Battery pack

Abstract

The battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a case providing an internal space, a battery module accommodated in the internal space, an outer cover covering the battery module, and an inner cover forming a gap between the battery module and the outer cover and communicating the gap with an outside of the case.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0152575 filed on November 15, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety in the specification and drawings. [Background technology]

[0003] With the rapid increase in demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, video cameras, and mobile phones, and the full-scale commercialization of robots and electric vehicles, active research is being conducted on high-performance secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged.

[0004] Secondary batteries currently in commercial use include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries. Of these, lithium secondary batteries are attracting attention due to the advantages they have over nickel-based secondary batteries, such as almost no memory effect, which allows them to be charged and discharged freely, a very low self-discharge rate, and a high energy density.

[0005] Such lithium secondary batteries mainly use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as positive and negative active materials, respectively, and include an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate coated with the positive and negative active materials are arranged with a separator sandwiched therebetween, and an exterior material, i.e., a battery case, that seals and houses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0006] In general, lithium secondary batteries are classified according to the shape of their exterior material into can-type secondary batteries in which an electrode assembly is housed in a metal can and pouch-type secondary batteries in which an electrode assembly is housed in a pouch made of an aluminum laminate sheet.

[0007] Recently, secondary batteries are widely used for driving and energy storage not only in small devices such as portable electronic devices but also in medium- to large-sized devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS). A battery module can be configured by electrically connecting multiple secondary batteries and storing them together inside a module case. A battery pack can also be configured by connecting multiple battery modules.

[0008] However, when multiple secondary batteries (battery cells) or multiple battery modules are densely packed in a small space, they may be vulnerable to thermal events. In particular, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs in any battery cell, high-temperature gas, flames, heat, etc. may be generated. If such gas, flames, heat, etc. are transmitted to other battery cells included in the same battery module, an explosive chain reaction situation such as thermal propagation may occur. Furthermore, such a chain reaction may not only cause accidents such as fire or explosion in the battery module, but may also cause fire or explosion in other battery modules.

[0009] Furthermore, in the case of medium to large battery packs such as electric vehicles, the risk of thermal chain reactions may be further increased since a large number of battery cells and battery modules are included to increase the output and / or capacity. In addition, in the case of battery packs mounted on electric vehicles, users such as drivers may be present in the vicinity. Therefore, if a thermal event occurring in a particular battery module cannot be appropriately controlled and a chain reaction occurs, it may cause not only serious property damage but also loss of human life. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] The present invention is directed to solving these and other problems.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack capable of suppressing heat propagation.

[0012] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a battery pack that can vent gases and flames caused by a thermal event to the outside.

[0013] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a battery pack with improved assembly or productivity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] To achieve the above object, a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a case providing an internal space, a battery module accommodated in the internal space, an outer cover covering the battery module, and an inner cover forming a gap between the battery module and the outer cover and communicating the gap with an outside of the case.

[0015] The battery pack may further include a partition wall that divides the internal space into a plurality of spaces.

[0016] The case may include a base plate and a peripheral wall protruding from the base plate, the battery module may be accommodated in an accommodation space formed by the peripheral wall and the partition wall, and the inner cover may be at least partially accommodated in the accommodation space.

[0017] The outer cover may include a first part fastened to the peripheral wall and a second part forming an opening with the peripheral wall, the opening communicating with the gap.

[0018] The fuel cell may further include a gasket located between the first part and the peripheral wall.

[0019] The inner cover may include a plate located between the battery module and the outer cover, and a guide protruding from the plate toward the outer cover.

[0020] The guide may also extend along the periphery of the plate and be in close contact with the partition wall or the peripheral wall.

[0021] The battery pack may further include a partition wall dividing the internal space into a plurality of spaces, and the plate may be located lower than an upper end of the partition wall.

[0022] The inner cover may be fitted between the peripheral wall and the partition wall.

[0023] The plate may also include a plurality of holes.

[0024] The battery module may include a body having a battery cell in contact with the plate and a terminal formed at least at one end of the body, and the plurality of holes may include a first hole facing the body and a second hole having a diameter larger than a diameter of the first hole and facing the terminal.

[0025] In addition, the plate may be in close contact with the battery module, and the inner cover may further include a protrusion protruding from a lower portion of the plate to fix a position of the battery module.

[0026] In order to achieve the above object, a vehicle according to the present invention includes a battery pack according to the present invention. Effect of the Invention

[0027] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, a battery pack capable of suppressing heat propagation can be provided.

[0028] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, a battery pack can be provided that can vent gases and flames caused by a thermal event to the outside.

[0029] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, a battery pack with improved assembly or productivity can be provided.

[0030] In addition, the present invention can have various other effects, which will be described in each embodiment, or the description of effects that can be easily inferred by those skilled in the art will be omitted.

[0031] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to further understand the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an isolated configuration of a portion of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is a diagram showing an inner cover according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a part of a cross section taken along line AA' in FIG. 1; [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the battery pack according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a part of a cross section taken along line AA' in FIG. 1; [Figure 7] 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic cross-sectional configuration taken along line BB' in FIG. 1; [Figure 8] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an inner cover of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9]13 is a view showing an inner cover of a battery pack according to still another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 10] 13 is a view showing an inner cover of a battery pack according to still another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 11] 13 is a view showing an inner cover of a battery pack according to still another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 12] 13 is a view showing an inner cover of a battery pack according to still another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 13] 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-sectional configuration of a battery pack according to still another embodiment of the present invention taken along line AA' of FIG. 1; [Figure 14] 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-sectional configuration of a battery pack according to still another embodiment of the present invention taken along line AA' of FIG. 1; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, the terms and words used in the present specification and claims are not to be construed as being limited to their ordinary and dictionary meanings, but are to be construed as having meanings and concepts according to the technical ideas of the present invention, in accordance with the principle that the inventors themselves can appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe the invention.

[0034] Therefore, it should be understood that the configurations shown in the embodiments described in this specification are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical idea of ​​the present invention, and therefore there may be various equivalents and modifications that can be substituted therefor at the time of this application.

[0035] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a battery pack 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a view showing a part of the configuration of the battery pack 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention in an isolated state.

[0036] 1 and 2, a battery pack 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a case 100, a battery module 200, an outer cover 300, and an inner cover 400.

[0037] The case 100 may be configured to provide an internal space. The case 100 may be configured to cover at least a portion of the exterior of the battery module 200. The case 100 may also be configured to define an internal space and accommodate the battery module 200 in the internal space. At least one side of the case 100 may be provided with a pack terminal. The pack terminal may function as a terminal capable of transmitting and receiving power to and from an external charging device and discharging device for the battery pack 1000. The case 100 may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape with at least a portion of the upper part being open.

[0038] The battery module 200 may be accommodated in an internal space provided by the case 100. The battery module 200 may include one or more battery cells and be configured to store and release energy. Here, each battery cell may refer to a secondary battery. Also, a plurality of battery modules 200 may be included in the battery pack 1000. In particular, in order to improve the capacity and / or output of the battery pack 1000, a plurality of battery modules 200 may be configured to be included in the battery pack 1000 as shown in FIG. 2. In this case, the plurality of battery modules 200 may be stacked in at least one direction. For example, referring to FIG. 2, a form in which four battery modules 200 are arranged in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction is shown.

[0039] Here, the battery cell may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a battery case. In this case, the battery cell may be a pouch-type secondary battery. Also, other types of secondary batteries, such as cylindrical batteries and square batteries, may be configured to be included in the battery module 200.

[0040] The outer cover 300 may be configured to cover the battery module 200. In this case, the outer cover 300 may be configured to cover at least a portion of the internal space provided by the case 100. When the battery pack 1000 includes a plurality of battery modules 200, the outer cover 300 may be configured to cover at least a portion of the plurality of battery modules 200. In particular, the outer cover 300 may be configured to cover upper sides of the plurality of battery modules 200. In addition, the outer cover 300 may have a rectangular plate shape.

[0041] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an inner cover 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, Fig. 3(a) is a perspective view showing the configuration of one inner cover 400, and Fig. 3(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC' in Fig. 3. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a portion of the cross section taken along line A-A' in Fig. 1.

[0042] 2, 3 and 4, the inner cover 400 may be configured to form a gap 450 between the battery module 200 and the outer cover 300. In this case, the inner cover 400 may be located between the battery module 200 and the outer cover 300. The gap 450 may be a space provided by the inner cover. Also, the gap 450 may be at least a part of the internal space provided by the case 100. When the battery pack 1000 includes a plurality of battery modules 200, the inner cover 400 may form a gap 450 between each of the plurality of battery modules 200 and the outer cover 300.

[0043] The battery pack 1000 may include the same number of inner covers 400 as the number of battery modules 200. In this case, each inner cover 400 may correspond one-to-one with the battery module 200 and cover the upper side of the corresponding battery module 200. For example, as shown in FIG 2, when the battery pack 1000 includes four battery modules 200, four inner covers 400 may be included and positioned on the upper parts of the four battery modules 200, respectively.

[0044] The inner cover 400 can connect the gap 450 to the outside of the case 100. That is, the internal space provided by the case 100 can connect to the outside of the case 100 through the inner cover 400. When a plurality of inner covers 400 are provided, the gap 450 formed by each inner cover 400 can connect to the outside of the case 100.

[0045] According to this configuration of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs in any one of the battery modules 200, the vent gas g or flame emitted from the battery module 200 can be discharged to the outside of the case 100 through the gap 450 formed by the inner cover 400. This can prevent the thermal event from being propagated to other battery modules 200 included inside the case 100, and can improve the thermal safety and thermal stability of the battery pack 1000.

[0046] 2, the battery pack 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include partitions 110 and 120 that divide the internal space into a plurality of spaces. The case 100 may also include a base plate 130 and a peripheral wall 140 protruding from the base plate 130.

[0047] The base plate 130 may have a rectangular shape. The base plate 130 may have a pair of long edges and a pair of short edges. The peripheral wall 140 may protrude upward or in the +z-axis direction around the base plate 130. The peripheral wall may have a pair of long walls and a pair of short walls. The base plate 130 and the peripheral wall 140 may define an internal space. The base plate 130 and the peripheral wall 140 may form the exterior of the battery pack 1000.

[0048] The partition walls 110, 120 are located in the internal space of the case 100, and a plurality of partition walls 110, 120 may be provided. The partition walls 110, 120 may be provided on the base plate 130 or the peripheral wall 140. The partition walls 110, 120 may be configured to divide the internal space in the horizontal or vertical direction. The battery module 200 may be formed in an accommodating space formed by the peripheral wall 140 and the partition walls 110, 120. In addition, when the peripheral wall 140 and the partition walls 110, 120 form a plurality of accommodating spaces, the battery module 200 may be accommodated in each of the plurality of accommodating spaces.

[0049] At least a portion of the inner cover 400 may be accommodated in an accommodating space formed by the peripheral wall 140 and the partition walls 110 and 120. The inner cover 400 may be seated on the upper side of the battery module 200. In this case, a portion of the inner cover 400 may be located in the accommodating space, and the remaining portion may be located outside the accommodating space. In addition, when the peripheral wall 140 and the partition walls 110 and 120 form a plurality of accommodating spaces, the inner cover 400 may be provided in each of the plurality of accommodating spaces.

[0050] According to this configuration of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs in any one of the battery modules 200, the partitions 110, 120 and the inner cover 400 can physically block the thermal event from propagating to an adjacent battery module 200. Since the thermal event is physically blocked and the vent gas g or flame emitted from the battery module 200 is exhausted to the outside of the case 100 through the gap 450 formed by the inner cover 400, the thermal safety and thermal stability of the battery pack 1000 can be further improved.

[0051] Fig. 5 is a right side view of a battery pack 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which at least a part of the internal configuration of the battery pack 1000 is shown by dotted lines for the sake of convenience.

[0052] 2 and 5, the outer cover 300 of the battery pack 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first part 310 fastened to the peripheral wall 140. The first part 310 may be a part of the outer cover 300. For example, the first part 310 may be a long edge area region of the outer cover 300. The first part 310 may be fastened to an upper part of a long wall of the peripheral wall 140 or to an upper surface of the long wall. For example, the first part 310 and the peripheral wall 140 may be fastened to each other by screws.

[0053] The outer cover 300 may also include a second part 320 that forms an opening 330 with the peripheral wall 140. The second part 320 may be a part of the outer cover 300. For example, the second part 320 may be a short edge area of ​​the outer cover 300. The second part 320 may be located on a short wall of the peripheral wall 140. The opening 330 may be formed between the second part 320 and the short wall of the peripheral wall 140. The opening 330 may be in communication with a gap 450 formed by the inner cover 400.

[0054] According to this configuration of the present invention, gas g or flames discharged from the battery module 200 due to a thermal event can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack 1000 through the gap 450 and the opening 330.

[0055] 2 and 5, the battery pack 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a gasket 500 located between the first part 310 and the peripheral wall 140. The gasket 500 may extend long along a long side of the first part 310 or the outer cover 300. The gasket 500 may be made of a material having flexibility. Thus, when the first part 310 of the outer cover 300 and the peripheral wall 140 are screwed together, a seal may be formed between the outer cover 300 and the peripheral wall 140. In addition, an opening 330 may be formed between the outer cover 300 and the second part 320 depending on the thickness of the gasket 500.

[0056] According to this configuration of the present invention, the gas g or flame discharged from the battery module 200 due to a thermal event may be discharged to the opening 330 formed by the second part 320 of the outer cover 300, rather than being discharged toward the first part 310 of the outer cover 300. That is, the discharge direction of the gas g or flame discharged from the battery module 200 due to a thermal event can be controlled.

[0057] 3 and 4, an inner cover 400 of a battery pack 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a plate 410 and guides 420, 430, and 440.

[0058] The plate 410 of the inner cover 400 may be configured to be positioned between the battery module 200 and the outer cover 300. The plate 410 may have a rectangular shape. The plate 410 may have a pair of long edges and a pair of short edges. The plate 410 may contact or be in close contact with an upper portion of the battery module 200. The plate 410 may cover an upper portion of the battery module 200. Alternatively, the plate 410 may be wider than an upper surface of the battery module 200. The plate 410 may face the outer cover 300.

[0059] The guides 420, 430, 440 of the inner cover 400 may be configured to protrude from the plate 410 toward the outer cover 300. Alternatively, the guides 420, 430, 440 may be configured to protrude from the plate 410 upward or in the +z-axis direction. The guides 420, 430, 440 may contact the outer cover 300. This allows the plate 410 and the guides 420, 430, 440 to form a predetermined space, i.e., a gap 450, therebetween. Alternatively, the gap 450 may be formed between the plate 410 and the outer cover 300.

[0060] According to this configuration of the present invention, a gap 450 is formed between the inner cover 400 and the outer cover 300, and gas g or flames discharged from the battery module 200 due to a thermal event can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack 1000 through the gap 450.

[0061] The guides 420, 430, 440 of the battery pack 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to extend along the periphery of the plate 410. For example, the guides 420, 430, 440 may extend along a pair of long and short sides of the plate 410. However, the guides 420, 430, 440 may extend along a portion of the periphery of the plate 410, and there may be a portion of the periphery of the plate 410 that is not formed. For example, the guides 420, 430, 440 may not be formed in a portion of the short side of the plate 410 adjacent to the opening 330 as shown in FIG. 3.

[0062] The guides 420, 430, 440 may protrude obliquely from the plate 410. In particular, the guides 420, 430, 440 may be formed obliquely in a direction away from the plate 410. In this case, since the guides 420, 430, 440 are formed obliquely, the inner cover 400 may be easily seated in the case 100. Alternatively, the guides 420, 430, 440 may have a shape protruding perpendicularly from the plate 410.

[0063] The guides 420, 430, 440 may be configured to fit tightly against the bulkheads 110, 120 or the peripheral wall 140. The guides 420, 430, 440 may extend at least partially around the plate 410 to fit tightly therewith, thereby forming a seal between the inner cover 400 and the bulkheads 110, 120 or between the inner cover 400 and the peripheral wall 140.

[0064] According to this configuration of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs in any of the multiple battery modules 200, the guides 420, 430, 440 of the inner cover 400 can prevent gas g or flames generated from the battery module 200 from propagating beyond the partition walls 110, 120 to an adjacent battery module 200.

[0065] 4, the battery pack 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include partitions 110 and 120 that divide the internal space into a plurality of spaces, and the plate 410 may be configured to be located lower than upper ends of the partitions 110 and 120. The plate 410 may be separated from the outer cover 300 by the height of the guides 420, 430, and 440. Thus, the plate 410 may be located lower than upper ends of the partitions 110 and 120.

[0066] According to this configuration of the present invention, even if a gap occurs between the partition walls 110, 120 and the outer cover 300, it is possible to prevent gas g or flames generated by a thermal event from leaking beyond the partition walls 110, 120 to the adjacent battery module 200.

[0067] 4, the inner cover 400 of the battery pack 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to fit between the peripheral wall 140 and the partition walls 110, 120. In this case, the inner cover 400 may be fixed between the peripheral wall 140 and the partition walls 110, 120. In addition, a seal may be formed between the inner cover 400 and the partition walls 110, 120 or between the inner cover 400 and the peripheral wall 140.

[0068] Alternatively, the inner cover 400 may be fitted between the peripheral wall 140 and the outer cover 300, and / or between the partition walls 110, 120 and the outer cover 300. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the upper end of the right guide 440 of the inner cover 400 may be fitted between the gasket 500 located at the upper end of the peripheral wall 140 and the outer cover 300. Also, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the upper end of the left guide 420 of the inner cover 400 may be fitted between the partition wall 120 and the outer cover 300.

[0069] According to this embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to further improve the connectability and assembly of the inner cover 400. In particular, in this case, even if vent gas is generated and high pressure is applied, the inner cover 400 can stably maintain its position and shape.

[0070] Also, according to this configuration of the present invention, the inner cover 400 can be assembled or fixed to the case 100 without using a separate fastening structure, thereby improving the productivity of the battery pack 1000.

[0071] 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a portion of a cross section taken along line A-A' in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a portion of a cross section taken along line B-B' in FIG. 1. Referring to FIGS. 3, 6 and 7, a plate 410 of an inner cover 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a plurality of holes 411. The plurality of holes 411 may be configured to be arranged along a long side or a short side of the plate 410. At least a portion of the plurality of holes 411 may face the battery module 200.

[0072] According to this configuration of the present invention, the gas g or flame generated in the battery module 200 due to the occurrence of a thermal event may flow into the gap 450 formed by the inner cover 400 through the holes 411. Referring to Figs. 6 and 7, the gas g generated in the battery module may move upward or in the +z-axis direction. At this time, the gas g generated in the battery module may be at high temperature and pressure, and thus the gas g or flame flowing in through the gap 450 may be discharged to the outside of the battery pack 1000 through the opening 330. At this time, the guides 420, 430, and 440 of the inner cover 400 may prevent the gas g or flame from propagating to the adjacent battery module 200.

[0073] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an inner cover 400a according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 8, the battery module 200 of the battery pack 1000 according to another embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a body 210 having a battery cell and in contact with a plate 410b. The body 210 may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape and may be configured to house the battery cell.

[0074] The battery module 200 may be configured to include a terminal 220 formed on at least one end of the body 210. The terminal 220 may function as a terminal capable of transmitting and receiving power to and from an external charging device and discharging device with respect to the battery module 200.

[0075] The multiple holes 411a, 412a may be configured to include a first hole 411a facing the body, and a second hole 412a having a diameter larger than that of the first hole 411a and facing the terminal 220. The second holes 412a may be formed to respectively correspond to the terminals 220 on both sides formed in the body 210. In this case, the first hole 411a may be located between the multiple second holes 412a.

[0076] According to this configuration of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs, the amount of gas g or flame discharged from the terminal 220 of the battery module 200 may be greater than the amount discharged from the body 210 of the battery module 200. If the diameter of the second hole 412a facing the terminal 220 is formed larger than the diameter of the first hole 411a facing the body 210, the gas g or flame may be discharged more smoothly.

[0077] 9 is a diagram showing an inner cover 400b of a battery pack 1000 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 9, the plate 410b of the battery pack 1000 according to another embodiment of the present invention may be configured to be closely coupled to the battery module 200. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the plate 410b may be configured in a form that surrounds the upper side of the battery module 200 from the outside.

[0078] More specifically, the inner cover 400b may further include protrusions 413b, 414b that protrude from the lower portion of the plate 410b to fix the position of the battery module 200. Alternatively, the protrusions 413b, 414b may protrude in the opposite direction to the guides 420b, 440b. For example, the guides 420b, 440b may protrude from the upper portion of the plate 410b, while the protrusions 413b, 414b may be formed to protrude in the lower direction along the circumferential surface of the battery module 200. In addition, the protrusions 413b, 414b may cover at least a portion of the circumferential surface of the battery module 200. Thus, the protrusions 413b, 414b may cover a gap where the battery module 200 and the plate 410b are in close contact with each other.

[0079] When a thermal event occurs, gas g or flame may be discharged into the gap space 101 between the battery module 200 and the partition wall 120, or into the gap space 102 between the battery module 200 and the peripheral wall 140. However, as in the above embodiment of the present invention, when the plate 410b is in close contact with the upper surface of the battery module 200 and the protrusions 413b and 414b cover the gap between the battery module 200 and the plate 410b, the discharged gas g or flame can be prevented from leaking into the gap between the battery module 200 and the plate 410b and flowing into the gap spaces 101 and 102. As a result, the discharged gas g or flame immediately flows into the gap 450b formed by the inner cover 400b without propagating to other parts of the battery module 200, thereby improving the thermal safety of the battery pack 1000.

[0080] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an inner cover 400c of a battery pack 1000 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 10, the inner cover 400c may be configured to include a flow guide 460c. The flow guide 460c may extend along the long side or long side guides 420c, 440c of the plate 410c. One side of the flow guides 420c, 440c may be connected to the short side guide 430c. Also, the flow guide 460c may be formed in a plurality of pieces. Also, the plurality of flow guides 460c may be arranged side by side along the short side or short side guide 430c of the plate 410c. The flow guide 460c may divide the gap 450 formed by the inner cover 400c into a plurality of flow paths.

[0081] In particular, the plurality of flow guides 460c may be arranged in a direction aligned with the stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells included inside the battery module 200 located at the bottom. For example, when the plurality of battery cells are stacked in the x-axis direction, the plurality of flow guides 460c may also be arranged in the x-axis direction. Furthermore, each unit gap 450 formed by the plurality of flow guides 460c and the long side guides 420c, 440c may be provided to correspond to one or more battery cells. For example, each unit gap 450 may be formed to correspond to one or two battery cells.

[0082] According to this configuration of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs, gas g or flames discharged from the battery module 200 can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack 1000 via the shortest or most optimal path by the flow guide 460c.

[0083] In addition, according to this configuration of the present invention, the gap 450 formed by the inner cover 400c is divided into a plurality of flow paths, so that the gas g or flame caused by a thermal event can be prevented or blocked from propagating to adjacent flow paths. Furthermore, in this case, the gas g or flame that has flowed into the gap 450 through a specific hole 411c can be prevented from flowing out to the top of another battery cell through another hole 411c. Therefore, in this case, the effect of suppressing the propagation of heat or flame between a plurality of battery cells sharing one inner cover 400c can be improved.

[0084] 11 is a diagram illustrating an inner cover 400d of a battery pack 1000 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 11, the inner cover 400d may be configured to include a blocking guide 460d. In particular, such a blocking guide 460d may be formed for each hole 411d. Also, the blocking guide 460d may protrude upward around the hole 411d. The blocking guide 460d may contact or be in close contact with the outer cover 300.

[0085] The blocking guide 460d may be formed around a portion of the hole 411d. In particular, the blocking guide 460d may be located on the opposite side of the portion from each hole 411d toward the opening 330.

[0086] According to this configuration of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs, the gas g or flame discharged from the battery module 200 is prevented from flowing back by the blocking guide 460d. That is, the gas g1 or flame that flows into the inside of the inner cover 400 through the specific hole 411d can easily move in a direction toward the opening 330. As a result, the gas g or flame can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack 1000 through the shortest or optimal path.

[0087] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, in the process in which the gas g1 and flame are discharged toward the opening 330, the gas g2 and flame can be more reliably prevented from flowing into the other holes 411d located in front.

[0088] 12 is a diagram illustrating an inner cover 400e of a battery pack 1000 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 12, the inner cover 400e may be configured to include a blocking guide 460e. The blocking guide 460e may protrude upward around the hole 411e. The blocking guide 460e may cover at least a portion of the hole 411e. The blocking guide 460e may contact or be in close contact with the outer cover 300.

[0089] The blocking guide 460e may be configured to have a shape that is inclined toward the top, or may be configured to have a curved surface, or may be configured to have a dome shape.

[0090] According to this configuration of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs, the gases g3, g4 and flames discharged from the battery module 200 are prevented from flowing back by the blocking guide 460e, and thus the gases g3, g4 and flames can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack 1000 via the shortest or most optimal path.

[0091] In addition, according to this configuration of the present invention, the gas g4 or flame discharged from a specific hole 411e can go over the blocking guide 460e provided in the other hole 411e and be discharged to the outside of the battery pack 1000 through the opening 330. Therefore, the discharge path of the gas g4 or flame is shortened, and the discharge speed of the gas g4 or flame can be increased.

[0092] 13 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional configuration of a battery pack 1000 according to another embodiment of the present invention taken along line A-A' in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 13, the partition wall 120f and the peripheral wall 140f may include a groove S1, i.e., a step portion. The groove S1 may correspond to a shape of a portion where the plate 410 of the inner cover 400 and the guides 420 and 430 are connected. The inner cover 400 may be seated in the groove S1 of the partition wall 120f and the groove S1 of the peripheral wall 140f.

[0093] According to this configuration of the present invention, the inner cover 400 can be stably supported by the partition wall 120f and the peripheral wall 140f.

[0094] Furthermore, with such a configuration of the present invention, the alignment and assembly of the inner cover 400 can be improved.

[0095] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-sectional configuration of a battery pack 1000 according to another embodiment of the present invention taken along the line A-A' in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 14, the inner cover 400g may include mounting parts 421g and 441g. The mounting parts 421g and 441g may protrude from the guides 420g and 440g toward the outside of the inner cover 400g. The mounting parts 421g and 441g may extend along the guides 420g and 440g. The mounting parts 421g and 441g may be positioned or fixed between the partition wall 120 and the outer cover 300. Also, the mounting part 421g may be positioned or fixed between the peripheral wall 140 and the outer cover 300. Alternatively, the mounting part 441g may be positioned or fixed between the gasket 500 and the outer cover 300.

[0096] According to this configuration of the present invention, the inner cover 400g can be stably supported or fixed by the partition wall 120 and the peripheral wall 140.

[0097] Furthermore, with such a configuration of the present invention, the alignment and assembly of the inner cover 400g can be improved.

[0098] The automobile V according to the present invention may include the above-described battery pack 1000 according to the present invention. The battery pack 1000 according to the present invention may be applied to automobiles such as electric automobiles and hybrid automobiles. The automobile V according to the present invention may further include various other components included in the automobile V in addition to the battery pack 1000. For example, the automobile V according to the present invention may further include a vehicle body, a motor, a control device such as an ECU (electronic control unit), etc. in addition to the battery pack 1000 according to the present invention.

[0099] Meanwhile, in this specification, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used, but such terms are used for convenience of explanation, and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art of the present invention that they may change depending on the position of the target object, the position of the observer, etc.

[0100] As described above, the present invention has been described using limited embodiments and drawings. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it goes without saying that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can make various modifications and variations within the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the following claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 100 cases 101 Interstitial Space 102 Interstitial Space 110 Bulkhead 120 Bulkhead 120f bulkhead 130 Base Plate 140 Peripheral wall 140f Peripheral wall 200 Battery Module 210 Body 220 Terminal 220 Both side terminals 300 outer cover 310 Part 1 320 Part 2 330 Opening 400 Inner cover 400a inner cover 400b inner cover 400c inner cover 400d inner cover 400e inner cover 400g inner cover 410 Plate 410b Plate 410c plate 411 hole 411a 1st hole 411c hole 411d hole 411e hole 412a 2nd hole 413b Protrusion 414b Protrusion 420 Guide 420b Guide 420c Long side guide, flow guide 420g Guide 421g Safety part 430 Guide 430c Short side guide 440 Guide 440b Guide 440c Long side guide, flow guide 440g Guide 441g Safety part 450 Unit Gap 450 Gap 450b Gap 460c Flow Guide 460d Shut-off Guide 460e Shutdown Guide 500 Gasket 1000 Battery Pack g Vent gas g1 gas g2 gas g3 gas g4 gas S1 groove V Automobile

Claims

1. A case that provides interior space and A battery module accommodated in the internal space; an outer cover for covering the battery module; the battery pack further comprising: an inner cover that defines a gap between the battery module and the outer cover, the inner cover communicating the gap with an outside of the case.

2. The interior space is divided into a plurality of spaces by partition walls. The case is A base plate; a peripheral wall protruding from the base plate; The battery module includes: The housing is accommodated in an accommodation space formed by the peripheral wall and the partition wall, The inner cover is The battery pack according to claim 1 , at least a portion of which is accommodated in the accommodation space.

3. The outer cover is A first part fastened to the peripheral wall; a second part that defines an opening with the peripheral wall; The opening is The battery pack of claim 2 in communication with the gap.

4. The battery pack of claim 3 , further comprising a gasket located between the first part and the peripheral wall.

5. The inner cover is a plate located between the battery module and the outer cover; The battery pack according to claim 2 , further comprising: a guide protruding from the plate toward the outer cover.

6. The guide is The battery pack according to claim 5 , wherein the plate extends along the periphery thereof and is in close contact with the partition wall or the peripheral wall.

7. The interior space is divided into a plurality of spaces by partition walls. The plate is The battery pack according to claim 5 , wherein the upper end of the partition is located lower than an upper end of the partition.

8. The inner cover is The battery pack according to claim 7 , wherein the battery pack is fitted between the peripheral wall and the bulkhead.

9. The plate is 6. The battery pack of claim 5, comprising a plurality of holes.

10. The battery module includes: a body including a battery cell and in contact with the plate; a terminal formed on at least one end of the body; The plurality of holes are A first hole facing the body; 10. The battery pack of claim 9, further comprising: a second hole having a diameter larger than a diameter of the first hole and facing the terminal.

11. The plate is Adhering closely to the battery module, The inner cover is The battery pack according to claim 5 , further comprising a protrusion protruding from a lower portion of the plate to fix a position of the battery module.

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

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