Battery pack and vehicle comprising the same

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a battery pack including a plurality of battery cells, a battery pack case configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells, a cooling passage provided on at least one side of the plurality of battery cells and configured to flow a cooling medium, and a cooling member provided between a portion of the plurality of battery cells and having a cooling path formed therein to communicate with the cooling passage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a battery pack, and more specifically, to a battery pack with enhanced safety and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0165451, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on November 19, 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 due to their key advantage of significantly reducing fossil fuel use but also because they do not produce byproducts from energy consumption.

[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. Alternatively, to increase charge and discharge capacity, multiple battery cells can be connected in parallel to configure a battery module or battery pack.

[0005] A common method for configuring a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel is performed by preferably configuring a battery module including at least one battery cell, and then adding other components to the at least one battery module to configure a battery pack or battery rack. Recently, cell-to-pack type battery packs have been manufactured where multiple battery cells are stored directly in the battery pack casing, etc., rather than being modular.

[0006] On the other hand, battery packs typically have cooling plates, such as thermal resin, to cool multiple battery cells. For example, the cooling plates may be mounted on the bottom surface of multiple battery cells.

[0007] In this situation, a significant temperature difference may occur between the portion of the battery cell that is in contact with the cooling plate and the portion that is not. This can lead to reduced battery cell performance or shortened lifespan. Additionally, fast charging may take longer.

[0008] Furthermore, when a battery pack includes multiple battery modules, it may be susceptible to thermal cascading effects between modules. For example, when an event such as thermal runaway occurs in one battery module, it can propagate to other modules. If the propagation of thermal runaway between modules is not adequately controlled, an event occurring in a particular module can trigger a cascading effect across multiple modules, potentially leading to major problems such as explosions or fires.

[0009] Specifically, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs in a single battery module, venting can be carried out to the outside of the battery module. In this case, heat can be transferred to other battery modules through the venting, potentially triggering a thermal cascade in those other battery modules.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need to develop a structure that can effectively cool individual battery cells and minimize temperature variations within multiple battery cells, thereby improving efficiency and extending lifespan.

[0011] In addition, it is necessary to develop a structure that minimizes the thermal energy received by adjacent battery modules in the event of an event such as thermal runaway in the battery pack, thereby preventing or suppressing the propagation of thermal runaway between individual battery cells and / or battery modules. Summary of the Invention

[0012] Technical issues

[0013] This disclosure is designed to address problems in the related art, and therefore relates to providing a battery pack capable of effectively cooling individual battery cells and minimizing temperature deviations within the individual battery cells, and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0014] In addition, this disclosure also relates to a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery pack that can minimize the thermal energy received by adjacent battery cells and / or battery modules in the event of thermal runaway in the battery module, thereby preventing or suppressing the propagation of thermal runaway between battery modules.

[0015] 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 this disclosure below that there are other problems not mentioned above.

[0016] Technical solution

[0017] In one aspect of this disclosure, a battery pack is provided, comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a battery pack housing configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells; a cooling channel disposed on at least one side of the plurality of battery cells and configured to allow a cooling medium to flow; and a cooling member disposed between a portion of the plurality of battery cells and having a cooling path formed in the cooling member to communicate with the cooling channel.

[0018] The cooling component may include: an inlet configured to allow cooling medium to flow from the cooling channel into the cooling path; and an outlet configured to discharge cooling medium from the cooling path into the cooling channel.

[0019] The cooling aisle can be configured to communicate with at least one of the inlet and outlet.

[0020] Topology optimization can be used to design cooling paths.

[0021] The cooling path can be configured to be substantially mesh-like.

[0022] The battery pack according to embodiments of the present disclosure may further include: a cooling plate disposed inside the battery pack housing and having cooling channels formed inside the cooling plate.

[0023] The cooling channel may include: a first cooling channel located at the bottom of the battery cell; and a second cooling channel located at the top of the battery cell.

[0024] The cooling components can be configured to overlap with the cooling channels in the vertical direction.

[0025] An exhaust channel can be formed on the inside of the cooling channel, allowing the exhaust generated in the battery cell to flow into the exhaust channel.

[0026] The exhaust passage can be configured to extend along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell.

[0027] The exhaust channels may include: a first exhaust channel located at the bottom of the battery cell; and a second exhaust channel located at the top of the battery cell.

[0028] The battery pack housing may have a third exhaust channel, which is formed as a hollow space within the battery pack housing and is configured to connect to the first exhaust channel and the second exhaust channel and communicate with the outside of the battery pack housing.

[0029] The battery pack housing may include an exhaust device configured to communicate with a third exhaust passage and to discharge exhaust gas from the third exhaust passage to the outside.

[0030] The battery pack housing may include a crossbeam configured to group multiple battery cells, and the crossbeam having a fourth venting channel formed in the interior space of the crossbeam to communicate with a first venting channel, a second venting channel and a third venting channel.

[0031] The battery pack according to embodiments of the present disclosure may further include: a plurality of module housings configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells and configured such that the top and bottom surfaces are at least partially open.

[0032] Additionally, a vehicle including a battery pack is provided according to this disclosure.

[0033] Beneficial effects

[0034] According to one aspect of this disclosure, effective cooling performance of the battery pack can be ensured by using a cooling medium to directly cool the individual battery cells from the top and bottom.

[0035] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the battery cell can be cooled by contact with the surface of the cooling component, thereby minimizing the temperature difference within the battery cell. Therefore, this aspect of the present disclosure can extend the lifespan of the battery cell and maximize its performance.

[0036] In addition, according to another aspect of this disclosure, by applying topology optimization design to the cooling component, the thickness of the cooling component can be minimized, thereby configuring a more efficient cooling path structure.

[0037] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the flow of fluids (such as venting) to adjacent battery cells and / or battery modules can be minimized. This prevents or suppresses the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells and / or battery modules, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of the battery pack.

[0038] In addition, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the safe venting performance of the battery pack can be ensured by rapidly venting the exhaust generated from the battery module to the outside of the battery pack.

[0039] In addition, according to another aspect of this disclosure, events such as fires or explosions caused by thermal runaway in devices equipped with battery packs can be prevented or delayed.

[0040] In addition, this disclosure may have various other effects, and these effects will be described in various embodiments, or descriptions of effects that can be easily deduced by those skilled in the art will be omitted. Attached Figure Description

[0041] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the foregoing disclosure, are intended 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.

[0042] Figure 1 This is an overall perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a battery cell included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which may be along... Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken by line I-I' in the diagram.

[0046] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a cooling component included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 6 This is a front view of a cooling component included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 8 This is a partially cut-away perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 9 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Figure 10 This is an internal perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a first exhaust passage.

[0052] Figure 11 This is a bottom perspective view of the second cooling plate of the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which shows the second exhaust channel.

[0053] Figure 12 This is a top cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which may be along... Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken from line II-II' in the diagram.

[0054] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which may be along... Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken from line III-III' in the diagram.

[0055] Figure 14This is an enlarged perspective view of the internal configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the gas connection holes.

[0056] Figure 15 This is a bottom perspective view of a battery module included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] Figure 16 This is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0058] In the following description, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terminology used in the specification and appended claims should not be construed as limited to its general or dictionary meaning, but should be interpreted according to the meaning and concept corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure, based on the principle that the inventor is allowed to properly define the terminology for the best interpretation.

[0059] Therefore, the description presented herein is merely a preferred example for illustrative purposes only and does not represent the full scope of this disclosure. It should be understood that other equivalent substitutions and modifications may be made to this disclosure without departing from its scope.

[0060] 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.

[0061] On the other hand, although directional terms such as up, down, left, right, forward, and backward 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 ease of explanation with reference to the accompanying drawings and may vary depending on the position of the target object or the observer's position.

[0062] 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.

[0063] Figure 1 This is an overall perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a battery cell included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which may be along... Figure 1The cross-sectional view taken by line I-I' in the diagram.

[0064] Reference Figures 1 to 4 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery pack 1 may include: a battery cell 100, a battery pack housing 200, a cooling channel C, and a cooling component 300.

[0065] Reference Figure 2 The system may include multiple battery cells 100. Although not shown in the figures, the multiple battery cells 100 may include: an electrode assembly, a battery cell housing housing the electrode assembly, and electrode leads connected to the electrode assembly and extending outward from the battery cell housing to serve as electrode terminals. In this configuration, the multiple battery cells 100 may be electrically connected to each other.

[0066] Multiple battery cells 100 can be stacked in at least one direction. For example, as Figure 2 As shown, 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). Therefore, multiple battery cells 100 can be stacked face-to-face, providing an efficient structure for increasing energy density. Additionally, this arrangement of the battery cells 100 helps control the exhaust direction to one side.

[0067] According to embodiments of this disclosure, such as Figure 3 As shown, the battery cell 100 can be a pouch-type secondary battery. The battery cell casing 110 of this pouch-type secondary battery can be configured as a pouch in which an aluminum metal layer is sandwiched between polymer layers.

[0068] For example, the battery cell 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be a generally rectangular plate-shaped battery cell having a long side in the X-axis direction, a short side in the Z-axis direction, and a thickness in the Y-axis direction, the thickness being less than [a certain value]. Figure 3 The length in the X-axis direction or Z-axis direction. In this case, the electrode lead 120 can be formed on the short side of the battery cell 100 (in Figure 3 (in the X-axis direction).

[0069] The battery cell housing 110 of the battery cell 100 can accommodate the electrode assembly in the receiving portion 111, and the edge of the receiving portion 111 can be heat-fused to form a sealing portion 112. The sealing portion 112 can be provided on three of the four sides of the battery cell 100. For example, in each battery cell 100, the sealing portion 112 can face the front-rear direction of the battery cell 100. Figure 3 (in the X-axis direction) and the up direction ( Figure 3 (in the +Z axis direction), excluding the upper part where the sheet is folded, and the receiving part 111 can face the left and right directions (Y axis direction).

[0070] Additionally, the battery cell 100 may include a folded portion 113, which is configured by folding the side of the sealing portion 112 where the electrode leads 120 do not protrude. That is, the folded portion 113 may be provided on the side of the sealing portion 112 where the electrode leads 120 are not provided.

[0071] On the other hand, 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 1 configured according to this disclosure. Although this embodiment will be described based on a pouch-type secondary battery with high energy density and easy stacking, as shown in the figures, it should be understood that cylindrical or prismatic secondary batteries can also be applied to the battery cell 100.

[0072] Multiple battery cells 100 can be modularized into one or more battery modules 10. That is, the battery pack 1 according to this disclosure may include multiple battery modules 10, and the multiple battery cells 100 included in the battery pack 1 can be divided and included in the multiple battery modules 10. In this case, the multiple battery cells 100 included in the battery modules 10 can be electrically connected to each other.

[0073] The battery pack housing 200 can be configured to house multiple battery cells 100 or multiple battery modules 10. The battery pack housing 200 can be configured as a box shape including multiple frames. The battery pack housing 200 can be made of or contain materials that ensure mechanical rigidity, such as metals (such as steel or SUS) or plastics, to securely protect the battery cells 100 contained therein.

[0074] Cooling channel C can be configured to allow the flow of a cooling medium (e.g., cooling water). Cooling channel C can refer to a passage through which the cooling medium flows. For example, cooling channel C can be configured as a hollow structure or a tube shape.

[0075] Cooling channels C can be provided on at least one side of the plurality of battery cells 100. For example, as Figure 4 As disclosed in the illustrated embodiment, cooling channels C can be disposed at the top and bottom of multiple battery cells 100. Alternatively, cooling channels C can be formed within the battery pack housing 200.

[0076] The cooling member 300 can be disposed between a portion of the battery cells 100. The cooling member 300 can be configured to separate the multiple battery cells 100. The cooling member 300 can be configured to group the multiple battery cells 100. For example, as... Figure 2 As shown, the cooling component 300 can be configured to group two battery cells 100 together, thereby grouping the battery cells 100 into pairs.

[0077] At least one cooling member 300 may be included in a single battery module 10. Multiple cooling members 300 may be arranged in the direction in which the battery cells 100 are arranged. Multiple cooling members 300 may be arranged along the stacking direction of the battery cells 100. Additionally, the cooling members 300 may be configured to extend along the length direction of the battery cells 100.

[0078] The cooling member 300 can be configured to cool the heat generated in the battery cell 100 during a thermal event. The cooling member 300 can be positioned in contact with the battery cell 100. The battery cell 100 may generate heat during use, and if this heat is not properly dissipated, the performance of the battery cell 100 may not be reliably guaranteed, and in severe cases, this may lead to thermal runaway, fire, or explosion of the battery cell. In this regard, when heat is generated from the battery cell 100, the heat can be removed and cooled by the cooling member 300.

[0079] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a cooling component included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] More specifically, refer to Figure 5 The cooling component 300 may have a cooling path P therein. The cooling path P may be configured to pass through the cooling component 300. The cooling path P may be configured in the form of a pipe within the cooling component 300. The cooling path P may be configured to allow the cooling medium to flow through a large portion of the cooling component 300.

[0081] The cooling path P can be configured to communicate with the cooling channel C. Therefore, the cooling medium flowing through the cooling channel C can move to the cooling path P, allowing the cooling medium to flow on both sides of the battery cell 100 in the thickness direction.

[0082] According to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, even if a thermal event occurs in any battery cell 100 in contact with the cooling member 300, the heat of the battery cell 100 can be rapidly cooled by the cooling member 300, thereby maximizing the cooling efficiency of the battery pack 1.

[0083] Furthermore, according to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, since the cooling member 300 and the battery cell 100 can be cooled through surface contact, the temperature difference within the battery cell 100 can be minimized. Therefore, the lifespan of the battery cell 100 can be extended, and the performance of the battery cell 100 can be maximized.

[0084] More specifically, the cooling component 300 may include a body 310, an inlet 320, and an outlet 330.

[0085] The body 310 can be configured to form the exterior of the cooling member 300. The body 310 can be made of a material capable of transferring heat. Furthermore, the body 310 can be configured to maintain a sealed structure without deformation even under high temperature and high pressure. For example, the cooling member 300 can be made of a welded material such as SUS or aluminum.

[0086] The cooling path P can be located inside the body 310. For example, the body 310 can be configured by folding a single plate once so that the two sides face each other. Grooves can be formed on the inner surface of the body 310, and the cooling medium can be configured to flow along the grooves.

[0087] Inlet 320 can be configured to allow cooling medium to flow from cooling channel C to cooling path P. Outlet 330 can be configured to allow cooling medium to discharge from cooling path P back to cooling channel C. Cooling channel C can be configured to communicate with at least one of inlet 320 and outlet 330.

[0088] The inlet 320 and outlet 330 of the cooling member 300 can be positioned approximately symmetrically to each other. For example, the inlet 320 of the cooling member 300 can be positioned facing the inside of the battery pack housing 200 (in the -X-axis direction), and the outlet 330 can be positioned facing the outside of the battery pack housing 200 (in the +X-axis direction). In this case, the cooling members 300 positioned on both sides of the battery pack housing 200 relative to the centerline of the battery pack housing 200 can be symmetrical to each other.

[0089] According to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, the cooling medium within the cooling path P can flow naturally by gravity and contact the entire surface of the battery cell 100. This achieves effective heat transfer across the surface of the battery cell 100, thereby minimizing the temperature difference within the battery cell 100.

[0090] Figure 6 This is a front view of a cooling component included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0091] Topology optimization can be used to design the cooling path P. Since the flow paths differ across topologies, any topology can be applied to the cooling path P according to embodiments of this disclosure. Specifically, the designer can design an initial cooling path P concept by assuming the location of the main heat source and then proceed with topology optimization design. During this topology optimization design, factors that may affect thermal flow characteristics (such as the flow rate and type of the cooling medium) and the structure of the cooling path P can be taken into consideration.

[0092] According to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, a cooling path P structure with more efficient cooling performance can be achieved by applying topology optimization design to the cooling component 300. In particular, temperature deviations within the battery cell 100 can be minimized through the cooling path P with topology optimization design.

[0093] Furthermore, according to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, the thickness of the cooling component 300 can be minimized, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and maximizing the energy efficiency of the battery pack 1.

[0094] The structure of the cooling path P, designed based on topology optimization, is complex, and its shape can resemble the biomimetic structures found in leaf veins. Specifically, as in... Figure 6 In the embodiments shown, the cooling path P can be generally configured in a mesh shape.

[0095] On the other hand, during rapid charging and discharging of the battery cell 100, the temperature near the electrode leads 120 located on the two longitudinal sides of the battery cell 100 may rise rapidly, thereby increasing the temperature deviation within the battery cell 100. This may degrade the performance of the battery cell 100. Therefore, the cooling path P needs to be designed to minimize the heat dissipation deviation of the battery cell 100 during rapid charging and discharging.

[0096] Therefore, the mesh cooling path P structure can be formed close to the electrode lead 120 of the battery cell 100. In particular, the mesh cooling path P structure can be formed on both sides of the cooling member 300 in the length direction to correspond to the position of the electrode lead 120.

[0097] According to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, when the cooling path P is formed in a shape generally resembling a mesh or leaf vein, such as Figure 6 As shown, compared with other cases, the temperature deviation within the battery cell 100 can be reduced.

[0098] Specifically, when the mesh structure of the cooling path P is formed close to the electrode leads 120 of the battery cell 100, the heat dissipation deviation on the electrode leads 120 can be minimized. Specifically, when the battery cell 100 is rapidly charged and discharged, the heat generated on one side of the electrode leads 120 of the battery cell 100 can be transferred to other parts through the cooling medium inside the cooling member 300, thereby minimizing the temperature difference within the battery cell 100. Therefore, the lifespan of the battery cell 100 can be extended, and the performance of the battery cell 100 can be maximized.

[0099] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 4The battery pack 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a cooling plate 400. Cooling channels C may be formed in the cooling plate 400. The cooling plate 400 may be disposed inside the battery pack housing 200. The cooling plate 400 may be disposed between the battery pack housing 200 and the individual battery cells 100.

[0100] For example, cooling plates 400 can be disposed at the top and bottom of the battery cell 100. In this case, cooling plates 400 may include a first cooling plate 410 disposed at the bottom of the battery cell 100 and a second cooling plate 420 disposed at the top of the battery cell 100.

[0101] The first cooling plate 410 and the second cooling plate 420 can be connected by the cooling component 300, so that the cooling medium can move toward each other.

[0102] According to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, the cooling medium can cool both sides of the battery cell 100 from above and below, thereby ensuring the effective cooling performance of the battery pack 1.

[0103] The cooling plate 400 can be configured as a single plate. The first cooling plate 410 can be configured to mount the battery cell 100 thereon. In addition, the second cooling plate 420 can be configured to cover the top of the battery cell 100.

[0104] According to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, the cooling plate 400 and the battery pack housing 200 can be manufactured separately and then easily assembled to achieve a cooling structure for the battery cell 100, such as a cooling channel C. Therefore, assembly efficiency is ensured during the manufacturing of the battery pack 1, and productivity can be increased by reducing costs and time.

[0105] Alternatively, cooling channels C can be provided on both sides of the plurality of battery cells 100. Cooling channels C may include a first cooling channel C1 provided on one side of the plurality of battery cells 100 and a second cooling channel C2 provided on the other side of the plurality of battery cells 100.

[0106] For example, the first cooling channel C1 can be located at the bottom of the plurality of battery cells 100, and the second cooling channel C2 can be located at the top of the plurality of battery cells 100. That is, the first cooling channel C1 can be disposed in the first cooling plate 410, and the second cooling channel C2 can be disposed in the second cooling plate 420.

[0107] According to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, the battery cell 100 or battery module 10 can be cooled from both sides, thereby minimizing the accumulation of heat energy in the battery cell 100. In particular, the cooling performance of the battery pack 1 can be ensured by minimizing the heat generated in the battery cell 100 due to charge-discharge cycles under normal conditions. In addition, according to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, the temperature deviation within the battery cell 100 can be minimized by uniformly cooling the battery cell 100 from both sides.

[0108] In this configuration, the inlet 320 and outlet 330 of the cooling component 300 can be located on opposite sides. For example, the inlet 320 of the cooling component 300 can be configured to allow the cooling medium to flow from the second cooling channel C2 into the cooling path P. The outlet 330 of the cooling component 300 can be configured to allow the cooling medium to discharge from the cooling path P into the first cooling channel C1.

[0109] Therefore, the cooling medium can be configured to flow sequentially through the second cooling channel C2, the cooling path P, and the first cooling channel C1.

[0110] According to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, the cooling medium within the cooling path P can flow naturally by gravity and contact the entire surface of the battery cell 100. Therefore, effective heat transfer across the surface of the battery cell 100 can be achieved, thereby minimizing the temperature difference within the battery cell 100.

[0111] Reference Figure 2 The cooling plate 400 may have an inlet 320 and an outlet 330. The inlet 320 and outlet 330 may be configured to connect the cooling channel C to a cooling pipe or the like located outside the battery pack 1.

[0112] Inlet 320 can be configured to allow cooling medium to flow from the outside of battery pack 1 into cooling plate 400. Outlet 330 can be configured to discharge cooling medium from cooling plate 400 to the outside of battery pack 1. Inlet 320 and outlet 330 can be configured to connect to cooling channel C.

[0113] Specifically, the first cooling plate 410 may have a first inlet 320 and a first outlet 330. In addition, the second cooling plate 420 may have a second inlet 320 and a second outlet 330.

[0114] For example, cooling medium introduced through the second inlet 320 can move from the second cooling channel C2 to the first cooling channel C1 through the cooling member 300, and then be discharged through the first outlet 330. Alternatively, cooling medium introduced through the second inlet 320 of the second cooling plate 420 can flow through the second cooling channel C2 within the second cooling plate 420, and then be discharged through the second outlet 330.

[0115] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 The battery pack housing 200 may include a base frame 210 and multiple side frames 220.

[0116] The base frame 210 can be configured to house multiple battery cells 100 thereon. The base frame 210 can form the lower surface of the battery pack housing 200 and can be configured in the shape of a square plate. In addition, the base frame 210 can have a flat upper surface to stably house the battery cells 100 or battery modules 10 thereon.

[0117] Multiple side frames 220 may be configured to extend upward from each edge 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 include: a right wall at the +X direction end of the base frame 210, a rear wall at the +Y direction end, a left wall at the -X direction end, and a front wall at the -Y direction end, thereby forming the side surface of the battery pack housing 200.

[0118] Additionally, the battery pack housing 200 may include a crossbeam 230. The crossbeam 230 may be configured to divide the internal space of the battery pack housing 200. The crossbeam 230 may be configured to separate multiple battery cells 100 or multiple battery modules 10. The crossbeam 230 may be configured to extend in the left-right and / or front-back directions of the battery pack housing 200.

[0119] Multiple crossbeams 230 can be provided. The crossbeams 230 can be configured to connect opposing side frames 220 among multiple side frames 220. For example, as... Figure 2 As shown, multiple battery modules 10 can be arranged in four rows and two columns via crossbeams 230.

[0120] On the other hand, the battery pack housing 200 may also include a cover frame 240. The cover frame 240 may be configured to cover the top of a plurality of battery cells 100. The cover frame 240 may be configured to form the upper surface of the battery pack housing 200. The cover frame 240 may be integrated with the side frame 220. Alternatively, the cover frame 240 may be configured to be integral with the side frame 220.

[0121] As another embodiment of this disclosure, with Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the cooling channel C may be formed in the battery pack housing 200 instead of in the cooling plate 400.

[0122] Cooling channels C can be formed in the internal space of the battery pack housing 200. Here, the internal space of the battery pack housing 200 can refer to a predetermined space separately provided in the battery pack housing 200, or it can refer to a hollow space formed in the multiple beams or frames constituting the battery pack housing 200.

[0123] The cooling channel C can be configured as a hollow space formed within the frame of the battery pack housing 200 to allow the cooling medium to flow through the hollow space. Alternatively, the cooling channel C can be configured as a pipe within the interior space of the frame of the battery pack housing 200.

[0124] For example, a first cooling channel C1 can be formed in the base frame 210, and a second cooling channel C2 can be formed in the cover frame 240.

[0125] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 8 This is a partially cut-away perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0126] On the other hand, refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 To enhance the fixing force between the cooling plate 400 and the cooling member 300, the cooling member 300 can be configured such that its end is inserted into the cooling plate 400. Specifically, the cooling member 300 can be configured such that its end is inserted into the side surface of the cooling plate 400 where the cooling channel C is formed. For example, the lower end of the cooling member 300 can be configured to be inserted into the first cooling plate 410. Additionally, the upper end of the cooling member 300 can be configured to be inserted into the second cooling plate 420.

[0127] According to the configuration implemented in this disclosure, since the cooling member 300 is inserted into the cooling plate 400 and supported from both sides, the fixing force between the cooling member 300 and the cooling plate 400 can be further enhanced. Furthermore, according to the configuration implemented in this disclosure, the possibility of separation between the battery cell 100 and the cooling member 300 due to high-temperature and high-pressure exhaust or flame ejection from the cooling member 300 or bending deformation of the cooling member 300 caused by the internal pressure of the exhaust can be reduced. Therefore, the arrangement of the battery cell 100 and the cooling member 300 can be stably maintained, thereby improving cooling performance.

[0128] Furthermore, a stable sealing force can be ensured between the end of the cooling member 300 and the cooling plate 400. Therefore, according to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, the multiple battery cells 100 are reliably separated from each other, thereby further enhancing heat transfer between them.

[0129] Alternatively, the cooling member 300 can be configured to overlap perpendicularly with the cooling channel C. In this case, the inlet 320 and outlet 330 of the cooling member 300 can also be configured to be inserted into the cooling plate 400. The inlet 320 and outlet 330 can be configured to communicate with the cooling channel C after being inserted into the cooling plate 400.

[0130] In this configuration, the cooling channel C may have a cooling connection hole H1. The cooling connection hole H1 can be configured to connect the cooling channel C to at least one of the inlet 320 and the outlet 330. For example, the cooling connection hole H1 can be formed in a first cooling channel C1 and a second cooling channel C2. The cooling connection hole H1 can be positioned corresponding to the inlet 320 and the outlet 330. The inlet 320 and the outlet 330 can be inserted into the cooling connection hole H1. Therefore, the inlet 320 and the outlet 330 can be configured to be in close contact with the cooling connection hole H1 without any gaps.

[0131] According to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, a stable sealing force can be ensured between the inlet 320 or outlet 330 of the cooling member 300 and the cooling channel C. Therefore, when the cooling medium discharged from the cooling path P of the cooling member 300 moves to the cooling channel C through the cooling connection hole H1, leakage of the cooling medium into the receiving space where the battery cell 100 is provided can be prevented.

[0132] Figure 9 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0133] According to embodiments of this disclosure, an exhaust passage V may be formed in the battery pack 1. The exhaust passage V may be configured to allow exhaust gas generated from the battery cell 100 to flow into it. The exhaust passage V may be configured to extend in at least one direction.

[0134] The exhaust passage V can be configured to be recessed inward from the inner surface of the cooling plate 400. More specifically, the cooling plate 400 can have a plurality of ribs R, and the exhaust passage V can be formed by a plurality of ribs R spaced apart from each other. That is, the exhaust passage V can be defined as the space between two adjacent ribs R and can provide a predetermined space through which exhaust flows. In this case, the ribs R can be configured to extend in at least one direction.

[0135] According to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, exhaust gas generated from the battery cell 100 can flow directly into the exhaust channel V. As described above, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 100 and high-temperature gas or flame is generated, the battery pack 1 according to this disclosure can exhaust gas in a specific direction rather than in all directions. Therefore, high-temperature gas or flame can be rapidly discharged to the outside of the battery pack 1 through the exhaust channel V, thereby minimizing heat propagation to other battery cells 100.

[0136] Typically, when gas is emitted from the battery cell 100, electrode plate particles or active material particles inside the battery cell 100 may be heated to high temperatures and emitted to the outside, and these high-temperature particles may appear in the form of sparks. The battery pack 1 according to this disclosure can prevent high-temperature particles emitted from the battery cell 100 from easily escaping directly to the outside of the battery pack 1, and ensures that the particles are sufficiently cooled as they move through the space between the ribs R, thereby preventing them from acting as an ignition source outside the battery pack 1.

[0137] Furthermore, multiple venting channels V can be provided. Each venting channel V can be configured to correspond to at least a portion of the battery cells 100. Each venting channel V can be individually connected to at least a portion of the battery cells 100. For example, as... Figure 9 As disclosed in the illustrated embodiment, an exhaust passage V can be provided for every two battery cells 100. Therefore, exhaust gas emitted from the battery cell 100 can be prevented from moving to another exhaust passage V.

[0138] According to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, exhaust can be prevented from flowing to other battery cells 100 by providing an exhaust channel V for each group of battery cells 100, thereby minimizing thermal damage to other battery cells 100.

[0139] Specifically, refer to Figure 9 Multiple exhaust channels V can be grouped. Multiple exhaust channels V can be provided for each battery module 10.

[0140] According to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, since the exhaust channels V are grouped and provided for each battery module 10, gas generated in any battery module 10 can move independently to the exhaust channel V. Therefore, according to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, exhaust gas can be prevented from moving to the battery cells 100 disposed in other battery modules 10, thereby minimizing thermal damage to other battery modules 10. Thus, the propagation of thermal runaway within the battery pack 1 can be prevented or suppressed, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of the battery pack 1.

[0141] Cooling channel C can be disposed on at least one side of exhaust channel V. Furthermore, exhaust channel V and cooling channel C can be configured to at least partially face each other. Cooling channel C can be disposed parallel to exhaust channel V. Exhaust channel V can extend in one direction, and cooling channel C can extend in the same direction as exhaust channel V. That is, cooling channel C can be disposed parallel to exhaust channel V. Therefore, exhaust gas within exhaust channel V can be configured to contact cooling channel C.

[0142] According to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, when thermal runaway occurs in a single battery cell 100, the heat generated by exhaust gas or flame in the exhaust passage V located on the side of the single battery cell 100 where the thermal event occurred can be cooled separately by the cooling medium in the cooling passage C. Therefore, the cooling efficiency of the battery pack 1 can be improved.

[0143] For example, although not shown in the figure, the cooling passage C can be configured to overlap with the exhaust passage V in the horizontal direction. In this case, the cooling passage C can be arranged between multiple exhaust passages V.

[0144] Alternatively, such as Figure 9 In the illustrated embodiment, the cooling channel C can be configured to at least partially overlap with the exhaust channel V in the vertical direction. In this case, the cooling channel C can be located on the side of the rib R.

[0145] In addition, the cooling channel C can be positioned further outward than the exhaust channel V. That is, the cooling channel C can be positioned further outward from the exhaust channel V relative to the battery cell 100.

[0146] According to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, the exhaust channel V can be disposed between the battery cell 100 and the cooling channel C. Therefore, exhaust gas or flame generated in the battery cell 100 can quickly move to the exhaust channel V and be cooled by the cooling medium in the cooling channel C. In other words, according to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, the heat generated by exhaust gas, etc., can be controlled more effectively. Therefore, the cooling performance of the battery pack 1 can be ensured.

[0147] Figure 10 This is an internal perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a first venting passage, and Figure 11 This is a bottom perspective view of the second cooling plate of the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which shows the second exhaust channel.

[0148] See Figure 10 and Figure 11The exhaust channel V can be configured to extend along the length of the battery cell 100. The exhaust channel V can be formed as a straight line. In particular, the battery cell 100 can be configured as a pouch cell, and the length of the exhaust channel V can be configured to correspond to the length of the battery cell 100.

[0149] When the cooling plate 400 is extruded, ribs R and exhaust channels V can be formed. When the cooling plate 400 is extruded, the ribs R can be formed to extend in the extrusion direction (X-axis direction) of the cooling plate 400. According to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, since the ribs R are integrally provided with the cooling plate 400, the process of joining the ribs R to the cooling plate 400 is unnecessary, and since there are no defects at the joining points, the possibility of gas being discharged into other exhaust channels V can be further reduced.

[0150] Additionally, multiple exhaust channels V can be arranged along the stacking direction of the battery cells 100. Furthermore, the multiple exhaust channels V can be arranged parallel to each other.

[0151] According to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, since the exhaust channels V extending in one direction are spaced apart from each other in the stacking direction of the battery cells 100, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 100, the exhaust flowing into the exhaust channel V can be further suppressed from flowing into another exhaust channel V above the rib R. Additionally, the exhaust flowing in the exhaust channel V can be prevented from diffusing in all directions and can move rapidly to the outside along the extending direction of the exhaust channel V.

[0152] The exhaust channel V can be disposed on both sides of the plurality of battery cells 100. Specifically, the exhaust channel V may include a first exhaust channel V1 and a second exhaust channel V2. The first exhaust channel V1 may be disposed on one side of the plurality of battery cells 100, and the second exhaust channel V2 may be disposed on the other side of the plurality of battery cells 100. For example, the first exhaust channel V1 may be disposed at the bottom of the plurality of battery cells 100, and the second exhaust channel V2 may be disposed at the top of the plurality of battery cells 100. The first exhaust channel V1 and the second exhaust channel V2 may be configured to face each other symmetrically.

[0153] More specifically, refer to Figure 10 Multiple first ribs R1 can be formed on the first cooling plate 410, and the first exhaust passage V1 can be formed by multiple first ribs R1 spaced apart from each other. That is, the first exhaust passage V1 can be defined as the space between two adjacent first ribs R1 and can provide a predetermined space for exhaust flow. In this case, the first ribs R1 can be configured to extend in at least one direction.

[0154] Similarly, refer to Figure 11The second exhaust passage V2 can be formed by a plurality of second ribs R2. In particular, the plurality of second ribs R2 can be formed on the second cooling plate 420.

[0155] According to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 100 and high-temperature gas or flame is generated, the exhaust can be discharged in both directions of the battery cell 100. Therefore, the high-temperature gas or flame can be rapidly discharged to the outside of the battery pack 1 through the first exhaust channel V1 and the second exhaust channel V2, thereby minimizing heat propagation to other battery cells 100.

[0156] In particular, such as Figure 3 As disclosed in the illustrated embodiment, when the battery cell 100 of this disclosure is configured as a pouch cell, the battery cell 100 can vent air toward the fold 113. The battery cell 100 can be positioned in an upright position, with the fold 113 facing upwards or downwards.

[0157] Additionally, each of the two battery cells 100 in a group can be provided with an exhaust channel V and a second exhaust channel V2, and the two battery cells 100 can be configured to face each other. That is, the folded portions 113 of the two battery cells 100 can also be configured to face each other.

[0158] In this case, such as Figure 9 As shown, the fold 113 can be located in the second exhaust passage V2. For example, as Figure 9 As shown, the fold 113 can be configured to be received within the second exhaust passage V2. Alternatively, the fold 113 can be configured to fold toward the second exhaust passage V2 and unfold to be located within the second exhaust passage V2 when the internal pressure of the battery cell 100 rises.

[0159] According to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, when the internal pressure of the battery cell 100 rises, the exhaust gas discharged by unfolding the fold 113 can be directly discharged into the exhaust channel V or the second exhaust channel V2.

[0160] Figure 12 This is a top cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which may be along... Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken from line II-II' in the diagram. Furthermore, Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which may be along... Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken from line III-III' in the diagram.

[0161] A third venting channel V3 may be formed within the battery pack housing 200. The third venting channel V3 may be configured as a hollow space within the battery pack housing 200. That is, the third venting channel V3 may be defined as a hollow space formed within one of the frames of the battery pack housing 200. The third venting channel V3 may be configured to connect to the first venting channel V1 and the second venting channel V2. Furthermore, the third venting channel V3 may be configured to communicate with the outside of the battery pack housing 200.

[0162] As a more specific example, such as Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the third exhaust passage V3 can be formed in the interior space of the side frame 220. The third exhaust passage V3 can be formed in all four walls of the side frame 220.

[0163] Therefore, as Figure 12 and Figure 13 As indicated by the thick arrows, the exhaust gas generated from the battery cell 100 can move to the first exhaust channel V1 and the second exhaust channel V2, and then to the third exhaust channel V3 formed in the side frame 220. This exhaust gas can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack housing 200.

[0164] Reference Figure 12 The battery pack housing 200 may include an exhaust device 250.

[0165] The exhaust device 250 can be configured to discharge gas generated from the battery cell 100 to the outside of the battery pack housing 200. The exhaust device 250 can be configured to open when the internal pressure rises due to the pressure of the exhaust generated inside the battery pack housing 200, thereby discharging exhaust gas to the outside of the battery pack housing 200.

[0166] The venting device 250 can be configured to open and close according to the internal pressure within the battery pack housing 200. Alternatively, the venting device 250 can be configured in the form of an orifice. On the other hand, this disclosure is not limited to a particular type or form of the venting device 250, and various venting devices 250 known at the time of filing of this disclosure can be applied to construct the battery pack 1 of this disclosure.

[0167] Specifically, the venting device 250 can be disposed on the side of the battery pack housing 200, that is, on the side frame 220. Multiple venting devices 250 can be provided. The venting device 250 can be disposed on at least one of the multiple side frames 220. The venting device 250 can be formed on two or more side frames 220 respectively, or two or more venting devices 250 can be formed on a single side frame 220.

[0168] based on Figure 12The number and location of the exhaust devices 250 described in the embodiments are merely examples, and the number and location can vary.

[0169] The exhaust device 250 can be configured to communicate with a third exhaust passage V3 formed in the side frame 220. Therefore, exhaust can be discharged from the third exhaust passage V3 to the outside of the battery pack housing 200 through the exhaust device 250.

[0170] Figure 14 This is an enlarged perspective view of the internal configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the gas connection holes.

[0171] To connect the first exhaust channel V1, the second exhaust channel V2, and the third exhaust channel V3, the battery pack housing 200 may have a gas connection hole H2 formed therein. The gas connection hole H2 may be configured to interconnect the first exhaust channel V1, the second exhaust channel V2, and the third exhaust channel V3. Figure 14 In the illustrated embodiment, the gas connection hole H2 can be disposed between the first exhaust channel V1 and the third exhaust channel V3. Alternatively, the gas connection hole H2 can be disposed between the second exhaust channel V2 and the third exhaust channel V3. That is, the gas connection hole H2 can be disposed between the base frame 210 and the side frame 220, and between the cover frame 240 and the side frame 220.

[0172] Reference Figure 14 The gas connection hole H2 can be disposed in the inner surface of the side frame 220. The gas connection hole H2 can be disposed on the surface of the side frame 220 facing the battery cell 100 or the battery module 10. The gas connection hole H2 can be formed by being surrounded by two adjacent ribs R and the side frame 220.

[0173] Multiple gas connection holes H2 can be provided. For example, multiple gas connection holes H2 can be arranged along the alignment direction of the first exhaust channel V1 and the second exhaust channel V2. Furthermore, the gas connection holes H2 can be provided in each of the first exhaust channel V1 and the second exhaust channel V2. That is, each gas connection hole H2 can be configured to correspond to each of the multiple first exhaust channels V1 and the second exhaust channel V2. The gas connection holes H2 can be provided at various locations where the multiple first exhaust channels V1 and the second exhaust channels V2 connect to the side frame 220.

[0174] According to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, exhaust gas generated from a single battery cell 100 can flow into a first exhaust channel V1 and a second exhaust channel V2 connected to the battery cell 100, and then move to a third exhaust channel V3 through a gas connection hole H2 connected to the first exhaust channel V1 and the second exhaust channel V2. Therefore, by defining the ribs R of the first exhaust channel V1 and the second exhaust channel V2, the possibility of exhaust gas diffusing into other first exhaust channels V1 and second exhaust channels V2 can be greatly reduced.

[0175] Return to reference Figure 12 and Figure 13 A fourth venting channel V4 can be formed within the battery pack housing 200. The fourth venting channel V4 can be configured as a hollow space within the battery pack housing 200. That is, the fourth venting channel V4 can be defined as a hollow space formed within the frame of the battery pack housing 200. The fourth venting channel V4 can be configured to communicate with the first venting channel V1, the second venting channel V2, and the third venting channel V3. As a more specific example, such as... Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the fourth exhaust passage V4 can be formed in the internal space of the crossbeam 230.

[0176] Therefore, as Figure 12 As indicated by the thick arrows, exhaust gas generated from the battery cell 100 can move to the first exhaust channel V1 and the second exhaust channel V2, and then to the third exhaust channel V3 formed in the side frame 220 and the fourth exhaust channel V4 formed in the crossbeam 230.

[0177] According to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, exhaust gas emitted from the battery cell 100 or battery module 10 in contact with the crossbeam 230 can be directly moved to the fourth exhaust channel V4 formed in the crossbeam 230, so that exhaust gas can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack housing 200 more quickly.

[0178] In this configuration, the gas connection hole H2 can be configured to connect the first exhaust passage V1 and the fourth exhaust passage V4, as well as the second exhaust passage V2 and the fourth exhaust passage V4, to each other. Although not shown in the figure, the gas connection hole H2 can be located between the first exhaust passage V1 and the fourth exhaust passage V4, and between the second exhaust passage V2 and the fourth exhaust passage V4. That is, the gas connection hole H2 can be located between the base frame 210 and the crossbeam 230, and between the cover frame 240 and the crossbeam 230. In other words, the gas connection hole H2 can be located on both longitudinal sides of the first exhaust passage V1 and the second exhaust passage V2. Furthermore, the gas connection hole H2 can be located on the outer surface of the crossbeam 230.

[0179] According to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, exhaust gas generated from the battery cell 100 can flow into the first exhaust passage V1 and the second exhaust passage V2 connected to the battery cell 100, and can be moved to the fourth exhaust passage V4 through the gas connection hole H2 connected to the first exhaust passage V1 and the second exhaust passage V2.

[0180] In other words, exhaust can flow into the first exhaust channel V1 located at the bottom of the battery cell 100 and the second exhaust channel V2 located at the top, and the exhaust flowing through the first exhaust channel V1 and the second exhaust channel V2 can flow into the third exhaust channel V3 and / or the fourth exhaust channel V4 through the gas connection holes H2 provided on both sides (see...). Figure 12 (The thick arrow in the image). Afterward, the exhaust flowing through the fourth exhaust passage V4 can move to the third exhaust passage V3. This exhaust can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack housing 200 via an exhaust device 250 connected to the third exhaust passage V3.

[0181] According to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, exhaust gas can flow directly to the third exhaust passage V3 of the side frame 220 equipped with exhaust device 250, so that exhaust gas can be quickly discharged to the outside of the battery pack housing 200.

[0182] Figure 15 This is a bottom perspective view of a battery module included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0183] On the other hand, the battery module 10 included in the battery pack 1 according to this disclosure may also include a module housing 11. The module housing 11 may be configured to form empty spaces therein and to accommodate at least a portion of the battery cells 100 in the internal space. In particular, the module housing 11 may be configured to accommodate the battery cells 100. That is, the module housing 11 may be a boundary that groups the multiple battery cells 100 into multiple battery modules 10 and physically defines the internal space of each battery module 10.

[0184] 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.

[0185] Additionally, the bottom and top surfaces of the module housing 11 can be configured to be at least partially open. For example, although not shown in the figures, vent holes can be formed in the top and bottom surfaces of the module housing 11, respectively. The vent holes can be formed by perforating the bottom surface of the module housing 11. The vent holes can be configured to allow gas generated from the battery cell 100 housed within the module housing 11 to be discharged to the outside of the module housing 11.

[0186] Alternatively, such as Figure 15 As disclosed in the illustrated embodiment, the top and bottom surfaces of the module housing 11 can be configured to be completely open. Therefore, the module housing 11 can be configured to cover four of the six sides of the plurality of battery cells 100, excluding the top and bottom surfaces. In this case, the module housing 11 can be configured in a rectangular shape when viewed from above.

[0187] According to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, exhaust gas or flame generated from the battery cell 100 within the module housing 11 can flow directly into the exhaust passage V and the second exhaust passage V2 located at the top and bottom. Therefore, exhaust gas generated from the battery module 10 can be quickly discharged to the outside of the battery pack 1, thereby ensuring the safe venting performance of the battery pack 1.

[0188] Furthermore, according to the configuration implemented above in this disclosure, since there are no top and bottom surfaces of the module housing 11, the battery cell 100 can directly face the cooling channel C. In particular, the side of the battery cell 100 without the fold 113 can directly face the cooling channel C. Therefore, the cooling medium in the cooling channel C can directly cool the battery cell 100, thereby ensuring the effective cooling performance of the battery pack 1.

[0189] Figure 16 This is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0190] Reference Figure 16 A vehicle V according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more battery packs 1 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 may include four-wheeled vehicles and two-wheeled vehicles. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the vehicle V can be operated by receiving power from the battery pack 1.

[0191] 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 deviations are possible by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains without departing from the technical concept of this disclosure and the equivalent scope of the claims described below.

Claims

1. A battery pack, comprising: Multiple battery cells; A battery pack housing configured to accommodate the plurality of individual battery cells; A cooling channel is disposed on at least one side of the plurality of battery cells and configured to allow a cooling medium to flow. as well as A cooling component is disposed between a portion of the plurality of battery cells and has a cooling path formed in the cooling component to communicate with the cooling channel.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, The cooling component includes: An inlet, configured to allow cooling medium to flow from the cooling channel into the cooling path; and An outlet, configured to discharge cooling medium from the cooling path into the cooling channel.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, in, The cooling passage is configured to communicate with at least one of the inlet and the outlet.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, The cooling path is designed using topology optimization.

5. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, The cooling path is configured to be substantially mesh-like.

6. The battery pack according to claim 1 further includes a cooling plate, the cooling plate being disposed inside the battery pack housing and having the cooling channel formed inside the cooling plate.

7. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, The cooling channel includes: A first cooling channel, located at the bottom of the battery cell; and The second cooling channel is located at the top of the battery cell.

8. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, The cooling component is configured to overlap the cooling channel in the vertical direction.

9. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, An exhaust channel is formed on the inside of the cooling channel, allowing exhaust gas generated in the battery cell to flow into the exhaust channel.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9, in, The exhaust channel is configured to extend along the length of the battery cell.

11. The battery pack according to claim 9, in, The exhaust passage includes: A first venting channel, located at the bottom of the battery cell; and The second exhaust channel is located at the top of the battery cell.

12. The battery pack according to claim 11, in, The battery pack housing has: A third exhaust channel is formed as a hollow space within the battery pack housing, and the third exhaust channel is configured to connect to the first exhaust channel and the second exhaust channel and communicate with the outside of the battery pack housing.

13. The battery pack according to claim 12, in, The battery pack housing includes: An exhaust device configured to communicate with the third exhaust passage and to discharge exhaust gas from the third exhaust passage to the outside.

14. The battery pack according to claim 12, in, The battery pack housing includes: A crossbeam is configured to group the plurality of battery cells, and the crossbeam has a fourth exhaust channel formed in the interior space of the crossbeam to communicate with the first exhaust channel, the second exhaust channel and the third exhaust channel.

15. The battery pack of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of module housings configured to receive the plurality of battery cells and configured such that the top and bottom surfaces are at least partially open.

16. A vehicle comprising the battery pack of any one of claims 1 to 15.

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