Battery pack and vehicle comprising the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery pack and a vehicle including the same. A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention includes at least one battery cell having a venting portion for venting, and a battery pack case accommodating the at least one battery cell, the venting portion facing a lower side of the battery pack case, and the battery pack case exposing the venting portion to an outside of the battery pack case.

Description

[0001] This invention is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application number 202280005510.0 (international application number: PCT / KR2022 / 000502; application date: January 11, 2022; invention title: battery pack and vehicle including the battery pack).

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application 10-2021-0003547, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on January 11, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery pack. Background Technology

[0004] Due to their versatility in various products and electrical characteristics such as high energy density, rechargeable batteries are not only commonly used in portable devices but also widely applicable to electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electric drive sources. These rechargeable batteries are gaining increasing attention as a new eco-friendly and energy-efficient energy source due to their major advantages of significantly reducing fossil fuel use and producing no energy-consuming byproducts.

[0005] Currently widely used types of 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 2.5V to 4.5V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells can be connected in series to create a battery pack. Furthermore, battery packs can be constructed by connecting multiple battery cells in parallel according to the required charge / discharge capacity of the battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in a battery pack can be set differently depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0006] Meanwhile, when making a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series / parallel, it is generally done by making a battery module that includes at least one battery cell, and then using at least one battery module to add any other components to make a battery pack or battery rack.

[0007] Generally, a conventional battery pack casing includes: multiple battery cells; a battery pack casing housing the multiple battery cells; a battery pack cover covering the multiple battery cells on top of the battery pack casing; and a heat sink installed below the battery pack casing to cool the multiple battery cells. Here, a conventional battery pack casing includes an assembly of multiple plate components to house the multiple battery cells.

[0008] However, in the case of conventional battery packs, the multiple plate components that make up the battery pack casing increase the overall size of the battery pack, thus resulting in disadvantages in energy density. Furthermore, in the case of conventional battery packs, additional components such as the top cover and heat sink reduce the overall energy density.

[0009] Furthermore, when overheating or fire occurs in a conventional battery pack, the gases emitted from the battery cells move to the upper part of the battery pack, posing a significant threat to the safety of the driver and passengers located on the battery pack.

[0010] Therefore, the objective is to provide a battery pack with a more compact structure, increased energy density, and improved safety performance, as well as a vehicle including the battery pack. Summary of the Invention

[0011] Technical issues

[0012] Therefore, this disclosure aims to provide a battery pack with a more compact structure and increased energy density, as well as a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0013] Furthermore, this disclosure also aims to provide a battery pack with improved safety performance and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0014] Technical solution

[0015] To address the aforementioned problems, this disclosure provides a battery pack comprising: at least one battery cell, the at least one battery cell including a venting portion for venting gas; and a battery pack housing housing the at least one battery cell such that the venting portion faces a lower side of the battery pack housing and is exposed from the battery pack housing.

[0016] The battery pack may include: a battery pack cover, which is connected to the battery pack shell on the opposite side of the venting portion and covers the at least one battery cell.

[0017] The battery pack cover may have cooling channels inside to cool at least one battery cell.

[0018] The battery pack cover may include: a bottom heat sink positioned to contact the at least one battery cell; and a top heat sink connected to the bottom heat sink to form the internal cooling channel.

[0019] The at least one battery cell can be fixed to the lower surface of the bottom heat sink.

[0020] The battery pack cover may include: a cooling water inlet, which communicates with the cooling channel and protrudes from one side of the top radiator; and a cooling water outlet, which is disposed in the top radiator, spaced apart from the cooling water inlet, and communicates with the cooling channel.

[0021] The battery pack casing may include: a casing body that covers the at least one battery cell and is connected to the battery pack cover; and a cell insertion portion disposed on the bottom of the casing body, wherein the at least one battery cell is inserted into the cell insertion portion.

[0022] The cell insertion portion may have at least one opening through which the venting portion is exposed from the battery pack casing.

[0023] The cell insertion portion can protrude from the bottom of the battery pack casing to a predetermined height.

[0024] The cell insertion portion may protrude further downward from the bottom of the battery pack casing than the venting portion.

[0025] The cell insertion portion may cover one side of the bottom of at least one battery cell.

[0026] The internal space of the battery pack casing may be filled with resin material to cover the at least one battery cell.

[0027] Multiple battery cells can be provided, and the resin material can be filled between the multiple battery cells.

[0028] The resin material may include potting resin.

[0029] The ventilation portion may be disposed at the end of the at least one battery cell in the length direction, and the end of the at least one battery cell may be positioned below the battery pack casing.

[0030] The battery pack cover may cover the opposite end of the at least one battery cell.

[0031] In addition, this disclosure provides a vehicle including at least one battery pack according to the above embodiments.

[0032] The lower surface of the battery pack casing can be spaced apart from the bottom body frame of the vehicle by a predetermined height to form a safe space.

[0033] The battery pack may include a reinforcing plate installed in the underbody frame of the vehicle.

[0034] The lower surface of the battery pack casing can be spaced apart from the reinforcing plate by a predetermined height to form a safety space.

[0035] Beneficial effects

[0036] According to the various embodiments described above, it is possible to provide a battery pack with a more compact structure and increased energy density, as well as a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0037] Furthermore, according to the various embodiments described above, it is possible to provide a battery pack with improved safety performance and a vehicle including the battery pack. Attached Figure Description

[0038] The accompanying drawings illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure and are used together with the detailed description of the present disclosure below to further understand the technical aspects of the present disclosure; therefore, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the drawings.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a battery pack installed in a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded 3D view of the battery pack.

[0041] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 A diagram of the battery cells in the battery pack.

[0042] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 2 A diagram of the battery pack casing.

[0043] Figure 5 and Figure 6 It shows the basis Figure 2 A diagram of a battery pack casing in another embodiment of the battery pack.

[0044] Figure 7 and Figure 8 It is shown Figure 2 The image shows the battery pack cover.

[0045] Figure 9 It shows when installed Figure 1 The diagram shows the release of gas from the battery cells through a safe space when the battery pack in a vehicle overheats or catches fire.

[0046] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0047] This disclosure will become apparent from a detailed description of a preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described herein are provided by way of illustration to aid in understanding this disclosure, and it should be understood that various modifications may be made to the content of this disclosure in other embodiments besides those described herein. Furthermore, to aid in understanding this disclosure, the drawings are not shown to scale and may depict some exaggerated elements.

[0048] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a battery pack installed in a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] refer to Figure 1 The vehicle 1 may be an electric vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle, and may include at least one battery pack 10. In the vehicle 1, a seating space with interior panels for the driver and occupants is disposed above the at least one battery pack 10, and the bottom body frame 5 of the vehicle 1 is disposed below the battery pack 10.

[0050] The battery pack 10 can be spaced apart from the bottom body frame 5 located at the lower part of the vehicle 1 by a predetermined height H. The battery pack 10 is spaced apart by the predetermined height H to form a safety space S. The relevant mounting structure of the battery pack 10 and its overall configuration will be described in more detail below with reference to the relevant drawings.

[0051] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded 3D view of the battery pack.

[0052] refer to Figure 2 The battery pack 10 may include battery cells 100 and battery pack housing 200. Additionally, the battery pack 10 may further include a battery pack cover 300, a busbar unit 400, and various types of electrical components constituting the battery pack 10.

[0053] The battery cell 100 can be a secondary battery, such as a cylindrical secondary battery, a pouch-type secondary battery, or a prismatic secondary battery. Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described based on a cylindrical secondary battery as the battery cell 100.

[0054] At least one battery cell 100 may be provided. Hereinafter, this embodiment is described based on a plurality of battery cells 100.

[0055] The following text will describe the multiple battery cells 100 in more detail.

[0056] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 A diagram of the battery cells in the battery pack.

[0057] refer to Figure 3A resin material R can be filled between multiple battery cells 100. The resin material R can more stably fix the multiple battery cells 100 and more evenly transfer the heat generated from the multiple battery cells 100, thereby improving the cooling performance of the multiple battery cells 100.

[0058] The resin material R may include a potting resin. The potting resin can be formed by injecting a diluted resin material into multiple battery cells 100 and then curing it. Here, the injection of the resin material R can be carried out at room temperature of approximately 15°C to 25°C to prevent thermal damage to the multiple battery cells 100.

[0059] Specifically, the resin material R may include silicone resin. However, the resin material R is not limited to this and may include any resin material other than silicone resin, capable of fixing the battery cell 100 and improving heat transfer efficiency.

[0060] Positive electrodes 110 and negative electrodes 130 for electrical connection of the battery cells 100 may be provided at the lower end 102 of the plurality of battery cells 100. Here, the positive electrode 110 may be located at the center of the lower end 102 of the battery cell 100, and the negative electrode 130 may be located at the edge of the lower end 102 of the battery cell 100. In the battery cell 100, the positive electrode 110 and the negative electrode 130 are not limited to this, and any other arrangement structure may be provided so that they are insulated from each other.

[0061] The positive electrode 110 and negative electrode 130 of multiple battery cells 100 can be connected to the battery pack casing 200 (see...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 The following busbar unit 400 on the lower side is electrically connected.

[0062] A venting portion 150 may be provided at the lower end 102 of each of the plurality of battery cells 100 to allow gas G (see [reference]) generated from each battery cell 100 to be released from the gas. Figure 9 It is discharged.

[0063] A venting portion 150 may be disposed at the end 102 along the length of the battery cell 100. The end 102 of the battery cell 100 may be positioned within the battery pack housing 200 (see...). Figure 1 and Figure 2 Below.

[0064] Specifically, the venting portion 150 can be disposed at the lower end 102 of the battery cell 100 and can be positioned at the lower part of the battery pack casing 200. More specifically, the venting portion 150 can be disposed in the positive electrode plate region near the center of the lower end of the battery cell 100 having the positive electrode 110.

[0065] The venting portion 150 can be formed to have a smaller thickness than any other region at the lower end 102 of the battery cell 100. When an abnormality in the battery cell 100 causes the internal pressure to increase beyond a predetermined level, the venting portion 150 ruptures to more easily release gas G (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 9 100% of the battery cells were discharged.

[0066] The venting section 150 can be configured as an opening or notch of a predetermined size. Furthermore, the venting section 150 can have a structure in which the opening of the predetermined size is fitted with a membrane that will rupture if a predetermined pressure level is exceeded.

[0067] In this embodiment, since the vent 150 is located at the lower part of the battery pack housing 200, in the event of overheating or fire due to an abnormality in the battery cell 100, gas or flames may escape through the lower side of the battery pack housing 200 rather than the upper side. Therefore, in the event of an abnormality, the safety of the driver and occupants of the vehicle 1 located above the battery pack housing 200 can be ensured to the greatest extent possible, thereby minimizing harm to the occupants.

[0068] The venting section 150 may be located near the center of the lower end 102 of the battery cell 100. The venting section 150 is not limited to this and may be located at any other position for discharging gas toward the lower part of the battery cell 100.

[0069] The upper ends 106 of the multiple battery cells 100 can be configured in a flat shape and can be fixed to the lower surface of the battery pack cover 300 (see...). Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, since the positive electrode 110 and the negative electrode 130 are provided at the lower end 102 of the plurality of battery cells 100, when the upper end of the plurality of battery cells 100 is provided as a flat shape without a concave or convex structure, the upper end of all the plurality of battery cells 100 can be installed in contact with the lower surface of the battery pack cover 300, and there is no predetermined gap space on the lower surface of the battery pack cover 300.

[0070] Here, thermally conductive adhesive can be used to bond and install multiple battery cells 100 to the battery pack cover 300. Meanwhile, as described below, the battery pack cover 300 can be configured as a heat sink to cool the battery cells 100.

[0071] In this embodiment, since the upper ends of all battery cells 100 are installed in contact with the lower surface of the battery pack cover 300 without any uneven structure, the cooling performance of the battery cells 100 can be significantly improved.

[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the contact arrangement structure between the upper end 106 of the battery cell 100 and the battery pack cover 300 reduces the overall vertical height of the battery pack 10, thereby achieving a more compact structure and significantly increasing the total energy density. Therefore, in this embodiment, the maximum number of battery packs 10 can be installed in the vehicle 1, thereby significantly increasing the total battery capacity of the vehicle 1.

[0073] Meanwhile, any other component, such as a heat-conducting plate, can be inserted between the upper end 106 of the battery cell 100 and the battery pack cover 300 to improve cooling performance. In addition, any other component, such as a heat-conducting space, can be provided at the upper end 106 of the battery cell 100, which has a groove structure for more stably fixing the battery cell 100.

[0074] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 2 A diagram of the battery pack casing.

[0075] refer to Figure 4 as well as Figure 1 and Figure 2 The battery pack housing 200 can accommodate at least one battery cell 100. Specifically, the battery pack housing 200 can accommodate the battery cell 100 such that the vent portion 150 of the battery cell 100 faces the lower part of the battery pack 10, and can expose the vent portion 150 from the battery pack 10.

[0076] In addition, the lower surface of the battery pack casing 200 can be spaced apart from the bottom body frame 5 of the vehicle 1 by a predetermined height H to form a safety space S.

[0077] When an external impact occurs in the bottom body frame 5 of vehicle 1, the safety space S can prevent the external impact from being directly transmitted to the battery pack 10, thereby effectively preventing damage to the battery pack 10 caused by the external impact and further preventing the battery pack 10 from exploding.

[0078] Furthermore, in the event of overheating or fire due to an abnormality in the battery pack 10, the safety space S can guide the gas or flame emanating from the battery cell 100 to the lower part of the vehicle 1, rather than to the driver and occupants.

[0079] The internal space of the battery pack casing 200 may be filled with resin material R to cover at least one battery cell 100 (in this embodiment, multiple battery cells 100). Specifically, the resin material R may be filled in the battery pack casing 200 such that at least a portion of the battery cell 100 is submerged, thus the resin material R may cover multiple battery cells 100.

[0080] The battery pack housing 200 may include a housing body 210 and a cell insertion portion 230.

[0081] The housing body 210 can be coupled to the battery pack cover 300 described below to cover at least one battery cell 100 (in this embodiment, multiple battery cells 100). Resin material R can be filled in the housing body 210.

[0082] A cell insertion portion 230 may be provided on the bottom of the housing body 210, and the end 102 of at least one battery cell 100 (in this embodiment, multiple battery cells 100) may be inserted into the cell insertion portion 230. Specifically, multiple cell insertion portions 230 may be provided, and the lower ends 102 of multiple battery cells 100 may be inserted into multiple cell insertion portions 230.

[0083] Each of the plurality of cell insertion portions 230 may have at least one opening 235 to receive the positive electrode 110 of the battery cell 100 and expose the vent portion 150 of the battery cell 100 from the battery pack casing 200.

[0084] The at least one opening 235 can be sealed with a thin film that can be ruptured by gas exiting the vent 150. This is to prevent moisture from seeping in through the at least one opening 235.

[0085] Figure 5 and Figure 6 It shows the basis Figure 2 A diagram of a battery pack casing in another embodiment of the battery pack.

[0086] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 A cell insertion portion 240 may be provided on the bottom of the main body 210. The cell insertion portion 240 may protrude from the lower side of the battery pack housing 200 to a predetermined height. Here, the cell insertion portion 240 may protrude downward from the battery pack housing 200 more than the vent portion 150. The cell insertion portion 240 may form a protruding rib structure on the bottom of the battery pack housing 200.

[0087] In this embodiment, the protruding rib structure of the cell insertion portion 240 can more effectively prevent interference with the venting portion 150 of the battery cell 100, thereby allowing gas to be discharged more quickly through the venting portion 150 when the battery cell 100 is overheated, without being disturbed by the cell insertion portion 240.

[0088] Furthermore, the cell insertion portion 240 may cover one side of the bottom of at least one battery cell 100 (or multiple battery cells 100 in this embodiment). Therefore, the cell insertion portion 240 can more securely fix at least one battery cell 100 (or multiple battery cells 100 in this embodiment).

[0089] Furthermore, the cell insertion portion 240 may have an opening 245 in the same manner as the opening 235 in the previous embodiment. Additionally, the cell insertion portion 240 may have at least one fastening hole 247 through which a fastening member connected to the battery pack cover 300 passes or is fastened.

[0090] Figure 7 and Figure 8 It is shown Figure 2 The image shows the battery pack cover.

[0091] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 as well as Figure 1 and Figure 2 The battery pack cover 300 can be connected to the battery pack housing 200 and can cover at least one battery cell 100 on the opposite side of the venting portion 150. Specifically, the battery pack cover 300 can cover the upper end portion 106 of at least one battery cell 100. More specifically, the battery pack cover 300 can be connected to the upper end of the battery pack housing 200 and can cover the upper end portions 106 of multiple battery cells 100.

[0092] The battery pack cover 300 may include a cooling channel 310, a bottom radiator 330, a top radiator 350, a cooling water inlet 370, and a cooling water outlet 390.

[0093] Cooling channels 310 may be disposed inside the battery pack cover 300 to cool at least one battery cell 100 (in this embodiment, multiple battery cells 100). Cooling water for cooling the battery cells 100 may circulate in the cooling channels 310.

[0094] The bottom heat sink 330 can be positioned in contact with at least one battery cell 100. In this embodiment, the bottom heat sink 330 can be positioned in contact with the upper ends 106 of multiple battery cells 100. Specifically, the bottom heat sink 330 can make surface contact with the upper ends 106 of multiple battery cells 100.

[0095] Furthermore, at least one battery cell 100 can be fixed to the lower surface of the bottom heat sink 330. In this embodiment, the upper ends 106 of the plurality of battery cells 100 can be fixed to the lower surface of the bottom heat sink 330. Specifically, the upper ends 106 of the plurality of battery cells 100 can be fixed to the lower surface of the bottom heat sink 330 by means of thermally conductive adhesive.

[0096] As described above, in this embodiment, since the bottom heat sink 330 is fixed in contact with the upper end 106 surface of the battery cell 100, the cooling performance of the battery cell 100 can be improved, and the battery cell 100 can be more stably installed in the battery pack housing 200.

[0097] The top heat sink 350 can be connected to the bottom heat sink 330 to form a cooling channel 310 inside. The top heat sink 350 can be connected to the housing body 210 of the battery pack housing 200.

[0098] Cooling water inlet 370 is used to guide cooling water to cooling channel 310, can protrude from one side of top radiator 350, and can communicate with cooling unit.

[0099] Specifically, the cooling water inlet 370 can protrude from one side of the side surface of the top radiator 350. Therefore, in this embodiment, a flat structure can be formed in the height direction of the battery pack 10, thereby achieving a more compact structure of the battery pack 10.

[0100] The cooling water outlet 390 is used to deliver cooling water from the cooling channel 310 to the cooling unit and can be connected to the cooling channel 310. It can be located in the top radiator 350 and spaced apart from the cooling water inlet 370.

[0101] Specifically, the cooling water outlet 390 can protrude from one side of the side surface of the top radiator 350, spaced a predetermined distance from the cooling water inlet 370. Therefore, in this embodiment, a flat structure can be formed in the height direction of the battery pack 10, thereby achieving a more compact structure of the battery pack 10.

[0102] As described above, in this embodiment, since the heat sink structure for cooling the battery cell 100 is integrally formed in the battery pack cover 300, the overall size of the battery pack 10 can be reduced and the energy density of the battery pack 10 can be significantly increased compared to the conventional heat sink structure provided separately from the battery pack cover 300.

[0103] In addition, in this embodiment, the integrally formed battery pack cover 300 structure can improve the assembly process efficiency of the battery pack 10 and reduce the manufacturing cost of the battery pack 10, thereby improving the price competitiveness of the battery pack 10.

[0104] Go back to reference Figure 2 The busbar unit 400 is used for electrical connection of multiple battery cells 100 and can be disposed below the battery pack housing 200. This electrical connection can be in parallel and / or in series. The busbar unit 400 can be electrically connected to the positive terminal 110 and negative terminal 130 of the multiple battery cells 100, and can be electrically connected to an external charging / discharging line via a connector.

[0105] In this embodiment, since the positive electrode 110 and negative electrode 130 of the plurality of battery cells 100 are disposed on one side of the battery cell 100 (specifically, on the lower side of the battery cell 100), it is easier to make an electrical connection with the busbar unit 400.

[0106] That is, in this embodiment, the structure in which the positive electrode 110 and negative electrode 130 of multiple battery cells 100 are positioned in the same direction can simplify the connection structure with the busbar unit 400 and reduce the volume occupied compared with the structure in which the positive and negative electrodes are positioned in opposite directions.

[0107] Therefore, in this embodiment, the electrical connection structure between the busbar unit 400 and the battery cell 100 can be simplified, making the entire structure compact and increasing the energy density.

[0108] The mechanism for venting gas or ensuring the safety of battery cells by means of the safety space S will be described in more detail below when overheating or fire occurs in the battery pack 10 according to this embodiment.

[0109] Figure 9 It shows when installed Figure 1 The diagram shows the release of gas from the battery cells through a safe space when the battery pack in a vehicle overheats or catches fire.

[0110] refer to Figure 9 When at least one battery cell 100 of the battery pack 10 overheats or catches fire due to an abnormality in the battery pack 10 of the vehicle 1, gas G or flame may occur.

[0111] In this embodiment, since the venting portion 150 of the battery cell 100 is positioned towards the lower side of the battery pack 10, the gas G released from the battery cell 100 via the venting portion 150 can be discharged downward from the battery pack casing 200.

[0112] Specifically, the gas G generated from the battery cell 100 due to abnormal conditions can be guided through the venting portion 150 located on the lower side of the battery pack housing 200, and through the opening 235 of the cell insertion portion 230 of the battery pack housing 200 to move to the safety space S below the battery pack housing 200.

[0113] That is, in this embodiment, in dangerous situations such as overheating or fire, the gas G or flame is directed downwards to below the battery pack 10 where the driver and passengers are located, rather than upwards to above the battery pack 10, thereby ensuring the safety of the driver and passengers.

[0114] As described above, in this embodiment, the battery pack 10 has a safety space S located on the bottom body frame 5 of the vehicle 1 to guide the release of gas G and mitigate external impacts, thereby ensuring the safety of the driver and occupants of the vehicle 1 in the event of the aforementioned dangerous situation. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the battery pack 10 is installed in the vehicle 1, a battery pack 10 with higher safety performance can be provided.

[0115] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0116] Since the battery pack 20 according to this embodiment is similar to the battery pack 10 of the previous embodiment, the overlapping description of elements that are substantially the same or similar to those in the previous embodiment is omitted. The differences between this embodiment and the previous embodiment will be described below.

[0117] refer to Figure 10 Vehicle 1 may include battery pack 20.

[0118] The battery pack 20 may include battery cells 100, battery pack housing 200, battery pack cover 300, busbar unit 400 and reinforcing plate 500.

[0119] The battery cell 100, battery pack shell 200, battery pack cover 300 and busbar unit 400 are basically the same or similar to those in the previous embodiment, and overlapping descriptions are omitted below.

[0120] The reinforcing plate 500 can be installed in the bottom body frame 5 of the vehicle 1. The lower surface of the battery pack housing 200 can be spaced apart from the reinforcing plate 500 by a predetermined height H to form a safety space S.

[0121] In this embodiment, the structural strength of the vehicle 1 can be improved by means of the reinforcing plate 500. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when an external impact occurs on the exterior of the bottom body frame 5 of the vehicle 1, the external impact can be absorbed and mitigated by means of the reinforcing plate 500 and the bottom body frame 5, thereby minimizing the risk of the impact being transmitted to the battery pack casing 200 of the battery pack 10.

[0122] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when flames caused by an abnormality in the battery cell 100 emerge below the battery pack casing 200, the reinforcing plate 500 can mitigate the flames, thereby minimizing or delaying damage to the bottom vehicle frame 5.

[0123] According to the various embodiments described above, it is possible to provide battery packs 10 and 20 with more compact structures and increased energy density, as well as a vehicle 1 including battery packs 10 and 20.

[0124] Furthermore, according to the various embodiments described above, it is possible to provide battery packs 10 and 20 with improved safety performance, as well as a vehicle 1 including battery packs 10 and 20.

[0125] While preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the present disclosure without departing from the essence of the present disclosure as claimed in the appended claims, and such modifications should not be understood independently of the technical aspects or scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A battery pack for a vehicle, the battery pack comprising: At least one battery cell, the at least one battery cell including a venting portion for venting gas; A battery pack housing that houses at least one battery cell such that the venting portion faces the lower side of the battery pack housing and is exposed from the battery pack housing; as well as A reinforcing plate, which can be installed in the bottom body frame of the vehicle to improve the structural strength of the vehicle.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the battery pack comprises: A battery pack cover, which is connected to the battery pack housing on the opposite side of the venting portion and covers the at least one battery cell.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein, The battery pack cover has cooling channels inside to cool at least one battery cell.

4. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein, The battery pack cover includes: A bottom heat sink, positioned to contact the at least one battery cell; and A top radiator is connected to the bottom radiator to form the internal cooling channel.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein, At least one battery cell is fixed to the lower surface of the bottom heat sink.

6. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein, The battery pack cover includes: A cooling water inlet, which communicates with the cooling channel and protrudes from one side of the top radiator; and A cooling water outlet is provided in the top radiator, spaced apart from the cooling water inlet, and connected to the cooling channel.

7. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein, The battery pack housing includes: A casing body, the casing body covering the at least one battery cell and connected to the battery pack cover; and A cell insertion portion is disposed on the bottom of the housing body, and at least one battery cell is inserted into the cell insertion portion.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein, The cell insertion portion has at least one opening, and the venting portion is exposed from the battery pack casing via the at least one opening.

9. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein, The cell insertion portion protrudes from the lower side of the battery pack casing to a predetermined height.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein, The cell insertion portion protrudes downwards more than the venting portion below the battery pack casing.

11. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein, The cell insertion portion covers one side of the bottom of the at least one battery cell.

12. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The internal space of the battery pack casing is filled with resin material to cover at least one battery cell.

13. The battery pack according to claim 12, wherein, It is equipped with multiple battery cells, and The resin material is filled between the plurality of battery cells.

14. The battery pack according to claim 13, wherein, The resin material includes potting resin.

15. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein, The ventilation portion is located at the end of the at least one battery cell along its length, and The end of the at least one battery cell is positioned below the battery pack casing.

16. The battery pack according to claim 15, wherein, The battery pack cover covers the opposite end of the at least one battery cell.

17. A vehicle comprising at least one battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. The vehicle according to claim 17, wherein, The lower surface of the battery pack casing is spaced apart from the bottom body frame of the vehicle by a predetermined height to form a safety space.

19. The vehicle according to claim 17, wherein, The lower surface of the battery pack casing is spaced apart from the reinforcing plate by a predetermined height to form a safety space.

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