Battery pack and device containing same

Abstract

A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a pack frame in which a plurality of battery modules are mounted, at least one outlet portion located on one side of the pack frame, a first filter portion located between the pack frame and a battery module among the plurality of battery modules that is located closest to the outlet portion, and a second filter portion located on one side of the pack frame at a position corresponding to the outlet portion, and substances generated from the battery modules can move through the first filter portion, the second filter portion, and the outlet portion.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0157566 filed November 22, 2022 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0160495 filed November 20, 2023, and all contents disclosed in the documents of said Korean patent applications are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery pack and a device including the same, and more particularly to a battery pack and a device including the same that prevent the structural collapse of the battery pack and the occurrence of an external fire. [Background technology]

[0003] Secondary batteries, which are easily applicable to various products and have electrical properties such as high energy density, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles powered by electrical sources, power storage devices, etc. Such secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source that is environmentally friendly and improves energy efficiency because they do not produce any by-products due to energy use, in addition to their primary advantage of dramatically reducing the use of fossil fuels.

[0004] Currently commercially available secondary batteries 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 their advantages over nickel-based secondary batteries, such as almost no memory effect, freedom in charging and discharging, extremely low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0005] Generally, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into cylindrical or prismatic 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 an aluminum laminated sheet pouch, depending on the shape of the exterior material.

[0006] Recently, as secondary batteries have become more widely used as energy storage sources, the need for large-capacity secondary battery structures has increased, leading to an increased demand for battery packs with medium- to large-sized modular structures that assemble battery modules in which multiple secondary batteries are connected in series or parallel. Such battery modules improve capacity and output by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel to form a battery cell stack. Furthermore, multiple battery modules can be mounted together with various control and protection systems, such as a battery management system (BMS) and a cooling system, to form a battery pack.

[0007] In particular, because a battery pack is configured by combining a number of battery modules, if some of the battery modules are subject to overvoltage, overcurrent, or overheating, the safety and operating efficiency of the battery pack may become a problem. In particular, as battery pack capacities gradually increase to improve driving distances, the energy stored in the packs also increases. As a result, it is necessary to design a structure that meets stricter safety standards and ensures the safety of the vehicle and the driver.

[0008] In particular, in order to prevent thermal runaway within the battery pack and heat propagation between battery cells, there has recently been an emerging need to develop a battery pack that can effectively exhaust gases and flames generated from some battery cells using an exhaust device, thereby minimizing the damage caused by such gases and flames.

[0009] In addition, when gas and flames occur in some battery modules, particles, which are internal cell materials, may be ejected at high pressure from some battery cells in the battery module, and these particles may clog an exhaust device that exhausts gas and flames from within the battery pack and cause external flames when they are exhausted to the outside of the pack. Therefore, there is an emerging need to develop a battery pack that can prevent such particles from clogging an exhaust device that exhausts gas and flames and prevent external flames caused by particles. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack and a device including the same that can prevent particles, which are internal cell materials that are ejected when gas and flames occur in some battery modules, from clogging the exhaust device of the battery pack, prevent structural collapse that occurs as the pressure inside the battery pack increases, and minimize the emission of such particles to the outside of the battery pack, thereby preventing the occurrence of external flames.

[0011] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those described above, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a pack frame in which a plurality of battery modules are mounted, at least one outlet located on one side of the pack frame, a first filter located between the pack frame and a battery module among the plurality of battery modules that is located closest to the outlet, and a second filter located at a position corresponding to the outlet on one side of the pack frame, and substances generated from the battery modules can move through the first filter, the second filter, and the outlet.

[0013] The area of ​​the first filter portion may be greater than the sum of the areas of the at least one discharge portion.

[0014] The area of ​​the first filter portion may be greater than the total area of ​​the second filter portion. The battery pack may further include at least one electrical component located between the pack frame and a battery module among the plurality of battery modules that is located closest to the discharge portion, the electrical component extending along one side of the pack frame and having a structure that avoids the at least one electrical component.

[0015] The first filter section may be streamlined or zigzag shaped.

[0016] The first filter unit includes at least one closing portion spaced apart from each other, so that substances generated from the battery module can move around the closing portion.

[0017]

[0018] The pack frame may include a lower pack frame on which a plurality of battery modules are mounted and an upper pack frame located above the battery modules, and the lower pack frame may include a bottom portion in contact with a lower surface of the battery module and a frame portion in contact with at least one side surface of the battery module.

[0019] The frame portion may include a side frame extending from an end of the bottom portion toward an upper portion, and an inner frame positioned inside the side frame.

[0020] The plurality of battery modules may be separated from one another by the side frames and the inner frame.

[0021] The inner frame may include a horizontal beam extending along the length of the lower pack frame and at least two vertical beams extending perpendicular to the horizontal beam.

[0022] The first filter unit may replace the vertical beam located closest to the discharge unit among the at least two vertical beams.

[0023] The first filter unit may be located between the discharge unit and a vertical beam located closest to the discharge unit among the at least two vertical beams.

[0024] The first filter portion may be in contact with the inner surface of the side frame at a position corresponding to the discharge portion.

[0025] The battery pack may include a flow path portion located between the first filter portion and the battery module located closest to the discharge portion.

[0026] The flow passage portion may replace a vertical beam located closest to the discharge portion.

[0027] The flow path portion may include at least one partition portion.

[0028] The flow path may include a first partition wall portion and a second partition wall portion, and the first partition wall portion and the second partition wall portion may extend in the same direction from an inner surface of the side frame.

[0029] The first partition wall portion and the second partition wall portion may be spaced apart from each other on different inner surfaces of the side frame.

[0030] Materials generated from the battery module may move to a space between the first partition wall and the inner surface of the side frame and a space between the second partition wall and the inner surface of the side frame.

[0031] A device according to another embodiment of the present invention includes the battery pack described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0032] According to the above embodiment, the present invention relates to a battery pack including a first filter unit and a second filter unit, and a device including the same, which can filter particles, which are internal cell materials that are ejected when gas or a flame occurs in some battery modules, through the first filter unit and the second filter unit. As a result, the battery pack and device including the same of the present invention can prevent particles from clogging the exhaust device of the battery pack and structural collapse caused by an increase in pressure inside the battery pack, while minimizing the discharge of particles to the outside of the battery pack and preventing the occurrence of external flames.

[0033] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 2 is a diagram showing the top surface of the battery pack of FIG. 1 with an upper pack frame removed. [Figure 3] 3 is a view showing the first filter part of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 1. FIG. 1 is a view showing a top view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention, in which an upper pack frame of the battery pack including a first filter part having a streamlined structure is removed, unlike FIG. [Figure 5] 1. FIG. 1 is a view showing a top view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention, in which an upper pack frame of the battery pack including a first filter part having a streamlined structure is removed, unlike FIG. [Figure 6] 1. This is a view showing the top surface of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention, which includes a first filter part having a closing part formed therein, with an upper pack frame removed, unlike FIG. [Figure 7] 7 is a view showing the first filter unit of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 1. FIG. 1 is a view showing a top view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention, in which a first filter portion contacts one side of the pack frame, with an upper pack frame removed, unlike FIG. [Figure 9] 1. FIG. 1 is a view showing a top view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention, in which a first filter portion contacts one side of the pack frame, with an upper pack frame removed, unlike FIG. [Figure 10] 2 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment to be mounted in the battery pack of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of FIG. [Figure 12] 1. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to another embodiment to be mounted in the battery pack of FIG. [Figure 13] 10 is a view showing a top view of a battery pack according to a comparative example of the present invention with an upper pack frame removed; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily implement various embodiments of the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the examples described herein.

[0036] In order to clearly describe the present invention, parts that are not relevant to the description will be omitted and the same reference numerals will be used throughout the specification to refer to the same or similar components.

[0037] In addition, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for the convenience of explanation, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those shown in the drawings. In the drawings, thicknesses are exaggerated to clearly show multiple layers and regions. In the drawings, thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated for the convenience of explanation.

[0038] Furthermore, throughout this specification, when a part "comprises" a certain component, it does not mean that it excludes other components, but that it may further include other components, unless otherwise specified.

[0039] Furthermore, throughout the specification, "on a plane" means a view of the target part from above, and "on a cross section" means a view of the target part cut vertically from the side.

[0040] Hereinafter, a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0041] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a view showing the top surface of the battery pack of Fig. 1 with an upper pack frame removed.

[0042] 1 and 2, a battery pack 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes pack frames 1100 and 1200 on which a plurality of battery modules 100 are mounted, at least one discharge portion 1300 located on one side of the pack frames 1100 and 1200, a first filter portion 1400 located between the pack frame 1100 and the battery module located closest to the discharge portion 1300 among the plurality of battery modules 100, and the pack frame 1100 and 1200, and a second filter portion 1500 located on one side of the pack frame 1100 and 1200 at a position corresponding to the discharge portion 1300.

[0043] The pack frames 1100 and 1200 include a lower pack frame 1100 on which a plurality of battery modules 100 are mounted and an upper pack frame 1200 located on top of the battery modules 100. Here, the lower pack frame 1100 and the upper pack frame 1200 are joined to each other by a method such as welding, thereby sealing the inside of the battery pack 1000.

[0044] The lower pack frame 1100 may include a bottom 1110 that contacts the lower surface of the battery module 100, and frame portions 1130, 1150, and 1170 that contact at least one side of the battery module. Here, the bottom 1110 and the frame portions 1130, 1150, and 1170 may be integrated with each other or may be fixed to each other by another fastening method such as welding or adhesive.

[0045] Here, the frame parts 1130, 1150, and 1170 may be made of a heat-insulating material. As one example, the frame parts 1130, 1150, and 1170 may be made of an aluminum extrusion structure. As another example, the frame parts 1130, 1150, and 1170 may be made of a dissimilar metal bonding material such as clad metal, or may be structures containing a heat-insulating material such as aerogel or EPP (Expanded Polypropylenes) foam. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the frame parts 1130, 1150, and 1170 may be made of any heat-insulating material having a predetermined rigidity.

[0046] The frame portions 1130 , 1150 , 1170 may include a side frame 1130 extending from the end of the bottom portion 1110 toward the top, and inner frames 1150 , 1170 positioned inside the side frame 1130 .

[0047] Here, the plurality of battery modules 100 may be separated from one another by the side frame 1130 and the inner frames 1150 and 1170. More specifically, the plurality of battery modules 100 may be spaced apart from one another by the side frame 1130 and the inner frames 1150 and 1170.

[0048] Furthermore, the internal frames 1150, 1170 may include a horizontal beam 1150 extending along the length direction (x-axis direction) of the lower pack frame 1100 and at least two vertical beams 1170 extending in a direction (y-axis direction) perpendicular to the horizontal beam 1150. As an example, the vertical beam 1170 may include a pair of first and second vertical beams with the horizontal beam 1150 interposed therebetween, and the first and second vertical beams may be attached to the horizontal beam 1150. Here, the horizontal beam 1150 and the at least two vertical beams 1170 may be integral with each other or fixed by another fastening method such as welding or adhesive.

[0049] More specifically, the lengths of the horizontal beam 1150 and the vertical beam 1170 and the interval between adjacent vertical beams 1170 among the at least two vertical beams 1170 can be adjusted according to the size of the battery module 100.

[0050] With the above configuration, the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment allows a plurality of battery modules 100 to be positioned at intervals in areas separated from one another by the frame portions 1130, 1150, and 1170, and even if a fire occurs in some of the battery modules 100, heat propagation between adjacent battery modules 100 can be effectively prevented.

[0051] 2, the first filter unit 1400 may replace the vertical beam of the at least two vertical beams 1170 that is located closest to the discharge unit 1300. That is, the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment does not need to secure additional space for mounting the first filter unit 1400, thereby improving space efficiency within the battery pack 1000.

[0052] Therefore, the first filter unit 1400 can separate the battery module 100 from the side frame 1130 located closest to the discharge unit 1300 while filtering out substances generated from the battery module 100 .

[0053] 2, the inner frames 1150, 1170 may include at least one venting hole (not shown) penetrating the outer surface of the inner frames 1150, 1170, and the inner frames 1150, 1170 may serve as a path through which substances generated from the battery module 100 move. In addition, substances generated from the battery module 100 and discharged from the inner frames 1150, 1170 may pass through the first filter unit 1400, the second filter unit 1500, and the discharge unit 1300 and be discharged to the outside of the battery pack 1000. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and any path through which substances generated from the battery module 100 inside the battery pack 1000 can move toward the first filter unit 1400, the second filter unit 1500, and the discharge unit 1300 may be applied to this embodiment.

[0054] The exhaust unit 1300 may rupture when the pressure inside the battery pack 1000 reaches a certain level or above. More specifically, the exhaust unit 1300 may include a rupture surface (not shown) configured to rupture when the pressure of the inflowing gas reaches a certain level or above, like a rupture disk. However, the structure of the exhaust unit 1300 is not limited thereto, and any structure that communicates with one side of the pack frames 1100 and 1200 to allow the internal gas to be exhausted to the outside may be included in this embodiment.

[0055] Therefore, in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, gas and / or flame generated from the battery module 100 and discharged toward the discharge portion 1300 can be discharged to the outside through the discharge portion 1300 when the internal pressure of the pack frame 1100, 1200 reaches a certain level or above.

[0056] 2, the first filter unit 1400 may be located between the battery module 100 among the plurality of battery modules 100 that is located closest to the discharge unit 1300 and the pack frames 1100 and 1200. More specifically, the first filter unit 1400 may extend along the length direction of one side of the pack frames 1100 and 1200 between the battery module 100 that is located closest to the discharge unit 1300 and the pack frames 1100 and 1200. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the first filter unit 1400 may extend along the length direction of the vertical beam 1170. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the extension direction of the first filter unit 1400 may vary depending on the arrangement of the battery modules 100 and the frame units 1130, 1150, and 1170.

[0057] Therefore, in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, the first filter unit 1400 can primarily filter out substances generated from the battery module 100 that move from the battery module 100 toward one side of the pack frames 1100 and 1200.

[0058] In addition, the second filter unit 1500 may be positioned at a position corresponding to the discharge unit 1300 on one side of the pack frames 1100, 1200. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the second filter unit 1500 may be positioned between the outer surface of one side of the pack frames 1100, 1200 and the discharge unit 1300. For another example, the second filter unit 1500 may be positioned within one side of the pack frames 1100, 1200 corresponding to the discharge unit 1300. For another example, the second filter unit 1500 may be positioned on the inner surface of one side of the pack frames 1100, 1200 corresponding to the discharge unit 1300.

[0059] In addition, the second filter unit 1500 may extend from one side of the pack frames 1100 and 1200 along an area corresponding to the discharge unit 1300. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the second filter unit 1500 may extend along an area equal to or larger than the discharge unit 1300.

[0060] Therefore, in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, the second filter unit 1500 can secondarily filter the substances generated from the battery module 100 and moving from the first filter unit 1400 toward the discharge unit 1300 .

[0061] For example, the area of ​​the first filter unit 1400 may be greater than the sum of the areas of at least one discharge unit 1300. For another example, the area of ​​the first filter unit 1400 may be greater than the sum of the areas of the second filter unit 1500.

[0062] As a result, in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, even though the amount of particles filtered by the first filter unit 1400 from the materials generated by the battery module 100 is greater than the amount filtered by the second filter unit 1500, the first filter unit 1400 is not clogged with the particles, and structural collapse that occurs as the pressure inside the battery pack 1000 increases can be prevented.

[0063] 2 and 3, substances generated from the battery module 100 can move through the first filter unit 1400, the second filter unit 1500, and the exhaust unit 1300. Here, the substances generated from the battery module 100 include at least one of flame, gas, heat, and particles that are internal cell materials generated when the battery module 100 ignites. In particular, particles that are internal cell materials among the substances generated from the battery module 100 can be filtered through the first filter unit 1400 and the second filter unit 1500. That is, at least some of the particles that are internal cell materials among the substances generated from the battery module 100 may not pass through the first filter unit 1400 and / or the second filter unit 1500.

[0064] More specifically, the substances generated from the battery module 100 may be primarily filtered through the first filter unit 1400. After the substances generated from the battery module 100 pass through the first filter unit 1400, the amount of particles contained in the substances generated from the battery module 100 may be relatively reduced. In addition, the substances generated from the battery module 100 that have passed through the first filter unit 1400 may be secondarily filtered through the second filter unit 1500. After the substances generated from the battery module 100 that have passed through the first filter unit 1400 pass through the second filter unit 1500, the amount of particles contained in the substances generated from the battery module 100 may be relatively further reduced. In the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, the substances finally discharged to the outside of the battery pack 1000 through the discharge unit 1300 may not contain particles, which are internal cell substances, or even if they do, the amount may be relatively small compared to other substances.

[0065] As a result, in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, particles generated from the battery module 100 are effectively filtered through the first filter unit 1400 and the second filter unit 1500, preventing the particles from clogging the exhaust unit 1300 and preventing structural collapse that occurs as the pressure inside the battery pack 1000 increases.

[0066] In addition, the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment can effectively prevent external fires by minimizing the discharge of particles, among the materials generated from the battery module 100, to the outside of the battery pack through the discharge part 1300.

[0067] 3, the first filter unit 1400 may include a filter frame 1401 and a filter mesh 1405. For example, the first filter unit 1400 may be configured such that the area of ​​the filter frame 1401 is minimized and the area of ​​the filter mesh 1405 is maximized. As a result, the first filter unit 1400 may have an area that can maximize the filtering effect of the filter mesh 1405 while maintaining the rigidity of the first filter unit 1400 through the filter frame 1401.

[0068] For example, the filter frame 1401 may be made of the same material as the frame portions 1110, 1130, 1150, and 1170, or may be made of a material having the same heat insulating properties and rigidity as the frame portions 1110, 1130, 1150, and 1170. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this, and any material having heat insulating properties and rigidity may be applied.

[0069] In addition, the filter net 1405 may be formed in a mesh structure. For example, the filter net 1405 may be configured in any pattern such as a lattice, a circle, a diamond, etc. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and any pattern that can filter particles generated from the battery module 100 may be applied to this embodiment.

[0070] The second filter unit 1500 includes the same or similar components as the first filter unit 1400 and can be described in the same manner as the first filter unit 1400. Here, the second filter unit 1500 may have the same or a different area as the first filter unit 1400. For example, referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the area of ​​the first filter unit 1400 may be larger than the area of ​​the second filter unit 1500. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and any area that can filter particles from materials generated from the battery module 100 can be applied to this embodiment.

[0071] In addition, the pattern or pattern spacing of the filter mesh 1405 of the first filter unit 1400 may be the same as or different from the pattern or spacing of the filter mesh (not shown) of the second filter unit 1500. For example, the pattern of the filter mesh 1405 of the first filter unit 1400 may be formed so as to be less dense than the pattern of the filter mesh (not shown) of the second filter unit 1500. That is, the pattern of the filter mesh (not shown) of the second filter unit 1500 may be formed so as to be more dense than the pattern of the filter mesh 1405 of the first filter unit 1400.

[0072] As a result, the first filter unit 1400 can primarily filter out relatively large particles, and the second filter unit 1500 can secondarily filter out relatively small particles.

[0073] 4 and 5 are views showing the top surface of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention, with the upper pack frame removed, which includes a first filter part having a streamlined structure, unlike FIG. 1.

[0074] 4 and 5, in the battery pack 1000a according to this embodiment, the first filter unit 1400a may have a streamlined or zigzag shape. That is, the area of ​​the first filter unit 1400a according to this embodiment may be relatively larger than that of the first filter unit 1400 (FIG. 2). However, the shape of the first filter unit 1400a is not limited thereto, and any shape that can be attached while avoiding interference with the internal structure of the pack frames 1100 and 1200 of the battery pack 1000a or other components can be applied to this embodiment. 5, in the battery pack 1000a according to this embodiment, at least one electrical component 1900 may be disposed in the internal space of the battery pack 1000. Here, the electrical component 1900 may be equipped with a BMS (Battery Management System) module that monitors and controls the operation of other electrical components and the battery module 100. However, the location of the electrical component 1900 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 5, and the electrical component 1900 may be disposed in an appropriate position as needed in the internal space of the battery pack 1000a. More specifically, in the battery pack 1000a of this embodiment, at least one electrical component 1900 may be located between the battery module 100 that is located closest to the discharge portion 1300 and the pack frames 1100 and 1200. In this case, the first filter unit 1400a may extend along one side of the pack frames 1100 and 1200 and have a structure that avoids at least one electrical component. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the first filter unit 1400a has a curved structure that surrounds the electrical component 1900. However, unlike FIG. 5, the first filter unit 1400a may be modified into various shapes depending on the shape of the electrical component 1900.

[0075] As a result, in the battery pack 1000a according to this embodiment, the filtering amount corresponding to the area of ​​the first filter unit 1400a is relatively increased, and it is possible to more effectively filter substances generated from the battery module 100. In addition, the first filter unit 1400a can be attached to the battery pack 1000 while avoiding interference with the internal structure of the pack frames 1100 and 1200 or other components, and can utilize the empty space inside the battery pack 1000 to improve space efficiency. Figure 6 is a view showing the top surface of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention, with an upper pack frame removed, including a first filter unit having a closing portion, unlike Figure 1. Figure 7 is a view showing the first filter unit of Figure 6.

[0076] 6 and 7, in a battery pack 1000b according to this embodiment, a first filter unit 1400b includes a filter frame 1401, a filter mesh 1405, and at least one closing portion 1450, so that substances generated from the battery module 100 can move around the closing portion 1450. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the at least one closing portion 1450 of the first filter unit 1400b may be spaced apart from one another. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, the closing portion 1450 may be positioned corresponding to a side of the battery module 100. However, this is not limited thereto, and any position that controls the movement of substances generated from the battery module 100 in a desired direction in the first filter unit 1400b may be applicable to this embodiment. For example, the closing portion 1450 may be made of a material that prevents substances generated from the battery module 100 from passing through.

[0077] As a result, in the battery pack 1000b according to this embodiment, the first filter unit 1400b can obstruct the movement of substances generated from the battery module 100 through the closing unit 1450 and control the movement of the substances generated from the battery module 100 in an intended direction. That is, the closing unit 1450 can relatively lengthen the movement path of the substances generated from the battery module 100, thereby relatively increasing the amount of substances generated from the battery module 100 filtered by the first filter unit 1400b.

[0078] 8 and 9 are views showing the top surface of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention, with the upper pack frame removed, unlike FIG. 1, in which the first filter part contacts one side of the pack frame.

[0079] 8, in the battery pack 1000c according to this embodiment, the first filter unit 1400c may be located between the vertical beam 1170, which is located closest to the discharge unit 1300, among the at least two vertical beams 1170, and the discharge unit 1300. For example, the first filter unit 1400c may contact the inner surface of the side frame 1130 at a position corresponding to the discharge unit.

[0080] Therefore, the battery pack 1000c according to this embodiment can improve space efficiency within the battery pack 1000 by utilizing the empty space within the battery pack 1000 to mount the first filter unit 1400c.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 9, the battery pack 1000d according to this embodiment may include a flow path unit 1600 located between the first filter unit 1400d and the battery module 100 located closest to the discharge unit 1300.

[0082] More specifically, the flow path unit 1600 may replace the vertical beam 1170 located closest to the discharge unit 1300. As a result, the flow path unit 1600 may serve as a path through which materials generated from the battery module 100 move, and may separate the battery module 100 from the side frame 1130 located closest to the discharge unit 1300.

[0083] In addition, the flow path unit 1600 may include at least one partition wall portion 1610, 1650. For example, the partition wall portions 1610, 1650 may be made of the same material as the frame portions 1110, 1130, 1150, and 1170. Here, as shown in Fig. 6, the flow path unit 1600 may include a first partition wall portion 1610 and a second partition wall portion 1650. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the flow path unit 1600 may omit one of the first partition wall portion 1610 and the second partition wall portion 1650, or may include an additional partition wall portion in addition to the first partition wall portion 1610 and the second partition wall portion 1650.

[0084] More specifically, the first partition 1610 and the second partition 1650 may extend in the same direction from the inner surface of the side frame 1130, and may be spaced apart from each other on different inner surfaces of the inner surface of the side frame 1130. That is, substances generated from the battery module 100 may move to a space where the first partition 1610 and the inner surface of the side frame 1130 are spaced apart and a space where the second partition 1650 and the inner surface of the side frame 1130 are spaced apart. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first partition 1610 and the second partition 1650 may have a structure in which at least a portion is open, and substances generated from the battery module 100 may move through the open portion.

[0085] As a result, in the battery pack 1000d according to this embodiment, the first partition 1610 and the second partition 1650 can form a flow path through which materials generated from the battery module 100 move in the flow path 1600. Also, in the battery pack 1000d according to this embodiment, materials generated from the battery module 100 can be partially cooled as they pass through the flow path 1600, thereby preventing heat propagation and further improving the safety of the battery pack 1000.

[0086] Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing a battery module to be mounted in the battery pack of Fig. 1. Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of Fig. 10.

[0087] 2, 10, and 11, a plurality of battery modules 100 included in a battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment may be mounted on a lower pack frame 1100. More specifically, the plurality of battery modules 100 may be mounted in areas defined by a side frame 1130 and inner frames 1150 and 1170, as shown in FIGS. 2, 4 to 6, 8, and 9. However, the arrangement direction of the battery modules 100 is not limited thereto and may be appropriately changed as needed.

[0088] As an example, the battery module 100 includes a battery cell stack 120 in which a plurality of battery cells 110 are stacked, and module frames 160 and 170 that house the battery cell stack 120, as shown in FIGS.

[0089] The battery cell 110 is preferably a pouch-type battery cell. For example, the battery cell 110 may be manufactured by housing an electrode assembly in a pouch case made of a laminate sheet including a resin layer and an inner layer, and then heat-sealing the sealing portion of the pouch case. Such a battery cell 110 may be formed in a rectangular sheet structure. A plurality of such battery cells 110 may be formed, and the plurality of battery cells 110 may be stacked so as to be electrically connected to each other to form a battery cell stack 120. Here, the number of battery cells 110 constituting the battery cell stack 120 may be adjusted as needed.

[0090] The module frames 160, 170 may include an upper cover 160 and a U-shaped frame 170. The module frames 160, 170 may also include a thermally conductive resin layer 175 located between the battery cell stack 120 and the lower portions of the module frames 160, 170.

[0091] Here, the U-shaped frame 170 may include a bottom and two side portions extending upward from both ends of the bottom. In this case, the bottom may cover the lower surface of the battery cell stack 120, and the side portions may cover the side surfaces of the battery cell stack 120. The upper cover 160 and the U-shaped frame 170 may be joined by welding or the like with corresponding corners in contact with each other, thereby forming a structure that covers the top, bottom, left, and right of the battery cell stack 120. For this reason, the upper cover 160 and the U-shaped frame 170 may be made of a metal material having a predetermined strength.

[0092] As another example, although not shown in Figures 10 and 11, the module frames 160 and 170 may be replaced with a monoframe made of a metal plate with the top, bottom, and both side surfaces integrated together. As another example, the module frames 160 and 170 may be replaced with a form in which two L-shaped frames are combined together. As another example, the module frames 160 and 170 may be replaced with a frame having a four-plate structure in which an upper plate, a lower plate, a left plate, and a right plate are combined together. However, the present embodiment is not limited thereto, and any frame form that can protect the internal components of the battery module 100 may be applied.

[0093] The battery module 100 further includes bus bar frames 130 located on the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 120, respectively, and end plates 150 covering the bus bar frames 130. Here, bus bars (not shown) electrically connected to the battery cell stack 120 may be located on the bus bar frames 130. As a result, the end plates 150 can physically protect the battery cell stack 120 and other electrical components from external impacts.

[0094] A battery module 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention may have a structure in which at least some of the components of the battery module 100 of Figures 10 and 11, such as the module frames 160 and 170, the end plates 150, and the bus bar frame 130, are omitted. That is, the battery module 100 may have a structure in which the components per battery module are minimized. For example, the battery module 100 may have a structure in which the module frames 160 and 170 and / or the end plates 150 are omitted.

[0095] As a result, the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment omits at least some of the components of the battery module 100, thereby reducing the weight of the battery pack 1000 and further increasing the space utilization rate inside the battery pack 1000. 12, a battery module 101 according to another embodiment of the present invention can be installed inside a battery pack 1000. Here, the battery module 101 can be described in almost the same manner as the battery module 100 described above, and only the differences will be described. 12, in the battery module 101 according to this embodiment, a plurality of venting holes 160h may be formed in the upper cover 160. Here, the venting holes 160h may be holes that penetrate the upper cover 160. More specifically, the plurality of venting holes 160h may extend along the length of the upper cover 160, and may be spaced apart from each other along the length and width of the upper cover 160. However, the shape and arrangement of the plurality of venting holes 160h are not limited to those shown in FIG. 12, and various shapes and arrangements may be applied to this embodiment. As a result, in the battery module 101 according to this embodiment, when a cell event such as a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs in the battery module 101, gas and / or flames generated within the battery module 101 can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery module 101 through the plurality of venting holes 160h, and heat propagation between the inside and outside of the battery module 101 can be relatively delayed compared to the battery module 100 of Fig. 10. Also, in the battery pack 1000 to which such a battery module 101 is mounted, heat propagation between the inside and outside of the battery module 101 is delayed compared to the battery module 100 of Fig. 10, which is advantageous in that heat propagation between adjacent battery modules 101 can also be effectively delayed.

[0096] FIG. 13 is a view showing the top surface of a battery pack according to a comparative example of the present invention with an upper pack frame removed.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 13, the battery pack 2000 according to the comparative example differs from the battery packs 1000, 1000a, 1000b, 1000c, and 1000d according to the present embodiment (FIG. 1-9) in that it does not include the first filter portions 1400, 1400a, 1400b, 1400c, and 1400d, but all other components are the same.

[0098] 13, the battery pack 2000 according to the comparative example includes a filter unit 2500 positioned at a position corresponding to the discharge unit 2300, and is capable of filtering out some of the substances generated from the battery module 200. However, in the battery pack 2000 according to the comparative example, the amount of substances filtered by the filter unit 2500 is very limited compared to the battery packs 1000, 1000a, 1000b, 1000c, and 1000d (FIGS. 1-9) according to the present embodiment, which means that substances not filtered by the filter unit 2500 may clog the discharge unit 2300. Furthermore, if the unfiltered substances clog the discharge unit 2300, the pressure inside the pack increases, which may cause the structure of the battery pack 2000 to collapse due to the rigidity of the pack frame 2100.

[0099] 1 to 9, the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment includes a first filter unit 1400 and a second filter unit 1500, and can effectively filter out substances generated from the battery module. That is, unlike the comparative example, the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment has the advantage of preventing particles from clogging the exhaust device of the battery pack and structural collapse caused by an increase in pressure inside the battery pack, while minimizing particles from being discharged to the outside of the battery pack, thereby preventing the occurrence of external fires.

[0100] A device according to another embodiment of the present invention includes the battery pack described above. Such devices may be applied to transportation means such as electric bicycles, electric cars, and hybrid cars, but the present invention is not limited thereto and may be applied to various devices that can use battery modules and battery packs including the same, which also fall within the scope of the present invention. The present invention will be described below through more specific examples. However, the following examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the present invention. <Example> A battery pack was manufactured in which battery modules were arranged in a 2x4 array inside a pack frame as shown in Figure 12. The battery pack was manufactured so that two outlets were located on one side of the pack frame as shown in Figures 1 and 2, a first filter unit was located between the pack frame and the battery module located closest to the outlets, and a second filter unit was located on one side of the pack frame at a position corresponding to the outlets. <Comparative Example> As shown in FIG. 12, the battery pack of the comparative example was manufactured in the same manner as the battery pack of the example, except that the battery modules as shown in FIG. 9 were arranged in a 2×4 array inside the pack frame, and the first filter unit was omitted. <Experimental example: Confirmation of maximum pressure inside the battery pack and point of flame exposure> In each example and comparative example, one battery module located at the same position among the eight battery modules is designated as a trigger module, and the trigger module is a module that intentionally causes a thermal runaway (TR) phenomenon within the battery module, and the adjacent module refers to a module located adjacent to the trigger module. In each example and comparative example, the thermal runaway time, heat propagation time, and heat propagation speed of the trigger module and adjacent module were measured, and the heat propagation time, maximum pressure, and flame exposure time between modules of the battery pack were measured. The results are shown in Table 1. [Table 1] Referring to Table 1, in the example, it can be seen that the time it took for thermal runaway to occur in the trigger module was 105 seconds, and the time and speed of heat propagation throughout the battery cells in the trigger module were 426 seconds and 4.9 Ah / s. In contrast, in the comparative example, it can be seen that the time it took for thermal runaway to occur in the trigger module was 101 seconds, and the time and speed of heat propagation throughout the battery cells in the trigger module were 153 seconds and 13.7 Ah / s. That is, it can be seen that the battery module in the Example exhibits a delayed heat propagation reaction within the battery module compared to the battery module in the Comparative Example, based on the trigger module. This difference can be seen because, unlike the Comparative Example, in the Example, gas and / or flame inside the battery module is smoothly discharged to the outside through the vent holes formed in the upper cover of the battery module, which results in a relatively delayed heat propagation reaction within the battery module compared to the Comparative Example. Referring to Table 1, it can be seen that the time it took for thermal runaway to occur in the adjacent module in the example was 3589 seconds, and the time and speed of heat propagation to all battery cells in the adjacent module were 26 seconds and 80.6 Ah / s. Here, it can be seen that in the example, the time it took for heat to propagate from the trigger module to the adjacent module, i.e., the heat propagation time between modules, was 3484 seconds (3589 seconds - 105 seconds). In contrast, it can be seen that the time it took for thermal runaway to occur in the adjacent module in the comparative example was 101 seconds, and the time and speed of heat propagation to all battery cells in the adjacent module were 49 seconds and 49.9 Ah / s. Here, it can be seen that in the comparative example, the time it took for heat to propagate from the trigger module to the adjacent module, i.e., the heat propagation time between modules, was 0 seconds (101 seconds - 101 seconds). That is, in the example, the heat propagation time between modules was 3484 seconds (=58 minutes) relative to adjacent modules, confirming that the heat propagation reaction between battery modules was effectively delayed. In contrast, in the comparative example, the heat propagation time between modules was 0 seconds, confirming that the heat propagation reaction between battery modules occurred immediately. In particular, in the example, the gas and / or flame within the trigger module was smoothly discharged to the outside of the module, confirming that the heat propagation reaction of the trigger module was relatively delayed and the heat propagation reaction to adjacent modules was also low. In contrast, in the comparative example, the gas and / or flame within the trigger module was not discharged to the outside of the module, confirming that the heat propagation reaction of the trigger module progressed rapidly and the heat propagation reaction to adjacent modules also occurred immediately. Referring to Table 1, the maximum pressure inside the battery pack of the Example was 0.025 bar at the time of thermal runaway of the trigger module and 1.20 bar at the time of thermal runaway of the adjacent module, and the flame exposure time was 3596 seconds (= 59.9 minutes).In contrast, the maximum pressure inside the battery pack of the Comparative Example was 1.28 bar, and the flame exposure time was 106 seconds. That is, unlike the comparative example, the battery pack of the example further includes a first filter unit in addition to a second filter unit, thereby removing particles from the material generated from the battery module that has experienced thermal runaway, and smoothly venting gas and / or flames from inside the battery pack to the outside of the battery pack, resulting in a relatively lower maximum pressure inside the battery pack compared to the comparative example. In addition, the battery pack of the example maintains a maximum pressure of 0.025 bar to 1.20 bar before heat transfer from the trigger module to the adjacent module occurs (when thermal runaway occurs in the adjacent module), which confirms that the maximum pressure inside the battery pack is maintained relatively low for a relatively long time, delaying the collapse of the pack structure and effectively delaying the time of flame exposure. In contrast, the battery pack of the comparative example does not include a first filter unit, and therefore particles from the materials generated by the battery module experiencing thermal runaway clog the exhaust port, preventing smooth exhaust of gas and / or flame. That is, it was confirmed that the second filter unit formed at a position corresponding to the exhaust port, as in the battery pack of the comparative example, alone is insufficient to remove particles from inside the battery pack. In addition, it was confirmed that the maximum pressure inside the battery pack of the comparative example relatively increases to 1.28 bar in a relatively short time, making the pack structure more likely to collapse, and the flame exposure time is also very short.

[0101] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention as defined in the claims below also fall within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 100 Battery Module 110 battery cells 120 Battery cell stack 130 Busbar Frame 150 end plate 160 Upper cover (module frame) 170 U-shaped frame (modular frame) 1000 battery packs 1100 Lower Pack Frame (Pack Frame) 1200 Upper pack frame (pack frame) 1300 Discharge section 1400 First filter section 1401 Filter Frame 1405 Filter mesh 1450 Closing part 1500 Second filter section 1600 Flow path

Claims

1. a pack frame on which a plurality of battery modules are mounted; At least one discharge portion located on one side of the pack frame; a first filter portion disposed between the pack frame and a battery module, the battery module being located closest to the discharge portion, among the plurality of battery modules; and a second filter unit located on one side of the pack frame at a position corresponding to the discharge unit, The battery pack, wherein substances generated from the battery module move through the first filter portion, the second filter portion, and the exhaust portion.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein an area of ​​the first filter portion is greater than a total area of ​​the at least one exhaust portion.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein an area of ​​the first filter portion is greater than a total area of ​​the second filter portion.

4. the battery pack further includes at least one electrical component located between the pack frame and a battery module located closest to the discharge portion among the plurality of battery modules, The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the first filter portion extends along one side surface of the pack frame and has a structure that avoids the at least one electrical component portion.

5. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first filter portion has a streamlined or zigzag shape.

6. the first filter portion includes at least one closure portion spaced apart from one another; The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein substances generated from the battery module move around the closing portion.

7. the pack frame includes a lower pack frame on which a plurality of battery modules are mounted and an upper pack frame located above the battery modules, The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lower pack frame includes a bottom portion in contact with a lower surface of the battery module and a frame portion in contact with at least one side surface of the battery module.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7 , wherein the frame portion includes a side frame extending from an end of the bottom portion toward an upper portion, and an inner frame positioned inside the side frame.

9. The battery pack according to claim 8 , wherein the plurality of battery modules are separated from each other by the side frames and the inner frame.

10. The battery pack according to claim 8 , wherein the inner frame includes a horizontal beam extending along the length of the lower pack frame and at least two vertical beams extending in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal beam.

11. The battery pack of claim 10 , wherein the first filter portion replaces a vertical beam located closest to the exhaust portion among the at least two vertical beams.

12. The battery pack of claim 10 , wherein the first filter portion is located between the discharge portion and a vertical beam located closest to the discharge portion among the at least two vertical beams.

13. The battery pack according to claim 12 , wherein the first filter portion contacts an inner surface of the side frame at a position corresponding to the outlet portion.

14. The battery pack of claim 12 , further comprising a flow path portion located between the first filter portion and a battery module located closest to the discharge portion.

15. The battery pack of claim 14 , wherein the flow path portion replaces a vertical beam located closest to the discharge portion.

16. The battery pack according to claim 15 , wherein the flow path portion includes at least one partition portion.

17. the flow path portion includes a first partition wall portion and a second partition wall portion, The battery pack according to claim 15 , wherein the first partition wall and the second partition wall extend in the same direction from the inner surface of the side frame.

18. The battery pack of claim 17 , wherein the first partition wall and the second partition wall are spaced apart from each other on different inner surfaces of the side frame.

19. 19. The battery pack of claim 18, wherein substances generated from the battery module move to a space where the first partition wall and the inner surface of the side frame are separated and a space where the second partition wall and the inner surface of the side frame are separated.

20. A device comprising the battery pack of claim 1 or 2.

Images