Battery pack, energy storage system comprising the battery pack, and vehicle

Abstract

This invention provides a battery pack with improved fire or explosion safety. To achieve this, the battery pack according to the invention comprises: a battery module including a plurality of battery cells; a battery pack housing housing therein housing the battery module and having a first housing and a second housing, the first housing covering one side of the battery module and having an opening on the other side, the second housing covering the other side of the battery module, and having an opening on one side, and one end of the second housing being connected to the other end of the first housing; and a sealing member that melts at a predetermined temperature or higher to flow into the gap between one end of the first housing and the other end of the second housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to battery packs, energy storage systems, and vehicles, and more specifically, to battery packs with improved fire or explosion safety.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0002898, filed in Korea on January 8, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] With the rapid increase in demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, cameras and mobile phones in recent years, and the serious development of electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots and satellites, research on high-performance rechargeable batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged is also actively underway.

[0004] Currently commercially available rechargeable batteries include nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), nickel-zinc (NiZn), and lithium-ion batteries. Among these, lithium-ion batteries have attracted attention because they have virtually no memory effect compared to nickel-based batteries, thus offering advantages such as free charging / discharging, very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0005] Lithium-ion secondary batteries primarily use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively. Furthermore, a lithium-ion secondary battery includes an electrode assembly and a casing. The electrode assembly contains a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate coated with the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively. A separator is inserted between the positive and negative electrode plates. The casing (i.e., the battery housing) is used to seal and contain the electrode assembly and the electrolyte.

[0006] In addition, based on the shape of the casing, lithium secondary batteries can be divided into can-type secondary batteries and pouch-type secondary batteries. In can-type secondary batteries, the electrode assembly is embedded in a metal can, while in pouch-type secondary batteries, the electrode assembly is embedded in a pouch of aluminum laminate.

[0007] In particular, there has been a recent increase in demand for high-capacity battery packs used in electric vehicles and other applications. Such high-capacity battery modules contain multiple secondary cells; therefore, in the event of a fire or explosion within these cells, flames and high-temperature gases are ejected, potentially causing damage to other battery packs in the vehicle, damage to adjacent devices, or injury to occupants. Therefore, a method is needed to improve the fire and explosion safety of battery packs. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] This disclosure is designed to address the problems of the prior art, and therefore aims to provide a battery pack with improved fire or explosion safety.

[0010] These and other objects and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description and from exemplary embodiments thereof. Moreover, it will be readily understood that the objects and advantages of this disclosure can be achieved by the means shown in the appended claims and combinations thereof.

[0011] Technical solution

[0012] In one aspect of this disclosure, a battery pack is provided, the battery pack comprising:

[0013] The battery module includes multiple battery cells;

[0014] A battery pack housing configured to house the battery module therein, the battery pack housing comprising a first housing and a second housing, the first housing being configured to cover one side of the battery module and having an opening on the other side, the second housing being configured such that it covers the other side of the battery module, one side of the second housing being open, and one end of the second housing being connected to the other end of the first housing; and

[0015] A sealing member configured to melt at a predetermined temperature or higher to flow into the gap between one end of the first housing and the other end of the second housing.

[0016] In addition, the battery pack may include a mounting member configured to mount the sealing member and having at least one open side to allow molten sealing member to drain to the outside.

[0017] Furthermore, guide grooves can be formed in the mounting component.

[0018] The guide groove extends to guide the discharge direction of the molten sealing member.

[0019] In addition, the battery pack may include a guide member configured to receive the molten sealing member and form a movement path through which the received sealing member moves.

[0020] Furthermore, the guiding member may have:

[0021] An inclined surface extending downward in the direction between one end of the first housing and the other end of the second housing.

[0022] In addition, guide ribs can be formed on the guide member.

[0023] To guide the sealing member to move from the receiving portion of the sealing member in a direction between one end of the first housing and the other end of the second housing.

[0024] Furthermore, the first housing includes a first receiving portion and a first flange portion.

[0025] The first receiving portion accommodates one side of the battery module and has an opening on the other side.

[0026] The first flange portion extends from the other end of the first receiving portion in a horizontally curved manner;

[0027] The second housing includes a second receiving portion and a second flange portion.

[0028] The second receiving portion accommodates the other side of the battery module and has an opening on one side.

[0029] The second flange portion extends from one end of the second receiving portion in a horizontally curved manner and is positioned to face the first flange portion, and

[0030] The molten sealing member is configured to flow between the first flange portion and the second flange portion.

[0031] In addition, the battery pack housing includes:

[0032] A gasket, the gasket being configured to be inserted between the first flange portion and the second flange portion; and

[0033] A plurality of connecting members configured to connect the first flange portion and the second flange portion.

[0034] And they are spaced at a predetermined distance from each other.

[0035] Furthermore, the sealing member is located between the plurality of connecting members.

[0036] Furthermore, the sealing member can be inserted between the first flange portion and the second flange portion.

[0037] In another aspect of the invention, an energy storage system comprising at least one battery pack is also provided.

[0038] In another aspect of the invention, a vehicle comprising at least one battery pack is also provided.

[0039] Beneficial effects

[0040] According to embodiments of this disclosure, because it includes a sealing member, it can prevent high-temperature gases or flames from escaping through the gap between one end of the first housing and the other end of the second housing when the internal battery module catches fire or explodes. That is, when the internal temperature of the battery pack housing rises above a predetermined temperature due to a fire, the sealing member melts and moves to cover the gap between one end of the first housing and the other end of the second housing. Therefore, in this disclosure, flames ejected from the battery module can be prevented from escaping to the outside through the gap between one end of the first housing and the other end of the second housing. Thus, the battery pack of this disclosure can improve safety against high-temperature gases or flames generated by an explosion or fire. Attached Figure Description

[0041] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the foregoing disclosure, serve to provide a further understanding of the technical features of the present disclosure; therefore, the present disclosure is not to be construed as limited to the drawings.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the structure of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is a schematic partial vertical cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 5 This is a perspective view schematically showing the sealing member, mounting member, and guiding member of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 6 This is a perspective view schematically showing the sealing member, mounting member, and guiding member of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 7 This is a perspective view schematically showing the sealing member, mounting member, and guide member of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 8 This is a schematic partial vertical cross-sectional view of a portion of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terminology used in the specification and appended claims should not be construed as limited to its general or dictionary meaning, but rather is interpreted based on the principle that inventors are allowed to appropriately define terms for the best interpretation, and on the meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure.

[0050] Therefore, the description presented herein is merely a preferred example for illustrative purposes and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. It should be understood that other equivalents and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0051] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating the structure of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Furthermore, Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is a schematic partial vertical cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For reference, Figure 1 Each arrow on the X, Y, and Z axes indicates the left, back, and up directions relative to the battery pack.

[0052] Reference Figures 1 to 4 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery pack 100 may include a battery module 110, a battery pack housing 120, and a sealing member 130.

[0053] Specifically, the battery module 110 may include a plurality of battery cells (not shown). Each battery cell may be a pouch-type battery cell having electrode assemblies (not shown), an electrolyte (not shown), and a pouch containing them. Each battery cell may include a positive terminal and a negative terminal. However, the battery pack 100 according to this disclosure is not limited to the aforementioned pouch-type battery cells, and may employ various types of battery cells known at the time of filing of this application.

[0054] Furthermore, the battery module 110 may include at least one busbar (not shown) configured to electrically connect multiple battery cells to each other. Specifically, the busbar may include a conductive metal. The conductive metal may include, for example, copper, aluminum, nickel, etc.

[0055] Furthermore, the battery module 110 may include a module housing configured to house multiple battery cells. The module housing may have a rectangular box shape. The module housing may include an electrically insulating material, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0056] In addition, battery module 110 may include external terminals (not shown). Depending on the polarity, the external terminals may be an external positive terminal and an external negative terminal. Each of the external positive terminal and the external negative terminal may be electrically connected to BMS module 190. BMS module 190 may be configured to control the charging / discharging of battery module 110.

[0057] Furthermore, the battery pack housing 120 may have a receiving space to accommodate the battery module 110. The battery pack housing 120 may include a first housing 121 and a second housing 122. The first housing 121 may be configured to cover one side of the battery module 110. For example, the first housing 121 may have an upper wall to cover the upper part of the battery module 110, and may have a front wall, a left wall, a rear wall, and a right wall to cover each of the front, left, rear, and right sides of the battery module 110. The first housing 121 may be configured such that the opposite side (lower part) is open. That is, the battery module 110 can be inserted through the opening structure of the lower part of the first housing 121, so that the upper part of the battery module 110 can be accommodated in the receiving space of the first housing 121.

[0058] Additionally, the second housing 122 may be configured to cover the other side of the battery module 110. For example, the second housing 122 may include a lower wall to cover the lower portion of the battery module 110, and may include a front wall, a left wall, a rear wall, and a right wall to cover each of the front, left, rear, and right sides of the battery module 110. The second housing 122 may be configured such that the side opposite to the other side (the upper portion) is open. That is, the battery module 110 can be inserted through the opening structure in the upper portion of the second housing 122, such that the lower portion of the battery module 110 can be accommodated in the receiving space of the second housing 122. One end of the second housing 122 may be connected to the other end of the first housing 121. For example, as Figure 1 As shown, the upper end of the second housing 122 can be connected to the lower end of the first housing 121. In this case, the connection method can be bonding, welding, bolting (B) connection, etc.

[0059] Furthermore, the sealing member 130 may be configured such that at least a portion thereof melts at a predetermined temperature or higher. For example, the predetermined temperature may be, for instance, 327 degrees Celsius or higher, and preferably, 400 to 600 degrees Celsius. More preferably, the predetermined temperature may be 550 to 600 degrees Celsius. The sealing member 130 may include at least one of lead (Pb) with a melting point of about 327 degrees Celsius, zinc (Zn) with a melting point of about 420 degrees Celsius, and tellurium with a melting point of about 450 degrees Celsius. That is, when the internal temperature of the battery pack housing 120 reaches at least 600 degrees Celsius or higher, the sealing member 130 may include a material capable of melting all portions. However, the sealing member 130 is not necessarily limited to these examples, and, for example, any metal capable of melting entirely at 600 degrees Celsius may be used.

[0060] The sealing member 130 may be configured to melt at a predetermined temperature or higher to flow into the gap between one end of the first housing 121 and the other end of the second housing 122. That is, the sealing member 130 may be configured to tightly seal the connection between one end of the first housing 121 and the other end of the second housing 122. In other words, when melted at the predetermined temperature, the sealing member 130 may be configured such that it flows in its liquid state into the gap between one end of the first housing 121 and the other end of the second housing 122, thereby filling the gap between them.

[0061] Therefore, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, since the present disclosure includes a sealing member 130, when the internal battery module 110 catches fire or explodes, high-temperature gases or flames can be prevented from escaping through the gap between one end of the first housing 121 and the other end of the second housing 122. That is, when the internal temperature of the battery pack housing 120 rises above, for example, 600 degrees Celsius due to a fire, the sealing member 130 melts and moves to cover the gap between one end of the first housing 121 and the other end of the second housing 122. Therefore, in this disclosure, flames ejected from the battery module 110 can be prevented from escaping to the outside through the gap between one end of the first housing 121 and the other end of the second housing 122.

[0062] In addition, refer to again Figures 1 to 3 The first housing 121 may include a first receiving portion 121a and a first flange portion 121b. The first receiving portion 121a may receive one side of the battery module 110. The first receiving portion 121a may have an opening on its other side. For example, as Figure 2 As shown, the first receiving portion 121a can be configured to receive the upper part of the battery module 110. The first receiving portion 121a can have a shape with an opening at its lower part.

[0063] Alternatively, the first flange portion 121b may be a portion of the first housing 121 that extends horizontally from the other end of the first receiving portion 121a. The first flange portion 121b may be a portion that bends and extends horizontally from the lower end of the first receiving portion 121a.

[0064] Furthermore, the second housing 122 may include a second receiving portion 122a and a second flange portion 122b. The second receiving portion 122a may receive the other side of the battery module 110. The second receiving portion 122a may have an opening on one side. For example, as Figure 2 As shown, the second receiving portion 122a can be configured to receive the lower part of the battery module 110. The second receiving portion 122a can have an opening at its upper part.

[0065] Additionally, the second flange portion 122b may be a portion of the second housing 122 that extends horizontally from one end of the second receiving portion 122a. The second flange portion 122b may be a portion that bends and extends horizontally from the upper end of the second receiving portion 122a. The second flange portion 122b may be positioned to face the lower surface of the first flange portion 121b.

[0066] Furthermore, the battery pack housing 120 may also include a gasket 160. The gasket 160 may be configured to be inserted between the first flange portion 121b and the second flange portion 122b. A plurality of protrusions may be formed on the upper portion of the gasket 160, these protrusions being configured to support the lower surface of the first flange portion 121b in an upward direction. A plurality of protrusions may be formed on the lower portion of the gasket 160, these protrusions being configured to support the upper surface of the second flange portion 122b in a downward direction.

[0067] Additionally, as described above, the gap between one end of the first housing 121 and the other end of the second housing 122 can be the gap between the first flange portion 121b and the second flange portion 122b. Alternatively, the gap can be formed between the lower surface of the first flange portion 121b and the upper surface of the gasket 160. Alternatively, the gap can be formed between the upper surface of the second flange portion 122b and the lower surface of the gasket 160. That is, when the battery module 110 inside the battery pack housing 120 catches fire, deformations such as shrinkage or twisting of the gasket 160 occur due to the high-temperature gas and flame, and therefore a gap can be formed between the gasket 160 and the first flange portion 121b or between the gasket 160 and the second flange portion 122b.

[0068] Furthermore, the first flange portion 121b and the second flange portion 122b can be connected to each other. Multiple connecting members can be provided, configured to connect the first flange portion 121b and the second flange portion 122b and spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. The connecting members may include bolts B and nuts N. For example, multiple bolt holes T can be formed in each of the first flange portion 121b and the second flange portion 122b, said bolt holes T being configured to allow bolt B to be inserted. That is, when the first flange portion 121b and the second flange portion 122b are positioned facing each other, bolt B is inserted into the bolt hole T formed in each of the first flange portion 121b and the second flange portion 122b, and bolt B can be tightened using the nut N so that bolt B does not come out of the bolt hole T again.

[0069] Furthermore, the sealing member 130 can be positioned between multiple connecting members. That is, the central location between the multiple connecting members can be the part of the connecting members where the clamping force for pressing each of the first flange portion 121b and the second flange portion 122b is minimal. For this purpose, the central location between the multiple connecting members of the battery pack housing 120 can be the part where flames are likely to escape in the event of a fire or explosion of the battery module 110.

[0070] Therefore, since the sealing member 130 is located between multiple connecting members in this disclosure, it can seal the portion that is likely to discharge flames in the event of a fire or explosion of the battery module 110, thereby effectively preventing flames from being discharged to the outside of the battery pack housing 120.

[0071] However, the sealing member 130 is not limited to being positioned only between multiple connecting members, but can be positioned at any part of the battery pack housing 120 that creates a gap for flow to the outside. For example, four sealing members 130 can be positioned at each of the four corners of the battery pack housing 120. Alternatively, multiple sealing members 130 can be positioned along the first flange portion 121b and the second flange portion 122b.

[0072] Refer again Figure 3 and Figure 4 The molten sealing member 130 can be configured to flow between the first flange portion 121b and the second flange portion 122b. For example, Figure 3The sealing member 130 is in an unmelted state. However, when the battery module 110 catches fire and the interior of the battery pack housing 120 is at a high temperature exceeding a predetermined temperature, the sealing member 130 can melt to flow between the first flange portion 121b and the second flange portion 122b. At this time, the sealing member 130 introduced into the space between the first flange portion 121b and the second flange portion 122b can harden again due to the temperature reduction. That is, when the battery module 110 catches fire, the temperature of the space between the first flange portion 121b and the second flange portion 122b can be relatively lower than the internal center of the battery pack housing 120. The space between the first flange portion 121b and the second flange portion 122b is located relatively outside the center of the battery pack housing 120, making the influence of external air greater and the influence of the increased internal temperature due to the fire smaller.

[0073] Therefore, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, since the present disclosure is configured such that the sealing member 130 melts at a predetermined temperature or higher and is then introduced between the first flange portion 121b and the second flange portion 122b, high-temperature gases or flames can be prevented from escaping through the gap between one end of the first housing 121 and the other end of the second housing 122 when the internal battery module 110 catches fire or explodes. That is, when the internal temperature of the battery pack housing 120 rises to, for example, 600 degrees Celsius or higher due to a fire, the sealing member 130 melts and moves to cover the gap between one end of the first housing 121 and the other end of the second housing 122, and then hardens again to more stably seal the gap.

[0074] Figure 5 This is a perspective view schematically showing the sealing member, mounting member, and guiding member of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0075] In addition, refer to again Figure 5 as well as Figures 2 to 4 The battery pack 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may further include a mounting member 140. The mounting member 140 may be configured to mount a sealing member 130. For example, the mounting member 140 includes an upper portion 141, a lower portion 142, and a connecting portion 143, the connecting portion 143 connecting the end of the upper portion 141 and the end of the lower portion 142 and extending in a vertical direction. Figure 5 As shown, a separation space S can be formed between the upper portion 141 and the lower portion 142. The sealing member 130 can be accommodated in the separation space S. The mounting member 140 may have an opening on at least one side, allowing the molten sealing member 130 to be discharged to the outside.

[0076] For example, the mounting member 140 may have a shape with an opening facing the sidewall of the first housing 121. Furthermore, the mounting member 140 may be partially spaced from the sidewall of the first housing 121 to form a discharge space Y. In the mounting member 140, the molten sealing member 130 can move downward through the discharge space Y. The mounting member 140 may include a connecting portion 144 configured to partially connect to the inner surface of the first receiving portion 121a of the first housing 121. The connecting portion 144 may be welded or bonded to the inner surface of the first receiving portion 121a.

[0077] Therefore, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, the present disclosure includes a mounting member 140 such that the sealing member 130 can be stably accommodated, and thus, when the sealing member 130 melts, the movement of the molten sealing member can be guided through the discharge space in a direction between one end of the first housing 121 and the other end of the second housing 122.

[0078] Furthermore, the battery pack 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may also include a guide member 150. The guide member 150 may be configured to receive a molten sealing member 130. The guide member 150 may be configured to form a movement path through which the received sealing member 130 moves. For example, the guide member 150 may have an inclined surface L extending downward in a direction between one end of the first housing 121 and the other end of the second housing 122. For example, the guide member 150 may have an inclined surface L extending downward at a 25-degree angle.

[0079] Furthermore, the guide member 150 may be positioned below the mounting member 140. The guide member 150 may be configured to accommodate a molten sealing member 130 passing through the discharge space between the mounting member 140 and the first receiving portion 121a. That is, the inclined surface L of the guide member 150 may be positioned below the discharge space Y.

[0080] In addition, the guide member 150 may include a fixing portion 151. The fixing portion 151 may be configured to be fixed to the inner surface of the second housing 122. For example, the fixing portion 151 may be welded or bonded to the inner surface of the second housing 122.

[0081] Therefore, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, since the present disclosure includes a guide member 150, the molten sealing member 130 discharged from the mounting member 140 can be stably received, and then the sealing member 130 can be guided to move in the direction between one end of the first housing 121 and the other end of the second housing 122. Thus, in the present disclosure, the molten sealing member 130 can be prevented from becoming lost and unable to move in the direction between one end of the first housing 121 and the other end of the second housing 122, and therefore, the failure of the gap between one end of the first housing 121 and the other end of the second housing 122 to be sealed can be prevented.

[0082] Furthermore, the guide member 150 can be configured to prevent flame from being introduced between one end of the first housing 121 and the other end of the second housing 122. For example, the portion of the guide member 150 with the inclined surface L can be positioned between the first flange portion 121b and the second flange portion 122b. That is, the guide member 150 can shield the flame so that the flame is not directly transmitted to the gasket 160. Additionally, when the mounting member 140 is located between one end of the first housing 121 and the other end of the second housing 122, it can shield the flame so that the flame is not directly transmitted to the gasket 160.

[0083] Therefore, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, since the present disclosure includes a guide member 150 positioned between the first flange portion 121b and the second flange portion 122b, it is possible to effectively prevent flame from being introduced between one end of the first housing 121 and the other end of the second housing 122.

[0084] Figure 6 This is a perspective view schematically showing the sealing member, mounting member, and guiding member of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0085] Refer again Figure 6 as well as Figure 3 and Figure 4 When with Figure 5 Compared to the mounting member 140 in the previous embodiment, the mounting member 140 of the battery pack 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a guide groove H. Other remaining constructions are the same as... Figure 5 The battery pack 100 in the middle has the same structure.

[0086] Specifically, the guide groove H, extending to guide the discharge direction of the molten sealing member 130, can be formed in... Figure 6 In the mounting member 140, the guide groove H can be formed such that the upper surface of the lower portion 142 of the mounting member 140 is cut in the downward direction. The guide groove H can be formed such that the upper surface of the lower portion 142 of the mounting member 140 is slotted in the downward direction. The inner bottom surface of the guide groove H can have a downwardly inclined shape. The guide groove H can be configured such that the molten sealing member 130 can be stably accommodated on the inclined surface L of the guide member 150. That is, the guide groove H can guide the molten sealing member 130 to flow downward to the inclined surface L of the guide member 150.

[0087] Therefore, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, since the present disclosure includes a mounting member 140 with a guide groove H, the guide member 150 can be guided to stably accommodate the molten sealing member 130. Thus, in the present disclosure, the molten sealing member 130 can be prevented from becoming lost and unable to move in the direction between the first flange portion 121b and the second flange portion 122b, and therefore, the failure of the gap between the first flange portion 121b and the second flange portion 122b to be sealed can be prevented.

[0088] Figure 7 This is a perspective view schematically showing the sealing member, mounting member, and guide member of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0089] Refer again Figure 7 as well as Figure 3 and Figure 4 ,and Figure 5 Compared to the guide member 150 in another embodiment of the present disclosure, the guide member 150 of the battery pack 100 may further include a guide rib P. Other remaining structures are the same as... Figure 5 The battery pack 100 in the middle has the same structure.

[0090] Specifically, Figure 7 The guide member 150 may include a guide rib P extending to guide the discharge direction of the molten sealing member 130. The guide rib P may be configured to allow the molten sealing member 130 to move from its receiving portion in a direction between one end of the first housing 121 and the other end of the second housing 122. That is, the guide rib P may be formed at one or both ends of the inclined surface L to prevent the molten sealing member 130 from flowing to a side or sides opposite to the stated direction without moving between the first flange portion 121b and the second flange portion 122b. Therefore, the guide rib P may be configured such that the molten sealing member 130 can move stably without separating from the inclined surface L of the guide member 150.

[0091] Therefore, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, since the present disclosure includes a guide member 150 with guide ribs P, the molten sealing member 130 can be guided to move stably along the inclined surface L of the guide member 150. Ultimately, in the present disclosure, the molten sealing member 130 can be prevented from getting lost and unable to move in the direction between the first flange portion 121b and the second flange portion 122b, and thus the failure of the gap between the first flange portion 121b and the second flange portion 122b to be sealed can be prevented.

[0092] Figure 8 This is a schematic partial vertical cross-sectional view of a portion of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0093] Reference Figure 8 ,and Figure 3 Unlike the battery pack 100 in this embodiment, the battery pack 100 according to another embodiment of this disclosure may have sealing members 130 in different positions. Other remaining construction is the same as... Figure 3 The battery pack 100 in the middle has the same structure.

[0094] Specifically, Figure 8 The sealing member 130 can be inserted between the first flange portion 121b and the second flange portion 122b. The sealing member 130 inserted between the first flange portion 121b and the second flange portion 122b can be configured to melt at a predetermined temperature or higher to fill the gap between the first flange portion 121b and the second flange portion 122b. After the sealing member 130 melts at the predetermined temperature or higher, the melted sealing member 130 can be prevented from moving in the inward direction of the battery pack housing 120 by a guide member 150. That is, the guide member 150 can be configured such that a portion thereof supports the inner side of the sealing member 130 in an outward direction.

[0095] Therefore, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, since the present disclosure includes a sealing member 130 inserted between the first flange portion 121b and the second flange portion 122b, it is possible to effectively prevent the molten sealing member 130 from getting lost to another position and not being introduced between the first flange portion 121b and the second flange portion 122b. Thus, in the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent the molten sealing member 130 from getting lost and unable to move in the direction between the first flange portion 121b and the second flange portion 122b, and therefore prevent the gap between the first flange portion 121b and the second flange portion 122b from potentially being unsealed.

[0096] Additionally, the battery pack 100 according to embodiments of this disclosure may also include various devices (not shown) for controlling the charging / discharging of the battery module 110, such as a BMS module (Battery Management System Module). Figure 2 (190), current sensor, fuse, etc.

[0097] Additionally, the energy storage system (not shown) according to embodiments of this disclosure includes at least one of the battery packs 100 described above. The energy storage system may also include a rack housing (not shown) having accommodating space for accommodating a plurality of battery packs 100.

[0098] Furthermore, the battery pack 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure can be included in a vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. That is, the battery pack 100 according to the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure can be installed in a vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In this case, the side cover 330 can be configured to be attached to the vehicle body.

[0099] Furthermore, the terms used herein to indicate direction (e.g., up, down, left, right, front, and back) are merely for ease of description, and those skilled in the art will readily recognize that these terms may vary depending on the position of the element or the observer.

[0100] The present invention has been described in detail. However, it should be understood that although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been pointed out, the detailed description and specific examples are given for illustrative purposes only, as various changes and modifications within the scope of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art based on the detailed description.

[0101] [Figure Labels]

[0102] 100: Battery pack; 110: Battery module

[0103] 120: Battery pack housing; 121, 122: First housing, second housing

[0104] 130: Sealing component; 140: Mounting component

[0105] 141, 142, 143, 144: Upper part, lower part, extension part, connecting part

[0106] S, Y: Separation space, emission space

[0107] 150: Guide component; 151: Fixing part

[0108] L: Inclined surface

[0109] H: Guide groove; P: Guide rib

[0110] 121a, 121b, 122a, 122b: First receiving portion, first flange portion, second receiving portion, second flange portion

[0111] 160: Gasket; B, N: Bolt, Nut

[0112] 190: BMS module

Claims

1. A battery pack, the battery pack comprising: The battery module includes multiple battery cells; A battery pack housing configured to house the battery module therein, and the battery pack housing includes a first housing and a second housing, the first housing being configured to cover the upper side of the battery module and having an open lower side, the second housing being configured such that the second housing covers the lower side of the battery module, the upper side of the second housing being open, and the upper side of the second housing being connected to the lower side of the first housing; as well as A sealing member located within the battery pack housing and configured to melt at a predetermined temperature or higher to flow from inside the battery pack housing into the gap between the lower side of the first housing and the upper side of the second housing.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising: The mounting member is configured to mount the sealing member and has at least one open side, such that the molten sealing member is discharged to the outside.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, in, A guide groove is formed in the mounting member, the guide groove extending to guide the discharge direction of the molten sealing member.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising: A guide member is configured to receive the molten sealing member and form a movement path through which the received sealing member moves.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4, in, The guide member has an inclined surface that extends downward in the direction between the lower side of the first housing and the upper side of the second housing.

6. The battery pack according to claim 4, in, Guide ribs are formed on the guide member to guide the sealing member to move from the receiving portion of the sealing member in a direction between the lower side of the first housing and the upper side of the second housing.

7. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, The first housing includes a first receiving portion and a first flange portion. The first receiving portion receives the upper side of the battery module and has an open lower side. The first flange portion extends from the lower side of the first receiving portion in a horizontally curved manner. The second housing includes a second receiving portion and a second flange portion. The second receiving portion receives the lower side of the battery module and has an open upper side. The second flange portion extends horizontally curved from the upper side of the second receiving portion and is positioned facing the first flange portion. The molten sealing member is configured to flow between the first flange portion and the second flange portion.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, in, The battery pack housing includes: a gasket configured to be inserted between a first flange portion and a second flange portion; and a plurality of connecting members configured to connect the first flange portion and the second flange portion and spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, and a sealing member located between the plurality of connecting members.

9. The battery pack according to claim 7, in, The sealing member is inserted between the first flange portion and the second flange portion.

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

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

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