Battery Module and Battery Pack Having the same

Abstract

A battery module is provided comprising: a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells; and a module housing having a plate having at least one discharge hole for discharging gas generated from the cell assembly, wherein a placement space for accommodating the cell assembly is formed and the plate having at least one discharge hole is provided; wherein a blocking member is disposed between the cell assembly and the plate having at least one discharge hole, and the blocking member is disposed inside the module housing to cover the discharge hole so as to block flame or combustion material from being discharged to the outside of the module housing through the discharge hole.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module comprising a plurality of battery cells composed of secondary batteries and a battery pack equipped with the same, and more specifically, to a battery module capable of facilitating the discharge of gas and a battery pack equipped with the same. Background Technology

[0003] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged, so they can be applied in various fields such as digital cameras, mobile phones, laptops, hybrid cars, and electric vehicles. Examples of secondary batteries include lithium secondary batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-hydrogen batteries.

[0004] These secondary batteries are manufactured as flexible pouch-type battery cells or rigid prismatic or cylindrical can-type battery cells. Multiple battery cells can form a cell assembly. The cell assembly is placed inside a case (housing, frame) to constitute a battery device such as a battery module or battery pack.

[0005] US Published Patent US 2021 / 0159567 A1 discloses a battery module having multiple battery cells. The said US published patent uses a cylindrical can-type secondary battery that accommodates an electrode assembly inside a rigid casing as a battery cell.

[0006] The aforementioned U.S. published patent is configured to perform cooling of battery cells to prevent ignition or explosion in battery cells caused by a rise in the internal temperature of the battery module. Specifically, the aforementioned U.S. published patent discloses a configuration in which cooling channels in contact with the battery cells are formed between the battery cells and the cooling channels are extended to the outside of the battery module.

[0007] However, battery cell ignition can occur in various situations, such as when the battery cell reaches the end of its lifespan, when swelling occurs in the battery cell, when the battery cell is overcharged, when the battery cell is exposed to heat, when a sharp object such as a nail penetrates the casing of the battery cell, or when the battery cell is subjected to external impact. Therefore, cooling the battery cell alone cannot prevent battery cell ignition.

[0008] Therefore, according to the aforementioned U.S. published patent, ignition may occur in battery cells upon the occurrence of an event. In particular, if ignition occurs in some battery cells, the fire spreads rapidly to adjacent battery cells, and there is a problem in that the pressure inside the battery module rises sharply due to flames, combustible materials, and high-temperature gases (including electrolyte gases and combustion gases). This rise in internal pressure leads to damage, breakage, or explosion of the battery module, and consequently, flames may be exposed to the outside of the battery module. The flames exposed to the outside of the battery module pose a problem of rapidly spreading to adjacent battery modules through a chain reaction of ignition. Furthermore, since multiple battery modules constitute a battery pack and are installed in vehicles or Energy Storage Systems (ESS), there is a problem in that a fire originating in a battery module spreads rapidly, leading to a large-scale fire affecting the entire vehicle or energy storage system. Prior art literature

[0010] US Published Patent US 2021 / 0159567 A1 The problem to be solved

[0011] In one aspect, the present invention aims to provide a battery module capable of delaying or minimizing the external exposure of flames even when a fire occurs inside the battery module, and a battery pack equipped with the same.

[0012] In addition, as one aspect, the present invention aims to provide a battery module capable of stably discharging gas generated inside the battery module to the outside, and a battery pack equipped with the same.

[0013] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a battery module capable of delaying or preventing chain ignition of battery cells by blocking the transfer of flame or high-temperature heat between adjacent battery cells, and a battery pack equipped with the same. means of solving the problem

[0015] As one aspect for achieving at least some of the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides a battery module comprising: a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells; and a module housing having a plate having at least one discharge hole for discharging gas generated from the cell assembly, wherein a placement space for accommodating the cell assembly is formed and the plate having at least one discharge hole. A blocking member is disposed between the cell assembly and the plate having at least one discharge hole, and the blocking member covers the discharge hole from inside the module housing to block flame or combustion material from being discharged to the outside of the module housing through the discharge hole.

[0016] In one embodiment, the battery cell comprises a can-type secondary battery having a plurality of electrode terminals, and the battery cell may be positioned such that at least one of the plurality of electrode terminals faces the plate comprising the at least one discharge hole.

[0017] In one embodiment, the battery cell comprises a can-type secondary battery including a casing that accommodates an electrode assembly and a cap plate that covers an open portion of the casing, and the battery cell may be positioned such that the cap plate faces the plate that includes at least one discharge hole.

[0018] In one embodiment, the battery cell includes a cylindrical secondary battery, and the cell assembly may be configured such that the battery cells are arranged in an upright position.

[0019] In one embodiment, an electrode connecting member electrically connected to the cell assembly may be disposed between the cell assembly and the blocking member. Here, the electrode connecting member may include an electrically insulating support plate and an electrically conductive bus bar supported by the support plate.

[0020] In one embodiment, the blocking member may include a mesh filter having pores.

[0021] In one embodiment, the blocking member may include at least a portion of a porous metal foam, a metal mesh, and a non-metallic porous body.

[0022] In one embodiment, the blocking member may include a metal material or a non-metal material having a melting temperature of 500°C or higher.

[0023] In one embodiment, the cell assembly may include an insulating member disposed between the battery cells to block the propagation of flame or high-temperature thermal energy between adjacent battery cells.

[0024] In one embodiment, the plate including the at least one discharge hole may have a plurality of discharge holes arranged in at least one row.

[0025] In another aspect, the present invention provides a battery pack comprising: a pack case including a bottom case and a cover case joined together to form a receiving space; and at least one battery module received in the pack case; wherein the battery module comprises: a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells; a module housing having a plate having a plate having at least one discharge hole for discharging gas generated from the cell assembly, wherein a placement space for receiving the cell assembly is formed; and a blocking member disposed between the cell assembly and the plate having at least one discharge hole; wherein the cover case has a guide groove to form a flow space through which gas discharged from the discharge hole flows, and the gas flowing along the flow space is discharged to the outside through a venting unit provided in the pack case, and the blocking member covers the discharge hole from the inside of the module housing to prevent flame or combustion material from being discharged to the outside of the module housing through the discharge hole.

[0026] In one embodiment, the plate including the at least one discharge hole has a plurality of discharge holes arranged in at least one row, and the cover case may be provided with guide grooves in a number corresponding to the number of rows.

[0027] In one embodiment, the cover case and the plate including the at least one discharge hole may be arranged in close contact with each other at the edge of the guide groove.

[0028] In one embodiment, the venting unit is disposed on the side wall of the pack case, and between the battery module and the venting unit, a flow guide member may be disposed to guide gas flowing along the flow space formed by the guide groove to be discharged through the venting unit.

[0029] In one embodiment, the flow guide member may have a guide portion spaced apart from the inner surface of the side wall of the pack case to guide gas flowing along the flow space of the guide groove to flow along the inner surface of the side wall of the pack case and then be discharged through the venting unit, and a blocking portion extending from the guide portion toward the inner surface of the side wall of the pack case to block the space between the venting unit and the bottom surface of the bottom case.

[0030] In one embodiment, an additional blocking member may be disposed between the flow guide member and the venting unit to block flame or combustible material from being discharged to the outside of the pack case through the venting unit. Effects of the invention

[0032] According to one embodiment of the present invention having such a configuration, the effect of delaying or minimizing the external exposure of flames even when a fire occurs inside the battery module can be obtained.

[0033] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, there is an effect of being able to stably discharge gas generated inside the battery module to the outside.

[0034] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the effect of delaying or preventing chain ignition of battery cells can be obtained by blocking the transfer of flame or high-temperature heat between adjacent battery cells. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the battery module shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a battery cell. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along the line I-I' of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along the line II-II' of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view along the line III-III' of FIG. 5. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a modified example of FIG. 7. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0037] Prior to the detailed description of the present invention, the terms and words used in the specification and claims described below should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings. Instead, they should be interpreted in a sense and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor may appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention. Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all aspects of the technical spirit of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications capable of replacing them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0038] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that identical components in the accompanying drawings are indicated by the same reference numerals whenever possible. Furthermore, detailed descriptions of known functions and configurations that could obscure the essence of the invention will be omitted. For the same reason, some components in the accompanying drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted, and the size of each component does not entirely reflect its actual size.

[0040] First, a battery module (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0041] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery module (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module (100) shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing one example of a battery cell (120), and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along the line I-I' of FIG. 1.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery module (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a cell assembly (CS), a module housing (110), an electrode connecting member (150), and a blocking member (160).

[0043] The module housing (110) forms a placement space (SM) that accommodates a cell assembly (CS). The module housing (110) can protect the cell assembly (CS) accommodated in the placement space (SM) from the external environment.

[0044] The module housing (110) may include a housing body (111) forming a placement space (SM) and a cover plate (115) coupled to the housing body (111) to cover the placement space (SM). The housing body (111) and the cover plate (115) may be made of a metal material with high thermal conductivity, but the material is not limited thereto.

[0045] The housing body (111) may include a bottom plate (112) and a plurality of side plates (113) extending from the edge of the bottom plate (112) toward a cover plate (115). The bottom plate (112) and the plurality of side plates (113) may be manufactured separately and then joined together by welding or the like. Alternatively, at least some of the bottom plate (112) and the side plates (113) may be formed integrally.

[0046] The cover plate (115) can be combined with the housing body (111) to cover the upper surface of the cell assembly (CS). Various methods, such as welding, can be used to combine the cover plate (115) and the housing body (111).

[0047] The cover plate (115) may be provided with at least one discharge hole (116) for discharging gas (defined herein as including electrolyte gas and combustion gas) generated from a cell assembly (CS) accommodated in a placement space (SM) to the outside of the module housing (110).

[0048] A plurality of discharge holes (116) may be provided in the cover plate (115). The plurality of discharge holes (116) may form at least one row. For example, the plurality of discharge holes (116) may be arranged in two rows along the longitudinal direction (Y) of the module housing (110) in the cover plate (115). The number of discharge holes (116) provided in the cover plate (115) and the number of rows formed by the plurality of discharge holes (116) can be varied.

[0050] A cell assembly (CS) may include a plurality of battery cells (120). The battery cells (120) may be composed of secondary batteries. For example, the battery cells (120) may be composed of lithium secondary batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, etc.

[0051] The battery cell (120) may be configured as a can-type secondary battery in which an electrode assembly (122 in FIG. 3) is housed within a rigid casing (121). Can-type secondary batteries can be classified into cylindrical secondary batteries and prismatic secondary batteries according to their external shape. In the detailed description of the invention, a cylindrical secondary battery is described as an example of a battery cell (120), but the battery cell (120) in the detailed description of the invention and the claims does not exclude prismatic secondary batteries.

[0052] The battery cell (120) includes a cylindrical secondary battery, and a plurality of battery cells (120) can be arranged in an upright position in a third direction (up and down direction) (Z) to form a cell assembly (CS). The battery cell (120) has a plurality of electrode terminals (123; 123a, 123b), and at least one electrode terminal (123a) can be positioned to face the cover plate (115).

[0053] Meanwhile, terms indicating directions such as front, back, left, right, up, and down described in this specification may vary depending on the position of the observer or the shape in which the object is placed. However, for the convenience of explanation, directions such as front, back, left, right, up, and down are distinguished and indicated based on the perspective of looking in the +Y direction on the XZ plane.

[0054] A detailed description of the battery cell (120) will be provided later with reference to FIG. 3.

[0056] A cell assembly (CS) may include an insulating member (130) disposed between at least some of the battery cells (120). The insulating member (130) can block the propagation of flame or high-temperature thermal energy between adjacent battery cells (120). Thus, the insulating member (130) can prevent a chain reaction of ignition from occurring within the cell assembly (CS).

[0057] In FIG. 2, the insulating member (130) is configured such that three are arranged along the longitudinal direction (Y) of the battery module (100) between the battery cells (120), but the number and installation location of the insulating member (130) can be varied.

[0058] The insulating member (130) may include a material having at least one of the properties of flame retardancy, heat resistance, thermal insulation, and electrical insulation. Here, heat resistance may mean a property that does not melt or change shape even at a temperature of 300 degrees or higher, and thermal insulation may mean a property with a thermal conductivity of 1.0 W / mK or less. To ensure higher thermal insulation, it is also possible to have a thermal conductivity of 0.5 W / mK or less, or 0.3 W / mK or less. Flame retardancy is a property that prevents or suppresses self-combustion when a fire source is removed, and may, for example, mean a grade of V-0 or higher in the UL94 V Test. Electrical insulation may mean a property that makes it difficult to transmit electricity, and for example, in a 400V battery pack system, may mean a material belonging to the CTI (Comparative Tracking Index) II group of 400V or higher.

[0059] For example, the insulating member (130) may include at least some of the materials mica, silica, silicate, graphite, alumina, ceramic wool, and aerogel, which can perform the function of preventing heat and / or flame propagation. However, the material of the insulating member (130) is not limited thereto, and various known materials may be used as long as they can maintain their shape in the event of thermal runaway of the battery cell (120) and prevent heat or flame from propagating to adjacent battery cells (120). Additionally, the insulating member (130) may be formed as an insulating sheet, but it is also possible to provide it as an insulating pad.

[0061] The electrode connecting member (150) may be disposed between the upper surface of the cell assembly (CS) and the blocking member (160). The electrode connecting member (150) electrically connects a plurality of electrode terminals (123; 123a, 123b) provided in each battery cell (120). The electrode terminals (123) may include a first electrode terminal (123a) and a second electrode terminal (123b) having different polarities. As an example, the first electrode terminal (123a) may be provided on the upper part of the battery cell (120), and the second electrode terminal (123b) may be provided on the lower part of the battery cell (120). The electrode connecting member (150) may include a first electrode connecting part (150a) connected to an electrode terminal (123) disposed on the upper surface of a cell assembly (CS), and a second electrode connecting part (150b) connected to an electrode terminal (123) disposed on the lower surface of a cell assembly (CS).

[0062] The electrode connecting member (150) may include an electrically conductive busbar (155) electrically connected to an electrode terminal (123) and an electrically insulating support plate (151) that supports the busbar (155). The busbar (155) may include a metal with excellent electrical conductivity. For example, the busbar (155) may be composed of a copper alloy, an aluminum alloy, a nickel alloy, etc. The support plate (151) may be composed of an electrically insulating synthetic resin.

[0063] To increase the connection force between the bus bar (155) and the electrode terminal (123), the bus bar (155) may be connected to a connecting piece (156) that contacts the electrode terminal (123). Additionally, an opening (152) may be formed in the support plate (151) at a position corresponding to the connecting piece (156).

[0064] For electrical connection between the bus bar (155) and the electrode terminal (123), the first electrode connection part (150a) may have a shape in which the bus bar (155) is positioned on the lower part of the support plate (151), and the second electrode connection part (150b) may have a shape in which the bus bar (155) is positioned on the upper part of the support plate (151).

[0065] FIG. 2 discloses a configuration in which, for all battery cells (120) constituting a cell assembly (CS), a first electrode terminal (123a) is located on the upper surface of the cell assembly (CS) and a second electrode terminal (123b) is located on the lower surface of the cell assembly (CS). In this case, the first electrode connection part (150a) may be connected to the first electrode terminal (123a), and the second electrode connection part (150b) may be connected to the second electrode terminal (123b). However, the arrangement of the electrode terminals (123) of the battery cells (120) in the cell assembly (CS) can be varied. For example, it is possible for some battery cells (120) to be arranged such that the first electrode terminal (123a) is located on the upper surface of the cell assembly (CS), and for other battery cells (120) to be arranged such that the second electrode terminal (123b) is located on the upper surface of the cell assembly (CS).

[0066] Meanwhile, the busbar (155) is electrically connected to an external connection terminal (not shown) exposed to the outside of the battery module (100), and the external connection terminal can be provided for electrical connection with the outside of the battery module (100).

[0068] A blocking member (160) may be positioned between the upper surface of the cell assembly (CS) and the cover plate (115). The blocking member (160) may block flames and / or combustible material from being discharged to the outside of the module housing (110) through the discharge hole (116). Since an electrode connecting member (150) is positioned on the upper surface of the cell assembly (CS), the blocking member (160) may be positioned between the first electrode connecting part (150a) of the electrode connecting member (150) and the cover plate (115).

[0069] When a fire occurs in the battery cell (120), not only are positive materials, negative materials, and electrolytes scattered from the battery cell (120), but various combustible materials are also generated. In particular, since the temperature of the high-temperature gas (including electrolyte gas and combustion gas) generated during a fire in the battery cell (120) is 400°C or higher, the electrode connecting member (150) may melt and burn due to the high-temperature heat. That is, the support plate (151) of the electrode connecting member (150) is composed of an electrically insulating synthetic resin, so it has a low melting point and can easily burn when a fire occurs. The blocking member (160) can block flames and / or combustible materials from being discharged to the outside through the discharge hole (116).

[0070] The blocking member (160) may be installed inside the battery module (100) in a manner that covers the discharge hole (116) to prevent flame and / or combustion material from being exposed to the outside through the discharge hole (116).

[0071] The blocking member (160) may include a mesh filter having pores. The mesh filter may include at least some of a porous metal foam, a metal mesh, and a non-metal porous body.

[0072] The blocking member (160) may be made of a flame-retardant and heat-resistant material. For example, the blocking member (160) may include a metal material or a non-metal material having a melting point of 500°C or higher, or 600°C or higher, or 1000°C or higher.

[0073] The material of the metal foam or metal mesh may include at least some of stainless steel (e.g., SUS316L), copper (Cu), nickel, titanium, silver, tungsten, and aluminum, and their alloys. The material of the non-metal porous body may include silicon or ceramic, etc. In the case of ceramic, silicon carbide (SiC), zirconium dioxide (ZrO2), partially stabilized zirconia, etc. may be used as the non-metal porous body.

[0074] The porous metal foam can be formed by foaming the aforementioned metal materials, such as stainless steel and nickel. Additionally, the blocking member (160) may include a single metal mesh or have a structure in which two or more metal meshes are stacked.

[0075] The porous metal foam, metal mesh, and non-metal porous body may have an average pore size of 400 to 800 μm based on the diameter direction. If the average pore size is less than 400 μm, there is a problem where the gas discharge is not smooth due to significant resistance during gas discharge. In this case, the electrolyte gas generated inside the battery module (100) is not discharged smoothly, leading to a problem where secondary ignition, such as thermal runaway, is accelerated. Conversely, if the average pore size exceeds 800 μm, flames and / or combustible materials may penetrate the pores and be exposed to the outside. In this case, the effect of blocking flames and / or combustible materials is reduced, and the flames and / or combustible materials are exposed to the outside of the battery module (100), causing other components (including the battery module (100)) adjacent to the battery module (100) to ignite in a chain reaction.

[0076] Additionally, the blocking member (160) may additionally include at least one of a fire extinguishing substance and a phase change material (PCM) based on an endothermic reaction. The fire extinguishing substance can perform the function of extinguishing a flame. The fire extinguishing substance may be composed of a fire extinguishing capsule made by forming a substance with a fire extinguishing function into a capsule, but is not limited thereto. Additionally, the phase change material can absorb heat from a flowing flame or high-temperature gas to lower the temperature of the flame or gas. The phase change material may be composed of a phase change capsule made by forming a capsule of an organic, inorganic, or mixture thereof having phase change characteristics due to an endothermic reaction, but is not limited thereto. Since various materials for the fire extinguishing substance and the phase change material are known, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0078] Next, a battery cell (120) according to one embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

[0079] A battery cell (120) may include a casing (121) with one side (top) open, an electrode assembly (122) housed inside the casing (121), and a cap plate (125) covering the open portion of the casing (121).

[0080] The casing (121) may be made of a material with high electrical conductivity. For example, the casing (121) may include aluminum or copper material. The casing (121) may have a cylindrical shape extending in a third direction (upward / downward direction) (Z) and may be placed in the module housing (110) in an upright position in the third direction (Z). In this case, at least some of the cap plates (125) may be positioned toward the cover plate (115).

[0081] The electrode terminal (123) may be disposed on the casing (121) and the cap plate (125) with the electrode terminal exposed to the outside. The electrode terminal (123) may include a first electrode terminal (123a) and a second electrode terminal (123b in FIG. 2). For example, the first electrode terminal (123a) and the second electrode terminal (123b in FIG. 2) may be disposed on the lower portions of the cap plate (125) and the casing (121), respectively. Specifically, the first electrode terminal (123a) protruding upward may be formed on the cap plate (125) coupled to the upper portion of the casing (121), and the second electrode terminal (123b) may be formed on the lower portion of the casing (121). As an example, the first electrode terminal (123a) may be configured as a positive terminal, and the second electrode terminal (123b) may be configured as a negative terminal.

[0082] The electrode assembly (122) may have a structure in which a separator is interposed between electrode plates. The electrode plates may include a positive plate and a negative plate, and the electrode assembly (122) may be formed into a structure wound in a jelly-roll shape with a separator interposed between the positive plate and the negative plate.

[0083] An electrode tab (122a) may be connected to the electrode plate, and the electrode tab (122a) may be electrically connected to the electrode terminal (123). An anode tab (122a) may be attached to the positive plate and connected to the first electrode terminal (123a) at the top of the casing (121). A negative electrode tab (not shown) may be attached to the negative plate and connected to the second electrode terminal (123b) at the bottom of the casing (121).

[0084] The cap plate (125) may include a perforated portion when the pressure inside the casing (121) exceeds a set pressure. Accordingly, when the pressure inside the casing (121) rises, gas inside the casing (121) can be discharged to the outside of the casing (121) through the perforated portion of the cap plate (125).

[0085] Meanwhile, the battery cell (120) may be equipped with a safety element (126) that cuts off the current when the electrical resistance increases significantly as the temperature inside the casing (121) rises. As an example, the safety element (126) may be a positive temperature coefficient element (PTC) or a thermal cut-off (TCO) element.

[0086] Additionally, the battery cell (120) may be equipped with a safety valve (127) that ruptures to release gas when the pressure inside the casing (121) exceeds a set pressure. As an example, the safety valve (127) may have a shape in which the central part protrudes downward in a normal state and has a structure that ruptures when the pressure rises.

[0087] The cylindrical battery cell (120) used in the present invention is not limited to the structure described through FIG. 3, and various known cylindrical battery cells of different structures may be applied.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 4, a plurality of battery cells (120) are arranged in a housing body (111) to form a cell assembly (CS). An insulating member (130) may be placed between the battery cells (120). FIG. 4 illustrates a configuration in which the insulating member (130) is arranged along the longitudinal direction (Y) of the housing body (111), but the placement position and number of the insulating member (130) can be varied.

[0091] Meanwhile, although a cylindrical secondary battery was described as an example of a battery cell (120) in the detailed description of the invention, it is also possible to install a prismatic secondary battery instead of a cylindrical secondary battery. In the case of a prismatic secondary battery, the electrode terminal (123) may be positioned toward the cover plate (115), and a gas discharge unit may be positioned at the portion of the casing (121) that is positioned at the electrode terminal (123) and ruptures to discharge gas when the pressure inside the casing (121) exceeds a set pressure. Therefore, even if the battery cell (120) is made of a prismatic secondary battery, flames or combustion materials generated in the battery cell (120) can be blocked by the blocking member (160) and prevented from being discharged to the outside through the discharge hole (116).

[0093] Next, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7, a battery pack (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0094] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a battery pack (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along the line II-II' of FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view along the line III-III' of FIG. 5.

[0095] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, a battery pack (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a pack case (210) and a battery module (100), and may additionally include a flow guide member (230).

[0096] The pack case (210) may include a bottom case (211) on which a battery module (100) is placed, and a cover case (215) coupled to the bottom case (211). The bottom case (211) and the cover case (215) are coupled to each other to form a receiving space (SP) in which the battery module (100) is accommodated. Although FIGS. 5 to 7 illustrate a configuration in which a side wall portion of the pack case (210) is formed on the bottom case (211) and the cover case (215) respectively, it is also possible for the side wall of the pack case (210) to be formed on only one of the bottom case (211) and the cover case (215).

[0097] A venting unit (240) for discharging gas may be disposed in the pack case (210). The venting unit (240) may be disposed on the side wall of the pack case (210). In the embodiments of FIGS. 5 to 7, the venting unit (240) is shown as being disposed on the side wall of the cover case (215), but the venting unit (240) may also be disposed on the side wall of the bottom case (211).

[0098] The venting unit (240) may be composed of a venting hole formed in the pack case (210), or may be configured to include a venting hole and a venting valve installed therein. If the venting unit (240) is composed of a venting hole, the venting hole may always be in an open state. The venting valve used as the venting unit (240) may have a structure that opens when the pressure in the space where gas flows is greater than or equal to a set pressure. Since venting valves are known in various structures and shapes, a detailed description will be omitted.

[0099] At least one battery module (100) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 can be accommodated in the receiving space (SP) of the pack case (210). Although FIG. 5 illustrates a configuration in which four battery modules (100) are accommodated in the receiving space (SP), the number of battery modules (100) accommodated in the receiving space (SP) can be varied.

[0100] A battery module (100) may have a plurality of discharge holes (116) in a cover plate (115). The plurality of discharge holes (116) may be arranged in rows along the longitudinal direction (Y) of the battery module (100). For example, in each battery module (100), the plurality of discharge holes (116) may be arranged in two rows along the longitudinal direction (Y) of the battery module (100). Additionally, for four battery modules (100), the plurality of discharge holes (116) may form a total of eight rows along the longitudinal direction (Y) of the battery module (100).

[0101] The cover case (215) may be provided with guide grooves (216) to form a flow space (217) through which gas discharged from the discharge hole (116) of the battery module (100) flows. The number of guide grooves (216) provided in the cover case (215) may correspond to the number of rows formed by the plurality of discharge holes (116). That is, if the plurality of discharge holes (116) form a total of 8 rows for the entire battery module (100), the cover case (215) may be provided with 8 guide grooves (216).

[0102] Referring to FIG. 6, the cover case (215) and the cover plate (115) can be positioned in close contact with each other at the edge of the guide groove (216). Accordingly, the gas (G) discharged through the discharge hole (116) of the cover plate (115) can move along the flow space (217) formed between the upper surface of the cover plate (115) and the guide groove (216).

[0103] The guide groove (216) may have a shape that extends along one side direction (Y) of the battery pack (200). The guide groove (216) may extend toward the side wall direction where the venting unit (240) of the battery pack (200) is installed. Accordingly, gas flowing along the flow space (217) formed by the guide groove (216) can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack (200) through the venting unit (240).

[0105] Meanwhile, a flow guide member (230) may be disposed between the side of the battery module (100) and the venting unit (240). The flow guide member (230) can guide gas flowing along the flow space (217) formed by the upper surface of the cover plate (115) and the guide groove (216) to be discharged through the venting unit (240). Referring to FIG. 7, the gas (G) discharged through the discharge hole (116) flows along the longitudinal direction (Y) of the battery module (100) from the upper surface of the battery module (100), then strikes the inner surface of the side wall of the pack case (210) and changes its flow direction downward. The flow guide member (230) is installed at the part where the flow direction of the gas changes and functions to prevent the changed gas from flowing into any space inside the receiving space (SP). Accordingly, the flow guide member (230) guides the diverted gas to move to the space where the venting unit (240) is installed and then smoothly discharge through the venting unit (240). That is, the flow guide member (230) guides the gas flowing along the flow space (217) of the guide groove (216) to flow along the inner surface of the side wall of the pack case (210) and then discharge through the venting unit (240).

[0106] The flow guide member (230) may include a guide portion (231), a blocking portion (232), and a support portion (233). The guide portion (231) is spaced apart from the inner surface of the side wall of the pack case (210) to form a space for gas to flow between the guide portion (231) and the inner surface of the side wall. The blocking portion (232) blocks the space between the venting unit (240) and the bottom surface of the bottom case (211) to restrict the flow of gas toward the bottom surface of the bottom case (211). The support portion (233) extends from the guide portion (231) and / or the blocking portion (232) and contacts the bottom surface of the bottom case (211). Thus, the guide portion (231) and the blocking portion (232) can be stably supported by the support portion (233).

[0108] Finally, with reference to FIG. 8, a modified example of the battery pack (200) is described. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a modified example of FIG. 7.

[0109] The battery pack (200) illustrated in FIG. 8 differs from the battery pack (200) illustrated in FIG. 7 only in that an additional blocking member (250) is installed at the front of the venting unit (240) in the space where gas (G) flows. To avoid unnecessary duplication, a detailed description of configurations identical or similar to the battery pack (200) illustrated in FIG. 5 to FIG. 7 is omitted and replaced by the description above.

[0110] An additional blocking member (250) may be positioned between the flow guide member (230) and the venting unit (240). The blocking member (160) provided inside the battery module (100) blocks the discharge of flames and / or combustible materials. However, some of the flames and / or combustible materials generated inside the battery module (100) may not be blocked by the blocking member (160) and may be discharged through the discharge hole (116) and flow through the flow space (217). The additional blocking member (250) can block the flames and / or combustible materials flowing through the flow space (217) from being discharged to the outside of the pack case (210) through the venting unit (240).

[0111] The additional blocking member (250), like the blocking member (160), may include a mesh filter having pores. The mesh filter may include at least a portion of a porous metal foam, a metal mesh, and a non-metallic porous body. The additional blocking member (250) may be made of a flame-retardant and heat-resistant material. Since the additional blocking member (250) may use the same configuration as the blocking member (160), the detailed description of the additional blocking member (250) will be replaced by the description of the blocking member (160) described above.

[0113] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention as described in the claims.

[0114] For example, some components of the above-described embodiments may be omitted, and each embodiment may be combined with one another. Explanation of the symbols

[0116] 100... Battery module 110... Module housing 111... Housing body 112... Bottom plate 113... Side plate 115... Cover plate 116... exhaust hole 120... battery cell 121... Casing 122... Electrode assembly 122a... electrode tab 123... electrode terminal 123a... 1st electrode terminal 123b... 2nd electrode terminal 130... Insulating member 150... Electrode connecting member 150a... First electrode connection part 150b... Second electrode connection part 151... Support plate 155... Busbar 156... Connection Section 160... Blocking Absence 200.. Battery Pack 210... Pack Case 211... Bottom case 215... Cover case 216... Guide Home 217... Flexible Space 230... Floating guide member 231... Guide part 232... Blocking section 233... Support section 240... Venting unit 250... Additional blocking element 260... Battery control unit CS... Cell assembly SM... Deployment space SP... Accommodation space

Claims

Claim 1 A battery pack comprising: a pack case including a bottom case and a cover case joined together to form a receiving space; and at least one battery module received in the pack case; wherein the battery module comprises: a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells; a module housing having a plate having a plate having a placement space formed to receive the cell assembly and having at least one discharge hole for discharging gas generated from the cell assembly; and a blocking member disposed between the cell assembly and the plate having the plurality of discharge holes; wherein the blocking member covers the discharge hole inside the module housing to block flame or combustion material from being discharged to the outside of the module housing through the discharge hole, and the cover case covers a plurality of plates provided in the plurality of module housings and has a plurality of guide grooves to form a flow space through which gas discharged from the discharge holes provided in each of the plurality of plates flows, and each of the plurality of guide grooves has a shape that covers the discharge hole provided in one plate and does not cover the discharge hole provided in the remaining plate so that gas discharged from inside one battery module does not affect another battery module. Claim 2 In claim 1, the battery cell comprises a can-type secondary battery having a plurality of electrode terminals, and the battery cell is a battery pack in which at least one of the plurality of electrode terminals is positioned toward a plate including at least one discharge hole. Claim 3 In claim 1, the battery cell comprises a can-type secondary battery including a casing that accommodates an electrode assembly and a cap plate that covers an open portion of the casing, and the battery cell is a battery pack in which the cap plate is positioned toward the plate that includes at least one discharge hole. Claim 4 In paragraph 2, the battery cell comprises a cylindrical secondary battery, and the cell assembly is a battery pack configured such that the battery cells are arranged in an upright state. Claim 5 A battery pack according to paragraph 2, wherein an electrode connecting member electrically connected to the cell assembly is disposed between the cell assembly and the blocking member. Claim 6 In claim 5, the electrode connecting member comprises a battery pack including an electrically insulating support plate and an electrically conductive bus bar supported by the support plate. Claim 7 In any one of claims 1 to 6, the blocking member comprises a battery pack including a mesh filter having pores. Claim 8 A battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the blocking member comprises at least a portion of a porous metal foam, a metal mesh, and a non-metal porous body. Claim 9 A battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the blocking member comprises a metal material or a non-metal material having a melting temperature of 500°C or higher. Claim 10 A battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cell assembly comprises an insulating member disposed between the battery cells to block the propagation of flame or high-temperature thermal energy between adjacent battery cells. Claim 11 A battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a plurality of discharge holes are arranged in at least one row on the plate including the at least one discharge hole. Claim 12 A battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the gas flowing along the flow space is discharged to the outside through a venting unit provided in the pack case. Claim 13 A battery pack according to claim 12, wherein the plate including the at least one discharge hole has a plurality of discharge holes arranged in at least one row, and the cover case is provided with a plurality of guide grooves in a number corresponding to the number of rows. Claim 14 In claim 12, the battery pack wherein the cover case and the plate including the at least one discharge hole are positioned in close contact with each other at the edge of the guide groove. Claim 15 A battery pack according to claim 12, wherein the venting unit is disposed on the side wall of the pack case, and a flow guide member is disposed between the battery module and the venting unit to guide gas flowing along the flow space formed by the guide groove to be discharged through the venting unit. Claim 16 A pack case comprising a bottom case and a cover case joined together to form a receiving space; and at least one battery module received in the pack case; wherein the battery module comprises: a cell assembly comprising a plurality of battery cells; and a module housing having a plate having a placement space formed to receive the cell assembly and having at least one discharge hole for discharging gas generated from the cell assembly. and a blocking member disposed between the cell assembly and the plate including at least one discharge hole; wherein the cover case is provided with a guide groove to form a flow space through which gas discharged from the discharge hole flows, and the gas flowing along the flow space is discharged to the outside through a venting unit provided in the pack case, and the blocking member covers the discharge hole from the inside of the module housing to prevent flame or combustion material from being discharged to the outside of the module housing through the discharge hole, and the venting unit is disposed on the side wall of the pack case, and between the battery module and the venting unit, a flow guide member is disposed to guide the gas flowing along the flow space formed by the guide groove to be discharged through the venting unit, and the flow guide member comprises a guide portion disposed spaced apart from the inner surface of the side wall of the pack case to guide the gas flowing along the flow space of the guide groove to flow along the inner surface of the side wall of the pack case and then be discharged through the venting unit, and from the guide portion A battery pack having a blocking member that extends in the direction of the inner surface of the side wall of the pack case and blocks the space between the venting unit and the bottom surface of the bottom case. Claim 17 A battery pack according to claim 15, wherein an additional blocking member is disposed between the above-mentioned flow guide member and the above-mentioned venting unit to block flame or combustible material from being discharged to the outside of the pack case through the above-mentioned venting unit.

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