Battery pack and vehicle including the same

Abstract

Disclosed are a battery pack and a vehicle including the same. A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a plurality of battery modules in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a pack case accommodating the plurality of battery modules and provided with an exhaust port; and a protective cover member coupled with a portion of the pack case where the exhaust port is located to protect the exhaust port.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0027391, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on February 26, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] This disclosure relates to battery packs and vehicles including such battery packs, and more specifically, to battery packs capable of protecting exhaust units and facilitating the discharge of exhaust gases and vehicles including such battery packs. Background Technology

[0003] Generally, rechargeable batteries refer to batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged, such as lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The most basic rechargeable battery cell can provide an output voltage of approximately 2.5V to 4.2V.

[0004] Recently, secondary batteries have been used in devices that require high output voltage and large charging capacity, such as electric vehicles or ESS (energy storage systems). As a result, battery modules configured by connecting multiple battery cells in series, parallel or in combination, and battery packs configured by connecting battery modules in series, parallel or in combination, are widely used.

[0005] Although lithium-ion batteries are currently gaining attention due to their advantages such as high operating voltage and significantly high energy density, they use organic electrolytes, so overcharging can cause overcurrent and overheating, leading to explosion or fire in the worst case.

[0006] Various types of secondary batteries may include: battery modules having a module housing capable of protecting battery cells, wherein multiple battery cells are stacked and stored in the module housing; and battery packs comprising multiple battery modules.

[0007] Here, if exhaust gas is generated due to a flame occurring in at least one of the battery cells inside the battery module housing, the internal pressure of the battery module will increase rapidly, and the flame may spread to adjacent battery modules due to the explosion of the battery module, resulting in a chain reaction of fire.

[0008] Furthermore, if a flame originating from a battery module spreads to adjacent battery modules, the module or pack may be damaged, burned, or explode due to a chain reaction, making it difficult to ensure its stability. Additionally, exhaust gases generated from the battery cells inside the module, when expelled in undesirable directions, can cause various problems.

[0009] To solve the above problems, an exhaust unit can be installed in the battery pack casing to smoothly discharge exhaust gases.

[0010] However, since the exhaust unit of a conventional battery pack is exposed to the outside, when high-temperature particles are generated by a flame caused by a thermal event, the high-temperature particles move to the exhaust unit and damage it. Summary of the Invention

[0011] Technical issues

[0012] This disclosure aims to solve the problems of the related technology, and therefore aims to provide a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery pack that can protect the exhaust unit from the effects of high-temperature particles generated by the flame.

[0013] In addition, this disclosure aims to provide a battery pack capable of smoothly discharging exhaust gases by allowing exhaust gases to pass through while blocking high-temperature particles, and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0014] In addition, this disclosure aims to provide a battery pack that prevents the increase of internal pressure of the battery pack, thereby preventing thermal runaway, and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0015] However, the technical problems sought to be solved by this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the description of the invention below that other problems not mentioned above will be addressed.

[0016] Technical solution

[0017] In one aspect of this disclosure, a battery pack is provided, comprising: a plurality of battery modules in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a battery pack housing configured to accommodate the plurality of battery modules and having an exhaust unit formed therein; and a protective cover member coupled to the battery pack housing at a portion where the exhaust unit is located to protect the exhaust unit, and having a gas transmission hole formed therein for the movement of exhaust gas.

[0018] In one embodiment, the venting unit may include: a vent hole through which exhaust gases generated from the battery cell are discharged; and a venting valve configured to close the vent hole and open when the internal pressure of the battery pack housing exceeds a predetermined value.

[0019] In one embodiment, the protective cover member may be formed to cover at least a portion of the exhaust unit.

[0020] In an embodiment, the protective cover component may include: an upper cover portion located at the top; a side cover portion connected to the upper cover portion and located on the side; and a front cover portion connected to the upper cover portion and the side cover portion, and a gas transmission hole may be formed in at least one of the upper cover portion, the side cover portion and the front cover portion.

[0021] In one embodiment, the front cover may include a plurality of rods, and the plurality of rods may be obliquely connected to the side cover, such that a gas transmission hole may be formed between the plurality of rods.

[0022] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of rods may have a lower side that connects to the end of the side cover and an upper side that connects to the inside of the side cover.

[0023] In one embodiment, a gas transmission hole may be formed between any one of the plurality of rods and the rod adjacent to that rod, such that the exhaust gas moves upward along the gas transmission hole.

[0024] In an embodiment, each of the plurality of rods may have an upper side that connects to the end of the side cover and a lower side that connects to the inside of the side cover.

[0025] In one embodiment, a gas delivery hole may be formed between any one of the plurality of rods and the rod adjacent to that rod, such that the exhaust gas moves downward along the gas delivery hole.

[0026] In this implementation, the tilt angles of the multiple rods can be configured to be the same.

[0027] In an implementation, the tilt angles of the multiple rods can be configured such that at least one tilt angle is different.

[0028] In one embodiment, a fastening connection may be formed on the upper cover portion, so that the protective cover component is connected to the battery pack housing.

[0029] In an embodiment, the protective cover component may further include a lower cover portion located at the bottom so as to connect with the lower portions of the side cover portion and the lower portions of the front cover portion.

[0030] In one embodiment, a gas transfer hole for the movement of exhaust gas can be formed in the lower cover.

[0031] In another aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle is provided that includes at least one of the aforementioned battery packs.

[0032] Beneficial effects

[0033] The embodiments disclosed herein have the effect of protecting the exhaust unit from the effects of high-temperature particles generated by the flame.

[0034] Furthermore, the embodiments of this disclosure have the effect of smoothly discharging exhaust gases by allowing exhaust gases to pass through while blocking high-temperature particles.

[0035] In addition, the embodiments disclosed herein have the effect of preventing the increase of internal pressure of the battery pack, thereby preventing thermal runaway.

[0036] However, the effects that can be obtained from this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the following description of the invention that are not mentioned above. Attached Figure Description

[0037] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the foregoing disclosure, are intended to provide a further understanding of the technical features of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the drawings.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a battery pack according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing a protective cover member for an exhaust unit formed in the battery pack housing of a battery pack according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, with the battery module omitted from it.

[0040] Figure 3 It indicates that it is in a separated state. Figure 2 A diagram of the protective cover component.

[0041] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An enlarged view of the exhaust port of the exhaust unit in the diagram.

[0042] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a protective cover member in a battery pack according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 6 This is a front view of a protective cover member in a battery pack according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 7 It is along Figure 5 The sectional view taken by line A-A' in the middle.

[0045] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a protective cover member in a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 9 It is along Figure 8 The sectional view taken by line B-B' in the diagram.

[0047] Figure 10This is a perspective view of a protective cover member in a battery pack according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of a protective cover member in a battery pack according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0049] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of a protective cover member in a battery pack according to the fifth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0050] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating a vehicle including a battery pack according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0051] In the following, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before 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 should be interpreted according to the meaning and concept corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure, based on the principle that the inventors are allowed to appropriately define the terms to obtain the best interpretation. Therefore, the description presented herein is merely a preferred example for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure; thus, it should be understood that other equivalents and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0052] The dimensions of the elements or specific portions of each element shown in the accompanying drawings have been exaggerated, omitted, or simplified for ease of explanation and clarification. Therefore, the dimensions of the elements do not perfectly reflect their actual dimensions. Descriptions of known functions or configurations that may obscure the subject matter of this disclosure will be omitted.

[0053] In this specification, the phrase "an element is 'connected' or 'attached' to another element" should be understood as meaning that elements can be directly connected or attached to each other, and that two elements can be indirectly connected or attached to each other through a connecting member between them.

[0054] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a diagram showing a protective cover member for a venting unit formed in the battery pack housing according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the battery module is omitted. Figure 3 It indicates that it is in a separated state. Figure 2 A diagram of the protective cover components in the diagram. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An enlarged view of the exhaust port of the exhaust unit in the diagram. Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a protective cover member in a battery pack according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 This is a front view of the protective cover member in the battery pack according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 7 It is along Figure 5 The sectional view taken by line A-A' in the middle.

[0055] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery pack 10 can be configured to include a plurality of battery modules 100, a battery pack housing 200, and a protective cover member 300.

[0056] Each battery module 100 is provided with multiple stacked battery cells 110 (see Figure 1 Furthermore, the multiple battery modules 100 are arranged in various ways. For example, the battery modules 100 can be arranged as follows: Figure 1 The arrangement shown is in both the horizontal and vertical directions, but is not limited to this.

[0057] The battery module 100 may be provided with multiple battery cells 110 and a module housing 120.

[0058] Multiple battery cells 110 can be stacked on top of each other. The battery cells 110 can have various structures, and multiple battery cells 110 can be stacked in various ways.

[0059] The battery cell 110 may have a structure in which multiple unit cells or multiple dual cells are stacked according to the battery capacity. The unit cells are configured to be sequentially laminated with a positive electrode plate-separator-negative electrode plate, and the dual cells are configured to be sequentially laminated with a positive electrode plate-separator-negative electrode plate-separator-positive electrode plate-separator-negative electrode plate.

[0060] The battery cell 110 may be provided with electrode leads. Electrode leads are terminals exposed to the outside and connected to external devices, and may be made of conductive material. Electrode leads may include positive leads and negative leads.

[0061] The positive and negative leads can be arranged in opposite directions along the length of the battery cell 110, or the positive and negative leads can be arranged in the same direction along the length of the battery cell 110.

[0062] The battery cell 110 may have multiple boxes (not shown) for accommodating the battery cell 110. Each box (not shown) may be manufactured by injection molding, and multiple boxes (not shown) having storage sections capable of storing the battery cell 110 may be stacked. The box assembly of multiple boxes (not shown) configured to be stacked may be provided with connector elements or terminal elements.

[0063] Connector elements may include various types of electrical connection parts or connecting components for connection to, for example, a BMS (Battery Management System) (not shown) capable of providing data related to the voltage or temperature of the battery cell 110.

[0064] Additionally, the terminal elements include positive and negative terminals as main terminals connected to the battery cell 110. The terminal elements may have terminal bolts for electrical connection to the outside. Furthermore, the battery cell 110 may have various shapes.

[0065] Multiple battery cells 110 are stacked and stored in a module housing 120. The module housing 120 surrounds the multiple battery cells 110, thereby protecting the battery cells 110 from external vibration or impact.

[0066] The module housing 120 can be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the stack of multiple battery cells 110 configured to be stacked. For example, if the stack of multiple battery cells 110 configured to be stacked is formed in a hexahedral shape, the module housing 120 can also be formed in a corresponding hexahedral shape, but is not limited thereto. Here, the module housing 120 may include an upper module housing, a lower module housing, and a side module housing.

[0067] Alternatively, the module housing 120 can be manufactured, for example, by bending a metal sheet, allowing the module housing 120 to be configured as a single piece. If the module housing 120 is manufactured as a single piece, the joining process can be easy and simplified. Alternatively, the module housing 120 can be configured as separate components and then joined together by welding or the like. However, the material of the module housing 120 is not limited to metallic materials.

[0068] Reference Figure 1 Multiple battery modules 100 are stored in the battery pack housing 200. Although in Figure 1 The battery module 100, which includes pouch-shaped battery cells 110, is stored in the battery pack housing 200. However, this disclosure is not limited to this, and the battery module 100, which includes prismatic battery cells or cylindrical battery cells, may also be stored inside the battery pack housing 200 of the battery pack 10 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0069] Additionally, refer to Figure 3 An exhaust unit 260 is disposed within the battery pack housing 200. The exhaust unit 260 is used to discharge exhaust gases generated from the battery cells 110 to the outside of the battery pack 10. For example, if a flame occurs in any of the battery cells 110, exhaust gases may be generated. These exhaust gases can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack housing 200 through the exhaust unit 260.

[0070] The exhaust unit 260 may include an exhaust port 261 and an exhaust valve 262. (See reference...) Figure 4 The vent 261 is a hole through which exhaust gas generated from the battery cell 110 is discharged, and may be formed in the battery pack housing 200, for example, on the side frame 220, but is not limited thereto.

[0071] Additionally, refer to Figure 3 The vent valve 262 can be installed in the vent port 261. The vent valve 262 can be configured in various ways. For example, the vent valve 262 can be configured to close the vent port 261 and open when the internal pressure of the battery pack housing 200 exceeds a predetermined value.

[0072] In other words, the exhaust valve 262 normally blocks the exhaust port 261, but when the exhaust gas leaks from the battery cell 110, and therefore when the internal pressure of the battery pack housing 200 exceeds a predetermined value or range, the exhaust valve 262 opens, allowing the exhaust gas to be discharged from the battery pack housing 200 through the exhaust port 261.

[0073] In the battery pack 10 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the exhaust unit 260 is protected from flames or high-temperature particles by a protective cover member 300, which will be described in detail later.

[0074] Reference Figure 1 The battery pack housing 200 can be configured to include, for example, a lower frame 210, a side frame 220, an inner frame 230, a partition frame 240, and an upper frame 250.

[0075] The lower frame 210 is configured to house multiple battery modules 100 thereon. The lower frame 210 may be formed in the shape of a square plate, but is not limited thereto. The lower frame 210 forms the bottom of the battery pack housing 200.

[0076] The side frame 220 can be configured to extend upward from the edge of the lower frame 210. The side frame 220 defines the height of the battery pack housing 200 and forms a predetermined space between the side frame 220 and the lower frame 210. Additionally, a plurality of battery modules 100 are disposed in the space between the side frame 220 and the lower frame 210. The side frame 220 may include a long side frame with a longer length and a short side frame with a shorter length. Alternatively, the side frames 220 may have the same length.

[0077] The inner frame 230 extends upward inside the lower frame 210 and connects to the side frame 220. One or more inner frames 230 can be provided, and multiple battery modules 100 can be arranged facing each other based on the inner frames 230.

[0078] The partition frame 240 is connected to the inner frame 230. Additionally, the partition frame 240 is inserted between multiple battery modules 100. Although in Figure 1 A partition frame 240 is disposed between two adjacent battery modules 100, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0079] The upper frame 250 can be located at the top and connected to the side frame 220. The upper frame 250 can be connected in various ways, for example, by fastening members such as bolts, by welding or by another connection method.

[0080] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The protective cover component 300 is connected to the battery pack housing 200 at the portion where the exhaust unit 260 is located, so as to protect the exhaust unit 260.

[0081] Here, refer to Figures 5 to 7 A gas transfer hole 350 for the movement of exhaust gas is formed in the protective cover member 300 (see...). Figure 7 ).

[0082] In other words, the exhaust gas generated from the battery cell 110 can move to the exhaust unit 260 through the gas transmission hole 350 of the protective cover member 300 and be discharged through the exhaust hole 261 of the exhaust unit 260. However, the flame generated from the battery cell 110 and the high-temperature particles generated by the flame can be blocked by the protective cover member 300 and cannot move to the exhaust unit 260, thereby protecting the exhaust unit 260 from the influence of the flame or high-temperature particles.

[0083] The protective cover member 300 can be formed to cover at least a portion of the exhaust unit 260. That is, the protective cover member 300 can have a portion covering the exhaust unit 260, which can vary as needed.

[0084] In addition, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 7 The protective cover component 300 can be configured to include an upper cover portion 310, a side cover portion 320, and a front cover portion 330.

[0085] The top cover 310 is located at the top and is connected to the side cover 320. Additionally, the side cover 320 is located on the side and is connected to the top cover 310 and the front cover 330. The front cover 330 is located at the front and is connected to the top cover 310 and the side cover 320.

[0086] Here, the protective cover member 300 may also include a lower cover portion 340, which will be described in the fifth embodiment below. However, in the first embodiment, the protective cover member 300 includes an upper cover portion 310, a side cover portion 320, and a front cover portion 330, but does not include the lower cover portion 340. That is, since the bottom of the protective cover member 300 is open, the exhaust gas can also move to the exhaust unit 260 through the lower cover portion 340.

[0087] Furthermore, the gas transfer hole 350 may be formed in at least one of the upper cover portion 310, the side cover portion 320, and the front cover portion 330. The cases in which the gas transfer hole 350 is formed in the side cover portion 320 and the upper cover portion 310 will be described in the third and fourth embodiments below, respectively, and the case in which the gas transfer hole 350 is formed in the front cover portion 330 is disclosed in the first embodiment.

[0088] In other words, referencing Figure 7 The lower cover portion 340 is not formed in the protective cover member 300, and the gas transmission hole 350 is formed only in the front cover portion 330.

[0089] Reference Figures 5 to 7 The front cover portion 330 may include a plurality of rod portions 370a and 370b. Here, the plurality of rod portions 370a and 370b may be formed at an angle and may be connected to the side cover portion 320. In addition, a gas transmission hole 350 is formed between the plurality of rod portions 370a and 370b formed at an angle.

[0090] Simultaneously refer to Figure 5 and Figure 7 Each of the plurality of rods 370a and 370b may have a lower side that connects to the end of the side cover portion 320 (see [reference]). Figure 5 and Figure 7 (X in the middle) and the upper side connected to the inner side of the side cover 320 (see Figure 5 and Figure 7 (Y in the text). In addition, a gap may be formed between the plurality of rods 370a and 370b, such that a gas transfer hole 350 may be formed between one of the rods 370a and the adjacent rod 370b.

[0091] Furthermore, according to the above structure, each of the plurality of rods 370a and 370b is formed to be inclined upward in the direction toward the exhaust unit 260, so that the exhaust gas moves upward along the gas transmission hole 350 as it travels toward the exhaust unit 260.

[0092] Reference Figure 7 Multiple rods 370a and 370b are spaced apart by a predetermined distance and are formed to be inclined upward in the direction toward the exhaust unit 260. Therefore, the exhaust gas can move along the multiple rods 370a and 370b to the exhaust unit 260 and then be discharged to the outside of the battery pack housing 200. Meanwhile, the high-temperature particles generated from the flame collide with the multiple rods 370a and 370b and are prevented from moving toward the exhaust unit 260.

[0093] In other words, the above structure and operation allow the exhaust gas to pass smoothly through the gas transmission holes 350 between the multiple rods 370a and 370b, but prevent high-temperature particles from passing through the protective cover member 300, thereby protecting the exhaust unit 260 from the effects of high-temperature particles generated by the flame, and also promoting the exhaust of gas.

[0094] In addition, since the exhaust gas is smoothly discharged when the exhaust unit 260 is protected according to the above configuration, it has the effect of preventing the pressure inside the battery pack 10 from increasing due to the exhaust gas, thereby preventing thermal runaway.

[0095] Here, as Figure 7 As shown, the tilt angles of the plurality of rods 370a and 370b can all be configured to be the same. Alternatively, as a modified embodiment, although not shown in the figures, at least one tilt angle of the plurality of rods 370a and 370b can be formed differently.

[0096] Additionally, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 A fastening connection 360 can be formed in the upper cover portion 310, so that the protective cover member 300 can be connected to the battery pack housing 200. Fastening members such as bolts can be connected to the fastening connection 360, so that the protective cover member 300 can be connected to the battery pack housing 200.

[0097] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the protective cover member in the battery pack according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 9 It is along Figure 8 The sectional view taken by line B-B' in the diagram.

[0098] Compared with the first embodiment, the second embodiment of this disclosure has a different inclination direction for the plurality of rods 370c and 370d in the front cover portion 330. However, some descriptions common to both the first and second embodiments will also apply to the second embodiment. Furthermore, some descriptions applicable to the first embodiment in the second embodiment can be applied to the first embodiment.

[0099] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 The front cover portion 330 may include a plurality of rod portions 370c and 370d. Here, the plurality of rod portions 370c and 370d may be formed at an angle and connected to the side cover portion 320. In addition, a gas transmission hole 350 is formed between the plurality of rod portions 370c and 370d formed at an angle.

[0100] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 Each of the plurality of rods 370c and 370d may have an upper side that connects to the end of the side cover portion 320 (see [reference]). Figure 8 and Figure 9 (Y' in the middle) and the lower side connected to the inner side of the side cover 320 (see Figure 8 and Figure 9 (X' in the text). In addition, gaps may be formed between the plurality of rods 370c and 370d, such that a gas transfer hole 350 may be formed between one of the rods 370c and 370d and the adjacent rod 370d.

[0101] Furthermore, according to the above structure, each of the plurality of rods 370c and 370d is formed to be inclined downward in the direction toward the exhaust unit 260, so that the exhaust gas moves downward along the gas transmission hole 350 as it travels toward the exhaust unit 260.

[0102] Reference Figure 9 Multiple rods 370c and 370d are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance and are formed to be inclined downward in the direction toward the exhaust unit 260, so that the exhaust gas can move along the multiple rods 370c and 370d to the exhaust unit 260 and then be discharged to the outside of the battery pack housing 200, while the high-temperature particles generated from the flame collide with the multiple rods 370c and 370d and are prevented from moving toward the exhaust unit 260.

[0103] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of a protective cover member in a battery pack according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0104] The third embodiment of this disclosure differs from the first and second embodiments in that a gas transfer hole 350 is formed in the side cover portion 320. However, some descriptions common to the first and second embodiments and the third embodiment will also apply to the third embodiment. Furthermore, some descriptions applicable to the first and second embodiments in the third embodiment can be applied to the first and second embodiments.

[0105] Reference Figure 10 A gas transmission hole 350 is formed in the side cover portion 320. Here, the gas transmission hole 350 formed in the side cover portion 320 can be configured to be inclined upward in the direction toward the exhaust unit 260, or it can be configured to be inclined downward in the direction toward the exhaust unit 260.

[0106] In addition, such as Figure 10 As shown, the gas transmission hole 350 can be formed in both the front cover portion 330 and the side cover portion 320, but the gas transmission hole 350 can be formed only in the side cover portion 320.

[0107] Alternatively, gas transfer holes 350 may be formed in each of the pair of side cover portions 320, or gas transfer holes 350 may be formed in only one of the pair of side cover portions 320.

[0108] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of a protective cover member in a battery pack according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0109] The fourth embodiment of this disclosure differs from the first to third embodiments in that a gas transfer hole 350 is formed in the upper cover portion 310. However, some descriptions common to the first to third embodiments and the fourth embodiment will also apply to the fourth embodiment. Furthermore, some descriptions applicable to the first to third embodiments of the fourth embodiment can be applied to the first to third embodiments.

[0110] Reference Figure 11 A gas transmission hole 350 is formed in the upper cover portion 310. Here, the gas transmission hole 350 formed in the upper cover portion 310 can be configured to tilt to the right toward the exhaust unit 260, or it can be configured to tilt to the left toward the exhaust unit 260. In addition, the gas transmission hole 350 formed in the upper cover portion 310 can be configured not only to tilt to the right or left, but also to tilt inward or outward.

[0111] In addition, such as Figure 11 As shown, the gas transmission hole 350 can be formed in both the front cover portion 330 and the upper cover portion 310, but the gas transmission hole 350 can be formed only in the upper cover portion 310.

[0112] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of a protective cover member in a battery pack according to the fifth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0113] The fifth embodiment of this disclosure differs from the first to fourth embodiments in that the protective cover member 300 includes a lower cover portion 340, and a gas transmission hole 350 is formed in the lower cover portion 340. However, some descriptions common to the first to fourth embodiments and the fifth embodiment will also apply to the fifth embodiment. Furthermore, some descriptions applicable to the first to fourth embodiments of the fifth embodiment can be applied to the first to fourth embodiments.

[0114] Reference Figure 12 The protective cover component 300 may also include a lower cover portion 340 located at the bottom for connection with the lower portions of the side cover portion 320 and the front cover portion 330.

[0115] The lower cover portion 340 blocks high-temperature particles rising from below. Most high-temperature particles move beyond the inner frame 230 and the partition frame 240 to enter the exhaust unit 260 through the front, top, and sides. However, depending on the requirements or the model of the battery pack, high-temperature particles may also enter the exhaust unit 260 from the lower side, so the lower cover portion 340 can be formed in the protective cover member 300.

[0116] Here, the lower cover 340 may not have the gas transfer port 350. Alternatively, such as Figure 12 As shown, a gas transfer hole 350 for gas movement can be formed in the lower cover portion 340. When the gas transfer hole 350 is formed in the lower cover portion 340, it can be configured to tilt to the right or to the left towards the exhaust unit 260. Furthermore, the gas transfer hole 350 formed in the upper cover portion 310 can be configured to tilt not only to the right or left, but also inward or outward.

[0117] In addition, such as Figure 12 As shown, the gas transmission hole 350 can be formed in both the front cover portion 330 and the lower cover portion 340, but the gas transmission hole 350 can be formed only in the lower cover portion 340.

[0118] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating a vehicle including a battery pack according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0119] Reference Figure 13 The vehicle 20 according to embodiments of this disclosure may include one or more battery packs 10 according to the embodiments described above. Here, vehicle 20 includes various vehicles designed to use electricity, such as electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles.

[0120] Although directional terms such as up, down, left, and right are used in this specification, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains that these terms are merely for ease of interpretation with reference to the accompanying drawings and may vary depending on the position, arrangement, or rotation of the target object or the position of the observer.

[0121] As described above, although this disclosure has been described with reference to limited embodiments and accompanying drawings, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains can make various modifications and variations within the scope of the technical concept of this disclosure and the equivalents of the described claims. Therefore, the previously disclosed embodiments should be considered as intended to describe embodiments of this disclosure, and not as intended to limit embodiments of this disclosure. That is, the true scope of the technical concept of this disclosure is shown in the claims, and all differences within its equivalent scope should be interpreted as included in this disclosure.

[0122] Industrial applicability

[0123] This disclosure relates to battery packs and vehicles including such battery packs, and is particularly applicable to industries related to secondary batteries.

Claims

1. A battery pack comprising: a plurality of battery modules in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a battery pack case configured to accommodate the plurality of battery modules, and in which an exhaust unit is formed; and a protective cover member coupled to the battery pack case at a portion where the exhaust unit is located to protect the exhaust unit, and in which a gas transfer hole through which exhaust gas moves is formed. 2.The battery pack of claim 1, wherein, the exhaust unit comprising: an exhaust hole through which the exhaust gas generated from the battery cells is discharged; and an exhaust valve configured to close the exhaust hole and open when an internal pressure of the battery pack case exceeds a predetermined value. 3.The battery pack of claim 1, wherein, the protective cover member is formed to cover at least a portion of the exhaust unit. 4.The battery pack of claim 3, wherein the protective cover member comprising: an upper cover portion located at a top; a side cover portion coupled to the upper cover portion and located at a side; and a front cover portion coupled to the upper cover portion and the side cover portion, and wherein the gas transfer hole is formed in at least one of the upper cover portion, the side cover portion, and the front cover portion. 5.The battery pack of claim 4, wherein the front cover portion comprises a plurality of rod portions, and wherein the plurality of rod portions are respectively coupled to the side cover portion obliquely such that the gas transfer hole is formed between the plurality of rod portions. 6.The battery pack of claim 5, wherein, each of the plurality of rod portions has a lower side coupled to an end portion of the side cover portion and an upper side coupled to an inner side of the side cover portion. 7.The battery pack of claim 6, wherein the gas transfer hole is formed between any one of the plurality of rod portions and a rod portion adjacent thereto such that the exhaust gas moves upward along the gas transfer hole. 8.The battery pack of claim 5, wherein, each of the plurality of rod portions has a coupled upper side of an end portion of the side cover portion and a lower side coupled to an inner side of the side cover portion. 9.The battery pack of claim 8, wherein the gas transfer hole is formed between any one of the plurality of rod portions and a rod portion adjacent thereto such that the exhaust gas moves downward along the gas transfer hole. 10.The battery pack of claim 5, wherein inclination angles of the plurality of rod portions are configured to be the same. 11.The battery pack of claim 5, wherein, inclination angles of the plurality of rod portions are configured such that at least one inclination angle is different. 12.The battery pack of claim 4, wherein a fastening coupling portion is formed on the upper cover portion such that the protective cover member is coupled to the battery pack case. 13.The battery pack of claim 4, wherein the protective cover member further comprises a lower cover portion located at a lower portion so as to be coupled to a lower portion of the side cover portion and a lower portion of the front cover portion. 14.The battery pack of claim 13, wherein The gas delivery hole through which the exhaust gas moves is formed in the lower cover portion.

15. A vehicle comprising at least one battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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