Battery pack and vehicle comprising the same

Abstract

Disclosed are a battery pack and a vehicle including the same. A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of battery cells, a battery pack case that accommodates the plurality of battery cells, and a fireproof member that is coupled to the battery cells and in which a discharge portion is formed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0094190, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on July 17, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] This disclosure relates to battery packs and vehicles including such battery packs, and more specifically, to battery packs and vehicles including such battery packs capable of directional emission of flames, gases or high-temperature particles. Background Technology

[0003] Generally speaking, rechargeable batteries refer to batteries such as lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, or nickel-zinc batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged. The battery cells corresponding to the most basic rechargeable batteries can provide an output voltage of approximately 2.5 V to 4.2 V.

[0004] Recently, as these battery cells are used in devices such as electric vehicles or ESS (energy storage systems) that require high output voltage and large charging capacity, battery modules configured by connecting multiple battery cells in series, parallel, or a combination of series and parallel, and battery packs configured by connecting battery modules in series, parallel, or a combination of series and parallel are widely used.

[0005] In other words, various types of secondary batteries can be equipped with module housings that can protect the battery cells, and include battery modules in which multiple battery cells are stacked and inserted into the module housings, as well as battery packs that include multiple battery modules.

[0006] Alternatively, the battery module may not have a module housing, and the battery cells may be directly arranged inside the battery pack.

[0007] Lithium-ion batteries are currently attracting much attention due to their advantages such as high operating voltage and significantly high energy density. However, because they use organic electrolytes, overcharging lithium-ion batteries can lead to overcurrent and overheating, which in severe cases can result in explosion or fire.

[0008] Specifically, when a thermal event occurs in at least one of the multiple battery cells, gases and high-temperature particles (e.g., high-temperature sparks) are generated. Here, if the gases are not vented to the outside of the battery pack, the internal pressure and temperature rise, and this may accelerate heat transfer to adjacent battery cells within the battery pack.

[0009] For example, if the gas is not expelled from the battery pack and encounters hot particles inside the pack, it can explode and produce a flame. If the flame spreads to nearby battery cells, the chain reaction can damage or explode the entire battery cell or battery pack, resulting in a situation where the stability of the battery cell or battery pack cannot be guaranteed.

[0010] Additionally, flames, gases, or high-temperature particles can move in various directions within the battery pack casing and flow back towards the battery cells where a thermal event has already occurred. This can lead to thermal runaway, and if a fire leak occurs due to thermal runaway, the driver of the electric vehicle could suffer burns or be in a dangerous situation. Summary of the Invention

[0011] Technical issues

[0012] Therefore, this disclosure aims to provide a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery pack, which allows flames, gases or high-temperature particles generated by a fire in the battery cells to be discharged in a predetermined direction (directional discharge).

[0013] Furthermore, this disclosure aims to provide a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery pack, which can prevent continuous thermal runaway and improve the stability of battery cells through the directional emission of flames, gases or high-temperature particles.

[0014] Furthermore, this disclosure aims to provide a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery pack, which allows heat generated by a flame to be uniformly diffused within the battery pack to prevent heat concentration, thereby having a uniform heat distribution when a flame is generated from a battery cell.

[0015] Furthermore, this disclosure aims to provide a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery pack, which can prevent flames, gases or high-temperature particles from flowing back to the battery cells and prevent flames, gases or high-temperature particles from transferring or propagating to other battery cells.

[0016] However, the technical problems to be solved by this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the following description other problems not mentioned herein.

[0017] Technical solution

[0018] In one embodiment, a battery pack is provided, comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a battery pack housing configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells; and a fire-resistant member connected to the battery cells and having a discharge portion formed therein.

[0019] In one embodiment, the fireproof component may include: a first fireproof sheet connected to a battery cell, and having a first discharge portion formed therein; and a second fireproof sheet connected to the first fireproof sheet, and having a second discharge portion formed therein at a position spaced apart from the first discharge portion.

[0020] In one embodiment, the first discharge portion and the second discharge portion may be formed in opposite positions in the first fireproof sheet and the second fireproof sheet, respectively.

[0021] In one implementation, based on the cross-section of the fireproof component, the first discharge section may be located on the right side, and the second discharge section may be located on the left side relative to the first discharge section.

[0022] In one implementation, based on the cross-section of the fireproof component, the first discharge section may be located on the left side, and the second discharge section may be located on the right side relative to the first discharge section.

[0023] In an embodiment, the first discharge section and the second discharge section may be configured to have different shapes.

[0024] In an embodiment, the second discharge section may be configured to allow gas to be discharged by rupture in the event of a thermal event, and the second discharge section may be configured such that when the second discharge section ruptures, a portion of the second discharge section guides the movement of the gas.

[0025] In one embodiment, the second discharge portion may include: a cut portion formed to rupture in the event of a thermal event; and a guide portion that deforms into an inclined position when the cut portion ruptures to guide the movement of gas.

[0026] In one embodiment, the battery pack housing may include an upper frame, between which a gas movement channel configured to discharge gas is formed, and in the event of a thermal event, the guide portion may deform and come into contact with the upper frame.

[0027] In an embodiment, the cut portion may include: a baseline portion formed on the second fireproof sheet; and an extension portion extending from both ends of the baseline portion at a predetermined angle.

[0028] In one embodiment, the second discharge portion may include: a cutting portion formed on the second fireproof sheet; and a guiding portion that deforms relative to the cutting portion when a thermal event occurs, so as to guide the movement of gas.

[0029] In one embodiment, the battery pack housing may include an upper frame, and a gas movement channel configured to discharge gas may be formed between the upper frame and the second fireproof sheet. In the event of a thermal event, the guide portion may deform and come into contact with the upper frame.

[0030] In an embodiment, the cutting portion may include: a baseline portion formed on the second fireproof sheet; and an extension portion extending from both ends of the baseline portion at a predetermined angle.

[0031] In an embodiment, the first discharge portion may be formed as a cut or slit portion in a straight line shape or a dashed line shape.

[0032] In one embodiment, the battery pack housing may have an exhaust portion formed on the battery pack housing.

[0033] In one embodiment, the venting section may include: a vent hole through which gas generated from the battery cell is discharged; and a vent valve configured to close the vent hole and open when the internal pressure of the battery pack housing exceeds a preset value.

[0034] In one embodiment, a gas movement channel configured to discharge gas can be formed between the battery pack housing and the fireproof component, and the gas can move towards the exhaust section through the gas movement channel.

[0035] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle comprising at least one of the aforementioned battery packs may be provided.

[0036] Beneficial effects

[0037] The embodiments disclosed herein have the effect of allowing flames, gases or high-temperature particles generated by a fire in the battery cell to be discharged in a predetermined direction (directional discharge).

[0038] Furthermore, the present invention has the effect of preventing continuous thermal runaway and improving the stability of battery cells by directional emission of flames, gases or high-temperature particles.

[0039] Furthermore, this disclosure allows heat generated by a flame to diffuse uniformly within the battery pack to prevent heat concentration, thereby achieving a uniform heat distribution when a flame is generated from a single battery cell.

[0040] In addition, this disclosure has the effect of preventing flames, gases or high-temperature particles from flowing back into the battery cell and preventing flames, gases or high-temperature particles from transferring or spreading to other battery cells.

[0041] However, the effects that can be obtained through this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the following description other technical effects not mentioned herein. Attached Figure Description

[0042] 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.

[0043] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the overall battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 2 This is an exploded view showing the battery cells, fireproof components, and cover in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 3 This shows the assembly state. Figure 2 Diagram of battery cells, fireproof components, and cover.

[0046] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 The view obtained from direction A.

[0047] Figure 5 This shows the assembled state with the cover and second fireproof sheet removed. Figure 4 The diagram shows the first fireproof sheet and the battery cell.

[0048] Figure 6 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken from the B-B' line.

[0049] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 6 A diagram of flames, gases, or high-temperature particles emitted due to a thermal event.

[0050] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 6 An enlarged view of a variant implementation.

[0051] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the venting section in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] Figure 10 It is shown Figure 9 A diagram of the exhaust port of the exhaust section.

[0053] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the movement of gas in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure through a gas movement channel toward an exhaust section.

[0054] Figure 12 This is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module housed within a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating a vehicle that includes a battery pack according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0056] The preferred embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail 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 interpreted according to the meaning and concept corresponding to the technical aspects of this disclosure, based on the principle that inventors are allowed to appropriately define the terms for the best interpretation. Therefore, the description presented herein is merely a preferred example for illustrative purposes and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure; thus, it should be understood that other equivalents and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0057] In the accompanying drawings, for ease of description and clarity, the dimensions of each component or specific part constituting a component are exaggerated, omitted, or shown schematically. Therefore, the dimensions of each component do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensions. Such descriptions are omitted where detailed descriptions of relevant known functions or configurations would unnecessarily obscure the gist of this disclosure.

[0058] As used herein, the terms “connection” or “link” refer not only to the direct connection or linking of one component to another, but also to the indirect connection or linking of one component to another through a connecting component.

[0059] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the overall battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is an exploded view showing the battery cells, fireproof components, and cover in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 This shows the assembly state. Figure 2 Diagrams of battery cells, fireproof components, and covers. Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 The view obtained from direction A, Figure 5 This shows the assembled state with the cover and second fireproof sheet removed. Figure 4 The first fireproof sheet and battery cell diagram. Figure 6 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken from the B-B' line, and Figure 7 It is shown Figure 6 A diagram of flames, gases, or high-temperature particles emitted due to a thermal event.

[0060] Reference Figures 1 to 3 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery pack 10 includes a plurality of battery cells 100, a battery pack housing 200, and a plurality of fire-resistant components 300.

[0061] The type of battery cell 100 can vary. For example, battery cell 100 may include at least one of pouch cell 100, cylindrical cell 100, and rectangular cell 100. However, for ease of explanation, the following description focuses on the case where battery cell 100 is a pouch cell 100.

[0062] Multiple battery cells 100 can be stacked. The battery cells 100 can have various structures, and multiple battery cells 100 can be stacked in various ways.

[0063] The battery cell 100 may have a structure in which multiple unit cells or multiple dual cells are stacked according to the battery capacity. In each unit cell, a positive electrode plate, a separator, and a negative electrode plate are arranged in sequence. In each dual cell, a positive electrode plate, a separator, a negative electrode plate, a separator, a positive electrode plate, a separator, and a negative electrode plate are arranged in sequence.

[0064] The battery cell 100 may be equipped with electrode leads. Electrode leads are terminal types exposed to the outside and connected to external devices, and may be made of conductive material. Electrode leads may include positive and negative leads.

[0065] The positive and negative leads can be arranged in opposite directions relative to the length of the battery cell 100, or they can be arranged in the same direction relative to the length of the battery cell 100.

[0066] The battery cell 100 can be housed in the module housing 21 (see...) Figure 12 In this configuration, the module housing 21 containing the battery cell 100 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 21 can be removed to reduce its weight and volume, and in this case, the battery cell 100 can be directly housed in the battery pack housing 200 of the battery pack 10.

[0067] According to this method, more battery cells 100 can be accommodated in the space previously occupied by the module housing 21 of the battery module 20 within the battery pack 10, thereby increasing space efficiency and improving battery capacity.

[0068] Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, the case in which the battery cell 100 is directly housed in the battery pack housing 200 without the module housing 21 will be described first, and the case in which the pouch-type battery cell 100 of each embodiment of the present disclosure is housed in the module housing 21 provided in the battery module 20 will be described later.

[0069] The battery cell 100 can be directly housed within the battery pack housing 200 in various ways. For example, the battery cell 100 can be surrounded and supported by a cell cover (not shown). Here, the cell cover can have various shapes, such as an "n" shape, a "u" shape, or a "..." shape surrounding at least three sides of a battery cell 100. "Shape. However, this disclosure is not limited to this."

[0070] Alternative locations, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the multiple fire-resistant components 300 can also be configured to be directly connected to the multiple battery cells 100 when the multiple battery cells 100 are stacked without cell covers. For ease of explanation, the following description focuses on the case where the multiple fire-resistant components 300 are connected to the multiple battery cells 100 when the multiple battery cells 100 are stacked.

[0071] Additionally, 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-type battery cells 100. The control module may include, for example, a battery management system (BMS) and a battery blocking unit, and may be housed together with the battery cells 100 inside the battery pack housing 200.

[0072] Reference Figure 1 Multiple battery cells 100 are housed in the battery pack housing 200.

[0073] The battery pack housing 200 can be configured to include, for example, an upper frame 210, a side frame 220, a barrier frame 230, and a lower frame 240.

[0074] The upper frame 210 can be connected to the side frame 220. As a variant implementation, the upper frame 210 can be integrally formed with the side frame 220, but is not limited thereto.

[0075] 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 forms a predetermined space between the side frame 220 and the lower frame 240.

[0076] Additionally, multiple battery cells 100 are installed in the space between the side frame 220 and the lower frame 240. Multiple side frames 220 can be provided, and refer to... Figure 1 The multiple side frames 220 may include long side frames with relatively long lengths and short side frames with relatively short lengths. Alternatively, the side frames 220 may all be of the same length.

[0077] The barrier frame 230 is connected to the side frame 220 and the lower frame 240 respectively. Alternatively, multiple barrier frames 230 can be provided, and multiple battery cells 100 can be arranged between multiple barrier frames 230. That is, the barrier frame 230 is inserted between multiple battery cells 100.

[0078] The lower frame 240 is configured such that multiple battery modules 20 are placed thereon. The lower frame 240 may be formed in the shape of a rectangular plate, but is not limited thereto. The lower frame 240 forms the bottom of the battery pack housing 200.

[0079] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The fireproof component 300 is connected to the battery cell 100. Additionally, refer to... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The fireproof component 300 has discharge parts 311 and 321 that can discharge flames, gases or high-temperature particles.

[0080] Fire-resistant component 300 may include a first fire-resistant sheet 310 and a second fire-resistant sheet 320. (See also...) Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The first fireproof sheet 310 can be connected to the battery cell 100, and the first discharge portion 311 can be formed in the first fireproof sheet 310. (See also...) Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 The second fireproof sheet 320 can be connected to the first fireproof sheet 310, and the second discharge portion 321 can be formed in the second fireproof sheet 320 at a position spaced apart from the first discharge portion 311. The cover 400 can be connected to the second fireproof sheet 320.

[0081] The first discharge portion 311 and the second discharge portion 321 may be formed in opposite positions within the first fireproof sheet 310 and the second fireproof sheet 320, respectively. For example, as Figure 6 As shown, based on Figure 6 The cross-section of the fireproof component 300 may have the first discharge portion 311 located on the right side, and the second discharge portion 321 located on the left side relative to the first discharge portion 311.

[0082] Alternatively, although not shown, based on the cross-section of the fireproof component 300, the first discharge portion 311 may be located on the left side, and the second discharge portion 321 may be located on the right side relative to the first discharge portion 311.

[0083] Furthermore, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 100, such as Figure 7 As shown, flames, gases, or high-temperature particles can be generated by forming in... Figure 7 The first discharge section 311 on the right side moves to the left side, and then through the formation in Figure 7 The second discharge section 321 on the left side discharges to the outside of the battery cell 100.

[0084] In this way, if the first discharge portion 311 and the second discharge portion 321 are formed in opposite positions in the first fireproof sheet 310 and the second fireproof sheet 320, flames, gases or high-temperature particles can be prevented from flowing back into the battery cell 100 because the first discharge portion 311 and the second discharge portion 321 are spaced apart from each other.

[0085] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The first discharge section 311 and the second discharge section 321 can be configured to have different shapes.

[0086] For example, refer to Figure 5 The first discharge portion 311 can be formed in a dotted line shape. Alternatively, the first discharge portion 311 can be formed in a straight line shape. However, this is only one embodiment and is not limited thereto, and the shape of the first discharge portion 311 is not limited thereto.

[0087] Additionally, refer to Figure 4 The second discharge portion 321 may be formed as a single long straight line and short straight lines extending from both ends of the long straight line. However, this is only one embodiment, and the shape of the second discharge portion 321 is not limited thereto.

[0088] Reference Figure 5 The first discharge portion 311 can be configured as a slit portion 312 or a cutting portion 318 (see...). Figure 8 In this way, if the first discharge section 311 is configured as a cut section 312 or a cutting section 318, the first discharge section 311 can be opened when the pressure of the battery cell 100 increases, thereby allowing flames, gases or high-temperature particles to move through the first discharge section 311 to the second discharge section 321.

[0089] The second discharge section 321 can be configured to discharge gas by rupture in the event of a thermal event. Furthermore, if the second discharge section 321 ruptures, a portion of the second discharge section 321 can be configured to guide the movement of the gas.

[0090] For example, refer to together Figure 4 and Figure 7 The second discharge portion 321 may include a cut portion 322 and a guide portion 326. Here, as... Figure 6 As shown, the cut portion 322 is formed to be thinner than the surrounding area so as to rupture in the event of a thermal event.

[0091] In other words, if the pressure on the battery cell 100 increases, the second fireproof sheet 320 ruptures at the cutout 322, which is thinner than the surrounding area, and the second discharge section 321 opens. Furthermore, flames, gases, or high-temperature particles can move through the opened second discharge section 321.

[0092] Reference Figure 7 The guide portion 326 is configured to, when the cut portion 322 breaks (relative to) Figure 7 It deforms upwards at an angle, thereby guiding the movement of the gas.

[0093] For example, such as Figure 7 As shown, a gas movement channel 211 can be formed between the upper frame 210 and the second fireproof sheet 320, through which gas can be discharged. Furthermore, in the event of a thermal event, the guide portion 326 can be configured to deform and contact the upper frame 210. Additionally, when the second discharge portion 321 formed through the cut portion 322 ruptures, flames, gases, or high-temperature particles can pass through the guide portion 326 only into the gas movement channel 211 (based on...). Figure 7 Move to the left of ).

[0094] Therefore, flames, gases or high-temperature particles generated by fire in the battery cell 100 can be discharged in a preset direction (directional discharge).

[0095] In addition, the directed emission of flames, gases or high-temperature particles can prevent continuous thermal runaway and improve the stability of battery cell 100.

[0096] In addition, targeted emissions can prevent flames, gases or high-temperature particles from being transferred or propagated to other battery cells 100.

[0097] Reference Figure 4 The cutout portion 322 can be configured to include a baseline portion 323 and an extension portion 324. The baseline portion 323 can be formed on the second fireproof sheet 320. The baseline portion 323 can have various shapes, for example, it can be formed as a long straight line. The baseline portion 323 is configured to be thinner than other portions so that it can rupture when the pressure inside the battery cell 100 increases.

[0098] Additionally, the extension portion 324 extends from both ends of the baseline portion 323 at a predetermined angle. The extension portion 324 can have various shapes, for example, it can be formed into a short straight line shape. Similar to the baseline portion 323, the extension portion 324 is formed to be thinner than other portions and is configured to rupture when the pressure inside the battery cell 100 increases.

[0099] If the baseline portion 323 and the extension portion 324 rupture together due to increased pressure on the battery cell 100, the guide portion 326 deforms upward and contacts the upper frame 210, as... Figure 7 As shown.

[0100] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 6 An enlarged view of a variant implementation.

[0101] exist Figure 8 In, with Figure 6 The difference in the implementation is that the first discharge portion 311 is formed as a cutting portion 318 instead of a slit portion 312, and the second discharge portion 321 is formed as a cutting portion 328 instead of a slit portion 322. However, the same parts as described above can also be applied. Figure 8 .

[0102] Reference Figure 8 The second discharge section 321 may include a cutting section 328 and a guiding section 326. The cutting section 328 may be formed on the second fireproof sheet 320. Furthermore, the guiding section 326 is configured to tilt and deform relative to the cutting section 328 in the event of a thermal event to guide the movement of gas. Here, since the characteristic of the guiding section 326 deforming and contacting the upper frame 210 in the event of a thermal event is the same as in the previous embodiment, it will not be described again.

[0103] The cutting portion 328 may include a reference line portion 323 formed on the second fireproof sheet 320 and extension portions 324 extending from both ends of the reference line portion 323 at a predetermined angle. The reference line portion 323 and the extension portions 324 will not be described here.

[0104] Furthermore, the cutting portion 318 is basically the same as the aforementioned cutting portion 312, so it will not be described further.

[0105] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the venting section in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 10 It is shown Figure 9 A diagram of the exhaust port in the exhaust section, and Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the movement of gas in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure through a gas movement channel toward an exhaust section.

[0106] Reference Figures 9 to 11 The exhaust portion 250 can be formed in the battery pack housing 200.

[0107] The exhaust section 250 may include an exhaust port 251 and an exhaust valve 252. (See reference...) Figure 10 The vent 251 is a hole through which gas generated from the battery cell 100 is discharged, and can be formed in the battery pack housing 200, for example in the side frame 220, but is not limited thereto.

[0108] In addition, refer to Figure 9The vent valve 252 can be installed at the vent port 251. The vent valve 252 can be configured in various ways. For example, the vent valve 252 can be configured to close the vent port 251 and open when the internal pressure of the battery pack housing 200 exceeds a preset value.

[0109] In other words, when the exhaust valve 252 is normal, it blocks the exhaust port 251. However, when gas leaks from the battery cell 100 and the internal pressure of the battery pack housing 200 exceeds a preset value or range, the exhaust valve 252 opens and the gas is discharged from the battery pack housing 200 through the exhaust port 251.

[0110] Additionally, refer to Figure 11 A gas movement channel 211 can be formed between the battery pack housing 200 and the fireproof component 300, through which gas can be discharged. Here, gas is discharged from the battery cell 100 through the first discharge section 311 and the second discharge section 321, and moves towards the exhaust section 250 through the gas movement channel 211 (see reference). Figure 11 (As indicated by the arrow in the image), the gas moving in this manner opens the exhaust valve 252, thereby allowing the gas to be discharged to the outside of the battery pack housing 200.

[0111] In other words, the exhaust section 250 facilitates exhaust, thereby providing the effect of making it easy for gas to be discharged.

[0112] Furthermore, when a flame is generated from one of the battery cells 100 as heat diffuses, the heat generated by the flame is evenly diffused throughout the entire interior of the battery pack 10 through the gas movement channel 211, thereby preventing heat concentration and achieving uniform heat distribution.

[0113] Furthermore, since the gas is smoothly discharged through the directional discharge of the gas movement channel 211, thermal runaway can ultimately be prevented by preventing flame chain reactions caused by flame propagation.

[0114] Figure 12 This is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module housed within a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0115] Reference Figure 12 The battery cell 100 can be housed in the module housing 21 of the battery module 20. In addition, the fireproof member 300, which has the above-mentioned discharge parts 311 and 321, can be connected to the module housing 21.

[0116] In addition, the module housing 21 that houses the battery cell 100 can be housed in the battery pack housing 200 to form the battery pack 10.

[0117] The battery module 20 may include multiple battery cells 100 and a module housing 21.

[0118] The battery cell 100 is as described above. Additionally, multiple battery cells 100 are stacked and housed within the module housing 21. The module housing 21 surrounds the multiple battery cells 100, thereby protecting the battery cells 100 from external vibrations or impacts.

[0119] The module housing 21 can be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the stack on which multiple battery cells 100 are stacked. For example, if the stack on which multiple battery cells 100 are stacked is formed in a hexahedral shape, then the module housing 21 can also be formed in a corresponding hexahedral shape. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. Here, the module housing 21 may include an upper module housing 21, a lower module housing, and a side module housing.

[0120] Alternatively, the module housing 21 can be manufactured, for example, by bending a metal sheet, thus allowing it to be manufactured as a single piece. If the module housing 21 is manufactured as a single piece, the joining process is simplified and becomes easier. Alternatively, the module housing 21 can also be provided separately and joined by welding or the like. However, the material of the module housing 21 is not limited to metal.

[0121] The fireproof component 300 connected to the module housing 21 will not be described here.

[0122] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating a vehicle that includes a battery pack according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0123] Reference Figure 13 The vehicle 30 according to embodiments of this disclosure may include one or more battery packs 10 according to each of the above embodiments. Here, vehicle 30 includes various vehicles designed to use electricity, such as electric vehicles or hybrid electric vehicles.

[0124] When terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, and right are used merely for ease of description, these terms are for ease of interpretation only, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the terms may vary depending on the position of the element or the observer.

[0125] This disclosure has been described in detail. However, it should be understood that while the detailed description and specific examples indicate preferred embodiments of this disclosure, they are given by way of illustration only, as various variations and modifications within the scope of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art based on this detailed description. Therefore, the previously disclosed embodiments should be considered from an interpretative rather than a limiting perspective. In other words, the scope of the true technical concept of this disclosure is shown in the claims, and all differences within the equivalent scope should be interpreted as including in this disclosure.

[0126] Industrial applicability

[0127] This disclosure relates to battery packs and vehicles including such battery packs, and more specifically to industries related to secondary batteries.

Claims

1. A battery pack, the battery pack comprising: Multiple battery cells; A battery pack housing configured to house the plurality of battery cells; as well as A fireproof component is connected to the battery cell and has a discharge section formed therein.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, The fire-resistant component includes: A first fireproof sheet, the first fireproof sheet being connected to the battery cell, and having a first discharge portion formed therein; and A second fireproof sheet is connected to the first fireproof sheet, and a second discharge portion is formed in the second fireproof sheet at a position spaced apart from the first discharge portion.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, in, The first discharge portion and the second discharge portion are formed in the first fireproof sheet and the second fireproof sheet at opposite positions, respectively.

4. The battery pack according to claim 2, in, Based on the cross-section of the fireproof component, the first discharge section is located on the right side, and the second discharge section is located on the left side relative to the first discharge section.

5. The battery pack according to claim 2, in, Based on the cross-section of the fireproof component, the first discharge section is located on the left side, and the second discharge section is located on the right side relative to the first discharge section.

6. The battery pack according to claim 2, in, The first discharge section and the second discharge section are configured with different shapes.

7. The battery pack according to claim 2, in, The second discharge section is configured to allow gas to escape via rupture in the event of a thermal event, and The second discharge section is configured such that when the second discharge section ruptures, a portion of the second discharge section guides the movement of the gas.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, in, The second discharge section includes: A cut portion, the cut portion being formed to rupture upon the occurrence of a thermal event; and A guide portion that deforms into an inclined shape when the cut portion breaks to guide the movement of the gas.

9. The battery pack according to claim 8, in, The battery pack housing includes an upper frame. A gas movement channel configured to discharge gas is formed between the upper frame and the second fireproof sheet, and When a thermal event occurs, the guide portion deforms and comes into contact with the upper frame.

10. The battery pack according to claim 8, in, The cut portion includes: The reference line portion is formed on the second fireproof sheet; and The extension portions extend from both ends of the baseline portion at a predetermined angle.

11. The battery pack according to claim 7, in, The second discharge section includes: A cutting portion, said cutting portion being formed on the second fireproof sheet; and A guide portion that deforms relative to the cutting portion when a thermal event occurs in order to guide the movement of the gas.

12. The battery pack according to claim 11, in, The battery pack housing includes an upper frame. A gas movement channel configured to discharge gas is formed between the upper frame and the second fireproof sheet, and When a thermal event occurs, the guide portion deforms and comes into contact with the upper frame.

13. The battery pack according to claim 11, in, The cutting section includes: The reference line portion is formed on the second fireproof sheet; and The extension portions extend from both ends of the baseline portion at a predetermined angle.

14. The battery pack according to claim 2, in, The first discharge section is formed as a cut or slit in a straight line or dashed line shape.

15. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, The battery pack housing has an exhaust portion formed on the battery pack housing.

16. The battery pack according to claim 15, in, The exhaust section includes: A vent is provided through which gas generated from the battery cell is discharged; and An exhaust valve is configured to close the exhaust port and open when the internal pressure of the battery pack housing exceeds a preset value.

17. The battery pack according to claim 16, in, A gas movement channel configured to discharge gas is formed between the battery pack housing and the fireproof component, and The gas moves toward the exhaust section through the gas movement channel.

18. A vehicle comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

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