Battery pack and vehicle including the same

Abstract

A battery pack and a vehicle including the same are disclosed. A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a battery module in which a plurality of battery cells are accommodated and in which an exhaust portion is formed; and a pack case in which a plurality of battery modules are accommodated, in which a flame discharge passage may be formed between the battery modules and the pack case so as to be adjacent to the exhaust portions of the battery modules. According to an embodiment of the present invention, when a flame or a gas is generated in any one of battery cells inside a battery module, the flame or the gas is discharged in a preset direction, thereby having an effect of preventing the flame or the gas from propagating to other adjacent battery cells.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0101821 filed in Korea on August 3, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a battery pack and a vehicle including the same, and more particularly, to a battery pack capable of preventing the spread of flame or gas and a vehicle including the same. Background Art

[0003] With the development of technology and the increase in demand for mobile devices, the demand for secondary batteries as energy sources is rapidly increasing, and nickel-cadmium batteries or hydrogen-ion batteries have been used as conventional secondary batteries, but recently, lithium secondary batteries, which have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries and thus have advantages such as free charge and discharge, very low self-discharge rate and high energy density, have been widely used.

[0004] These lithium secondary batteries primarily use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as positive and negative active materials, respectively. A lithium secondary battery comprises an electrode assembly, comprising a positive plate and a negative plate coated with the positive and negative active materials, respectively, with a separator positioned between the positive and negative plates; and an outer material (i.e., a battery case) that seals and houses the electrode assembly and the electrolyte.

[0005] Lithium secondary batteries consist of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator interposed between the positive and negative electrodes, and an electrolyte, and are classified into lithium ion batteries (LIBs), polymer lithium ion batteries (PLIBs), etc., depending on what positive electrode active materials and negative electrode active materials are used. Generally, the electrodes of these lithium secondary batteries can be formed by coating the positive electrode active material or the negative electrode active material on a current collector (such as an aluminum or copper sheet, mesh, film, foil, etc.) and then drying it.

[0006] Lithium secondary batteries are currently receiving attention due to their advantages such as high operating voltage and significantly high energy density. However, since they use organic electrolytes, overcharging of lithium secondary batteries can lead to overcurrent and overheating, which in severe cases can cause explosion or fire.

[0007] Various types of secondary batteries may include a battery module having a case for protecting battery cells, in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked and inserted into the case, and a battery pack in which a plurality of battery modules are accommodated.

[0008] If a thermal event occurs in any battery cells provided in the battery module and a flame occurs in at least one of the battery cells, the flame may spread to other battery cells in which no flame is generated.

[0009] If a flame generated from a battery cell spreads to other adjacent battery cells in this manner, not only the battery cells but also the battery module or battery pack may be damaged, burned, or exploded due to a chain reaction of flames, thus posing a problem in ensuring the stability of the battery module or battery pack. Furthermore, since gas is also generated from the battery cells within the battery module, if this gas is moved or discharged in an unintended direction, various problems may occur.

[0010] Alternatively, if a flame generated in a battery cell leaks outside the battery module housing, the flame could spread to other battery modules that were not generating flames, potentially creating a dangerous situation for the user. For example, if a battery module or battery pack is installed in an electric vehicle and a flame occurs in a battery cell and then leaks out, the driver of the electric vehicle could be burned or face a dangerous situation. Summary of the Invention

[0011] Technical issues

[0012] Therefore, the present disclosure is directed to providing a battery pack and a vehicle including the same, which can prevent flame or gas from spreading to other adjacent battery cells by discharging flame or gas in a preset direction when flame or gas is generated in any battery cell inside a battery module.

[0013] Furthermore, the present disclosure is directed to providing a battery pack and a vehicle including the same, which can prevent flame or gas from spreading to adjacent battery modules by discharging flame or gas in a preset direction when flame or gas is generated in any battery cell inside the battery module.

[0014] Furthermore, the present disclosure is directed to providing a battery pack and a vehicle including the same, which can ensure stability of a battery module or a battery pack by reducing the possibility of thermal events through cooling battery cells.

[0015] However, the technical objectives to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above contents, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other objectives not mentioned herein based on the following disclosure.

[0016] Technical Solution

[0017] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery pack is provided, comprising: a battery module in which a plurality of battery cells are housed and a vent portion is formed; and a battery pack housing in which the battery module is housed, wherein a flame exhaust channel is formed between the battery module and the battery pack housing adjacent to the vent portion of the battery module.

[0018] In an embodiment, a vent portion may be formed at a lower side of the battery module.

[0019] In an embodiment, the battery module may include a lower frame, the protrusion may be formed on the lower frame, and the flame exhaust passage may be provided as a flame exhaust space formed between the battery module and the pack case through the protrusion.

[0020] In an embodiment, the protrusion may include a pair of first protrusions formed on both edges of the lower frame; a second protrusion formed between the pair of first protrusions and parallel to the pair of first protrusions; and a third protrusion formed to intersect the second protrusion.

[0021] In one embodiment, the battery cells may be cylindrical battery cells, a seating portion having a circular cross-section may be formed on the lower frame such that the cylindrical battery cells are seated thereon, and a vent portion may be formed in the seating portion.

[0022] In one embodiment, the placement portion may include a side lower support configured to support the lower side of the side surface of the cylindrical battery cell; and a bottom support configured to support the bottom surface of the cylindrical battery cell, and a vent portion that ruptures at a preset range of temperature or pressure may be formed in the bottom support.

[0023] In an embodiment, the bottom support may rupture when a thermal event occurs in the cylindrical battery cell such that the temperature or pressure exceeds a preset level, and flames generated during the thermal event may move through the ruptured bottom support to the flame exhaust space and be exhausted.

[0024] In an embodiment, the cooling fluid may be contained inside the battery module, and the seating portion may have a waterproof adhesive to prevent leakage of the cooling fluid.

[0025] In an embodiment, a cooling fluid may be contained within the battery module, and the plurality of battery cells may be configured to be immersed in the cooling fluid.

[0026] In an embodiment, the cooling fluid may include cooling water or insulating oil.

[0027] In an embodiment, the battery module may include a middle frame and a lower frame, and the cooling fluid may be received between the middle frame and the lower frame and in direct contact with the plurality of battery cells.

[0028] In an embodiment, a waterproof adhesive may be provided at an upper side of the middle frame to prevent leakage of the cooling fluid.

[0029] In an embodiment, the waterproof adhesive may be an epoxy-based waterproof resin.

[0030] In an embodiment, the waterproof resin may be made of a flame retardant material.

[0031] In an embodiment, the waterproof resin may be made of a phase change material (PCM) and provided for cooling the plurality of battery cells.

[0032] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle is provided, which includes the above-mentioned battery pack.

[0033] Beneficial effects

[0034] The embodiments of the present disclosure have the effect of preventing the flame or gas from spreading to other adjacent battery cells by discharging the flame or gas in a preset direction when flame or gas is generated in any battery cell inside a battery module.

[0035] Furthermore, there is an effect of preventing the flame or gas from spreading to adjacent battery modules by discharging the flame or gas in a preset direction when flame or gas is generated in any battery cell inside the battery module.

[0036] In addition, there is an effect of ensuring the stability of the battery module or battery pack by reducing the possibility of thermal events through cooling the battery cells.

[0037] Furthermore, the safety of the driver of the electric vehicle can be improved by the exhaust at the bottom.

[0038] However, the effects that can be derived through the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other technical effects not mentioned above will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the foregoing disclosure, are used to provide a further understanding of the technical features of the present disclosure, and therefore, the present disclosure is not to be construed as being limited to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] Figure 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 2 is an assembled perspective view illustrating a battery module provided in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a battery module provided in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 A side view of the battery module making the protrusion visible.

[0044] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 , showing a bottom view of the protrusion formed on the lower frame.

[0045] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a battery module coupled to a lower case in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided for convenience of explanation.

[0046] Figure 7 It shows that when Figure 6 Diagram of flame movement when the bottom support of the lower middle frame ruptures.

[0047] Figure 8 It shows Figure 3 An enlarged view of part A of FIG.

[0048] Figure 9 It shows Figure 8 Schematic diagram of a rupture of the bottom support member of any one of the lower frames of the battery module.

[0049] Figure 10 is a diagram for illustrating a vehicle including a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terms used in the specification and the appended claims should not be interpreted as limited to the general meaning and dictionary meaning, but should be interpreted according to the meaning and concept corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure based on the principle of allowing the inventor to appropriately define the terms for the best interpretation. Therefore, the descriptions provided herein are only preferred examples for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that other equivalents and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0051] In the accompanying drawings, for the sake of convenience and clarity of description, the size of each component or a specific portion of a component is exaggerated, omitted, or schematically shown. Therefore, the size of each component does not fully reflect the actual size. If it is determined that a detailed description of a related known function or configuration may unnecessarily obscure the key points of the present disclosure, such description will be omitted.

[0052] The term “coupled” or “connected” as used herein refers not only to a case where one member is directly coupled or directly connected to another member, but also to a case where one member is indirectly coupled or indirectly connected to another member through a coupling member.

[0053] Figure 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] Reference Figure 1 , a battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a battery module 100 and a pack case 200 .

[0055] Figure 2 is an assembled perspective view showing a battery module provided in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a battery module provided in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the battery module 100 may include a plurality of battery cells 110 and a module frame 120 . Figure 3 The enlarged view of FIG. 1 shows the bottom of the waterproof adhesive 140 .

[0057] The plurality of battery cells 110 are housed in a module frame 120 of the battery module 100, and a vent portion 127 (see FIG. Figure 6 ) is formed in the module frame 120. Here, one or more battery modules 100 may be provided. When a plurality of battery modules 100 are provided, they may be arranged in various ways. For example, Figure 1 As shown, the battery modules 100 may be arranged horizontally. Alternatively, the battery modules 100 may be arranged horizontally and vertically, but are not limited thereto.

[0058] Here, the battery module 100 may include various types of battery cells 110. For example, the battery module 100 may include a pouch-type battery cell 110, a square-shaped battery cell 110, or a cylindrical-shaped battery cell 110. However, for ease of explanation, the following description will be made as follows. Figure 3 The case is shown in which the battery cells 110 are cylindrical.

[0059] The cylindrical battery cell 110 may include an electrode assembly, a battery can, a positive current collecting plate, a cell terminal, and a negative current collecting plate.

[0060] The electrode assembly has a structure in which a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator interposed between the positive and negative electrode plates are wound in one direction and formed into a jellyroll-like structure with a central hole. For example, the electrode assembly can be manufactured by winding a stack formed by sequentially stacking a negative electrode plate, a separator, a positive electrode plate, and a separator at least once. Furthermore, the central hole of the electrode assembly is also used for welding the cell terminals to the positive current collector plate. In other words, the cell terminals and the positive current collector plate can be welded by irradiating a laser through the central hole of the electrode assembly. The positive and negative electrode plates can be formed into sheets. The positive electrode active material is applied to one or both sides of the positive electrode plate, and a first uncoated portion, where the positive electrode active material is not applied, may exist at the end of the positive electrode plate. The negative electrode active material is applied to one or both sides of the negative electrode plate, and a second uncoated portion, where the negative electrode active material is not applied, may exist at the end of the negative electrode plate. In other words, at least one of the positive and negative electrode plates may each include an uncoated portion, where the active material is not applied, at the end of the long side in the winding direction. The uncoated portion is exposed to the outside of the separator, while forming a plurality of winding turns based on the center of the electrode assembly, and can itself be used as an electrode connector. Here, the first uncoated portion and the second uncoated portion can be configured to face in opposite directions. However, the uncoated portion may not be formed in the electrode assembly. In addition, the positive electrode active material coated on the positive plate and the negative electrode active material coated on the negative plate can use active materials known in the art without limitation. The separator can use a porous polymer film, for example, a porous polymer film made of polyolefin polymers such as ethylene homopolymer, propylene homopolymer, ethylene / butene copolymer, ethylene / hexene copolymer and ethylene / methacrylate copolymer (alone or by stacking them). As another example, the separator can be made of a typical porous non-woven fabric (for example, a non-woven fabric made of high melting point glass fiber, polyethylene terephthalate fiber, etc.). At least one surface of the separator may include a coating of inorganic particles. In addition, the separator itself may also be made of a coating of inorganic particles. The particles constituting the coating may have a structure connected to a binder so that there is a gap volume between adjacent particles.

[0061] The electrode assembly is housed in a battery can, and a through-hole may be formed in the battery can. For example, the battery can may be cylindrical so that the electrode assembly is housed within the battery can, and the battery can may be electrically connected to the negative electrode plate of the electrode assembly. Therefore, the battery can may have the same polarity as the negative electrode plate, i.e., negative polarity.

[0062] The positive current collecting plate is electrically connected to the positive electrode plate, for example, at the top of the electrode assembly. For example, the positive current collecting plate is made of a conductive metal material and can be electrically connected to the first uncoated portion of the positive electrode plate.

[0063] The cell terminals are made of conductive metal and are electrically connected to the positive electrode current collecting plate through the through-holes of the battery can. In addition, the cell terminals are electrically connected to the positive electrode plate of the electrode assembly through the positive electrode current collecting plate, thus having positive polarity.

[0064] The negative current collecting plate is electrically connected to the negative electrode plate, for example, at the bottom of the electrode assembly. For example, the negative current collecting plate is made of a conductive metal material such as aluminum, steel, copper or nickel, and can be electrically connected to the second uncoated portion of the negative electrode plate.

[0065] Reference Figure 3 , a plurality of battery cells 110 are housed in the module frame 120. Also, a vent portion 127 is formed in the module frame 120. The vent portion 127 may be formed at various locations. For example, the vent portion 127 may be formed at the lower side of the battery module 100 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 6 The exhaust portion 127 will be described in detail later.

[0066] refer to Figure 3 , the module frame 120 may include a lower frame 121 and a middle frame 128 .

[0067] The lower frame 121 is coupled to the middle frame 128 at its lower side. Furthermore, the lower sides of the cylindrical battery cells 110 are seated on the lower frame 121. That is, the lower portion of each of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 110 can be inserted into and supported by the lower frame 121. Furthermore, as will be described in detail later, a cooling fluid 130 can be accommodated between the middle frame 128 and the lower frame 121.

[0068] The middle frame 128 supports a portion of the cylindrical battery cells 110. The middle frame 128 supports the cylindrical battery cells 110 above the position supported by the lower frame 121. Here, a plurality of cylindrical battery cells 110 may be inserted into and supported by the middle frame 128. Furthermore, the middle frame 128 may be coupled to the lower frame 121. As will be described in detail later, a waterproof adhesive 140 may be provided on the upper side of the middle frame 128.

[0069] Reference Figure 1At least one battery module 100 is housed in the battery pack housing 200. The battery pack housing 200 may include, for example, a lower housing 210, side housings 220, and an upper housing 230. The lower housing 210 is configured to accommodate at least one battery module 100 thereon. The lower housing 210 may be formed in a square plate shape, but is not limited thereto. The lower housing 210 forms the bottom of the battery pack housing 200. The side housings 220 may be configured to extend upward from the edges of the lower housing 210. The side housings 220 define the height of the battery pack housing 200 and form a predetermined space between the side housings 220 and the lower housing 210. Furthermore, at least one battery module 100 is housed in the space between the side housings 220 and the lower housing 210. The side housings 220 may include relatively long side frames and relatively short short side frames. Alternatively, the side housings 220 may include side frames of the same length. Furthermore, the upper housing 230 is coupled to the side housings 220.

[0070] The flame exhaust passage 300 is formed between the battery module 100 and the pack case 200 adjacent to the vent portion 127 of the battery module 100. Hereinafter, the flame exhaust passage 300 will be described in detail.

[0071] Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 A side view of the battery module, making the protrusion visible, and Figure 5 yes Figure 2 , showing a protrusion formed on the lower frame.

[0072] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , protrusions 122 are formed on the lower frame 121 of the module frame 120. Here, the protrusions 122 can be formed in various ways. For example, the protrusions 122 may include a first protrusion 122a, a second protrusion 122b, and a third protrusion 122c. The first protrusions 122a may be provided in a pair, and the pair of first protrusions 122a may be formed on both edges of the lower frame 121. In addition, the second protrusion 122b may be formed between the pair of first protrusions 122a and parallel to the pair of first protrusions 122a. Here, the second protrusion 122b may be formed at the exact center between the pair of first protrusions 122a, but is not limited to this, and may be formed at various positions between the pair of first protrusions 122a. In addition, the second protrusion 122b may be formed parallel to the pair of first protrusions 122a, but is not limited to this. The third protrusion 122c is formed to intersect with the second protrusion 122b. Here, the third protrusion 122c may be formed to pass through the exact center of the second protrusion 122b, but is not limited thereto, and may be formed to pass through various positions of the second protrusion 122b. In addition, the third protrusion 122c may be formed perpendicular to the second protrusion 122b, but is not limited thereto.

[0073] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a battery module coupled to a lower case in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure for convenience of explanation, and Figure 7 It shows that Figure 6 Figure 1 shows the movement of flames when the bottom support of the lower frame breaks.

[0074] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the case where the protrusions 122 are formed on the lower frame 121, when the lower frame 121 is accommodated in the lower case 210 of the battery pack case 200, the protrusions 122 of the lower frame 121 contact the lower case 210, thereby forming a space of a preset range between one protrusion 122 and an adjacent protrusion 122.

[0075] For example, a space of a preset range is formed between the first protrusion 122a and the second protrusion 122b, and the flame can be discharged through the space formed between the lower frame 121 of the battery module 100 and the lower shell 210 of the battery pack housing 200 by the protrusions 122a, 122b, and 122c in this manner. The gas generated from the battery cell 110 can also be discharged through the above-mentioned space like a flame. In the following, even if the discharge of gas is not specifically mentioned, it should be understood that the gas is discharged in the same manner as the flame. That is, the space formed between the lower frame 121 of the battery module 100 and the lower shell 210 of the battery pack housing 200 by the protrusions 122a, 122b, and 122c is the flame discharge space 310 in which the flame is discharged. Here, the flame discharge channel 300 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can be set as the above-mentioned flame discharge space 310.

[0076] As described above, the vent portion 127 may be formed on the lower side of the battery module 100. Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the case where the vent portion 127 is formed on the lower side of the battery module 100, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 110, flames are discharged toward the lower side of the battery module 100. If flames are discharged toward the lower side of the battery module 100 in this manner, the flames move in a direction opposite to the driver driving the electric vehicle, thereby improving the driver's safety.

[0077] Here, the exhaust portion 127 may be formed at the lower side of the battery module 100 to discharge the flame toward the lower side of the battery module 100, and a flame exhaust passage 300 provided as a flame exhaust space 310 to exhaust the flame moving toward the lower side of the battery module 100 through the exhaust portion 127 may be formed between the lower frame 121 and the lower case 210. That is, as Figure 7 As shown, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 110, the vent portion 127 ruptures (see Figure 7 P), and the flame moves to the flame exhaust channel 300 between the lower frame 121 and the lower case 210 through the exhaust portion 127, and then the flame is discharged to the outside through the exhaust path provided in the battery pack case 200.

[0078] As a result, when flame or gas is generated in any battery cell 110 within the battery module 100, the flame or gas can be discharged in a preset direction to prevent the flame or gas from spreading to other adjacent battery cells 110. In addition, if flame or gas is generated in any battery cell 110 within the battery module 100, the flame or gas can be discharged in a preset direction to prevent the flame or gas from spreading to adjacent battery modules 100.

[0079] Figure 8 It shows Figure 3 An enlarged view of part A of Figure 9 It shows Figure 8 Illustration of a case where a bottom support member of any one of the lower frames of the battery modules is broken.

[0080] Hereinafter, the exhaust portion 127 will be described in detail.

[0081] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 8 The lower frame 121 of the module frame 120 may include a seating portion 123 on which the cylindrical battery cell 110 is seated. The seating portion 123 may have a circular cross-section so that the cylindrical battery cell 110 is seated thereon, but is not limited thereto. For example, the seating portion 123 may have a polygonal shape that is larger than the diameter of the cylindrical battery cell 110.

[0082] Here, the placement portion 123 may include a side lower support member 124 and a bottom support member 125. The side lower support member 124 supports the lower side of the side surface of the cylindrical battery cell 110. In addition, the bottom support member 125 supports the bottom surface of the cylindrical battery cell 110. That is, when the cylindrical battery cell 110 is inserted into the placement portion 123, the lower side and bottom surface of the side surface of the cylindrical battery cell 110 can be supported by the placement portion 123. Here, a vent portion 127 that ruptures under a preset range of temperature or pressure can be formed on the bottom support member 125 of the placement portion 123. The bottom support member 125 can rupture in various ways. The bottom support member 125 supporting the battery cell 110 that has undergone a thermal event may be completely or partially torn due to pressure. Alternatively, the bottom support member 125 may melt due to heat and be completely or partially removed.

[0083] To this end, the bottom support member 125 may be made of a material that melts at a preset temperature. Alternatively, the bottom support member 125 may be made of a material that tears or breaks under a preset pressure. For example, Figure 6 As shown, a rupture groove 126 may be formed in the bottom support member 125 so that the bottom support member 125 can be easily removed. In this case, the exhaust portion 127 may be formed by the rupture groove 126.

[0084] However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and for example, one side of the bottom supporter 125 may be formed thinner so as to be easily torn.

[0085] In addition, reference Figure 7 and Figure 9 When a thermal event occurs in the cylindrical battery cell 110 such that the temperature or pressure exceeds a preset level, the bottom support member 125 may rupture (see Figure 7 and Figure 9 P in), and flames or gases generated during a thermal event may move from the cylindrical battery cells 110 to the flame exhaust space 310 through the ruptured bottom support member 125 and be exhausted.

[0086] At the same time, reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 , a cooling fluid 130 may be accommodated inside the battery module 100. The cooling fluid 130 is used to cool the plurality of battery cells 110, and the plurality of battery cells 110 may be immersed in the cooling fluid 130. For example, the cooling fluid 130 may be accommodated between the middle frame 128 and the lower frame 121 of the module frame 120.

[0087] Furthermore, the plurality of battery cells 110 are inserted into the middle frame 128 and placed on the lower frame 121, and are immersed in the cooling fluid 130, thereby allowing the cooling fluid 130 to directly contact the plurality of battery cells 110. In other words, the cooling fluid 130 directly contacts and cools the plurality of battery cells 110, thereby improving cooling efficiency. Here, the cooling fluid 130 may include cooling water or insulating oil, but is not limited thereto.

[0088] If the cooling fluid 130 is contained between the middle frame 128 and the lower frame 121, leakage of the cooling fluid 130 may be a problem. Figure 6 , a waterproof adhesive 140 may be provided at the upper side of the middle frame 128 to prevent leakage of the cooling fluid 130. In addition, although Figure 6Although not shown, if the waterproof adhesive 140 poured at the upper side of the middle frame 128 is molded, the upper case 230 of the battery pack case 200 may be configured to cover the upper side of the waterproof adhesive 140. Here, pouring refers to a method of dropping the waterproof adhesive 140 on the upper side of the middle frame 128 and hardening the waterproof adhesive 140 to be encapsulated.

[0089] In addition, the seating portion 123 may also have a waterproof adhesive 150 to prevent leakage of the cooling fluid 130. Figure 3 , the waterproof adhesives 140 , 150 are shown to have fixed shapes, but this is only for convenience of explanation to illustrate that the waterproof adhesives 140 , 150 correspond to the cylindrical battery cells 110 .

[0090] Here, the waterproof adhesive 140, 150 may be of various types. For example, the waterproof adhesive 140, 150 may be an epoxy-based waterproof resin, such as a hybrid resin.

[0091] As a modified embodiment, the waterproof resin may be made of various flame-retardant materials. If the waterproof resin is prepared as a flame-retardant material in this manner, when one cylindrical battery cell 110 catches fire, the flame is blocked by the flame-retardant waterproof resin and cannot migrate, thereby preventing the flame from spreading to other adjacent cylindrical battery cells 110. However, the waterproof resin does not need to be applied to the vent portion 127, which must be ruptured by flames or gas.

[0092] In another modified embodiment, the waterproof resin may include a phase change material (PCM) to cool the plurality of battery cells 110 .

[0093] Phase change materials absorb and store heat when they change from solid to liquid, and then release the stored heat when they change from liquid to solid. When heat is generated from the cylindrical battery cells 110 during a thermal event, the waterproof resin made of phase change materials can absorb the heat generated from the cylindrical battery cells 110 and turn into a liquid, thereby cooling the cylindrical battery cells 110. Therefore, the waterproof resin can achieve the combined effects of waterproofing, preventing the spread of flames, and cooling the cylindrical battery cells 110.

[0094] However, not only the waterproof adhesive 140 , 150 is used to prevent leakage of the cooling fluid 130 , but various types of sealing members may also be used.

[0095] Figure 10 is a diagram for illustrating a vehicle including a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0096] refer to Figure 10The vehicle 20 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include the above-described battery pack 10. That is, the battery pack 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied to the vehicle 20, for example, a predetermined vehicle designed to use electric power, such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle.

[0097] The present disclosure has been described in detail. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the scope of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

[0098] Meanwhile, the terms indicating directions as used herein (such as up, down, left, right, front and back) are used only for convenience of description, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the terms may change depending on the position of the elements being described or the observer.

[0099] Industrial Applicability

[0100] The present disclosure relates to a battery pack and a vehicle including the same, and in particular, can be used in industries related to secondary batteries.

Claims

1. A battery pack, comprising: a battery module in which a plurality of battery cells are housed and a vent portion is formed; as well as a battery pack housing in which the battery module is housed, Wherein, a flame exhaust passage is formed between the battery module and the battery pack housing adjacent to the exhaust portion of the battery module.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, The vent portion is formed at a lower side of the battery module.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, The battery module includes a lower frame, and a protrusion is formed on the lower frame, and The flame exhaust passage is configured as a flame exhaust space formed between the battery module and the battery pack housing through the protrusion.

4. The battery pack according to claim 3, in, The protrusion comprises: a pair of first protrusions formed on two edges of the lower frame; a second protrusion formed between the pair of first protrusions and parallel to the pair of first protrusions; and A third protrusion is formed to intersect with the second protrusion.

5. The battery pack according to claim 3, in, The battery cell is a cylindrical battery cell, wherein a placement portion having a circular cross-section is formed on the lower frame so that the cylindrical battery cell is placed on the placement portion, and wherein the exhaust portion is formed in the seating portion.

6. The battery pack according to claim 5, in, The placement part includes: a side lower support member configured to support a lower side of a side surface of the cylindrical battery cell; and a bottom support member configured to support a bottom surface of the cylindrical battery cell, wherein the vent portion, which is ruptured at a preset range of temperature or pressure, is formed in the bottom support member.

7. The battery pack according to claim 6, in, When a thermal event occurs in the cylindrical battery cell causing the temperature or pressure to exceed a predetermined level, the bottom support member ruptures, and The flame generated during the thermal event moves to the flame exhaust space through the ruptured bottom support member and is exhausted.

8. The battery pack according to claim 6, in, A cooling fluid is contained within the battery module, and The placement portion has a waterproof adhesive to prevent leakage of the cooling fluid.

9. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, A cooling fluid is contained within the battery module, and the plurality of battery cells are configured to be immersed in the cooling fluid.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9, in, The cooling fluid includes cooling water or insulating oil.

11. The battery pack according to claim 9, in, The battery module includes a middle frame and a lower frame, and the cooling fluid is received between the middle frame and the lower frame and is in direct contact with the plurality of battery cells.

12. The battery pack according to claim 11, in, A waterproof adhesive is provided at an upper side of the intermediate frame to prevent leakage of the cooling fluid.

13. The battery pack according to claim 12, in, The waterproof adhesive is an epoxy-based waterproof resin.

14. The battery pack according to claim 13, in, The waterproof resin is made of flame retardant material.

15. The battery pack according to claim 13, in, The waterproof resin is made of a phase change material PCM, and is provided for cooling the plurality of battery cells.

16. A vehicle comprising the battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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