Battery pack and vehicle including the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery pack comprising: a plurality of battery modules, the plurality of battery modules comprising a plurality of battery cells; a pack case having an accommodation space configured to accommodate the plurality of battery modules; a cover member provided between the battery module and the pack case, and having a through hole through which exhaust gas discharged from the battery cells passes; and a spacer mounted to the cover member and configured to maintain a gap between the cover member and the pack case.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to battery packs and vehicles including such battery packs.

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0094381 filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on July 17, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0003] Secondary batteries are highly versatile in terms of product types and possess electrical characteristics such as high energy density, making them widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electric sources. Such secondary batteries are gaining attention as a new energy source for enhancing environmental sustainability and energy efficiency, not only because of their major advantage of significantly reducing fossil fuel use, but also because they do not produce byproducts from energy use.

[0004] Currently widely used rechargeable batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of these single-cell rechargeable batteries (i.e., single-cell batteries) is approximately 2.5 V to 4.5 V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, a battery pack can be configured by connecting multiple cells in series. Alternatively, depending on the required charge / discharge capacity of the battery pack, a battery pack can be configured by connecting multiple cells in parallel. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in a battery pack can be configured differently depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] Furthermore, a common method for configuring battery packs by connecting multiple battery cells in series / parallel is implemented by prioritizing the configuration of a battery module comprising one or more battery cells, and then adding other components to the battery module to configure a battery pack or battery rack. Recently, cell-to-pack type battery packs have been manufactured, in which multiple battery cells are stored directly in the battery pack casing, etc., rather than being modularized.

[0006] Furthermore, because battery cells involve chemical reactions during charging and discharging, their performance may deteriorate when used at temperatures exceeding appropriate levels. Additionally, if thermal control is not properly maintained at suitable temperatures, there remains a potential risk of accidental fire or explosion. Therefore, if a thermal event such as thermal runaway occurs within the battery pack, high-temperature gases and flames emanating from the battery cells included in the pack could propagate to neighboring cells, potentially causing a chain reaction explosion, posing a significant safety risk.

[0007] In particular, when a thermal event such as thermal runaway occurs inside the battery pack, gases can be released from the battery cells included in the battery pack, and such gases may include flames, etc.

[0008] Typically, when gases are emitted from a battery cell, electrode plate particles or active material particles heated to high temperatures may also be released from the battery cell to the outside, and these high-temperature particles can manifest as sparks.

[0009] In this situation, when a spark is present along with the released gas, it can react with oxygen and cause a flame or even a fire, either inside or outside the battery pack. Furthermore, when a flame or fire occurs in a particular battery pack, it can spread to other nearby battery packs or devices equipped with that pack, causing even greater problems.

[0010] Therefore, a technology is needed to prevent sparks or flames from spreading in all directions when thermal runaway occurs in a battery cell, and to suppress the occurrence or spread of flames or fires in a battery pack.

[0011] In addition, a structure needs to be developed that can disperse and expel the high-temperature gas generated from the battery cell when thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell, thereby preventing heat buildup inside the battery pack. Summary of the Invention

[0012] Technical issues

[0013] This disclosure aims to address the problems in the related technology. Therefore, this disclosure aims to provide a battery pack that can minimize the heat energy transferred to adjacent battery cells when thermal runaway occurs in a battery cell, thereby preventing or suppressing the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells and improving safety and reliability.

[0014] In addition, this disclosure also provides a vehicle including such a 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 following description of the invention that are not mentioned above.

[0016] Technical solution

[0017] In one aspect of this disclosure, a battery pack is provided, the battery pack comprising: a plurality of battery modules including a plurality of battery cells; a battery pack housing having a storage space formed for storing the plurality of battery modules; a cover member disposed between the battery modules and the battery pack housing and having a through hole formed to allow exhaust gases from the battery cells to pass through the through hole; and a spacer mounted to the cover member and configured to maintain a gap between the cover member and the battery pack housing.

[0018] The cover component can be configured to cover the top of the battery module.

[0019] The battery pack housing may have multiple storage spaces, and the cover member may be configured to cover at least some of the multiple storage spaces.

[0020] The cover member can be configured as multiple cover members, such that the multiple cover members are respectively disposed in at least some of the multiple storage spaces.

[0021] The battery pack housing may include a crossbeam configured to separate multiple battery modules, and a cover member may be configured to be mounted on the crossbeam.

[0022] A through hole can be set with multiple through holes, and the multiple through holes can be set at regular intervals.

[0023] The spacer can be configured to be inserted into at least some of the multiple through holes.

[0024] The battery module may include a module housing configured to group multiple battery cells and having a vent formed on one side configured to discharge exhaust gases to the outside.

[0025] Spacers can be alternated with vents.

[0026] The spacer may include a first portion disposed between the cover member and the battery pack housing.

[0027] The spacer may include a second portion disposed between the cover member and the battery cell.

[0028] The spacer can be configured to be larger than the through hole.

[0029] In another aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle is provided that includes a battery pack according to this disclosure.

[0030] Beneficial effects

[0031] According to one aspect of this disclosure, safety and reliability can be ensured by preventing sparks generated in abnormal states of the battery cell from spreading in all directions.

[0032] Furthermore, according to one aspect of this disclosure, by suppressing flame development in the battery pack, heat propagation prevention performance can be effectively ensured for each battery pack.

[0033] Furthermore, according to one aspect of this disclosure, since high-temperature gases or flames can be rapidly discharged to the outside of the battery pack through the space formed between the battery cell and the cover member, heat accumulation inside the battery pack can be reduced. As a result, the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells can be effectively prevented or delayed.

[0034] Specifically, according to one aspect of this disclosure, high-temperature gases or flames generated from the battery cell under abnormal conditions can be dispersed and discharged, thereby suppressing heat concentration in specific parts of the battery pack.

[0035] As a result, according to one aspect of this disclosure, events such as fires or explosions caused by thermal runaway in devices equipped with battery packs can be prevented or delayed.

[0036] In addition, this disclosure may have various other effects, and these effects will be described in various embodiments, or descriptions of effects that can be easily deduced by those skilled in the art will be omitted. Attached Figure Description

[0037] 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.

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

[0039] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 4 It is along Figure 1 The partial cross-sectional view taken by line I-I' shows the flow direction of exhaust gases, etc., when a thermal event occurs in the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 5 A comparative example is shown in which the spacers included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are not provided.

[0043] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating a cover member included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating a cover member included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 8 This is an enlarged perspective view of the main parts of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of spacers included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the spacer included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a spacer included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 12 This is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0050] 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 or dictionary meaning, but rather is interpreted according to the meaning and concept corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure, based on the principle that inventors are allowed to appropriately define terms for the best interpretation.

[0051] 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 to this disclosure without departing from its scope.

[0052] Furthermore, this disclosure may include various embodiments. Additionally, redundant descriptions of substantially identical or similar configurations are omitted from the various embodiments, and descriptions are based on their differences.

[0053] Furthermore, although terms such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used in this specification to indicate directions, 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 of the target object or the observer's position.

[0054] For example, in embodiments of this disclosure, the X-axis direction shown in the figure can indicate the front-back direction, the Y-axis direction can indicate the left-right direction on the horizontal plane (XY plane) that is perpendicular to the X-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction can indicate the up-down direction (vertical direction) that is perpendicular to both the X-axis and Y-axis directions.

[0055] Figure 1 This is an overall perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Additionally, Figure 4 It is along Figure 1 The partial cross-sectional view taken by line I-I' shows the flow direction of exhaust gases, etc., when a thermal event occurs in the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] Reference Figures 1 to 4 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery pack 10 may include a battery module 100, a battery pack housing 200, a cover member 300, and a spacer 400.

[0057] Battery module 100 may include battery cells 110. Battery cell 110 may include electrode assemblies, a cell housing storing the electrode assemblies, and electrode leads that connect to the electrode assemblies and extend to the outside of the cell housing, thereby serving as electrode terminals. In this configuration, multiple battery cells 110 may be electrically connected to each other.

[0058] This disclosure is not limited to a specific type or form of battery cell 110, and various battery cells 110 known at the time of filing of this disclosure can be applied to the battery pack 10 configured according to this disclosure. In this embodiment, although a pouch-type secondary battery with high energy density and easy stacking as shown in the figures will be described, it is obvious that cylindrical or prismatic secondary batteries can also be applied to battery cell 110.

[0059] Multiple battery cells 110 can be included in the battery module 100. The multiple battery cells 110 can be arranged parallel to each other in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) when upright in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). That is, the battery module 100 can refer to an assembly of multiple battery cells 110.

[0060] The battery pack housing 200 can be configured to store the battery module 100. A storage space S can be formed in the battery pack housing 200 to store the battery module 100. The storage space S is an empty space and can be configured in a shape that allows the battery module 100 to be stored therein.

[0061] In this case, multiple storage spaces S can be provided. Additionally, multiple battery modules 100 can be provided. Multiple battery modules 100 can be arranged in multiple rows adjacent to each other along at least one direction within the storage spaces S of the battery pack housing 200. For example, as... Figure 3 As shown, multiple battery modules 100 can be arranged in four rows along the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) and in two rows along the left-to-right direction (Y-axis direction).

[0062] 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 securely protect the battery module 100 stored therein.

[0063] The cover member 300 can be disposed outside the battery module 100. Specifically, the cover member 300 can be disposed between the battery module 100 and the battery pack housing 200. The cover member 300 can be configured to allow exhaust gases from the battery cell 110 to pass through it. As a specific example, through holes CH can be formed in the cover member 300. The cover member 300 can be configured, for example, as a perforated plate or a mesh plate. The cover member 300 can have a plurality of densely formed through holes CH. In this case, all the through holes CH can have the same size or can have partially different sizes.

[0064] The cover member 300 may be made of a material including materials with low thermal conductivity and excellent heat resistance and / or fire resistance. For example, the cover member 300 may be made of flame-retardant mica material. Alternatively, the cover member 300 may be made of a metallic material with rigidity and heat resistance.

[0065] According to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, since a through-hole CH is formed, the exhaust gas generated when a thermal event occurs in the battery module 100 can be dispersed and discharged in various directions (see [link]). Figure 4 (Solid arrow in the diagram). If the exhaust gas is discharged in one direction, heat may concentrate and cause an explosion or fire. However, the configuration implemented according to the present disclosure described above can suppress this phenomenon. In addition, the heat energy transferred per unit area to adjacent battery modules 100 can be reduced, thus suppressing or delaying heat transfer between battery modules 100.

[0066] Furthermore, according to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, the flow of exhaust gas generated when a thermal event occurs in the battery module 100 can be restricted by the cover member 300, thereby reducing the flow rate of the exhaust gas. Therefore, since the amount of heat energy transferred to adjacent battery modules 100 per unit time can be reduced, heat propagation between battery modules 100 can be suppressed or delayed.

[0067] Furthermore, the cover member 300 can be configured to suppress the discharge of flames or sparks emitted along with the exhaust gases to the outside of the cover member 300. In this case, it is preferable that the through-hole CH is limited to a size capable of preventing flames or sparks generated in the battery module 100 from being exposed to the outside through the through-hole CH.

[0068] Sparks or flames with a strong linear movement tendency can be discharged from the battery cell 100 and can collide with the internal structure of the battery pack housing 200, allowing heat to concentrate in the battery pack housing 200. However, according to the configuration implemented above according to the invention, the flow direction of the sparks or flames can be bent by the cover member 300 (see...). Figure 4 (The dashed arrow in the middle).

[0069] Therefore, the discharge of sparks to the outside of the battery pack housing 200 can be suppressed, thereby preventing the reaction of sparks and oxygen outside the battery pack housing 200 that could produce a flame. Thus, according to the above aspects of this disclosure, the safety and reliability of the battery pack 10 can be ensured.

[0070] Furthermore, according to the configuration implemented in this disclosure, sparks generated in the battery cell 100 can be blocked by the cover member 300, while exhaust gases can be smoothly discharged through the through-hole CH. Therefore, when an abnormal situation occurs in the battery cell 100, the exhaust gases can be quickly discharged to the outside of the battery pack housing 200, thereby preventing an increase in the internal pressure of the battery pack housing 200 and preventing further chain-reaction fires in other battery cells 100.

[0071] The cover member 300 and the battery pack housing 200 can be spaced apart by a predetermined distance, allowing exhaust gases or flames to move through the separation space. In this case, the spacer 400 can be configured to maintain a gap D1 between the cover member 300 and the battery pack housing 200. The spacer 400 can be mounted to the cover member 300. The spacer 400 can be disposed on the outer surface of the cover member 300.

[0072] Figure 5 A comparative example is shown in which the spacers included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are not provided.

[0073] like Figure 5 As shown in the comparative example, without the spacer 400, the shape of the battery pack housing 200 may deform due to the pressure of the gas discharged from the battery cell 110 and / or the high heat of dust or flames when thermal runaway occurs in the battery module 100. For example, a portion of the upper surface of the battery pack housing 200 may bulge upwards, while another adjacent portion may sag downwards. As a result, in the portion of the upper surface of the battery pack housing 200 that sags downwards, the gap D1 between the battery pack housing 200 and the cover member 300 may be reduced, thereby obstructing the movement path of the discharged gas.

[0074] However, according to the embodiments of this disclosure, since the spacer 400 is connected to the battery pack housing 200, the battery pack housing 200 can be prevented from bending or deforming due to the pressure and / or heat of the exhaust gas, etc.

[0075] Therefore, according to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, the gap D1 between the battery pack housing 200 and the cover member 300 can be maintained. As a result, exhaust gases can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery pack 10, thereby suppressing or preventing thermal runaway between the battery modules 100. Thus, the safety and reliability of the battery pack 10 can be guaranteed.

[0076] The spacer 400 can be configured as a rigid body. Here, a rigid body refers to a body that is the opposite of an elastic body, and for example, the spacer 400 can be made of a metal such as SUS or a fiber-reinforced plastic. As a result, the spacer 400 can have high mechanical rigidity and hardly undergo elastic deformation, so that the gap D1 between the battery pack housing 200 and the cover member 300 can remain constant even when an impact is applied from the outside.

[0077] Additionally, the spacer 400 can be made of a material with fire-resistant and / or heat-resistant properties. For example, the spacer 400 can be made of a material such as flame-retardant plastic or mica. According to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, the spacer 400 can be prevented from melting or disappearing due to high heat (e.g., flame). Therefore, even in the event of a flame, the spacer 400 can ensure that the gap D1 between the battery pack housing 200 and the cover member 300 is maintained. However, the material of the spacer 400 is not limited to this.

[0078] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery module 100 may include a module housing 120. The module housing 120 may be configured to have empty spaces formed therein and to store at least some of the battery cells 110 in the internal space. That is, the module housing 120 may be a grouping of the multiple battery cells 110 into several battery modules 100 and physically defining the boundaries of the internal space of each battery module 100.

[0079] Although a module housing 120 is provided in this embodiment, unlike this embodiment, the multiple battery modules 100 may not be provided with a module housing 120, so physical boundaries do not need to be defined between the multiple battery cells 110.

[0080] A vent VH may be formed on the module housing 120. The vent VH may be configured to allow exhaust gases generated from the battery cells 110 stored inside the module housing 120 to be discharged to the outside of the module housing 120.

[0081] Specifically, the exhaust port VH can achieve directional exhaust in a specific direction. For example, as Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, an exhaust port VH can be formed in the upper surface of the module housing 120, and the battery module 100 can perform directional exhaust in the upward direction through the exhaust port VH. Multiple exhaust ports VH can be provided, and the multiple exhaust ports VH can be arranged at regular intervals in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction and Y-axis direction).

[0082] According to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, in the event that one of the battery cells 110 experiences thermal runaway and generates gas or the like, the gas or the like can be rapidly discharged from the module housing 120 in a specific direction.

[0083] Additionally, although not shown in the figure, the battery module 100 may include a busbar assembly electrically connected to a plurality of battery cells 110 stored therein.

[0084] The cover member 300 can be configured to cover the outer surface of the module housing 120 that has vent holes VH. For example, as Figure 3 As disclosed in the illustrated embodiment, when the vent VH is formed on the upper surface of the module housing 120, the cover member 300 can be configured to cover the top of the battery module 100. The cover member 300 can be configured to cover the upper surface of the module housing 120.

[0085] Reference Figure 4 The cover member 300 can be configured to be spaced apart from the battery module 100 by a predetermined distance. For example, the cover member 300 can be configured to cover the upper surface of the module housing 120 from the outside when it is spaced apart from the upper surface of the module housing 120 by a predetermined distance.

[0086] In this configuration, the vent VH can be configured to communicate with the through hole CH of the cover member 300. Therefore, exhaust gases generated from the battery cell 110 can be discharged to the outside of the battery module 100 through the vent VH, and then move to the outside of the cover member 300 through the through hole CH.

[0087] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating a cover member included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0088] The cover member 300 can be configured to cover at least some of the plurality of storage spaces S. That is, the cover member 300 can be configured to cover the top of at least some of the plurality of battery modules 100. For example, the cover member 300 can be configured to cover all battery modules 100 arranged in one direction. Figure 6 As disclosed in the illustrated embodiment, the cover member 300 can be configured as a single plate to cover all the battery modules 100.

[0089] According to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, since the cover member 300 is configured as a single plate, the cover member 300 can clearly separate the storage space S of the battery module 100 in the battery pack housing 200 from its external space. Therefore, exhaust gases and the like discharged to the outside of the cover member 300 can be prevented from affecting other adjacent battery modules 100.

[0090] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating a cover member included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0091] In another embodiment, multiple cover members 300 can be provided. The cover members 300 can be respectively provided in at least some of the multiple storage spaces S. For example, as... Figure 7 As disclosed in the illustrated embodiment, the cover member 300 can be configured to cover the top of each battery module 100.

[0092] According to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, since the cover members 300 are respectively disposed in the storage space S, the cover members 300 can be selectively disposed only in the necessary areas, thereby improving safety and enhancing the energy efficiency of the battery pack 10.

[0093] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery pack housing 200 may include a bottom frame 210 and a side frame 220.

[0094] The bottom frame 210 can form the bottom surface of the battery pack housing 200 and can be configured as a square plate. Additionally, the bottom frame 210 can be configured to allow multiple battery cells 110 to be mounted on its upper surface. Furthermore, the bottom frame 210 can have a flat upper surface, allowing multiple battery modules 100 to be stably mounted on it.

[0095] Side frames 220 may extend upward from corresponding edges of the bottom frame 210. Side frames 220 may have multiple unit walls to surround multiple battery cells 110 or battery modules 10. More specifically, the multiple side frames 220 may each include a right wall at the +Y direction end, a rear wall at the +X direction end, a left wall at the -Y direction end, and a front wall at the -X direction end of the bottom frame 210 to form the side surface of the battery pack housing 200.

[0096] The battery pack cover 240 can be configured to cover the top of the plurality of battery modules 100. The battery pack cover 240 can be configured to cover the upper opening of the battery pack housing 200. The battery pack cover 240 can be connected to the side frame 220. The battery pack cover 240 can protect components stored within the battery pack housing 200, such as the battery modules 100, and prevent discharges from the battery modules 100 from being discharged outside the battery pack housing 200, particularly to the upper part.

[0097] Additionally, the battery pack housing 200 may include a venting unit 250. The venting unit 250 may be configured to discharge substances generated from the battery module 100 to the outside of the battery pack housing 200. The venting unit 250 may be configured as an opening communicating between the internal space and the external space of the battery pack housing 200. Alternatively, the venting unit 250 may be configured as a venting device that can be installed in the opening of the battery pack housing 200 and operate when discharge is generated inside the battery pack housing 200.

[0098] The venting unit 250 can be disposed on the side surface of the battery pack housing 200, that is, on the side frame 220. Multiple venting units 250 can be disposed. The venting units 250 can be located on at least some of the multiple unit walls of the side frame 220. Alternatively, the venting unit 250 can be individually formed on each of two or more unit walls, or two or more venting units 250 can be formed on a single unit wall. For example, see reference... Figure 2 In the example shown, multiple exhaust units 250 can be configured on the front and rear walls, respectively. Furthermore, the multiple exhaust units 250 can be arranged symmetrically with respect to the central axis of the side frame 220.

[0099] According to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, in the event of an abnormality in the battery cell 110, high-temperature gases and the like can be discharged in both directions of the battery pack housing 200, thus making it easier to discharge the gases to the outside of the battery pack housing 200 more quickly.

[0100] In addition, Figure 2 The number or location of the exhaust unit 250 described in the embodiments are merely examples and can be changed to various other values ​​or locations.

[0101] Additionally, the battery pack housing 200 may include a crossbeam 230. The crossbeam 230 may be configured to separate the battery modules 100. The crossbeam 230 may be configured to project further upward beyond the battery modules 100.

[0102] In this configuration, the cover member 300 can be mounted on the crossbeam 230. Specifically, the cover member 300 can be mounted on the crossbeam 230, and the cover member 300 and the crossbeam 230 can be connected to each other by a connecting member (e.g., bolts) fastened from above the cover member 300.

[0103] According to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, the connection and fixation between the cover member 300 and the battery pack housing 200 can be performed using a simple structure. Therefore, the assemblability of the battery pack 10 can be improved.

[0104] Furthermore, according to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, the cover member 300 can be stably fixed between the crossbeam 230 and the battery pack cover 250, thereby further ensuring the rigidity of the battery pack 10.

[0105] Furthermore, according to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, the cover member 300 and the battery module 100 can be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. As a result, the cover member 300 can more reliably separate the storage space S of the battery module 100 from its external space. Therefore, even if exhaust gases or flames are emitted from the battery module 100, heat propagation to adjacent battery modules 100 can be suppressed.

[0106] Figure 8 This is an enlarged perspective view of the main parts of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0107] Multiple through holes CH can be provided. These through holes CH can be spaced apart by a predetermined distance. Multiple spacers 400 can be provided. The spacers 400 can be spaced apart from each other. The spacers 400 can be configured in an island shape.

[0108] According to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, since the spacer 400 is configured as an island rather than a long beam, the position of the spacer 400 can be flexibly set. This increases design freedom, thereby improving productivity.

[0109] Spacer 400 can be connected to through hole CH. For example, as Figure 8 As disclosed in the illustrated embodiment, the spacer 400 can be configured to be inserted into a through-hole CH. The spacer 400 can be configured to be inserted into at least some of a plurality of through-hole CHs.

[0110] According to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, assemblability can be improved because the spacer 400 can be connected to the cover member 300 using a simple structure. Furthermore, according to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, productivity can be increased because no other connecting structures (e.g., holes or adhesive members) are required to connect the spacer 400 to the cover member 300.

[0111] Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the spacer 400 can be configured to be smaller than the area of ​​the space between adjacent through holes CH. Therefore, since the spacer 400 does not block the through holes CH, it will not obstruct the discharge of exhaust gas or flame through the through holes CH.

[0112] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of spacers included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0113] The spacer 400 can be disposed between the exhaust ports VH. That is, the spacer 400 can be disposed alternately with the exhaust ports VH.

[0114] As described above, multiple exhaust ports VH can be arranged at regular intervals in the horizontal direction (X-axis and Y-axis directions). For example, in Figure 9 In the embodiment shown, the spacer 400 can be disposed in the vent hole VH along the length direction of the battery cell 110. Figure 9 The adjacent exhaust ports VH are arranged in a row in the Y-axis direction. Alternatively, the spacer 400 may be provided on the edge of the module housing 120, which is the outer area of ​​the exhaust ports VH.

[0115] Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the spacer 400 can be configured to be smaller than the area of ​​the space between adjacent exhaust ports VH. As a result, the spacer 400 will not block the exhaust ports VH, and therefore will not prevent exhaust gases from being discharged through the exhaust ports VH.

[0116] Therefore, since spacers 400 are provided in a local area of ​​the module housing 120, exhaust gases and the like can move between the spacers 400. In other words, according to the configuration implemented above according to this disclosure, an exhaust path for exhaust gases can be ensured between the spacers 400, thereby effectively preventing or delaying the propagation of thermal runaway between the battery modules 100.

[0117] Furthermore, the density (fastening density) of the spacers 400 fastened to the through holes CH of the cover member 300 can vary depending on the location where the vent holes VH are formed. Here, fastening density can refer to the number of spacers 400 per unit area of ​​the cover member 300 or the area occupied by the spacers 400. The area or number of spacers 400 can be flexibly adjusted according to the area or number of vent holes VH.

[0118] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the spacer included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0119] The spacer 400 can be configured to define a separation distance D1 between the battery pack housing 200 and the cover member 300. The spacer 400 can be configured to inhibit downward movement of the battery pack housing 200. For this purpose, the spacer 400 can be disposed between the cover member 300 and the battery pack housing 200. Specifically, refer to... Figure 10 The spacer 400 may include a first portion 410 disposed between the cover member 300 and the battery pack housing 200. That is, the first portion 410 may be disposed outside the cover member 300.

[0120] The spacer 400 can be configured to contact the inner surface of the battery pack housing 200. That is, the first portion 410 can be configured to contact the inner surface of the battery pack cover 240. The upper surface of the first portion 410 can be configured to contact the inner surface of the battery pack cover 240, and the lower surface of the first portion 410 can be configured to contact the outer surface of the cover member 300. In other words, the height of the first portion 410 can be configured to be substantially the same as the distance D1 between the battery pack cover 240 and the cover member 300.

[0121] According to the configuration described above according to the invention, the spacer 400 can be configured to act as a stop when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 110 and the battery pack cover 240 is about to sag downwards. That is, since the spacer 400 structurally supports the battery pack cover 240, it can prevent the battery pack cover 240 from sag due to gravity.

[0122] Therefore, according to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, by maintaining the distance D1 between the battery pack cover 240 and the cover member 300, a path can be ensured for the high-temperature gas or flame generated from the battery cell 110 to be discharged to the outside of the battery pack 10 in the event of an abnormality in the battery module 100. Thus, the propagation of thermal runaway within the battery pack 10 can be effectively prevented or delayed, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of the battery pack 10.

[0123] Furthermore, the spacer 400 can be configured to define a distance D2 between the battery module 100 and the cover member 300. Additionally, the spacer 400 can also be configured to inhibit upward movement of the module housing 120. Therefore, the spacer 400 can be disposed between the cover member 300 and the module housing 120. Specifically, refer to... Figure 10 The spacer 400 may include a second portion 420 disposed between the cover member 300 and the module housing 120. That is, the second portion 420 may be disposed on the inner surface of the cover member 300.

[0124] Specifically, the spacer 400 can be positioned on the upper surface of the battery module 100. That is, the height of the second portion 420 can be configured to be substantially the same as the distance D2 between the cover member 300 and the battery module 100.

[0125] When a thermal event occurs inside the battery module 100, the internal pressure may increase, causing the upper surface of the module housing 120 to bulge. In this case, a constant space may not be maintained between the upper surface of the module housing 120 and the battery cell 110, thereby hindering directional venting through the vent hole VH.

[0126] However, according to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, since the spacer 400 is disposed between the battery module 100 and the cover member 300, the spacer 400 can pressurize and fix the battery module 100 from above. As a result, the battery module 100 can be prevented from bulging upwards, and the discharge from the battery module 100 can be smoothly discharged to the outside through the vent hole VH in a specific direction.

[0127] According to the configuration of the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, since the spacer 400 structurally supports the cover member 300, the cover member 300 can be prevented from sagging due to gravity. Furthermore, the upward movement of the module housing 120 can be more reliably prevented. Therefore, the distance D2 between the cover member 300 and the battery module 100 can be maintained.

[0128] In particular, the spacers 400 can be arranged more densely in areas where the module housing 120 may bulge. For example, the spacers 400 can also be arranged in areas adjacent to the vent port VH.

[0129] When exhaust gas or flame is discharged from the exhaust port VH, the area adjacent to the exhaust port VH is highly likely to bulge due to the heat of the exhaust gas or flame. Therefore, as disclosed in the above-described configuration of this disclosure, by providing a spacer 400 in the area adjacent to the exhaust port VH, bulging of the module housing 120 where the exhaust port VH is provided can be prevented more effectively.

[0130] Reference Figure 10 The areas of the first portion 410 and the second portion 420 can be configured to be substantially the same. Additionally, the cross-sectional area of ​​the spacer 400 can be configured to be approximately the same as the cross-sectional area of ​​the through-hole CH. In this case, the spacer 400 can be fixed to the through-hole CH by forced fitting.

[0131] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a spacer included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0132] like Figure 11In the illustrated embodiment, the spacer 400 can be configured to be larger than the through hole CH. That is, the area projected from the spacer 400 onto the cover member 300 can be configured to be larger than the size of the through hole CH.

[0133] For example, the first portion 410 of the spacer 400 can be configured to have a cross-sectional area larger than that of the through hole CH. Additionally, the second portion 420 of the spacer 400 can be configured to have a cross-sectional area larger than that of the through hole CH.

[0134] When the spacer 400 is connected to the through-hole CH, there is a risk that the spacer 400 may separate from the through-hole CH due to high pressure (e.g., exhaust gas or flame generated from the battery cell 110). However, the configuration implemented according to the present disclosure above can prevent the spacer 400 from separating from the through-hole CH. Therefore, the space between the battery module 100 and the cover member 300 can be reliably ensured.

[0135] Furthermore, according to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, since the contact area between the battery pack cover 240 and the battery module 100 can be further ensured by the spacer 400, the spacer 400 can stably fix the cover member 300 in the space between the battery pack cover 240 and the battery module 100. Therefore, deformation of the cover member 300 due to high heat or the like can be prevented.

[0136] Furthermore, in this configuration, the first portion 410 and the second portion 420 can each move from outside the through-hole CH toward the through-hole CH based on the through-hole CH, to be assembled together. The assemblability of the spacer 400 can be further ensured according to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure. Additionally, according to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, regardless of the size of the through-hole CH, if the spacer 400 is large, it can be connected to the through-hole CH, thereby improving productivity in manufacturing the battery pack 10.

[0137] Figure 12 This is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0138] Reference Figure 12 The vehicle 30 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more battery packs 10 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The vehicle 30 according to the present disclosure may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle 30 includes four-wheeled vehicles and two-wheeled vehicles. The vehicle 30 operates using electricity supplied from the battery packs 10 according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0139] 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 can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the technical concept of this disclosure and the equivalent scope of the described claims.

Claims

1. A battery pack, the battery pack comprising: Multiple battery modules, wherein the multiple battery modules include multiple battery cells; A battery pack housing having a storage space configured to store the plurality of battery modules; A cover member disposed between the battery module and the battery pack housing, and having a through hole formed to allow exhaust gases from the battery cells to pass through; and A spacer is mounted to the cover member and configured to maintain a gap between the cover member and the battery pack housing.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, The cover member is configured to cover the top of the battery module.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, The battery pack casing has multiple storage spaces, and The cover member is configured to cover at least some of the plurality of storage spaces.

4. The battery pack according to claim 3, in, The cover member is configured as a plurality of cover members, such that the plurality of cover members are respectively disposed in at least some of the plurality of storage spaces.

5. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, The battery pack housing includes a crossbeam configured to separate the plurality of battery modules, and The cover member is configured to be mounted on the crossbeam.

6. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, The through hole is provided with multiple through holes, and the multiple through holes are spaced apart at regular intervals.

7. The battery pack according to claim 6, in, The spacer is configured to be inserted into at least some of the plurality of through holes.

8. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, The battery module includes a module housing configured to group the plurality of battery cells and has an exhaust port formed on one side configured to discharge the exhaust gas to the outside.

9. The battery pack according to claim 8, in, The spacer and the vent are alternately arranged.

10. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, The spacer includes a first portion disposed between the cover member and the battery pack housing.

11. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, The spacer includes a second portion disposed between the cover member and the battery cell.

12. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, The spacer is configured to be larger than the through hole.

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

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