Battery pack and vehicle comprising the same

Abstract

A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a battery pack housing having a receiving space configured to receive the plurality of battery cells and an exhaust space communicating with the receiving space and configured to allow fluid flow; and a direction-changing member configured to prevent the fluid from moving in the exhaust space along the stacking direction of the battery cells.

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. 10-2024-0057159, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on April 29, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

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

[0004] Currently widely used rechargeable batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. When a high output voltage is required, multiple battery cells can be connected in series to form a battery module or battery pack. Furthermore, to increase charging / discharging capacity, multiple battery cells can be connected in parallel to configure a battery module or battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in a battery module or battery pack can be configured differently depending on the required output voltage or charging / discharging capacity.

[0005] Furthermore, because battery cells involve chemical reactions during charging and discharging, their performance may degrade when used in environments exceeding suitable temperatures. Additionally, if thermal control is not properly maintained at the appropriate temperature, there remains a potential risk of accidental ignition or explosion. Therefore, if a thermal event such as thermal runaway occurs within the battery pack, high-temperature gases and flames released from the battery cells contained within could propagate to adjacent battery modules, potentially leading to a chain reaction that could cause the battery modules to explode, posing a significant safety risk.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need to develop a structure that can minimize the thermal energy received by adjacent battery modules when thermal runaway occurs in a battery module, thereby preventing or suppressing the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells and / or battery modules.

[0007] In addition, it is necessary to develop a structure that can rapidly exhaust the high-temperature gas or flame generated by the battery module to the outside of the battery pack when thermal runaway occurs in the battery module, thereby reducing the heat accumulation inside the battery pack. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] This disclosure is designed to address problems in the related art, and therefore relates to providing a battery pack that can prevent or suppress the propagation of thermal runaway between battery modules by minimizing the thermal energy received by adjacent battery cells and / or battery modules in the event of thermal runaway in the battery modules.

[0010] In addition, this disclosure also provides a vehicle including such a battery pack.

[0011] However, the technical problems that this disclosure seeks to solve are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the description of the invention below that there are other problems not mentioned above.

[0012] Technical solution

[0013] In one aspect of this disclosure, a battery pack is provided, the battery pack comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a battery pack housing having a receiving space formed to receive the plurality of battery cells and an exhaust space formed to communicate with the receiving space and configured to allow fluid to flow therein; and a direction-changing member configured to prevent the fluid from moving in the exhaust space along the stacking direction of the battery cells.

[0014] The venting space may be formed between the inner and outer panels of the battery pack housing, and one or more inflow holes configured to communicate the receiving space and the venting space with each other may be formed on the inner panel of the battery pack housing.

[0015] The battery pack may further include a module housing disposed in the receiving space, the module housing being configured to group the plurality of battery cells and having vent holes formed on one side surface of the module housing.

[0016] The orientation-changing component can be disposed on the inner surface of the outer plate of the battery pack housing.

[0017] The orientation-changing component may include a body and a plurality of protrusions configured to protrude inward from the body.

[0018] The plurality of protrusions can be configured to be spaced apart from each other in a horizontal direction.

[0019] The protrusion can be configured to extend along the length of the battery cell.

[0020] The main body and the protrusion can be formed by bending a single plate multiple times.

[0021] The protrusion can be configured to have a curved outer surface.

[0022] At least some of the protrusions may be located at positions corresponding to the inflow hole.

[0023] The protrusion may include: a plurality of first protrusions disposed at positions corresponding to the inflow hole; and a second protrusion disposed between adjacent first protrusions.

[0024] At least some of the protrusions may have an inwardly curved portion, which is disposed at the end of the at least some protrusions to bend the direction of fluid movement.

[0025] The orientation-changing component can be configured to be integrated with the outer panel of the battery pack housing.

[0026] In another aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle including a battery pack according to this disclosure is provided.

[0027] Beneficial effects

[0028] According to one aspect of this disclosure, in the event of thermal runaway in a battery module, fluids such as exhaust gases or flames can move along the stacking direction of the battery cells. This movement of the fluids, such as exhaust gases, towards adjacent battery cells and / or battery modules can be minimized by inducing eddies or changes in direction. Therefore, the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells and / or battery modules can be prevented or suppressed, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of the battery pack.

[0029] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, when a thermal event occurs inside a particular battery module, the heat can be rapidly cooled by increasing the movement path of fluids such as exhaust gases or flames.

[0030] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the forward movement of a flame, spark, electrode emission, or carbide with a strong tendency to move in a straight line can be minimized.

[0031] In particular, this disclosure can prevent substances such as sparks or electrode emissions, which may be ignition factors, from coming into contact with oxygen outside the battery module, thereby preventing fires from occurring outside the battery module.

[0032] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, events such as fires or explosions caused by thermal runaway of devices equipped with battery packs can be prevented or delayed.

[0033] Furthermore, this disclosure may have various other effects, and these effects will be described in the corresponding embodiments, or descriptions of effects that can be readily deduced by those skilled in the art will be omitted. Attached Figure Description

[0034] 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.

[0035] Figure 1 This is an overall perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a battery pack that incorporates a direction-changing component according to an embodiment of this disclosure, which may be along, for example... Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken from line I-I' in the diagram.

[0038] Figure 4 This is an overall perspective view of a battery module included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery module included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein an orientation-changing member is disposed in the battery pack housing.

[0041] Figure 7 This is an enlarged perspective view of an orientation-changing component included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the battery pack that utilizes the orientation-changing component according to another embodiment of this disclosure.

[0043] Figure 9 This is an enlarged perspective view of a component for changing the orientation of a battery pack, according to another embodiment of this disclosure.

[0044] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment according to another embodiment of the present disclosure in which a direction-changing member in the battery pack is integrated with the battery pack housing.

[0045] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the battery pack that utilizes the orientation-changing component according to another embodiment of this disclosure.

[0046] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of an orientation-changing component applied to a battery pack according to another embodiment of this disclosure.

[0047] Figure 13 This is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0048] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terminology used in the specification and appended claims should not be construed as limited to its general and dictionary meaning, but rather as being interpreted based on the meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure, on the basis of the principle that allows the inventors to appropriately define the terminology for the best interpretation.

[0049] Therefore, the description presented herein is merely a preferred example for illustrative purposes and does not represent the full scope of this disclosure. It should be understood that other equivalents and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0050] Furthermore, this disclosure may include various embodiments. Redundant descriptions of substantially the same or similar configurations will be omitted from the various embodiments, and descriptions will be based on the differences between them.

[0051] Furthermore, although directional terms such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used in this specification, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains that these terms are merely for the convenience of interpretation with reference to the accompanying drawings and may vary depending on the position of the target object or the observer's position.

[0052] For example, in embodiments of this disclosure, the X-axis direction shown in the figure can indicate the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction can indicate the front-back direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction on the horizontal plane (XY plane), and the Z-axis direction can indicate the up-down direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to both the X-axis and Y-axis directions.

[0053] Figure 1 This is an overall perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Additionally, Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a battery pack that incorporates a direction-changing component according to an embodiment of this disclosure, which may be along, for example... Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken from line I-I' in the diagram.

[0054] Reference Figures 1 to 3According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery pack 20 may include a battery cell 100, a battery pack housing 200, and a direction-changing member 300.

[0055] Reference Figure 1 The system may include multiple battery cells 100. Furthermore, the multiple battery cells 100 may include electrode assemblies, a cell housing housing the electrode assemblies, and electrode leads connected to the electrode assemblies and extending outward from the cell housing to serve as electrode terminals. In this configuration, the multiple battery cells 100 may be electrically connected to each other.

[0056] The battery cell 100 can be a pouch-type secondary battery. The cell casing of such a pouch-type secondary battery can be configured as a pouch, wherein a metal layer made of aluminum is inserted between polymer layers.

[0057] This disclosure is not limited to a specific type or shape of the battery cell 100, and various battery cells 100 known at the time of filing of this disclosure can be applied to the battery pack 20 configured according to this disclosure. In this embodiment, although a pouch-type secondary battery with high energy density and easy stacking will be described as shown, it will be apparent that cylindrical or prismatic secondary batteries can also be applied to the battery cell 100.

[0058] Multiple battery cells 100 can be arranged side by side in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) and upright in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

[0059] The battery pack housing 200 can be configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells 100. The battery pack housing 200 can have a plurality of receiving spaces S, which are configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells by dividing them. The receiving spaces S are empty spaces and can be configured to accommodate a predetermined number of battery cells 100 therein. Specifically, the receiving spaces S can be divided by crossbeams 230 as described below and are configured to accommodate the battery cells 100 therein.

[0060] The battery pack housing 200 may be made of a material that ensures mechanical strength, such as metal (e.g., steel or SUS), or plastic, or may include such a material to safely protect the battery cells 100 housed therein.

[0061] In addition, the battery pack housing 200 may include an exhaust space P. The exhaust space P may indicate a passage for fluids such as exhaust gases or flames. Here, the fluid may include sparks, electrode deposits, carbides, etc., as well as exhaust gases or flames.

[0062] The exhaust space P can be configured to communicate with the containment space S. Therefore, fluid in the containment space S can flow into the exhaust space P and move within the exhaust space P.

[0063] The exhaust space P can be formed inside the battery pack housing 200. Here, as... Figure 3 As shown, the interior of the battery pack housing 200 can indicate a predetermined space individually disposed within the battery pack housing 200, or it can indicate a hollow space formed by a plurality of beams or plates constituting the battery pack housing 200.

[0064] A direction-changing component 300 may be disposed in the exhaust space P. The direction-changing component 300 may be configured to change the flow direction of the fluid at least once. The direction-changing component 300 may be configured to change the flow direction of the fluid to the opposite direction when the fluid flows through the exhaust space P. Specifically, the direction-changing component 300 may be configured to interrupt movement along the stacking direction (X-axis direction) of the battery cell 100.

[0065] Furthermore, the direction-changing member 300 can be configured to generate vortices in a fluid such as exhaust gas or a flame. Therefore, the flow direction of a fluid, such as exhaust gas, can be changed by the direction-changing member 300, allowing the fluid to rotate.

[0066] For example, fluids such as exhaust gases can flow within the exhaust space P, such as... Figure 3 As shown by the dashed arrow in the diagram. Specifically, in the section indicated by P1, the flow direction of fluids such as exhaust gases can be changed to the opposite direction. In the section shown by P1, the flow direction of fluids such as exhaust gases changes by approximately 180 degrees from the -X-axis direction to the +X-axis direction.

[0067] At least one orientation-changing component 300 may be provided. One orientation-changing component 300 may be configured to have dimensions corresponding to the exhaust space P. Alternatively, such as Figure 3 As disclosed in the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of orientation-changing members 300 may be provided for each group of battery cells 100. The plurality of orientation-changing members 300 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the stacking direction of the battery cells 100.

[0068] Furthermore, the orientation-changing component 300 can be made of a material with fire resistance and / or heat resistance. For example, the orientation-changing component 300 can be made of a metallic material such as SUS. Therefore, the orientation-changing component 300 will not deform or be damaged even by heat from fluids such as high-temperature exhaust gases or flames.

[0069] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, when a fluid such as exhaust gas or flame moves along the stacking direction of the battery cell 100, the direction-changing member 300 can induce eddies or a change in direction. Therefore, heat can be rapidly cooled by increasing the movement path of the fluid, such as exhaust gas or flame. Furthermore, by changing the movement direction of flames, sparks, electrode emissions, or carbides that have a strong tendency to travel in a straight line, their movement toward adjacent battery cells and / or battery modules can be minimized.

[0070] Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the movement of fluids such as exhaust gases toward adjacent battery cells 100 can be minimized. Thus, the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells 100 can be prevented or suppressed, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of the battery pack 20.

[0071] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiments of this disclosure, a fire outside the battery module can be prevented by preventing substances that may be ignition factors, such as sparks or electrode emissions, from coming into contact with oxygen outside the battery module.

[0072] Reference Figure 2 The battery pack housing 200 may include a base frame 210 and multiple side frames 220.

[0073] The base frame 210 can be configured to house multiple battery cells 100 thereon. The base frame 210 can form the bottom surface of the battery pack housing 200 and can be configured as a square plate. Additionally, the base frame 210 can have a flat upper surface, allowing the module housing 120 to be stably mounted thereon. That is, a receiving space S can be formed above the base frame 210.

[0074] Multiple side frames 220 may extend upward from various edges of the base frame 210. The multiple side frames 220 may be configured to surround multiple battery cells 100. More specifically, the multiple side frames 220 may each have a front wall at an end in the -Y-axis direction, a left wall at an end in the +X-axis direction, a rear wall at an end in the +Y-axis direction, and a right wall at an end in the -X-axis direction to form the side surface of the battery pack housing 200.

[0075] In addition, refer to Figure 2 The battery pack housing 200 may include a central beam 240. The central beam 240 may be configured to connect facing side frames 220 among a plurality of side frames 220. For example, as Figure 2 As shown, at least one of the central beams 240 can be configured to extend in the left-right direction to connect the right and left walls of the side frames 220.

[0076] Furthermore, the battery pack housing 200 may include a crossbeam 230. The crossbeam 230 may be configured to divide the receiving space S into multiple spaces. Multiple crossbeams 230 may be provided. The crossbeams 230 may be configured to connect facing side frames 220 among a plurality of side frames 220. For example, as... Figure 1 As shown, the accommodating space S can be divided into three rows and two columns by the crossbeam 230.

[0077] In this configuration, the crossbeam 230 can be configured to protrude further upward than the battery cell 100. According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, since the crossbeam 230 is configured to extend further upward than the battery cell 100, adjacent receiving spaces S can be reliably separated by the crossbeam 230 to prevent heat propagation.

[0078] The battery pack housing 200 may also include a battery pack cover 240 attached to the top of the side frame 220. The battery pack cover 240 may be configured to form the upper surface of the battery pack housing 200. The battery pack cover 240 may be configured to cover the top of the battery cell 100.

[0079] Reference Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the venting space P can be formed in the base frame 210. That is, the venting space P can be formed below the battery cell 100. Therefore, the housing space S and the venting space P can be arranged in the vertical direction.

[0080] More specifically, the base frame 210 of the battery pack housing 200 may have an inner plate 201 and an outer plate 202. An exhaust space P may be formed between the inner plate 201 and the outer plate 202. The exhaust space P may be configured to extend in the horizontal direction. The receiving space S and the exhaust space P may be arranged parallel to each other in the vertical direction based on the inner plate 201 of the base frame 210.

[0081] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The battery pack housing 200 may include an inlet port H. The inlet port H may be disposed between the receiving space S and the exhaust space P. The inlet port H may be configured to communicate between the receiving space S and the exhaust space P. Therefore, fluids such as exhaust gases discharged from the battery cell 100 may flow from the receiving space S into the exhaust space P. At least one inlet port H may be provided.

[0082] An inlet hole H can be provided in the base frame 210. The inlet hole H can be formed on the inner plate of the base frame 210. Therefore, the receiving space S can communicate with the exhaust space P formed in the base frame 210 through the inlet hole H.

[0083] According to the above-described embodiment, fluids such as exhaust gases or flames generated in the battery cell 100 disposed in the housing space S can flow vertically into the exhaust space P through the inlet hole H. By providing a direction-changing member 300 within the exhaust space P, the fluid can be prevented from moving horizontally, particularly along the stacking direction of the battery cell 100.

[0084] Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the direction-changing member 300 can change the flow direction of the fluid introduced from above downwards or induce vortices, thereby cooling the heat of the exhaust gas, and sparks or particles can be captured at the bottom by gravity. Thus, heat propagation inside the battery pack 20 can be suppressed.

[0085] Figure 4 This is an overall perspective view of a battery module included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery module included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0086] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 Multiple battery cells 100 can be modularized into one or more battery modules 10. That is, the battery pack 20 according to this disclosure may include multiple battery modules 10, and the multiple battery cells 100 included in the battery pack 20 may be divided and included in multiple battery modules 10. In this case, the multiple battery cells 100 included in the battery module 10 may be electrically connected to each other.

[0087] Multiple battery modules 10 may be respectively disposed in each receiving space S of the battery pack housing 200. In particular, the battery pack 20 according to the present disclosure may include a module housing 11. The module housing 11 may have empty spaces formed therein and may be configured to accommodate at least some of the multiple battery cells 100 in the internal space. In particular, the module housing 11 may be configured to accommodate the battery cells 100 disposed in each receiving space S. That is, the module housing 11 may be included in each receiving space S to group the multiple battery cells 100 into multiple battery modules 10, and may physically define the boundaries of the internal space of each battery module 10.

[0088] Additionally, although not shown in the figures, the battery module 10 may include a busbar assembly and / or module terminals electrically connected to a plurality of battery cells 100 housed therein.

[0089] The battery module 10 may include a vent V. The vent V may be configured to allow gases generated from the battery cells 100 housed inside the module housing 11 to be released to the outside of the module housing 11.

[0090] Specifically, the vent V can be provided in the module housing 11 to achieve directional venting in a specific direction. In particular, the vent V can be provided on the side surface of the module housing 11 facing the inlet port H. The vent V can be configured to communicate with the inlet port H of the battery pack housing 200.

[0091] For example, such as Figure 2 As shown, the inflow hole H can be set on the base frame 210, and as... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the vent V can be located on the lower side of the module housing 11 facing the base frame 210. The vent V can be configured to correspond to the size, position, or shape of the inlet port H. Therefore, fluids such as exhaust gases can be guided to move directly toward the inlet port H.

[0092] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, fluids such as exhaust gases discharged from the exhaust port V facing the inlet port H can move directly to the exhaust space P formed in the battery pack housing 200, so that fluids such as exhaust gases can be discharged to the outside of the containment space S more quickly.

[0093] Reference Figure 3 The orientation-changing component 300 can be disposed on the inner surface of the outer plate 202 of the battery pack housing 200. The orientation-changing component 300 can be configured to be disposed on the inner surface of the outer plate 202 of the base frame 210 within the exhaust space P. The orientation-changing component 300 can be fixed to the outer plate 202 of the base frame 210 by welding or adhesive.

[0094] In this configuration, the direction-changing member 300 can be configured to be less than the height of the exhaust space P. Therefore, the direction-changing member 300 can be configured to prevent exhaust gas from moving in the stacking direction of the battery cells 100 only in the lower part of the exhaust space P.

[0095] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, when thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell 100, the high-temperature exhaust gas emitted can be suppressed from moving in the stacking direction of the battery cell 100 by the direction-changing member 300 disposed on the lower part of the exhaust space P, and sufficient time can be obtained to cool the heat of the exhaust gas.

[0096] Furthermore, when the thermal runaway of the battery cell 100 ends, the exhaust gas can move horizontally above the direction-changing member 300. Therefore, heat can rapidly diffuse throughout the exhaust space P, thereby reducing the temperature within the exhaust space P within a short period. Thus, according to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the impact of heat on adjacent battery cells 100 or battery modules 10 can be minimized, thereby preventing or suppressing the propagation of thermal runaway in the battery pack 20.

[0097] Further reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 Describe the detailed structure of the orientation-changing component 300.

[0098] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein a direction-changing member is disposed in the battery pack housing, and Figure 7 This is an enlarged perspective view of an orientation-changing component included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0099] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The orientation-changing component 300 may include a body 310 and a protrusion 320. The body 310 may be mounted on the outer plate 202 of the base frame 210. The body 310 may have an outer surface configured in the form of a flat plate. For example, the body 310 may be configured as a plate extending in one direction. Furthermore, multiple bodies 310 may be arranged along one direction.

[0100] The protrusion 320 can be configured to protrude inward from the body 310. The protrusion 320 can be disposed between adjacent bodies 310. Multiple protrusions 320 can be provided. The protrusion 320 can be configured to restrict the flow path of fluids such as exhaust gases in the exhaust space P. That is, the protrusion 320 can be a structure configured to prevent fluid from moving in the exhaust space P along the stacking direction of the battery cells 100. For example, the flow direction of the fluid in the exhaust space P can be formed by the protrusion 320, such as... Figure 3 As shown by the dashed arrow in the image.

[0101] According to this embodiment of the present disclosure, the protrusion 320 can more reliably implement a structure that prevents the flow of fluids such as exhaust gases.

[0102] Multiple bodies 310 can be disposed on the same plane. For example, multiple bodies 310 can be disposed on the inner surface of the outer plate 202 of the base frame 210. In addition, multiple protrusions 320 can be disposed on the same plane.

[0103] Multiple protrusions 320 can be configured to be spaced apart from each other in a horizontal direction. For example, as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As disclosed in the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of protrusions 320 may be configured to be spaced apart from each other along the stacking direction of the battery cell 100.

[0104] Therefore, a trapping space T can be formed between adjacent protrusions 320 to generate a vortex of fluid, such as exhaust gas or flame. The trapping space T can be configured to trap the fluid. The exhaust gas can rotate multiple times within the trapping space T. Furthermore, particles such as sparks or reactive materials can be trapped within the trapping space T.

[0105] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, since a trapping space T is formed between adjacent protrusions 320, when thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell 100, the emitted gas or flame may remain in the trapping space T, thereby increasing the fluid's movement path or movement time.

[0106] Furthermore, the protrusion 320 can be configured to extend along the length direction of the battery cell 100. The protrusion 320 can be configured in the form of a vertically upright separator. Therefore, the venting space P can be divided by the protrusion 320 along the stacking direction of the battery cells 100.

[0107] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the movement of fluid in the exhaust space P along the stacking direction of the battery cell 100 beyond the protrusion 320 can be further suppressed. Therefore, the movement of heat to other adjacent battery cells 100 or battery modules 10 can be minimized.

[0108] Furthermore, when thermal runaway in the battery cell 100 ends, the emitted gas can travel primarily along the length of the battery cell 100 in the trapping space T along the interface between the protrusion 320 and the body 310.

[0109] In this configuration, although not shown in the figures, the battery pack housing 200 may include an exhaust device configured to vent exhaust gases to the outside of the battery pack housing 200. The exhaust device may be disposed in the base frame 210 having an exhaust space P. Alternatively, the exhaust device may be disposed in the side frame 220. The exhaust device may be disposed at the end of the protrusion 320 in its extending direction. Therefore, exhaust gases within the exhaust space P can be rapidly vented to the outside of the battery pack housing 200 via the exhaust device, thereby preventing an increase in internal pressure within the battery pack housing 200.

[0110] More specifically, the orientation-changing member 300 can be configured by bending a single plate multiple times. That is, the main body 310 and the protrusion 320 can be formed by bending a single plate multiple times. For example, in the orientation-changing member 300, Figure 7 The portions represented by A1, A2, and A3 shown can each be bent once to form a protrusion 320. Therefore, the protrusion 320 and the body 310 can be configured to be connected to each other.

[0111] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, since the protrusion 320 and the main body 310 can be formed by bending a single plate, the process for manufacturing the orientation-changing component 300 can be facilitated. Therefore, productivity can be increased when manufacturing the battery pack 20.

[0112] Since the protrusion 320 is formed by bending a single plate, a predetermined space can be formed between the protrusion 320 and the outer plate 202 of the base frame 210.

[0113] In addition, refer to Figure 7 As shown in portions A1 and A3, the two sides of the protrusion 320 can be formed by bending approximately 90 degrees. Therefore, the protrusion 320 can be configured to be substantially orthogonal to the body 310. Specifically, as shown in portion A2, the central portion of the protrusion 320 can be formed by bending approximately 180 degrees. That is, the central portion of the protrusion 320 may not have a horizontal portion, but may only have a vertical portion.

[0114] Furthermore, since the orientation-changing member 300 bends at the portion indicated by A2, the protrusion 320 can have a first surface 320a and a second surface 320b formed facing each other on opposite sides. The first surface 320a and the second surface 320b can be configured to be symmetrical to each other with respect to the central portion of the protrusion 320. The angle formed between the first surface 320a and the second surface 320b can be less than about 30 degrees. That is, the central portion of the protrusion 320 can be configured to be substantially a pointed triangular shape. Therefore, an edge can be formed at the top of the protrusion 320 along the length direction of the battery cell 100.

[0115] In this case, as shown in portions A1 and A3, multiple bodies 310, a first surface 320a, and a second surface 320b can be configured to be connected to each other.

[0116] The protrusion 320 can be configured to have a curved outer surface. That is, the first surface 320a and the second surface 320b can be configured to have curved surfaces. The first surface 320a and the second surface 320b can be configured such that in the central portion facing the protrusion 320 (by... Figure 7 As shown in A2 in the diagram, the surfaces are recessed in the direction away from the body 310. That is, the first surface 320a and the second surface 320b can be configured to be recessed in the direction away from the body 310.

[0117] The above-described embodiment of this disclosure is the most preferred form for generating eddies in the fluid (such as exhaust gas) introduced into the trapping space T. According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the movement direction of the fluid, such as exhaust gas, can be changed by the curved shape of the first surface 320a and the second surface 320b. Furthermore, the movement of the fluid, such as exhaust gas, along the first surface 320a and the second surface 320b across the protrusion 320 to other adjacent trapping spaces T can be minimized. Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the movement of exhaust gas, etc., in the exhaust space P to adjacent battery cells 100 and / or battery modules 10 can be minimized.

[0118] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, a flame or spark with a strong tendency to move in a straight line can collide with the first surface 320a and the second surface 320b, causing its direction of movement to change, thereby being captured in the body 310.

[0119] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the battery pack that utilizes the orientation-changing component according to another embodiment of this disclosure, and Figure 9 This is an enlarged perspective view of a component for changing the orientation of a battery pack, according to another embodiment of this disclosure.

[0120] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 8 Secondly, at least some of the protrusions 320 can be provided at positions corresponding to the inflow hole H. That is, at least some of the protrusions 320 can be provided below the inflow hole H. Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, a protrusion 320 may be provided for each inlet hole H. In particular, the central portion of the protrusion 320 may be configured to correspond to the central portion of the inlet hole H.

[0121] Therefore, as Figure 3 As shown by the dashed arrow in the figure, the exhaust gas flowing into the exhaust space P from the +Z axis direction relative to the protrusion 320 can be divided along both sides of the protrusion 320 and move in the left and right directions.

[0122] Furthermore, fluids (such as exhaust gases) that flow in through the inlet hole H may move upward and advance toward another inlet hole H through the adjacent protrusion 320, instead of changing their direction or creating eddies in the trapping space T, and thus flowing back into the containing space S.

[0123] Therefore, the battery pack 20 according to another embodiment of this disclosure can be provided with protrusions 320 in different forms. More specifically, the protrusions 320 may include a first protrusion 321 and a second protrusion 322. In this case, the first protrusion 321 may be... Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The illustrated embodiment discloses a protrusion 320. Multiple first protrusions 321 and multiple second protrusions 322 can be provided. The first protrusions 321 and second protrusions 322 can be provided alternately. A trapping space T can be formed between the first protrusions 321 and second protrusions 322.

[0124] For example, such as Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, a first protrusion 321 may be provided at a position corresponding to an inflow hole H. A first protrusion 321 may be provided for each inflow hole H. Furthermore, a second protrusion 322 may be provided between adjacent first protrusions 321. A second protrusion 322 may be provided between inflow holes H.

[0125] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 The protrusion 320 may have an inwardly curved portion 330. The inwardly curved portion 330 may be provided on at least some of the plurality of protrusions 320. For example, the inwardly curved portion 330 may be provided on the second protrusion 322.

[0126] although Figure 8 and Figure 9 An embodiment is shown in which the inner bend 330 is provided only on the second protrusion 322, but the inner bend 330 may be provided only on the first protrusion 321, or may be provided on both the first protrusion 321 and the second protrusion 322.

[0127] The structure of the inner curved portion 330 will be described in more detail. (Refer to...) Figure 8 The inner bend 330 can be configured to bend the direction of fluid movement. Furthermore, the inner bend 330 can be configured to prevent fluids such as exhaust gases from moving upwards within the trapping space T.

[0128] For example, fluids such as exhaust gases can be like Figure 8 The dashed arrow indicates movement within the exhaust space P. Specifically, in the section represented by P2, the flow direction of fluids such as exhaust gases can be switched away from the inner bend 330. In the section represented by P2, the flow direction of fluids such as exhaust gases can be switched approximately 180 degrees from the +Z-axis direction to the -Z-axis direction.

[0129] Furthermore, the inner bend 330 may be provided on the central portion of the second protrusion 322. The inner bend 330 may also be provided at the end of the second protrusion 322. The inner bend 330 may be configured to protrude outward from the end of the second protrusion 322. The inner bend 330 may be formed on the left and right sides of the second protrusion 322. The inner bend 330 may be configured to be symmetrical to each other with respect to the central portion of the second protrusion 322.

[0130] The inner bend 330 can be formed by bending the end of the second protrusion 322. That is, the first protrusion 321, the second protrusion 322, and the main body 310 can be formed by bending a single plate multiple times. The structure of the first protrusion 321 is similar to... Figure 7 The same as described in [the text]. Furthermore, the second protrusion 322 can be bent separately. Figure 9 The parts represented as B1, B2, B3, and B4 are formed one by one.

[0131] More specifically, refer to Figure 9 The lower portion of the second protrusion 322 can be formed by bending approximately 90 degrees, for example, portions indicated as B1 and B4. As a result, the second protrusion 322 can be configured to be substantially orthogonal to the body 310. Specifically, the upper end of the second protrusion 322 (such as portions indicated as B2 and B3) may include an inwardly curved portion 330 formed by bending at approximately 180 degrees on both sides. That is, the upper end of the second protrusion 322 can be configured in a flat shape to have a horizontal portion.

[0132] The above-described embodiments of this disclosure can be the most desirable form for generating eddies in the fluid (such as exhaust gas) introduced into the trapping space T. According to the above-described embodiments of this disclosure, the direction of movement of the fluid, such as exhaust gas, can be changed by the curved shape of the first surface 320a and the second surface 320b. Furthermore, the movement of the fluid, such as exhaust gas, along the first surface 320a and the second surface 320b across the protrusion 320 to other adjacent trapping spaces T can be minimized. Therefore, according to the above-described embodiments of this disclosure, the movement of exhaust gas, etc., in the exhaust space P to adjacent battery cells 100 and / or battery modules 10 can be minimized.

[0133] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, a flame or spark with a strong tendency to move in a straight line can collide with the first surface 320a and the second surface 320b, causing its direction of movement to change, thereby being captured in the body 310.

[0134] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment according to another embodiment of the present disclosure in which a direction-changing member in the battery pack is integrated with the battery pack housing.

[0135] Reference Figure 10 The orientation-changing component 300 can be configured to be integrated with the outer plate 202 of the battery pack housing 200. That is, the main body 310 of the orientation-changing component 300 can be integrated with the outer plate 202 of the base frame 210, and the protrusion 320 can be configured to protrude inward from the outer plate 202 of the base frame 210. In this case, the shape of the outer plate 202 of the base frame 210 can be configured to conform to... Figure 3 or Figure 8 The shape of the orientation-changing component 300 is the same. That is, the outer plate 202 of the base frame 210 can be bent multiple times to form multiple protrusions 320.

[0136] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, since the outer plate 202 of the base frame 210 is bent multiple times to form the protrusion 320, the separate process of manufacturing the orientation-changing component 300 or attaching it to the outer plate 202 of the base frame 210 can be omitted. Therefore, costs and time can be reduced when manufacturing the battery pack 20, thereby increasing productivity.

[0137] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the battery pack that utilizes the orientation-changing component according to another embodiment of this disclosure, and Figure 12 This is a perspective view of an orientation-changing component applied to a battery pack according to another embodiment of this disclosure.

[0138] In another embodiment, where the base frame 210 and the orientation-changing member 300 are manufactured as an integral part of each other, such as Figure 11 and Figure 12 In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion 320 can be formed by pressing the outer plate 202 of the base frame 210 instead of bending it. That is, the protrusion 320 can be formed by pressing the outer plate 202 of the base frame 210 from the outside in. In this case, the protrusion 320 can be configured as a protrusion. Furthermore, the protrusion 320 can be configured as a dome.

[0139] According to the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the protrusion 320 can be formed relatively easily by pressing the outer plate 202 of the base frame 210. Therefore, costs and time can be reduced in the manufacture of the battery pack 20, thereby increasing productivity.

[0140] Figure 13 This is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0141] Reference Figure 13The vehicle V according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more battery packs 20 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The vehicle V according to the present disclosure may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle V includes four-wheeled vehicles and two-wheeled vehicles. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the vehicle V can be operated by electricity supplied from the battery packs 20.

[0142] As described above, although this disclosure has been described with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the technical concept of this disclosure and the equivalent scope of the claims described below by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

Claims

1. A battery pack, the battery pack comprising: Multiple battery cells; A battery pack housing having a receiving space formed to accommodate the plurality of battery cells and an exhaust space formed to communicate with the receiving space and configured to allow fluid to flow therein; as well as A direction-changing component is configured to prevent the fluid from moving in the exhaust space along the stacking direction of the battery cells.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, The venting space is formed between the inner and outer plates of the battery pack housing, and One or more inflow holes configured to communicate the receiving space and the venting space with each other are formed on the inner plate of the battery pack housing.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1, The battery pack also includes a module housing disposed in the receiving space, the module housing being configured to group the plurality of battery cells and having vent holes formed on one side surface of the module housing.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, The orientation-changing component is disposed on the inner surface of the outer plate of the battery pack housing.

5. The battery pack according to claim 2, in, The orientation-changing component includes: The main body, and Multiple protrusions are configured to protrude inward from the body.

6. The battery pack according to claim 5, in, The plurality of protrusions are configured to be spaced apart from each other in a horizontal direction.

7. The battery pack according to claim 5, in, The protrusion is configured to extend along the length of the battery cell.

8. The battery pack according to claim 5, in, The body and the protrusion are formed by bending a single plate multiple times.

9. The battery pack according to claim 5, in, The protrusion is configured with a curved outer surface.

10. The battery pack according to claim 5, in, At least some of the plurality of protrusions are located at positions corresponding to the inflow orifice.

11. The battery pack according to claim 5, in, The protrusion includes: A plurality of first protrusions are disposed at positions corresponding to the inflow orifice; and The second protrusion is disposed between adjacent first protrusions.

12. The battery pack according to claim 5, in, At least some of the protrusions have an inwardly curved portion, which is disposed at the end of the at least some protrusions to bend the direction of fluid movement.

13. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, The orientation-changing component is configured to be integrated with the outer panel of the battery pack housing.

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

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