Battery pack for preventing gas ignition

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery pack structure comprising: a battery pack frame; a connector block mounted in the battery pack frame and exposed upward; a module array including a plurality of battery modules arranged along a width direction on a first width direction side of the connector block; and a blocking member arranged along the width direction together with the plurality of battery modules, the blocking member dividing the module array into a plurality of unit module arrays, each unit module array including one or more battery modules, wherein each blocking member includes: a partition inserted between any pair of adjacent unit module arrays and separating the pair of adjacent unit module arrays; and a pair of blocking portions extending from the partition in the first width direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0164436, filed on November 18, 2024, the entire contents of which are included in the document as part of this specification.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery pack structure in which a module array comprising multiple battery modules is housed within a battery pack frame to prevent gas ignition during thermal runaway. Background Technology

[0003] The product group offers rechargeable batteries that are easy to use and have electrical properties such as high energy density, which are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric or hybrid vehicles powered by electric drive sources.

[0004] These secondary batteries have attracted attention as a new energy source for improving eco-friendliness and energy efficiency, not only because they have the major advantage of significantly reducing the use of fossil fuels, but also because they do not produce any byproducts from energy use.

[0005] The types of rechargeable batteries widely used today include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. These rechargeable cells (i.e., individual battery cells) operate at voltages ranging from approximately 2.5 V to 4.2 V. Therefore, when higher output voltages are required, battery modules are constructed by connecting multiple battery cells in series and / or parallel, and multiple battery modules are also connected in series and / or parallel to form battery packs.

[0006] Figure 1 The structure of the battery pack is shown, and Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The battery pack module array. (Refer to...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 The battery pack P has a structure in which multiple battery modules 2 are housed in a battery pack frame 1, which includes an upper frame 11, a lower frame 12, and a gasket 13 that seals the space between the upper frame 11 and the lower frame 12. Here, the multiple battery modules 2 are mounted with their upper parts exposed on the lower frame 12 to form an array arranged along the width direction on both sides of a connector block 110 to which the battery modules 2 are electrically connected.

[0007] Furthermore, if one of the battery modules 2 experiences thermal runaway due to a short circuit or other cause, there is a risk of heat propagation between the modules, which could potentially lead to a chain reaction of thermal runaway throughout the entire battery pack. To prevent this, heat-resistant barrier members 31 are inserted between the battery modules 2 to prevent heat propagation between them.

[0008] However, when thermal runaway occurs in some or all of the battery modules 2, it generates a large amount of flammable gas and electrical sparks. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the gas is discharged in the front-rear direction of the battery module 2 and propagates in the width direction through narrow channels in the front and rear side walls of the battery pack frame 1, and the spark originates from the terminal 20 and the connector block 110 provided at the front end of the battery module 2.

[0009] Here, when the high-temperature gas encounters a spark generated from connector block 110 and external oxygen, the three elements of a flame are satisfied, leading to ignition. Similarly, when the gas melts the gasket 13 and is discharged in the front-rear direction of the battery pack frame 1, the gas ignites by contacting a spark generated from terminal 20 and external oxygen. When a flame is generated by ignition, the thermal runaway rate is much faster than the heat propagation caused by simple gas, and the risk of explosion, etc., also increases. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Technical issues

[0011] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack structure in which the risk of rapid thermal runaway and explosion caused by fire is reduced.

[0012] The purpose of this invention is to provide a battery pack structure that promotes gas emission while eliminating the risk of fire, particularly a battery pack structure in which multiple battery modules are arranged in one or more rows relative to each other and / or electrical connection portions such as connector blocks.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack structure that prevents heat propagation between modules, thereby fundamentally preventing thermal runaway at the battery pack level.

[0014] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is not limited to the above-described objectives, and other objectives and advantages of the invention not described herein may be understood through the following description and will be more clearly understood through examples of the invention. Furthermore, it will be apparent that the objectives and advantages of the invention can be embodied by the means indicated in the claims and combinations thereof.

[0015] Technical solution

[0016] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides a battery pack structure comprising: a battery pack frame; a connector block having an exposed upper portion and mounted within the battery pack frame; a module array comprising a plurality of battery modules arranged along a width direction from a first width direction end of the connector block; and a blocking member arranged along a width direction together with the plurality of battery modules, the blocking member dividing the module array into a plurality of unit module arrays, each of the plurality of unit module arrays comprising one or more battery modules.

[0017] The blocking member according to the invention comprises: a separator inserted between a pair of adjacent unit module arrays and separating the pair of adjacent unit module arrays; and a pair of blocking portions extending from the separator along a first width direction.

[0018] According to the present invention, the blocking member prevents the gas emitted from the battery module from flowing toward the connector block, while preventing sparks from being exposed to the gas emitted from the front and rear of the battery pack frame, thereby preventing the three elements of a flame from being satisfied at the front and rear of the connector block and / or the battery pack frame, and preventing the risk of rapid thermal runaway and explosion due to ignition.

[0019] The battery pack frame according to an embodiment may include: a connecting portion at which a connector block is mounted; a first receiving portion connected to a first width-direction end of the connecting portion; and a second receiving portion connected to a second width-direction end of the connecting portion. More specifically, the battery pack frame may have a shape in which the first receiving portion and the second receiving portion are substantially symmetrical or point-symmetrical with respect to the connecting portion.

[0020] Here, the module array may include: a first module array housed in a first receiving portion and arranged adjacent to a first width-direction end of the connector block; and a second module array housed in a second receiving portion and arranged adjacent to a second width-direction end of the connector block. That is, the plurality of battery modules according to the embodiment may be arranged to have approximately left-right symmetry or point symmetry with respect to the connector block.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the battery pack frame may include: an upper frame covering the upper portion of the first module array and having a connector block mounted on it; and a lower frame covering the lower portion of the first module array. Here, the upper and lower frames can be sealed while facing each other along a single closed curve. According to one embodiment, when thermal runaway occurs in the battery modules and gas is released into the interior of the battery pack frame, the seal between the upper and lower frames may be breached due to the high temperature and pressure of the gas, and the gas may be released to the outside through the gap between the upper and lower frames.

[0022] Specifically, the upper and lower frames can be sealed by a gasket inserted therebetween. The gasket may comprise a thermoplastic synthetic resin material that can be melted by the high temperature of the gas, and in this case, the gas can be horizontally released outward through the gap between the upper and lower frames as described above.

[0023] According to an embodiment, the battery pack may further include terminals exposed at at least one of the front and rear ends of each of a plurality of battery modules intersecting the width direction. As described above, when the terminals are mounted at the front and / or rear ends of the battery modules, it facilitates the electrical connection of the battery modules arranged in the width direction to each other. However, since the area where the terminals are mounted is inevitably an area where gases generated within the battery module may be vented, in the event of gas generation during thermal runaway within the battery module, the gas is vented to the front and / or rear of the battery module.

[0024] According to the implementation, each unit module array, except for the one closest to the connector block, may include the same number or more battery modules as the number of battery modules in other unit module arrays adjacent to the second width direction end. That is, when the unit module array includes first to nth unit module arrays (n is 1 or greater), the number of battery modules constituting any (m+1)th unit module array (m is 1 or greater) is equal to or greater than the number of battery modules constituting the mth unit module array. This is because the farther a module is from the connector block, the lower the risk of thermal runaway and heat propagation to other modules.

[0025] Conversely, each unit module array, except for the one closest to the connector block, can include the same number of battery modules. In this case, the length of the blocking portion can be the same regardless of which unit module array the blocking member is arranged around, which is advantageous in terms of part versatility.

[0026] According to the embodiment, preferably, the blocking member is arranged to avoid the front and rear portions of the first unit module array closest to the connector block. When the front and rear portions of the first unit module array are blocked by the blocking member, there is a risk that gas emitted from the first unit module array in the front-rear direction may flow upwards or towards the connector block in the second width direction. In actual experiments, it was confirmed that when the gas generated from the first unit module array is emitted in the front-rear direction of the battery pack frame, the risk of fire and the rate of thermal runaway are significantly lower than when the gas is emitted towards the connector block.

[0027] According to the embodiment, it is preferable that the plurality of blocking members are arranged at a predetermined distance from each other in the width direction. Therefore, gas discharged from each of the plurality of unit module arrays and guided to flow in the first width direction can be discharged to the front and rear exterior sides of the battery pack frame through the space between the blocking members arranged at appropriate intervals. When the gas is not properly discharged in the horizontal direction, there is a risk that the gas will be discharged upwards and flow in random directions (including toward the connector block).

[0028] Preferably, a pair of blocking portions are spaced a predetermined distance or more from the front and rear of each of the plurality of battery modules. Thus, a channel is provided through which gas emitted from the battery module in the front-rear direction can flow in a first width direction, and this channel can be used to prevent gas from flowing in unintended directions such as upwards.

[0029] According to the embodiment, the distance between a pair of blocking portions in the front-to-back direction increases as the distance between the blocking member and the connector block increases. Therefore, the gas emitted from the battery module can be guided to flow more smoothly in the first width direction without generating eddies.

[0030] The present invention also provides a vehicle including a battery pack. The battery pack can be integrated into the vehicle as a power source. The vehicle can include electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, etc.

[0031] Beneficial effects

[0032] The present invention provides a battery pack structure in which the risk of rapid thermal runaway and explosion caused by ignition is reduced by preventing the three elements of flame from being satisfied at the sealing portion of the connector block and / or battery pack frame.

[0033] The present invention provides a battery pack structure that promotes gas emission while eliminating the risk of fire, particularly a battery pack structure in which multiple battery modules are arranged in one or more rows relative to each other and / or electrical connection portions such as connector blocks.

[0034] Another advantage of the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention is that it prevents heat propagation between modules, thereby fundamentally preventing thermal runaway at the battery pack level.

[0035] Furthermore, the present invention may have various other effects, and their descriptions will be given in each embodiment, or descriptions of effects that can be readily inferred by those skilled in the art will be omitted. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 The structure of the battery pack is shown, and Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The module array of the battery pack.

[0037] Figure 3 The structure of the battery pack according to the first embodiment is shown.

[0038] Figure 4 The configuration of the module array according to the first embodiment is shown.

[0039] Figure 5 The emission paths of sparks and gases in the module array according to the first embodiment are shown.

[0040] Figure 6 The configuration of the module array according to the second embodiment is shown.

[0041] Figure 7 The emission paths of sparks and gases in the module array according to the second embodiment are shown.

[0042] Figure 8 A vehicle including a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0043] [Symbol Explanation]

[0044] 1: Battery pack frame

[0045] 11: Upper Frame

[0046] 110: Connector Block

[0047] 12: Lower Frame

[0048] 121: First Reception Section

[0049] 122: Second containment section

[0050] 123: Connection part

[0051] 13: Padding

[0052] 2: Battery Module

[0053] 20: Terminal

[0054] 31: (First) Blocking component

[0055] 311: Separator

[0056] 321: Blocking part

[0057] 32: Second blocking component

[0058] 321: Separator

[0059] 322: Blocking section

[0060] A1: (First) Module Array

[0061] A2: Second Module Array

[0062] UA: Unit Module Array

[0063] A11: First Unit Module Array

[0064] A12: Second Unit Module Array

[0065] A13: Third Unit Module Array

[0066] P: Battery pack

[0067] V: Vehicle Detailed Implementation

[0068] The above-described objects, features, and advantages will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, enabling those skilled in the art to realize the technical concept of the present invention. In describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of prior art related to the present invention will be omitted where it is determined that such detailed descriptions unnecessarily obscure the spirit of the invention. Preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar parts.

[0069] Although terms such as "first" and "second" are used to describe various elements, these elements are certainly not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another, and unless otherwise specified, the first element may also be the second element.

[0070] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0071] In the following text, "arranging a component above (or below) a component" or "arranging a component at the top (or bottom) of a component" means not only "arranging a component to contact the upper (or lower) surface," but also "arranging a component above the upper (or lower) surface with another component inserted between it."

[0072] Additionally, when an element is described as being “connected to,” “linked to,” or “in contact with” another element, it should be understood that the element may be “directly connected to,” “directly linked to,” or “directly in contact with” another element, or that the element may be “connected to,” “linked to,” or “in contact with” another element, and another element is inserted therein, or that the element may be “connected to,” “linked to,” or “in contact with” another element via another element.

[0073] Unless the context clearly specifies otherwise, the singular forms used herein include the plural forms. Terms such as “consisting of” or “comprising” as used herein should not be construed as including all elements or steps described in the specification, and should be construed as excluding some elements or steps, or including additional elements or steps.

[0074] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise specified, “A and / or B” means A, B, or A and B, and unless otherwise specified, “C to D” means from equal to or higher than C to equal to or lower than D.

[0075] Throughout this specification, "width direction" refers to any horizontal direction in which the battery module is arranged, and "first width direction" and "second width direction" are directions opposite to each other and parallel to the width direction. Here, "front" and "rear" directions are defined as horizontal directions intersecting the width direction. The term "horizontal direction" refers to any height direction, such as the direction of gravity, that is independent of any absolute orientation, or a direction intersecting the vertical direction. Furthermore, when the terms "front" and "rear" are used herein, the terms "front" and "rear" essentially mean "front" and / or "rear".

[0076] Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0077] Figure 3 The structure of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 3 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the battery pack P includes: a battery pack frame 1; module arrays A1 and A2, which are housed in the battery pack frame 1 and include a plurality of battery modules 2 arranged in the width direction; and a blocking member 31, which is arranged together with the plurality of battery modules 2 in the width direction.

[0078] The battery pack frame 1 according to an embodiment may include: a connecting portion 123 in which a connector block 110 is mounted; a first receiving portion 121 connected to a first width-direction end of the connecting portion 123; and a second receiving portion 122 connected to a second width-direction end of the connecting portion 123. More specifically, the battery pack frame 1 may have a shape that is substantially symmetrical or point-symmetrical with respect to the connecting portion 123 for the first receiving portion 121 and the second receiving portion 122.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the battery pack frame 1 may include: an upper frame 11 covering the upper part of the first module array A1 and having a connector block 110 mounted thereon; and a lower frame 12 covering the lower part of the first module array A1. Here, a first receiving portion 121, a second receiving portion 122, and a connecting portion 123 may be disposed at the lower frame 12. Alternatively, the first receiving portion 121, the second receiving portion 122, and the connecting portion 123 may be areas and / or spaces defined by the upper frame 11 and / or the lower frame 12.

[0080] Here, module arrays A1 and A2 may include: a first module array A1, which is housed in a first receiving portion 121 and arranged adjacent to a first width-direction end of connector block 110; and a second module array A2, which is housed in a second receiving portion 122 and arranged adjacent to a second width-direction end of connector block 110. That is, the plurality of battery modules 2 according to the embodiment may be arranged to have approximately left-right symmetry or point symmetry with respect to connector block 110.

[0081] According to an embodiment, each of the battery modules 2 constituting the module arrays A1 and A2 may include a terminal 20 exposed at at least one of a front end and a rear end intersecting the width direction. The terminals 20 are electrically connected to each other and / or electrically connected to the connector block 110, thereby connecting the battery modules 2 to each other and / or to the outside.

[0082] When the terminals 20 are installed at the front and / or rear end of the battery module 2 as described above, it is easy to electrically connect the battery modules 2 arranged in the width direction to each other. However, since the area where the terminals 20 are installed is inevitably the area where gas generated inside the battery module 2 may be discharged, in the event of gas generation during thermal runaway in the battery module 2, the gas is discharged to the front and / or rear of the battery module 2.

[0083] According to this embodiment, the upper frame 11 and the lower frame 12 can be sealed while facing each other along a single closed curve. When thermal runaway occurs in the battery module 2 and gas is released into the interior of the battery pack frame 1, the seal between the upper frame 11 and the lower frame 12 may rupture due to the high temperature and pressure of the gas, and the gas may be released to the outside through the gap between the upper frame 11 and the lower frame 12.

[0084] Specifically, the upper frame 11 and the lower frame 12 can be sealed by a gasket 13 inserted therebetween. The gasket 13 may comprise a thermoplastic synthetic resin material that can be melted by the high temperature of the gas, and in this case, as described above, the gas can be horizontally discharged outward through the gap between the upper frame 11 and the lower frame 12.

[0085] In the following text, for ease of description, the first module array A1 will be referred to as "module array A1" without any specific limitation. The second module array A2 may have a structure corresponding to, symmetrical to, or point-symmetric with the structure of "module array A1" described below. However, this is not required.

[0086] Figure 4 The configuration of the module array according to the first embodiment is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 4 According to the first embodiment, the module array A1 includes a first unit module array A11 and a second unit module array A12. The first unit module array A11 is arranged adjacent to the first width direction end of the connector block 110 and includes one battery module 2, while the second unit module array A12 is arranged adjacent to the first width direction end of the first unit module array A11 and includes two battery modules 2.

[0087] The number of modules in the second unit module array A12 is chosen to be greater than the number of modules in the first unit module array A11 because the risk of thermal runaway or heat transfer to other modules decreases as the distance from the connector block 110 and the center of the battery pack increases, and the possibility of heat transfer due to high-temperature gases increases.

[0088] According to this embodiment, only one blocking member 31 is provided, and this single blocking member 31 blocks the front and rear of the second unit module array A12, and is configured to separate the second unit module array A12 from the first unit module array A11. That is, the blocking member 31 is positioned to avoid the front and rear of the first unit module array A11. Therefore, gas is discharged upward from the first unit module array A11 closest to the connector block 110 and flows toward the connector block 110, thereby preventing ignition caused by spark reaction generated in the connector block 110. In actual experiments, it was confirmed that when the gas generated from the first unit module array A11 is discharged in the front-rear direction of the battery pack frame 1, the risk of fire and the rate of thermal runaway are significantly lower than when it is discharged toward the connector block 110.

[0089] The blocking portion 312 of the individual blocking member 31 is spaced apart from the battery module 2 constituting the second unit module array A12 by a predetermined distance G0 in the front-back direction. Therefore, a path is provided for the gas discharged from the second unit module array A12 in the front-back direction, allowing the gas to flow in the first width direction.

[0090] Figure 5 The emission paths of sparks and gases in the module array according to the first embodiment are shown. (Refer to...) Figure 5 When thermal runaway occurs in the battery pack P according to the embodiment, the gas generated from the first cell module array A11 is directly discharged in the front-back direction, melting the gasket 13 at high temperature, and then discharged between the upper frame 11 and the lower frame 12. Here, the gas generated from the first cell module array A11 is discharged in the front-back direction rather than in the upward direction or the second width direction of the mounting connector block 110, so that although sparks are generated and come into contact with external oxygen, ignition will not occur at the connector block 110 due to insufficient combustible material.

[0091] The gas generated from the second unit module array A12 flows along a channel within the blocking member 31 in the first width direction and is then discharged in the front-rear direction. After the gasket 13 melts at high temperature, the gas is discharged between the upper frame 11 and the lower frame 12. Here, the spark generated at the terminal 20 is blocked by the blocking portion 312 of the blocking member 31, thereby preventing contact with external oxygen. Therefore, when the gas and external oxygen come into contact with each other at the front and rear of the battery pack frame 1, no energy above the ignition point is supplied, and thus ignition does not occur before the spark arrives.

[0092] In addition, according to the embodiment, the separator 311 of the blocking member 31 prevents direct heat propagation between the first unit module array A11 and the second unit module array A12, thereby suppressing the occurrence of thermal runaway in the continuous battery pack cells.

[0093] The second embodiment described below is an extended embodiment, wherein the configuration of the first embodiment is generalized or extended to include a battery pack comprising a larger number of modules.

[0094] Figure 6 The configuration of the module array according to the second embodiment is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 6 According to the first embodiment, the module array A1 includes: a first unit module array A11; a second unit module array A12; and a third unit module array A13. The first unit module array A11 may be arranged adjacent to the first width direction end of the connector block 110 and may include one battery module 2; the second unit module array A12 may be arranged adjacent to the first width direction end of the first unit module array A11 and may include two battery modules 2; and the third unit module array A13 may be arranged adjacent to the first width direction end of the second unit module array A12 and may include three battery modules 2.

[0095] In summary, in the extended second embodiment, each of the multiple unit module arrays UA (excluding the unit module array closest to connector block 110) may include the same number or more battery modules 2 as the number of battery modules 2 in other unit module arrays adjacent to the second width direction end. That is, when the unit module array includes first to nth unit module arrays UA (n is 1 or greater), the number of battery modules 2 constituting any (m+1)th unit module array (m is 1 or greater) is equal to or greater than the number of battery modules 2 constituting the mth unit module array. This is because the farther a module is from connector block 110, the lower the risk of thermal runaway and heat propagation to other modules.

[0096] Conversely, each unit module array UA (excluding the unit module array closest to connector block 110) may include the same number of battery modules 2. In this case, the length of the blocking portion 312 can be the same regardless of which unit module array the blocking member 31 is arranged around, which is advantageous in terms of part versatility.

[0097] According to the embodiment, only two blocking members 31 are provided. The blocking portion 312 of the first blocking member 31 blocks the front and rear of the second unit module array A12, and the separator 311 of the single blocking member 31 is configured to separate the second unit module array A12 and the first unit module array A11. The blocking portion 322 of the second blocking member 31 blocks the front and rear of the third unit module array A13, and the separator 321 of the second blocking member 31 is configured to separate the third unit module array A13 and the second unit module array A12. That is, the blocking members 31 are positioned to avoid the front and rear of the first unit module array A11. Therefore, gas is discharged upward from the first unit module array A11 closest to the connector block 110 and flows toward the connector block 110, thereby preventing ignition caused by spark reaction generated in the connector block 110. In actual experiments, it was confirmed that when the gas generated from the first unit module array A11 is discharged in the front-rear direction of the battery pack frame 1, the risk of fire and the rate of thermal runaway are significantly lower than when it is discharged toward the connector block 110.

[0098] According to the embodiment, the first blocking member 31 and the second blocking member 32 can be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance G in the width direction. Therefore, the gas discharged from the second unit module array A12 can flow in the front-back direction at an appropriate distance from the connector block 110 without forming eddies, backflow, or upward flow, and is discharged outside the battery pack frame 1.

[0099] In summary, preferably, the plurality of blocking members 31 and 32 are arranged at a predetermined distance from each other in the width direction. Therefore, gas discharged from each of the plurality of unit module arrays UA and guided to flow in the first width direction can be discharged to the front and rear exterior sides of the battery pack frame 1 through the space between the appropriately spaced blocking members 31 and 32. When the gas is not properly discharged in the horizontal direction, there is a risk that the gas will be discharged upwards and flow in random directions (including toward the connector block 110).

[0100] In the first embodiment, preferably, the blocking portions 312 and 322 of the blocking members 31 and 32 are spaced apart from the unit module array UA by a predetermined distance or more in the front-back direction. Specifically, the first blocking member 31 may be spaced apart from the battery module 2 constituting the second unit module array A12 by a predetermined distance G1 in the front-back direction, and the second blocking member 32 may be spaced apart from the battery module 2 constituting the third unit module array A13 by another predetermined distance G2 in the front-back direction. Thus, a channel is provided through which gas discharged from the second unit module array A12 and the third unit module array A13 in the front-back direction can flow in the first width direction.

[0101] That is, for all the blocking members 31 and 32, preferably, the paired blocking portions 312 are spaced apart from the battery module 2 by a predetermined distance in the front-rear direction. Therefore, a channel is provided through which gas discharged from the battery module in the front-rear direction can flow in the first width direction, and this channel can be used to prevent gas from flowing in unintended directions such as upwards.

[0102] Preferably, the distance between the blocking portions 312 of the first blocking member 31 in the front-back direction is equal to or less than the distance between the blocking portions 322 of the second blocking member 32 in the front-back direction. That is, preferably, the distance G1 between the blocking portion 312 of the first blocking member 31 and the battery module 2 in the front-back direction is equal to or less than the distance G2 between the blocking portion 322 of the second blocking member 32 and the battery module 2 in the front-back direction.

[0103] In summary, the distance between the pair of blocking portions 312 and 322 in the front-to-back direction increases as the distance between the blocking members 31 and 32 and the connector block 110 increases. Therefore, the gas emitted from the battery module 2 can be guided to flow more smoothly in the first width direction without generating eddies.

[0104] Figure 7 The emission paths of sparks and gases in the module array according to the second embodiment are shown. (Refer to...) Figure 7 When thermal runaway occurs in the battery pack P according to the embodiment, the gas generated from the first cell module array A11 is directly discharged in the front-back direction, melting the gasket 13 at high temperature, and then discharged between the upper frame 11 and the lower frame 12. Here, the gas generated from the first cell module array A11 is discharged in the front-back direction rather than in the upward direction or the second width direction of the mounting connector block 110, so that although sparks are generated and come into contact with external oxygen, ignition will not occur at the connector block 110 due to insufficient combustible material.

[0105] The gas generated from the second unit module array A12 and the third unit module array A13 flows along the channels inside the blocking members 31 and 32 in the first width direction and is then discharged in the front-rear direction. After the gasket 13 melts at high temperature, the gas is discharged between the upper frame 11 and the lower frame 12. Here, the spark generated at the terminal 20 is blocked by the blocking portions 312 and 322 of the blocking members 31 and 32, thereby preventing contact with external oxygen. Therefore, when the gas and external oxygen come into contact with each other at the front and rear of the battery pack frame 1, no energy above the ignition point is supplied, and therefore ignition will not occur before the spark arrives.

[0106] In addition, since the end of the blocking portion 312 of the first blocking member 31 is spaced apart from the second blocking member 32 in the width direction and / or front-back direction, the gas generated in the second unit module array A12 can be guided more smoothly in the first width direction and the front-back direction.

[0107] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the separators 311 and 322 of the blocking members 31 and 32 prevent direct heat propagation between the first unit module array A11 and the second unit module array A12, as well as between the second unit module array A12 and the third unit module array A13, thereby suppressing the occurrence of thermal runaway in the continuous battery pack cells.

[0108] Figure 8 A vehicle including a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 8 The battery pack P can be incorporated into the vehicle V as a power source. The vehicle V can include electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, etc.

[0109] It should be understood that the described embodiments are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive, and the scope of the invention will be indicated by the appended claims rather than the detailed description described herein. Furthermore, the meaning and scope of the claims described below, as well as all changes and modifications derived from equivalent concepts, should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the invention.

[0110] Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed in this specification, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Furthermore, although the operational effects of configurations according to the invention are not explicitly described in the description of embodiments of the invention, it should be understood that predictable effects will also be recognized through configuration.

Claims

1. A battery pack, the battery pack comprising: Battery pack frame; A connector block having an exposed upper portion and being mounted in the battery pack frame; A module array comprising a plurality of battery modules arranged along the width direction from a first width direction end of the connector block; as well as A blocking member is arranged together with a plurality of battery modules in the width direction, the blocking member dividing the module array into a plurality of unit module arrays, each of the plurality of unit module arrays including one or more battery modules. The blocking member includes: a separator that is inserted between a pair of adjacent unit module arrays and separates the pair of adjacent unit module arrays; and a pair of blocking portions that extend from the separator in a first width direction.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The battery pack frame includes: The connector block is mounted on the connecting portion. A first receiving portion, the first receiving portion being connected to a first width-direction end of the connecting portion; and The second receiving portion is connected to the second width direction end of the connecting portion; The module array includes: A first module array, the first module array being housed within the first receiving portion and arranged adjacent to the first width-direction end of the connector block; and The second module array is housed in the second receiving portion and arranged adjacent to the second width-direction end of the connector block.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The battery pack frame includes: an upper frame that covers the upper part of the first module array and has the connector block mounted thereon; and a lower frame that covers the lower part of the first module array.

4. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein, The liner is inserted between the upper frame and the lower frame.

5. The battery pack of claim 1, further comprising terminals exposed at at least one of the front and rear ends of each of the plurality of battery modules intersecting the width direction.

6. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of unit module arrays, except for the unit module array closest to the connector block, includes the same number of battery modules as or more than the number of battery modules in the other unit module arrays adjacent to the second width direction end.

7. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, Each unit module array, except for the one closest to the connector block, comprises the same number of battery modules.

8. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The blocking member is arranged to avoid the front and rear portions of the first unit module array closest to the connector block in the plurality of unit module arrays.

9. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of blocking members are arranged at a predetermined distance from each other in the width direction.

10. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The pair of blocking portions are spaced apart from the front and rear of each of the plurality of battery modules by a predetermined distance or more.

11. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The distance between the pair of blocking portions in the front-to-back direction increases as the distance between the blocking member and the connector block increases.

12. A vehicle comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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