Battery pack for vehicle

Abstract

A battery pack for a vehicle includes: a tray assembly; a plurality of battery modules arranged to form a planar grid in the tray assembly; and a battery pack cover coupled to an upper side of the tray assembly and forming a battery pack internal space together with the tray assembly to accommodate the battery modules therein, a module outlet of the first battery module for discharging release gas from the inside thereof is formed in the longitudinal direction of the battery pack; and a second battery module whose module outlets are formed in the lateral direction, and the first battery module and the second battery module are alternately arranged inside the tray assembly to form a planar grid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a structure of a battery pack mounted to a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] An electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle is mounted with a battery that supplies electric power to a driving motor for driving the vehicle, wherein the battery is mounted to the vehicle in the form of a battery pack accommodating a plurality of battery modules, and the battery module includes a plurality of battery cells.

[0003] Battery cells may catch fire due to various reasons, and the flames may spread to adjacent battery cells in this case, resulting in thermal runaway.

[0004] Furthermore, a fire that starts in one battery module as described above may spread to other adjacent battery modules, resulting in thermal runaway of the entire battery pack.

[0005] The information included in this background of the disclosure is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the disclosure and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art. Summary of the invention

[0006] Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed to providing a battery pack for a vehicle, wherein when a fire occurs in the battery pack, the flame is structurally prevented from spreading to other adjacent battery modules, thereby effectively delaying heat transfer between battery modules and thermal runaway of the battery pack.

[0007] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery pack for a vehicle includes: a tray assembly; a plurality of battery modules arranged to form a planar grid in the tray assembly; and a battery pack cover connected to an upper side of the tray assembly and, together with the tray assembly, forming an internal space of the battery pack to accommodate the battery modules therein, the battery modules arranged in the tray assembly include a first battery module and a second battery module, a module outlet of the first battery module for discharging released gas from its interior is formed in a longitudinal direction of the battery pack, and a module outlet of the second battery module is formed in a transverse direction of the battery pack.

[0008] The first battery module may include: a first module top cover, which forms a module outlet at a first end and a second end in a longitudinal direction of the battery module; and the second battery module may include a second module top cover, which forms a module outlet at a first end and a second end in a transverse direction of the battery module.

[0009] The first module top cover may include: a cover covering the upper side of the battery cells constituting the battery module; a side connecting portion extending downward from the opposite side ends of the cover and formed to include a uniform cross-section in the longitudinal direction of the cover, the side connecting portion of the first module top cover may be connected to the upper end of the opposite side closing member of the battery module; the front end portion of the first module top cover may form a module outlet between the front closing member of the battery module and the cover and the side connecting portion; and the rear end portion of the first module top cover may form a module outlet between the rear closing member of the battery module and the cover and the side connecting portion.

[0010] The opposite side closing members of the battery module may include end plates coupled to the stacked battery cells by pressure from both sides.

[0011] The cover and the side coupling parts of the first module top cover may be formed to include a trapezoidal cross-section that is consistent in a longitudinal direction of the battery module.

[0012] The first battery module mounted with the first module top cover may include: a plurality of fire prevention plates inserted between the stacked battery cells; upper ends of the fire prevention plates may extend to a bottom surface of a cover of the first module top cover.

[0013] The second module top cover may include: a cover covering the upper side of the battery cells constituting the battery module; a front end connecting portion extending downward from the front end portion of the cover; and a rear end connecting portion extending downward from the rear end portion of the cover, and the second module top cover may be formed to include a uniform cross-section along the lateral direction of the second battery module; the front end connecting portion of the second module top cover may be connected to the upper end portion of the front closing member of the second battery module; the rear end connecting portion of the second module top cover may be connected to the upper end portion of the rear closing member of the battery module; and the module outlet may be formed between the opposite ends of the second module top cover and the opposite side closing members of the battery module.

[0014] The front closing member of the battery module may include: at least one of a module front cover and a front sensing block, the front sensing block being used to sense the voltage and temperature of the battery cell; and the rear closing member of the battery module may include at least one of a module rear cover and a rear sensing block being used to sense the voltage and temperature of the battery cell.

[0015] The cover, the front end coupling portion, and the rear end coupling portion of the second module top cover may be formed to include a trapezoidal cross-section that is consistent in a lateral direction of the battery module.

[0016] The second battery module installed with the second module top cover may include: a plurality of fire protection plates, which are inserted between the stacked battery cells; the upper end of the fire protection plate may include a sawtooth shape, wherein portions extending up to the bottom surface of the cover of the second module top cover and portions spaced apart from the bottom surface of the cover are repeatedly alternated.

[0017] The tray assembly may include: a lower plate disposed on the lower side of the battery module; a plurality of external components connected to the upper side of the lower plate and forming an internal space of the battery pack; a plurality of internal components disposed within the internal space of the battery pack and located between the battery modules arranged to form a planar grid; and an exhaust device disposed in at least one of the external components to discharge released gas from the internal space of the battery pack to the outside.

[0018] The internal component may be lower in height than the battery module so that released gas may flow from the battery module through the upper side of the internal component and be exhausted from the battery pack through the exhaust device.

[0019] The battery pack may further include a metal plate on an upper side of the lower plate to support a lower side of the battery module and prevent the battery module from melting in the event of fire.

[0020] The battery module may be disposed above the metal plate, with a thermal interface material (TIM) pad interposed between the battery module and the metal plate.

[0021] The first module top cover of the first battery module and the second module top cover of the second battery module may be in surface contact with the bottom surface of the battery pack cover.

[0022] When the opposite side closing members of the battery module extend up to the bottom surface of the battery pack cover, the first battery module may include module outlets formed between the battery pack cover and the opposite side closing members and the front closing member, and between the battery pack cover and the opposite side closing members and the rear closing member.

[0023] The opposing side closing members of the battery module may include end plates that press-couple the stacked battery cells from both sides.

[0024] When the front and rear closing members of the battery module MD extend to the bottom surface of the pack cover, the second battery module may include a module outlet formed between the front and rear closing members, the pack cover, and the side closing members.

[0025] The front closing member of the battery module may include: a module front cover; and the rear closing member of the battery module may include a module rear cover.

[0026] The module front cover and the module rear cover may include elastically deformable portions on upper sides thereof to elastically contact the bottom surface of the battery pack cover.

[0027] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, when a fire occurs in a battery pack, the flame is structurally prevented from spreading to other adjacent battery modules, thereby effectively delaying heat transfer between the battery modules and thermal runaway of the battery pack.

[0028] The methods and apparatus of the present disclosure have other features and advantages that will be apparent from or set forth in more detail in the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description incorporated herein, which together serve to explain certain principles of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 A structure of a battery pack for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0030] Figure 2 Shown in more detail Figure 1 The structure of the battery pack.

[0031] Figure 3 shows a configuration arranged in Figure 1 A plurality of battery modules are formed into a planar grid in a tray assembly.

[0032] Figure 4 Shown is housed in Figure 1 The structure of the battery module in the battery pack.

[0033] Figure 5 A first battery module is shown.

[0034] Figure 6 Shown along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view taken along line F6-F6.

[0035] Figure 7 Shown along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view taken along line F7-F7.

[0036] Figure 8 A second battery module is shown.

[0037] Fig. 9 Shown along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view taken along line F9-F9.

[0038] Fig.10 Shown along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view taken along line F10-F10.

[0039] Fig.11 Shown along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line F11-F11.

[0040] Fig.12 Shown along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line F12-F12.

[0041] Fig.13 Shown is the flow path of released gas when a fire occurs in a battery module located in the center portion of a battery pack.

[0042] Fig.14 An alternative example of a first battery module according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0043] Fig.15 An alternative example of a second battery module according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0044] It will be appreciated that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and that they present somewhat simplified representations of various features illustrating the basic principles of the present disclosure. The specific design features of the present disclosure as included herein (including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, locations, and shapes) will be determined in part by the specific intended application and use environment.

[0045] In the drawings, reference numbers refer to the same or equivalent parts of the present disclosure throughout the several figures of the drawing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings and described below. Although the present disclosure will be described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, it should be understood that this specification is not intended to limit the present disclosure to those exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. On the other hand, the present disclosure is intended to cover not only the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, but also various replacements, modifications, equivalents and other embodiments that may be included in the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0047] Hereinafter, various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein even if the same or similar elements are shown in different drawings, they are denoted by the same reference numerals and redundant description thereof will be avoided.

[0048] The suffixes “module” and “unit” placed after elements in the following description are provided merely in consideration of ease of description and have no meanings or functions distinguished from each other.

[0049] In describing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, when it may make the subject matter of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure quite unclear, the detailed description of the related art will be omitted. In addition, the accompanying drawings are provided only for a better understanding of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the technical concept of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that the accompanying drawings include all modifications, equivalents and substitutions within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

[0050] Terms such as "first" and "second" may be used to describe various components, but these components should not be limited by the above terms. In addition, the above terms are only used to distinguish one component from another.

[0051] When describing that one component is "connected" or "coupled" to another component, it should be understood that the one component can be directly connected or coupled to the other component, but there may be another component in between. However, when a component is said to be "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another component, it should be understood that there may be no other component between the one component and the other component.

[0052] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, singular forms also include plural forms.

[0053] In the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, it should be understood that the terms “including” or “having” indicate the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts, or combinations thereof described in the exemplary embodiments, but do not exclude the possibility of the prior existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0054] Figure 1 The structure of a battery pack for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, in which a tray assembly 3 located on the lower side accommodates a plurality of battery modules MD therein and is connected to a battery pack cover 5 located on the upper side of the battery pack, so that the battery modules MD in the tray assembly 3 can be isolated and protected from the outside thereof.

[0055] Figure 2 Shown in more detail Figure 1 The structure of the battery pack 1, in which a plurality of external members 11 are coupled to the upper sides of the lower plate 7 and the metal plate 9, and together with the battery pack cover 5 form a battery pack internal space S for accommodating the battery module MD therein, and a plurality of internal members 13 are arranged inside the external members 11.

[0056] In addition, Figure 2 , the battery module MD is omitted and a thermal interface material (TIM) pad 51 to be placed under the battery module MD is shown.

[0057] Figure 3 shows a configuration arranged in Figure 1 A plurality of battery modules MD are formed in a planar grid in the tray assembly 3. Figure 3 The battery module MD shown in is arranged in a planar orthogonal grid having nodes where a plurality of internal components 13 cross each other orthogonally.

[0058] Figure 4 Shown is housed in Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing a structure of a battery module MD in a battery pack 1. Here, for ease of understanding, one battery module MD is shown, but for comparison, a first module top cover 15 and a second module top cover 17 are shown together.

[0059] That is, substantially, the battery module MD provided with the first module top cover 15 becomes the first battery module MD1 , and the battery module MD provided with the second module top cover 17 instead of the first module top cover 15 becomes the second battery module MD2 .

[0060] For reference, Figure 4 A lower bracket 34 is shown placed on the underside and securely connects the opposing end plates 33 .

[0061] Figure 5 shows a first battery module MD1, Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view taken along line F6-F6 of Figure 7 It is along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view taken along line F7-F7.

[0062] Figure 8 A second battery module MD2 is shown, Fig. 9 It is along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view taken along line F9-F9 of Fig.10 It is along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view taken along line F10-F10.

[0063] Fig.11 It is along Figure 3 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F11-F11, showing the flow of released gas when a fire occurs in the battery modules MD on both sides.

[0064] Fig.12 is along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view taken along the line F12-F12 shows the flow of released gas when a fire occurs in the center battery module MD.

[0065] Fig.13 The flow path of released gas when a fire occurs in the battery module MD located in the center portion of the battery pack 1 is shown.

[0066] Fig.14 and Fig.15 Other embodiments of the present disclosure are shown, wherein Fig.14 An alternative embodiment of the first battery module MD1 is shown, and Fig.15 An alternative embodiment of the second battery module MD2 is shown.

[0067] For reference, it will be appreciated that arrows not individually labeled in the drawings illustrate the flow of released gas.

[0068] Reference Figures 1 to 13A battery pack 1 for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a tray assembly 3; a plurality of battery modules MD arranged to form a planar grid in the tray assembly 3; and a battery pack cover 5 connected to an upper side of the tray assembly 3 and forming a battery pack internal space S together with the tray assembly 3 for accommodating the battery modules MD therein.

[0069] The battery modules MD arranged in the tray assembly 3 include a first battery module MD1 and a second battery module MD2, wherein a module outlet 19 of the first battery module MD1 for discharging released gas from its interior is formed in the longitudinal direction of the battery pack, and a module outlet 19 of the second battery module MD2 is formed in the lateral direction of the battery pack.

[0070] In the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the first battery modules MD1 and the second battery modules MD2 are alternately arranged within the tray assembly 3 , thereby forming a planar grid.

[0071] That is, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, battery modules MD forming a planar orthogonal grid are arranged in a battery pack internal space S formed by a tray assembly 3 and a battery pack cover 5, wherein the battery modules MD are divided into two types, a first battery module MD1 and a second battery module MD2, and the first battery module MD1 and the second battery module MD2 are arranged alternately so that the types of battery modules MD adjacent to each other may be different from each other.

[0072] Therefore, as described later, when one of the plurality of first battery modules MD1 and second battery modules MD2 constituting the battery pack 1 catches fire and generates flames and released gases, the flames and released gases are guided to be discharged only through the module outlet 19 of the first battery module MD1 or the second battery module MD2. Since the module outlets 19 of adjacent battery modules MD are vertically offset and not facing each other, the flames and released gases discharged through one module outlet 19 as described above flow along the flow path formed above the internal member 13 and are quickly discharged to the outside without entering the module outlet 19 of the adjacent battery module MD. Therefore, the spread of fire from one battery module MD to other adjacent battery modules MD can be effectively prevented or reduced.

[0073] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the first battery module MD1 includes a first module top cover 15, which forms a module outlet 19 at two ends in the longitudinal direction of the first battery module MD1; the second battery module MD2 includes a second module top cover 17, which forms a module outlet 19 at two ends in the lateral direction of the second battery module MD2.

[0074] In addition to the above-mentioned hole-like shape previously formed to discharge exhaust gas, the module outlet 19 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can also be realized by partially machining a module top cover, etc., which forms the appearance of the battery module MD, so that the machined part remains closed under normal conditions, but is first ruptured due to the pressure caused by the exhaust gas generated by the fire, thereby discharging the released gas through the opened machined part.

[0075] Here, the longitudinal direction of the battery module MD refers to a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of a plurality of battery cells 21 to form the battery module MD, and the lateral direction refers to the stacking direction of the battery cells 21 .

[0076] The first module top cover 15 includes a cover 23 covering the upper side of the battery cells 21 constituting the battery module MD and side coupling portions 25 extending downward from opposite side ends of the cover 23 and formed to include a uniform cross section in the longitudinal direction of the battery module MD.

[0077] The side connecting portion 25 of the first module top cover 15 is connected to the upper end of the opposite side closing member 27 of the battery module MD; the front end of the first module top cover 15 forms a module outlet 19 between the front closing member 29 of the battery module MD and the cover 23 and the side connecting portion 25; and the rear end of the first module top cover 15 forms a module outlet 19 between the rear closing member 31 of the battery module MD and the cover 23 and the side connecting portion 25.

[0078] Here, the opposite side closing members 27 of the battery module MD may be end plates 33 that press-couple the stacked battery cells 21 from both sides.

[0079] In the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the cover 23 and the side coupling part 25 of the first module top cover 15 are formed to have a uniform trapezoidal cross-section in the longitudinal direction of the battery module MD.

[0080] Therefore, a channel that is in fluid communication with the module outlet 19 and allows exhaust gas to smoothly flow and be exhausted is easily formed above the battery cells 21 while ensuring the structural rigidity of the first module top cover 15 .

[0081] The battery module MD mounted with the first module top cover 15 may include: a plurality of fire prevention plates 35 interposed between the stacked battery cells 21 ; upper ends of the fire prevention plates 35 may extend to the bottom surface of the cover 23 of the first module top cover 15 .

[0082] Therefore, when a fire occurs in a battery cell 21 of the first battery module MD1, the fireproof plate 35 effectively prevents the release of gas or the spread of flames to other adjacent battery cells 21 (such as Figure 6The exhaust gas is discharged through the module outlet 19 via the space between the battery cell 21 and the first module top cover 15 (as shown in FIG. Figure 7 shown).

[0083] The second module top cover 17 includes: a cover 23 covering the upper side of the battery cells 21 constituting the battery module MD; a front end connecting portion 37 extending downward from the front end portion of the cover 23; and a rear end connecting portion 39 extending downward from the rear end portion of the cover 23, and the second module top cover 17 is formed to include a consistent cross-section along the lateral direction of the battery module MD.

[0084] The front end connecting portion 37 of the second module top cover 17 is connected to the upper end portion of the front closing member 29 of the battery module MD; the rear end connecting portion 39 of the second module top cover 17 is connected to the upper end portion of the rear closing member 31 of the battery module MD; and the module outlet 19 is formed between the opposite end portion of the second module top cover 17 and the opposite side closing member 27 of the battery module MD.

[0085] Here, the front closing member 29 of the battery module MD may include at least one of a module front cover 43 and a front sensing block 41, the front sensing block 41 being used to sense the voltage and temperature of the battery cell 21, and the rear closing member 31 of the battery module MD may include at least one of a module rear cover 47 and a rear sensing block 45, the rear sensing block 45 being used to sense the voltage and temperature of the battery cell 21.

[0086] In other words, the front end coupling portion 37 of the second module top cover 17 may be coupled to the front sensing block 41 or the module front cover 43 , and may also be coupled to the front sensing block 41 and the module front cover 43 .

[0087] In addition, the rear end coupling portion 39 of the second module top cover 17 may be coupled to the rear sensing block 45 or the module back cover 47 , and may also be coupled to both the rear sensing block 45 and the module back cover 47 .

[0088] For reference, a front sensing block 41 and a rear sensing block 45, each capable of being equipped with a sensor, are combined and configured to sense the voltage, temperature, etc. of the battery cells 21 stacked to constitute a battery module MD, and a module front cover 43 and a module rear cover 47 are set to cover the front sensing block 41 and the rear sensing block 45.

[0089] In the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the cover 23 , the front end coupling portion 37 , and the rear end coupling portion 39 of the second module top cover 17 are formed to include a trapezoidal cross-section that is consistent in the lateral direction of the battery module MD.

[0090] Therefore, a channel that is in fluid communication with the module outlet 19 and allows exhaust gas to smoothly flow and be exhausted is easily formed above the battery cells 21 while ensuring the structural rigidity of the second module top cover 17 .

[0091] The battery module MD installed with the second module top cover 17 may include: a plurality of fireproof plates 35 inserted between the stacked battery cells 21; the upper end of the fireproof plate 35 may have a serrated shape, wherein a portion A extending to the bottom surface of the cover 23 of the second module top cover 17 and a portion B spaced apart from the bottom surface of the cover 23 are repeatedly alternated.

[0092] Therefore, if Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown, when one of the stacked multiple battery cells 21 catches fire, the flame and exhaust gas are discharged through the module outlet 19 via a channel formed by a portion of the fireproof plate 35 that is separated from the bottom surface of the cover 23 of the second module top cover 17, and the portion of the upper end of the fireproof plate 35 that extends to the bottom surface of the cover 23 is configured to partially block the spread of flame and exhaust gas.

[0093] At the same time, the tray assembly 3 includes a lower plate 7 arranged on the lower side of the battery module MD; a plurality of external components 11, which are connected to the upper side of the lower plate 7 and form an internal space S of the battery pack; a plurality of internal components 13, which are arranged in the internal space S of the battery pack and are located between the battery modules MD forming a planar grid; and an exhaust device 49, which is arranged in at least one external component 11 to discharge the released gas of the internal space S of the battery pack to the outside.

[0094] For reference, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an exhaust device 49 may be provided in each of the front exterior member 11 and the rear exterior member 11 of the battery pack 1, and the exhaust device 49 may include an exhaust valve, etc., which isolates the battery pack internal space S of the battery pack 1 from the outside of the battery pack to prevent moisture or foreign matter from penetrating under normal circumstances, but when released gas is generated due to fire, etc., the exhaust device 49 opens to discharge the released gas to the outside.

[0095] Furthermore, a metal plate 9 may be provided on the upper side of the lower plate 7 to not only support the lower side of the battery module MD but also prevent the battery module MD from melting in the event of fire.

[0096] Alternatively, the battery module MD may be provided above the metal plate 9 via the TIM spacer 51 .

[0097] Therefore, the heat generated in the battery module MD is quickly transferred to the metal plate 9 through the TIM pad 51, so that the cooling performance of the battery module MD is maximized, and when a fire occurs in the battery module MD, the released gas, flame, etc. are guided not toward the lower side of the battery module MD but toward the upper side.

[0098] Furthermore, the height of the internal member 13 is lower than that of the battery module MD, so that the released gas can flow from the battery module MD through the upper side of the internal member 13 and be exhausted to the outside of the battery pack 1 through the exhaust device 49 .

[0099] That is, Fig.13 As shown, when a fire occurs in the first battery module MD1 located in the center part among the battery modules MD arranged in the battery pack 1, the released gas discharged from the first battery module MD1 to the module outlet 19 is directed to the second battery module MD2 adjacent to the first battery module MD1 on both sides. However, the module outlet 19 of the second battery module MD2 is staggered by 90 degrees from the module outlet of the first battery module MD1, and therefore the released gas does not move to the second battery module MD2 but moves to other positions through the upper space of the internal member 13 between the first battery module MD1 and the second battery module MD2, and finally reaches the exhaust device 49 through the upper space of the internal member 13, as indicated by the arrow.

[0100] Therefore, even if a fire starts in one battery module MD, the flame and high-temperature released gas are quickly discharged without directly spreading to adjacent battery modules MD, thereby effectively reducing or preventing a thermal runaway phenomenon in which the fire uncontrollably spreads to adjacent battery modules MD.

[0101] In the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the first module top cover 15 for the first battery module MD1 and the second module top cover 17 for the second battery module MD2 are configured to be in surface contact with the bottom surface of the battery pack cover 5 .

[0102] Therefore, if Fig.11 and Fig.12 As shown, when the released gas generated in the battery module MD due to fire, etc. is discharged through the module outlet 19, the released gas will not flow into the space between the battery pack cover 5 and the first module top cover 15 and the second module top cover 17, but will only flow into the upper space of the internal component 13, which more effectively prevents the flame and the released gas from spreading to other unfired battery modules MD.

[0103] Fig.14 and Fig.15 Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, and Fig.14 A first battery module MD1 is shown, wherein the relative side closing member 27 of the battery module MD extends to the bottom surface of the battery pack cover 5, so that the module outlet 19 can be formed between the battery pack cover 5 and the relative side closing member 27 and the front closing member 29, and between the battery pack cover 5 and the relative side closing member 27 and the rear closing member 31.

[0104] In other words, Fig.14 The cross section and Fig.11 The cross section of the illustrated first battery module MD1 is different in that there is no first module top cover 15 but rather opposite side closing members 27 of the battery module MD extend up to the bottom surface of the battery pack cover 5 .

[0105] The opposite side closing members 27 of the battery module MD may be implemented by the end plates 33 that press-couple the stacked battery cells 21 from both sides, or by separate members disposed around the two outermost sides of the battery module MD.

[0106] With the present configuration not including the first module top cover 15 , the battery pack 1 becomes more compact and lightweight, and the module outlets 19 of the first battery module MD1 are formed on the front and rear sides of the first battery module MD1 .

[0107] Fig.15 A second battery module MD2 is shown, wherein the front closing member 29 and the rear closing member 31 of the battery module MD extend to the bottom surface of the battery pack cover 5 , so that the module outlet 19 can be formed between the battery pack cover 5 and the front closing member 29 , the rear closing member 31 , and the side closing member 27 .

[0108] Fig.15 The cross section and Fig.12 The cross section of the second battery module MD2 shown is different in that the second module top cover 17 is not present, but the front closing member 29 and the rear closing member 31 of the battery module MD extend up to the bottom surface of the pack cover 5 .

[0109] The front closing member 29 of the battery module MD may be implemented by a module front cover 43 , and the rear closing member 31 of the battery module MD may be implemented by a module rear cover 47 .

[0110] In other words, in the absence of the second module top cover 17, the module front cover 43 and the module rear cover 47 are used together with the battery pack cover 5 to form a channel for releasing gas on the upper side of the second battery module MD2, thereby forming a module outlet 19 on the opposite lateral side of the second battery module MD2.

[0111] Therefore, in the present configuration of the battery pack 1 not including the second module top cover 17 , the battery pack 1 becomes more compact and lightweight, and the module outlets 19 of the second battery module MD2 are formed on both left and right sides of the second battery module MD2 .

[0112] Each of the module front cover 43 and the module rear cover 47 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes, on the upper side thereof, an elastically deformable portion 53 that elastically contacts the bottom surface of the pack cover 5 .

[0113] Therefore, in the battery pack 1 assembled by pressurizing the battery pack cover 5 from the upper side, the elastic deformable portion 53 elastically contacts the bottom surface of the battery pack cover 5, so that the flow path can be airtight to flames and released gases, and the released gases and flames can be more effectively prevented from spreading to other adjacent battery modules MD.

[0114] For ease of explanation and accurate definition of the appended claims, the terms "up", "down", "inside", "outside", "upward", "downward", "upward", "downward", "front", "rear", "rear", "inside", "outside", "inwardly", "outwardly", "interior", "exterior", "inside", "outside", "forward", and "rearward" are used to describe features of the exemplary embodiments with reference to the locations of such features shown in the drawings. It should be further understood that the term "connected" or its derivatives refer to both direct and indirect connections.

[0115] The term "and / or" may include a combination of multiple related listed items or any one of the multiple related listed items. For example, "A and / or B" includes all three cases, such as "A", "B" and "A and B".

[0116] In this specification, unless otherwise stated, a singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0117] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, “at least one of A and B” may refer to “at least one of A or B” or “at least one of a combination of at least one of A and B”. Furthermore, “one or more of A and B” may refer to “one or more of A or B” or “one or more of a combination of one or more of A and B”.

[0118] In the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, it should be understood that terms such as “including” or “having” are intended to specify the presence of features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, parts, or a combination thereof described in the specification, and do not exclude the possibility of adding or existing one or more other features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, parts, or a combination thereof.

[0119] The foregoing descriptions of specific exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise form disclosed, and it is apparent that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. Exemplary embodiments are selected and described to explain certain principles of the present disclosure and their practical applications, so that those skilled in the art can make and utilize various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and various substitutions and modifications thereof. The scope of the present disclosure is intended to be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A battery pack for a vehicle, the battery pack comprising: Tray assembly; a plurality of battery modules arranged to form a planar grid in the tray assembly; as well as a battery pack cover coupled to an upper side of the tray assembly and forming a battery pack inner space together with the tray assembly to accommodate the battery module in the battery pack inner space, Wherein, the battery module arranged in the tray assembly includes: a first battery module including at least one first module outlet formed in a longitudinal direction of the battery pack, the at least one first module outlet being used to discharge released gas from an interior of the first battery module; and The second battery module includes at least one second module outlet formed in a lateral direction of the battery pack, the at least one second module outlet being used to discharge the released gas from an interior of the second battery module.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, The first battery module includes a first module top cover including the at least one first module outlet formed at at least one of a first end and a second end of the first module top cover in a longitudinal direction of the first battery module, and The second battery module includes a second module top cover, and the second module top cover includes at least one second module outlet formed at at least one of a first end and a second end of the second module top cover in a lateral direction of the second battery module.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, in, The first module top cover includes a cover covering an upper side of battery cells constituting the first battery module and side coupling portions extending downward from opposite side ends of the cover, and the first module top cover is formed to have a uniform cross-section in a longitudinal direction of the first battery module, wherein the side coupling portion of the first module top cover is coupled to an upper end portion of an opposite side closing member of the first battery module, wherein the front end portion of the first module top cover forms one of the at least one first module outlets between the front closure member of the first battery module and the cover and the side coupling portion, and Wherein, the rear end portion of the first module top cover forms one of the at least one first module outlets between the rear closing member of the first battery module and the cover and the side coupling portion.

4. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein: The opposing side closing members of the first battery module include end plates coupled to pressurize the stacked battery cells from first and second sides of the stacked battery cells.

5. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein: The cover and the side coupling portion of the first module top cover are formed to have a trapezoidal cross-section that is consistent in a longitudinal direction of the first battery module.

6. The battery pack according to claim 3, in, The first battery module having the first module top cover installed therein includes a plurality of fireproof plates inserted between the stacked battery cells, and Wherein, the upper end portion of the fireproof plate extends to the bottom surface of the cover of the first module top cover.

7. The battery pack according to claim 2, in, The second module top cover includes a cover covering the upper side of the battery cells constituting the second battery module; a front end coupling portion extending downward from the front end portion of the cover; and a rear end coupling portion extending downward from the rear end portion of the cover, and the second module top cover is formed to include a uniform cross-section along the lateral direction of the second battery module, wherein the front end coupling portion of the second module top cover is coupled to an upper end portion of a front closing member of the second battery module, wherein the rear end coupling portion of the second module top cover is coupled to an upper end portion of a rear closing member of the second battery module, and Wherein, at least one of the second module outlets is formed between opposite ends of the second module top cover and opposite side closing members of the battery module.

8. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, The front closing member of the battery module includes at least one of a module front cover and a front sensing block, wherein the front sensing block is used to sense the voltage and temperature of the battery cell, and wherein the rear closing member of the battery module includes at least one of a module rear cover and a rear sensing block, wherein the rear sensing block is used to sense the voltage and temperature of the battery cell.

9. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein: The cover, the front end coupling portion, and the rear end coupling portion of the second module top cover are formed to have a trapezoidal cross-section that is consistent along a lateral direction of the second battery module.

10. The battery pack according to claim 7, in, The second battery module having the second module top cover installed therein includes a plurality of fireproof panels inserted between stacked battery cells, and The upper end portion of the fireproof plate has a sawtooth shape in which a portion extending to the bottom surface of the cover of the second module top cover and a portion spaced apart from the bottom surface of the cover are repeatedly alternated.

11. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The tray assembly comprises: A lower plate, disposed on the lower side of the battery module; a plurality of exterior members coupled to an upper side of the lower plate and forming the battery pack internal space; a plurality of internal components disposed within the battery pack interior space and between the battery modules arranged to form the planar grid; and An exhaust device is provided in at least one of the exterior members to exhaust the released gas from the internal space of the battery pack to the outside.

12. The battery pack according to claim 11, wherein: The height of the internal member is lower than that of the battery module, so that the released gas flows from the battery module through an upper side of the internal member and is exhausted from the battery pack through the exhaust device. 13 . The battery pack according to claim 11 , further comprising a metal plate on an upper side of the lower plate to support a lower side of the battery module and prevent the battery module from melting in the event of fire.

14. The battery pack according to claim 13, wherein: The battery module is disposed above the metal plate, and a thermal interface material (TIM) pad is interposed between the battery module and the metal plate.

15. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein: The first module top cover of the first battery module and the second module top cover of the second battery module are in surface contact with a bottom surface of the battery pack cover.

16. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: When the opposite side closing members of the battery module extend up to the bottom surface of the battery pack cover, the first battery module includes at least one first module outlet formed between the battery pack cover and the opposite side closing members and the front closing member, and between the battery pack cover and the opposite side closing members and the rear closing member.

17. The battery pack according to claim 16, wherein: Opposite side closing members of the battery module include end plates coupled to pressurize the stacked battery cells from both sides.

18. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: When the front and rear closing members of the battery module extend to the bottom surface of the pack cover, the second battery module includes the at least one second module outlet formed between the front and rear closing members, the side closing members and the pack cover.

19. The battery pack according to claim 18, in, The front closing member of the battery module includes a module front cover, and wherein the rear closing member of the battery module includes a module rear cover.

20. The battery pack according to claim 19, wherein: The module front cover and the module rear cover include elastically deformable portions at upper sides thereof, the elastically deformable portions elastically contacting a bottom surface of the battery pack cover.

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