Battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

A battery pack according to the present disclosure includes: a battery assembly including a plurality of battery cells; a pack case in which an accommodation space is defined to accommodate the battery assembly; at least one first vent hole provided on a first side of the battery assembly; a vent space provided on the first side of the first vent hole and formed in the pack case; and a backflow preventing member having at least one opening / closing portion disposed to correspond to the first vent hole. The opening / closing portion is opened to allow communication between the first vent hole and the vent space when an internal pressure of the battery assembly reaches or exceeds a predetermined reference value.

Description

Battery pack and automobile including the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack and an automobile including the same.

[0002] This application is a priority application for Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0125063 filed September 12, 2024 and U.S. Patent Application No. 19 / 319,515 filed September 4, 2025, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of said applications are incorporated by reference into this application.

[0003] Secondary batteries, which possess electrical characteristics such as high energy density and high applicability across product groups, are widely applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electric sources. These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for enhancing eco-friendliness and energy efficiency, not only for the primary advantage of drastically reducing the use of fossil fuels but also because they generate no by-products from energy use.

[0004] Currently, widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium-polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. When a high output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery module or battery pack. Additionally, to increase charge / discharge capacity, multiple battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery module or battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery module or pack can be varied depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] When configuring a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel, it is common practice to first construct a battery module containing at least one battery cell, and then use this at least one battery module to add other components to form a battery pack or battery rack. Alternatively, recently, battery packs in the form of a "Cell-to-Pack," in which multiple battery cells are directly housed in a pack housing without modularization, are also being manufactured.

[0006] The present invention provides a battery pack capable of effectively preventing or suppressing the backflow of discharged venting gas, and an automobile including the same.

[0007] In addition, a battery pack in which venting gas can be guided only in a specific direction and a vehicle including the same are provided.

[0008] In addition, a battery pack in which thermal events can be effectively suppressed and a vehicle including the same are provided.

[0009] In addition, a battery pack capable of effectively preventing or suppressing the propagation of thermal events and a vehicle including the same are provided.

[0010] In addition, a battery pack capable of minimizing internal damage and a vehicle including the same are provided.

[0011] In addition, a battery pack that can be easily redesigned and a vehicle including the same are provided.

[0012] In addition, a battery pack with improved productivity or manufacturability and an automobile including the same are provided.

[0013] The technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned problems can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0014] A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a battery assembly having a plurality of battery cells; a pack case having a receiving space formed therein for accommodating the battery assembly; at least one first venting hole provided on a first side of the battery assembly; a venting space disposed on a first side of the first venting hole and provided in the pack case; and a reverse flow prevention member having at least one opening / closing portion disposed corresponding to the first venting hole, wherein the opening / closing portion is opened to allow the first venting hole and the venting space to communicate with each other when the internal pressure of the battery assembly is formed to be greater than or equal to a predetermined reference value.

[0015] The above opening / closing part can be closed to block the first venting hole and the venting space from each other when the internal pressure of the battery assembly is formed to a size less than the above reference value.

[0016] The above opening / closing member may comprise a fixed end fixed to the reverse inflow prevention member; and an opening end spaced apart from the fixed end and configured to open when the internal pressure of the battery assembly is formed to be greater than or equal to the reference value.

[0017] The above pack case has a bottom portion spaced apart from the battery assembly to a first side, and the venting space is formed in the spaced-apart space between the battery assembly and the bottom portion, and the gap between the fixed end and the open end may be formed larger than the gap between the battery assembly and the bottom portion.

[0018] The above-mentioned backflow prevention member may include a material having rigidity and fire-resistant properties.

[0019] The first venting hole comprises a first-1 venting hole positioned approximately in the center of the battery assembly; and a first-2 venting hole positioned outside the first-1 venting hole in the battery assembly, and the opening / closing part may comprise a first opening / closing part corresponding to the first-1 venting hole; and a second opening / closing part corresponding to the first-2 venting hole.

[0020] The above-mentioned reverse inflow prevention member is provided in a plate shape, and the above-mentioned opening / closing part may be formed integrally with the above-mentioned reverse inflow prevention member.

[0021] The above opening / closing part may be formed by notching the above backflow prevention member.

[0022] The above opening / closing part may be formed by slitting the above reverse inflow prevention member.

[0023] A battery pack according to the present invention may further include a bottom plate that supports the battery assembly, which is disposed between the battery assembly and the pack case and has a second venting hole formed corresponding to the first venting hole.

[0024] The rigidity of the above bottom plate can be formed to be greater than the rigidity of the above backflow prevention member.

[0025] The size of the above opening / closing part may be formed to be larger than the size of the first venting hole or the size of the second venting hole.

[0026] The above first side may be a lower side.

[0027] The side opposite to the first side is the second side, and may further include a cooling member disposed on the second side of the battery assembly and cooling the battery assembly.

[0028] The above pack case may be equipped with a venting device that communicates the venting space with the outside.

[0029] The above pack case may further include a partition frame that partitions the receiving space, a plurality of the battery assemblies are received in the receiving space, a connecting bus bar that electrically connects one of the battery assemblies and another of the battery assemblies across the partition frame, and a sealing member that seals the connecting bus bar.

[0030] The automobile according to the present invention includes at least one battery pack according to the present invention.

[0031] According to the present invention, a battery pack capable of effectively preventing or suppressing the backflow of discharged venting gas and an automobile including the same can be provided.

[0032] In addition, a battery pack in which venting gas can be guided only in a specific direction and a vehicle including the same can be provided.

[0033] In addition, a battery pack in which thermal events can be effectively suppressed and a vehicle including the same can be provided.

[0034] In addition, a battery pack capable of effectively preventing or suppressing the propagation of thermal events and a vehicle including the same can be provided.

[0035] In addition, a battery pack that allows for easy design changes and a vehicle including the same can be provided.

[0036] In addition, it is possible to provide a battery pack capable of minimizing internal damage and a vehicle containing the same.

[0037] In addition, a battery pack with improved productivity or manufacturability and an automobile including the same can be provided.

[0038] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0039] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate embodiments of the present invention and serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention provided below; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings.

[0040] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a disassembled battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a reverse inflow prevention member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view showing a part of the II' section of FIG. 1.

[0045] Figure 6 is a side cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of part A of Figure 5.

[0046] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a reverse inflow prevention member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a reverse inflow prevention member according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 9 shows a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a bottom plate positioned between a battery assembly and a reverse flow prevention member in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view showing a cross- section of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of part A of FIG. 11.

[0052] FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view showing another part of the II' section of FIG. 1.

[0053] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the IIII' section of FIG. 1.

[0054] FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of part B of FIG. 5 or FIG. 11.

[0055] FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a pack case of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] FIG. 17 is a drawing showing a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] In parts of the attached drawings, corresponding components are given the same reference numerals. Those skilled in the art understand that the drawings are intended to illustrate elements simply and clearly and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, to aid in understanding various embodiments, the dimensions of some elements depicted in the drawings may be exaggerated compared to others. Additionally, elements of known technology that are useful or essential in commercially viable embodiments may often be omitted so as not to hinder the spirit of the various embodiments of the present invention.

[0058] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, and should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention.

[0059] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely some embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention, and that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0060] When a battery pack contains multiple battery cells, it may be vulnerable to thermal chain reactions between battery cells or battery modules. For example, if a thermal event, such as thermal runaway, occurs in a single battery cell, this event can propagate to other battery cells or modules. If this propagation of thermal runaway is not properly suppressed, a thermal event originating in a specific battery cell can trigger a chain reaction in other cells or modules, potentially causing serious problems such as explosions or fires.

[0061] In conventional battery packs, when a thermal event occurs in a battery cell, high-temperature discharges, such as high-temperature gases, flames, and solid particles, could be ejected upwards from the battery cell or pack and / or inwards toward the pack case. In such conventional battery packs, it was difficult for these high-temperature discharges to be fully and smoothly expelled to the outside, and there was a problem in that the discharges could flow back into the battery cell or battery module, thereby accelerating heat propagation.

[0062] The present invention provides a battery pack structure capable of effectively suppressing or delaying heat propagation by enabling the complete and smooth external discharge of high-temperature discharge even when a thermal event occurs in a battery cell, while preventing or suppressing the reverse inflow of high-temperature discharge into the same or other battery cells or battery modules.

[0063] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the battery pack exploded according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a reverse inflow prevention member according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view showing a part of the same cross-section of FIG. 1, and FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of part A of FIG. 5.

[0064] Hereinafter, a battery pack (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. A battery pack (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a battery assembly (10), a pack case (200), a first venting hole (VH1), a venting space (S), and a reverse inflow prevention member (300).

[0065] The battery assembly (10) may have a plurality of battery cells (100). The battery assembly (10) may have a predetermined length, width, and height in the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction, respectively.

[0066] In the battery assembly (10), a plurality of battery cells (100) may be stacked. For example, a plurality of battery cells (100) may be stacked along the width direction or the Y-axis direction of the battery assembly (10) while standing upright in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). When a plurality of battery cells (100) are arranged in this manner, it may be easy to control the discharge direction of the venting gas (VG), which will be described later, to one side.

[0067] The pack case (200) may be configured to accommodate a battery assembly (10). A receiving space (S) for accommodating the battery assembly (10) may be formed in the pack case (200). A plurality of battery assemblies (10) may be accommodated in the pack case (200).

[0068] A first venting hole (VH1) may be provided on the first side (D1) of the battery assembly (10). Here, the first side (D1) may mean the first direction side. The first direction may be understood, for example, as the -Z direction. At least one first venting hole (VH1) may be provided. Alternatively, the first venting hole (VH1) may be provided corresponding to each of the plurality of battery cells (100).

[0069] The first venting hole (VH1) may be a hole through which venting gas (VG) can pass. When a thermal event occurs in any battery cell (100) of the battery assembly (10), high-temperature gas, flames, and solid discharges may be emitted from the battery cell (100), and these may be collectively referred to as venting gas (VG). The first venting hole (VH1) may be provided on the first side (D1) of the battery assembly (10), so that the venting gas (VG) emitted from the battery cell (100) may be emitted from the battery assembly (10) to the first side (D1).

[0070] Meanwhile, the opposite side of the first side (D1) may be the second side (D2). The second side (D2) may be the second direction side, which is the opposite direction of the first direction. The second direction may be, for example, the +Z direction.

[0071] A venting space (VS) may be disposed on the first side (D1) of the first venting hole (VH1). The venting space (S) may be provided in the pack case (200). The venting space (VS) can be understood as a space through which venting gas (VG) flows. The venting space (VS) may be disposed on the first side (D1) of the battery assembly (10). At this time, the first venting hole (VH1) may be disposed between the battery assembly (10) and the venting space (VS).

[0072] The reverse inflow prevention member (300) may be configured to have an opening / closing part (310) formed therein. At least one opening / closing part (310) may be formed in the reverse inflow prevention member (300).

[0073] The opening / closing part (310) may be positioned corresponding to the first venting hole (VH1). The opening / closing part (310) may be provided in a number and position corresponding to the first venting hole (VH1). The opening / closing part (310) may be provided to cover the first venting hole (VH1). The opening / closing part (310) may be positioned on the first side (D1) of the first venting hole (VH1), for example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 5. However, the opening / closing part (310) may be positioned on the second side (D2) of the first venting hole (VH1), as shown in FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 5.

[0074] The opening / closing part (310) is designed to be opened when the internal pressure of the battery assembly (10) is formed to a size greater than or equal to a predetermined standard value. Here, internal pressure can be understood as the internal pressure formed by the venting gas (VG) when a thermal event occurs in any battery cell (100) of the battery assembly (10) and venting gas (VG) is generated. When the opening / closing part (310) is opened, the opening / closing part (310) can connect the first venting hole (VH1) and the venting space (VS) to each other. In this case, the venting gas (VG) discharged from the battery cell (100) can pass through the first venting hole (VH1) and the opened opening / closing part (310) and be discharged into the venting space (VS).

[0075] In the battery pack (1) according to the present invention, by means of a first venting hole (VH1) provided on the first side (D1), the venting gas (VG) generated by a thermal event in the battery cell (100) can be discharged only toward the first side (D1) and not toward the second side (D2). Furthermore, the discharged venting gas (VG) may not be recirculated back into the same or different battery cell (100). Therefore, there is a significant effect in that the thermal event of the battery cell (100) can be effectively suppressed, and the propagation of the thermal event to other battery cells (100) or battery assembly (10) can also be effectively prevented or suppressed.

[0076]

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the opening / closing part (310) can be closed to block the first venting hole (VH1) and the venting space (VS) from each other when the internal pressure of the battery assembly (10) is formed to be less than the above standard. In this case, the opening / closing part (310) can remain closed without being opened, so that the first venting hole (VH1) and the venting space (VS) can be isolated from each other.

[0078] When the opening / closing part (310) is configured as described above, the opening / closing part (310) can be opened when a sufficient internal pressure is formed by the venting gas (VG) (for example, when an internal pressure greater than the above reference value is formed), and the opening / closing part (310) can be maintained in a closed state otherwise, thereby allowing for smooth discharge of the venting gas (VG) and prevention or suppression of reverse inflow of the venting gas (VG) to be achieved more effectively.

[0079]

[0080] Meanwhile, the battery assembly (10) may be provided with an assembly housing (11) as illustrated in FIG. 3. A plurality of battery cells (100) may be accommodated in the assembly housing (11). The assembly housing (11) may form the overall shape of the battery assembly (10). A first venting hole (VH1) may be formed, for example, on a first side (D1) of the assembly housing (11). The assembly housing (11) may be provided with a bottom cover (11a) that covers the bottom of the assembly housing (11), and the first venting hole (VH1) may be provided in the bottom cover (11a).

[0081] Meanwhile, a plurality of battery cells (100) may be stacked along the width direction or the Y-axis direction of the assembly housing (11) as shown in FIG. 5, and a barrier (12) may be disposed between any two battery cells (100). The barrier (12) may include an elastic material capable of absorbing swelling and may include a material capable of blocking heat or flames.

[0082]

[0083] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the opening / closing part (310) may have a fixed end (311) and an open end (312). The fixed end (311) may be a part fixed to the reverse inflow prevention member (300). The reverse inflow prevention member (300) may have a main body (320) which is a part excluding the opening / closing part (310). The fixed end (311) may be an end of the opening / closing part (310) that is fixed to the main body (320). When the open end (312) is opened in the opening / closing part (310) as described later, the fixed end (311) may be a part where the rotation axis of the opening / closing part (310) is formed.

[0084] The open end (312) may be an end configured to open when the internal pressure of the battery assembly (10) is formed to be greater than the reference value. The open end (312) may be spaced apart from the fixed end (311) to one side.

[0085] As described above, when the opening / closing part (310) is provided with a fixed end (311) and an open end (312), the opening / closing part (310) can be opened only at the open end (312), so that the opening / closing part (310) can be opened in only one direction, and as a result, the venting gas (VG) passing through the opening / closing part (310) can be easily guided in one direction.

[0086] Meanwhile, the opening / closing section (310) may further be provided with a connecting section (313). The connecting section (313) can be understood as an end between the fixed section (311) and the open section (312). The connecting section (313) may form a portion on both sides of the open section (312). The open section (312) and the connecting section (313) may be provided in an overall curved shape, in which case the open section (312) and the connecting section (313) may be defined as a single open section (312).

[0087]

[0088] The pack case (200) may have a bottom portion (210) as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The bottom portion (210) may be spaced apart from the battery assembly (10) to the first side (D1). The bottom portion (210) may form the bottom of the receiving space (S). A venting space (VS) may be formed in the spaced-apart space between the battery assembly (10) and the bottom portion (210).

[0089] Referring to FIG. 6, the gap (W1) between the fixed end (311) and the open end (312) of the opening / closing part (310) can be formed larger than the gap (H) between the battery assembly (10) and the bottom part (210).

[0090] When the opening / closing part (310) is configured as described above, when the opening end (312) is opened by the venting gas (VG) with the fixed end (311) as the axis of rotation, the rotation of the opening end (312) can be prevented by the bottom part (210). Therefore, the opening end (312) of the opening / closing part (310) may be prevented or suppressed from bending to the other side, which is the opposite side of one side. For example, referring to FIG. 6, the opening end (312) may be opened only to the right side or the -Y direction, and may not be opened to the left side or the +Y direction.

[0091]

[0092] The backflow prevention member (300) may include a material having rigidity and fire-resistant properties. For example, the backflow prevention member (300) may include a metal material or a SUS material having sufficient rigidity in addition to fire-resistant properties.

[0093] In this way, when the backflow prevention member (300) includes a material having rigidity and fire-resistant properties, there is an advantage that the backflow prevention member (300) can maintain its shape without melting or breaking even if it is directly exposed to high temperature and high pressure venting gas (VG) in the first venting hole (VH1).

[0094]

[0095] Referring to FIG. 3, the first venting hole (VH1) may have a first-1 venting hole (VH1-1) and a first-2 venting hole (VH1-2). The first-2 venting hole (VH1-2) may be positioned approximately in the center of the battery assembly (10). The first-2 venting hole (VH1-2) may be positioned, for example, approximately in the center in the X-axis direction of the bottom cover (11a).

[0096] The first-1 venting hole (VH1-1) may be positioned further outward than the first-2 venting hole (VH1-2). The first-1 venting hole (VH1-1) may be positioned, for example, on the -X direction side and / or the +X direction side of the first-2 venting hole (VH1-2).

[0097] Referring to FIG. 4, the opening / closing part (310) may have a first opening / closing part (310a) and a second opening / closing part (310b). According to one embodiment, the first opening / closing part (310a) may correspond to a first-1 venting hole (VH1-1). The second opening / closing part (310b) may correspond to a first-2 venting hole (VH1-2).

[0098] As described above, when the first venting hole (VH1) is provided with a first-1 venting hole (VH1-1) and a first-2 venting hole (VH1-2), and the opening / closing part (310) is provided with a first opening / closing part (310a) and a second opening / closing part (310b), there is an advantage that the venting gas (VG) can be smoothly discharged at various locations of the battery assembly (10).

[0099]

[0100] The reverse inflow prevention member (300) may be provided in a plate shape. Also, the opening / closing part (310) may be formed integrally with the reverse inflow prevention member (300). For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the reverse inflow prevention may be provided in a plate shape, and as shown in FIG. 4, the opening / closing part (310) may be formed integrally with the main body (320).

[0101] As described above, when the opening / closing part (310) is formed integrally with the reverse inflow prevention member (300), a reverse inflow prevention member (300) having the opening / closing part (310) can be manufactured by processing a single plate member, thereby improving the productivity or manufacturability of the reverse inflow prevention member (300).

[0102] In addition, when the reverse inflow prevention member (300) is provided in the shape of a plate, there is an advantage that the internal pressure of the reference value at which the opening / closing part (310) can be opened can be easily changed by applying a different thickness of the reverse inflow prevention member (300).

[0103]

[0104] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a reverse inflow prevention member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] FIG. 7 (a) is a plan view of a reverse flow prevention member (300) according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 (b) is a cross-section of the CC' of FIG. 7 (a), and FIG. 7 (c) is a cross-section of the DD' of FIG. 7 (a).

[0106] Referring to FIG. 7, the opening / closing section (310) may be formed by notching the reverse flow prevention member (300). For example, as shown in FIG. 7 (b), a notching section may be formed between two adjacent first opening / closing sections (310a) and between the first opening / closing section (310a) and the main body (320), and this notching section may form the open end (312) of the first opening / closing section (310a). Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawings, a notching section may be formed between the second opening / closing section (310b) and between the second opening / closing section (310b) and the main body (320), respectively, to form the open end (312) of the second opening / closing section (310b).

[0107] And, as shown in FIG. 7 (c), a notching portion is formed between each main body (320) and the first opening / closing portion (310a), and such notching portion can form the connecting portion (313) of the first opening / closing portion (310a). Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawing, a notching portion can be formed between each main body (320) and the second opening / closing portion (310b) to form the connecting portion (313) of the second opening / closing portion (310b).

[0108] As described above, when the opening / closing part (310) is formed by notching, the opening / closing part (310) is closed in a normal state and can be provided in the form of a preliminary breaking line that can be broken by the internal pressure of the venting gas (VG) when a thermal event occurs. In addition, since the opening / closing part (310) can be manufactured by notching the reverse inflow prevention member (300), the productivity or manufacturability of the reverse inflow prevention member (300) can be improved.

[0109]

[0110] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a reverse inflow prevention member according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] FIG. 8 (a) is a plan view of a reverse flow prevention member (300) according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 (b) is the EE' cross-section of FIG. 8 (a), and FIG. 8 (c) is the FF' cross-section of FIG. 8 (a).

[0112] Referring to FIG. 8, the opening / closing section (310) may be formed by slitting the reverse flow prevention member (300). For example, as shown in FIG. 8 (b), a slit section may be formed between two adjacent first opening / closing sections (310a) and between the first opening / closing section (310a) and the main body (320), and this slit section may form the open end (312) of the first opening / closing section (310a). Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawings, a slit section may be formed between the second opening / closing section (310b) and between the second opening / closing section (310b) and the main body (320), respectively, to form the open end (312) of the second opening / closing section (310b).

[0113] And, as shown in FIG. 8 (c), a slit portion is formed between each main body (320) and the first opening / closing portion (310a), and this slit portion can form the connecting end (313) of the first opening / closing portion (310a). Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawing, a slit portion can be formed between each main body (320) and the second opening / closing portion (310b) to form the connecting end (313) of the second opening / closing portion (310b).

[0114] When the opening / closing part (310) is configured as above, the opening / closing part (310) can be manufactured by slitting the reverse inflow prevention member (300), thereby improving the productivity or manufacturability of the reverse inflow prevention member (300).

[0115]

[0116] FIG. 9 shows a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0117] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 9, a battery cell (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may have a cell case (110) and an electrode lead (120). An electrode assembly in which a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator are stacked may be accommodated inside the cell case (110). The cell case (110) may have a storage portion (111), a sealing portion (112), and a folding portion (113). An electrode assembly may be accommodated in the storage portion (111). The sealing portion (112) is a portion in which at least a part of the edge of the storage portion (111) is sealed. For example, if the storage portion (111) is approximately rectangular in shape, the sealing portion (112) may be provided on three of the four sides of the edge of the storage portion (111) and may not be provided on one side (the side in the -Z direction). The folding portion (113) is a part where a portion of the sealing portion (112) is folded, and may be provided, for example, on the other side (+Z direction side) of the storage portion (111). The electrode lead (120) may protrude toward both sides of the battery cell (100) (for example, both sides in the X-axis direction). The electrode lead (120) may be electrically connected to the electrode assembly and configured to protrude toward both sides of the battery cell (100). Additionally, the electrode lead (120) may be configured to protrude toward one side rather than both sides of the battery cell (100).

[0118] Meanwhile, among the sealing portion (112) of the battery cell (100), a bat ear or dog ear protruding slightly outwardly may be formed on the opposite side of the folding portion (113). The first venting hole (VH1-1) formed in the battery assembly (10) may correspond to the bat ear or dog ear.

[0119]

[0120] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a bottom plate (400) positioned between the battery assembly (10) and a reverse flow prevention member in a battery assembly (10) according to another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view showing a cross- section of a battery pack (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of part A of FIG. 11.

[0121] Hereinafter, a battery pack (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12. A battery pack (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include a bottom plate (400).

[0122] A bottom plate (400) may be positioned between the battery assembly (10) and the pack case (200). A bottom plate (400) may be positioned between the battery assembly (10) and the bottom portion (210). A bottom plate (400) may be positioned on the first side (D1) of the battery assembly (10). A second venting hole (VH2) corresponding to a first venting hole (VH1) may be formed in the bottom plate (400). The second venting holes (VH2) may be provided in a number and position corresponding to the first venting holes (VH1). The second venting holes (VH2) may be provided with a shape identical to or approximately similar to the first venting holes (VH1).

[0123] The second venting hole (VH2) may be provided with a second-1 venting hole (VH2-1) and a second-2 venting hole (VH2-2). The second-1 venting hole (VH2-1) corresponds to the first-1 venting hole (VH1-1), and the second-2 venting hole (VH2-2) may correspond to the first-2 venting hole (VH1-2).

[0124] The bottom plate (400) may be positioned between the battery assembly (10) and the reverse flow prevention member (300), as shown in FIGS. 10 to 12. The bottom plate (400) may also be positioned between the reverse flow prevention member (300) and the bottom portion (210) at the first side (D1) of the reverse flow prevention member (300), as shown in the drawings.

[0125] The bottom plate (400) can support the battery assembly (10). Therefore, when the battery pack (1) is equipped with the bottom plate (400), the battery assembly (10) can be supported stably and firmly, and since the need for the reverse flow prevention member (300) to support the battery assembly (10) is reduced, there is an advantage that the reverse flow prevention member (300) can be made relatively thin.

[0126] The bottom plate (400) may include a material having rigidity and fire resistance. In this case, there is an advantage that the bottom plate (400) can maintain its shape without melting or breaking even when exposed to high temperature and high pressure venting gas (VG).

[0127]

[0128] The rigidity of the bottom plate (400) may be formed to be greater than the rigidity of the backflow prevention member (300). For example, the bottom plate (400) may include a material having greater rigidity than the backflow prevention member (300). Alternatively, if the bottom plate (400) and the backflow prevention member (300) are made of the same material, the thickness of the bottom plate (400) may be formed to be greater than the thickness of the backflow prevention member (300).

[0129] In this way, when the rigidity of the bottom plate (400) is formed to be greater than the rigidity of the reverse flow prevention member (300), the bottom plate (400) can support the battery assembly (10) more stably and firmly, so there is an advantage that the reverse flow prevention member (300) can be made thinner.

[0130]

[0131] The size of the opening / closing part (310) may be formed to be larger than the size of the first venting hole (VH1) or the second venting hole (VH2). For example, the width (W1) in the Y-axis direction of the opening / closing part (310) may be formed to be larger than the width (W2) in the Y-axis direction of the first venting hole (VH1) or the width (W3) in the Y-axis direction of the second venting hole (VH2) (see FIG. 6 and FIG. 12). Alternatively, for example, the length in the X-axis direction of the opening / closing part (310) may be formed to be larger than the length in the X-axis direction of the first venting hole (VH1) or the length in the X-axis direction of the second venting hole (VH2).

[0132] In the above case, the deformation of the opening / closing part (310) toward the second side (D2) can be effectively prevented or suppressed, and as a result, the reverse inflow of venting gas (VG) can be more effectively blocked.

[0133] Meanwhile, unlike what is shown in the drawing, the reverse flow prevention member (300) may be positioned between the battery assembly (10) and the bottom plate (400). In this case, the size of the opening / closing part (310) may be formed larger than the size of the first venting hole (VH1), and the size of the second venting hole (VH2) may be formed larger than the size of the opening / closing part (310). In this case, as above, the opening / closing part (310) is prevented or suppressed from deforming toward the second side (D2), and additionally, the opening / closing part (310) can be easily deformed toward the first side (D1).

[0134]

[0135] Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 11, the first side (D1) may be a lower side. The lower side may be, for example, in the -Z direction. When the first side (D1) is a lower side, the first venting hole (VH1) may be provided on the lower side of the battery assembly (10), and the venting space (VS) may be placed on the lower side of the first venting hole (VH1).

[0136] In the case of a vehicle equipped with a battery pack (1), a passenger, such as a driver, is generally positioned above the battery cells (100). If the aforementioned thermal event occurs and the venting gas (VG) is discharged to the upper side of the battery cells (100), it may pose a significant risk to the safety of the passenger. Therefore, as in the present invention, if a first venting hole (VH1) is provided on the lower side of the battery cell (100) or battery assembly (10) and a venting space (S) is positioned below the first venting hole (VH1), the venting gas (VG) can be guided to the lower side opposite the passenger.

[0137]

[0138] Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 11, a battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a cooling member (600).

[0139] The cooling member (600) may be disposed on the second side (D2) of the battery assembly (10). The cooling member (600) may be configured to cool the battery assembly (10).

[0140] When a cooling member (600) is positioned on the second side (D2) of the battery assembly (10), the venting gas (VG) discharged from the battery cell (100) may be prevented or suppressed from moving to the second side (D2) of the battery assembly (10). Therefore, the venting gas (VG) is discharged more smoothly to the first side (D1) rather than the second side (D2) of the battery assembly (10), and at the same time, cooling of the battery assembly (10) can be achieved on the second side (D2) of the battery assembly (10), so thermal events occurring in the battery cell (100) can be prevented or suppressed more effectively.

[0141] Meanwhile, the cooling member (600) may have at least one cooling channel (610). A cooling medium may flow through the cooling channel (610).

[0142]

[0143] FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view showing another part of the same cross-section of FIG. 1, and FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the different cross-section of FIG. 1.

[0144] Hereinafter, a battery pack (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 1, FIGS. 2, FIGS. 13 and FIGS. 14.

[0145] The pack case (200) may be provided with a side wall portion (220). The side wall portion (220) may surround the receiving space (S) of the pack case (200). The side wall portion (220) may be positioned at the edge of the pack case (200). Accordingly, the battery assembly (10) may be positioned inside the side wall portion (220) of the pack case (200). A first venting channel (VC1) may be formed in the side wall portion (220). The first venting channel (VC1) may be formed inside the side wall portion (220). Venting gas (VG) may flow through the first venting channel (VC1). The first venting channel (VC1) may be in communication with the venting space (S).

[0146] As described above, when a first venting channel (VC1) is formed in the side wall portion (220), the venting gas (VG) can flow through the venting space (VS) to the first venting channel (VC1). The battery assembly (10) can be positioned inside the side wall portion (220), and the side wall portion (220) can be positioned outside the battery assembly (10). Therefore, when a first venting channel (VC1) is formed in the side wall portion (220), the venting gas (VG) can flow outside the battery assembly (10).

[0147]

[0148] The pack case (200) may be provided with a partition frame (230). The partition frame (230) may partition the interior of the receiving space (S) of the pack case (200). The partition frame (230) may be placed inside the side wall portion (220). A battery assembly (10) may be placed between the side wall portion (220) and the partition frame (230) or between two adjacent partition frames (230). A second venting channel (VC2) may be formed in the partition frame (230). The second venting channel (VC2) may be formed inside the partition frame (230). Venting gas (VG) may flow through the second venting channel (VC2). The second venting channel (VC2) may be in communication with the venting space (VS).

[0149] As described above, when a second venting channel (VC2) is formed in the partition frame (230), the venting gas (VG) can flow through the venting space (VS) to the second venting channel (VC2). The battery assembly (10) can be positioned between the side wall portion (220) and the partition frame (230) or between two adjacent partition frames (230), and the partition frame (230) can be positioned on the outside of the battery assembly (10). Therefore, when a second venting channel (VC2) is formed in the partition frame (230), the venting gas (VG) can flow on the outside of the battery assembly (10).

[0150]

[0151] The pack case (200) may be equipped with a venting device (250). The venting device (250) may be able to communicate with the venting space (VS) and the outside. The venting device (250) may be configured to allow venting gas (VG) to be discharged to the outside. The venting device (250) may be in the form of a simple hole that penetrates the pack case (200). Alternatively, it may be configured not only to be completely open, but also to remain closed under normal conditions and open when a change in pressure or temperature occurs inside the pack case (200).

[0152] A venting device (250) may be provided on the side wall portion (220). A plurality of venting devices (250) may be provided. A venting device (250) may be in communication with a first venting channel (VC1). A venting device (250) may be in communication with a second venting channel (VC2).

[0153] In this way, if the pack case (200) is further equipped with a venting device (250), there is an advantage that the venting gas (VG) flowing in the venting space (VS) can be discharged more smoothly to the outside of the pack case (200).

[0154]

[0155] Meanwhile, the pack case (200) may further be provided with a bottom portion (210) and a pack cover (240). The bottom portion (210) may form the bottom of the pack case (200). The bottom portion (210) may form the bottom of the receiving space (S). The side wall portion (220) may surround the bottom portion (210) and together with the bottom portion (210) form the receiving space (S). The pack cover (240) may be positioned to cover the receiving space (S). The pack cover (240) may be attached to the side wall portion (220) or the partition frame (230).

[0156]

[0157] FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of part B of FIG. 5 or FIG. 11.

[0158] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 15, a connection busbar (15) of a battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0159] The battery pack (1) may further include a connection busbar (15). When a plurality of battery assemblies (10) are accommodated inside a pack case (200), the connection busbar (15) can electrically connect one battery assembly (10) to another battery assembly (10). For example, the connection busbar (15) can electrically connect the negative terminal (13) of one battery assembly (10) to the positive terminal (14) of the other battery assembly (10).

[0160] At this time, the connection bus bar (15) may be positioned to cross a partition frame (230) placed between two battery assemblies (10). The connection bus bar (15) may be sealed by a sealing member (16). The sealing member (16) may be positioned, for example, between the connection bus bar (15) and the partition frame (230). The sealing member (16) may be positioned, for example, between the connection bus bar (15) and the pack cover (240).

[0161] The sealing member (16) may include a material having fire resistance capable of blocking heat or flames. The sealing member (16) may include a rubber material or a foam material for sealing.

[0162] As the connecting bus bar (15) connects two battery assemblies (10) to each other, a gap may be formed between the two battery assemblies (10). However, if a sealing member (16) is included as described above, the sealing member (16) (16) can seal the gap. In this case, the venting gas (VG) may be prevented or suppressed from flowing through the connecting bus bar (15) from one battery assembly (10) to the other battery assembly (10), or in the opposite direction.

[0163]

[0164] FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the pack case (200) of a battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0165] With reference to FIGS. 5, 11, and 16, a mounting block (500) of a battery pack (1) according to one embodiment or another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0166] A battery pack (1) according to the present invention may further include a mounting block (500) disposed between a battery assembly (10) and a pack case (200). The mounting block (500) may be disposed on a first side (D1) of the battery assembly (10). The mounting block (500) may be disposed, for example, in the lower side to the -Z direction of the battery assembly (10). The mounting block (500) may be disposed at a position corresponding to the edge of the battery assembly (10). The mounting block (500) may be disposed, for example, on the bottom portion (210) of the pack case (200) described later, at a position corresponding to each corner of the battery assembly (10).

[0167] The mounting block (500) can support the battery assembly (10) on the second side (D2). For example, the mounting block (500) can support the battery assembly (10) in the upward direction or +Z direction. The mounting block (500) can separate the battery assembly (10) and the pack case (200). For example, the battery assembly (10) and the pack case (200) can be separated from each other in the vertical direction or Z-axis direction by the mounting block (500).

[0168] The mounting block (500) can separate the battery assembly (10) and the pack case (200) to form a venting space (VS). Therefore, if the battery pack (1) according to the present invention further includes a mounting block (500), there is an advantage that the venting space (VS) can be formed more easily and reliably.

[0169]

[0170] Meanwhile, the battery pack (1) according to the present invention may further include various devices for controlling the charging and discharging of battery cells (100), such as a Battery Management System (BMS), a current sensor, a fuse, etc., although not shown.

[0171]

[0172] In the above description, examples of a battery pack (1) according to the present invention have been explained. The technical concept of the present invention is not limited to these examples, and may also include any combination of two or more of them.

[0173]

[0174] FIG. 17 is a drawing showing a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0175] Referring to FIG. 17 below, the battery pack (1) according to the present invention can be applied to a vehicle (V), such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. For example, the vehicle (V) according to the present invention may include the battery pack (1) according to the present invention. The battery pack (11) may be installed in the vehicle body frame or trunk space under the vehicle seat. Furthermore, the vehicle (V) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include various other components included in the vehicle in addition to the battery pack (1). For example, the vehicle (V) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include, in addition to the battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle body, a motor, a control device such as an ECU (electronic control unit), etc.

[0176] In addition, it is obvious that the battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may also be provided in other devices, mechanisms, and facilities, such as an energy storage system using a secondary battery, in addition to a vehicle (V).

[0177]

[0178] In this specification, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back have been used; however, these terms are used merely for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that they may vary depending on the location of the object or the position of the observer.

[0179] As described above, although the present invention has been explained by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims described below by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs.

[0180] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0181] 1 : Battery pack

[0182] 10: Battery Assembly

[0183] 11 : Assembly housing

[0184] 11a : Bottom cover

[0185] 12 : Barrier

[0186] 13 : Negative terminal

[0187] 14 : Positive terminal

[0188] 15 : Connection busbar

[0189] 16 : Sealing member

[0190] 100 : Battery cell

[0191] 110 : Cell case

[0192] 111 : Storage compartment

[0193] 112 : Sealing part

[0194] 113 : Folding part

[0195] 120: Electrode Lead

[0196] 200 : Pack case

[0197] 210 : Bottom part

[0198] 220 : Sidewall

[0199] 230 : Partition Frame

[0200] 240 : Pack Cover

[0201] 250 : Venting device

[0202] 300 : Backflow prevention member

[0203] 310 : Opening / closing part

[0204] 310a : First opening / closing part

[0205] 310b : Second opening / closing part

[0206] 311 : Fixed end

[0207] 312 : Open section

[0208] 313 : Connection terminal

[0209] 320 : Main body

[0210] 400 : Bottom plate

[0211] 500 : Mounting block

[0212] 600 : Cooling element

[0213] 610 : Cooling channel

[0214] D1: First direction

[0215] D2 : Second direction

[0216] S: Accommodation space

[0217] VG: Venting gas

[0218] VH1: 1st venting hole

[0219] VH1-1 : 1-1 Venting Hole

[0220] VH1-2 : 1st-2nd Venting Hole

[0221] VH2: 2nd venting hole

[0222] VH2-1 : 2-1 Venting Hole

[0223] VH2-2 : 2-2 Venting Hole

[0224] VS : Venting space

[0225] VC1: 1st venting channel

[0226] VC2: Second venting channel

[0227] V : Car

Claims

1. A battery assembly having a plurality of battery cells; A pack case having a receiving space formed therein for accommodating the above battery assembly; At least one first venting hole provided on the first side of the battery assembly; A venting space disposed on the first side of the first venting hole and provided in the pack case; and It includes a reverse inflow prevention member having at least one opening / closing portion formed corresponding to the first venting hole, and The above opening and closing part is, A battery pack that is opened to communicate the first venting hole and the venting space with each other when the internal pressure of the battery assembly is formed to be greater than or equal to a predetermined standard value.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above opening and closing part is, A battery pack that is closed to block the first venting hole and the venting space from each other while the internal pressure of the battery assembly is formed to be smaller than the reference value.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above opening and closing part is, A fixed end fixed to the above-mentioned reverse inflow prevention member; and A battery pack having an opening portion spaced apart from the fixed portion to one side and configured to open when the internal pressure of the battery assembly is formed to be greater than or equal to the reference value.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above pack case is, It has a bottom portion spaced apart from the battery assembly to the first side, and The above venting space is, It is formed in the spaced-apart space between the battery assembly and the bottom part, and The gap between the fixed end and the open end is, A battery pack formed with a gap larger than the gap between the battery assembly and the bottom portion.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned reverse inflow prevention member is, A battery pack comprising a material having rigidity and fire resistance properties.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned first venting hole is, A first venting hole positioned approximately in the center of the battery assembly; and The battery assembly is provided with a first-2 venting hole positioned outside the first-1 venting hole, and The above opening and closing part is, A first opening / closing part corresponding to the above-mentioned first-1 venting hole; and A battery pack having a second opening / closing part corresponding to the first and second venting holes.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned reverse inflow prevention member is, It is provided in a plate shape, and The above opening and closing part is, A battery pack formed integrally with the above-mentioned reverse flow prevention member.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above opening and closing part is, A battery pack formed by notching the above-mentioned reverse flow prevention member.

9. In Paragraph 7, The above opening and closing part is, A battery pack formed by slit processing in the above-mentioned reverse flow prevention member.

10. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack further comprising a bottom plate that supports the battery assembly, disposed between the battery assembly and the pack case, and having a second venting hole formed corresponding to the first venting hole.

11. In Paragraph 10, The rigidity of the above bottom plate is, A battery pack formed with greater rigidity than the above-mentioned reverse inflow prevention member.

12. In Paragraph 10, The size of the above opening / closing part is, A battery pack formed to be larger than the size of the first venting hole or the size of the second venting hole.

13. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned first side is, Lower battery pack.

14. In Paragraph 1, The side opposite to the first side mentioned above is the second side, and A battery pack further comprising a cooling member disposed on the second side of the battery assembly and cooling the battery assembly.

15. In Paragraph 1, The above pack case is, A battery pack having a venting device that communicates the above-mentioned venting space with the outside.

16. In Paragraph 1, The above pack case is, The above-mentioned accommodation space is partitioned by a partition frame, and A plurality of the battery assemblies are accommodated in the above-mentioned receiving space, and A connection busbar that electrically connects one of the battery assemblies and another of the battery assemblies across the partition frame; and A battery pack further comprising a sealing member that seals the above-mentioned connection busbar.

17. An automobile comprising at least one battery pack according to paragraph 1.