Battery pack and vehicle comprising the same

Abstract

The battery pack according to the present invention includes: a cell assembly having a plurality of battery cells; and a bottom frame disposed on one side of the cell assembly, wherein the bottom frame is provided with a first vent space exposed to the cell assembly, a second vent space communicating with the first vent space through a plurality of connecting holes, and a third vent space communicating with the second vent space through at least one opening; and the plurality of connecting holes are configured such that the flow direction of the exhaust gas discharged into the second vent space can be guided to the direction facing the opening.

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. 10-2024-0154301, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on November 4, 2024, and U.S. Patent Application No. 19 / 345,986, filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on September 30, 2025, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] Rechargeable batteries are readily applicable to various product types and possess high energy density as an electrical characteristic, making them widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electric sources. Rechargeable batteries offer the significant advantage of reducing fossil fuel consumption and produce no byproducts during energy use. Therefore, they are attracting attention as a new energy source for enhancing environmental sustainability and energy efficiency.

[0004] Currently, widely used types of rechargeable batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. Generally, based on the shape of the external materials, lithium rechargeable batteries can be divided into can-type rechargeable batteries with electrode assemblies housed in metal cans and bag-type rechargeable batteries with electrode assemblies housed in bags containing aluminum laminates.

[0005] When a high output voltage is required, multiple battery cells can be connected in series to form a battery module or battery pack. To increase charging / discharging capacity, multiple battery cells can be connected in parallel to form a battery module or battery pack. 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 / discharging capacity.

[0006] When multiple battery cells are connected in series or parallel to form a battery pack, a battery module comprising at least one battery cell is typically formed first. Then, other components are added using the formed battery module to form a battery pack or battery rack. Recently, battery packs of the cell-to-pack type have been manufactured, in which multiple battery cells are directly housed in the battery pack casing or the like without being modularized. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] This disclosure provides a battery pack capable of smooth venting in the event of a thermal event, and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0009] Furthermore, this disclosure provides a battery pack capable of effectively preventing or suppressing heat transfer phenomena, and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0010] The purposes intended to be achieved by this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other purposes not described herein may be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description of the invention.

[0011] Technical solution

[0012] The battery pack according to this disclosure includes: a cell assembly comprising a plurality of battery cells; and a bottom frame disposed on one side of the cell assembly. The bottom frame is provided with a first vent space exposed to the cell assembly, a second vent space communicating with the first vent space through a plurality of connecting holes, and a third vent space communicating with the second vent space through at least one opening. The plurality of connecting holes are configured to guide the flow direction of exhaust gas emitted from the second vent space toward the opening.

[0013] At least one of the plurality of connecting holes may be formed to be inclined toward the opening.

[0014] The size of each of the plurality of connecting holes may be larger in the region relatively far from the opening than in the region relatively close to the opening.

[0015] The density of the plurality of connecting holes can be higher in the region relatively far from the opening than in the region relatively close to the opening.

[0016] At least one of the plurality of connecting holes may be provided with a guiding unit that protrudes to guide the flow direction of the exhaust gas discharged from the second exhaust space toward the opening.

[0017] The guide unit may have a shape corresponding to at least one of the plurality of connecting holes and extend from at least one of the plurality of connecting holes toward the second exhaust space.

[0018] The opening may include a first opening formed at one end of the third exhaust space and a second opening formed at the other end of the third exhaust space, and the plurality of connecting holes may be configured to be symmetrical to each other toward the first opening and the second opening.

[0019] The bottom frame can be positioned below the cell assembly.

[0020] The battery pack may also include an exhaust device capable of communicating the third exhaust space with the outside of the battery pack.

[0021] In the cell assembly, the plurality of battery cells may be arranged in a stacked manner, and the first venting space may extend in a direction parallel to the stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells.

[0022] The bottom frame may include an inner frame disposed on one side of the cell assembly, an outer frame disposed on one side of the inner frame, and a wiring frame disposed between the inner frame and the outer frame. A first venting space may be formed between the cell assembly and the inner frame, a second venting space may be formed between the inner frame and the outer frame, and a third venting space may be formed inside the wiring frame.

[0023] The inner frame may include a side plate that separates the first exhaust space and the second exhaust space, and the plurality of connecting holes may be formed by perforating the side plate.

[0024] The vehicle according to this disclosure includes at least one battery pack according to this disclosure.

[0025] The bottom frame according to this disclosure is disposed on one side of a cell assembly comprising multiple battery cells. The bottom frame is provided with a first vent space exposed to the cell assembly, a second vent space communicating with the first vent space through multiple connecting holes, and a third vent space communicating with the second vent space through at least one opening. The multiple connecting holes are configured to guide the flow direction of exhaust gas emitted from the second vent space toward the opening.

[0026] At least one of the plurality of connecting holes may be configured to be inclined toward the opening.

[0027] The size of each of the plurality of connecting holes may be larger in the region relatively far from the opening than in the region relatively close to the opening.

[0028] The density of the plurality of connecting holes can be higher in the region relatively far from the opening than in the region relatively close to the opening.

[0029] At least one of the plurality of connecting holes may be provided with a guiding unit that protrudes to guide the flow direction of the exhaust gas discharged from the second exhaust space toward the opening.

[0030] The guide unit may have a shape corresponding to at least one of the plurality of connecting holes and extend from at least one of the plurality of connecting holes toward the second exhaust space.

[0031] The opening may include a first opening formed at one end of the third exhaust space and a second opening formed at the other end of the third exhaust space, and the plurality of connecting holes may be configured symmetrically toward the first opening and the second opening.

[0032] Beneficial effects

[0033] According to this disclosure, a battery pack capable of smooth venting in the event of a thermal event and a vehicle including the battery pack can be provided.

[0034] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a battery pack capable of effectively preventing or suppressing heat transfer phenomena and a vehicle including the battery pack can be provided.

[0035] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a battery pack whose exhaust gas flow path can be extended, and a vehicle including the battery pack, may be provided.

[0036] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a battery pack capable of effectively preventing or suppressing the backflow of exhaust gases and a vehicle including the battery pack can be provided.

[0037] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a battery pack with improved manufacturability and a vehicle including the battery pack can be provided.

[0038] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a battery pack in which the flow of exhaust gases can be uniformly distributed, and a vehicle including the battery pack, may be provided.

[0039] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a battery pack in which occupant safety can be ensured, and a vehicle including the battery pack, may be provided.

[0040] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery pack can be provided, wherein exhaust gases can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery pack.

[0041] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a battery pack with improved structural stability and a vehicle including the battery pack can be provided.

[0042] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and effects not described herein may be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0043] The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and, together with the description herein, are intended to further facilitate understanding of the technical concept of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure should not be construed as limited to the contents illustrated in the drawings.

[0044] Figure 1This is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded 3D view of the battery pack.

[0046] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A side sectional view of a portion of section AA'.

[0047] Figure 4 This is a plan view showing a portion of the interior of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 4 A magnified plan view of a portion of the image.

[0049] Figure 6 This is an enlarged plan view showing a portion of the interior of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 7 This is an enlarged plan view showing a portion of the interior of a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Figure 8 This is an enlarged view showing the side panel of a battery pack according to a variant of this disclosure.

[0052] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the bottom frame of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 An exploded 3D view of the bottom frame.

[0054] Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing the cell assembly of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing the state of the vent cover of the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure being removed from the cell assembly.

[0056] Figure 13 This is a view showing a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] In some of the accompanying drawings, corresponding parts will be indicated by the same reference numerals. The drawings presented are for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve the understanding of the various embodiments. Furthermore, common and well-known elements that are useful or necessary in commercially viable embodiments are generally not depicted in order to provide a clearer view of these various embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0058] In the following, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The words and terms used in the detailed description and claims herein should not be construed as limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but rather as having meanings and concepts consistent with the technical spirit of the present disclosure, in accordance with the principle that the inventors may appropriately define terms and concepts in order to best describe the present disclosure.

[0059] Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are merely examples of this disclosure and do not represent all the technical ideas of this disclosure. Various equivalents and modifications can be made to replace this disclosure at the time of filing this application.

[0060] In the following description, unless otherwise stated, the X-axis direction will be referred to as the front-back direction, the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction will be referred to as the left-right direction, and the Z-axis direction perpendicular to the XY plane will be referred to as the up-down direction (vertical direction).

[0061] Battery packs, which include multiple battery cells, may be susceptible to thermal cascading events that can occur between battery cells or battery modules. For example, when a thermal event such as thermal runaway occurs in any one of the battery cells, the thermal event can propagate to the remaining battery cells or battery modules. If thermal propagation is not properly suppressed, a thermal event occurring in a particular battery cell can lead to a cascading effect in the remaining battery cells or battery modules, resulting in serious accidents such as explosions or fires.

[0062] This disclosure provides a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery pack, which enables smooth venting and effectively prevents or suppresses heat propagation even when a thermal event occurs in the battery cells.

[0063] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded 3D view of the battery pack. Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A side sectional view of a portion of section AA'. Figure 4This is a plan view showing a portion of the interior of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 1 to 4 A battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described in detail. The battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cell assembly 100 and a bottom frame 210.

[0065] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The cell assembly 100 may include a plurality of battery cells 110. The cell assembly 100 may have a predetermined width, length, and height in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions, respectively. In the cell assembly 100, the plurality of battery cells 110 may be arranged in a stacked configuration. For example, the plurality of battery cells 110 may be stacked along the X-axis direction while standing upright along the Z-axis direction. When the plurality of battery cells 110 are arranged in this manner, the emission direction of the exhaust gas VG, which will be described below, can be easily controlled to a specific direction.

[0066] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery pack 10 may include a plurality of cell assemblies 100.

[0067] Each battery cell 110 can be a secondary battery. The battery cell 110 can be, for example, a pouch cell. However, the battery cell 110 is not limited to this and can be a cylindrical or prismatic battery cell 110.

[0068] The bottom frame 210 can be disposed on one side of the cell assembly 100. For example, the bottom frame 210 can be disposed on one side of the cell assembly 100 in the Z-axis direction.

[0069] Specifically, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The bottom frame 210 can be provided with a first exhaust space VS1, a second exhaust space VS2 and a third exhaust space VS3.

[0070] When a thermal event occurs in any one or more battery cells 110 of the battery cell assembly 100, for example, hot gases, flames, and solid ejecta may be emitted from the battery cell 110. Hot gases, flames, and solid ejecta may be collectively referred to as exhaust gases VG.

[0071] The first exhaust space VS1 can be a space exposed to the cell assembly 100 such that exhaust gas VG discharged from the cell assembly 100 can flow through the space.

[0072] The second exhaust space VS2 can communicate with the first exhaust space VS1. The second exhaust space VS2 can be a space through which the exhaust gas VG from the first exhaust space VS1 can flow. The bottom frame 210 can include multiple connecting holes H. The first exhaust space VS1 and the second exhaust space VS2 can communicate with each other through the multiple connecting holes H.

[0073] The third exhaust space VS3 may communicate with the second exhaust space VS2. The third exhaust space VS3 may be a space through which exhaust gas VG from the second exhaust space VS2 can flow. The second exhaust space VS2 and the third exhaust space VS3 may communicate with each other through at least one opening O1 or O2. The opening O1 or O2 may be understood as an opening formed at at least one end of the third exhaust space VS3 facing the second exhaust space VS2.

[0074] The third exhaust space VS3 can, for example, be located inside the second exhaust space VS2. Figure 4 As shown, for example, when viewed from the Z-axis direction, the third exhaust space VS3 can be located in the approximate central region of the second exhaust space VS2.

[0075] The exhaust gas VG discharged from any one or more battery cells 110 of the cell assembly 100 into the first exhaust space VS1 can flow into the third exhaust space VS3 through the second exhaust space VS2.

[0076] Multiple connecting holes H can be configured to guide the flow direction of exhaust gas VG discharged into the second exhaust space VS2 in a specific direction. For example, multiple connecting holes H can be configured to guide the flow direction of exhaust gas VG discharged from the first exhaust space VS1 into the second exhaust space VS2 toward the openings O1 and O2 of the third exhaust space VS3.

[0077] As described below, openings O1 and O2 can be formed at one end and the other end of the third exhaust space VS3, respectively. In this case, multiple connecting holes H can be configured to guide the flow direction of the exhaust gas VG discharged into the second exhaust space VS2 in two directions toward openings O1 and O2, respectively.

[0078] In the battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first exhaust space VS1, a second exhaust space VS2, and a third exhaust space VS3 are provided, so that the flow path of the exhaust gas VG can be effectively expanded. As a result, during the flow of the exhaust gas VG, the flow energy of the exhaust gas VG can be reduced rapidly and smoothly, and particles such as ash or by-products can be removed earlier.

[0079] Furthermore, the multiple connecting holes H are configured as described above, allowing the exhaust gas VG discharged from the first exhaust space VS1 to the second exhaust space VS2 to be quickly and smoothly guided to the third exhaust space VS3. When the flow direction of the exhaust gas VG is guided as described above, the backflow of the exhaust gas VG from the second exhaust space VS2 to the first exhaust space VS1 can be effectively prevented or suppressed. In the battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when a thermal event occurs in any one or more battery cells 110 of the cell assembly 100, venting can proceed smoothly, and heat propagation can be effectively prevented or suppressed.

[0080] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 4 A magnified plan view of a portion of the image.

[0081] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 5 A battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described in detail. In the battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one connecting hole H may be formed inclined toward openings O1 and O2. For example, at least one of a plurality of connecting holes H may be formed inclined toward openings O1 and O2 at a predetermined angle.

[0082] Here, when viewing the bottom frame 210 from the cell assembly 100, the tilt angle can be understood as the smaller of the angles between the direction from the first exhaust space VS1 toward the second exhaust space VS2 and the central axis of each connecting hole H. For example, as Figure 5 As shown, when viewed from the Z-axis direction, the second exhaust space VS2 is located on one side of the first exhaust space VS1 in the Y-axis direction, and the openings O1 and O2 of the third exhaust space VS3 are located inside the second exhaust space VS2 in the X-axis direction. The tilt angle can be understood as the acute angle formed between the Y-axis and the central axis of the connecting hole H.

[0083] In this manner, when at least one connecting hole H is formed to be inclined toward openings O1 and O2, the exhaust gas VG discharged from the first exhaust space VS1 to the second exhaust space VS2 can be guided to the third exhaust space VS3 more quickly and smoothly, and the exhaust gas VG can be prevented or suppressed from flowing back from the second exhaust space VS2 to the first exhaust space VS1 more effectively.

[0084] In the area where multiple connecting holes H are arranged, the area relatively far from the openings O1 and O2 of the third exhaust space VS3 can be called the first area A1, and the area relatively close to the openings O1 and O2 of the third exhaust space VS3 can be called the second area A2.

[0085] In this case, at least one of the connecting holes H arranged in the first region A1 can be formed, for example, inclined at an angle of inclination of a first angle a1 toward the closer of openings O1 and O2. Furthermore, at least one of the connecting holes H arranged in the second region A2 can be formed, for example, inclined at an angle of inclination of a second angle a2 toward the closer of openings O1 and O2.

[0086] The first angle a1 can be made larger than the second angle a2. The tilt angle of the connecting hole H can gradually decrease from the first region A1 toward the second region A2.

[0087] Figure 6 This is an enlarged plan view showing a portion of the interior of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0088] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 6 A battery pack 10 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is described in detail. In the battery pack 10 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the size of each connecting hole H may be larger in the region relatively far from the openings O1 and O2 than in the region relatively close to the openings O1 and O2.

[0089] For example, at least one of the connecting holes H arranged in the first region A1 can be formed with an inner diameter of a first diameter D1. Furthermore, at least one of the connecting holes H arranged in the second region A2 can be formed with an inner diameter of a second diameter D2. The first diameter D1 can be larger than the second diameter D2.

[0090] When the size of the connecting hole H is designed as described above, the flow of exhaust gas VG from the first exhaust space VS1 to the second exhaust space VS2 can proceed more smoothly in the region relatively far from the openings O1 and O2. As a result, the exhaust gas VG from the first exhaust space VS1 to the second exhaust space VS2 can be guided more quickly and smoothly into the third exhaust space VS3, and the backflow of exhaust gas VG from the second exhaust space VS2 to the first exhaust space VS1 can be more effectively prevented or suppressed.

[0091] Meanwhile, the size of each connecting hole H can be formed to gradually decrease from the first region A1 toward the second region A2.

[0092] Figure 7 This is an enlarged plan view showing a portion of the interior of a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0093] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 7A battery pack 10 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is described in detail. In the battery pack 10 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the density of the connecting holes H can be greater in the region relatively far from the openings O1 and O2 than in the region relatively close to the openings O1 and O2. Here, the density of the connecting holes H can be understood as the number of connecting holes H per unit area.

[0094] For example, the density of connecting holes H in the first region A1 can be greater than the density of connecting holes H in the second region A2. For example, the number of connecting holes H per unit area in the first region A1 can be greater than the number of connecting holes H per unit area in the second region A2.

[0095] When the connecting hole H is configured as described above, the flow of exhaust gas VG from the first exhaust space VS1 to the second exhaust space VS2 can proceed more smoothly in the region relatively far from the openings O1 and O2. As a result, the exhaust gas VG discharged from the first exhaust space VS1 to the second exhaust space VS2 can be guided more quickly and smoothly into the third exhaust space VS3, and the backflow of exhaust gas VG from the second exhaust space VS2 to the first exhaust space VS1 can be more effectively prevented or suppressed.

[0096] Meanwhile, the density of the connecting holes H can gradually decrease from the first region A1 to the second region A2.

[0097] Figure 8 This is an enlarged view showing the side panel of the battery pack 10 according to a variant of this disclosure.

[0098] Figure 8 (a) shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the side panel of the battery pack 10 according to a variant of the present disclosure, and Figure 8 (b) shows a cross-section of the side plate of the battery pack when viewed from the Z-axis direction according to a variant of this disclosure.

[0099] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 8 A battery pack 10 according to a variant of the present disclosure is described in detail. In the battery pack 10 according to a variant of the present disclosure, at least one connecting hole H may be provided with a guide unit 211d.

[0100] The guide unit 211d can protrude to guide the flow direction of the exhaust gas VG discharged into the second exhaust space VS2 in a specific direction. For example, the guide unit 211d can protrude to guide the flow direction of the exhaust gas VG discharged from the first exhaust space VS1 into the second exhaust space VS2 toward the openings O1 and O2 of the third exhaust space VS3.

[0101] The guide unit 211d can be configured as an airfoil. For example... Figure 8As shown, for example, the guide unit 211d can be configured in the shape of a plate-like wing. The guide unit 211d can be configured to cover at least a portion of the peripheral area of ​​each connecting hole H.

[0102] The guide unit 211d can be provided only on one side of the peripheral area of ​​the connecting hole H.

[0103] The guide unit 211d may be provided only in the connecting hole H located in the region relatively far away from the openings O1 and O2. For example, the guide unit 211d may be provided only in the connecting hole H arranged in the first region A1, and may not be provided in the connecting hole H arranged in the second region A2.

[0104] The guide unit 211d can protrude while tilting toward the openings O1 and O2 of the third exhaust space VS3. The guide unit 211d can protrude at a larger angle in the region relatively far from the openings O1 and O2 than in the region relatively close to the openings O1 and O2. For example, the tilt angle of the guide unit 211d in the first region A1 can be greater than the tilt angle of the guide unit 211d in the second region A2 (here, the tilt angle can be understood as the same as described above).

[0105] When the guide unit 211d is disposed in at least one connecting hole H, the exhaust gas VG discharged from the first exhaust space VS1 to the second exhaust space VS2 can be guided more quickly and smoothly to the third exhaust space VS3, and the exhaust gas VG can be more effectively prevented or suppressed from flowing back from the second exhaust space VS2 to the first exhaust space VS1.

[0106] The guiding unit 211d can have a shape corresponding to the connecting hole H. For example, as shown... Figure 8 As shown, when the connecting hole H is set to a semi-circular shape, the guide unit 211d can have a semi-circular shape corresponding to the shape of the connecting hole H.

[0107] The guide unit 211d can extend from the communication hole H. The guide unit 211d can extend from the communication hole H toward the second exhaust space VS2. For example, the guide unit 211d can be configured to extend from at least a portion of the inner periphery of the communication hole H toward the second exhaust space VS2.

[0108] When the guide unit 211d is configured as described above, it can be formed simultaneously with the processing of a predetermined plate-like member (e.g., side plate 211c, which will be described below) to form the connecting hole H, thereby improving the manufacturability of the battery pack 10. Furthermore, since the guide unit 211d can be positioned closest to the connecting hole H, the exhaust gas VG can be effectively guided.

[0109] Meanwhile, the guide unit 211d can be configured to be integrated with the side plate 211c, which will be described below.

[0110] Return to reference Figures 5 to 7 The openings O1 and O2 include a first opening O1 and a second opening O2, and the multiple connecting holes H can be arranged symmetrically to each other.

[0111] According to one embodiment, openings O1 and O2 may include a first opening O1 formed at one end of the third exhaust space VS3 and a second opening O2 formed at the other end of the third exhaust space VS3. For example, based on the figures, the first opening O1 may be formed at one end of the third exhaust space VS3 on the -X direction side, and the second opening O2 may be formed at one end of the third exhaust space VS3 on the +X direction side.

[0112] Multiple connecting holes H can be arranged symmetrically with respect to the first opening O1 and the second opening O2. For example, multiple connecting holes H can be arranged or formed symmetrically with respect to the first opening O1 and the second opening O2. Multiple connecting holes H can be arranged symmetrically with respect to the centerline M, which will be described below, in the X-axis direction.

[0113] Figures 5 to 7 For ease of description, a centerline M is shown. The centerline M can be understood as an imaginary line passing through the center between the first opening O1 and the second opening O2. For example, the centerline M can be understood as an imaginary line passing through the center between the first opening O1 and the second opening O2 in the X-axis direction and extending parallel to the Y-axis direction. The centerline M may pass through the aforementioned first region A1. The aforementioned second region A2 may be a region spaced apart from the first region A1 in the -X and +X directions.

[0114] When openings O1 and O2 include a first opening O1 and a second opening O2 as described above, the third exhaust space VS3 can communicate with the second exhaust space VS2 on both sides, allowing the exhaust gas VG flowing in the second exhaust space VS2 to be discharged more smoothly into the third exhaust space VS3. Furthermore, when the plurality of connecting holes H are arranged symmetrically towards the first opening O1 and the second opening O2 as described above, the flow of exhaust gas VG from the first exhaust space VS1 to the second exhaust space VS2 can be evenly distributed to the first opening O1 and the second opening O2 of the third exhaust space VS3.

[0115] Return to reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The bottom frame 210 can be positioned below the cell assembly 100. In this case, the first exhaust space VS1 is positioned below the cell assembly 100, so that the exhaust gas VG can be directed downwards, and the battery pack 10 can be configured to have a bottom exhaust structure.

[0116] In vehicles equipped with battery pack 10, occupants such as the driver are typically positioned above battery cells 110, and the safety of these occupants could be seriously endangered if exhaust gas VG is discharged upwards from battery cells 110 due to a thermal event. Therefore, when battery pack 10 is configured with a bottom exhaust structure as described in this disclosure, the discharge of exhaust gas VG can be directed downwards (i.e., in the opposite direction to the occupant's side), thereby ensuring the safety of the occupants.

[0117] Return to reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The battery pack 10 according to this disclosure may further include an exhaust device 300. The exhaust device 300 can communicate the third exhaust space VS3 with the outside of the battery pack 10. The exhaust device 300 can be configured to exhaust exhaust gas VG flowing in the third exhaust space VS3 to the outside.

[0118] The exhaust device 300 can be installed inside the third exhaust space VS3.

[0119] The exhaust device 300 may have the shape of a simple hole penetrating at least a portion of the bottom frame 210. In this case, the exhaust device 300 may be configured to be fully open, or it may be configured to remain closed under normal conditions and open only in response to pressure or temperature changes inside the third exhaust space VS3.

[0120] When the battery pack 10 also includes the exhaust device 300 as described above, it has the following advantages: the exhaust gas VG flowing in the third exhaust space VS3 can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery pack 10.

[0121] Meanwhile, the exhaust device 300 can be located in the outer frame 212, which will be described below, or inside the wiring frame 213, which will be described below.

[0122] Return to reference Figure 2 The first exhaust space VS1 can be elongated. According to one embodiment, the first exhaust space VS1 can be elongated in a direction parallel to the stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells 110.

[0123] For example, when the stacking direction of multiple battery cells 110 is the X-axis direction, the first venting space VS1 can be formed to extend in the X-axis direction. The first venting space VS1 can extend to or beyond the two outermost battery cells 110 disposed in the cell assembly 100.

[0124] When the first exhaust space VS1 extends as described above, all of the plurality of battery cells 110 can correspond to a single first exhaust space VS1.

[0125] Meanwhile, in the battery pack 10, multiple cell assemblies 100 can be arranged in a stacked manner, and the first venting space VS1 can be further extended in a direction parallel to the stacking direction of the multiple cell assemblies 100. In this case, the multiple cell assemblies 100 can correspond to a single first venting space VS1.

[0126] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the bottom frame 210 of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 10 It is shown Figure 9 An exploded 3D view of the bottom frame.

[0127] refer to Figures 2 to 4 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 The bottom frame 210 may include an inner frame 211, an outer frame 212, and a wiring frame 213.

[0128] The inner frame 211 can be disposed on one side of the cell assembly 100. For example, the inner frame 211 can be disposed below the cell assembly 100.

[0129] The outer frame 212 can be disposed on one side of the inner frame 211. For example, the outer frame 212 can be disposed below the inner frame 211. The outer frame 212 can also be disposed outside the inner frame 211.

[0130] The wiring frame 213 can be positioned between the inner frame 211 and the outer frame 212. For example, the outer frame 212, the wiring frame 213, and the inner frame 211 can be positioned in this order in the upward direction.

[0131] A first venting space VS1 may be formed between the cell assembly 100 and the inner frame 211. For example, a portion of the inner frame 211 may be spaced downwardly from the cell assembly 100, and the first venting space VS1 may be formed in a gap created by a vertical spacing.

[0132] The second exhaust space VS2 can be formed between the inner frame 211 and the outer frame 212. For example, the outer frame 212 can be spaced downward from another part of the inner frame 211, and the second exhaust space VS2 can be formed in the gap formed by the vertical spacing.

[0133] The third exhaust space VS3 can be formed inside the wiring frame 213. For example, when viewed from the Z-axis direction, the wiring frame 213 can be positioned approximately at the center of the second exhaust space VS2, and the third exhaust space VS3 can be formed inside the wiring frame 213.

[0134] When the bottom frame 210 is configured as described above, the first exhaust space VS1, the second exhaust space VS2, and the third exhaust space VS3 can be easily and clearly formed in the bottom frame 210. Furthermore, the rigidity of the bottom frame 210 can be increased, thereby enhancing the structural stability of the battery pack 10.

[0135] Meanwhile, the wiring frame 213 may have an opening at its lower part, and the outer frame 212 may be located below the wiring frame 213, so that the third exhaust space VS3 may be formed between the wiring frame 213 and the outer frame 212.

[0136] The wiring frame 213 can be configured to extend in the X-axis direction. In this case, as... Figure 4 As shown, the exhaust gas VG discharged from the first exhaust space VS1 into the second exhaust space VS2 can impact the wiring frame 213 and be guided in the X-axis direction, and then introduced into the third exhaust space VS3 through openings O1 and O2.

[0137] A single wiring frame 213 can be configured to correspond to only one battery cell assembly 100, or it can be configured to correspond to multiple battery cell assemblies. For example, when the wiring frame 213 is configured as follows: Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the form shown, one wiring frame 213 can correspond to four cell assemblies 100. For ease of description, Figures 4 to 7 A single wiring frame 213 is shown to correspond to a cell assembly 100.

[0138] The exhaust device 300 can be installed on the outer frame 212, approximately at the center inside the wiring frame 213.

[0139] refer to Figures 2 to 4 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 The inner frame 211 may include side panels 211c.

[0140] The side plate 211c can separate the first exhaust space VS1 and the second exhaust space VS2. The side plate 211c can be configured as a plate-shaped member with a predetermined thickness.

[0141] When the inner frame 211 includes the side plate 211c, the first exhaust space VS1 and the second exhaust space VS2 can be reliably separated.

[0142] Multiple connecting holes H can be formed by perforating the side plate 211c. For example, multiple connecting holes H can be formed by performing a perforation process on the side plate 211c, which is configured as a predetermined plate-like member.

[0143] When multiple connecting holes H are formed as described above, the multiple connecting holes H can be more easily set in the bottom frame 210, thereby improving the manufacturability of the battery pack 10.

[0144] Meanwhile, during the perforation process, when the perforation is performed in a direction different from the thickness direction of the side plate 211c, the connecting hole H can be formed with an inclination angle.

[0145] Meanwhile, the inner frame 211 may include a first bottom portion 211a and a second bottom portion 211b. A first venting space VS1 may be formed in the first bottom portion 211a. The first bottom portion 211a may be a part of the inner frame 211 that is spaced downward from the cell assembly 100 to form the first venting space VS1. The first bottom portion 211a may be configured to be recessed toward the cell assembly 100. The first bottom portion 211a may be supported upward by the outer frame 212.

[0146] The second exhaust space VS2 can be formed in the second bottom portion 211b. The second bottom portion 211b can be another part of the inner frame 211 that is spaced upward from the outer frame 212 to form the second exhaust space VS2. The second bottom portion 211b can be configured to protrude toward the cell assembly 100. The second bottom portion 211b can support the cell assembly 100 upward. The second bottom portion 211b can be supported upward by the wiring frame 213.

[0147] Side plate 211c can be configured to connect a first bottom portion 211a and a second bottom portion 211b. The first bottom portion 211a and the second bottom portion 211b can be positioned at different heights. For example, based on the Z-axis direction, the first bottom portion 211a can be positioned lower than the second bottom portion 211b. Side plate 211c can be configured to connect the first bottom portion 211a and the second bottom portion 211b positioned at different heights.

[0148] Additionally, the bottom frame 210 may also include a cover frame 214. The cover frame 214 may cover one or both ends of the bottom frame 210. For example, the cover frame 214 may cover the end of the second bottom portion 211b in the X-axis direction.

[0149] Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing the cell assembly 100 of the battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing the exhaust cover 130 detached from the cell assembly 100.

[0150] At the same time, such as Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a module housing 120 and an exhaust cap 130.

[0151] The module housing 120 can accommodate multiple battery cells 110. The module housing 120 can form the overall external shape of the cell assembly 100. When the cell assembly 100 includes the module housing 120, the cell assembly 100 can be configured as a battery module.

[0152] The module housing 120 may be provided with a vent VH. The vent VH may be a hole that opens toward the first vent space VS1. For example, the vent VH may be located approximately at the center of the bottom 121 of the module housing 120. The vent VH may extend along the stacking direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) of the plurality of battery cells 110.

[0153] The vent cap 130 may cover the vent hole VH. The vent cap 130 may be configured to open toward the first vent space VS1 when a pressure equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure is generated. For example, the vent cap 130 may include an openable / closeable unit. The openable / closeable unit may be configured, for example, in the form of a slit-machined cutting line. The openable / closeable unit may be configured to be easily broken, for example, by a notch-machined or dotted-line patterned slit. The openable / closeable unit may be configured to correspond to each battery cell 110 or each battery bank (which is a group of battery cells 110). The vent cap 130 effectively prevents or suppresses the backflow of exhaust gas VG from the cell assembly 100 through the vent hole VH into the cell assembly 100.

[0154] The battery cell assembly 100 may include at least one separator member 140. The separator member 140 may be disposed on the side of the battery cell 110. The separator member 140 may be configured as one or more of a cooling member capable of cooling the battery cell and a gasket member capable of blocking heat or flame.

[0155] Return to reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The battery pack 10 according to this disclosure may further include a sidewall frame 220, a partition frame 230, and a battery pack cover 240. The sidewall frame 220 may surround a bottom frame 210 and may form a receiving space together with the bottom frame 210 to receive at least one cell assembly 100. The partition frame 230 may divide the receiving space, and each of the plurality of cell assemblies 100 may be received in each of the partitioned receiving spaces. The battery pack cover 240 may be configured to cover the receiving space and may be configured to cover the upper part of the receiving space. The bottom frame 210, sidewall frame 220, partition frame 230, and battery pack cover 240 may be collectively referred to as the battery pack housing 200.

[0156] Although not shown, the battery pack 10 according to this disclosure may also include various devices for controlling the charging and discharging of the battery cells 110, such as a battery management system (BMS), a current sensor, and a fuse.

[0157] Examples of battery pack 10 according to this disclosure have been described. The technical ideas of this disclosure are not limited to these examples, and may include any two or more combinations thereof.

[0158] Figure 13 This is a view showing a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0159] refer to Figure 13 The battery pack 10 according to this disclosure can be applied to a vehicle V such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. For example, a vehicle V according to this disclosure may include the battery pack 10 according to this disclosure. The battery pack 10 may be disposed in the trunk or in the body frame under the vehicle seats. In addition to the battery pack 10, a vehicle V according to an embodiment of this disclosure may also include various other components included in the vehicle. For example, a vehicle V according to an embodiment of this disclosure may also include a body, a motor, and control devices such as an electronic control unit (ECU).

[0160] Furthermore, the battery pack 10 according to the embodiments of this disclosure can be installed not only in the vehicle V, but also in other devices, mechanisms and equipment (such as energy storage systems using secondary batteries).

[0161] Although terms such as up, down, left, right, front, and back have been used to indicate direction, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains that these terms are intended for ease of description and can vary depending, for example, the position of the object being observed and the position of the observer.

[0162] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to limited embodiments and accompanying drawings, it is not limited thereto, and various modifications and alterations can be made by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains within the scope of the technical concept of this disclosure and the equivalents of the appended claims.

[0163] [Figure Labels]

[0164] 10: Battery Pack

[0165] 100: Battery cell assembly

[0166] 110: Battery Cells

[0167] 120: Module housing

[0168] 121: Bottom

[0169] 130: Exhaust cover

[0170] 131: Open / Close Section

[0171] 140: Separating component

[0172] 200: Battery pack casing

[0173] 210: Bottom Frame

[0174] 211: Inner Frame

[0175] 211a: First bottom portion

[0176] 211b: Second bottom section

[0177] 211c: Side panel

[0178] 211d: Guiding unit

[0179] 212: Outer Frame

[0180] 213: Wiring frame

[0181] 214: Cover frame

[0182] 220: Sidewall Frame

[0183] 230: Divider Frame

[0184] 240: Battery pack cover

[0185] 300: Exhaust device

[0186] H: Connecting hole

[0187] O1: First opening

[0188] O2: Second opening

[0189] VG: Exhaust gases

[0190] VH: Exhaust port

[0191] VS1: First Exhaust Space

[0192] VS2: Second exhaust space

[0193] VS3: Third Exhaust Space

[0194] V: Vehicle

Claims

1. A battery pack, the battery pack comprising: The battery cell assembly includes a plurality of battery cells; as well as A bottom frame, which is disposed on one side of the cell assembly. The bottom frame includes a first venting space exposed to the battery cell assembly, a second venting space communicating with the first venting space through multiple connecting holes, and a third venting space communicating with the second venting space through at least one opening. The plurality of connecting holes are configured to direct the flow of exhaust gas discharged into the second exhaust space toward the openings.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the plurality of connecting holes is formed to be inclined toward the opening.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The size of each of the plurality of connecting holes is larger in the region relatively far from the opening than in the region relatively close to the opening.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The density of the plurality of connecting holes is higher in the region relatively far from the opening than in the region relatively close to the opening.

5. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the plurality of connecting holes is provided with a guiding unit that protrudes to guide the flow direction of the exhaust gas discharged into the second exhaust space toward the opening.

6. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein, The guide unit has a shape corresponding to the plurality of connecting holes and extends from the plurality of connecting holes toward the second exhaust space.

7. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The opening includes: A first opening is formed at one end of the third exhaust space and a second opening is formed at the other end of the third exhaust space, and The plurality of connecting holes are configured to face symmetrically to each other toward the first opening and the second opening.

8. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The bottom frame is located below the battery cell assembly.

9. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising: An exhaust device that connects the third exhaust space to the outside of the battery pack.

10. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, In the cell assembly, the plurality of battery cells are arranged in a stacked manner. The first venting space extends in a direction parallel to the stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells.

11. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The bottom frame includes: An inner frame is disposed on one side of the cell assembly; An outer frame, the outer frame being disposed on one side of the inner frame; and A wiring frame, disposed between the inner frame and the outer frame. The first venting space is formed between the cell assembly and the inner frame. The second exhaust space is formed between the inner frame and the outer frame, and The third exhaust space is formed inside the wiring frame.

12. The battery pack according to claim 11, wherein, The inner frame includes a side panel separating the first exhaust space and the second exhaust space, and The multiple connecting holes are formed by perforating the side plate.

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

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