Battery pack and vehicle including the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery pack comprising: a plurality of battery cells; and a pack case accommodating the plurality of battery cells and having a cross beam separating the plurality of battery cells and having a through-hole through which exhaust gas generated from the battery cells can pass.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery pack and a vehicle including the same.

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0099335, filed on July 26, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. BACKGROUND

[0003] Secondary batteries that provide high adaptability across product categories and have electrical characteristics such as high energy density are not only widely used in portable devices, but also widely used in electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) driven by power sources. Such secondary batteries are gaining attention as new energy sources for enhancing environmental sustainability and energy efficiency, not only due to their major advantage of significantly reducing the use of fossil fuels, but also because they do not produce byproducts due to energy use.

[0004] Secondary batteries that are widely used at present include lithium ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. When a high output voltage is required, a plurality of battery cells can be connected in series to form a battery module or a battery pack. In addition, in order to increase the charge / discharge capacity, a plurality of battery cells can be connected in parallel to configure a battery module or a battery pack.

[0005] A common method for configuring a battery pack by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series / parallel is performed by preferably configuring a battery module including one or more battery cells, and then by adding other components to one or more battery modules to configure a battery pack or a battery rack. Recently, a cell-to-pack type battery pack has been manufactured in which a plurality of battery cells are directly accommodated in a battery pack housing or the like, rather than being modularized.

[0006] Meanwhile, since the battery cells involve chemical reactions during charging and discharging, their performance can be degraded when used in an environment exceeding an appropriate level. In addition, if heat control is not properly maintained at an appropriate temperature, there is still a potential risk of accidental ignition or explosion. Therefore, if a thermal event such as thermal runaway occurs inside a battery pack including a plurality of battery cells, high-temperature gas and flames discharged from the battery cells disposed therein can spread to adjacent battery modules, thereby causing a chain reaction explosion of the battery modules, which poses a significant safety risk.

[0007] In a conventional battery pack, an exhaust device is provided to reduce the internal pressure of a battery pack case when a thermal event occurs in a battery cell or a battery module. However, the exhaust gas or the exhaust material is blocked by a cross beam configured to partition the battery cell or the battery module, so that the exhaust gas is difficult to directly move to the exhaust device. Accordingly, there is a problem that heat is accumulated inside the battery pack case, especially in the cross beam, thereby accelerating thermal runaway.

[0008] Therefore, it is necessary to develop a structure capable of rapidly moving the high-temperature gas or flame generated inside a battery module to an exhaust device when thermal runaway occurs in the battery module, thereby dissipating the heat accumulation inside the battery pack. SUMMARY

[0009] TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0010] The present disclosure is designed to solve the problems of the related art, and thus the present disclosure relates to providing a battery pack capable of rapidly exhausting high-temperature gas or flame to the outside when thermal runaway occurs in a battery module, thereby preventing or inhibiting the propagation of thermal runaway between battery modules and improving safety and reliability.

[0011] In addition, the present disclosure also provides a vehicle including such a battery pack.

[0012] However, the technical problems that the present disclosure attempts to solve are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other problems not mentioned above from the description of the present application described below.

[0013] TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[0014] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery pack includes a plurality of battery cells, and a battery pack case configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells and including a cross beam configured to partition the plurality of battery cells and having a through-hole formed in the cross beam to allow exhaust gas generated from the battery cells to pass through the through-hole.

[0015] The through-hole can be formed at at least one end of a length direction of the cross beam.

[0016] The battery pack case can include a side frame configured to surround the plurality of battery cells and connected to at least one end of the cross beam, and the through-hole can be formed at a side where the cross beam and the side frame are connected.

[0017] The battery pack according to embodiments of the present disclosure may further include a plurality of module housings configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells by grouping them together, and having vent holes formed on at least one side of the plurality of module housings to allow exhaust gases to be released to the outside.

[0018] The battery pack housing may include an exhaust device disposed on at least one side and configured to discharge exhaust gases to the outside.

[0019] The through-hole can be configured to allow exhaust gases to move through the crossbeam toward the exhaust device.

[0020] The battery pack according to embodiments of the present disclosure may further include a cover member configured to cover the through-hole and open and close the through-hole.

[0021] The cover member can be configured to be attached to the crossbeam.

[0022] The cover member can be configured to open in only one direction.

[0023] The cover member may include an opening configured to rupture and open by the pressure of a released gas.

[0024] The cover member may include a stop disposed in the opening so as to be engaged by the crossbeam when the opening is closed.

[0025] In another aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle including a battery pack according to this disclosure is provided.

[0026] Beneficial effects

[0027] According to one aspect of this disclosure, when a thermal event occurs in a battery cell, the exhaust gas can move inside the battery pack housing through a through-hole formed in the crossbeam. Therefore, since the exhaust gas can quickly move to another location, the time the exhaust gas remains in the battery cell where the thermal event occurred can be reduced.

[0028] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, when thermal runaway occurs in a battery cell, high-temperature gases or flames can be rapidly discharged to the outside of the battery pack, thereby dissipating the heat buildup inside the battery pack. Therefore, the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells in the battery pack can be prevented or suppressed, thus ensuring the safety and reliability of the battery pack.

[0029] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, when thermal runaway occurs in a battery cell, the thermal energy transferred to adjacent battery cells can be minimized.

[0030] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, when thermal runaway occurs in a battery cell, it is possible to prevent high-temperature gas or flames emitted through the through-hole from flowing across the crossbeam and returning to the battery cell where thermal runaway has occurred.

[0031] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, events such as fires or explosions caused by thermal runaway of the battery pack or a device equipped with the battery pack can be prevented or delayed.

[0032] Furthermore, this disclosure may have various other effects, and these effects will be described in the corresponding embodiments, or descriptions of effects that can be readily deduced by those skilled in the art will be omitted. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the foregoing disclosure, serve to provide a further understanding of the technical features of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not to be construed as limited to the drawings.

[0034] Figure 1 This is an overall perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the through holes included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 4 This is a front view of the crossbeam included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 5 This is a front perspective view of a battery module included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 6 This is a rear perspective view of the battery module included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of the battery modules included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack viewed from above according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which may be along... Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken from line I-I' in the diagram.

[0042] Figure 9 This is a top view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the emission direction of the gas emitted during thermal runaway of the battery module.

[0043] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack using a cover member according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0044] Figure 11 This is a front view of the crossbeam included in a battery pack that utilizes a cover member according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0045] Figure 12 This is a front view of a crossbeam included in a battery pack that utilizes a cover member according to another embodiment of this disclosure.

[0046] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of a crossbeam included in a battery pack using a cover member according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a portion of the cover member in an open state.

[0047] Figure 14 This is a top view of a battery pack with a cover member applied according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a portion of the cover member open.

[0048] Figure 15 This is a perspective view of a crossbeam included in a battery pack that utilizes a cover member according to another embodiment of this disclosure.

[0049] Figure 16 This is a top view of a battery pack with a cover member applied according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 17 This is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0051] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terminology used in the specification and appended claims should not be construed as limited to its general and dictionary meaning, but rather as being interpreted based on the meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure, on the basis of the principle that allows the inventors to appropriately define the terminology for the best interpretation.

[0052] Therefore, the description presented herein is merely a preferred example for illustrative purposes and does not represent the full scope of this disclosure. It should be understood that other equivalents and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0053] Furthermore, this disclosure may include various embodiments. Redundant descriptions of substantially the same or similar configurations will be omitted from the various embodiments, and descriptions will be based on the differences between them.

[0054] At the same time, although directional terms such as up, down, left, right, forward, and backward 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 the convenience of interpretation with reference to the accompanying drawings and may vary depending on the position of the target object or the observer's position.

[0055] For example, in embodiments of this disclosure, the X-axis direction shown in the figure can indicate the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction can indicate the front-back direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction on the horizontal plane (XY plane), and the Z-axis direction can indicate the up-down direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to both the X-axis and Y-axis directions.

[0056] Figure 1 This is an overall perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the through holes included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] Reference Figures 1 to 3 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery pack 1 includes a battery cell 100 and a battery pack housing 200.

[0058] Reference Figure 2 The system may include multiple battery cells 100. Furthermore, the multiple battery cells 100 may include electrode assemblies, a cell housing housing the electrode assemblies, and electrode leads connected to the electrode assemblies and extending to the outside of the cell housing, thereby serving as electrode terminals. In this configuration, the multiple battery cells 100 can be electrically connected to each other.

[0059] The battery cell 100 can be a pouch-type secondary battery. The cell casing of such a pouch-type secondary battery can be constructed as a pouch with a metal layer made of aluminum inserted between polymer layers.

[0060] This disclosure is not limited to a specific type or shape of the battery cell 100, and various battery cells 100 known at the time of filing of this disclosure can be used to construct the battery pack 1 of this disclosure. In this embodiment, although a pouch-type secondary battery with high energy density and easy stacking will be described as shown, it will be apparent that cylindrical or prismatic secondary batteries can also be used in the battery cell 100.

[0061] Multiple battery cells 100 can be arranged side by side in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) and upright in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

[0062] The battery pack housing 200 can be configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells 100. The battery pack housing 200 can have a plurality of receiving spaces S, which are configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells by dividing them into multiple battery cells. The receiving spaces S are empty spaces and can be configured to have a shape capable of accommodating a predetermined number of battery cells 100 therein.

[0063] The battery pack housing 200 may be made of a material that ensures mechanical strength, such as metal (e.g., steel or SUS), or plastic, or may include such a material to safely protect the battery cells 100 housed therein.

[0064] Additionally, refer to Figure 2 The battery pack housing 200 may include a crossbeam 210. The crossbeam 210 may be disposed between multiple battery cells 100. Multiple crossbeams 210 may be provided. The crossbeam 210 may be configured to separate multiple receiving spaces S. That is, the crossbeam 210 may be configured to separate the battery cells 100 disposed in receiving spaces S arranged in multiple columns and rows.

[0065] When a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 100, the movement of exhaust gases and the like may be obstructed due to the crossbeam 210 disposed between the battery cells 100. In this case, heat in the battery pack 1 may accumulate inside, thereby accelerating thermal runaway between the battery cells 100.

[0066] To address this issue, the battery pack 1 according to an embodiment of this disclosure may have a through-hole TH formed in the crossbeam 210. The through-hole TH may be formed to pass through the crossbeam 210. The through-hole TH may be configured to allow exhaust gases generated in the battery cell 100 to pass through the through-hole. Furthermore, the through-hole TH may be formed approximately in the central portion of the crossbeam 210 in the height direction.

[0067] Therefore, as Figure 3 As indicated by the thick arrow, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 100, the exhaust gas can move inside the battery pack housing 200 through the through hole TH provided in the crossbeam 210.

[0068] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 100, the exhaust gas can quickly move to another location, thereby reducing the time the exhaust gas remains in the battery cell 100 where the thermal event occurred. Furthermore, heat accumulation near the crossbeam 210 can be minimized. Therefore, the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells 100 can be prevented or suppressed within the battery pack 1, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of the battery pack 1.

[0069] Figure 4 This is a front view of the crossbeam included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0070] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 4 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery pack housing 200 may include a base frame 220 and a side frame 230.

[0071] The base frame 220 can form the bottom surface of the battery pack housing 200 and can be configured in the form of a square plate. Furthermore, the base frame 220 can be configured such that multiple battery cells 100 can be mounted on its upper surface. Additionally, the base frame 220 can have a flat upper surface, allowing multiple battery modules 10 to be stably mounted thereon.

[0072] Side frames 230 may extend upward from various edges of the base frame 220. Side frames 230 may have multiple unit walls to surround multiple battery cells 100 or battery modules 10. More specifically, the multiple side frames 230 may each include a right wall at the -X direction end, a rear wall at the +Y direction end, a left wall at the +X direction end, and a front wall at the -Y direction end of the base frame 220 to form the side surface of the battery pack housing 200.

[0073] Furthermore, the battery pack housing 200 may also include a central beam 240, which is configured to connect facing side frames 230 among a plurality of side frames 230. For example, the central beam 240 may be configured to connect the front wall and the rear wall. The central beam 240 may be configured to extend in the front-rear direction.

[0074] Additionally, the battery pack housing 200 may also include a battery pack cover 250 attached to the top of the side frame 230. The battery pack cover 250 may be configured to form the upper surface of the battery pack housing 200. The battery pack cover 250 may be configured to cover the top of the battery cell 100.

[0075] The crossbeam 210 can be configured to connect the center beam 240 and the side frame 230. For example, multiple crossbeams 210 can be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, the crossbeams 210 can be configured to extend in the left-to-right direction. Therefore, as... Figure 2 As shown, the accommodating space S can be divided by the crossbeam 210 and arranged in four rows and two columns.

[0076] The through-hole TH can be formed at at least one end along the length of the beam 210. For example, as Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, the through hole TH can be formed on the outer side of the crossbeam 210 in the longitudinal direction.

[0077] Specifically, the through-hole TH can be formed on the side where the crossbeam 210 and the side frame 230 are connected. That is, the through-hole TH can be formed along the surface of the side frame 230. Therefore, the exhaust gas can move along the side frame 230. Furthermore, the through-hole TH can be provided in the crossbeam 210 at a position away from the central beam 240.

[0078] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, since the through hole TH is formed on the outside of the crossbeam 210, that is, on the side frame 230, the exhaust gas can be prevented from moving beyond the central beam 240 to reach another battery cell 100.

[0079] Figure 5 This is a front perspective view of the battery module included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 This is a rear perspective view of the battery module included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of the battery modules included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] Reference Figures 5 to 7 Multiple battery cells 100 can be modularized into one or more battery modules 10. That is, the battery pack 1 according to this disclosure may include multiple battery modules 10, and the multiple battery cells 100 included in the battery pack 1 can be divided and included in multiple battery modules 10. In this case, the multiple battery cells 100 included in the battery module 10 can be electrically connected to each other.

[0081] Multiple battery modules 10 can be respectively disposed in the receiving space S of the battery pack housing 200. The multiple battery modules 10 can be separated and separated by a crossbeam 210. In particular, the battery pack 1 according to this disclosure may include a module housing 11.

[0082] The module housing 11 can be configured to have an empty space formed inside and to accommodate at least some of the plurality of battery cells 100 within the internal space. In particular, a plurality of module housings 11 may be provided. The module housing 11 can be configured to accommodate the battery cells 100 disposed in each accommodating space S.

[0083] In other words, the module housing 11 can be disposed in each receiving space S to group multiple battery cells 100 into multiple battery modules 10, and can physically restrict the boundaries of the internal space of each battery module 10.

[0084] Furthermore, the battery module 10 may have module terminals 12 configured to be electrically connected to a plurality of battery cells 100. Module terminals 12 may include positive and negative terminals. Module terminals 12 may be configured to be electrically or communicatively connected to a control device, such as a BMS disposed in the battery pack housing 200. Module terminals 12 may be configured to be at least partially exposed to the outside of the module housing 11.

[0085] The module terminal 12 can be located on the side of the battery cell 100 from which the electrode leads extend outward. For example, the module terminal 12 can be located on the front side of the module housing 11.

[0086] In addition, the battery module 10 may include a busbar assembly 13, which is configured to cover at least one side of the plurality of battery cells 100. The busbar assembly 13 may include a busbar frame and a plurality of busbars.

[0087] Furthermore, the battery module 10 may include a vent VH. The vent VH may be configured to allow gases generated from the battery cells 100 housed inside the module housing 11 to be discharged to the outside of the module housing 11. That is, the vent VH may be provided in the module housing 11 and configured to allow directional exhaust in a specific direction.

[0088] Multiple exhaust ports (VH) can be provided and arranged in multiple columns and rows.

[0089] The vent VH can be formed on the opposite side of the side where the module terminal 12 is located. For example, as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, module terminals 12 can be located on the front side of module housing 11 (in Figure 6 and Figure 7 (in the +X axis direction), and the exhaust port VH can be formed on the rear side of the module housing 11 (in Figure 6 and Figure 7 (in the -X axis direction).

[0090] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack viewed from above according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which may be along... Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken from line I-I' in the diagram.

[0091] The through-hole TH can be located on the side where the vent hole VH is formed.

[0092] Specifically, refer to Figure 2Multiple battery modules 10 can be disposed inside the battery pack housing 200 such that the module terminals 12 face each other. For example, some of the multiple module housings 11 can be configured such that their front sides face each other. That is, some of the multiple module housings 11 can be configured such that their rear sides are away from each other.

[0093] In this configuration, the vent VH can be formed on the rear side of the module housing 11, and the through hole TH can be formed on the side where the crossbeam 210 and the side frame 230 are connected. That is, both the vent VH and the through hole TH can be oriented towards the outside of the battery pack 1.

[0094] Therefore, as Figure 8 As shown by the dashed arrows, when thermal runaway occurs in the battery module 10, exhaust gases can be discharged through the vents VH located on the rear side of the battery module 10 (both the left and right sides of the battery pack housing 200), and flow in the space between the battery module 10 and the side frame 230. Furthermore, the exhaust gases discharged from the vents VH can move directly toward the through-hole TH. That is, the exhaust gases can pass through the through-hole TH of the crossbeam 210 and move to both sides of the battery pack housing 200 in the front-rear direction.

[0095] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, since the exhaust port VH and the through-hole TH are located on the same side, the exhaust gas can move smoothly. Therefore, the temperature of the battery cell 100 and / or the crossbeam 210 can be prevented from continuously rising due to the heat island effect.

[0096] Furthermore, without a through-hole TH, exhaust gases can only move through the space between the battery module 10 and the battery pack cover 250, allowing dust and other exhaust materials to accumulate in adjacent battery modules 10 during movement, potentially leading to heat concentration. However, according to the embodiment of this disclosure described above, an exhaust path for exhaust gases, etc., can be ensured within the battery pack 1. Moreover, the exhaust path can be guided in a specific direction within the battery pack 1, rather than being distributed in various directions, thereby preventing accidental damage to other components.

[0097] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, when multiple battery modules 10 are arranged such that their module terminals 12 face each other, exhaust gas or flame discharged from the exhaust port VH can be more effectively prevented from advancing toward the module terminals 12.

[0098] Figure 9 This is a top view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the emission direction of the gas emitted during thermal runaway of the battery module.

[0099] The battery pack housing 200 may include an exhaust device 260. The exhaust device 260 may be configured to vent exhaust gases or flames generated in the battery module 10 to the outside of the battery pack housing 200. The exhaust device 260 may be configured as an opening forming from the inside to the outside of the battery pack housing 200. Alternatively, the exhaust device 260 may be installed in an opening in the battery pack housing 200 and configured to operate when emissions are generated inside the battery pack housing 200.

[0100] The venting device 260 may be disposed on the side of the battery pack housing 200, i.e., formed on the side frame 230. Multiple venting devices 260 may be provided. The venting devices 260 may be located on at least some of the unit walls of the side frame 230. Furthermore, one venting device 260 may be formed on each of two or more unit walls, or two or more venting devices 260 may be formed on a single unit wall.

[0101] For example, refer to Figure 9 Multiple exhaust devices 260 can be provided on each of the front and rear walls. Furthermore, the multiple exhaust devices 260 can be arranged symmetrically with respect to the central axis of the side frame 230.

[0102] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, in the event of an abnormal situation in the battery cell 100, high-temperature gases and the like can be emitted in both directions of the battery pack housing 200, thus making it easier to emit the gases to the outside of the battery pack housing 200 more quickly.

[0103] at the same time, Figure 9 The number or location of the exhaust devices 260 described in the embodiments is merely an example and can be changed to various other values ​​or locations.

[0104] The through-hole TH can be configured to allow exhaust gas to move through the crossbeam 210 toward the exhaust device 260. That is, when the through-hole TH is provided in the crossbeam 210, the exhaust gas of the battery module 10 disposed between the crossbeams 210 can be guided to move to the exhaust device 260.

[0105] More specifically, refer to Figure 9 In the battery pack 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the crossbeam 210 may be arranged in the front-rear direction, and the exhaust device 260 may be arranged on the front-rear side frame 230.

[0106] Furthermore, the exhaust device 260 can be configured to communicate with the space between the battery module 10 and the side frame 230. In this case, exhaust gases or flames emitted from the battery module 10 can be guided to the exhaust device 260 along the direction in which the side frame 230 extends. That is, as Figure 9As indicated by the arrow, exhaust gases discharged to the rear side of the battery module 10 through the exhaust port VH can move to the space between the battery module 10 and the side frame 230, and then move through the through hole TH through the crossbeam 210 to the exhaust device 260.

[0107] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the exhaust direction of the battery module 10 and the movement direction in the exhaust path inside the battery pack 1 can be configured to be connected to each other. Therefore, when a thermal event occurs in the battery module 10, the cover member 300 can guide the exhaust gas or flame to the exhaust device 260, thereby discharging the exhaust gas or flame to the outside of the battery pack housing 200 more quickly. As a result, an increase in internal pressure inside the battery pack housing 200 can be prevented.

[0108] Furthermore, when the exhaust gas or flame moves to the exhaust device 260, the movement of the exhaust gas or flame to other battery modules 10 or module terminals 12 can be minimized. Therefore, additional chain ignition of other battery modules 10 can be prevented.

[0109] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack using a cover member according to an embodiment of this disclosure, and Figure 11 This is a front view of the crossbeam included in a battery pack that utilizes a cover member according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0110] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 The battery pack 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a cover member 300. The cover member 300 may be configured to at least partially cover the through hole TH. The cover member 300 may be configured to cover at least one side of the through hole TH.

[0111] The cover member 300 may be attached to the crossbeam 210. The cover member 300 may be attached to at least one side of the crossbeam 210. The cover member 300 may be configured to be larger than the size of the through hole TH.

[0112] The cover member 300 can be configured as a sheet. The cover member 300 can be configured to have a thickness of approximately 0.1t. Furthermore, the cover member 300 can be made of a material with excellent heat resistance and / or fire resistance (such as SUS material).

[0113] Therefore, the cover component 300 can maintain its shape stability without deformation even when high temperature heat is generated, thereby stably blocking high temperature gas or flame generated from the battery cell 100.

[0114] The cover member 300 can be configured to be at least partially opened by venting gas or a flame. Specifically, at least a portion of the cover member 300 can be configured to open toward the through-hole TH by the pressure of the venting gas. The cover member 300 can be configured to rupture and open. Alternatively, at least a portion of the cover member 300 can be configured to be completely separated from the crossbeam 210. For example, the cover member 300 is adhered to the crossbeam 210, and the adhesion can be released by the pressure or heat of the venting gas in the event of a thermal event in an adjacent battery module 10.

[0115] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, when a thermal event occurs in the battery module 10, the cover member 300 is configured to open the through hole TH by means of exhaust gas, etc., so that exhaust gas, etc., can move through the through hole TH. Therefore, exhaust gas or flame can be quickly discharged to the outside of the battery pack 1, thereby dissipating the heat accumulation inside the battery pack 1.

[0116] Figure 12 This is a front view of a crossbeam included in a battery pack that utilizes a cover member according to another embodiment of this disclosure. Furthermore, Figure 13 This is a perspective view of a crossbeam included in a battery pack using a cover member according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a portion of the cover member in an open state.

[0117] As an example, such as Figure 12 and Figure 13 In the illustrated embodiment, the cover member 300 may have an opening 310. The opening 310 may be at least a portion of the cover member 300. The opening 310 may be configured to cover the through hole TH. Furthermore, the opening 310 may be configured to be openable by pressure failure of the discharged gas.

[0118] Furthermore, the cover member 300 may have a cutting line L. The cutting line L may be configured to form the boundary of the opening 310. The cutting line L may be located on the side away from the side frame 230. That is, the opening 310 may open on the side away from the side frame 230.

[0119] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, when a thermal event occurs in a specific battery cell 100, the cutting line L can break, and the opening 310 can open outward from the crossbeam 210. Therefore, exhaust gases and the like can move through the opened through-hole TH through the crossbeam 210 (see [link to original document]). Figure 13 (The thick arrow in the middle).

[0120] As an example, such as Figure 12In the illustrated embodiment, the cutting line L can be formed at a position corresponding to the through hole TH. That is, the opening 310 can be configured to have a size corresponding to the through hole TH. Furthermore, the cutting line L can be configured to have a shape corresponding to the through hole TH. The cutting line L can be provided at least partially along the outer periphery of the through hole TH.

[0121] As a more specific example, the cutting line L can be provided along a vertical edge on the inner side of the through hole TH. Furthermore, the cutting line L can be provided along a portion of the horizontal edge of the through hole TH. Therefore, the cutting line L can be broken more easily, allowing a larger amount of exhaust gas to be discharged through the through hole TH. As another embodiment, the cutting line L can be at least partially provided between the outer periphery of the through hole TH and the outermost edge of the cover member 300. That is, the opening 310 can be configured to be larger than the through hole TH. In this case, at least a portion of the opening 310 can be configured to face the crossbeam 210.

[0122] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, when the opening 310 is closed, at least a portion of the opening 310 can be configured to be held in place by the crossbeam 210. When the through-hole TH is opened and exhaust gas or flame is discharged to the outside of the through-hole TH, the through-hole TH can return to the closed state. In this case, according to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, a portion of the opening 310 can be held in place by the crossbeam 210, so that the through-hole TH can remain in the closed state. Therefore, it is possible to fundamentally prevent exhaust gas or flame discharged to the outside through the open through-hole TH from moving back to the battery module 10 where the thermal event occurs.

[0123] Figure 14 This is a top view of a battery pack with a cover member applied according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a portion of the cover member open.

[0124] Specifically, the cover member 300 can be configured to open only in one direction. Specifically, the cover member 300 can be configured to open only in the direction where the venting device 260 is provided.

[0125] In other words, such as Figure 14 As shown by the dashed arrow in the diagram, the cover member 300 can be configured to prevent exhaust gas or flames discharged through the through-hole TH from moving back to the battery module 10 where the thermal event occurred when a thermal event occurs in the battery module 10.

[0126] Specifically, the cover member 300, which opens under the pressure of the exhaust gas, can be configured to close the through-hole TH again after the exhaust gas has passed through it. Therefore, reverse movement of the exhaust gas or the like in a direction different from the exhaust guidance direction can be suppressed.

[0127] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the flow of exhaust gas can be given directionality. Specifically, the exhaust gas can be guided toward the exhaust device 260, thereby rapidly discharging the exhaust gas to the outside of the battery pack housing 200. Therefore, thermal runaway in the battery pack 1 can be suppressed or delayed.

[0128] Figure 15 This is a perspective view of a crossbeam included in a battery pack using a cover member according to another embodiment of this disclosure, and Figure 16 This is a top view of a battery pack incorporating a cover member according to another embodiment of this disclosure. Specifically, Figure 16 (a) is a diagram illustrating the function of the stop 320 when the cover member 300 is opened, and Figure 16 (b) is a diagram showing the function of the stop 320 when the cover member 300 is closed.

[0129] As another example, such as Figure 15 and Figure 16 In the illustrated embodiment, the cover member 300 may have a stop 320 to further suppress reverse movement of exhaust gas discharged from the battery module 10 in a direction different from the exhaust guide direction. The stop 320 may be disposed in the opening 310. The stop 320 may be configured to be engaged by the crossbeam 210 when the opening 310 is closed. The stop 320 may be configured to protrude outward from the open portion of the opening 310.

[0130] Therefore, the through hole TH located on one side of the battery module 10 where a thermal event occurs can be opened, while the through hole TH located on the other side can remain closed and not be opened.

[0131] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, when the through-hole TH is opened and exhaust gas or flame is emitted to the outside of the through-hole TH, the through-hole TH returns to the closed state, and in this case, the stop 320 can be locked by the crossbeam 210, so that the through-hole TH can remain in the closed state. Therefore, it is possible to fundamentally prevent exhaust gas or flame emitted to the outside through the open through-hole TH from moving back to the battery module 10 where the thermal event occurred.

[0132] In other words, according to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, when thermal runaway occurs in the battery module 10, such as Figure 16 As shown in (a), exhaust gases or flames generated inside the battery module 10 can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery module 10. Additionally, as... Figure 16 As shown in (b), the exhaust gas or flame can be prevented from moving back to the battery module 10 because the stop 320 prevents the through hole TH from opening in the opposite direction.

[0133] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiments of this disclosure, the exhaust gas can be further guided to move in one direction, particularly toward the exhaust device 260. Therefore, thermal runaway propagation can be effectively prevented or delayed by minimizing heat propagation to adjacent battery cells 100 or battery modules 10.

[0134] Figure 17 This is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0135] Reference Figure 17 The vehicle 3 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more battery packs 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The vehicle 3 according to the present disclosure may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle 3 may include four-wheeled vehicles and two-wheeled vehicles. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the vehicle 3 can operate using electricity supplied from the battery pack 1.

[0136] As described above, although this disclosure has been described with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the technical concept of this disclosure and the equivalent scope of the claims described below by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

Claims

1. A battery pack, the battery pack comprising: Multiple battery cells; as well as A battery pack housing configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells and including a crossbeam configured to separate the plurality of battery cells and having through holes formed in the crossbeam to allow exhaust gases generated from the battery cells to pass through the through holes.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, The through hole is formed at at least one end along the length of the beam.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, The battery pack housing includes: A side frame, configured to surround the plurality of battery cells and connected to at least one end of the crossbeam, and The through hole is formed on the side where the crossbeam and the side frame are connected.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising: Multiple module housings are configured to accommodate multiple battery cells by grouping them together, and have vent holes formed on at least one side of the multiple module housings to allow exhaust gases to be released to the outside.

5. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, The battery pack housing includes: An exhaust device, which is disposed on at least one side and configured to exhaust gases to the outside.

6. The battery pack according to claim 5, in, The through-hole is configured to allow exhaust gases to move through the crossbeam toward the exhaust device.

7. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising: A cover member configured to cover the through hole and open and close the through hole.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, in, The cover member is configured to be attached to the crossbeam.

9. The battery pack according to claim 7, in, The cover member is configured to open in only one direction.

10. The battery pack according to claim 7, in, The cover component includes: An opening, which is configured to rupture and open by the pressure of the discharged gas.

11. The battery pack according to claim 10, in, The cover component includes: A stop is provided in the opening so that it is engaged by the crossbeam when the opening is closed.

12. A vehicle comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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