Battery pack, energy storage device including same, and automobile

Abstract

A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by including a battery module assembly including at least one battery cell, a pack case that houses the battery module assembly, and a barrier unit that is provided on at least one side of the pack case and is configured to exhaust vent gas within the pack case to the outside of the pack case, the barrier unit including at least one blocking baffle arranged obliquely to have a predetermined inclination angle.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack, an energy storage device including the same, and a vehicle.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0144935 filed on October 27, 2021, Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0187706 filed on December 24, 2021, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0187718 filed on December 24, 2021, and the contents disclosed in the specifications and drawings of such applications are incorporated into this application in their entirety. [Background technology]

[0003] Secondary batteries, which have high applicability to various products and electrical properties such as high energy density, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) that are driven by electric drive sources. These secondary batteries have not only the temporary advantage of dramatically reducing the use of fossil fuels, but also the advantage of not producing any by-products associated with energy use, and are therefore attracting attention as a new energy source that is environmentally friendly and improves energy efficiency.

[0004] Currently widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel cadmium batteries, nickel metal hydride batteries, and nickel zinc batteries. The operating voltage of such a unit secondary battery cell, i.e., a unit battery cell, is about 2.5V to 4.5V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, a battery pack may be configured by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series. Also, a battery pack may be configured by connecting a plurality of battery cells in parallel depending on the charge / discharge capacity required for the battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack may be variously set depending on the required output voltage and / or charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] Meanwhile, when constructing a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series and / or in parallel, a common method is to first construct a battery module including at least one battery cell, and then use this at least one battery module to add other components to construct a battery pack or a battery rack.

[0006] A conventional battery pack generally includes a battery module assembly including at least one battery cell, and a pack case that houses the battery module assembly. In the case of a conventional battery pack, when a battery cell undergoes thermal runaway due to an abnormal situation, vent gas, flames, sparks, etc. are generated from the battery cell. In order to prevent a fire or explosion of the battery pack, it is necessary to exhaust the vent gas inside the battery pack to the outside of the battery pack.

[0007] However, when such vent gas is discharged to the outside of the battery pack, if flames or sparks are also discharged to the outside of the battery pack along with the vent gas, there is a problem that the flames or sparks discharged to the outside may cause an even larger fire or explosion.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need to provide a battery pack that can block exposure to the outside of flames and sparks that may occur when an abnormality occurs in a battery cell, as well as an energy storage device and an automobile that include the battery pack. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack capable of blocking exposure to the outside of flames or sparks that may occur when an abnormality occurs in a battery cell, and an energy storage device and a vehicle including the battery pack. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a battery pack comprising: a battery module assembly including at least one battery cell; a pack case accommodating the battery module assembly; and a barrier unit provided on at least one side of the pack case and configured to exhaust vent gas within the pack case to the outside of the pack case, the barrier unit comprising at least one blocking baffle arranged obliquely to have a predetermined inclination angle.

[0011] Preferably, the barrier unit may include a first barrier coupled to the pack case and having the at least one blocking baffle, and a second barrier coupled to the first barrier and covering the blocking baffle in the longitudinal direction of the pack case.

[0012] Preferably, one surface of the first barrier may be disposed so as to face at least one battery cell disposed at the outermost periphery of the battery module assembly in the longitudinal direction of the pack case.

[0013] Preferably, the first barrier may be provided with at least one vent hole for discharging the vent gas to the outside of the pack case.

[0014] Preferably, the at least one blocking baffle is provided on the other side of the first barrier and is capable of at least partially covering the at least one vent hole.

[0015] Preferably, the second barrier can form a predetermined space at a predetermined interval from the at least one vent hole in the longitudinal direction of the pack case.

[0016] Preferably, said at least one blocking baffle may be disposed in said space.

[0017] Preferably, the blocking baffles are provided in a pair, and the at least one vent hole may be disposed between the pair of blocking baffles.

[0018] Preferably, the barrier unit may include at least one discharge opening that communicates with the space along a height direction of the pack case and is formed by coupling the first barrier and the second barrier.

[0019] Preferably, the discharge opening may include an upper opening provided on the upper side of the barrier unit, and a lower opening spaced apart from the upper opening and provided on the lower side of the barrier unit.

[0020] Preferably, the barrier units are provided at both longitudinal ends of the pack case.

[0021] The present invention also provides a battery pack comprising: a battery module assembly including at least one battery cell; a pack case accommodating the battery module assembly; and a barrier unit provided on at least one side of the pack case and configured to exhaust vent gas within the pack case to the outside of the pack case, the barrier unit comprising at least one blocking baffle having a predetermined mesh structure.

[0022] The present invention also provides a battery pack comprising: a battery module assembly including at least one battery cell; a pack case accommodating the battery module assembly; and a barrier unit provided on at least one side of the pack case and configured to exhaust vent gas within the pack case to the outside of the pack case, the barrier unit having a predetermined space for blocking flames or sparks generated in the at least one battery cell.

[0023] The present invention also provides an energy storage device including at least one battery pack according to the above-described embodiment.

[0024] The present invention also provides a vehicle including at least one battery pack according to the above-described embodiment. Effect of the Invention

[0025] According to the various embodiments described above, it is possible to provide a battery pack capable of blocking exposure to the outside of flames or sparks that may occur in an abnormal condition of a battery cell, and an energy storage device and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0026] The drawings attached to this specification are intended to illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to facilitate a further understanding of the technical ideas of the present invention as well as the content of the invention, and therefore the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to only the matters depicted in the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a barrier unit of the battery pack of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the battery pack of FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the battery pack of FIG. 2. [Figure 6] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating a barrier unit according to another embodiment of the battery pack of FIG. 2. [Figure 7] 2 is a diagram for explaining how a barrier unit is used to block exposure of flames or sparks to the outside in the event of thermal runaway of a battery cell of the battery pack of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 8] 2 is a diagram for explaining how a barrier unit is used to block exposure of flames or sparks to the outside in the event of thermal runaway of a battery cell of the battery pack of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 9] 2 is a diagram for explaining how a barrier unit is used to block exposure of flames or sparks to the outside in the event of thermal runaway of a battery cell of the battery pack of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 10] 2 is a diagram for explaining how a barrier unit is used to block exposure of flames or sparks to the outside in the event of thermal runaway of a battery cell of the battery pack of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 11] 11 is a diagram illustrating a battery pack according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack of FIG. 11. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a barrier unit of the battery pack of FIG. 12. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a plan view of the battery pack of FIG. 12. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of the battery pack of FIG. [Figure 16] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating a barrier unit according to another embodiment of the battery pack of FIG. 12. [Figure 17] 12 is a diagram for explaining how a barrier unit is used to block exposure of flames or sparks to the outside in the event of thermal runaway of a battery cell of the battery pack of FIG. 11. FIG. [Figure 18] 12 is a diagram for explaining how a barrier unit is used to block exposure of flames or sparks to the outside in the event of thermal runaway of a battery cell of the battery pack of FIG. 11. FIG. [Figure 19] 12 is a diagram for explaining how a barrier unit is used to block exposure of flames or sparks to the outside in the event of thermal runaway of a battery cell of the battery pack of FIG. 11. FIG. [Figure 20] 12 is a diagram for explaining how a barrier unit is used to block exposure of flames or sparks to the outside in the event of thermal runaway of a battery cell of the battery pack of FIG. 11. FIG. [Figure 21] 11 is a diagram illustrating a battery pack according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack of FIG. 21. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of the barrier unit of the battery pack of FIG. 22. [Figure 24] 24 is a diagram for explaining a blocking baffle and a mesh member of the barrier unit of FIG. 23. [Diagram 25] FIG. 24 is a plan view of the barrier unit of FIG. 23. [Figure 26] FIG. 24 is a side cross-sectional view of the barrier unit of FIG. 23. [Figure 27] 23 is a diagram illustrating a barrier unit according to another embodiment of the battery pack of FIG. 22. FIG. [Figure 28] 22 is a diagram for explaining how a barrier unit is used to block exposure of flames and sparks to the outside in the event of thermal runaway of a battery cell of the battery pack of FIG. 21. FIG. [Figure 29] 22 is a diagram for explaining how a barrier unit is used to block exposure of flames and sparks to the outside in the event of thermal runaway of a battery cell of the battery pack of FIG. 21. FIG. [Diagram 30] 22 is a diagram for explaining how a barrier unit is used to block exposure of flames and sparks to the outside in the event of thermal runaway of a battery cell of the battery pack of FIG. 21. FIG. [Diagram 31] 22 is a diagram for explaining how a barrier unit is used to block exposure of flames and sparks to the outside in the event of thermal runaway of a battery cell of the battery pack of FIG. 21. FIG. [Diagram 32] 1 is a diagram illustrating an energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 33] 1 is a diagram illustrating an energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 34] 1 is a diagram illustrating an energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] The present invention will become more clear from a detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention with reference to the attached drawings. The embodiment described here is illustratively shown to aid in understanding the invention, and it should be understood that the present invention can be implemented by being modified in various ways different from the embodiment described here. In addition, in order to aid in understanding the invention, the attached drawings are not drawn to scale, and the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack of FIG.

[0030] 1 and 2, a battery pack 10A may include a battery module assembly 100A, a pack case 200A, and a barrier unit 300A.

[0031] The battery module assembly 100A may include at least one or more battery cells 150A. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, the battery module assembly 100A will be described as including the battery cells 150A.

[0032] The battery cells 150A may be stacked on one another along a height direction of the battery module assembly 100A so as to be electrically connected to one another. The battery cells 150A may also be stacked on one another along a longitudinal direction of the battery module assembly 100A. The battery cells 150A may also be stacked on one another in both the longitudinal and vertical directions of the battery module assembly 100A.

[0033] The battery cells 150A are secondary batteries and may be arranged as pouch-type secondary batteries, square-type secondary batteries, or cylindrical-type secondary batteries. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, the battery cells 150A will be described as being arranged as pouch-type secondary batteries.

[0034] The pack case 200A may accommodate the battery module assembly 100A. To this end, the pack case 200A may be provided with an accommodation space for accommodating the battery module assembly 100A.

[0035] The pack case 200A is formed to a predetermined length along the longitudinal direction of the battery pack 10A, and may be provided in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape that is open in the longitudinal direction of the battery pack 10A.

[0036] The barrier unit 300A is provided on at least one side of the pack case 200A and is configured to exhaust vent gas G (see Figures 7 to 10) within the pack case 200A to the outside of the pack case 200A, and may include at least one blocking baffle 350A that blocks flames or sparks F (see Figures 7 to 10) generated in the at least one battery cell 150A.

[0037] Such a barrier unit 300A may be provided in a pair.

[0038] The pair of barrier units 300A may be provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the pack case 200A. Specifically, the pair of barrier units 300A may be coupled to the pack case 200A in the longitudinal direction of the pack case 200A, respectively. The pair of barrier units 300A may be coupled to the pack case 200A to package the battery module assembly 100A in the pack case 200A.

[0039] The barrier unit 300A according to this embodiment will be described in more detail below.

[0040] 3 is an exploded perspective view of a barrier unit of the battery pack of FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a plan view of the battery pack of FIG. 2, and FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the battery pack of FIG.

[0041] 3 to 5, each of the pair of barrier units 300A may include a first barrier 310A, a second barrier 320A, a vent hole 330A, a discharge opening 340A, and a blocking baffle 350A.

[0042] The first barrier 310A has a generally plate-like shape, is coupled to the pack case 200A in the longitudinal direction of the pack case 200A, and may include the at least one blocking baffle 350A.

[0043] One surface of the first barrier 310A may be disposed to face at least one battery cell 150A arranged at the outermost periphery of the battery module assembly 100A in the longitudinal direction of the pack case 200A. In this embodiment, one surface of the first barrier 310A may be disposed to face a plurality of battery cells 150A arranged at the outermost periphery of the battery module assembly 100A.

[0044] The second barrier 320A may be combined with the first barrier 310A and cover the blocking baffle 350A in the longitudinal direction of the pack case 200A. The second barrier 320A may be provided as a substantially U-shaped plate.

[0045] The second barrier 320A may be spaced a predetermined distance from at least one vent hole 330A, which will be described later, in the longitudinal direction of the pack case 200A to form a predetermined space S therebetween.

[0046] The second barrier 320A may include a bonding portion 322A and a space forming portion 326A.

[0047] The coupling parts 322A are formed at both ends of the second barrier 320A and can be coupled to the first barrier 310A. The space forming parts 326A are formed by bending the coupling parts 322A and can form the space S by coupling the coupling parts 322A and the first barrier 310A.

[0048] The vent hole 330A is for discharging the vent gas G (see FIGS. 7 to 10) to the outside of the pack case 200A, and may be provided in the first barrier 310A.

[0049] At least one or more vent holes 330A may be provided, and in the following, this embodiment will be described with reference to the case where a plurality of vent holes 330A are provided.

[0050] The exhaust opening 340A is for discharging the vent gas G (see Figures 7 to 10) to the outside of the pack case 200A, is connected to the space S along the height direction of the pack case 200A, and may be formed by combining the first barrier 310A and the second barrier 320A.

[0051] Such exhaust openings 340A may include an upper opening 342A and a lower opening 346A.

[0052] The upper opening 342A may be provided on an upper side of the barrier unit 300A. The lower opening 346A may be spaced apart from the upper opening 342A and may be provided on a lower side of the barrier unit 300A.

[0053] The blocking baffle 350A may be provided on the other side of the first barrier 310A and may at least partially cover the at least one, and in this embodiment, a plurality of vent holes 330A.

[0054] The blocking baffle 350A may be disposed obliquely to have a predetermined inclination angle. The blocking baffle 350A may impart directionality to the movement direction of flames or sparks emitted in an abnormal situation by being disposed obliquely to have such an inclination angle.

[0055] At least one or more of such blocking baffles 350A may be provided. In the following, in this embodiment, the description will be limited to the case where the blocking baffles 350A are provided in pairs. The at least one, in this embodiment, a plurality of vent holes 330A may be disposed between the pair of blocking baffles 350A.

[0056] The pair of blocking baffles 350A may be disposed in the space S in a manner surrounding the vent holes 330A when viewed from the top-bottom direction of the battery pack 10A. Here, the pair of blocking baffles 350A may be disposed in the space S at a predetermined distance from each other to form a predetermined gap therebetween when viewed from the top-bottom direction of the battery pack 10A.

[0057] Due to the arrangement of the pair of blocking baffles 350A in this manner, flames or sparks F (see Figures 7 to 10) discharged from the battery cell 150A can pass through the vent hole 330A and then collide with the blocking baffle 350A in the traveling direction, thereby blocking exposure of the exhaust opening 340A to the outside.

[0058] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a barrier unit according to another embodiment of the battery pack of FIG.

[0059] Since the barrier unit 305A of this embodiment is similar to the barrier unit 300A of the previous embodiment, a redundant description of the configuration that is substantially the same or similar to the previous embodiment will be omitted, and the following description will focus on the differences from the previous embodiment.

[0060] The barrier units 305A may be provided in a pair, each of which may include the first barrier 310A, the second barrier 320A, the vent hole 330A, the exhaust opening 340A, the blocking baffle 350A, and a third barrier 390A.

[0061] The first barrier 310A, the second barrier 320A, the vent hole 330A, the exhaust opening 340A and the blocking baffle 350A are substantially the same as or similar to those in the above-described embodiment, and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted below.

[0062] The third barrier 390A covers the exhaust opening 340A and may include a mesh netting. Such a third barrier 390A allows the vent gas G (see FIGS. 7 to 10) to pass through while minimizing the passage of the flame or sparks F (see FIGS. 7 to 10) by the mesh netting.

[0063] Thereby, the barrier unit 305A according to this embodiment can more effectively block or suppress exposure of the flame or sparks F (see FIGS. 7 to 10) to the outside.

[0064] 7 to 10 are diagrams for explaining how a barrier unit is used to block exposure of flames and sparks to the outside when thermal runaway occurs in a battery cell of the battery pack of FIG.

[0065] 7 to 10, at least one of the battery cells 150A of the battery module assembly 100A of the battery pack 10A may be overheated due to an abnormal situation. In the at least one battery cell 150A in which such an abnormal situation occurs, vent gas G, flames, sparks F, etc. may be discharged due to overheating.

[0066] At this time, the barrier unit 300A according to this embodiment guides the discharge of the vent gas G to the outside of the pack case 200A, thereby effectively preventing thermal runaway or explosion of the entire battery module assembly 100A due to the vent gas G inside the battery pack 10A.

[0067] Specifically, the barrier unit 300A can guide the vent gas G into the space S through the vent hole 330A, and then discharge the vent gas G to the outside of the pack case 200A through the upper opening 342A and the lower opening 346A of the exhaust opening 340A.

[0068] Furthermore, the barrier unit 300A according to this embodiment can effectively prevent or suppress the flame or sparks F from being exposed or ejected to the outside through the upper opening 342A and the lower opening 346A of the exhaust opening 340A.

[0069] Specifically, the first barrier 310A of the barrier unit 300A can primarily block the flame or sparks F. Here, the flame or sparks F that have passed through the vent holes 330A of the first barrier 310A can be secondarily blocked by the pair of blocking baffles 350A in the space S. Finally, the flame or sparks F that have passed between the pair of blocking baffles 350A can be blocked by the second barrier 320A.

[0070] In this manner, the barrier unit 300A according to this embodiment can prevent or significantly suppress exposure or ejection of the flame or sparks F outside the exhaust opening 340A by blocking the flame or sparks F emitted from the battery cell 150A in which the abnormal situation has occurred in multiple stages using the first barrier 310A, the pair of blocking baffles 350A, and the second barrier 320A.

[0071] As a result, the barrier unit 300A according to this embodiment can guide the vent gas G discharged from the battery cell 150A to be quickly discharged to the outside of the pack case 200A during the abnormal situation, while conversely, effectively preventing or suppressing the exposure or eruption of the flame or sparks F discharged from the battery cell 150A to the outside of the pack case 200A.

[0072] Therefore, the battery pack 10A according to this embodiment can effectively prevent the risk of a larger fire or explosion that may occur due to flames or sparks F being discharged to the outside of the pack case 200A in the abnormal situation.

[0073] FIG. 11 is a view for explaining a battery pack according to still another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack of FIG.

[0074] 11 and 12, a battery pack 10B may include a battery module assembly 100B, a pack case 200B, and a barrier unit 300B.

[0075] As in the above-described embodiment, the battery module assembly 100B may include at least one or more battery cells 150B. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, the battery module assembly 100B will be described as including a plurality of battery cells 150B.

[0076] The battery cells 150B may be stacked on one another along a height direction of the battery module assembly 100B to be electrically connected to one another as in the above-described embodiment. The battery cells 150B may also be stacked on one another along a longitudinal direction of the battery module assembly 100B. The battery cells 150B may also be stacked on one another in both the longitudinal and vertical directions of the battery module assembly 100B.

[0077] The battery cells 150B are secondary batteries as in the above-described embodiment, and may be arranged as pouch-type secondary batteries, square-type secondary batteries, or cylindrical-type secondary batteries. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, the battery cells 150B will be described as being arranged as pouch-type secondary batteries.

[0078] The pack case 200B may accommodate the battery module assembly 100B as in the above-described embodiment. To this end, the pack case 200B may be provided with an accommodation space for accommodating the battery module assembly 100B.

[0079] The pack case 200B may be formed to a predetermined length along the longitudinal direction of the battery pack 10B and may be provided in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped that is open in the longitudinal direction of the battery pack 10B.

[0080] As in the above-described embodiment, the barrier unit 300B is provided on at least one side of the pack case 200B and is configured to exhaust vent gas G (see Figures 17 to 20) within the pack case 200B to the outside of the pack case 200B, and may include at least one blocking baffle 350B that blocks flames or sparks F (see Figures 17 to 20) generated in the at least one battery cell 150.

[0081] Such a barrier unit 300B may be provided in a pair.

[0082] The pair of barrier units 300B may be provided at both ends of the pack case 200B in the longitudinal direction as in the above-described embodiment. Specifically, the pair of barrier units 300B may be coupled to the pack case 200B in the longitudinal direction of the pack case 200B, respectively. The pair of barrier units 300B may be coupled to the pack case 200B to package the battery module assembly 100B in the pack case 200B.

[0083] The barrier unit 300B according to this embodiment will be described in more detail below.

[0084] 13 is an exploded perspective view of a barrier unit of the battery pack of FIG. 12, FIG. 14 is a plan view of the battery pack of FIG. 12, and FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view of the battery pack of FIG.

[0085] 13 to 15, each of the pair of barrier units 300B may include a first barrier 310B, a second barrier 320B, a vent hole 330B, a discharge opening 340B, and a blocking baffle 350B.

[0086] The first barrier 310B may be generally plate-shaped as in the above-described embodiment, coupled to the pack case 200B in the longitudinal direction of the pack case 200B, and may include the at least one blocking baffle 350B.

[0087] One surface of the first barrier 310B may be disposed to face at least one battery cell 150B arranged at the outermost portion of the battery module assembly 100B in the longitudinal direction of the pack case 200B. In this embodiment, one surface of the first barrier 310B may be disposed to face a plurality of battery cells 150B arranged at the outermost portion of the battery module assembly 100B.

[0088] The second barrier 320B may be combined with the first barrier 310B and cover the blocking baffle 350B in the longitudinal direction of the pack case 200B, as in the above-described embodiment. The second barrier 320B may be provided as a substantially U-shaped plate.

[0089] The second barrier 320B can form a predetermined space S at a predetermined interval from at least one vent hole 330B, which will be described later, in the longitudinal direction of the pack case 200B.

[0090] The second barrier 320B may include a bonding portion 322B and a space forming portion 326B.

[0091] The coupling parts 322B may be formed at both ends of the second barrier 320B and coupled to the first barrier 310B as in the above-described embodiment. The space forming parts 326B may be formed by bending the coupling parts 322B and may form the space S by coupling the coupling parts 322B and the first barrier 310B.

[0092] The vent hole 330B is for discharging the vent gas (G, see FIGS. 17 to 20) to the outside of the pack case 200 as in the above-described embodiment, and may be provided in the first barrier 310B.

[0093] At least one or more vent holes 330B may be provided, and in the following, this embodiment will be described with reference to the case where a plurality of vent holes 330B are provided.

[0094] The exhaust opening 340B is for discharging the vent gas G (see Figures 17 to 20) to the outside of the pack case 200B, is connected to the space S along the height direction of the pack case 200B, and may be formed by combining the first barrier 310B and the second barrier 320B.

[0095] Such exhaust openings 340B may include an upper opening 342B and a lower opening 346B.

[0096] The upper opening 342B may be provided on the upper side of the barrier unit 300B as in the above-described embodiment. The lower opening 346B may be provided on the lower side of the barrier unit 300B, spaced apart from the upper opening 342B.

[0097] The blocking baffle 350B may be provided on the other side of the first barrier 310B and may at least partially cover the at least one, and in this embodiment, a plurality of vent holes 330B.

[0098] The blocking baffle 350B is disposed in the space S between the first barrier 310B and the second barrier 320. Specifically, the blocking baffle 350B may have a predetermined mesh structure. The predetermined mesh structure has predetermined pores formed therein, and the predetermined pores are sized to filter the flames or sparks.

[0099] The blocking baffle 350B may be disposed obliquely to have a predetermined inclination angle as in the above-described embodiment. The blocking baffle 350B may impart directionality to the movement direction of flames or sparks emitted in an abnormal situation by being disposed obliquely to have such an inclination angle.

[0100] As in the above embodiment, at least one or more of the blocking baffles 350B may be provided. In the following, in this embodiment, the blocking baffles 350B are described as being provided in a pair. The at least one, in this embodiment, a plurality of vent holes 330B may be disposed between the pair of blocking baffles 350B.

[0101] The pair of blocking baffles 350B may be disposed in the space S to surround the vent holes 330B when viewed from the top-bottom direction of the battery pack 10B, as in the above-described embodiment. Here, the pair of blocking baffles 350B may be disposed at a predetermined distance apart from each other in the space S when viewed from the top-bottom direction of the battery pack 10B.

[0102] Due to the arrangement of the pair of blocking baffles 350B in this manner, flames or sparks F (see Figures 17 to 20) discharged from the battery cell 150B can pass through the vent hole 330B and then collide with the blocking baffle 350B in the traveling direction, thereby blocking exposure of the exhaust opening 340B to the outside.

[0103] FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a barrier unit according to another embodiment of the battery pack of FIG.

[0104] Since the barrier unit 305B of this embodiment is similar to the barrier unit 300B of the previous embodiment, redundant descriptions of configurations that are substantially identical or similar to those of the previous embodiment will be omitted, and the following description will focus on the differences from the previous embodiment.

[0105] The barrier units 305B may be provided in a pair, each of which may include the first barrier 310B, the second barrier 320B, the vent hole 330B, the exhaust opening 340B, the blocking baffle 350B, and a third barrier 390B.

[0106] The first barrier 310B, the second barrier 320B, the vent hole 330B, the exhaust opening 340B, and the blocking baffle 350B are substantially the same as or similar to those in the above-described embodiment, and therefore, a repeated description will be omitted below.

[0107] The third barrier 390B covers the exhaust opening 340B and may include a mesh netting. Such a third barrier 390B allows the vent gas G (see FIGS. 17 to 20) to pass through while minimizing the passage of the flame or sparks F (see FIGS. 17 to 20) by the mesh netting.

[0108] Thereby, the barrier unit 305B according to this embodiment can more effectively block or suppress exposure of the flame or sparks F (see FIGS. 17 to 20) to the outside.

[0109] 17 to 20 are diagrams for explaining how a barrier unit is used to block exposure of flames and sparks to the outside when thermal runaway occurs in a battery cell of the battery pack of FIG.

[0110] 17 to 20, at least one of the battery cells 150B of the battery module assembly 100B of the battery pack 10B may be overheated due to an abnormal situation. In the at least one battery cell 150B in which such an abnormal situation occurs, vent gas G, flames, sparks F, etc. may be emitted due to overheating.

[0111] At this time, the barrier unit 300B according to this embodiment, as in the above-described embodiment, guides the discharge of the vent gas G to the outside of the pack case 200B, and can effectively prevent thermal runaway or explosion of the entire battery module assembly 100B due to the vent gas G inside the battery pack 10B.

[0112] Specifically, as in the above-described embodiment, the barrier unit 300B can guide the vent gas G into the space S through the vent hole 330B, and then discharge the vent gas G to the outside of the pack case 200B through the upper opening 342B and the lower opening 346B of the exhaust opening 340B.

[0113] Furthermore, the barrier unit 300B according to this embodiment can effectively prevent or suppress the flame or sparks F from being exposed or ejected to the outside through the upper opening 342B and lower opening 346B of the exhaust opening 340B, as in the previously described embodiments.

[0114] Specifically, the first barrier 310B of the barrier unit 300B can primarily block the flame or sparks F. Here, the flame or sparks F that have passed through the vent holes 330B of the first barrier 310B can be secondarily blocked by the pair of blocking baffles 350B in the space S. Finally, the flame or sparks F that have passed between the pair of blocking baffles 350B can be blocked by the second barrier 320B.

[0115] As described above, the barrier unit 300B according to this embodiment, as in the above-described embodiment, can prevent or significantly suppress the exposure or ejection of the flame or sparks F outside the exhaust opening 340B by blocking the flame or sparks F emitted from the battery cell 150B in which the abnormal situation has occurred in multiple stages using the first barrier 310B, the pair of blocking baffles 350B, and the second barrier 320B.

[0116] As a result, the barrier unit 300B according to this embodiment can guide the vent gas G discharged from the battery cell 150B to the outside of the pack case 200B during the abnormal situation, while conversely, effectively preventing or suppressing the exposure or eruption of the flame or sparks F discharged from the battery cell 150B to the outside of the pack case 200B.

[0117] Therefore, the battery pack 10B according to this embodiment can effectively prevent the risk of a larger fire or explosion that may occur due to flames or sparks F being discharged to the outside of the pack case 200B in the abnormal situation.

[0118] FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack of FIG.

[0119] 21 and 22, a battery pack 10C may include a battery module assembly 100C, a pack case 200C, and a barrier unit 300C.

[0120] As in the above-described embodiment, the battery module assembly 100C may include at least one or more battery cells 150C. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, the battery module assembly 100C will be described as including a plurality of battery cells 150C.

[0121] The battery cells 150C may be stacked on one another along the height direction of the battery module assembly 100C to be electrically connected to one another as in the above-described embodiment. The battery cells 150C may also be stacked on one another along the length direction of the battery module assembly 100C. The battery cells 150C may also be arranged to be stacked on one another in both the length direction and the height direction of the battery module assembly 100C.

[0122] The battery cells 150C are secondary batteries as in the above-described embodiment, and may be arranged as pouch-type secondary batteries, square-type secondary batteries, or cylindrical-type secondary batteries. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, the battery cells 150C will be described as being arranged as pouch-type secondary batteries.

[0123] The pack case 200C may accommodate the battery module assembly 100C as in the above-described embodiment. To this end, the pack case 200C may be provided with an accommodation space for accommodating the battery module assembly 100C.

[0124] The pack case 200C may be formed to a predetermined length along the longitudinal direction of the battery pack 10C and may be provided in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape that is open in the longitudinal direction of the battery pack 10C.

[0125] The barrier unit 300C is provided on at least one side of the pack case 200C and is configured to exhaust vent gas G (see Figures 28 to 31) inside the pack case 200C to the outside of the pack case 200C, and may be provided with a predetermined space S (see Figures 25 and 26) for blocking flames or sparks F (see Figures 28 to 31) generated in the at least one battery cell 150C.

[0126] Such a barrier unit 300C may be provided in a pair.

[0127] The pair of barrier units 300C may be disposed at both ends of the pack case 200C in the longitudinal direction as in the above-described embodiment. Specifically, the pair of barrier units 300C may be coupled to the pack case 200C in the longitudinal direction of the pack case 200C, respectively. The pair of barrier units 300C may be coupled to the pack case 200C to package the battery module assembly 100C in the pack case 200C.

[0128] The barrier unit 300C according to this embodiment will be described in more detail below.

[0129] Figure 23 is an exploded oblique view of the barrier unit of the battery pack of Figure 22, Figure 24 is a diagram for explaining the blocking baffle and mesh member of the barrier unit of Figure 23, Figure 25 is a plan view of the barrier unit of Figure 23, and Figure 206 is a side cross-sectional view of the barrier unit of Figure 23.

[0130] 23 to 26, each of the pair of barrier units 300C may include a first barrier 310C, a second barrier 320C, a vent hole 330C, a discharge opening 340C, a blocking baffle 350C, and a mesh member 360C.

[0131] The first barrier 310C has a generally plate shape, is coupled to the pack case 200C in the longitudinal direction of the pack case 200C, and may include at least one blocking baffle 350C and a mesh member 360C, which will be described later.

[0132] One surface of the first barrier 310C may be disposed to face at least one battery cell 150C arranged at the outermost periphery of the battery module assembly 100C in the longitudinal direction of the pack case 200C. In this embodiment, one surface of the first barrier 310C may be disposed to face a plurality of battery cells 150C arranged at the outermost periphery of the battery module assembly 100C.

[0133] The second barrier 320C may be combined with the first barrier 310C as in the above-described embodiment, and may cover the blocking baffle 350C in the longitudinal direction of the pack case 200C. The second barrier 320C may be provided as a substantially U-shaped plate.

[0134] The second barrier 320C can form a predetermined space S at a predetermined interval from at least one vent hole 330C, which will be described later, in the longitudinal direction of the pack case 200C.

[0135] The second barrier 320C may include a bonding portion 322C and a space forming portion 326C. The coupling parts 322C may be formed at both ends of the second barrier 320C and coupled to the first barrier 310C as in the above-described embodiment. The space forming parts 326C may be formed by bending the coupling parts 322C and may form the space S by coupling the coupling parts 322C and the first barrier 310C. The vent hole 330C, as in the above-described embodiment, is for discharging the vent gas (G, see FIGS. 28 to 31) to the outside of the pack case 200C, and may be provided in the first barrier 310C.

[0136] The vent hole 330C may be provided to face at least one battery cell 150C disposed at the outermost edge of the battery module assembly 100C in the longitudinal direction of the pack case 200C.

[0137] At least one or more vent holes 330C may be provided, and in the following, this embodiment will be described with reference to the case where a plurality of vent holes 330C are provided.

[0138] The exhaust opening 340C is for discharging the vent gas G (see Figures 28 to 31) to the outside of the pack case 200C, is connected to the space S along the height direction of the pack case 200C, and may be formed by combining the first barrier 310C and the second barrier 320C.

[0139] Such exhaust openings 340C may include an upper opening 342C and a lower opening 346C.

[0140] The upper opening 342C may be provided on the upper side of the barrier unit 300C as in the previously described embodiment. The lower opening 346C may be provided on the lower side of the barrier unit 300C, spaced apart from the upper opening 342C as in the previously described embodiment.

[0141] The blocking baffle 350C is coupled to the first barrier 310C and disposed in the space S, and is capable of blocking the flame or sparks F (see FIGS. 28 to 31).

[0142] A plurality of such blocking baffles 350C may be provided.

[0143] The plurality of blocking baffles 350C may be disposed between the first barrier 310C and the second barrier 320C at a predetermined distance from each other. Also, the plurality of blocking baffles 350C may be disposed between the first barrier 310C and the second barrier 320C so as to be inclined at a predetermined angle.

[0144] The mesh member 360C is provided in the space S and may be connected to the blocking baffles 350C by welding, bolting, etc. Here, the mesh member 360C may be connected to the blocking baffles 350C to form a gap with a predetermined interval. This is to facilitate the passage of vent gas G between the mesh member 360C and the blocking baffles 350C.

[0145] A plurality of such mesh members 360C may be provided.

[0146] The mesh members 360C may be disposed between the first barrier 310C and the second barrier 320C at a predetermined distance from each other. The mesh members 360C may be disposed within the space S between the blocking baffles 350C.

[0147] Specifically, each mesh member 360C may be arranged to form a gap of a predetermined interval between a corresponding pair of blocking baffles 350C. As a result, the mesh members 360C may be arranged together with the blocking baffles 350C to have a substantially trapezoidal shape in the space S.

[0148] The plurality of mesh members 360C and the plurality of blocking baffles 350C may be disposed in a shape surrounding the plurality of vent holes 330C in the space S when viewed in a vertical direction of the battery pack 10C. Here, the plurality of mesh members 360C and the plurality of blocking baffles 350C may be disposed in the space S at predetermined intervals from each other when viewed in a vertical direction of the battery pack 10C.

[0149] Due to the arrangement of the plurality of mesh members 360C and the plurality of blocking baffles 350C, flames or sparks F (see Figures 27 to 30) discharged from the battery cell 150C can pass through the vent hole 330C and then collide with the plurality of blocking baffles 350C in the traveling direction or be filtered by the plurality of mesh members 360C, thereby blocking exposure of the exhaust opening 340C to the outside.

[0150] FIG. 27 is a diagram for explaining a barrier unit according to another embodiment of the battery pack of FIG.

[0151] Since the barrier unit 305C of this embodiment is similar to the barrier unit 300C of the previous embodiment, a redundant description of configurations that are substantially identical or similar to those of the previous embodiment will be omitted, and the following description will focus on the differences from the previous embodiment.

[0152] The barrier units 305C are provided in a pair, and each may include the first barrier 310C, the second barrier 320C, the vent hole 330C, the exhaust opening 340C, the blocking baffle 350C, the mesh member 360C, and a third barrier 390C.

[0153] The first barrier 310C, the second barrier 320C, the vent hole 330C, the exhaust opening 340C, the blocking baffle 350C and the mesh member 360C are substantially the same or similar to those in the above-described embodiment, so that repeated description will be omitted below.

[0154] The third barrier 390C covers the exhaust opening 340C and may include a mesh netting. Such a third barrier 390C allows the vent gas G (see FIGS. 28 to 31) to pass through while minimizing the passage of the flame or sparks F (see FIGS. 28 to 31) by the mesh netting.

[0155] Thereby, the barrier unit 305C according to this embodiment can more effectively block or suppress exposure of the flame or sparks F (see FIGS. 28 to 31) to the outside.

[0156] 28 to 31 are diagrams for explaining how a barrier unit is used to block exposure of flames and sparks to the outside when thermal runaway occurs in a battery cell of the battery pack of FIG.

[0157] 28 to 31, at least one of the battery cells 150C of the battery module assembly 100C of the battery pack 10C may be overheated due to an abnormal situation. In the at least one battery cell 150C in which such an abnormal situation occurs, vent gas G, flames, sparks F, etc. may be emitted due to overheating.

[0158] At this time, the barrier unit 300 according to this embodiment, as in the above-mentioned embodiments, can guide the discharge of the vent gas G to the outside of the pack case 200C, thereby effectively preventing thermal runaway or explosion of the entire battery module assembly 100C due to the vent gas G inside the battery pack 10C.

[0159] Specifically, as in the above-described embodiment, the barrier unit 300C can guide the vent gas G into the space S through the vent hole 330C, and then discharge the vent gas G to the outside of the pack case 200C through the upper opening 342C and the lower opening 346C of the exhaust opening 340C.

[0160] Furthermore, the barrier unit 300C according to this embodiment can effectively prevent or suppress the flame or sparks F from being exposed or ejected to the outside through the upper opening 342C and lower opening 346C of the exhaust opening 340C, as in the previously described embodiments.

[0161] Specifically, the first barrier 310C of the barrier unit 300C can primarily block the flame or sparks F. Here, the flame or sparks F that have passed through the vent hole 330C of the first barrier 310C can be secondarily blocked or filtered by a plurality of blocking baffles 350C and a plurality of mesh members 360C in the space S. Finally, the flame or sparks F that have passed between the plurality of blocking baffles 350C and the plurality of mesh members 360C can be blocked by the second barrier 320C.

[0162] In this manner, the barrier unit 300C according to this embodiment can prevent or significantly suppress the exposure or ejection of the flame or sparks F outside the exhaust opening 340C by blocking the flame or sparks F emitted from the battery cell 150C in which the abnormal situation has occurred in multiple stages using the first barrier 310C, the multiple blocking baffles 350C, the multiple mesh members 360C and the second barrier 320C.

[0163] As a result, the barrier unit 300C according to this embodiment can guide the vent gas G discharged from the battery cell 150C to the outside of the pack case 200C during the abnormal situation, while conversely, effectively preventing or suppressing the exposure or eruption of the flame or sparks F discharged from the battery cell 150C to the outside of the pack case 200C.

[0164] Therefore, the battery pack 10C according to this embodiment can effectively prevent the risk of a larger fire or explosion that may occur due to flames or sparks F being discharged to the outside of the pack case 200C in the abnormal situation.

[0165] 32 to 34 are diagrams illustrating an energy storage device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0166] 32 to 34, the energy storage device 1A, 1B, 1C may include at least one or more of the battery packs 10A, 10B, 10C of the above-described embodiments, and a container 50A, 50B, 50C for housing the at least one or more of the battery packs 10A, 10B, 10C.

[0167] In addition, at least one or more of the battery packs 10A, 10B, 10C in the above-described embodiments can be an energy source for an automobile and can be installed in the automobile. Needless to say, the battery packs 10A, 10B, 10C can also be installed in other devices, equipment, and facilities that use secondary batteries outside the automobile.

[0168] In this manner, the energy storage devices 1A, 1B, 1C according to this embodiment and devices, mechanisms, and equipment equipped with the battery packs 10A, 10B, 10C, such as automobiles, can be realized to realize devices, mechanisms, and equipment such as the energy storage devices 1A, 1B, 1C and automobiles that have all of the advantages of the battery packs 10A, 10B, 10C described above.

[0169] According to the various embodiments described above, it is possible to provide battery packs 10A, 10B, 10C, energy storage devices 1A, 1B, 1C including the battery packs, and automobiles that can block exposure to the outside of flames or sparks F that may occur in an abnormal condition of the battery cells 150A, 150B, 150C, and the like.

[0170] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, the present invention is in no way limited to the specific embodiments described above. It goes without saying that various modifications of the embodiments can be made by a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the invention pertains without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the claims, and these modified embodiments should not be understood individually from the technical ideas and perspectives of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0171] 1A Energy Storage Device 1B Energy storage device 1C Energy Storage Device 10A Battery Pack 10B Battery Pack 10C Battery Pack 50A Container 50B Container 50C Container 100A Battery Module Assembly 100B Battery module assembly 100C Battery Module Assembly 150 Battery Cells 150A Battery Cell 150B Battery Cell 150C Battery Cell 200 pack case 200A pack case 200B Pack Case 200C Pack Case 300 Barrier Unit 300A Barrier Unit 300B Barrier Unit 300C Barrier Unit 305A Barrier Unit 305B Barrier Unit 305C Barrier Unit 310 First Barrier 310A First Barrier 310B First Barrier 310C First Barrier 320 Second Barrier 320A Second Barrier 320B Second Barrier 320C 2nd Barrier 322A Joint 322B Joint 322C Joint 326A Space forming part 326B Space forming part 326C Space forming part 330A Vent Hole 330B Vent Hole 330C Vent Hole 340A discharge opening 340B Discharge opening 340C discharge opening 342A Top opening 342B Top opening 342C Top opening 346A Bottom opening 346B Bottom opening 346C Bottom opening 350A Blocking Baffle 350B Blocking Baffle 350C Blocking Baffle 360C Mesh material 390A 3rd Barrier 390B 3rd Barrier 390C 3rd Barrier F Spark G Vent gas S Space

Claims

1. a battery module assembly including at least one battery cell; a pack case that houses the battery module assembly; a barrier unit provided on at least one side of the pack case and configured to exhaust vent gas in the pack case to an outside of the pack case, the barrier unit including at least one blocking baffle; Including, The barrier unit is a first barrier coupled to the pack case and including the at least one blocking baffle; a second barrier coupled to the first barrier and covering the blocking baffle in a longitudinal direction of the pack case; Including, one surface of the first barrier is disposed to face at least one battery cell disposed at an outermost portion of the battery module assembly in a longitudinal direction of the pack case; the first barrier is provided with at least one vent hole for discharging the vent gas to the outside of the pack case; The at least one blocking baffle is provided on the other surface of the first barrier, is obliquely arranged to have a predetermined inclination angle with respect to the other surface of the first barrier, and at least partially covers the at least one vent hole.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the second barrier is spaced a predetermined distance from the at least one vent hole in a longitudinal direction of the pack case to form a predetermined space.

3. The battery pack of claim 2 , wherein the at least one blocking baffle is disposed in the space.

4. The blocking baffles are provided in pairs, The battery pack according to claim 3 , wherein the at least one vent hole is disposed between a pair of the blocking baffles.

5. 3. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein the barrier unit includes at least one exhaust opening communicating with the space along a height direction of the pack case, the at least one exhaust opening being formed by coupling the first barrier and the second barrier.

6. The discharge opening is an upper opening provided on an upper side of the barrier unit; a lower opening spaced apart from the upper opening and disposed below the barrier unit; 6. The battery pack of claim 5, comprising:

7. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the barrier units are provided at both longitudinal ends of the pack case.

8. a battery module assembly including at least one battery cell; a pack case that houses the battery module assembly; a barrier unit provided on at least one side of the pack case and configured to exhaust vent gas in the pack case to the outside of the pack case, the barrier unit including at least one blocking baffle having a predetermined mesh structure; Including, The barrier unit is a first barrier coupled to the pack case and including the at least one blocking baffle; a second barrier coupled to the first barrier and covering the blocking baffle in a longitudinal direction of the pack case; Including, one surface of the first barrier is disposed to face at least one battery cell disposed at an outermost portion of the battery module assembly in a longitudinal direction of the pack case; the first barrier is provided with at least one vent hole for discharging the vent gas to the outside of the pack case; The at least one blocking baffle is provided on the other surface of the first barrier, is obliquely arranged to have a predetermined inclination angle with respect to the other surface of the first barrier, and at least partially covers the at least one vent hole.

9. a battery module assembly including at least one battery cell; a pack case that houses the battery module assembly; a barrier unit provided on at least one side of the pack case and configured to exhaust vent gas in the pack case to the outside of the pack case, the barrier unit having a predetermined space for blocking flames or sparks generated in the at least one battery cell; Including, The barrier unit is a first barrier coupled to the pack case and including at least one blocking baffle; a second barrier coupled to the first barrier and covering the blocking baffle in a longitudinal direction of the pack case; Including, one surface of the first barrier is disposed to face at least one battery cell disposed at an outermost portion of the battery module assembly in a longitudinal direction of the pack case; the first barrier is provided with at least one vent hole for discharging the vent gas to the outside of the pack case; The at least one blocking baffle is provided on the other surface of the first barrier, is obliquely arranged to have a predetermined inclination angle with respect to the other surface of the first barrier, and at least partially covers the at least one vent hole.

10. 10. An energy storage device comprising at least one battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A motor vehicle comprising at least one battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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