Battery unit

Abstract

A battery unit includes a case providing an internal space and including a top cover; and a battery cell located inside the case. The top cover includes a top plate that covers the battery cell and has a venting hole; and a venting guide that is disposed on an upper surface of the top plate and covers at least a portion of the venting hole.

Description

battery unit

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery unit.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0113446, filed August 23, 2024, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0115081, filed August 19, 2025, the entire contents of which are disclosed in the specification and drawings of the aforementioned applications are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] As demand for portable electronic devices such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and smartwatches increases significantly and electric vehicles become increasingly widespread, research is actively being conducted on the batteries used in these devices, especially secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged.

[0004] Currently commercialized secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries. Among these, lithium secondary batteries are receiving attention for their advantages of being able to charge and discharge freely, having a very low self-discharge rate, and having a high energy density, as they have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries.

[0005] These lithium secondary batteries primarily use lithium oxide and carbon materials as the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively. Lithium secondary batteries comprise an electrode assembly comprising positive and negative plates, each coated with the positive and negative electrode active materials, with a separator interposed between them, and an outer case, such as a battery case, that seals and encloses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0006] In general, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into can-type secondary batteries in which the electrode assembly is built into a metal can and pouch-type secondary batteries in which the electrode assembly is built into a pouch of an aluminum laminate sheet, depending on the shape of the outer packaging material.

[0007] Recently, secondary batteries are widely used for power and energy storage not only in small devices such as portable electronic devices but also in medium- to large-sized devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS). Multiple secondary batteries can be electrically connected and housed within a module case to form a single battery module. Each secondary battery within a battery module can be referred to as a battery cell. Furthermore, multiple such battery modules can be connected to form a single battery pack.

[0008] However, when a battery pack contains multiple battery modules, each of which contains multiple battery cells, it may be vulnerable to a thermal chain reaction between battery modules or between battery cells. For example, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs within a single battery module, the propagation of this thermal runaway to other battery modules or cells must be prevented. If the propagation of thermal runaway between battery modules or cells is not properly prevented, an event occurring in a specific battery module or battery cell may trigger a chain reaction of thermal reactions in other battery modules or cells, potentially causing an explosion or fire, or potentially increasing its scale.

[0009] For example, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs in a single battery module, gas or flames may be randomly emitted to the outside. If the emission of gas or flames is not properly controlled, the gas or flames may be emitted toward other battery modules, potentially causing a thermal chain reaction in the other battery modules. In particular, the front side of the battery module may have module terminals, which may be electrically connected to other battery modules or battery packs, such as module bus bars. Therefore, if flames are emitted toward the front side of the battery module, the module terminals may be damaged within the battery pack, causing an electrical short. Furthermore, since other battery modules may be present at the front side of the battery module, if flames are emitted toward the front side of a specific battery module, the emitted flames may easily spread to other battery modules, potentially causing a fire to spread between battery modules.

[0010] Failure to properly control thermal transfer between battery modules or battery cells can lead to a sudden voltage drop in the battery module or battery pack. This can lead to a sudden shutdown of the device equipped with the battery module or battery pack, resulting in unexpected damage. For example, if a voltage drop in a battery pack occurs suddenly while an electric vehicle is in operation, there is no time to move the vehicle to a safe location.

[0011] Moreover, if thermal propagation between battery modules or cells fails to be properly controlled, resulting in a sudden fire or explosion, there is a high possibility of causing casualties. For example, if thermal runaway occurs in an electric vehicle, if a certain amount of time is not allowed for a full-blown fire to develop, occupants may not be able to escape safely.

[0012] The present invention provides a battery unit having an improved structure so as to appropriately control the emission of flames and the like generated inside the battery unit, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the same.

[0013] The present invention provides a structure capable of smoothly discharging venting gas generated inside a battery unit.

[0014] The present invention provides a structure capable of maintaining the opening and closing function of a venting device even when a thermal event occurs.

[0015] The present invention provides a structure capable of blocking venting gas generated externally from flowing into the interior of a battery unit.

[0016] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a battery unit includes a case providing a space therein and having a top cover; and a battery cell positioned inside the case, wherein the top cover may include: a top plate covering the battery cell and having a venting hole; and a venting guide provided on an upper surface of the top plate and covering a portion of the venting hole.

[0018] The venting guide may include: a peripheral wall extending along the perimeter of the venting hole; and a cover portion extending from the peripheral wall and covering a portion of the venting hole.

[0019] The above battery pack may further include an inner cover disposed between the top cover and the battery cell.

[0020] The above battery pack may further include an adhesive member disposed between the top cover and the inner cover.

[0021] The inner cover may include a protrusion that protrudes upward and is inserted into the venting hole.

[0022] The inner cover may be formed in the protrusion and have a guide hole facing the venting guide.

[0023] The above venting guide may be configured to cover less than about 50% of the area of ​​the above venting hole.

[0024] The above venting holes may be provided in plurality, and the above venting guides may be provided in plurality so as to correspond one-to-one with the plurality of venting holes.

[0025] Each of the plurality of venting guides may be arranged to guide flow in the same direction.

[0026] The sum of the areas of the plurality of venting holes may be configured to be about 30% or less of the area of ​​the top plate.

[0027] The above top plate and the above venting guide can be formed integrally.

[0028] A battery pack according to another aspect of the present invention comprises a battery unit according to the present invention.

[0029] The battery pack further includes a base plate on which the battery unit is installed; and a side wall installed on the base plate, wherein the venting guide can be configured to guide flow toward the side wall.

[0030] According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle comprises a battery unit according to the present invention.

[0031] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a pack case includes a lower frame having a space formed to accommodate a battery cell; and a top cover designed to cover a battery unit accommodated in the space, wherein the top cover includes a plurality of venting holes and a plurality of venting guides each capable of covering a portion of the venting holes, and each venting guide includes a peripheral wall protruding from an upper surface of the top cover and extending along a perimeter of the corresponding venting hole, and a cover portion formed on an upper portion of the peripheral wall and designed to cover a portion of the corresponding venting hole.

[0032] The above cover portion is formed in a roof shape on the upper part of the perimeter wall and covers a part of the corresponding venting hole.

[0033] The sum of the areas of the above plurality of venting holes is less than or equal to about 30% of the top cover area.

[0034] The above venting guide is configured to cover less than about 50% of the area of ​​the above venting hole.

[0035] Each of the above plurality of venting guides is arranged to guide the flow in the same direction.

[0036] The above top cover and the above venting guide are formed as one piece.

[0037] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, when gas or flame is generated inside the battery unit, the discharge of such gas or flame can be appropriately controlled.

[0038] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, venting gas generated inside a battery unit can be smoothly discharged.

[0039] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the electrical safety of the battery unit can be improved.

[0040] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, heat propagation can be suppressed.

[0041] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the transmission of a thermal event due to a flame or gas external to the battery unit can be suppressed.

[0042] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention described below, serve to further understand the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to matters described in such drawings.

[0043] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a battery unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the battery unit of Figure 1.

[0045] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the top cover of Figure 2.

[0046] Fig. 4 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line B-B' of Fig. 2.

[0047] Figure 5 is a drawing showing the top cover of Figure 2 in a different direction.

[0048] Figure 6 is a drawing showing the top cover of Figure 2 in a different direction.

[0049] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the inner cover of Figure 2.

[0050] Fig. 8 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' of Fig. 1.

[0051] Fig. 9 is a drawing showing the change in cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line AA of Fig. 1 when a thermal event occurs.

[0052] Figure 10 is an enlarged view of part C of Figure 1 when a thermal event occurs.

[0053] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the movement of venting gas and particles in the battery unit of FIG. 1 when a thermal event occurs.

[0054] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the battery pack of Fig. 12.

[0056] Fig. 14 is a drawing showing the movement of venting gas and particles in the battery pack of Fig. 12.

[0057] In some of the accompanying drawings, corresponding components are designated by the same reference numerals. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the drawings illustrate elements simply and clearly and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, to facilitate understanding of various embodiments, the dimensions of some elements depicted in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements. Furthermore, elements of known technology that are useful or essential in commercially feasible embodiments may often not be depicted so as not to obscure the spirit of various embodiments of the present invention.

[0058] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings. Based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best explain his or her invention, they should be interpreted in a way that aligns with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0059] Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely embodiments of the present invention and do not fully represent the technical idea of ​​the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0060] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a battery unit (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a partial configuration of the battery unit (200) of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an enlarged drawing of the top cover (211) of FIG. 2.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the battery unit (200) may include a case (210). The battery unit (200) may also be referred to as a battery module (200) including a plurality of battery cells (220). The case (210) may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The case (210) may include a top cover (211) and a lower frame (212). The case (210) may provide a space capable of accommodating the battery module (200) therein. The top cover (211) may have a square shape. The lower frame (212) may include a bottom plate. The lower frame (212) may include a pair of side plates from the bottom plate. The lower frame (212) may be formed integrally.

[0062] The battery cell (220) may be accommodated inside the case (210). The battery cell (220) may refer to a secondary battery. In one embodiment, the battery cell (220) may be a pouch-type secondary battery. However, the shape of the battery cell (220) is not limited to a pouch shape, and may have various shapes, such as a cylindrical shape or a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The battery cell (220) may be provided in multiple numbers.

[0063] The top cover (211) may include a top plate (211a). The top plate (211a) may have a square shape. The top plate (211a) may be positioned on an upper portion of the battery cell (220). The top plate (211a) may cover the battery cell (220). The top plate (211a) may have a venting hole (211b). The venting hole (211b) may penetrate the top plate (211a). In one embodiment, the venting hole (211b) may have a hexagonal shape.

[0064] The top cover (211) may include a venting guide (211c). The venting guide (211c) may be provided on the upper surface of the top plate (211a). The venting guide (211c) may be installed, fastened, coupled, fixed, or attached to the upper surface of the top plate (211a). The venting guide (211c) may extend from the top plate (211a). The venting guide (211c) may cover a portion of the venting hole (211b).

[0065] When a thermal event occurs, venting gas (G) and particles (P) may be discharged from the battery cell (220). The particles (P) may be a material such as an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, etc. inside the battery cell (220). The particles (P) may move together with the venting gas (G). The venting guide (211c) may guide the discharge direction of the venting gas (G) and the particles (P). The venting gas (G) and the particles (P) may be discharged through a portion of the venting hole (211b) that is not covered by the venting guide (211c). The venting guide (211c) may facilitate venting control of the battery unit (200).

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the case (210) may include an end cover (213). The end covers (213) may be provided in pairs. The pair of end covers (213) may be respectively coupled to the front and rear sides of the lower frame (212). The end covers (213) may have a square shape. The end covers (213) may form the exterior of the battery unit (200).

[0067] The front end cover (213) can be installed, fastened, coupled, fixed or attached to the top cover (211). The top cover (211) can be installed, fastened, coupled, fixed or attached to the lower frame (212). The rear end cover (213) can be installed, fastened, coupled, fixed or attached to the top cover (211).

[0068] The battery cell (220) may be provided in plural. The plural battery cells (220) may be stacked along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. Each battery cell (220) may include a receiving portion (221) having an electrode assembly. The battery cell (220) may include a first sealing portion (222) protruding toward the front and rear sides of the receiving portion (221), respectively. The battery cell (220) may include a second sealing portion (223) protruding toward the upper side of the receiving portion (221). In addition, the battery cell (220) may include an electrode lead (224) protruding toward the front and rear sides of the first sealing portion (222), respectively. Each battery cell (220) may extend along the front-back direction or the X-axis direction. The electrode leads (224) may protrude toward the front and rear sides of the receiving portion (221), respectively. Meanwhile, the protrusion direction of the electrode lead (224) may protrude in one direction other than the front side and the rear side depending on the design of the battery cell (220).

[0069] The pad (250) may be placed between a plurality of battery cells (220). The pad (250) may be placed between at least some of the battery cells (220) and / or on the periphery of the stack. For example, the pad (250) may be configured to be placed between every four battery cells (220) stacked in the left-right direction.

[0070] These pads (250) may be provided with an elastic material to enable swelling absorption of the battery cells (220). For example, the pads (250) may be composed of a foam material such as polyurethane. Alternatively, the pads (250) may be provided with a material capable of blocking heat or flames. For example, the pads (250) may be provided with an insulating material such as silicone or mica, or a fire-retardant material.

[0071] A busbar frame assembly (230) may be provided on each of the front and rear sides of a plurality of battery cells (220). The busbar frame assembly (230) may be electrically connected to the electrode leads (224) of the plurality of battery cells (220).

[0072] An insulating cover (240) may be provided between the busbar frame assembly (230) and the end cover (213). The insulating covers (240) may be provided as a pair. The front-side insulating cover (240) may be arranged between the front-side end cover (213) and the front-side busbar frame assembly (230). The rear-side insulating cover (240) may be arranged between the rear-side end cover (213) and the rear-side busbar frame assembly (230). The insulating cover (240) may include an electrically insulating material. The insulating cover (240) may electrically insulate the busbar frame assembly (230) and the end cover (213).

[0073] The battery unit (200) may include a heat transfer member (214). The heat transfer member (214) may be positioned between the bottom plate and the plurality of battery cells (220). The heat transfer member (214) may include a material having high thermal conductivity. The heat transfer member (214) may couple, fix, or attach the plurality of battery cells (220) to the bottom plate.

[0074] The battery unit (200) may include a connector (270). The connector (270) may be provided on the top cover (211). The connector (270) may electrically connect the battery unit (200) to an external device. For example, the external device may be another battery unit, a BMS (Battery Module System), or a battery pack. The FPCB (271) may be connected to the connector (270). In addition, the FPCB (271) may be electrically connected to a plurality of battery cells (220).

[0075] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration taken along the cutting line B-B' of FIG. 3. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the venting guide (211c) may include a peripheral wall (211d). The peripheral wall (211d) may be provided on the upper surface of the top plate (211a). The peripheral wall (211d) may protrude from the upper surface of the top plate (211a). The peripheral wall (211d) may extend along the perimeter of the venting hole (211b). For example, the peripheral wall (211d) may extend along approximately half of the perimeter of the venting hole (211b).

[0076] The venting guide (211c) may include a cover portion (211e). The cover portion (211e) may extend from the peripheral wall (211d). The cover portion (211e) may be formed in a kind of roof shape on the upper portion of the peripheral wall (211d) to cover a portion of the venting hole (211b). The cover portion (211e) may face the venting hole (211b).

[0077] The venting guide (211c) can guide the flow of venting gas (G) and particles (P) discharged through the venting hole (211b). In the present embodiment, the peripheral wall (211d) and the cover portion (211e) are designed to have a parallelogram shape, but are not limited thereto, and may be designed in various shapes, such as a circle or a triangle, depending on the type or shape of the gas (G) and particles (P) to be vented, to guide the flow of the gas (G) and particles (P).

[0078] According to one embodiment, the peripheral wall (211d) and the cover portion (211e) may be formed integrally. The venting guide (211c) may be formed integrally with the top plate (211a). The top cover (211) may be formed integrally.

[0079] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the top cover (211) of FIG. 2 in a different direction. FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the top cover (211) of FIG. 2 in a different direction. Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, a plurality of venting holes (211b) may be provided. A plurality of venting guides (211c) may be provided. The venting holes (211b) and the venting guides (211c) may be provided in a one-to-one correspondence. A plurality of venting holes (211b) may be arranged to form an array. A plurality of venting guides (211c) may be arranged to form an array.

[0080] The venting guide (211c) may be configured to cover about 50% or less of the area of ​​the venting hole (211b). The cover portion (211e) may be configured to cover about 50% or less of the area of ​​the venting hole (211b). The venting guide (211c) may guide the flow of the venting gas (G) and particles (P) discharged through the venting hole (211b) without obstructing the flow of the venting gas (G) and particles (P).

[0081] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, the sum of the areas of the plurality of venting holes (211b) may be configured to be approximately 30% or less of the area of ​​the top plate (211a). As a result, the venting gas (G) and particles (P) can be easily discharged, while ensuring that the venting gas (G) and particles (P) have sufficient flow rates when discharged. By ensuring that the venting gas (G) and particles (P) have sufficient flow rates when discharged, the flow directions of the venting gas (G) and particles (P) can be stably formed.

[0082] Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of the inner cover (260) of Fig. 2. Referring to Figs. 2 and 7, the inner cover (260) may be placed between the top cover (211) and the battery cell (220). The inner cover (260) may include a material having electrical insulation properties. The inner cover (260) may electrically insulate the battery cell (220) and the top cover (211). The inner cover (260) may have a square shape. The inner cover (260) may be installed, fastened, combined, fixed, or attached to the lower surface of the top cover (211).

[0083] An adhesive member (263) may be placed between the top cover (211) and the inner cover (260). For example, the adhesive member (263) may be a double-sided tape. The adhesive member (263) may be used to bond, fix, or attach the inner cover (260) to the lower surface of the top cover (211).

[0084] Fig. 8 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration taken along the cutting line A-A' of Fig. 1. Referring to Figs. 2, 7, and 8, the inner cover (260) may include a sheet portion (261). The sheet portion (261) may be installed, fastened, combined, fixed, or attached to the lower surface of the top cover (211). The sheet portion (261) may be installed, fastened, combined, fixed, or attached to the lower surface of the top plate (211a).

[0085] The inner cover (260) may include a protrusion (262). The protrusion (262) may protrude upward from the sheet portion (261). The protrusion (262) may be formed integrally with the sheet portion (261). At least a portion of the protrusion (262) may be inserted into the venting hole (211b). The protrusion (262) may be provided in multiple numbers. The plurality of protrusions (262) may be provided to correspond one-to-one to the plurality of venting holes (211b).

[0086] By inserting the protrusion (262) into the venting hole (211b), the alignment of the inner cover (260) and the top cover (211) can be facilitated. In addition, the assembly of the inner cover (260) and the top cover (211) can be facilitated.

[0087] The inner cover (260) may have a guide hole (262a). The guide hole (262a) may be formed in the protrusion (262). The guide hole (262a) may face the venting guide (211c). The guide hole (262a) may face the cover portion (211e). The venting guide (211c) may cover the guide hole (262a). The cover portion (211e) may cover the guide hole (262a).

[0088] When a thermal event occurs, the venting gas (G) and particles (P) can be discharged through the guide hole (262a). The venting gas (G) and particles (P) discharged through the guide hole (262a) can collide with the venting guide (211c). The venting gas (G) and particles (P) discharged through the guide hole (262a) can collide with the cover part (211e). The guide hole (262a) can guide the venting gas (G) and particles (P) to collide with the cover part (211e). The venting gas (G) and particles (P) can be discharged through a portion of the venting hole (211b) that is not covered by the venting guide (211c).

[0089] The perimeter wall (211d) can block the venting gas (G) and particles (P) from flowing back into the interior of the battery unit (200) through the guide hole (262a).

[0090] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a change in the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line AA of FIG. 1 when a thermal event occurs. FIG. 10 is an enlarged drawing of part C of FIG. 1 when a thermal event occurs. FIG. 11 is a drawing showing the movement of venting gas (G) and particles (P) in the battery unit (200) of FIG. 1 when a thermal event occurs. Referring to FIGS. 9 and 11, each of a plurality of venting guides (211c) may be arranged to guide the flow in the same direction. The venting gas (G) and particles (P) discharged by the venting guide (211c) may collide with the adjacent venting guide (211c). After the collision, the venting gas (G) and particles (P) may flow along the outer surface of the adjacent venting guide (211c). Venting gas (G) and particles (P) can flow along the peripheral wall (211d) of the adjacent venting guide (211c).

[0091] The venting gas (G) and particles (P) may have high flow velocities. Therefore, the venting gas (G) and particles (P) may be prevented from flowing into the venting hole (211b) corresponding to the adjacent venting guide (211c). Alternatively, the venting gas (G) and particles (P) may be prevented from flowing into the guide hole (262a) corresponding to the adjacent venting guide (211c). Consequently, the propagation of thermal events may be suppressed.

[0092] Fig. 12 is a drawing showing a battery pack (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 13 is a drawing showing a partial configuration of the battery pack (1000) of Fig. 12.

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, a battery pack (1000) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a pack case (100). The pack case (100) may form the exterior of the battery pack (1000). The pack case (100) may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The pack case (100) may provide a space inside. The pack case (100) may include a base plate (110). The base plate (110) may have a square shape. The base plate (110) may have a flat plate shape. The base plate (110) may form the exterior of the battery pack (1000). The base plate (110) may provide an interior space of the battery pack (1000).

[0094] The pack case (100) may include a first side wall (120a). The first side wall (120a) may be installed, fastened, joined, fixed, or attached to the upper surface of the base plate (110). The first side wall (120a) may form the exterior of the battery pack (1000). The first side wall (120a) may provide an internal space. The first side wall (120a) may extend along the left edge of the base plate (110).

[0095] The pack case (100) may include a second side wall (120b). The second side wall (120b) may be installed, fastened, joined, fixed, or attached to the upper surface of the base plate (110). The second side wall (120b) may form the exterior of the battery pack (1000). The second side wall (120b) may provide an internal space. The second side wall (120b) may extend along the right edge of the base plate (110).

[0096] The pack case (100) may include a third side wall (120c). The third side wall (120c) may be installed, fastened, joined, fixed, or attached to the upper surface of the base plate (110). The third side wall (120c) may form the exterior of the battery pack (1000). The third side wall (120c) may provide an internal space. The third side wall (120c) may extend along the front edge of the base plate (110).

[0097] The pack case (100) may include a fourth side wall (120d). The fourth side wall (120d) may be installed, fastened, joined, fixed, or attached to the upper surface of the base plate (110). The fourth side wall (120d) may form the exterior of the battery pack (1000). The fourth side wall (120d) may provide an internal space. The fourth side wall (120d) may extend along the rear edge of the base plate (110).

[0098] The pack case (100) may include a pack cover (150). The pack cover (150) may have a square plate shape. The pack cover (150) may form the exterior of the battery pack (1000). The pack cover (150) may be installed, fastened, combined, fixed, or attached to the first side wall (120a). The pack cover (150) may be installed, fastened, combined, fixed, or attached to the second side wall (120b). The pack cover (150) may be installed, fastened, combined, fixed, or attached to the third side wall (120c). The pack cover (150) may be installed, fastened, combined, fixed, or attached to the fourth side wall (120d). The pack cover (150) may cover the internal space of the battery pack (1000). The pack cover (150) may be positioned on the battery units (200a, 200b).

[0099] The battery pack (1000) may include a partition wall (300). The partition wall (300) may include a first partition wall (310) and a second partition wall (320). A plurality of partition walls (300) may be provided. The partition wall (300) may be installed, fastened, fixed, joined, or attached to the upper surface of the base plate (110). The partition wall (300) may partition the internal space of the battery pack (1000).

[0100] The battery pack (1000) may include a venting device (500). The venting device (500) may be installed on the first side wall (120a). For example, the venting device (500) may be a gas valve or a vent plug. The venting device (500) may open when the pressure inside the pack case (100) increases to discharge venting gas (G) or particles (P).

[0101] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the movement of venting gas (G) and particles (P) in the battery pack (1000) of FIG. 12. Referring to FIG. 14, according to one embodiment, a plurality of venting guides (211c) of the battery unit (200a) can guide the flow of venting gas (G) and particles (P) toward the first side wall (120a). The venting gas (G) and particles (P) can flow forward along the first side wall (120a), in the +X-axis direction, or toward the third side wall (120c).

[0102] According to one embodiment, a plurality of venting guides (211c) of the battery unit (200b) can guide the flow of venting gas (G) and particles (P) toward the second side wall (120b). The venting gas (G) and particles (P) can flow forward along the second side wall (120b), in the +X-axis direction, or toward the third side wall (120c).

[0103] Venting gas (G) and particles (P) can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack (1000) through the venting device (500). Since the flow of the venting gas (G) and particles (P) is guided by the venting guide (211c), damage to the adjacent battery unit (200) caused by the venting gas (G) and particles (P) can be reduced. In addition, the venting gas (G) and particles (P) can be quickly discharged to the outside of the battery pack (1000).

[0104] The battery pack (1000) according to the present invention may further include various components other than the battery unit (200), such as various components of the battery pack (1000) known at the time of application of the present invention, such as a BMS, a bus bar, a relay, a current sensor, etc.

[0105] Meanwhile, components such as a BMS, busbar, relay, current sensor, etc. may be included as components of a battery unit (200) according to the present invention. In this case, components such as a BMS, busbar, relay, current sensor, etc. may be provided inside a case (210). In this case, the battery unit (200) may also be referred to as a battery pack.

[0106] The battery unit (200) according to the present invention can be applied to automobiles such as electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles. For example, the automobile according to the present invention may include the battery unit (200) according to the present invention or the battery pack (1000) according to the present invention. In addition to the battery unit (200) or the battery pack (1000), the automobile according to the present invention may further include various other components included in the automobile. For example, the automobile according to the present invention may further include a body, a motor, a control device such as an ECU (electronic control unit), etc., in addition to the battery unit (200) according to the present invention.

[0107] As described above, although the present invention has been described by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the equivalent scope of the patent claims to be described below by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

Claims

1. A case that provides space inside and has a top cover; and, Contains a battery cell located inside the case, The above top cover: A top plate covering the above battery cell and having a venting hole; and A battery unit including a venting guide provided on the upper surface of the top plate and covering a portion of the venting hole.

2. In paragraph 1, The above venting guide: A perimeter wall extending along the perimeter of the above venting hole; and, A battery unit including a cover portion extending from the peripheral wall and covering a portion of the venting hole.

3. In paragraph 1, A battery unit further comprising an inner cover disposed between the top cover and the battery cell.

4. In paragraph 3, A battery unit further comprising an adhesive member disposed between the top cover and the inner cover.

5. In paragraph 3, The above inner cover, A battery unit comprising a protrusion protruding upward and inserted into the venting hole.

6. In paragraph 5, The above inner cover, A battery unit having a guide hole formed in the above protrusion and facing the venting guide.

7. In paragraph 1, The above venting guide is, A battery unit configured to cover less than about 50% of the area of ​​the above venting hole.

8. In paragraph 1, The above venting holes are provided in multiples, The above venting guide is a battery unit provided in multiple numbers so as to correspond one-to-one with the plurality of venting holes.

9. In paragraph 8, Each of the above plurality of venting guides, Battery units arranged to guide flow in the same direction.

10. In paragraph 8, The sum of the areas of the above plurality of venting holes is A battery unit comprising less than about 30% of the area of ​​the above top plate.

11. In paragraph 1, The above top plate and the above venting guide, A battery unit formed as one piece.

12. A battery pack comprising the battery unit of clause 1.

13. In paragraph 12, A base plate on which the above battery unit is installed; and Further comprising a side wall installed on the above base plate, The above venting guide is, A battery pack configured to guide flow toward the above side wall.

14. A vehicle comprising a battery unit of clause 1.

15. A lower frame having a space formed to accommodate battery cells; and A pack case including a top cover designed to cover a battery unit accommodated in the above space, The top cover includes a plurality of venting holes and a plurality of venting guides each capable of covering a portion of the venting holes, A pack case in which each venting guide includes a peripheral wall protruding from the upper surface of the top cover and extending along the perimeter of the corresponding venting hole, and a cover portion formed on the upper portion of the peripheral wall so as to cover a portion of the corresponding venting hole.

16. In paragraph 15, The above cover portion is formed in a roof shape on the upper part of the perimeter wall and is a pack case that covers a part of the corresponding venting hole.

17. In paragraph 15, A pack case in which the sum of the areas of the plurality of venting holes is less than or equal to about 30% of the top cover area.

18. In paragraph 15, A pack case wherein the venting guide is configured to cover less than about 50% of the area of ​​the venting hole.

19. In paragraph 15, A pack case wherein each of the plurality of venting guides is arranged to guide flow in the same direction.

20. In paragraph 15, A pack case in which the top cover and the venting guide are formed as one piece.