Battery pack and motor vehicle including the battery pack

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery pack configured to discharge high-temperature gas to the outside of the battery pack without affecting other adjacent battery modules when gas is generated inside the battery module. The battery pack according to an embodiment of the invention may include a pack housing, a first battery module, a second battery module, and a pack cover.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack and an automobile including the battery pack, and more particularly, to a battery pack configured to discharge high-temperature gas to the outside of the battery pack without affecting other adjacent battery modules when gas is generated inside the battery module, and an automobile including the battery pack.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0149030 filed on November 9, 2022, and all of the contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the application are incorporated into this application.

Background Art

[0003] As the demand for portable electronic products such as notebook computers, video cameras, and mobile phones has rapidly increased, and as the commercialization of robots, electric vehicles, etc. has become full-scale, research on high-performance secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged has been actively conducted.

[0004] Examples of currently commercialized secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries. Among them, lithium secondary batteries are attracting attention because they can be freely charged and discharged with almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, have a very low self-discharge rate, and have a high energy density.

[0005] Such lithium secondary batteries mainly use a lithium-based oxide and a carbon material as a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material, respectively. A lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate coated with such a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode plate coated with a negative electrode active material are arranged with a separator interposed therebetween, and an exterior material, for example, a battery case, for hermetically storing the electrode assembly together with an electrolytic solution.

[0006] Generally, lithium secondary batteries can be divided 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 exterior material.

[0007] In recent years, secondary batteries are widely used for driving and energy storage not only in small devices such as portable electronic devices but also in medium- and large-sized devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS). A plurality of such secondary batteries are electrically connected and housed together inside a module case to form one battery module, and the battery modules are electrically connected further in a narrow space to improve the energy density to form a battery pack.

[0008] However, when a plurality of battery modules exist in a crowded state in a narrow space, they are vulnerable to accidents such as fires and explosions. For example, when a thermal event such as thermal runaway occurs in one battery module, high-temperature gas can be discharged from the battery module. If such gas cannot be properly discharged outside the battery pack, the gas may diffuse to other battery modules provided inside the battery pack and cause a chain reaction. Also, in this case, the internal pressure of the battery pack increases, posing a risk of explosion. When the battery pack explodes, it not only causes great damage to surrounding devices and users due to the explosion pressure, but the range and speed of the damage can further increase. Therefore, when gas is discharged due to an abnormality in some battery modules, there is a demand for the development of a battery pack having a structure that can safely discharge the high-temperature gas to the outside of the battery pack without affecting other adjacent battery modules.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] The present invention has been conceived in consideration of the above-described problems, and by adding an additional vent flow path formation structure to a component that serves as a frame of a conventional battery pack, it aims to control the flow of gas in a desired direction.

[0010] Also, the present invention aims to be able to safely discharge high-temperature gas ejected when a thermal event occurs in some battery modules to the outside of the battery pack without affecting other battery modules inside the battery pack.

[0011] Also, it aims to control the flow of gas in an independent path according to the location where the thermal event occurs.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0012] To solve the above problems, a battery pack according to an aspect of the present invention includes a bottom plate having a first accommodation space and a second accommodation space located apart from the first accommodation space, a first side frame coupled to one side of the bottom plate, and a second side frame coupled to the other side located opposite to one side of the bottom plate, a pack housing including, at least one first battery module disposed in the first accommodation space, at least one second battery module disposed in the second accommodation space, and a pack cover configured to cover the first accommodation space and the second accommodation space.

[0013] The first side frame includes a first side vent flow path configured to guide gas generated in the first battery module to at least one end of both ends of the first side frame.

[0014] The second side frame includes a second side vent flow path configured to guide gas generated in the second battery module to at least one end of both ends of the second side frame.

[0015] The pack cover includes a first top vent flow path configured to communicate the first accommodation space and the first side vent flow path, and a second top vent flow path configured to communicate the second accommodation space and the second side vent flow path.

[0016] A plurality of the first battery modules and the second battery modules may be provided respectively.

[0017] The pack housing may include partition walls disposed at positions corresponding to between adjacent first battery modules and at positions corresponding to between adjacent second battery modules.

[0018] The partition wall may be coupled to the pack cover so that movement of vent gas between the respective accommodation spaces of the first battery modules and movement of vent gas between the respective accommodation spaces of the adjacent second battery modules are blocked.

[0019] A sealing member may be provided between the partition wall and the pack cover.

[0020] The first side vent flow path may include a first upper flow path communicating with the first top vent flow path, and a first lower flow path not directly communicating with the first upper flow path and provided below the first upper flow path.

[0021] The second side vent flow path may include a second upper flow path communicating with the second top vent flow path, and a second lower flow path not directly communicating with the second upper flow path and provided below the second upper flow path.

[0022] The pack housing may further include a center frame including a center vent flow path communicating with the first accommodation space and the second accommodation space.

[0023] The center vent passage may include a first center vent passage communicating with the first accommodation space, and a second center vent passage communicating with the second accommodation space and not directly communicating with the first center vent passage.

[0024] The pack housing may be provided with a gas collection space formed on at least one of one side and the other side along the extending direction of the center vent passage, the first side vent passage, and the second side vent passage.

[0025] The gas collection space may communicate with the center vent passage, the first side vent passage, and the second side vent passage.

[0026] The gas collection space may communicate with the center vent passage, the first side vent passage, and the second side vent passage.

[0027] The pack housing may be provided with a vent hole configured to discharge the vent gas of the gas collection space to the outside of the pack housing.

[0028] The first top vent passage and the second top vent passage may be formed on the inner surface of the pack cover.

[0029] The first top vent passage and the second top vent passage may be formed inside the pack cover.

[0030] The pack cover may include a cover plate covering the accommodation space of the pack housing, a first flow path plate coupled to the inner surface of the cover plate in the first accommodation space, and a second flow path plate coupled to the inner surface of the cover plate in the second accommodation space.

[0031] In order to solve the above problems, an automobile according to another aspect of the present invention includes a battery pack according to an aspect of the present invention.

Effects of the Invention

[0032] According to one aspect of the present invention, according to the position where a thermal event occurs in each battery module, gas can be effectively discharged through a vent flow path close to the corresponding position.

[0033] Also, according to one aspect of the present invention, the gas on the side of the battery module moves along the side vent flow path, and the gas on the top of the battery module moves along the top vent flow path, thereby reducing the possibility of the thermal event spreading to the adjacent battery module side.

[0034] Also, according to one aspect of the present invention, the gas that has moved to the top vent flow path can move along the side vent flow path again. As a result, the temperature of the gas decreases during movement, and even when a flame is generated together with the gas, the flame weakens while moving along the vent flow path. Thereby, damage that may occur due to the ejection of high-temperature gas and flame to the outside can be removed or reduced.

[0035] Also, according to one aspect of the present invention, a vent flow path can be formed in the side frame and the pack cover of the pack housing, which are components of a general battery pack, to add a function of controlling the gas flow.

[0036] Also, according to one aspect of the present invention, between the accommodation spaces of adjacent first battery modules and between the accommodation spaces of adjacent second battery modules, they are structurally isolated from each other by partition walls. Thereby, the gas generated in a specific battery module moves through the side vent flow path and the top vent flow path without moving to the adjacent battery module side. During such movement, the temperature of the gas decreases and the flame weakens, thereby minimizing the influence of the high-temperature flame and vent gas generated in each battery module on other battery modules.

[0037] Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, the gas moves through the side opening to the lower flow path, or moves through the top vent flow path and then through the upper opening to the upper flow path, so that the gas movement path is independently formed according to the position where the thermal event occurs in each battery module. Therefore, a time difference occurs in the gas discharge for each occurrence position of the thermal event, so that a fire can be prevented or the spread rate of the fire can be delayed.

[0038] Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, the gas is discharged not only from the side vent flow path and the top vent flow path but also from the center vent flow path. Therefore, since more effective gas discharge is possible, the possibility of the thermal event spreading to the adjacent battery module side can be significantly reduced.

[0039] Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, when a large amount of gas is generated at once and the internal pressure of the battery pack increases, the internal pressure of the battery pack can be quickly reduced through a gas collection space having a relatively larger volume than the side vent flow path and the center vent flow path. In addition, the gas can be discharged in the intended direction through the vent hole, and by increasing the size or the number of the vent holes, even if a large amount of vent gas is instantaneously generated, more rapid and smooth gas discharge is possible.

[0040] The present invention can achieve various other effects, which will be described in each embodiment, but effects that are easily analogized by those skilled in the art will be omitted from the description.

[0041] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further understand the technical idea of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be construed as being limited only to the matters described in the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0042]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0043] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings attached to this specification illustrate the preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further understand the technical idea of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention to be described later. Therefore, the present invention should not be construed as being limited only to the matters described in the drawings. The same reference numerals indicate the same components. Also, in the drawings, the thickness, ratio, and dimensions of the components may be exaggerated for effectively explaining the technical content.

[0044] In this specification and the claims, the terms and words used are not to be construed as being limited to their ordinary and dictionary meanings. Instead, in accordance with the principle that the inventor himself can appropriately define the concept of the terms in order to best explain the invention, they are to be construed in accordance with the meaning and concept corresponding to the technical idea of the present invention.

[0045] In this specification, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used. However, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that such terms are used for convenience of explanation and can vary depending on the position of the object in question, the position of the observer, etc.

[0046] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Thus, there can be various equivalents and modifications that can replace them at the time of this application.

[0047] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a view showing the gas flow in the space between the pack housing 100 and the pack cover 200 included in the battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a pack housing, a battery module, and a pack cover.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 1, the pack housing 100 includes a bottom plate 130 having a first accommodation space 110 and a second accommodation space 120 located apart from the first accommodation space 110, a first side frame 140 coupled to one side of the bottom plate 130, and a second side frame 150 coupled to the other side located opposite to one side of the bottom plate 130. The first side frame 140 may have a substantially plate shape. The first side frame 140 may be in a form that extends long in one direction along the coupling site with one side of the bottom plate 130. The second side frame 150 may have a substantially plate shape. The second side frame 150 may be in a form that extends long in one direction along the coupling site with the other side of the bottom plate 130. The bottom plate 130 and the first side frame 140 may be configured in a form that is at least partially integrated with each other. Similarly, the bottom plate 130 and the second side frame 150 may be configured in a form that is at least partially integrated with each other. Also, after each member is separately manufactured, they may be coupled to each other through welding, fastening, etc.

[0050] The first battery module 111 is disposed within the first accommodation space 110. The second battery module 121 is disposed within the second accommodation space 120. The first battery module 111 and the second battery module 121 may be plural, and accordingly, the first accommodation space 110 and the second accommodation space 120 may also include a plurality of spaces for accommodating their respective battery modules. The first battery module 111 and the second battery module 121 may include a plurality of battery cells. The battery cell may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, a battery case for accommodating the electrode assembly and the electrolyte, and a pair of electrode leads connected to the electrode assembly and drawn out to the outside of the battery case. For example, the battery cell may be a pouch-type secondary battery. However, cylindrical batteries and prismatic batteries, which are other forms of secondary batteries, may also be adopted as the battery cells of the present invention. The first battery module 111 and the second battery module 121 may include a plurality of battery cells in a stacked form. Also, although not shown, the first battery module 111 and the second battery module 121 may further include various components included in the battery module in addition to the plurality of battery cells in a stacked form. For example, the battery module according to the present invention may further include, in addition to the plurality of battery cells in a stacked form, a module housing for accommodating the plurality of battery cells in a stacked form, components such as a bus bar capable of electrically connecting the respective electrode leads of the plurality of battery cells, and the like. The module housing may include a vent portion configured to be able to discharge gas generated in the battery module, and the vent portion may be provided at a position corresponding to the position of a side opening O1 and / or a center opening O3 and / or an inlet O5, which will be described later.

[0051] The pack cover 200 is configured to cover the first accommodation space 110 and the second accommodation space 120. The pack cover 200 may be configured to be combined with the pack housing 100 to cover the first battery module 111 and the second battery module 121 within the first accommodation space 110 and the second accommodation space 120. The pack cover 200 may have a substantially plate shape.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the first side frame 140 includes a first side vent flow path 141 configured to guide the gas generated in the first battery module 111 to at least one end of both ends of the first side frame 140. The first side vent flow path 141 may have a form extending along the extending direction (X-axis direction) of the first side frame 140. The second side frame 150 includes a second side vent flow path 151 configured to guide the gas generated in the second battery module 121 to at least one end of both ends of the second side frame 150. The second side vent flow path 151 may have a form extending along the extending direction (X-axis direction) of the second side frame 150. The first side frame 140 and the second side frame 150 may include the first side vent flow path 141 and the second side vent flow path 151 in the internal space. The gas generated by the thermal event in the first battery module 111 disposed in the first accommodation space 110 may move to the first side frame 140 side and move into the first side vent flow path 141 through the side opening O1 provided on the side surface (a surface substantially parallel to the X-Z plane) of the first side frame 140. The gas generated by the thermal event in the second battery module 121 disposed in the second accommodation space 120 may move to the second side frame 150 side and move into the second side vent flow path 151 through the side opening O1 provided on the side surface (a surface substantially parallel to the X-Z plane) of the second side frame 150. The first side vent flow path 141 may be configured to guide the gas to at least one end of both ends in its extending direction. In this case, at least one end of both ends of the first side frame 140 may be at least partially opened. The second side vent flow path 151 may be configured to guide the gas to at least one end of both ends in its extending direction. In this case, at least one end of both ends of the second side frame 150 may be at least partially opened. The side vent flow path (the first side vent flow path 141, the second side vent flow path 151) may include a single or a plurality of gas movement passages. When including a plurality of gas movement passages, each gas movement passage may be configured not to communicate directly.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the pack cover 200 includes a first top vent passage 201 configured to communicate the first accommodation space 110 with the first side vent passage 141, and a second top vent passage 202 configured to communicate the second accommodation space 120 with the second side vent passage 151. The gas generated by the heat event in the first battery module 111 disposed in the first accommodation space 110 moves to the pack cover 200 side and moves along the first top vent passage 201, and then can move to the first side vent passage 141 through the upper opening O2 provided in the first side frame 140. The gas generated by the heat event in the second battery module 121 disposed in the second accommodation space 120 moves to the pack cover 200 side and moves along the second top vent passage 202, and then can move to the second side vent passage 151 through the upper opening O2 provided in the second side frame 150.

[0054] According to such a configuration of the present invention, according to the position where a thermal event occurs in each battery module, gas can be effectively discharged through a vent flow path close to the corresponding position. The gas discharged from the side of the battery module moves along the side vent flow paths (the first side vent flow path 141 and the second side vent flow path 151), and the gas discharged from the upper part of the battery module moves along the top vent flow paths (the first top vent flow path 201 and the second top vent flow path 202), thereby reducing the possibility of the thermal event spreading to the adjacent battery module side. Also, according to such a configuration of the present invention, since the gas that has moved to the top vent flow paths (the first top vent flow path 201 and the second top vent flow path 202) moves again along the side vent flow paths (the first side vent flow path 141 and the second side vent flow path 151), the temperature of the gas decreases during movement, and even when a flame occurs together with the gas, the flame weakens while moving along the vent flow path. Thereby, damage that may be caused by the ejection of high-temperature gas and flame to the outside can be removed or reduced. Also, according to such a configuration of the present invention, a function of controlling the gas flow by forming vent flow paths in the side frames and the pack cover of the pack housing, which are components of a general battery pack, can be added.

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, in the case where a plurality of first battery modules 111 and second battery modules 121 are provided, partition walls 160 may be provided at corresponding positions between adjacent first battery modules 111 and at corresponding positions between adjacent second battery modules 121, respectively. The partition wall 160 is coupled to the pack cover 200 and can block the movement of gas between the respective accommodation spaces of adjacent battery modules. The coupling between the partition wall 160 and the pack cover 200 can be performed, for example, by welding or fastening.

[0056] According to such a configuration of the present invention, between the accommodation spaces of adjacent first battery modules 111 and between the accommodation spaces of adjacent second battery modules 121 can be structurally isolated from each other by the partition wall 160. Thereby, the gas generated in a specific battery module does not move to the adjacent battery module side, but moves through the side vent flow paths (the first side vent flow path 141 and the second side vent flow path 151) and the top vent flow paths (the first top vent flow path 201 and the second top vent flow path 202). During such movement, the temperature of the gas decreases and the flame weakens, so that the influence of the high-temperature flame and vent gas generated in each battery module on other battery modules can be minimized.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a sealing member S may be provided between the partition wall 160 and the pack cover 200. The sealing member S may be configured to at least partially cover and enclose the coupling site between the partition wall 160 and the pack cover 200. In such a case, the effect of preventing gas from moving into the gap between the partition wall 160 and the pack cover 200 can be further improved.

[0058] FIG. 4 is a view showing a partial cross section including the first side frame of the pack housing shown in FIG. 3.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 4 together with FIG. 3, the first side vent passage 141 may include a first upper passage 141a communicating with the first top vent passage 201 and a first lower passage 141b that is not directly communicated with the first upper passage 141a and is provided below the first upper passage 141a. The second side vent passage 151 may include a second upper passage 151a communicating with the second top vent passage 202 and a second lower passage 151b that is not directly communicated with the second upper passage 151a and is provided below the second upper passage 151a. The fact that the upper passages (the first upper passage 141a, the second upper passage 151a) and the lower passages (the first lower passage 141b, the second lower passage 151b) are not directly communicated means that they may be communicated via the accommodation spaces (the first accommodation space 110, the second accommodation space 120), but in the side vent passages (the first side vent passage 141, the second side vent passage 151) provided in the internal space of the side frames (the first side frame 140, the second side frame 150), they are not directly communicated in the internal space of the side frames (the first side frame 140, the second side frame 150). A part of the gas due to the heat event generated by the first battery module 111 disposed in the first accommodation space 110 may move to the first side frame 140 side and move to the first lower passage 141b through the side opening O1 provided on the side surface of the first side frame 140. Also, a part of the gas due to the heat event generated by the first battery module 111 disposed in the first accommodation space 110 may rise to the pack cover 200 side, move along the first top vent passage 201, and then move to the first upper passage 141a through the upper opening O2 provided in the first side frame 140. A part of the gas due to the heat event generated by the second battery module 121 disposed in the second accommodation space 120 may move to the second side frame 150 side and move to the second lower passage 151b through the side opening O1 provided on the side surface of the second side frame 150. Also, a part of the gas due to the heat event generated by the second battery module 121 disposed in the second accommodation space 120 may rise to the pack cover 200 side, move along the second top vent passage 202, and then move to the second upper passage 151a through the upper opening O2 provided in the second side frame 150.

[0060] According to such an implementation configuration of the present invention, gas moves through the side opening O1 to the lower flow path (the first lower flow path 141b, the second lower flow path 151b), or moves to the top vent flow path (the first top vent flow path 201, the second top vent flow path 202) and then moves through the upper opening O2 to the upper flow path (the first upper flow path 141a, the second upper flow path 151a). The gas movement path becomes independent according to the position where a thermal event occurs in each battery module. Therefore, a time difference occurs in the gas discharge for each position where a thermal event occurs, so that a fire can be prevented or the spread rate of the fire can be delayed.

[0061] FIG. 5 is a view showing a partial cross section including the center frame 170 of the pack housing 100 shown in FIG. 3.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 5 together with FIG. 3, the pack housing 100 may further include a center frame 170 having a center vent passage 171 that communicates with the first accommodation space 110 and the second accommodation space 120. The center frame 170 may be located in a corresponding space between the first accommodation space 110 and the second accommodation space 120. The center frame 170 may have the center vent passage 171 in its internal space. Gas generated by a thermal event in the battery modules (the first battery module 111, the second battery module 121) may move toward the center frame 170 and move into the center vent passage 171 through a center opening O3 provided in a side surface (a surface substantially parallel to the X-Z plane) of the center frame 170. The center vent passage 171 may include one or more gas movement passages, and when including a plurality of gas movement passages, each gas movement passage may be configured not to communicate directly with each other. For example, the center vent passage 171 may include a first center vent passage 171a that communicates with the first accommodation space 110, and a second center vent passage 171b that communicates with the second accommodation space 120 and does not communicate directly with the first center vent passage 171a. In this case, a part of the gas generated by a thermal event in the first battery module 111 disposed in the first accommodation space 110 may move toward the center frame 170 and move into the first center vent passage 171a through the center opening O3 provided in one side surface of the center frame 170. Also, a part of the gas generated by a thermal event in the second battery module 121 disposed in the second accommodation space 120 may move toward the center frame 170 and move into the second center vent passage 171b through the center opening O3 provided in the other side surface of the center frame 170. On the other hand, the fact that the first center vent passage 171a and the second center vent passage 171b do not communicate directly means that they may communicate through other spaces or components of the pack housing 100, but do not communicate directly in the internal space of the center frame 170 in the center vent passage 171 provided in the internal space of the center frame 170.

[0063] According to such a configuration of the present invention, the gas discharge is performed not only through the side vent flow paths (the first side vent flow path 141 and the second side vent flow path 151) and the top vent flow paths (the first top vent flow path 201 and the second top vent flow path 202), but also through the center vent flow path 171. Therefore, the gas can be discharged more effectively, and the possibility of the thermal event spreading to the adjacent battery module side can be significantly reduced.

[0064] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an embodiment in which a gas collection space is formed in the pack housing of the present invention.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 6, the pack housing 100 may include a gas collection space 180 formed on at least one of one side and the other side along the extending direction of the first side vent flow path 141 and the second side vent flow path 151. The gas collection space 180 may communicate with the first side vent flow path 141 and the second side vent flow path 151. The gas generated by a thermal event in the battery modules (the first battery module 111, the second battery module 121) moves through the first side vent flow path 141 and the second side vent flow path 151 and collects in the gas collection space 180. For example, the gas collection space 180 may be provided at one end of the pack housing 100 in a direction parallel to the extending direction of the first side vent flow path 141 and the second side vent flow path 151. Further, the pack housing 100 may include a vent hole 190 configured to discharge the gas in the gas collection space 180 to the outside of the pack housing 100. The vent hole 190 may penetrate the pack housing 100. The vent hole 190 may be not only in a completely open form, but also in a form that is not completely open, is closed in a steady state, and can be opened in response to changes such as pressure and temperature. However, the present invention does not limit the form, position, and number of the gas collection spaces shown in FIG. 6 or the shape of the vent hole 190. On the other hand, when the pack housing 100 is provided with a center vent flow path 171, the gas collection space 180 may also communicate with the center vent flow path 171. In this case, the gas generated by a thermal event in the battery modules (the first battery module 111, the second battery module 121) moves through the first side vent flow path 141, the second side vent flow path 151, and the center vent flow path 171 and collects in the gas collection space 180.

[0066] According to such a configuration of the present invention, when a large amount of gas is generated at once and the internal pressure of the battery pack 10 increases, the internal pressure of the battery pack 10 can be quickly reduced through the gas collection space 180, which has a relatively larger volume than the side vent flow paths (the first side vent flow path 141 and the second side vent flow path 151) and the center vent flow path 171. In addition, the gas can be discharged in the intended direction through the vent hole 190, and even if the size of the vent hole 190 is increased or the number is increased so that a large amount of vent gas is generated instantaneously, more rapid and smooth gas discharge is possible.

[0067] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the pack cover 200 included in the battery pack 10 of the present invention.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 7, the first top vent flow path 201 and the second top vent flow path 202 can be formed on the inner surface of the pack cover 200. The first top vent flow path 201 and the second top vent flow path 202 can be in the form of grooves formed on the inner surface of the pack cover 200. In such a case, production is easy because it can be more easily realized than the case of coupling a separate member for forming the top vent flow paths (the first top vent flow path 201 and the second top vent flow path 202) to the pack cover.

[0069] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the pack cover 200 included in the battery pack 10 of the present invention, and shows an embodiment different from FIG. 7.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 3 together with FIG. 8, the first top vent passage 201 and the second top vent passage 202 can be formed inside the pack cover 200. The pack cover 200 can be composed of, for example, a single member and can form the first top vent passage 201 and the second top vent passage 202 inside. Alternatively, the pack cover 200 can include, for example, a plurality of members. In this case, the plurality of members can be joined and the first top vent passage 201 and the second top vent passage 202 can be formed in the space between the plurality of members. The pack cover 200 can include, for example, a cover plate 210 that covers the accommodation space of the pack housing 100, a first flow path plate 220 that is joined to the inner surface of the cover plate 210 in the first accommodation space 110, and a second flow path plate 230 that is joined to the inner surface of the cover plate 210 in the second accommodation space 120.

[0071] The first flow path plate 220 may include an inlet O5 and an outlet O4. The inlet O5 may be configured to communicate with the first accommodation space 110. The outlet O4 may be configured to communicate with the first side vent flow path 141. In this case, the gas generated in the first accommodation space 110 may flow into the first top vent flow path 201 through the inlet O5, and the flowed-in gas may flow into the first side vent flow path 141 through the outlet O4 and may be discharged to the outside of the battery pack 10. When the first side vent flow path 141 includes a first upper flow path 141a and a first lower flow path 141b, the outlet O4 may be configured to communicate with the first upper flow path 141a. Similarly, the second flow path plate 230 may include an inlet O5 and an outlet O4. The inlet O5 may be configured to communicate with the second accommodation space 120. The outlet O4 may be configured to communicate with the second side vent flow path 151. In this case, the gas generated in the second accommodation space 120 may flow into the second top vent flow path 202 through the inlet O5, and the flowed-in gas may flow into the second side vent flow path 151 through the outlet O4 and may be discharged to the outside of the battery pack 10. When the second side vent flow path 151 includes a second upper flow path 151a and a second lower flow path 151b, the outlet O4 may be configured to communicate with the second upper flow path 151a. In this case, the first accommodation space 110 and the first upper flow path 141a may not communicate directly and may communicate via the first top vent flow path 201. The second accommodation space 120 and the second upper flow path 151a may not communicate directly and may communicate via the second top vent flow path 202.

[0072] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 8, the inlet O5 can be formed in a rectangular opening form or a hole form. The inlet O5 can be provided at a position close to the center frame 170. The inlet O5 can be formed in a separated gap formed by coupling the first flow path plate 220 and the second flow path plate 230 with a certain interval from the cover plate 210. The closer the inlet O5 is provided to the center frame 170, the longer the movement path of the gas passing through the top vent flow paths (the first top vent flow path 201 and the second top vent flow path 202), which can prevent a fire or effectively delay the spread rate of the fire by the decrease in temperature during the movement of the gas.

[0073] The outlet O4 can be formed in a rectangular opening form or a hole form. The outlet O4 can be provided at a position corresponding to the side frames (the first side frame 140 and the second side frame 150). The outlet O4 can be provided at a position corresponding to the upper opening O2. The outlet O4 can be formed in a separated gap formed by coupling the first flow path plate 220 and the second flow path plate 230 with a certain interval from the cover plate 210. However, the present invention is not limited by such forms, formation methods, and positions of the inlet O5 and the outlet O4.

[0074] FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing an automobile including a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 9, the battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied to an automobile 1 such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. That is, the automobile 1 according to the present invention can include the battery pack 10 according to the present invention. Further, the automobile according to the present invention can further include various other components included in the automobile in addition to such a battery pack. For example, the automobile according to the present invention can further include a vehicle body, a motor, a control device such as an electronic control unit (ECU), etc. in addition to the battery pack according to the present invention.

[0076] The above description has centered on the preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is obvious that those skilled in the art can make various and self-evident modifications without departing from the scope of the present invention from such a description. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be interpreted by the claims described to include such various modifications.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0077] 1 Automobile 10 Battery pack 100 Pack housing 111 First battery module 121 Second battery module 130 Bottom plate 140 First side frame 141 First side vent flow path 141a First upper flow path 141b First lower flow path 150 Second side frame 151 Second side vent flow path 151a Second upper flow path 151b Second lower flow path 160 Partition wall 170 Center frame 171 Center vent flow path 171a First center vent flow path 171b Second center vent flow path 190 Vent hole 200 Pack cover 201 First top vent flow path 202 Second top vent flow path 210 Cover plate 220 First flow path plate 230 Second flow path plate

Claims

1. A bottom plate having a first accommodation space and a second accommodation space located at a distance from the first accommodation space, a first side frame coupled to one side of the bottom plate, and a second side frame coupled to the other side located opposite to one side of the bottom plate, a pack housing including, At least one first battery module disposed in the first accommodation space, At least one second battery module disposed in the second accommodation space, A pack cover configured to cover the first accommodation space and the second accommodation space, A battery pack including, The first side frame includes a first side vent flow path configured to guide gas generated in the first battery module to at least one end of both ends of the first side frame, The second side frame includes a second side vent flow path configured to guide gas generated in the second battery module to at least one end of both ends of the second side frame, The pack cover includes a first top vent flow path configured to communicate the first accommodation space with the first side vent flow path, and a second top vent flow path configured to communicate the second accommodation space with the second side vent flow path, a battery pack.

2. A plurality of the first battery modules and the second battery modules are respectively provided, The pack housing includes partitions disposed at corresponding positions between adjacent first battery modules and at corresponding positions between adjacent second battery modules, the battery pack according to claim 1.

3. The partition is coupled to the pack cover so that the movement of vent gas between the accommodation spaces of adjacent pairs of the first battery modules and the movement of vent gas between the accommodation spaces of adjacent pairs of the second battery modules are blocked, the battery pack according to claim 2.

4. A sealing member is provided between the partition and the pack cover, the battery pack according to claim 3.

5. The first side vent passage includes a first upper passage communicating with the first top vent passage, and a first lower passage that does not communicate directly with the first upper passage and is provided below the first upper passage. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein the second side vent passage includes a second upper passage communicating with the second top vent passage, and a second lower passage that does not communicate directly with the second upper passage and is provided below the second upper passage.

6. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the pack housing further includes a center frame having a center vent passage communicating with the first accommodation space and the second accommodation space.

7. The center vent passage includes a first center vent passage communicating with the first accommodation space, and a second center vent passage communicating with the second accommodation space and not communicating directly with the first center vent passage. The battery pack according to claim 6.

8. The pack housing includes a gas collection space formed on at least one of one side and the other side along the extending direction of the center vent passage, the first side vent passage, and the second side vent passage. The battery pack according to claim 6.

9. The battery pack according to claim 8, wherein the gas collection space communicates with the center vent passage, the first side vent passage, and the second side vent passage.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein the pack housing includes a vent hole configured to discharge the gas in the gas collection space to the outside of the pack housing.

11. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the first top vent passage and the second top vent passage are formed on the inner surface of the pack cover.

12. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the first top vent passage and the second top vent passage are formed inside the pack cover.

13. The pack cover includes a cover plate covering the accommodation space of the pack housing, a first flow passage plate coupled to the inner surface of the cover plate in the first accommodation space, and a second flow passage plate coupled to the inner surface of the cover plate in the second accommodation space. The battery pack according to claim 12.

14. An automobile including the battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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