Battery pack and vehicle comprising the same

Abstract

A battery pack can be provided, which includes a plurality of cell assemblies and a barrier unit disposed between the plurality of cell assemblies, wherein the barrier unit includes a thermal insulation member and a rigid member disposed at least one side of the thermal insulation member and formed such that at least a portion of a terminal portion of the rigid member is bent.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0106362, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on August 8, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0003] Secondary batteries, which are highly adaptable to various product categories and possess electrical characteristics such as high energy density, are typically used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electric power sources.

[0004] These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source that improves eco-friendliness and energy efficiency because they not only have the major advantage of significantly reducing the use of fossil fuels, but also do not have the byproducts generated by the use of energy.

[0005] Currently widely used rechargeable batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. When a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells can be connected in series to form a battery module or battery pack. Alternatively, to increase charging and discharging capacity, multiple battery cells can be connected in parallel to form a battery module or battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in a battery module or battery pack can be set differently depending on the required output voltage or charging and discharging capacity.

[0006] Furthermore, because battery cells involve chemical reactions during charging and discharging, their performance may degrade when used in environments above their optimal temperature range, and there is a persistent risk of accidental fire or explosion if thermal control is not achieved at the optimal temperature. In addition, battery packs have a structure in which these battery cells are densely housed within a module frame. Therefore, if a thermal event occurs in any battery cell, the released high-temperature gases and flames could be transmitted to adjacent battery cells, potentially causing a chain reaction that could lead to battery cell explosions, which is extremely dangerous.

[0007] In particular, when a battery module includes multiple battery cells, high-temperature gases, flames, sparks, etc., generated during thermal runaway in a specific battery cell are highly likely to be ejected toward the front and rear of the battery cell, where the electrode leads of the corresponding battery module are located. This can cause thermal damage to components located at both ends of the battery module (e.g., adjacent components of the end plate or busbar frame) and may lead to structural collapse.

[0008] Therefore, battery packs typically attempt to separate or isolate battery modules or cell assemblies by inserting thermal insulation layers, such as aerogel or silicone, between them. However, because these insulation layers are susceptible to flame damage and have low inherent rigidity, there is a high risk of rupture if any cell assembly explodes. Furthermore, the intense pressure generated by the expansion of cell assemblies, the release of gases, flames, etc., deforms the shape of the insulation layer, making it difficult to prevent physical damage between cell assemblies.

[0009] Therefore, it is necessary to develop a structure that can suppress and delay heat propagation, so that even if a thermal event occurs in some cell components within the battery pack, the gas, flame, etc. can be prevented from being transferred to other cell components within the battery pack and causing thermal runaway by more reliably separating and isolating the cell components. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Technical issues

[0011] Therefore, this disclosure aims to provide a battery pack that can effectively prevent or delay the propagation of thermal runaway between cell assemblies by reliably separating and isolating the cell assemblies.

[0012] This disclosure also aims to provide a vehicle that includes such a battery pack.

[0013] However, the technical problems to be solved by this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other problems not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art based on the following description of this disclosure.

[0014] Technical solution

[0015] To address the aforementioned problems, this disclosure provides a battery pack comprising: a plurality of cell assemblies; and a barrier unit disposed between adjacent plurality of cell assemblies, wherein the barrier unit includes a heat-insulating member and a rigid member, the rigid member being disposed on at least one side of the heat-insulating member and configured such that at least a portion of its end is bent.

[0016] The melting point of the rigid component may be higher than that of the thermal insulation component.

[0017] The rigid member may include: a main body portion configured to face the cell assembly; and at least one bending portion extending from the main body portion and configured to bend in a direction toward the cell assembly.

[0018] The bending portion can be multiple, and the multiple bending portions can be configured to extend from the main body portion in different directions from each other.

[0019] The bent portion may include: an upper bent portion extending upward from the main body portion; and a rear bent portion extending rearward from the main body portion.

[0020] The battery pack may further include a battery pack housing configured to house the plurality of cell assemblies, and the bent portion may be configured to contact the inner surface of the battery pack housing.

[0021] The cell assembly may include a plurality of battery cells and a module housing configured to house the battery cells, and at least one vent hole may be formed on the rear surface of the module housing, the at least one vent hole being configured to discharge exhaust gases generated from the battery cells to the outside.

[0022] The rigid member may include a left rigid member and a right rigid member disposed on both sides of the thermal insulation member, and the ends of the left rigid member and the right rigid member may be configured to be bent in different directions from each other.

[0023] The left rigid member, the heat insulation member, and the right rigid member of the barrier unit can be configured to be stacked horizontally while standing upright in the vertical direction.

[0024] Furthermore, this disclosure provides a vehicle that includes a battery pack according to this disclosure.

[0025] Beneficial effects

[0026] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the cell components within the battery pack can be reliably separated and isolated, thereby suppressing the movement of high-temperature gases, flames, etc., in the space between the cell components and the battery pack housing.

[0027] In addition, according to the above aspects of this disclosure, when a thermal event occurs in some cell components within the battery pack, it is possible to prevent gases, flames, etc. from colliding with and flowing back into the battery pack casing.

[0028] Therefore, according to the above aspects of this disclosure, even if a thermal event occurs in some cell components within the battery pack, it can effectively prevent or delay the transfer of gases, flames, etc., to other cell components within the battery pack to cause thermal runaway. This ensures the safety and reliability of the battery pack.

[0029] In addition, according to another aspect of this disclosure, events such as fires or explosions caused by thermal runaway in vehicles comprising multiple battery packs can be prevented or delayed.

[0030] In addition, this disclosure may have various other effects that will be described in each embodiment, or descriptions of effects that can be readily inferred by those skilled in the art will be omitted. Attached Figure Description

[0031] 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.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the upper frame separated from the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a plan view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the upper frame is separate from the battery pack.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing a cell assembly and a barrier unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing each construction of the cell assembly and barrier unit according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing a rigid member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 7 This is a plan view showing the folded, bent portion of a rigid member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 8 This is a plan view showing the folded, bent portion of a rigid member according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 10 It is along Figure 6 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of a rigid member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, taken from the cross-sectional line.

[0042] Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing each configuration of the barrier unit according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing each configuration of the barrier unit according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 15 This illustrates a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 14 Cross-sectional views of different parts of the battery pack.

[0047] Figure 16 This is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0048] 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 based on the principle of allowing the inventors to appropriately define the terminology for the best interpretation, and on the meaning and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure.

[0049] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are merely some of the most preferred embodiments of this disclosure and are not intended to fully represent the technical aspects of this disclosure. It should be understood that various equivalents and modifications may be made thereto when this application is filed.

[0050] Furthermore, this disclosure includes various embodiments. For each embodiment, repeated descriptions of substantially the same or similar configurations will be omitted, and the differences will be described primarily.

[0051] Additionally, to aid in understanding this disclosure, the drawings are not shown to scale, and the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated. Furthermore, in different embodiments, the same reference numerals may be assigned to the same components.

[0052] Although terms like "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, it is clear that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another, and unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is clear that the first component can be the second component.

[0053] Throughout the instruction manual, unless explicitly stated otherwise, each part may be singular or plural.

[0054] In the following text, when any construction is located on the “upper (or lower)” or “top (or bottom)” of a component, it means not only that any construction is arranged to contact the upper (or lower) surface of the component, but also that other constructions can be inserted between the component and any construction located above (or below) the component.

[0055] Additionally, when describing a component as “connected,” “joined,” or “in contact” with another component, the components may be directly connected to each other or in contact with each other, but it should be understood that other components may be “inserted” between each component, or each component may be “connected,” “joined,” or “in contact” with another component.

[0056] As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, the terms “comprising” or “including” should not be construed as necessarily including all the various components or steps described in the specification, but should be construed as excluding some components or steps, or further including other components or steps.

[0057] Throughout the instruction manual, when “A and / or B” is mentioned, it may refer to A, B or A and B, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0058] In this specification, unless otherwise stated, the X-axis direction of the stacked battery cells 110 is referred to as the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction, which is a horizontal direction orthogonal to the stacking direction of the cells, is referred to as the front-back direction, and the Z-axis direction, which is orthogonal to the XY plane, is referred to as the up-down direction (vertical direction). Furthermore, in the case of pouch cells, the Y-axis direction may be referred to as the length direction of the cell. Additionally, the left-right direction, front-back direction, and up-down direction may be referred to as the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction, respectively.

[0059] At the same time, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back may be used in this disclosure, but these terms are only for ease of description and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these terms may vary depending on the position, arrangement, or rotation of the reference object or the position of the observer.

[0060] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the upper frame 210 separated from the battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 This is a plan view of a battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the upper frame 210 is separated from the battery pack 10.

[0061] Reference Figures 1 to 3According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery pack 10 may include a cell assembly 100, a battery pack housing 200, and a barrier unit 300.

[0062] Reference Figure 2 The cell assembly 100 may include a battery cell 110 and a module housing 120. In one embodiment, the cell assembly 100 may be defined as a battery module.

[0063] Battery cell 110 can be of various types. For example, battery cell 110 may include at least one of pouch cell, cylindrical cell, and prismatic cell. However, for ease of description, the following description will focus on the case where battery cell 110 is a pouch cell.

[0064] Multiple battery cells 110 can be configured. Multiple battery cells 110 can be stacked on top of each other. Battery cells 110 can have various structures, and multiple battery cells 110 can be stacked in various ways.

[0065] The battery cell 110 can have a structure in which multiple unit cells are stacked in the order of positive plate, separator and negative plate, according to the battery capacity, or multiple dual cells are stacked in the order of positive plate, separator, negative plate, separator, positive plate, separator and negative plate.

[0066] Electrode leads (not shown) may be disposed in the battery cell 110. Electrode leads are a type of terminal exposed to the outside and connected to an external device, and may be made of a conductive material. Electrode leads may include positive leads and negative leads.

[0067] The positive and negative leads can be arranged in opposite directions with reference to the length direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery cell 110, or the positive and negative leads can be positioned in the same direction with reference to the length direction of the battery cell 110.

[0068] The battery cell 110 can be housed in the module housing 120, and the module housing 120 housing the battery cell 110 can be housed in the battery pack housing 200 to form the battery pack 10. However, this disclosure is not limited to this, and the module housing 120 can be removed to reduce the weight and volume of the module housing 120. In this case, the battery cell 110 can be directly housed in the battery pack housing 200 of the battery pack 10.

[0069] According to this method, the battery cell 110 can be further accommodated in the space previously occupied by the module housing 120 of the cell assembly 100 within the battery pack 10, thereby increasing space efficiency and enhancing battery capacity.

[0070] Here, the cell cover (not shown) supporting the battery cell 110 can be configured such that the battery cell 110 can be directly housed in the battery pack housing 200. The cell cover can have various shapes; for example, it can be configured as an 'n' shape, 'u' shape, or 'n' shape surrounding at least three surfaces of a battery cell 110. 'Form.' However, this disclosure is not limited to this.

[0071] However, for ease of description, the following description will focus on the case where the module housing 120 is provided and the battery cell 110 is housed within the module housing 120. That is, the description will focus on the embodiment in which the cell assembly 100 is housed in the battery pack 10.

[0072] Multiple battery cells 110 can be stacked and housed in a module housing 120. The module housing 120 surrounds the multiple battery cells 110, thereby protecting the battery cells 110 from external vibration or impact.

[0073] The module housing 120 can be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the cell assembly 100 in which multiple battery cells 110 are stacked. For example, when the cell assembly 100 in which multiple battery cells 110 are stacked is formed in a hexahedral shape, the module housing 120 can also be formed in a hexahedral shape to correspond to it. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. Here, the module housing 120 may include an upper (+Z axis direction) module housing, a lower (-Z axis direction) module housing, a left (-X axis direction) module housing, a right (+X axis direction) module housing, a front (+Y axis direction) module housing, and a rear (-Y axis direction) module housing 121. Here, at least some of these components can be integrally formed.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the rear module housing 121 may include at least one vent 122. At least one vent 122 configured to discharge exhaust gases generated in the battery cell 110 to the outside of the cell assembly 100 may be formed on the rear portion of the module housing 120 (e.g., the rear module housing 121).

[0075] According to the above embodiments of this disclosure, when thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell assembly 100, the gas or flame generated inside the battery cell assembly 100 can be discharged to the outside of the battery cell assembly 100 through the exhaust port 122. Specifically, directional discharge can be caused towards the rear (-Y axis direction) of the battery cell assembly 100.

[0076] Alternatively, the module housing 120 can be manufactured, for example, by bending a metal sheet, thus allowing it to be manufactured as an integrated unit comprising an upper module housing, a lower module housing, a left module housing, a right module housing, a front module housing, and a rear module housing 121. When the module housing 120 is manufactured as an integrated unit, the connection process becomes easier and simpler. Alternatively, the upper module housing, lower module housing, left module housing, right module housing, front module housing, and rear module housing 121 of the module housing 120 can be provided separately and joined together by welding or the like. However, the material of the module housing 120 is not limited to metallic materials.

[0077] The battery pack housing 200 can be configured to accommodate multiple battery cell assemblies 100. (See reference...) Figure 2 Multiple battery cell assemblies 100 can be housed within the battery pack housing 200. Figure 2 In this configuration, multiple battery cells 110 can be housed in the module housing 120, and multiple cell assemblies 100 can be housed in the battery pack housing 200.

[0078] The battery pack housing 200 may be configured to include, for example, an upper frame 210, a side frame 220, a partition wall frame 230, and a lower frame 240.

[0079] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 The upper frame 210 can be connected to the side frame 220. In a modified embodiment, the upper frame 210 can be integrally formed with the side frame 220, but is not limited thereto. The upper frame 210 can be formed in various shapes, and such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the upper frame 210 can be formed into a bent shape to form a step in the Z-axis direction. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0080] The side frame 220 can be configured to extend upward from the edge of the lower frame 240. The side frame 220 defines the height of the battery pack housing 200 and can form a predetermined space between the side frame 220 and the lower frame 240. Furthermore, a plurality of battery cell assemblies 100 can be disposed in the space between the side frame 220 and the lower frame 240.

[0081] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The partition wall frame 230 is connected to the lower frame 240. Furthermore, multiple partition wall frames 230 can be provided, and at least one cell assembly 100 can be disposed between the partition wall frames 230. That is, the partition wall frames 230 can be inserted between the cell assemblies 100. However, according to an embodiment, the partition wall frames 230 may not be provided.

[0082] Multiple battery cell assemblies 100 can be configured to be mounted on a lower frame 240. The lower frame 240 can be formed in the shape of a rectangular plate, but is not limited thereto. The lower frame 240 can form the bottom of the battery pack housing 200.

[0083] Furthermore, the battery pack 10 according to this embodiment may include, for example, a control module configured to control the charging and discharging of the pouch cell 110. This control module may include, for example, a battery management system (BMS) and a battery disconnection unit, and may be housed together with the battery cell 110 inside the battery pack housing 200.

[0084] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The barrier unit 300 can be disposed between multiple adjacent cell assemblies 100. The barrier unit 300 can be disposed between the side surfaces (e.g., left side surface, right side surface) of the multiple cell assemblies 100. The barrier unit 300 can be configured to face the side surface of the cell assembly 100. The barrier unit 300 can be in direct contact with the side surface of the cell assembly 100.

[0085] Specifically, at least one barrier unit 300 may be included in a battery pack 10. Multiple barrier units 300 may be arranged along a direction (X-axis and / or Y-axis direction) in which multiple cell assemblies 100 are arranged. The barrier units 300 may be configured such that one barrier unit 300 is provided for at least one cell assembly 100.

[0086] Specifically, the barrier unit 300 can be configured to isolate multiple cell assemblies 100. The barrier unit 300 can be configured to group the multiple cell assemblies 100. For example, one barrier unit 300 can be provided for every two cell assemblies 100, thereby grouping the cell assemblies 100 in pairs.

[0087] According to the embodiments described above in this disclosure, the barrier unit 300 can prevent and / or delay heat transfer between adjacent cell assemblies 100. Even if a thermal event occurs in an adjacent cell assembly 100, the barrier unit 300 can suppress and / or delay the movement of exhaust gases, flames, and / or particles towards another adjacent cell assembly 100. That is, thermal runaway propagation between cell assemblies 100 can be effectively prevented or delayed. Therefore, the safety and reliability of the battery pack 10 can be ensured.

[0088] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the cell assembly 100 and the barrier unit 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing each configuration of the cell assembly 100 and the barrier unit 300 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 6This is a perspective view showing a rigid member 320 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 This is a plan view showing the bent portion of the folded rigid member 320 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 This is a plan view showing the bent portion of an folded rigid member 320 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0089] More specifically, the barrier unit 300 may include a heat-insulating member 310 and a rigid member 320. The heat-insulating member 310 may be disposed between multiple cell assemblies 100. This heat-insulating member 310 may be configured to block heat generated during thermal events within the battery pack 10. For example, the heat-insulating member 310 may be provided as an insulating pad thinner than the battery cell 110. Alternatively, the insulating pad may include a compression pad, for example, a material such as silicone or aerogel.

[0090] The shape and / or dimensions of the thermal insulation member 310 may be substantially the same as the shape and / or dimensions of one side surface (left side surface, right side surface) of the battery cell assembly 100. For example, the shape of the thermal insulation member 310 may be a plate whose height is less than its width and length. However, the shape of the thermal insulation member 310 is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be designed and modified in various ways.

[0091] The rigid member 320 can protect the adjacent cell assembly 100 from physical damage and impact caused by the ignition pressure and expansion of the cell assembly 100 as a trigger source.

[0092] The rigid member 320 may be positioned adjacent to the thermal insulation member 310. The rigid member 320 may be disposed on at least one side of the thermal insulation member 310. That is, the rigid member 320 may be disposed between the cell assembly 100 and the thermal insulation member 310. One surface of the rigid member 320 may be configured to directly face one surface of the thermal insulation member 310. The rigid member 320 may be disposed on only one side of the thermal insulation member 310 or on both sides thereof.

[0093] The rigid member 320 may come into contact with the thermal insulation member 310. For example, an adhesive member (not shown), such as tape, may be included between the rigid member 320 and the thermal insulation member 310. For example, a bonding member for joining different materials may be included between the rigid member 320 and the thermal insulation member 310.

[0094] The rigid member 320 can be configured to protect the thermal insulation member 310 from external influences. The rigid member 320 may comprise a material with high structural rigidity. Therefore, even in the event of a thermal event, the structure of the barrier unit 300 can be maintained, and physical damage to adjacent cell assemblies 100 can be prevented and / or delayed. This structurally limits the movement of high-temperature electrode ejecta, flames, etc., generated by a thermal event to adjacent cell assemblies 100.

[0095] Furthermore, the rigid member 320 can be made of a material with superior heat resistance and / or fire resistance compared to the insulating member 310. The rigid member 320, with its high structural rigidity and thermal conductivity, can suppress thermal / physical damage to adjacent cell assemblies 100. Thermal damage refers to the effects on adjacent cell assemblies 100 caused by heat conduction or convection. Physical damage refers to the effects on adjacent cell assemblies 100 caused by electrode ejecta or flames.

[0096] The rigid member 320 can be made of a material with a higher melting point than the insulating member 310. The melting point of the rigid member 320 can be, for example, about 1400 degrees Celsius or higher. For example, the rigid member 320 can comprise stainless steel (SUS). Therefore, the rigid member 320 maintains its structure even under high heat and pressure to prevent damage or breakage of the insulating member 310, thus preserving its insulating properties. For example, even if an aerogel with excellent insulating properties is applied to the insulating member 310, the aerogel will carbonize and disappear if directly exposed to a flame. The high melting point of the rigid member 320 prevents the insulating member 310 from being exposed to a flame, which prevents the flame from affecting the insulating member 310 and helps the insulating member 310 exhibit its pure insulating effect.

[0097] The rigid member 320 may comprise a material with high thermal conductivity. Therefore, even in the event of a thermal event, heat can be rapidly dispersed across the entire area of ​​the rigid member 320. This reduces the temperature difference between each portion of the rigid member 320 and also disperses heat conducted to adjacent cell assemblies 100, thereby preventing localized thermal damage to the cell assembly 100. This is because temperature differences can also adversely affect the cell assembly 100 when a temperature rise in the cell assembly 100 leads to thermal damage.

[0098] Furthermore, even if a thermal event occurs in an adjacent cell assembly 100, the rigid member 320 can suppress or delay heat conduction to other cell assemblies 100 or generate thermal convection. In addition, the rigid member 320 can protect the relatively heat-sensitive insulation member 310 so that it does not lose its function due to heat.

[0099] The rigid member 320 can be configured such that at least a portion of its end is bent. Specifically, the rigid member 320 may include a main body portion 321 and a bent portion 322. The main body portion 321 may be configured to face the cell assembly 100.

[0100] Reference Figure 5 The shape and / or size of the main body 321 may be substantially the same as the shape and / or size of one side surface (left side surface, right side surface) of the opposite cell assembly 100.

[0101] The main body 321 may have the shape of a plate that stands upright in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The main body 321 may be a plate-like member that covers the opposite portions between the cell assemblies 100 along the length direction (Y-axis direction) of the cell assembly 100.

[0102] The bent portion 322 may be a portion extending from the main body portion 321, and bent at a specified bending angle from the main body portion 321. Figure 9 The angle of inclination (θ) is tilted.

[0103] According to the above embodiments of this disclosure, adjacent cell assemblies 100 can be configured to suppress the movement of emitted gases, flames, etc. (See also...) Figure 4 The thick arrow shown even indicates the location of the cell assembly 100 on one side of the rigid member 320. Figure 4 A thermal event may occur in the right-hand cell assembly 100b located in the +X axis direction. It can also be configured to suppress emitted gases, flames, etc., from moving across the bend 322 of the rigid member 320 to the adjacent cell assembly 100. Figure 4 The left cell assembly 100a is located in the -X axis direction. In addition, the bent portion 322 can be configured to guide exhaust gas, flame, etc. to move only toward the cell assembly 100 located on one side of the rigid member 320.

[0104] According to the above embodiments of this disclosure, the cell assembly 100 can be reliably separated and divided by the bending shape of the rigid member 320. Specifically, when a thermal event occurs in any cell assembly 100, the bending portion 322 can suppress the transmission of high-temperature exhaust gases, flames, etc., along the stacking direction (X-axis direction) of the cell assembly 100 to another adjacent cell assembly 100 (see...). Figure 4 (The thick X arrow in the image). Therefore, the safety and reliability of the battery pack 10 can be ensured because thermal runaway propagation between the cell assemblies 100 can be effectively prevented or delayed.

[0105] The bent portion 322 can be configured to bend in a direction toward proximity to the cell assembly 100. The bent portion 322 can extend from the edge of the main body portion 321 and can be bent laterally in a direction toward proximity to the adjacent cell assembly 100. In other words, the bent portion 322 can be configured to bend in a direction away from the heat insulation member 310.

[0106] According to the above embodiments of this disclosure, it is possible to further prevent exhaust gases, flames, etc. from being guided across the rigid member 320 and reaching the adjacent cell assembly 100. In addition, by preventing exhaust gases, flames, etc. from being guided to the heat insulation member 310, damage or breakage of the heat insulation member 310 can be further suppressed.

[0107] See Figure 6 and Figure 7 The bending portion 322 can be configured in multiple ways. Multiple bending portions 322 can extend from the main body portion 321 in different directions. For example, the bending portion 322 can extend upwards (in the +Z-axis direction) and / or backwards (in the -Y-axis direction) from the main body portion 321. That is, the bending portion 322 can include an upper bending portion 322a extending upwards from the main body portion 321 and a rear bending portion 322b extending backwards from the main body portion 321.

[0108] At least a portion of the edge 323 of the main body portion 321 may be the boundary surface between the bent portion 322 and the main body portion 321. The main body portion 321 may include a first edge 323a facing upward (+Z-axis direction), a second edge 323b facing backward (-Y-axis direction), a third edge 323c facing forward (+Y-axis direction), and a fourth edge 323d facing downward (-Z-axis direction).

[0109] The upper bend 322a can extend upward from the first edge 323a of the main body 321. The rear bend 322b can extend rearward from the second edge 323b of the main body 321.

[0110] Exhaust gases, sparks, etc., discharged through the vent 122 of the cell assembly 100 are directionally discharged in a rearward direction. According to the above embodiment of the present disclosure, the rear-bent portion 322b can prevent the rearwardly discharged exhaust gases or flames from being guided to adjacent cell assemblies 100.

[0111] Furthermore, the exhaust gases and sparks emitted from the cell assembly 100 are at high temperatures and can exhibit a strong upward tendency. According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the upper bend portion 322a ensures that a highly linear flame or spark will inevitably collide with the upper bend portion 322a, thereby bending the flow direction of the exhaust gases. Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the movement of exhaust gases toward adjacent cell assemblies 100 can be more reliably suppressed.

[0112] Thus, according to this disclosure, in the rear-venting cell assembly 100, the rear-side bend 322b prevents damage to adjacent left and right-side cell assemblies 100 caused by high-temperature exhaust gases, flames, etc., generated in the event of a collapse of the rear of the cell assembly 100. Furthermore, the upper-side bend 322a suppresses the path of high-temperature gas exhausted from the rear of the cell assembly 100, which serves as a trigger source, directly moving to the upper end of the adjacent cell assembly 100.

[0113] Reference Figure 8 The bent portion 322 may also include a front bent portion 322c. The front bent portion 322c may be a portion extending forward (in the +Y axis direction) from the main body portion 321. The front bent portion 322c may be a portion bent to extend forward from the third edge 323c of the main body portion 321.

[0114] When a thermal event occurs in the cell assembly 100, even if the exhaust gas is directed to the rearward side, the exhaust gas or the like may move upward and may eventually not be prevented from moving forward. According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the exhaust gas or the like can be prevented from moving from the front side toward the adjacent cell assembly 100.

[0115] In this manner, multiple bent portions 322 (e.g., upper bent portion 322a, rear bent portion 322b, and front bent portion 322c) are formed in the rigid member 320, and all of the multiple bent portions 322 can be bent in the direction toward the cell assembly 100. In the following description, the upper bent portion 322a is used as a reference for ease of description, but this description can also be applied to the rear bent portion 322b and the front bent portion 322c.

[0116] Meanwhile, considering ease of assembly or assembly tolerances, the heat insulation member 310 can be configured to be spaced apart from the inner surface of the battery pack housing 200 by a predetermined gap. In this case, the rigid member 320 can be configured to extend further in the vertical direction than the heat insulation member 310. That is, the vertical height of the rigid member 320 can be set to be longer than the vertical height of the heat insulation member 310.

[0117] In this scenario, if a thermal event occurs in any of the cell assembly 100, there is a concern that exhaust gases, flames, etc., could be transmitted to another adjacent cell assembly 100 through a specific gap formed between the thermal insulation member 310 and the battery pack housing 200. Therefore, there is a possibility that a gap may be formed between the thermal insulation member 310 and the battery pack housing 200, and that exhaust gases, etc., could be transmitted to another adjacent cell assembly 100 through this gap. Therefore, according to this disclosure, the bent portion 322 of the rigid member 320 can be configured to contact the battery pack housing 200. This will be described below.

[0118] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0119] Reference Figure 9 The portion indicated by B, the end of the bent portion 322 can directly contact the inner surface of the battery pack housing 200. That is, the bent portion 322 of the rigid member 320 can be configured to be supported by the inner surface of the battery pack housing 200. The bent portion 322 can be disposed in the space S between the battery pack housing 200 and the cell assembly 100.

[0120] According to the above embodiments of this disclosure, because there is no gap or the gap is minimized between the rigid member 320 and the battery pack housing 200, adjacent cell assemblies 100 can be reliably separated and isolated. This prevents thermal runaway from propagating to other adjacent cell assemblies 100.

[0121] Furthermore, by applying a rigid member 320 with a left / right / upward bending shape, even with minimal consideration of deviations caused by the dimensions of the rigid member 320, the bent portion can be compressed by the battery pack housing 200 to achieve complete contact, which is also advantageous for assembly. Additionally, due to this complete contact, the rigid member 320 acts as a partition wall completely separating adjacent cell assemblies 100 within the battery pack housing 200. Therefore, the backward and upward movement of high-temperature exhaust gases generated from the cell assembly 100, which serves as a trigger source, as well as their reverse inflow to the outside, can be structurally limited, thereby suppressing their impact on adjacent cell assemblies 100.

[0122] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the bent portion 322 is supported by the battery pack housing 200, thereby preventing the rigid member 320 from being pushed towards adjacent cell assemblies 100 by high pressure from exhaust gases, flames, etc. Therefore, even in the event of a thermal event, the possibility that the rigid member 320 may deform due to high temperature, high pressure exhaust gases, flames, etc., to allow exhaust gases, flames, etc. to be transmitted to other cell assemblies 100 can be minimized.

[0123] In addition, the bent portion 322 can guide the discharge of gases, flames, etc., so that they do not move across the cell assembly 100 and are guided to the adjacent cell assembly 100.

[0124] In this way, the rigid member 320, including the bent portion 322, can impose structural constraints on high-temperature electrode discharges, flames, etc., generated by the cell assembly 100 as a trigger source, thereby suppressing their impact on adjacent cell assemblies 100. In addition, after an event occurs, the path of high-temperature gas moving towards the upper end of the cell assembly 100 to the upper end of the adjacent cell assembly 100 can be restricted.

[0125] When the battery pack 10 is viewed from the front or rear, the bent portion 322 can be configured in a diagonal shape. For example, the bent portion 322 can be configured to tilt upwards. Figure 9 In the illustrated embodiment, the bending angle (θ) formed by the main body portion 321 of the rigid member 320 and the bending portion 322 can be configured as an obtuse angle. For example, the bending angle (θ) can be greater than 90 degrees and less than or equal to 180 degrees. Therefore, the bending portion 322 can be positioned on the upper part of the cell assembly 100 disposed on one side of the rigid member 320. The bending angle (θ) can be determined by the length L1 of the bending portion 322 and the distance G between the inner surface of the battery pack housing 200 and the cell assembly 100. In this case, the length L1 of the bending portion 322 can be approximately equal to or longer than the distance G between the inner surface of the battery pack housing 200 and the cell assembly 100.

[0126] According to the above embodiments of this disclosure, a space S can be formed between the battery pack housing 200 and the cell assembly 100. Typically, exhaust gases, flames, etc., can move through the space S, and the bent portion 322 can be provided in the space S to prevent them from moving to adjacent cell assemblies 100.

[0127] When the rigid member 320 is manufactured as a flat plate instead of bending, tolerances may occur between the dimensions of the rigid member 320 and the dimensions of the battery pack housing 200. In this case, it may be difficult for the rigid member 320 to completely separate the spacer space S, and therefore it may be difficult to completely block exhaust gases, flames, etc. generated by thermal events. According to the above embodiment of this disclosure, the end portion of the rigid member 320 is bent, and the bent portion 322 contacts the inner surface of the battery pack housing 200, thereby facilitating assembly and manufacturing, and more effectively blocking flames, etc.

[0128] Figure 10 It is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional perspective view of the rigid member 320 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, taken from the cross-sectional line.

[0129] A portion of the edge of the main body 321 (e.g., first edge 323a, second edge 323b) may be thinner or have a lower density than the surrounding area, making it easier to bend than the surrounding area.

[0130] Rigid member 320 can be manufactured by molding a plate. Rigid member 320 can bend a portion of a plate. For example, see reference... Figure 10 The portion indicated by A, the edges of the main body portion 321 (e.g., first edge 323a, second edge 323b) can be formed by shallow cutting from a plate. That is, only a portion of the edge can be cut to form an edge that is thinner than the surrounding area.

[0131] At this time, for example, when the rigid member 320 is bent to the left, it can be cut on the right side surface of the rigid member 320. Similarly, when the rigid member 320 is bent to the right, it can be cut on the left side surface of the rigid member 320. However, the method for manufacturing the rigid member 320 is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can be designed and modified in various ways.

[0132] Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing each configuration of the barrier unit 300 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a battery pack 10 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0133] Rigid members 320 can be disposed on both sides of the thermal insulation member 310. Rigid members 320 may include a left rigid member 320a and a right rigid member 320b.

[0134] The barrier unit 300 can be located between the left cell assembly 100a disposed to the left of the barrier unit 300 and the right cell assembly 100b disposed to the right of the barrier unit 300. In this case, the left rigid member 320a can be disposed between the left cell assembly 100a and the heat insulation member 310. In addition, the right rigid member 320b can be disposed between the right cell assembly 100b and the heat insulation member 310.

[0135] In other words, the left rigid member 320a, the heat insulation member 310, and the right rigid member 320b can be arranged sequentially. That is, it can resemble a sandwich structure, with the rigid member 320 located on both sides and the heat insulation member 310 located in the center. The left rigid member 320a, the heat insulation member 310, and the right rigid member 320b of the barrier unit 300 can be configured to stand upright in the vertical direction while being stacked in the horizontal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction).

[0136] The ends of the left rigid member 320a and the right rigid member 320b can be bent in different directions. The bent portions 322 (ends) of the left rigid member 320a and the right rigid member 320b, located on both sides of the heat insulation member 310, can be configured to be bent away from each other from the heat insulation member 310. The bent portions 322 of the rigid members 320 can each be configured to face the opposing cell assembly 100. Furthermore, see... Figure 12 The left rigid member 320a and the right rigid member 320b can be configured to be symmetrical to each other based on the thermal insulation member 310.

[0137] According to the above embodiments of this disclosure, each cell assembly 100 can be reliably separated and divided by rigid members 320 disposed on both sides of the cell assembly 100. Therefore, even if a thermal event occurs in the cell assembly 100, the movement of high-temperature exhaust, flames, etc., along the stacking direction of the cell assembly 100 in the spacer S between the cell assembly 100 and the battery pack housing 200 can be further suppressed. The bending direction of each rigid member 320 is configured towards the cell assembly 100 closest to each rigid member 320, such that the rigid member 320 can perform its function regardless of which cell assembly 100 is ignited.

[0138] Therefore, according to the above-described embodiments of this disclosure, thermal runaway between the cell assemblies 100 within the battery pack 10 can be effectively prevented or delayed. That is, the rigid members 320 disposed on both sides of the cell assembly 100 can protect the heat insulation member 310, maximizing the insulation performance of the heat insulation member 310, and simultaneously blocking the movement of exhaust gases, flames, etc.

[0139] According to one embodiment, the left rigid member 320a, the heat insulation member 310 and the right rigid member 320b of the barrier unit 300 are connected and / or fixed to each other by adhesives or the like, and can be assembled as a single unit between the left cell assembly 100a and the right cell assembly 100b.

[0140] Figure 13 These are perspective views showing each configuration of the barrier unit 300 according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a battery pack 10 according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 15 It is shown that... Figure 14 A cross-sectional view of a portion of a battery pack 10 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0141] According to one embodiment, the heat insulation member 310 may include a left heat insulation member 310a and a right heat insulation member 310b. That is, the constituent elements of the barrier unit 300 may be arranged in parallel in the order of the left rigid member 320a, the left heat insulation member 310a, the right heat insulation member 310b, and the right rigid member 320b.

[0142] The left rigid member 320a and the left heat insulation member 310a can be attached to the right side surface of the left cell assembly 100a. The right rigid member 320b and the right heat insulation member 310b can be attached to the left side surface of the right cell assembly 100b. In this way, the rigid member 320 and the heat insulation member 310 can be connected to and / or attached to the side surface of the adjacent battery module, respectively.

[0143] According to the above embodiments of this disclosure, since the rigid member 320 and the heat insulation member 310 are assembled with the cell assembly 100 as a single unit, the process of attaching the barrier unit 300 between the cell assemblies 100 can be omitted, thereby facilitating assembly and arrangement.

[0144] Reference Figure 14 The left heat insulation member 310a and the right heat insulation member 310b can be arranged facing each other. According to one embodiment, when the partition frame 230 is disposed between adjacent cell assemblies 100, the left heat insulation member 310a and the right heat insulation member 310b can be spaced apart from each other, with the partition frame 230 inserted between them. That is, the partition frame 230 can be disposed between the left heat insulation member 310a and the right heat insulation member 310b. The barrier unit 300 can be arranged separately on both sides based on the partition frame 230.

[0145] According to the above embodiments of this disclosure, based on the partition wall frame 230, a separation distance can be generated between the barrier units 300 on both sides, thereby more effectively delaying and / or blocking the movement of exhaust gases, flames, etc. in the event of a thermal event.

[0146] Reference Figure 15 The left-side heat insulation member 310a and the right-side heat insulation member 310b can directly face and / or contact each other. This embodiment can be applied when the partition wall frame 230 is not provided between the cell assemblies 100. In this case, the barrier unit 300 can simultaneously perform the function of the partition wall frame 230.

[0147] According to the embodiments described above in this disclosure, the partition wall frame 230 between the cell assemblies 100 can be omitted, and a barrier unit 300 can be provided instead of the partition wall frame 230. In this case, the energy density of the battery pack 10 can be increased, and the weight of the battery pack 10 can be reduced.

[0148] Figure 16 This is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle V including a battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0149] See Figure 16 The vehicle V according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a battery pack 10 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The vehicle V according to the present disclosure may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle V includes four-wheeled vehicles and two-wheeled vehicles. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the vehicle V can operate by receiving power from the battery pack 10.

[0150] The present disclosure has been described above with reference to a limited number of embodiments and accompanying drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to it within the scope of the technical aspects of the present disclosure and the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A battery pack, the battery pack comprising: Multiple battery cell components; as well as A barrier unit is disposed between adjacent battery cell assemblies. The barrier unit includes: Thermal insulation components; and A rigid member disposed on at least one side of the thermal insulation member and configured such that at least a portion of its end portion is bent.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The melting point of the rigid component is higher than that of the thermal insulation component.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The rigid member includes a main body portion and at least one bent portion, the main body portion being configured to face the cell assembly, and the at least one bent portion extending from the main body portion and configured to bend toward the cell assembly.

4. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein, The bent portion is configured as multiple, and The multiple bent portions are configured to extend from the main body portion in different directions from each other.

5. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein, The bent portion includes: The upper bend portion extends upward from the main body portion; and The rear-bent portion extends rearward from the main body portion.

6. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein the battery pack comprises: A battery pack housing configured to house the plurality of battery cell assemblies. The bent portion is configured to contact the inner surface of the battery pack housing.

7. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, The battery cell assembly includes a plurality of battery cells and a module housing configured to house the battery cells, and The module housing has at least one vent hole formed on its rear surface, and the at least one vent hole is configured to discharge exhaust gas generated from the battery cell to the outside.

8. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, The rigid members include a left rigid member and a right rigid member disposed on both sides of the heat insulation member, and The ends of the left rigid member and the right rigid member are configured to bend in different directions from each other.

9. The battery pack according to claim 8, in, The left rigid member, the heat insulation member, and the right rigid member of the barrier unit are configured to be stacked horizontally while standing upright in the vertical direction.

10. A vehicle comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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