Battery pack and power storage device including same

Abstract

A battery pack and a power storage device including the same are configured to direct the exhaust of vent gas in a desired direction in the event of a thermal event. According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery pack includes a cell assembly, a pack frame that houses the cell assembly therein, and a venting inducer coupled to the pack frame and configured to at least partially weaken a coupling portion with the pack frame as an internal pressure of the pack frame increases due to vent gas discharged from the cell assembly, thereby inducing the formation of an exhaust port through which the vent gas is discharged to an outside of the pack frame.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack and a power storage device including the same, and more particularly to a battery pack with enhanced stability and a power storage device including the same.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0118128 filed on September 19, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety in the specification and drawings. [Background technology]

[0003] In recent years, the demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, video cameras, and mobile phones has grown rapidly, and the development of electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots, satellites, etc. has progressed in earnest. As a result, research into high-performance secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged is being actively conducted.

[0004] Currently commercially available secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, lithium secondary batteries, etc. Among them, lithium secondary batteries have been attracting attention due to their advantages of being freely chargeable and dischargeable since they have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, as well as their extremely low self-discharge rate and high energy density.

[0005] Such a lithium secondary battery mainly uses a lithium-based oxide and a carbon material as a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material, respectively, and includes an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate coated with such a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material are arranged with a separator sandwiched therebetween, and an exterior material in which the electrode assembly is enclosed together with an electrolyte.

[0006] Meanwhile, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into can-type secondary batteries, in which the electrode assembly is housed in a metal can, and pouch-type secondary batteries, in which the electrode assembly is housed in a pouch made of an aluminum laminate sheet, according to the shape of the battery case. Furthermore, can-type secondary batteries can be classified into cylindrical secondary batteries and prismatic secondary batteries, according to the shape of the metal can.

[0007] Here, the pouch of the pouch-type secondary battery is roughly divided into a lower sheet and an upper sheet covering the lower sheet. In this case, the pouch contains an electrode assembly formed by stacking and rolling up a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator. After containing the electrode assembly, the edges of the upper and lower sheets are sealed by heat sealing or the like. In addition, the electrode tabs drawn out from each electrode are connected to electrode leads, and an insulating film may be added to the electrode leads at the portions in contact with the sealing portions.

[0008] In this way, the pouch-type secondary battery can be flexibly adapted to various shapes. In addition, the pouch-type secondary battery has the advantage that a secondary battery with the same capacity can be realized with a smaller volume and mass.

[0009] The application of such lithium secondary batteries is gradually expanding to energy storage systems (ESS), etc. In order to provide high voltage and high current, the lithium secondary batteries are used as cell modules or battery packs in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked or laminated as they are or are mounted in a cartridge or the like to form a dense structure, and then electrically connected.

[0010] In such a battery pack configuration, one of the major issues is safety. In particular, if a thermal event occurs in one of the multiple battery cells in the battery pack, it is necessary to suppress the propagation of the event to other battery cells. If the thermal propagation between the battery cells is not properly suppressed, this may cause a thermal event in multiple battery cells in the battery pack, which may lead to larger problems such as fire or explosion of the battery pack. Furthermore, fire or explosion caused by the battery pack may cause significant damage to surrounding human life and property. Therefore, a configuration capable of properly controlling the above-mentioned thermal events is required for such battery packs.

[0011] In addition, in such a battery pack, high-temperature and high-pressure vent gas may be generated inside a battery cell where a thermal event occurs. If such vent gas is randomly discharged from a pack case of the battery pack that houses the battery cells, the joints (e.g., seals) of the pack case, which have a low melting point, may be damaged first. In this case, oxygen may flow into the inside of the pack case through the joints of multiple damaged pack cases. This may increase the possibility of a fire breaking out inside the battery pack. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] The object of the present invention is to solve the above problem, and more specifically, to provide a battery pack configured to direct the exhaust of vent gas in a desired direction in the event of a thermal event, and a power storage device including the battery pack.

[0013] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery pack includes a cell assembly, a pack frame that houses the cell assembly therein, and a venting inducer coupled to the pack frame and configured to at least partially weaken a coupling portion with the pack frame as an internal pressure of the pack frame increases due to vent gas discharged from the cell assembly, thereby inducing the formation of an exhaust port through which the vent gas is discharged to an outside of the pack frame.

[0015] Preferably, the venting inducer may be configured to induce the pack frame to expand outward as the internal pressure of the pack frame increases.

[0016] Preferably, the venting induction portion may be configured to induce the space between the cell assembly and the pack frame to widen toward one side when the pack frame expands outward as the internal pressure of the pack frame increases.

[0017] Preferably, the venting inducer may be disposed between the pack frame and the cell assembly.

[0018] Preferably, the venting induction portion may be configured to be located on at least one of both sides of the cell assembly between the pack frame and the cell assembly.

[0019] Preferably, the bonding force between one region of the venting induction portion and the pack frame is configured to be weaker than the bonding force between the other region of the venting induction portion and the pack frame, and the venting induction portion may be configured to induce the formation of the exhaust outlet between the one region of the venting induction portion and the pack frame as the internal pressure of the pack frame increases.

[0020] Preferably, the pack frame may further include a support configured to support one side of the venting guide opposite an inner surface of the pack frame facing the cell assembly.

[0021] Preferably, the venting induction portion includes a body connected to the support and flanges extending from both sides of the body and connected to an inner surface of the pack frame, the flanges including a first portion extending from one side of the body and a second portion extending from the other side of the body, and the flanges in one region of the venting induction portion may be configured such that the first portion is connected to the inner surface of the pack frame and the second portion is not connected to the inner surface of the pack frame.

[0022] Preferably, the second portion may be configured to be located closer to the cell assembly than the first portion.

[0023] Preferably, the battery pack further includes a sealant configured to seal between an upper portion and a side portion of the pack frame and between a lower portion and a side portion of the pack frame, and the sealant may be disposed in the pack frame spaced apart from the venting guide in the up-down direction.

[0024] Preferably, the pack frame may be constructed so that the area facing the cell assembly is thinner than other portions.

[0025] Moreover, a power storage device according to an aspect of the present invention includes at least one battery pack according to the aspect of the present invention described above. Effect of the Invention

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, by forming a structurally weak portion at the portion where the pack frame and the venting guide are joined, it is possible to prevent the vent gas from being randomly discharged outside the pack frame, and as a result, it is possible to guide the discharge direction of the vent gas in a specific direction and also to prevent the inflow of oxygen into the pack frame.

[0027] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the vent path can be configured to incline in one direction when the internal pressure of the pack frame increases, making it easier to guide the discharge direction of the vent gas in a specific direction.

[0028] Furthermore, according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to minimize the discharge of vent gas toward the sealant during thermal runaway of the cell assembly, thereby minimizing damage to the sealant caused by the vent gas and minimizing the inflow of oxygen through the gap between the pack frames.

[0029] In addition to the above, various other effects can be achieved by various embodiments of the present invention. Such various effects of the present invention will be described in the sections of each embodiment, and descriptions of effects that can be easily understood by those skilled in the art will be omitted.

[0030] The drawings attached to this specification are intended to illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to facilitate a further understanding of the technical ideas of the present invention as well as the content of the invention, and therefore the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to only the matters depicted in the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the battery pack of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA' in FIG. [Figure 4]2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB' in FIG. [Diagram 5] 2 is a diagram showing a venting guide provided in the battery pack of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6] 2A to 2C are diagrams showing the state of a cell assembly in the battery pack of FIG. 1 before and after thermal runaway. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which vent gas is discharged from the battery pack of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion C in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion D in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 illustrates a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms and words used in this specification and claims are not to be construed as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but are to be construed as having meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical ideas of the present invention, in accordance with the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms himself in order to best describe the invention.

[0033] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiment described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely 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.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a battery pack 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the battery pack 10 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view in the A-A' direction of FIG. 1 (in detail, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view in the XY plane relative to the A-A' line of the battery pack 10 of FIG. 1).

[0035] 4 is a cross-sectional view in the direction B-B' in FIG. 1 (specifically, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view in the XZ plane relative to the line B-B' of the battery pack 10 in FIG. 1), FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a venting induction unit 300 provided in the battery pack 10 in FIG. 1, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the states before and after thermal runaway of the cell assembly 100 in the battery pack 10 in FIG. 1. In FIG. 6, FIG. 6(a) is a diagram showing the state of the battery pack 10 before the thermal runaway of the cell assembly 100, and FIG. 6(b) is a diagram showing the state of the battery pack 10 after the thermal runaway of the cell assembly 100.

[0036] In an embodiment of the present invention, the X-axis direction shown in the drawings may refer to the front-rear direction of the battery pack 10, the Y-axis direction may refer to the left-right direction of the battery pack 10 perpendicular to the X-axis direction and the horizontal plane (XY plane), and the Z-axis direction may refer to the up-down direction of the battery pack 10 perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0037] 1 to 6, a battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a cell assembly 100, a pack frame 200, and a venting guide 300.

[0038] The cell assembly 100 may include at least one battery cell. Here, the battery cell may mean a secondary battery. Such a battery cell may be provided as a pouch-type battery cell, a cylindrical battery cell, or a prismatic battery cell.

[0039] The pack frame 200 may house the cell assembly 100 therein. That is, the pack frame 200 may include a housing space for housing the cell assembly 100 therein. As an example, the pack frame 200 may include a material that is heat resistant and has a strong rigidity.

[0040] The venting inducing part 300 may be coupled to the pack frame 200 and configured to induce the formation of an exhaust port S through which the vent gas exhausted from the cell assembly 100 is exhausted to the outside of the pack frame 200 .

[0041] In a typical battery pack, an event such as a thermal runaway phenomenon may occur in at least some of the battery cells. In this case, high-temperature and high-pressure vent gas may be generated inside the battery cell where the thermal event occurred. If such vent gas is randomly discharged from the pack frame that houses the battery cells, oxygen may flow into the pack frame through a portion of the pack frame where the internal pressure has decreased due to the discharge of the vent gas. In this case, the possibility of a fire occurring inside the battery pack increases.

[0042] To solve this problem, the venting inducing unit 300 of the present invention may be configured to at least partially weaken the connection with the pack frame 200 as the internal pressure of the pack frame 200 increases due to the vent gas discharged from the cell assembly 100. Thus, when the internal pressure of the pack frame 200 increases due to the vent gas, the venting inducing unit 300 may be configured to induce the formation of an exhaust port S through which the vent gas is discharged to the outside of the pack frame 200.

[0043] That is, the venting guide 300 forms a structurally weak part at a portion coupled to the pack frame 200, and can induce the flow of vent gas to concentrate through this weak part when the internal pressure of the pack frame 200 increases due to the vent gas. In this case, the exhaust port S can be formed at this structurally weak part when the internal pressure of the pack frame 200 increases due to the vent gas. Meanwhile, when high-pressure vent gas is exhausted to the outside of the pack frame 200 through the exhaust port S, the exhaust pressure of the vent gas can prevent oxygen from flowing into the inside of the pack frame 200 through the exhaust port S.

[0044] According to this embodiment of the present invention, a structurally weak portion is provided at the portion where the pack frame 200 and the venting guide 300 are joined, thereby preventing random discharge of vent gas to the outside of the pack frame 200. This not only allows the discharge direction of vent gas to be guided in a specific direction, but also prevents oxygen from entering the inside of the pack frame 200.

[0045] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which vent gas is discharged from the battery pack 10 of Fig. 1. At this time, in Fig. 7, the vent gas is indicated by the reference character "V".

[0046] Referring to FIG. 7, the venting inducer 300 may be configured to induce the pack frame 200 to expand outward as the internal pressure of the pack frame 200 increases.

[0047] In one example, the venting induction part 300 may be configured as the above-mentioned weak part, so that when the internal pressure of the pack frame 200 increases due to the vent gas, an outlet S through which the vent gas is discharged may be formed at the part corresponding to the weak part. At this time, the pack frame 200 may be expanded outward so that the outlet S for discharging the vent gas may be easily formed at the part corresponding to the weak part.

[0048] According to this embodiment, when the internal pressure of the pack frame 200 increases, the pack frame 200 expands outward, forming an exhaust port S for discharging the vent gas, so that the vent gas can be quickly discharged into a wider range of space compared to a hole-shaped exhaust port.

[0049] In particular, the venting induction portion 300 may be configured to induce the space between the cell assembly 100 and the pack frame 200 to widen toward one side when the pack frame 200 expands outward as the internal pressure of the pack frame 200 increases.

[0050] In one example, the structurally weak portion in the portion where the venting induction portion 300 is coupled to the pack frame 200 may be located on one side of the pack frame 200 (e.g., the upper side of the pack frame 200). In this case, when the internal pressure of the pack frame 200 increases, the gap between the venting induction portion 300 and the pack frame 200 widens on one side of the pack frame 200, and the above-mentioned exhaust port S may be formed on one side of the pack frame 200. On the other hand, on the other side of the pack frame 200 where the weak portion is not located (e.g., the lower side of the pack frame 200), the coupling between the venting induction portion 300 and the pack frame 200 may be maintained.

[0051] As a result, the space between the cell assembly 100 and the pack frame 200 can be wider toward one side of the pack frame 200. In other words, the vent path P through which the vent gas is discharged when the internal pressure of the pack frame 200 increases can be configured to be wider toward one side of the pack frame 200.

[0052] According to this embodiment, the vent path P can be configured to incline toward one side when the internal pressure of the pack frame 200 increases, making it easier to guide the discharge direction of the vent gas in a specific direction.

[0053] Referring again to FIGS. 2 to 6, the venting inducing portion 300 may be disposed between the pack frame 200 and the cell assembly 100. As shown in FIG.

[0054] As a result, stress applied to the pack frame 200 by the exhaust pressure of the vent gas may be concentrated in the area facing the cell assembly 100. In this case, stress is applied to the pack frame 200 by the exhaust pressure of the vent gas applied to the pack frame 200, and the gap between the venting guide portion 300 and the pack frame 200 at the aforementioned weak portion may be more easily expanded.

[0055] According to this embodiment, the exhaust pressure of the vent gas generated by thermal runaway of the cell assembly 100 can easily form an exhaust port S in the pack frame 200.

[0056] Meanwhile, the aforementioned pack frame 200 may include a side plate 210 , an upper plate 220 and a lower plate 230 .

[0057] The side plate 210 may constitute a side surface of the pack frame 200. In this case, the venting guide 300 may be coupled to the side plate 210 and disposed between the side plate 210 and the cell assembly 100. In this case, stress due to the exhaust pressure of the vent gas may be concentrated on the side plate 210.

[0058] Specifically, the side plate 210 may include a front plate 212 and a rear plate 214 .

[0059] The front plate 212 may form the front side of the pack frame 200 .

[0060] The rear plate 214 may form the rear side of the pack frame 200 .

[0061] In an embodiment of the present invention, when the battery pack 10 is in close contact with a wall of the installation space depending on the installation environment, the above-mentioned venting guide 300 may be configured to be coupled to an inner surface of the front side of the pack frame 200. As an example, as shown in Figures 2 to 7, the venting guide 300 may be coupled to an inner surface of the front plate 212, and the rear plate 214 may be in close contact with the wall of the installation space.

[0062] Meanwhile, although not shown, the above-mentioned venting guide 300 may be coupled to an inner surface of the rear plate 214. In this case, the front plate 212 may be in close contact with the wall of the installation space.

[0063] The upper plate 220 may be configured to cover the upper portion of the cell assembly 100. The upper plate 220 may be connected to the upper end of the side plate 210.

[0064] The lower plate 230 may be configured to cover the lower portion of the cell assembly 100. The lower plate 230 may be connected to the lower end of the side plate 210.

[0065] In particular, the venting induction portion 300 may be configured to be located on at least one of both sides of the cell assembly 100 between the pack frame 200 and the cell assembly 100 .

[0066] As a result, the stress applied to the pack frame 200 by the exhaust pressure of the vent gas may be concentrated over almost the entire area of ​​the pack frame 200 that faces the cell assembly 100.

[0067] In this case, the exhaust pressure of the vent gas applied to the pack frame 200 may cause the gap between the venting induction part 300 and the pack frame 200 to widen at a portion corresponding to a weak part of the venting induction part 300 located on at least one of both sides of the cell assembly 100.

[0068] According to this embodiment, when the internal pressure of the pack frame 200 increases, the exhaust port S for discharging the vent gas can be made wider, thereby enabling the vent gas to be discharged to the outside more quickly.

[0069] 2 to 7, the bonding force between one region of the venting inducing part 300 (e.g., an upper region of the venting inducing part 300) and the pack frame 200 may be configured to be weaker than the bonding force between the other region of the venting inducing part 300 (e.g., a lower region of the venting inducing part 300) and the pack frame 200. In addition, the venting inducing part 300 may be configured to induce an exhaust port S to be formed between the one region of the venting inducing part 300 and the pack frame 200 as the internal pressure of the pack frame 200 increases.

[0070] That is, a structurally weak portion in the portion of the venting induction portion 300 that is coupled to the pack frame 200 may be located in one region of the venting induction portion 300. In this case, when the internal pressure of the pack frame 200 increases, the gap between the one region of the venting induction portion 300 and the pack frame 200 widens, and the above-mentioned exhaust port S may be formed on one side of the pack frame 200. On the other hand, even when the internal pressure of the pack frame 200 increases, the coupling between the other region of the venting induction portion 300 and the pack frame 200 may be maintained.

[0071] As a result, the space between the cell assembly 100 and the pack frame 200 can be wider toward one side of the pack frame 200. In other words, the vent path P through which the vent gas is discharged when the internal pressure of the pack frame 200 increases can be configured to be wider toward one side of the pack frame 200.

[0072] According to this embodiment, the vent path P can be configured to incline toward one side when the internal pressure of the pack frame 200 increases, making it easier to guide the discharge direction of the vent gas in a specific direction.

[0073] In particular, the pack frame 200 may further include a support E.

[0074] The support E may be configured to support one side of the venting guide 300 on the side opposite to the inner surface of the pack frame 200 facing the cell assembly 100. As an example, the connection between the support E and the venting guide 300 may be performed by, but is not limited to, bolt fastening. In addition, the support E may connect the upper plate 220 and the lower plate 230 described above.

[0075] That is, since one side of the venting induction portion 300 (the side of the venting induction portion 300 opposite to the portion that connects to the inner surface of the pack frame 200) is stably supported by the support E, when the internal pressure of the pack frame 200 increases, the discharge pressure of the vent gas can more easily cause the gap between one area of ​​the venting induction portion 300 and the pack frame 200 to widen.

[0076] According to this embodiment, the exhaust pressure of the vent gas generated by thermal runaway of the cell assembly 100 can more easily form the exhaust port S in the pack frame 200 .

[0077] The venting guide 300 will be described in more detail below.

[0078] Referring again to FIGS. 2 to 7, the venting guide 300 may include a body 320 and a flange 340 .

[0079] The body 320 may be coupled to the support E. The portion of the body 320 coupled to the support E may be a portion of the venting guide 300 located opposite to a portion of the body 320 coupled to the inner surface of the pack frame 200. The body 320 may be elongated in the vertical direction.

[0080] The flanges 340 may extend from both sides of the body 320 and be coupled to the inner surface of the pack frame 200. The flanges 340 may be provided to extend long in the vertical direction.

[0081] Such a flange 340 may include a first portion 342 and a second portion 344 .

[0082] The first portion 342 may extend from one side of the body 320 .

[0083] The second portion 344 may extend from the other side of the body 320 .

[0084] At this time, the flange 340 in one region of the venting inducing portion 300 (e.g., an upper region of the venting inducing portion 300) may be configured such that the first portion 342 is coupled to the inner surface of the pack frame 200 and the second portion 344 is not coupled to the inner surface of the pack frame 200. As an example, the first portion 342 of the flange 340 in one region of the venting inducing portion 300 may be coupled to the inner surface of the pack frame 200 by a fastening member F (e.g., a bolt).

[0085] On the other hand, the flange 340 in the other region of the venting induction portion 300 (e.g., the lower region of the venting induction portion 300) may be configured such that both the first portion 342 and the second portion 344 are coupled to the inner surface of the pack frame 200. As an example, the first portion 342 and the second portion 344 of the flange 340 in the other region of the venting induction portion 300 may be coupled to the inner surface of the pack frame 200 by a fastening member F.

[0086] At this time, the structurally weak portion in the portion of the venting induction portion 300 coupled to the pack frame 200 may be formed in one region of the venting induction portion 300 as described above. Specifically, since a part (second portion 344) of the flange 340 in one region of the venting induction portion 300 is not coupled to the inner surface of the pack frame 200, when the internal pressure of the pack frame 200 increases, the gap between the one region of the venting induction portion 300 and the pack frame 200 may widen due to the exhaust pressure of the vent gas, and the above-mentioned exhaust port S may be formed on one side of the pack frame 200. On the other hand, even when the internal pressure of the pack frame 200 increases, the coupling between the other region of the venting induction portion 300 and the pack frame 200 may be maintained.

[0087] According to this embodiment, when the internal pressure of the pack frame 200 increases, the vent path P can be more easily configured to incline toward one side, making it easier to guide the discharge direction of the vent gas in a specific direction.

[0088] In particular, the second portion 344 may be configured to be located closer to the cell assembly 100 than the first portion 342 .

[0089] Specifically, the second portion 344 may be located between the cell assembly 100 and the interior surface of the pack frame 200 that vents vent gases during a thermal runaway event.

[0090] That is, in one region of the venting induction section 300, the exhaust pressure of the vent gas can be applied to a portion (second portion 344) of the flange 340 that is not coupled to the pack frame 200. Also, in one region of the venting induction section 300, a portion (first portion 342) of the flange 340 that is coupled to the inner surface of the pack frame 200 can be disposed relatively farther from the cell assembly 100 than the portion of the flange 340 that is not coupled to the pack frame 200.

[0091] According to this embodiment, in one region of the venting inducing part 300, a part (first part 342) of the venting inducing part 300 maintains a partial connection between the venting inducing part 300 and the pack frame 200, while an exhaust port S may be formed in a part (second part 344) where the venting inducing part 300 and the pack frame 200 are not connected in a part where the pack frame 200 faces the cell assembly 100. This makes it possible to easily form an exhaust port S for discharging vent gas in one region of the venting inducing part 300 while preventing the inner surface of the pack frame 200 from being completely separated from the battery pack 10.

[0092] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a portion C in FIG. 2, and FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion D in FIG.

[0093] 2, 4, and 6 to 9, the battery pack 10 may further include a sealant 400.

[0094] The sealant 400 may be configured to seal between the top and sides of the pack frame 200 and between the bottom and sides of the pack frame 200 .

[0095] At this time, the sealant 400 may be disposed in the pack frame 200 so as to be spaced apart from the venting guide 300 in the up-down direction.

[0096] In one embodiment, the sealant 400 may include a first seal portion 410 and a second seal portion 420 .

[0097] The first seal portion 410 may be configured to seal between the side plate 210 and the upper plate 220. As an example, the first seal portion 410 may be disposed vertically spaced apart from one region of the venting inducing portion 300 (e.g., an upper region of the venting inducing portion 300).

[0098] The second seal portion 420 may be configured to seal between the side plate 210 and the lower plate 230. As an example, the second seal portion 420 may be disposed spaced apart from another region of the venting inducing portion 300 (e.g., a lower region of the venting inducing portion 300) in the up-down direction.

[0099] Meanwhile, in the event of thermal runaway of the cell assembly 100, the vent gas can be discharged to the outside through the exhaust port S formed between one region of the venting inducing part 300 and the pack frame 200. At this time, since the sealant 400 is disposed spaced apart in the vertical direction from one region of the venting inducing part 300, the sealant 400 can be discharged spaced apart in the vertical direction from the exhaust port S in the event of thermal runaway of the cell assembly 100. In particular, when the internal pressure of the cell assembly 100 increases, the pack frame 200 can expand outward, so that the discharge of the vent gas in the direction of the sealant 400 can be minimized.

[0100] According to this embodiment, it is possible to minimize the discharge of vent gas toward the sealant 400 during thermal runaway of the cell assembly 100. This makes it possible to minimize the damage to the sealant 400 caused by the vent gas, and to minimize the inflow of oxygen through the gaps between the pack frames 200.

[0101] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a battery pack 12 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] Since the battery pack 12 according to this embodiment is similar to the battery pack 10 according to the above-described embodiment, a duplicated description of the configuration that is substantially the same or similar to the above-described embodiment will be omitted, and the following description will focus on the differences from the above-described embodiment.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 10, in the battery pack 12, the pack frame 200 may be configured so that the area facing the cell assemblies 100 is thinner than the other portions.

[0104] That is, in the battery pack 12 of the present embodiment, the pack frame 200 may be configured to be weak in the area facing the cell assembly 100. As a result, in the event of thermal runaway of the cell assembly 100, stress caused by the exhaust pressure of the vent gas may act more strongly on the thin portions of the pack frame 200 than on other portions of the pack frame 200.

[0105] As a result, when the internal pressure of the pack frame 200 increases, the gap between one region of the venting inducing portion 300 and the pack frame 200 may widen more quickly.

[0106] According to the battery pack 12 of this embodiment, the formation of the exhaust port S in the pack frame 200 can be more easily achieved when the internal pressure of the pack frame 200 increases.

[0107] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a battery pack 14 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] Since the battery pack 14 according to the present embodiment is similar to the battery pack 10 according to the above-described embodiment, a duplicated description of configurations that are substantially the same or similar to those of the above-described embodiment will be omitted, and the following description will focus on the differences from the above-described embodiment.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 11 , in the battery pack 14 , the venting guide 300 may be configured to be coupled to the front and rear inner surfaces of the pack frame 200 .

[0110] The battery pack 14 of the present embodiment may be configured not to be in close contact with the wall of the installation space. In particular, the venting guide 300 may be coupled to both the inner surface of the front plate 212 and the inner surface of the rear plate 214 of the side plate 210, as shown in FIG.

[0111] According to the battery pack 14 of this embodiment, exhaust ports S for discharging vent gas when the internal pressure of the pack frame 200 increases can be formed on both the front and rear sides of the battery pack 14, so that the vent gas can be more quickly discharged to the outside of the battery pack 14 when the cell assembly 100 experiences thermal runaway.

[0112] Meanwhile, the battery packs 10, 12, and 14 according to the present invention may further include, in addition to the cell assembly 100, various devices for controlling the charging and discharging of the cell assembly 100, such as a battery management system (BMS), a current sensor, and a fuse.

[0113] Furthermore, at least one of the battery packs 10, 12, 14 according to the present invention may be provided as an energy source to configure an energy storage system (ESS).

[0114] As described above, although the present invention has been described using limited embodiments and drawings, the technical idea of ​​the present invention is in no way 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 scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims.

[0115] Meanwhile, in this specification, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and rear are used, but these terms are used for convenience of explanation, and it will be obvious to a person skilled in the art of the present invention that they may differ depending on the position of the object in question, the position of the observer, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 10, 12, 14 Battery Pack 100 Cell Assembly 200 Pack Frames E-Support 300 Venting Induction Section 320 Body 340 Flange 342 First Part 344 Second Part S outlet 400 Sealant

Claims

1. A cell assembly; a pack frame that houses the cell assembly therein; a venting inducer coupled to the pack frame, the venting inducer being configured to induce the formation of an exhaust port through which the vent gas is exhausted to the outside of the pack frame by at least partially weakening a coupling portion with the pack frame as an internal pressure of the pack frame increases due to the vent gas exhausted from the cell assembly; Including the battery pack.

2. The venting induction portion is 2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the pack frame is configured to be induced to expand outward as an internal pressure of the pack frame increases.

3. The venting induction portion is 3. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein the pack frame is configured to induce a space between the cell assemblies and the pack frame to widen toward one side when the pack frame expands outward as an internal pressure of the pack frame increases.

4. The venting induction portion is The battery pack according to claim 1 , disposed between the pack frame and the cell assembly.

5. The venting induction portion is The battery pack of claim 4 , configured to be located between the pack frame and the cell assembly, on at least one of both sides of the cell assembly.

6. a bonding force between one region of the venting guide and the pack frame is configured to be weaker than a bonding force between the other region of the venting guide and the pack frame, The venting induction portion is 2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the battery pack is configured to induce the formation of the exhaust port between one region of the venting induction portion and the pack frame as the internal pressure of the pack frame increases.

7. The pack frame includes: The battery pack according to claim 6 , further comprising a support configured to support one side of the venting guide on the opposite side to an inner surface of the pack frame facing the cell assembly.

8. The venting induction portion is a body coupled to the support; a flange extending from each side of the body and coupled to an inner surface of the pack frame; The flange is a first portion extending from one side of the body; a second portion extending from the other side of the body; The flange in one region of the venting guide portion is 8. The battery pack of claim 7, wherein the first portion is coupled to an inner surface of the pack frame and the second portion is not coupled to an inner surface of the pack frame.

9. The second portion is 9. The battery pack of claim 8, configured to be located closer to the cell assembly than the first portion.

10. Further comprising a sealant configured to seal between the top and side of the pack frame and between the bottom and side of the pack frame; The sealing agent is The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the battery pack is disposed on the pack frame so as to be spaced apart from the venting guide in the up-down direction.

11. The pack frame includes: The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein a region facing the cell assembly is configured to have a thickness thinner than other portions.

12. 12. A power storage device comprising at least one battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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