formed on one side of the 740c and communicating with the through hole 710c may be further included. That is, the venting part 700c according to the present embodiment may have a configuration in which a second cover part 740c and a second opening 750c are further added to the aforementioned venting part 700a. The first cover part 720c and the second cover part 740c do not cover one side and the other side of the through hole 710a as if they are completely sealed, respectively, but may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. The first opening 730a may be formed as much as a space in which the first cover part 720c is spaced apart from one surface of the first end plate 410 , and the second cover part 740c is formed by the first end plate 410 . The second opening 750c may be formed by a space spaced apart from the other surface.

The first opening 730c, the through hole 710c, and the second opening 750c may be passages through which the aforementioned gas and flame are discharged.

The second cover part 740c and the first cover part 720c may be positioned to face each other with the through hole 710c interposed therebetween. More specifically, unlike the first cover part 720c that covers the through hole 710c from the outside, the second cover part 740c may have a shape that covers the through hole 710c from the inside. Also, the second cover part 740c may be connected to the first end plate 410 in a portion where the second opening 750c is not formed. To form such a structure, the area of the second cover part 740c may be larger than the opening area of the through hole 710c.

It is expressed that four second openings 750c are formed in the y-axis direction, the -y-axis direction, the z-axis direction, and the -z-axis direction with respect to one venting part 700c. There is no special limit on the number. Also, as long as the opening direction of the through hole 710c does not coincide with the opening direction of the through hole 710c, the opening direction of the second opening 750c is not limited.

Due to the first cover portion 720c and the second cover portion 740c covering the through hole 710c, gas or flame does not pass through the through hole 710c in a straight line. That is, the discharge path of the gas and the flame may be bent at least twice by the first cover part 720c and the second cover part 740c.

Specifically, the opening direction of the through hole 710c may be different from the opening direction of the second opening 750c. More specifically, the opening direction of the through hole 710c and the opening direction of the second opening 750c may be perpendicular to each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 16 , the opening direction of the through hole 710c is parallel to the x-axis, whereas the opening direction of the second opening 750c is parallel to the yz plane or a direction close to the yz plane. can be That is, by disposing the second cover portion 740c in addition to the first cover portion 720c, a path through which the flame is discharged through the vent portion 700c may be more complicatedly set. As the emission path of the flame becomes more complicated, it is possible to effectively block a flame or a spark that has a strong tendency to go straight, and the flame intensity increases as the flame that bursts instantaneously passes through the second cover part 740c and the first cover part 720c in turn. can be lowered In other words, the venting unit 700c according to the present embodiment may have an increased anti-inflammatory function.

In this embodiment, 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 object or the position of the observer. .

One or more battery modules according to the present embodiment described above may be mounted together with various control and protection systems such as a battery management system (BMS) and a cooling system to form a battery pack.

The battery module or battery pack may be applied to various devices. Specifically, it may be applied to transportation means such as an electric bicycle, an electric vehicle, a hybrid, etc., but is not limited thereto and may be applied to various devices that can use a secondary battery.

Although 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 by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention as defined in the following claims are also provided. is within the scope of the

100a, 100b: battery module
120: battery cell stack
200: module frame
410: first end plate
420: second end plate
700a, 700b, 700c: venting part

Claims (13)

a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked;
a module frame for accommodating the battery cell stack; and
and an end plate covering the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack,
At least one of the module frame or the end plate includes a venting unit for discharging gas and flame,
The venting part is a battery module in the form of inducing the discharge path of the gas and the flame to be bent. In claim 1,
The venting unit may include: a through hole formed in at least one of the module frame and the end plate; a first cover part covering the through hole; and a first opening formed on one side of the first cover part and communicating with the through hole. In claim 2,
An area of the first cover part is larger than an opening area of the through hole. In claim 2,
An opening direction of the through hole and an opening direction of the first opening are different from each other. In claim 2,
A battery module in which an opening direction of the through hole and an opening direction of the first opening are perpendicular to each other. In claim 2,
The venting part may include a second cover part for covering the through hole while being positioned opposite the first cover part with respect to the through hole; and a second opening formed on one side of the second cover part and communicating with the through hole. In claim 6,
An area of the second cover part is larger than an opening area of the through hole. In claim 6,
An opening direction of the through hole and an opening direction of the second opening are different from each other. In claim 7,
A battery module in which an opening direction of the through hole and an opening direction of the second opening are perpendicular to each other. In claim 6,
A battery module in which the discharge path of the gas and the flame is bent at least twice by the first cover part and the second cover part. In claim 1,
The venting part is a battery module for inducing discharge of the gas and the flame in a direction parallel to one surface of at least one of the module frame or the end plate. In claim 1,
Further comprising an insulating cover positioned between the battery cell stack and the end plate,
The venting part is formed in the end plate,
A battery module in which an insulating cover opening is formed in a position corresponding to the venting part of the insulating cover. A battery pack comprising the battery module according to claim 1 .

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