Battery pack and vehicle including the same

Abstract

The present application relates to a battery pack and a vehicle including the same, the battery pack for a vehicle including a cell assembly including stacked battery cells each having an exhaust port defined at a side surface thereof facing a width direction of the vehicle, and a longitudinal beam disposed on the side surface of the battery cell, and a longitudinal beam accommodating the cell assembly and covering a side surface portion of the cell assembly, the longitudinal beam having an exhaust path configured to discharge a substance discharged from the cell assembly to the outside.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to battery packs and vehicles including such battery packs, the battery packs comprising cell assemblies having a plurality of battery cells, each battery cell having an exhaust port. Background Technology

[0002] Batteries store and release electrical energy to enable its utilization and reduce carbon emissions. To maximize energy storage and facilitate its use, improved battery performance is desirable. However, in some cases, performance improvements may lead to decreased stability.

[0003] In some applications of batteries used in vehicles, industrial sectors, and homes, batteries can be manufactured as physical units within a battery pack. For example, a battery pack may include a battery casing and multiple battery cells housed within the casing in a sealed state. In some cases, when a fire occurs due to an accident (such as thermal runaway of a battery cell within the battery pack), the battery pack needs to perform functions to prevent the fire from spreading to its external environment, and it also needs to protect the battery cells from performance degradation due to external environmental influences or damage due to physical causes.

[0004] In some cases, when thermal runaway (TR) occurs in a battery cell within a battery pack, flames, gases, and heat are released from the cell and flow within the pack. Due to this flow, heat or flames can spread to adjacent cells within the pack. Therefore, a cascading thermal runaway can occur within the battery pack. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application describes a battery pack comprising a cell assembly of stacked battery cells and a longitudinal beam. Each battery cell has a vent on its side surface. The longitudinal beam accommodates the cell assembly and covers a portion of the side surface of the cell assembly. The longitudinal beam has an internal venting path for discharging substances discharged from the cell assembly. This application also describes a vehicle that may include the battery pack.

[0006] According to one aspect of the subject matter described in this application, a battery pack includes a cell assembly comprising a plurality of battery cells stacked therein, each of the plurality of battery cells having an vent defined on one of its side surfaces. The battery pack includes a battery pack housing housing the cell assembly, the battery pack housing including a longitudinal beam disposed inside the battery pack housing and covering a portion of the side surface of the cell assembly, the longitudinal beam having an venting path defined within the longitudinal beam, the venting path being configured to guide effluent from the cell assembly. The battery pack housing further includes a discharge device fluidly connected to the venting path of the longitudinal beam and configured to discharge effluent.

[0007] Implementations of this aspect may include one or more of the following features. For example, the vents of adjacent battery cells in the plurality of battery cells face opposite sides of the cell assembly. In some embodiments, the battery pack includes an electrode assembly disposed inside each of the plurality of battery cells, wherein the vent is defined on one of two opposite side surfaces of the end of each of the plurality of battery cells facing the electrode assembly.

[0008] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of battery cells includes a cathode terminal and an anode terminal disposed on the upper surface of the battery cell, and the cathode terminal and anode terminal are spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction of the battery cell, wherein the vent is configured to be closer to the cathode terminal than to the anode terminal. In some examples, the battery pack further includes a busbar disposed on the upper part of the cell assembly and configured to electrically connect the plurality of battery cells to each other, the busbar being spaced apart from the vents of the plurality of battery cells.

[0009] In some embodiments, the cell assembly includes a side plate covering the side surfaces of a plurality of battery cells and defining vent holes. In some examples, the vent holes are respectively defined at positions corresponding to the vent outlets of the plurality of battery cells. In some embodiments, the battery pack includes a first cover plate coupled to the side plate and covering the vent holes.

[0010] In some examples, the first cover plate defines a first tear-resistant line at a location corresponding to the vent, the first tear-resistant line being configured to tear under pressure exerted by effluent from the cell assembly. In some embodiments, each of the first tear-resistant lines has a herringbone shape or a linear shape with multiple bends. In some embodiments, the first cover plate further defines a first openable portion disposed along the first tear-resistant line and configured to open upon tearing of the first tear-resistant line.

[0011] In some embodiments, the battery pack further includes a first sealing membrane joined to a side plate and covering vent holes. In some embodiments, the longitudinal beam is an extruded member with an internal cavity. In some embodiments, the longitudinal beam defines a communication hole on the side surface of the longitudinal beam facing the cell assembly, the communication hole being fluidly connected to an exhaust path. In some examples, the communication hole is defined at a location corresponding to the vent of the cell assembly.

[0012] In some embodiments, the battery pack includes a second cover plate engaged with a longitudinal beam and covering a communication hole. In some examples, the second cover plate defines a second tear-resistant line at a location corresponding to the communication hole, the second tear-resistant line being configured to tear under pressure exerted by effluent from the cell assembly. In some embodiments, the battery pack includes a second sealing film engaged with the second cover plate and covering the communication hole.

[0013] In some embodiments, the cell assembly is one of a plurality of cell assemblies disposed in a battery pack, wherein the longitudinal beam covers a portion of the side surface of the plurality of cell assemblies and is fluidly connected to a discharge device at one end of the longitudinal beam.

[0014] According to another aspect, a vehicle includes a battery pack having one or more of the features described above. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The above and other objects, features and advantages of this application will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a view showing an example of a battery cell.

[0017] Figure 2 It is an exploded 3D view of a battery cell.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a view showing an example of a battery cell assembly.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a view showing the battery cells to be installed into the cell assembly.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a front view showing an example of a side panel.

[0021] Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is a view showing an example of the side panel, the first cover plate, and the first sealing membrane.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a view showing an example of a battery pack.

[0023] Figure 9 It is along Figure 8 The cross-sectional view of line AA in the diagram.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a view showing an example of a longitudinal beam.

[0025] Figure 11 and Figure 12 This is a view showing an example of a second cover plate and a second sealing membrane.

[0026] Figure 13 This is a view showing an example of a vehicle including a battery pack. Detailed Implementation Plan

[0027] In the following, one or more embodiments of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and identical or similar elements will be identified by the same reference numerals regardless of the reference numerals used in the drawings, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0028] In some examples, the battery can be used in vehicles, industrial applications, homes, etc., and such batteries can be manufactured in the form of physical units within a battery pack. A battery pack may include a battery casing and multiple battery cells housed in a sealed state within the casing. In some examples, when a fire occurs due to an accident (such as thermal runaway of a battery cell within the battery pack), the battery pack performs the function of preventing the fire from spreading to its exterior, and also performs the function of protecting the battery cells from performance degradation due to external environmental influences or damage due to physical causes.

[0029] Multiple battery cells are housed within a battery pack, taking an intermediate form as either a module or a cell module assembly (CMA). For example, multiple battery cells are assembled to form a module or assembly, and these modules or assemblies, as described above, are secured to the interior of the battery pack housing, thus completing the battery pack. In some examples, battery maintenance can be performed based on modules or assemblies, enabling easy maintenance and repair of the battery pack.

[0030] In some cases, battery cells may experience performance degradation due to errors in their manufacturing process, overcharging and recharging, or aging. When the performance of battery cells continues to decline, it may eventually lead to a fire.

[0031] Specifically, when a specific battery cell in a module or assembly of a battery pack experiences thermal runaway (TR), substances containing intense flames, gases, and heat are released from the cell. This thermal runaway can then spread from the cell to adjacent cells within the module or assembly. Furthermore, the substances released from the thermally runaway cell can flow within the battery pack itself. Therefore, thermal runaway can also propagate to another module or assembly adjacent to the one experiencing thermal runaway. Thus, simultaneous thermal runaway of the entire battery pack can occur.

[0032] In some implementations, the battery pack can be configured to effectively guide and discharge flammable, gaseous, and heat-containing materials emitted from its particular battery cells to the outside of the battery pack, while preventing the materials from affecting another battery cell adjacent to the particular battery cell.

[0033] This application describes a battery pack including a cell assembly comprising a plurality of stacked battery cells, each battery cell having an vent defined on its side surface. The battery pack includes a longitudinal beam housing the cell assembly and covering portions of the side surface of the cell assembly, wherein the longitudinal beam has an venting path defined therein, and the venting path is configured to outwardly discharge material discharged from the cell assembly. This application further describes a vehicle including this battery pack.

[0034] According to this application, it applies to various vehicles (e.g., electric vehicles, fuel cell vehicles, hybrid vehicles, etc.) configured such that a battery is connected to the lower part of the vehicle body. Although electric vehicles are shown in this application for ease of description, it should be understood that any vehicle, regardless of its type, falls within the scope of this application as long as a battery pack is installed in it.

[0035] In some embodiments, battery cells can have various shapes in addition to pouch, cylindrical, and quadrilateral shapes. Although a quadrilateral battery cell is shown in this application for ease of description, it should be understood that battery cells according to this application can have various shapes in addition to pouch, cylindrical, and quadrilateral shapes.

[0036] In some embodiments, multiple battery cells are stacked and may define a stack, an assembly, or a group of battery cells. Such a group of battery cells will be collectively referred to as a "cell assembly." Although a battery module has been shown in this application for ease of description, a cell assembly according to this application should be understood as a collection of multiple groups of battery cells, such as a battery stack, a battery module, a battery pack, a CTP (cell-to-pack) battery pack, etc. Furthermore, a battery pack should be understood as consisting of at least one battery module.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a view showing an example of a battery cell. Figure 2 It is an exploded 3D view of a battery cell. Figure 3 This is a view showing the battery cell assembly. Figure 4 This is a view showing the battery cells installed in the battery cell assembly. The battery pack of this application will be described below with reference to the above-mentioned figures.

[0038] The battery pack may include a cell assembly 100 and a battery pack housing 200 (see [reference]). Figure 8 The cell assembly 100 includes stacked battery cells 110, each battery cell 110 having an vent 130 defined on its side surface. The battery pack housing 200 houses the cell assembly 100 and includes a longitudinal beam 210 covering a portion of the side surface of the cell assembly 100. The longitudinal beam 210 has an venting path 220 defined therein and is configured to guide material discharged from the cell assembly 100 through the venting path 220. The battery pack housing 200 may include a discharge device 230 fluidly connected to the venting path 220 of the longitudinal beam 210 and configured to discharge discharged material outward.

[0039] In some implementations, each battery cell 110 may have an vent 130 on its side surface.

[0040] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the vent 130 may be defined on the side surface of the battery cell 110 and have a predetermined shape. The vent 130 may have a thickness less than that of other parts of the battery cell 110, or may be formed with tearable lines. When thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell 110, the vent 130 ruptures, so that the substance V to be discharged, including hot flames, gases, and heat, can be discharged from the battery cell 110 through the vent 130.

[0041] In some embodiments, the battery cell 110 may have an exhaust port 130 defined at one of its two opposite side surfaces. Furthermore, a pair of adjacent battery cells 110 may be stacked such that their exhaust ports 130 are respectively located on opposite sides.

[0042] Reference Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, multiple battery cells 110 can be stacked in the cell assembly 100. Each pair of adjacent battery cells 110 can be stacked such that their vents 130 are respectively located on opposite sides. Accordingly, the material to be discharged can be discharged in a state where it is distributed on opposite sides of the cell assembly 100, and the distance between adjacent vents 130 can be increased. Therefore, the effects of thermal runaway between adjacent battery cells 110 can be minimized.

[0043] This structure prevents the emission of the substance V to be discharged from being concentrated in a specific direction or at a specific point, and also prevents the heat generated by thermal runaway from being concentrated in a specific direction or at a specific point. Furthermore, because the distance between adjacent exhaust ports 130 is increased, the effect of thermal runaway exerted by a particular battery cell 110 on another adjacent battery cell 110 can be minimized, and the escalation of thermal runaway can be effectively prevented.

[0044] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly 140 may be disposed within the battery cell 110. An exhaust port 130 may be formed on the side surface of the battery cell 110 facing the end of the electrode assembly 140. The electrode assembly 140 may be formed by stacking spacers between the anode and cathode. The electrode assembly 140 may be disposed within the battery cell 110 in a Z-shaped stacking or wound manner. Because the electrode assembly 140 is disposed in the manner described above, in order to increase the capacity of the battery cell 110, the electrode assembly 140 can be effectively accommodated within the battery cell 110 with increased length or size.

[0045] For example, an exhaust port 130 may be formed on the side surface of the end of the battery cell 110 facing the electrode assembly 140.

[0046] When the vent 130 is located at the top or bottom of the battery cell 110, the discharge of the material to be discharged is obstructed by the wound electrode assembly 140. Therefore, the internal pressure of the battery cell 110 increases, potentially leading to an explosion and further damage to the electrode assembly 140. However, when the vent 130 is located on the side surface of the end of the battery cell 110 facing the electrode assembly 140, the material to be discharged can be effectively discharged without obstruction by the electrode assembly 140.

[0047] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the electrode assembly 140 can be housed in the battery cell 110 in a wound state. An exhaust port 130 can be formed on the side surface of the battery cell 110 facing the end of the electrode assembly 140.

[0048] In some implementations, when a short circuit occurs in the battery cell 110, a sudden movement of electrons occurs from the anode to the cathode, resulting in an explosive thermal reaction and thermal decay near the cathode terminal 121. Therefore, the amount of material to be expelled generated near the cathode terminal 121 is greater than the amount of material to be expelled generated near the anode terminal 122.

[0049] exist Figure 2In the illustrated embodiment, the battery cell 110 may have electrode terminals 120 formed on its upper surface, including a cathode terminal 121 and an anode terminal 122, respectively. The cathode terminal 121 and the anode terminal 122 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in opposite lateral directions of the battery cell 110, and an exhaust port 130 may be formed on the side surface of the battery cell 110 adjacent to the cathode terminal 121. With this structure, substances to be discharged that are generated in large quantities near the cathode terminal 121 can be effectively discharged from the battery cell 110.

[0050] In some embodiments, in a cell assembly 100 having multiple stacked battery cells 110, a bus bar 150 may be configured to electrically connect the multiple battery cells 110 to each other. The bus bar 150 may be located on the upper part of the cell assembly 100 and spaced apart from the vent 130.

[0051] exist Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the cell assembly 100 may be covered on its upper part, and the busbar 150 may be disposed on the upper part of the cell assembly 100, such that the busbar 150 protrudes from the upper end of the front portion of the cell assembly 100. The vent 130 of each battery cell 110 may be disposed on the side surface of the battery cell 110. With this structure, the vent 130 and the busbar 150 can be spaced apart from each other, thus preventing the busbar 150 from being exposed to the discharged material emitted through the vent 130. Accordingly, the accumulation of discharged material on the busbar 150 can be prevented. Therefore, short circuits that may result from the accumulation of discharged material on the busbar 150 can be effectively prevented.

[0052] Figure 4 This is a view showing the battery cells installed in the battery cell assembly. Figure 5 This is a front view of the side panel. Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is a view showing an example of the side panel, first cover plate, and first sealing film of this application. The battery pack of this application will be described with reference to the above-mentioned drawings, mainly in conjunction with the side panel.

[0053] In the battery pack, a side plate 160 configured to cover the side surfaces of the battery cells 110 can be disposed on the cell assembly 100. The side plate 160 can be formed of a material with relatively high hardness to protect the side surfaces of the multiple battery cells 110 stacked in the cell assembly 100. Specifically, when the cell assembly 100 is installed in a vehicle, its impact resistance should be ensured. Furthermore, in the event of a fire or thermal runaway, its spread should be prevented. In some examples, the side plate 160 can be made of a metallic material and then formed. The side plate 160 can be manufactured and formed using aluminum, a metallic material that is relatively lightweight while ensuring formability. A plurality of vent holes 161 spaced apart from each other can be formed on the side plate 160.

[0054] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, side plates 160 can be respectively disposed on the side surface of the cell assembly 100, and a plurality of vent holes 161 spaced apart from each other can be formed on each side plate 160.

[0055] Reference Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, as described above, a plurality of battery cells 110 can be stacked such that the vents 130 of each pair of adjacent battery cells 110 are respectively located on opposite sides, and the side plate 160 can be configured to cover the side surfaces of the battery cells 110. Vent holes 161 can be formed at positions corresponding to the respective vents 130 to pass through each side plate 160 in order to effectively discharge exhaust substances.

[0056] In some embodiments, a first cover plate 170 configured to cover the vent 161 may be engaged to each side plate 160. The first cover plate 170 may have a shape corresponding to the side plate 160 and may be engaged to a side surface of the side plate 160.

[0057] The first cover plate can be made of a material containing mica, aluminum (Al), stainless steel (SUS), or a mixture thereof. This is merely illustrative, and various materials that can ensure heat resistance can be selected and used.

[0058] exist Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the first cover plate 170 may have a shape corresponding to the side plate 160 and may be engaged to the side plate 160 while covering one side surface of the side plate 160. The first cover plate 170 may have a single-plate structure or may be an assembly of multiple plates configured to cover the respective vent holes 161 of the side plate 160.

[0059] In some embodiments, the first cover plate 170 may have first tear-resistant lines 171 formed at positions corresponding to the vent holes 161. The first tear-resistant lines 171 can be torn by pressure applied by the discharge material from the cell assembly 100.

[0060] exist Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, each first tearable line 171 may have a fishbone shape or a linear shape with multiple bends. A first openable portion 172 may be formed on the first cover plate 170 along the respective first tearable line 171. When the first tearable line 171 is torn, the first openable portion 172 opens, allowing effluent to be discharged from the cell assembly 100.

[0061] In some embodiments, the first sealing membrane 180 may be attached to the first cover plate 170 to cover the first cover plate 170. Because the vent 161 is formed on the side plate 160 and the first tear-resistant line 171 is formed on the first cover plate 170, ensuring a tight seal is difficult. With the first sealing membrane 180 attached to the first cover plate 170, the sealing of the cell assembly 100 can be easily ensured.

[0062] The first sealing membrane 180 may be a thin film made of polyimide. This is merely illustrative, and the first sealing membrane 180 is not limited to the materials described above. Various materials capable of covering the vent 161 to ensure the sealing of the cell assembly 100 can be used.

[0063] exist Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the first sealing film 180 may be bonded to a side surface of the side plate 160 opposite to the side surface of the side plate 160 that is bonded to the first cover plate 170. In some embodiments, the first sealing film 180 may be bonded to the first cover plate 170 such that the first sealing film 180 may be disposed on the outer surface of the cell assembly 100.

[0064] Figure 8 This is a view showing the battery pack. Figure 9 It is along Figure 8 The cross-sectional view of line AA in the diagram. Figure 10 This shows a view of the longitudinal beam. Figure 11 and Figure 12 This is a view showing an example of the second cover plate and the second sealing film according to this application. In the following description, the battery pack of this application will be described primarily in conjunction with the longitudinal beams, with reference to the aforementioned figures.

[0065] In some embodiments, the battery pack can be manufactured by mounting multiple cell assemblies 100 within a battery pack housing 200. The battery pack housing 200 may have a housing shape with internal spaces. The battery pack housing 200 may be made of a material with relatively high rigidity to protect the cell assemblies 100 mounted therein. Specifically, when the battery pack is configured for installation in a vehicle, it should ensure impact resistance. Furthermore, in the event of a fire in the battery pack, its spread to the outside of the battery pack should be prevented. In some examples, the battery pack housing 200 may be made of a metallic material and then formed. Additionally, to improve the energy density of the battery pack, a lighter battery pack housing 200 can be used. The battery pack housing 200 can be manufactured and formed using aluminum, a metallic material that is lightweight while ensuring formability. This is merely illustrative, and the material of the battery pack housing 200 in this application is not limited to the materials described above.

[0066] In some embodiments, the longitudinal beam 210 may include an outer longitudinal beam 211 and an inner longitudinal beam 212, the outer longitudinal beam 211 being disposed on the periphery of the battery pack housing 200, and the inner longitudinal beam 212 being disposed inside the battery pack to define an internal space for mounting the cell assembly 100.

[0067] exist Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the outer longitudinal beam 211 can be disposed on the periphery of the battery pack housing 200, thereby protecting the cell assembly 100 installed in the battery pack from external impacts. Furthermore, the inner longitudinal beam 212 can isolate the multiple cell assemblies 100 installed in the battery pack from each other, thereby preventing thermal runaway occurring in one cell assembly 100 from propagating to another cell assembly 100 adjacent to that particular cell assembly 100. Additionally, venting paths 220 can be disposed inside the outer longitudinal beam 211 and the inner longitudinal beam 212 respectively, and can be interconnected, allowing the venting paths 220 to guide the discharge substance V emitted from a specific cell assembly 100 outward from the battery pack. In some examples, the battery pack may also be provided with a discharge device 230 configured to communicate with the venting path 220, thereby discharging the discharge substance V outward.

[0068] More specifically, multiple battery cell assemblies 100 can be arranged sequentially, and the longitudinal beam 210 can simultaneously cover the side surface portions of multiple battery cell assemblies 100, with one end of it communicating with the discharge device 230. The discharge device 230 can be a device including valves, membranes, etc., configured to rupture at or above a predetermined pressure or temperature, thereby allowing the discharge substance V to be discharged outwards. The discharge device 230 can have a specific structure.

[0069] In some embodiments, the longitudinal beam 210 may be an extruded part in which a cavity is formed. The cavity may be formed in the same direction as the extrusion direction of the longitudinal beam 210. This cavity may serve as an exhaust path 220.

[0070] exist Figure 9In the illustrated embodiment, the exhaust path 220 can be formed inside the inner longitudinal beam 212. Since the inner longitudinal beam 212 has a hollow structure, its weight can be reduced, and the cavity in the inner longitudinal beam 212 can be used as the exhaust path 220, thus eliminating the need for a separate structure for the formation of the exhaust path 220. This simplifies the process, reduces costs, and reduces weight. Additionally, a barrier member 213 can be formed between adjacent cell assemblies 100. Therefore, when thermal runaway occurs in one cell assembly 100, it can prevent the thermal runaway from spreading to another cell assembly 100 adjacent to it. Furthermore, the exhaust path 220 is not located inside the barrier member 213. Therefore, components that protect the battery pack from the emitted hot material can be located in the barrier member 213. Such components can be located inside the barrier member 213. In particular, the components can be located in the space formed by a recess in the upper surface of the barrier member 213.

[0071] In some implementations, the connecting hole 240 may be formed in the longitudinal beam 210.

[0072] exist Figure 10 In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting hole 240 can be formed on the inner surface of the side surface portion of the outer longitudinal beam 211 facing the cell assembly 100, such that the connecting hole 240 communicates with the exhaust path 220 of the outer longitudinal beam 211. Multiple connecting holes 240 can be provided, spaced apart from each other. The connecting holes 240 can be formed at positions corresponding to the exhaust ports 130 of the cell assembly 100.

[0073] In some embodiments, a second cover plate 250 may be engaged with the longitudinal beam 210 to cover the communication hole 240. The second cover plate 250 may be engaged with the side surface of the longitudinal beam 210 facing the cell assembly 100.

[0074] exist Figure 11 and Figure 12 In the illustrated embodiment, the second cover plate 250 may have a single-plate structure or may be an assembly of multiple plates configured to cover each of the connecting holes 240.

[0075] In some embodiments, the second cover plate 250 may have second tear-resistant lines 251 formed at positions corresponding to the connecting holes 240. The second tear-resistant lines 251 can be torn by pressure applied by the discharge material from the cell assembly 100.

[0076] exist Figure 11 and Figure 12In the illustrated embodiment, multiple second tearable lines 251 may be formed spaced apart from each other. Each second tearable line 251 may have a fishbone shape or a linear shape with multiple bends. A second openable portion 252 may be formed on the second cover plate 250 along its respective second tearable line 251. When the second tearable line 251 is torn, the second openable portion 252 opens, allowing the discharged material to be released.

[0077] In some embodiments, the second sealing film 260 may be joined to the second cover plate 250 to cover the second cover plate 250 and the connecting hole 240. Because the connecting hole 240 is formed on a side surface portion of the longitudinal beam 210 and the second tearable line 251 is formed on the second cover plate 250, ensuring a tight seal is difficult. With the second sealing film 260 joined to the second cover plate 250, the sealing of the longitudinal beam 210 to which the second cover plate 250 is joined, as well as the sealing of the battery pack including the longitudinal beam 210, can be easily ensured.

[0078] The second sealing membrane 260 may be a thin film made of polyimide. This is merely illustrative, and the second sealing membrane 260 is not limited to the materials described above. Various materials capable of covering the connecting hole 240 to ensure the sealing of the longitudinal beam 210 and the battery pack including the longitudinal beam 210 can be used.

[0079] exist Figure 11 and Figure 12 In the illustrated embodiment, the second sealing membrane 260 may be engaged to one side surface of the second cover plate 250. This is merely illustrative, and the second sealing membrane 260 may also be engaged to one side surface of the longitudinal beam 210.

[0080] Figure 13 This is a view showing a vehicle equipped with a battery pack. A vehicle including the battery pack described herein will be described with reference to the above-described drawings.

[0081] Battery packs can be used in various vehicle types (e.g., internal combustion engine vehicles, electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, fuel cell vehicles, etc.). Beyond vehicles, battery packs can also be used in various other applications (e.g., industrial energy storage systems (ESS), residential energy storage systems, small battery packs, etc.).

[0082] According to the battery pack of this application and the vehicle including the battery pack, after the discharge material is generated in the battery pack, the discharge material can be effectively discharged to the outside, thus preventing the cell components in the battery pack from experiencing cascading thermal runaway. Therefore, the stability of the battery pack can be greatly improved.

[0083] The effects achievable by this application are not limited to those described above, and other effects not described herein will be more clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the above detailed description.

[0084] Although embodiments of this application have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications, additions, and substitutions may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of this application as disclosed in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery pack comprising: A cell assembly comprising a plurality of battery cells stacked in the cell assembly, each of the plurality of battery cells having an exhaust port defined on one side surface of the battery cell; as well as A battery pack housing that accommodates the battery cell assembly, the battery pack housing comprising: A longitudinal beam, disposed inside the battery pack housing and covering a portion of the side surface of the cell assembly, the longitudinal beam having an exhaust path defined inside the longitudinal beam and the exhaust path configured to guide material discharged from the cell assembly; An exhaust device, which is fluidly connected to the exhaust path of the longitudinal beam and configured to discharge the exhaust material.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The exhaust ports of adjacent battery cells in the plurality of battery cells face opposite sides of the cell assembly.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising: Electrode assemblies, which are located inside each of multiple battery cells. The vent is defined on one of two opposite side surfaces of the end of each of the plurality of battery cells facing the electrode assembly.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of battery cells includes a cathode terminal and an anode terminal disposed on the upper surface of the battery cell, and the cathode terminal and the anode terminal are spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction of the battery cell. The exhaust port is positioned closer to the cathode terminal than to the anode terminal.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4, further comprising: A busbar is disposed on the upper part of the cell assembly and configured to electrically connect multiple battery cells to each other, the busbar being spaced apart from the exhaust ports of the multiple battery cells.

6. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The cell assembly includes a side plate that covers the side surfaces of multiple battery cells and defines vent holes.

7. The battery pack according to claim 6, wherein, The vent holes are respectively positioned at locations corresponding to the vents of the multiple battery cells.

8. The battery pack of claim 6, further comprising a first cover plate joined to the side plate and covering the vent hole.

9. The battery pack according to claim 8, wherein, The first cover plate has a first tearable line defined at a position corresponding to the vent hole, the first tearable line being configured to be torn by pressure applied by the discharge material of the cell assembly.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein, Each of the first tearable lines has a fishbone shape or a linear shape with multiple bends.

11. The battery pack according to claim 10, wherein, The first cover further defines a first openable portion disposed along a first tearable line and configured to open upon tearing of the first tearable line.

12. The battery pack of claim 6, further comprising a first sealing film joined to the side plate and covering the vent hole.

13. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The longitudinal beam is an extruded part with an internal cavity.

14. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The longitudinal beam has a connecting hole defined on the side surface of the portion of the longitudinal beam facing the cell assembly, the connecting hole being fluidly connected to the exhaust path.

15. The battery pack according to claim 14, wherein, The connecting hole is positioned corresponding to the exhaust port of the battery cell assembly.

16. The battery pack of claim 14, further comprising a second cover plate joined to the longitudinal beam and covering the communicating holes.

17. The battery pack according to claim 16, wherein, The second cover plate has a second tear line at a position corresponding to the connecting hole, the second tear line being configured to be torn by pressure applied by the discharge material of the cell assembly.

18. The battery pack of claim 16, further comprising a second sealing film joined to the second cover plate and covering the communicating hole.

19. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The cell assembly is one of multiple cell assemblies disposed in the battery pack. The longitudinal beam covers the side surface portion of multiple battery cell assemblies and is fluidly connected to a discharge device at one end of the longitudinal beam.

20. A vehicle comprising the battery pack of claim 1.

Images