Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates to a battery module and a battery pack including the same, and more particularly, to a battery module having enhanced stability, and a battery pack including the same.

A secondary battery has attracted much attention as an energy source in various products such as a mobile device and an electric vehicle. The secondary battery is a potent energy resource that can replace the use of existing products using fossil fuels, and is in the spotlight as an environment-friendly energy source because it does not generate by-products due to energy use.

Recently, along with a continuous rise of the necessity for a large-capacity secondary battery structure, including the utilization of the secondary battery as an energy storage source, there is a growing demand for a battery pack of a multi-module structure which is an assembly of battery modules in which a plurality of secondary batteries are connected in series or in parallel.

Meanwhile, when a plurality of battery cells are connected in series or in parallel to configure a battery pack, a method of configuring a battery module composed of a plurality of battery cells and then adding other components to at least one battery module to configure a battery pack is common. Since the battery cells constituting these middle or large-sized battery modules are composed of chargeable/dischargeable secondary batteries, such a high-output and large-capacity secondary battery generates a large amount of heat in a charging and discharging process.

The battery module may include a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, a frame for housing the battery cell stack, and end plates for covering the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack.

<FIG> is a view showing the appearance of a battery module mounted on a conventional battery pack at the time of ignition. <FIG> is a section taken along line A-A of <FIG> and is a cross-sectional view showing the appearance of a flame that affects adjacent battery modules during ignition of a battery module mounted on a conventional battery pack.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the conventional battery module includes a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells <NUM> are stacked, a frame <NUM> for housing the battery cell stack, end plates <NUM> formed on the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack, terminal bus bars <NUM> formed so as to protrude to the outside of the end plates <NUM>, and the like.

The frame <NUM> and the end plate <NUM> can be joined so as to be sealed by welding. When the internal pressure of the battery cells <NUM> increases during overcharge of the battery module to exceed a limit value of the fusion strength of the battery cell, high-temperature heat, gas, and flame generated in the battery cells <NUM> can be discharged to the outside of the battery cell <NUM>.

At this time, the high-temperature heat, gas and flame may be discharged through the openings formed in the end plates <NUM>. However, in a battery pack structure in which a plurality of battery modules are arranged so that the end plates <NUM> face each other, the high-temperature heat, gas and flame ejected from the battery module may affect an adjacent battery module. Thereby, the terminal bus bar <NUM> formed on the end plates <NUM> of the adj acent battery module may be damaged, and high-temperature heat, gas, and flame may enter the inside of the adjacent battery module via the openings formed in the end plates <NUM> of the adjacent battery module to damage the plurality of battery cells <NUM>.

Document <CIT> a battery pack to which a gas flow path capable of smoothly discharging gas generated from battery cells to the outside is applied. Document <CIT> discusses a battery pack wherein battery modules are connected by a plate-like connection member.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a battery module capable of dispersing high-temperature heat and flame discharged when an ignition phenomenon occurs in the battery module, and a battery pack including the same.

The objects of the present disclosure are not limited to the aforementioned objects, and other objects which are not described herein should be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a battery module comprising: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; and a module frame for housing the battery cell stack, wherein a venting part is formed on a lower surface of the module frame, wherein the battery cell comprises: a cell main body; electrode leads formed to protrude from both ends of the cell main body; a cell case sealed with the protruding electrode leads interposed therebetween and a terrace part formed to extend from the cell case in a direction in which the electrode leads protrude, wherein the venting part is formed adjacent to a portion where the terrace part is located rather than to the cell main body, and the venting part is configured to immediately discharge high-temperature heat, gas, and flame to the outside of the battery module.

The venting part may be formed at a position corresponding to a portion where the terrace part is located.

The battery module may further include a first end plate and a second end plate located on a front surface and a rear surface of the battery cell stack, respectively.

The venting part may have a hole structure formed on the lower surface of the module frame.

The hole structure may obliquely penetrate the lower surface of the module frame.

The hole structure may have an inclined direction getting closer to an end plate that is located farther from the venting part among the first end plate and the second end plate.

The venting part may include an inlet port formed on the lower surface of the module frame and facing the battery cell stack, an outlet port for discharging gas that has flowed in through the inlet port, and a connection part for connecting the inlet port and the outlet port.

The outlet port may be formed in a direction perpendicular to the inlet port.

The connection part may have a shape protruding from the lower surface of the module frame.

The venting part may be formed so as to discharge gas in a direction of the end plate located farther from the venting part among the first end plate and the second end plate.

The first end plate and the second end plate may include a module mounting part for fixing the battery module, a support member may be inserted into the module mounting part, and the lower surface of the module frame may be spaced apart from a bottom part of a pack frame by the support member.

A fulcrum member protruding downward may be formed on the lower surface of the module frame.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a battery pack comprising two or more of the battery modules, wherein among the battery modules, a first battery module and a second battery module may have openings formed on surfaces facing each other.

The venting part of the first battery module may be formed so as to discharge gas in a direction opposite to a direction in which the second battery module is located.

The battery pack may further include a pack frame for housing the battery modules, wherein the battery modules may be spaced apart from the bottom part of the pack frame.

A battery module and a battery pack including the same according to embodiments of the present disclosure can disperse high-temperature heat, gas, and flame generated at the time of ignition of the battery module through a venting part formed on the lower surface of the module frame, thereby minimizing a damage applied to battery module terminals and the portions of plural battery cells facing the battery module.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. The present disclosure may be modified in various different ways, and is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

A description of parts not related to the description will be omitted herein for clarity, and like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the description.

In addition, it will be understood that when an element such as a layer, film, region, or plate is referred to as being "on" or "above" another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, it means that other intervening elements are not present. Further, the word "on" or "above" means disposed on or below a reference portion, and does not necessarily mean being disposed on the upper end of the reference portion toward the opposite direction of gravity.

Further, throughout the description, when a portion is referred to as "including" a certain component, it means that the portion can further include other components, without excluding the other components, unless otherwise stated.

Further, throughout the description, when referred to as "planar", it means when a target portion is viewed from the upper side, and when referred to as "cross-sectional", it means when a target portion is viewed from the side of a cross section cut vertically.

Hereinafter, a battery module according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a perspective view of a battery cell contained in the battery module of <FIG>. <FIG> is a perspective view showing a state in which the battery module of <FIG> has been joined. <FIG> is a plan view showing a lower surface of the battery module of <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along the cutting line "B" of <FIG>.

With reference to <FIG>, the battery module <NUM> according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes a battery cell stack <NUM> in which a plurality of battery cells <NUM> are stacked; and a module frame <NUM> for housing the battery cell stack <NUM>, wherein a venting part <NUM> is formed on the lower surface of the module frame <NUM>. As used herein, the venting part means a part for discharging heat or gas inside the battery module <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> , the battery cell <NUM> is preferably a pouch-type battery cell. For example, the battery cell <NUM> according to embodiments of the present disclosure has a structure in which two electrode leads <NUM> and <NUM> face each other and protrude from one end 114a and the other end 114b of the cell main body <NUM>, respectively. More specifically, the electrode leads <NUM> and <NUM> are connected to an electrode assembly (not shown), and protrude from the electrode assembly (not shown) to the outside of the battery cell <NUM>. Meanwhile, the battery cell <NUM> can be manufactured by joining both ends 114a and 114b of the cell case <NUM> and one side part 114c connecting them in a state in which the electrode assembly (not shown) is housed in a cell case <NUM>. In other words, the battery cell <NUM> according to embodiments of the present disclosure has a total of three sealing parts 114sa, 114sb and 114sc, the sealing part 114sa, 114sb and 114sc have a structure sealed by a method such as heat fusion, and the remaining other side part may be formed of a connection part <NUM>. The cell case <NUM> may be formed of a laminated sheet containing a resin layer and a metal layer.

In addition, the connection part <NUM> may extend long along one edge of the battery cell <NUM>, and a protrusion part 110p of the battery cell <NUM> called a bat-ear may be formed at an end of the connection part <NUM>. Further, while the cell case <NUM> is sealed with the protruding electrode leads <NUM> and <NUM> being interposed therebetween, a terrace part <NUM> may be formed between the electrode leads <NUM> and <NUM> and the cell main body <NUM>. That is, the battery cell <NUM> includes a terrace part <NUM> formed to extend from the cell case <NUM> in a direction in which the electrode leads <NUM> and <NUM> protrude.

The battery cell <NUM> may be provided in plurality, and the plurality of battery cells <NUM> may be stacked so as to be electrically connected to each other, thereby forming a battery cell stack <NUM>. An upper plate <NUM> may be located on the upper side of the battery cell stack <NUM>, and a bus bar frame <NUM> may be located on a front surface and a rear surface of the battery cell stack <NUM> in the direction in which the electrode leads <NUM> and <NUM> protrude, respectively. The battery cell stack <NUM>, the upper plate <NUM>, and the bus bar frame <NUM> may be housed together in the module frame <NUM>.

A thermal conductive resin may be injected between the battery cell stack <NUM> and the lower surface of the module frame <NUM>, and a thermal conductive resin layer (not shown) may be formed between the battery cell stack <NUM> and the lower surface of the module frame <NUM> through the injected thermal conductive resin. Through the module frame <NUM>, the battery cell stack <NUM> housed inside the module frame <NUM> and the electrical components connected thereto can be protected from external physical impact.

A bus bar frame <NUM> can be located on the front surface and the rear surface of the battery cell stack <NUM>, respectively, to cover the battery cell stack <NUM> and at the same time, guide the connection between the battery cell stack <NUM> and an external device. Specifically, a bus bar <NUM> and a terminal bus bar <NUM> may be mounted on the bus bar frame <NUM>. The electrode leads <NUM> and <NUM> of the battery cells <NUM> may pass through a slit formed in the bus bar frame <NUM> and then be curved to be joined to the bus bar <NUM> or the terminal bus bar <NUM>. The battery cells <NUM> constituting the battery cell stack <NUM> may be connected in series or in parallel via the bus bar <NUM>, and the battery cells <NUM> may be electrically connected to an external device or circuit through the terminal bus bar <NUM> exposed to the outside of the battery module <NUM>. Further, a connector (not shown) may be mounted on the bus bar frame <NUM>, and the temperature or voltage data of the battery cell <NUM> measured through a sensing assembly (not shown) may be transferred to an external BMS (Battery Management System) or the like through a connector (not shown).

The end plates <NUM> and <NUM> are formed so as to cover the front surface and the rear surface of the battery cell stack <NUM>. Specifically, the first end plate <NUM> and the second end plate <NUM> may be located on the front surface and the rear surface of the battery cell stack <NUM> , respectively. The end plates <NUM> and <NUM> can protect the bus bar frame <NUM> and various electrical components connected thereto from external impacts, and for this purpose, it needs to have a predetermined strength and can contain a metal such as aluminum.

The end plates <NUM> and <NUM> are formed with a terminal bus bar opening <NUM> and a connector opening <NUM> for connecting a terminal bus bar <NUM> mounted on the bus bar frame <NUM> and the connector (not shown) to the outside, and gas or heat generated from the battery cell <NUM> can be discharged to the outside of the battery module <NUM> through the openings <NUM> and <NUM>. The end plates <NUM> and <NUM> and the module frame <NUM> are joined by welding, and the plurality of battery cells <NUM> located inside the module frame <NUM> and the end plates <NUM> and <NUM> can be interrupted from being connected to the outside except for the above-mentioned openings <NUM> and <NUM>, through the joining structure of the end plates <NUM> and <NUM> and the module frame <NUM> sealed by welding.

The conventional battery module can discharge high-temperature heat, gas, or flame generated in the battery cell through the openings as described above. However, in the battery pack structure in which a plurality of battery modules are arranged so that the end plates face each other, the high-temperature heat, gas, and flame ejected from the battery module may damage adjacent battery modules.

Thus, a venting part <NUM> can be formed on the lower surface of the module frame <NUM> according to embodiments of the present disclosure, thereby dispensing heat, gas, flame, etc. discharged through the openings <NUM> and <NUM>. The venting part <NUM> may have a hole structure formed on the lower surface of the module frame <NUM>. The discharge path inside the battery module can be diversified through the venting part <NUM>, thereby preventing a phenomenon in which the discharge is concentrated only to a part of the battery module <NUM> at the time of ignition, and dispersing the discharge of high-temperature heat, gases and flame.

Further, the venting part <NUM> is formed adjacent to the portion where the terrace part <NUM> is located rather than to the cell main body <NUM>. A lot of heat is generated in the electrode leads <NUM> and <NUM> of the battery cells <NUM> and the terrace part <NUM> adjacent thereto, and as the sealing of the terrace part <NUM> is released due to the pressure change inside the battery cell <NUM>, high-temperature heat, gas, and flame can be discharged. At this time, the venting part <NUM> according to embodiments of the present disclosure is formed adjacent to the part where the terrace part <NUM> is located rather than to the cell main body <NUM>, so that high-temperature heat, gas, and flame is immediately discharged to the outside of the battery module <NUM>. In one example, the venting part <NUM> may be formed at a position corresponding to the terrace part <NUM>.

Meanwhile, since the venting part <NUM> according to embodiments of the present disclosure is formed on the lower surface of the module frame <NUM>, it is possible to prevent a phenomenon in which foreign matter floating in the air enters the inside of the battery module <NUM> via the venting part <NUM>.

Hereinafter, the venting parts <NUM> and <NUM> according to modified embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> and <FIG> are cross-sectional views of battery modules according to modified embodiments of the present disclosure, respectively.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG> together with <FIG>, the venting parts <NUM> and <NUM> according to embodiments of the present disclosures may be formed so as to discharge gas in a direction of an end plate located farther from the venting parts <NUM> and <NUM> among the first end plate <NUM> and the second end plate <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the venting parts <NUM> and <NUM> located close to the first end plate <NUM> may be formed so as to discharge gas in the direction of the second end plate <NUM> located further away.

The venting parts <NUM> and <NUM> are formed at positions corresponding to the portion where the terrace part <NUM> is located, but the first end plate <NUM> is closer to the venting parts <NUM> and <NUM> than the second end plate <NUM> located on the opposite side of the reference of the battery cell stack <NUM>. Therefore, when gas is discharged in the direction of the first end plate <NUM>, high-temperature heat, gas, and flame can be emitted to other battery modules adjacent to the first end plate <NUM>, thereby causing damage. In order to prevent this, the venting parts <NUM> and <NUM> are preferably formed so as to discharge gas in the direction of the second end plate <NUM>. This will be described again with reference to <FIG> below.

Referring to <FIG>, the venting part <NUM> may have a hole structure formed on the lower surface of the module frame <NUM>, and further may have a hole structure that obliquely penetrates the lower surface of the module frame <NUM>.

Specifically, the inner inlet port of the obliquely penetrated venting part <NUM> is formed closer to the first end plate <NUM> than to the outer outlet port, and the outer outlet port may be formed closer to the second end plate <NUM> than to the inner inlet port. In other words, the venting part <NUM> may have an inclined direction getting closer to an end plate located further from the venting part <NUM> among the first end plate <NUM> and the second end plate <NUM>.

By providing the structure as described above, it is possible to naturally impart directionality to heat or gas discharged through the venting part <NUM>. That is, it can be induced so as to discharge gas in the direction of the second end plate <NUM> located further away, thereby preventing damage to other battery modules adjacent to the first end plate <NUM>.

Further, the venting part <NUM> according to embodiments of the present disclosure has the advantages in that it has a through-hole structure, does not require a separate additional space, and can impart the directionality of the discharged gas by penetrating the module frame <NUM>.

Next, referring to <FIG>, the venting part <NUM> may include an inlet port <NUM> formed on the lower surface of the module frame <NUM> and facing one surface of the battery cell along the stacking direction of the battery cell stack, an outlet port <NUM> for discharging gas that has flowed in through the inlet port <NUM>, and a connection part <NUM> for connecting the inlet port <NUM> and the outlet port <NUM>.

The outlet port <NUM> may be formed in a direction perpendicular to the inlet port <NUM>. Further, the connection part <NUM> may have a shape protruding from the lower surface of the module frame <NUM>, and may be formed to be inclined. Therefore, the outlet port <NUM> may also be formed on the outside of the lower surface of the module frame <NUM>.

Based on the structure as described above, the venting part <NUM> according to embodiments of the present disclosure may more reliably guide heat or gas inside the battery module toward the second end plate <NUM>. That is, it has the advantage of more reliably imparting the directionality of heat or gas. Further, the connection part <NUM> may perform the role as a kind of cover and thus, prevent foreign matter from entering the inside of the battery module.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing a state in which a battery module according to embodiments of the present disclosure is mounted on a pack frame <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> together with <FIG>, a module mounting part <NUM> may be formed on the end plates <NUM> and <NUM> so that the battery module <NUM> can be mounted and fixed to a pack frame <NUM> of the battery pack. The number of the module mounting parts <NUM> is not limited, but it is preferable that for stable mounting of the battery module <NUM>, two are formed on both sides of the first end plate <NUM>, and two on both sides of the second end plate <NUM>, and thus, a total of four is formed.

The support member <NUM> may be inserted into the module mounting part <NUM>. Specifically, a mounting hole <NUM> may be formed in the module mounting part <NUM>, and the support member <NUM> may be inserted into the mounting hole <NUM>. A through hole may be formed in the bottom part <NUM> of the pack frame <NUM>, and one end of the support member <NUM> that has passed through the mounting hole <NUM> may be joined to the through hole of the bottom part <NUM>. In one example, one end of the support member <NUM> may be provided in a bolt shape and joined with a nut-shaped through hole of the bottom part <NUM>. However, the joining is not limited to the bolt and nut joining, and may be implemented through various embodiments.

Meanwhile, the support member <NUM> can be cylindrical so that it can be inserted into the mounting hole <NUM> of the module mounting part <NUM>. Further, a head part <NUM> may be formed at the other end opposite to the one end of the support member <NUM>. The head part <NUM> is formed to have a wider radius than the mounting hole <NUM>, so that it is not inserted into the mounting hole <NUM>, and the end plates <NUM> and <NUM> can be closely adhered and fixed to the bottom part <NUM>. Through this, the battery module <NUM> may be mounted and fixed to the pack frame <NUM>.

At this time, it is preferable that the height of the support member <NUM> is set to be slightly longer, and the lower surface of the module frame <NUM> is spaced apart from the bottom part1110 of the pack frame <NUM> by a predetermined distance d1. In another example, although not specifically shown, a fixing member such as a nut surrounding the support member <NUM> can be provided at the lower end of the module mounting part <NUM>, thereby preventing the battery module <NUM> including the end plates <NUM> and <NUM> from moving downward. That is, the fixing member that maintains the separation distance by a predetermined interval d1 may be provided.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, since the venting parts <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are formed on the lower surface of the module frame <NUM> and heat or gas is discharged through the lower surface of the module frame <NUM>, it is preferable to separate the lower surface of the module frame <NUM> from the bottom part <NUM> of the pack frame <NUM>, thereby providing a space through which heat or gas is discharged.

In particular, since the venting parts <NUM> and <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> induce the discharge in the direction from the first end plate <NUM> to the second end plate <NUM>, it is preferable that the lower surface of the module frame <NUM> is spaced apart from the bottom part <NUM> of the pack frame <NUM> as described above. In addition, since the venting part <NUM> of <FIG> forms a structure in which the connection part <NUM> and the outlet port <NUM> protrude, it may be more preferable that the lower surface of the module frame <NUM> is spaced apart from the bottom part <NUM> of the pack frame <NUM>.

(a) and (b) of <FIG> are cross-sectional views of a battery module in which a fulcrum member <NUM> is formed, respectively, in accordance with a modified embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to (a) and (b) of <FIG>, a fulcrum member <NUM> projecting downward can be formed on the lower surface of the module frame <NUM>.

When the battery module is mounted on the pack frame through the fulcrum member <NUM>, the lower surface of the module frame <NUM> may be spaced apart from the bottom part of the pack frame. Accordingly, a space for discharging heat or gas is provided, and it can facilitate movement of the discharged heat or gas in the direction from the first end plate <NUM> to the second end plate <NUM>.

The number of the fulcrum members <NUM> is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to have a plurality of fulcrum members in order to stably support the battery module, and it is more preferable to evenly dispose them in all areas of the lower surface of the module frame <NUM>.

For convenience of explanation, the venting parts <NUM> and <NUM> and the fulcrum member <NUM> are shown together in (a) and (b) of <FIG>, but in consideration of the path of heat or gas, the fulcrum member <NUM> is preferably formed to be displaced from the venting parts <NUM> and <NUM>. Specifically, it is preferable that the position of the venting parts <NUM> and <NUM> and the position of the fulcrum member <NUM> do not coincide with each other in the direction parallel to the surface of the cell body <NUM> (direction parallel to the x-axis in <FIG>). This is for preventing the fulcrum member <NUM> from blocking the heat or gas discharged from the venting parts <NUM> and <NUM>.

The material or the forming method of the fulcrum member <NUM> are not particularly limited, and it is preferable to have a predetermined strength so as to be able to support the battery module. The fulcrum member <NUM> may have a configuration integrated with the module frame <NUM>. Alternatively, it may have a configuration formed by joining a member such as a metal to the lower surface of the module frame <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the number of the venting parts <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> according to embodiments of the present disclosure is not particularly limited as described above, and may be one, or may be configured in a plurality. However, when a plurality of venting parts <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are formed, it is preferable that plurality of venting parts <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are arranged in a direction parallel to the direction in which the battery cells <NUM> are stacked so as to correspond to the position of the terrace part <NUM> of the battery cells <NUM> constituting the battery cell stack <NUM>. Here, the direction in which the battery cells <NUM> are stacked refers to a direction perpendicular to the surface of the cell body <NUM>, that is, a direction parallel to the y-axis in <FIG>.

Referring back to <FIG>, the module frame <NUM> according to embodiments of the present disclosure may have a mono frame structure or a structure in which an upper cover is joined to a U-shaped frame.

First, the mono frame may be in the form of a metal plate in which the upper surface, the lower surface and both side surfaces are integrated, and may be manufactured by extrusion molding.

Next, in the case of a structure in which the upper cover is joined to the U-shaped frame, it can be formed by joining the upper cover to the upper side of a U-shaped frame, which is a metal plate material having a lower surface and both side surfaces integrated, and it can be manufactured by press molding.

As shown in <FIG> or <FIG>, the venting parts <NUM> and <NUM> of the hole structure may be applied to both a mono frame manufactured by extrusion molding and a U-shaped frame manufactured by press molding.

Meanwhile, as shown in <FIG>, the venting part <NUM> having a protruding structure is easier to be mounted on a U-shaped frame manufactured by press molding rather than a mono frame manufactured by extrusion molding. However, in forming the venting part <NUM> of the protruding structure, it can be formed by forming a through hole in the lower surface of the module frame <NUM> and joining the connection part <NUM> and the outlet port <NUM> to the lower surface. In this case, the venting part <NUM> is also applicable to a mono frame manufactured by extrusion molding.

<FIG> is a top plan view of a battery pack <NUM> according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the battery pack <NUM> according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include two or more of the battery modules 100a and 100b described above.

The battery modules 100a and 100b may be housed in the pack frame <NUM>, and may be mounted together with various control and protection systems such as BMS (battery management system) and a cooling system.

The first battery module 100a and the second battery module 100b may have openings 320a, 330a, 320b and 330b formed on surfaces facing each other.

Specifically, the first end plate 301a of the first battery module 100a and the first end plate 301b of the second battery module 100b may face each other. At this time, the terminal bus bar opening 320a and the connector opening 330a may be formed in the first end plate 301a of the first battery module 100a. Further, a terminal bus bar opening 320b and a connector opening 330b may be formed in the first end plate 301b of the second battery module 100b.

The battery modules 100a and 100b according to embodiments of the present disclosure can provide the above-mentioned venting part on the lower surface thereof, thereby reducing heat, gas, and flames emitted through the openings 320a, 330a, 320b and 330b.

In addition, the venting parts <NUM> and <NUM> shown in <FIG> or <FIG> may be provided in the battery modules 100a and 100b. Accordingly, the first battery module 100a can induce heat, gas, flame, etc. to be discharged in a direction opposite to the direction in which the second battery module 100b is located, and the second battery module 100b can induce heat, gas, and flame to be discharged in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first battery module 100a is located. That is, damage that may be applied between the facing battery modules 100a and 100b can be minimized.

Further, the battery modules 100a and 100b according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be spaced apart from the bottom part <NUM> of the pack frame <NUM>. Specifically, the battery modules 100a and 100b include a module mounting part <NUM> and a support member <NUM> shown in <FIG>, or include a fulcrum member <NUM> shown in (a) and (b) of <FIG>. Accordingly, a space for discharging heat, gas, flame, etc. may be provided inside the battery pack <NUM>.

The terms representing directions such as the front side, the rear side, the left side, the right side, the upper side, and the lower side have been used in embodiments of the present disclosure, but the terms used are provided simply for convenience of description and may become different according to the location of an object or an observer.

The battery module or the battery pack according to embodiments of the present disclosure described above can be applied to various devices. Specifically, it can be applied to vehicle means such as an electric bike, an electric vehicle, and a hybrid electric vehicle, and may be applied to various devices capable of using a secondary battery, without being limited thereto.

Claim 1:
A battery module (<NUM>) comprising:
a battery cell stack (<NUM>) in which a plurality of battery cells (<NUM>) are stacked; and
a module frame (<NUM>) for housing the battery cell stack (<NUM>),
wherein a venting part (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) is formed on a lower surface of the module frame (<NUM>),
wherein the battery cell (<NUM>) comprises:
a cell main body (<NUM>);
electrode leads (<NUM>, <NUM>) formed to protrude from both ends of the cell main body (<NUM>);
a cell case (<NUM>) sealed with the protruding electrode leads (<NUM>, <NUM>) interposed therebetween, and
a terrace part (<NUM>) formed to extend from the cell case (<NUM>) in a direction in which the electrode leads (<NUM>, <NUM>) protrude,
wherein the venting part (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) is formed adjacent to a portion where the terrace part (<NUM>) is located rather than to the cell main body (<NUM>), and the venting part is configured to immediately discharge high-temperature heat, gas, and flame to the outside of the battery module (<NUM>).