Battery pack and automobile including the battery pack

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a battery pack including a plurality of battery cells, a pack case configured to house the plurality of battery cells, and a blocking member having a module cover configured to cover the outside of the battery cells, the blocking member being configured to guide waste discharged from the battery cells in a space outside the module cover.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0159748 filed on November 17, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0145821 filed on October 23, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety in their specifications and drawings. [Background technology]

[0003] Secondary batteries, which have high applicability across product groups and electrical properties such as high energy density, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), etc. These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for improving energy efficiency, as they are environmentally friendly in that they do not produce any by-products from energy use, in addition to their primary advantage of dramatically reducing the use of fossil fuels.

[0004] Currently, secondary batteries such as lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries are widely used. When a high output voltage is required, a battery module or a battery pack is formed by connecting multiple battery cells in series. To increase the charge / discharge capacity, a battery module or a battery pack may also be formed by connecting multiple battery cells in parallel. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery module or pack may be variously set according to the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] However, because battery cells undergo chemical reactions during charging and discharging, their performance may deteriorate if they are used in an environment that is higher than the appropriate temperature, and if heat cannot be controlled to the appropriate temperature, there is a risk of unexpected fire or explosion. Therefore, if a thermal event such as thermal runaway occurs inside a battery pack containing multiple battery modules, high-temperature gases and flames emitted from the battery cells inside can spread to adjacent battery modules, causing a chain reaction of battery module explosions, which is extremely dangerous.

[0006] Therefore, it is necessary to develop a structure that can quickly discharge high-temperature gases and flames generated inside the battery module to the outside when thermal runaway occurs in the battery module, thereby eliminating heat accumulation inside the battery module.

[0007] In addition, it is necessary to develop a structure that can prevent emitted gases and flames from flowing into adjacent battery modules when thermal runaway occurs in a battery module. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery pack with improved safety and reliability by minimizing the thermal energy received by adjacent battery modules when thermal runaway occurs in a battery module, thereby preventing or suppressing the propagation of thermal runaway between battery modules.

[0009] Another problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a vehicle including such a battery pack.

[0010] However, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned object, and other objects and advantages not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention provides a battery pack including a plurality of battery cells, a pack case configured to house the plurality of battery cells, and a blocking member having a module cover configured to cover the outside of the battery cells, the blocking member being configured to guide waste discharged from the battery cells in a space outside the module cover.

[0012] The battery pack may further include a module case that houses a plurality of the battery cells in groups and has at least one vent hole formed on one surface thereof, and the module cover may be configured to cover the one surface of the module case on which the vent hole is formed.

[0013] A plurality of the module cases may be provided, and the module cover may be configured to cover the tops of at least some of the plurality of module cases.

[0014] The module cover may be spaced a predetermined distance from the module case.

[0015] The blocking member may include a stopper interposed between the module case and the module cover.

[0016] The stopper may be configured to limit the separation distance between the module case and the module cover.

[0017] The module cover may be configured to rest on the stopper.

[0018] The stopper may be disposed between the vent holes.

[0019] The stopper may be configured to extend elongately in at least one direction.

[0020] The module cover may include an opening configured to open under pressure or heat to allow the effluent to vent to the outside.

[0021] The blocking member may include a guide member disposed on the outside of the module cover and extending elongately in at least one direction.

[0022] The guide members may be provided in plurality at predetermined intervals in the horizontal direction, and a vent passage configured to allow the exhaust to flow may be formed between the guide members.

[0023] The pack case may include a vent portion configured to discharge the waste material to the outside of the pack case, and the guide member may be configured to guide the waste material to the vent portion.

[0024] The guide member may be configured such that a flow path area of ​​at least a portion of the vent flow path becomes smaller as it approaches the vent portion.

[0025] A plurality of the guide members may be provided and may be arranged at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction.

[0026] And yet another aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle including a battery pack according to an aspect of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] According to one aspect of the present invention, when thermal runaway occurs in a battery module, the thermal energy received by adjacent battery modules can be minimized, thereby preventing or suppressing the propagation of thermal runaway between battery modules and ensuring the safety and reliability of the battery pack.

[0028] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, high-temperature gas, flames, and the like can be quickly discharged to the outside of the battery pack, thereby eliminating heat accumulation inside the battery pack.

[0029] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, when thermal runaway occurs in a battery module, high-temperature gases, flames, etc. discharged to the outside of the battery module can be prevented from flowing back into the inside of other battery modules.

[0030] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, events such as fires and explosions caused by thermal runaway phenomena in battery packs and devices to which the battery packs are attached can be prevented or delayed.

[0031] The present invention can also provide various other effects, which will be described in the respective embodiments, but the description of effects that can be easily inferred by those skilled in the art will be omitted.

[0032] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, are intended to facilitate a further understanding of the technical concepts of the present invention; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the matters described in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing the inside of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, for example, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along II' in FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a top view of a battery pack to which a stopper according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied; [Figure 6] 10 is a top view of a battery pack to which a stopper according to another embodiment of the present invention is applied; FIG. [Figure 7] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating a module cover that is partially opened in the event of thermal runaway in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8] 1 is a perspective view showing the inside of a battery pack to which a guide member according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied; [Figure 9] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack to which a guide member according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied; [Figure 10] 1 is a top view of a battery pack to which a guide member according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied; [Figure 11] 10 is a top view of a battery pack to which a guide member according to another embodiment of the present invention is applied; FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a top view of a battery pack to which a guide member according to another embodiment of the present invention is applied; FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of a battery module included in a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a module cover included in a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 10 is a top view of a battery pack to which a stopper according to another embodiment of the present invention is applied; FIG. [Figure 17] 10 is a top view of a battery pack to which a guide member according to another embodiment of the present invention is applied; FIG. [Figure 18] 10 is a top view of a battery pack to which a guide member according to another embodiment of the present invention is applied; FIG. [Figure 19] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, the terms and phrases used in the specification and claims should not be construed as being limited to their general and dictionary meanings, but should be construed as having meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical ideas of the present invention, in accordance with the principle that the inventors themselves can appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe the invention.

[0035] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical idea of ​​the present invention, and that there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace them at the time of this application.

[0036] The present invention also includes various embodiments, and in each embodiment, overlapping descriptions of substantially identical or similar configurations will be omitted, and differences will be mainly described.

[0037] Meanwhile, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and rear are used in this specification, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms are used for the convenience of explanation and may change depending on the position of the object of interest, the position of the observer, etc.

[0038] For example, in an embodiment of the present invention, the illustrated X-axis direction may refer to the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction may refer to the front-back direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction on a horizontal plane (XY plane), and the Z-axis direction may refer to the up-down direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0039] Fig. 1 is an overall perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the interior of the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, for example, a cross-sectional view taken along II' in Fig. 2.

[0040] 1 to 4, a battery pack 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell 100, a pack case 200, and a blocking member 300.

[0041] 3, a plurality of battery cells 100 may be included. Although not shown, each of the plurality of battery cells 100 may include an electrode assembly, a cell case that houses the electrode assembly, and an electrode lead that is connected to the electrode assembly and extends to the outside of the cell case to function as an electrode terminal. In this case, the plurality of battery cells 100 may be electrically connected to each other.

[0042] The battery cell 100 may be a pouch-type secondary battery. The cell case of such a pouch-type secondary battery may be configured in a pouch shape with a metal layer including an aluminum material sandwiched between polymer layers.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 3, the plurality of battery cells 100 may be arranged side by side in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) while standing upright in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

[0044] Meanwhile, the present invention is not limited by the specific type or shape of the battery cell 100, and various battery cells 100 known at the time of filing of the present invention may be adopted in the configuration of the battery pack 1 of the present invention. In this embodiment, as shown in the drawing, a pouch-type secondary battery that has high energy density and is easy to stack is targeted, but it goes without saying that a cylindrical secondary battery or a prismatic secondary battery may also be applied as the battery cell 100.

[0045] The pack case 200 may be configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells 100. The pack case 200 may be formed with an accommodation space configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells 100. The accommodation space is an empty space and may be provided with a shape that allows the battery cells 100 to be accommodated therein.

[0046] In order to safely protect the battery cells 100 housed therein, the pack case 200 may be made of or include a material that can ensure mechanical rigidity, such as a metal such as steel or SUS (Steel Use Stainless), or a plastic.

[0047] 2 to 4, the battery pack 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a blocking member 300. The blocking member 300 may be configured to separate the accommodation space of the battery module 10 from the external space of the pack case 200. That is, the blocking member 300 may be configured to allow emissions generated in the battery module 10 to flow only outside the battery module 10. Here, the term "emissions" may refer to any material that is expelled when a thermal event occurs in the battery module 10, such as vent gas, flame, or spark.

[0048] Specifically, the blocking member 300 may include a module cover 310. The module cover 310 may be configured to cover the outside of the battery cell 100.

[0049] In particular, the module cover 310 may be configured to completely separate the storage space for the battery cells 100 from the external space of the pack case 200. That is, the module cover 310 may be configured so that waste generated in the battery cells 100 flows only outside the module cover 310.

[0050] Such a module cover 310 may be made of a material with excellent heat resistance and / or fire resistance, such as mica.

[0051] As a result, the blocking member 300 may be configured to guide the waste discharged from the battery cell 100 into the external space of the module cover 310.

[0052] According to this embodiment, even if a thermal event occurs, the blocking member 300 separates the battery cell 100 from the flow space of the waste, thereby minimizing thermal damage that the battery cell 100 directly receives.

[0053] In addition, it is possible to prevent the waste discharged into the space outside the module cover 310 from flowing back into the other battery cells 100. This minimizes heat transfer to the other battery cells 100, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of the battery pack 1.

[0054] 3, a plurality of battery cells 100 may be modularized as one or more battery modules 10. That is, a battery pack 1 according to the present invention may include one or more battery modules 10. The plurality of battery cells 100 may be included as components of one or more battery modules 10. In this case, the plurality of battery cells 100 included inside the battery module 10 may be electrically connected to each other.

[0055] Furthermore, a plurality of battery modules 10 may be provided inside the pack case 200. That is, the battery pack 1 according to the present invention includes a plurality of battery modules 10, and the plurality of battery cells 100 included in the battery pack 1 may be divided and included in the plurality of battery modules 10.

[0056] The plurality of battery modules 10 may be arranged along at least one direction inside the pack case 200. For example, as in the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the plurality of battery modules 10 may be arranged in four rows along the front-rear direction of the pack case 200 and two columns along the left-right direction of the pack case 200, so that a total of eight battery modules 10 may be provided.

[0057] In particular, the battery pack 1 according to the present invention may include a module case 11. The module case 11 may have an empty space formed therein and may be configured to accommodate at least some of the plurality of battery cells 100 in the internal space. In particular, the module case 11 may be provided for each battery module 10, group the plurality of battery cells 100 into several battery modules 10, and serve as a boundary that physically defines the internal space of each battery module 10.

[0058] Although not shown, the battery module 10 may also include a bus bar assembly and / or a module terminal electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells 100 housed therein.

[0059] The module case 11 may have a vent hole 12 formed therein. The vent hole 12 may be configured to discharge vent gas generated in the battery cells 100 housed inside the module case 11 to the outside of the module case 11.

[0060] Specifically, the vent holes 12 may enable directional venting in a specific direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the vent holes 12 are provided on the top surface of the module case 11, and directional venting of the battery module 10 upward is enabled through the vent holes 12. A plurality of the vent holes 12 may be provided, and may be spaced apart at regular intervals in the horizontal direction (X-axis and Y-axis directions).

[0061] According to this embodiment, in a situation where any one of the battery cells 100 experiences thermal runaway and generates gas, etc., the gas, etc. can be quickly directional vented from the module case 11 in a specific direction.

[0062] Although not shown, the battery module 10 may also include a bus bar assembly and / or a module terminal electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells 100 housed therein.

[0063] The vent hole 12 provided on the top surface of the module case 11 in this manner can be configured to allow gas and flames generated inside the battery module 10 to be discharged to the outside of the battery module 10 when thermal runaway occurs in the battery module 10. The module case 11 except for the vent hole 12 is sealed, and the gas and flames can be discharged in a straight line toward the vent hole 12.

[0064] According to this embodiment, even if a thermal event occurs at any position in the battery cell 100, the gas or flame generated in the battery cell 100 is discharged to the outside of the battery module 10 through a specific vent hole 12 provided on the top of the battery cell 100, thereby enabling smooth discharge.

[0065] In this case, the module cover 310 may be configured to cover one side of the module case 11. In particular, the module cover 310 may be configured to cover the outer surface of the module case 11 on which the vent hole 12 is formed. For example, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, if the vent hole 12 is formed on the top of the module case 11, the module cover 310 may be disposed on the top of the module case 11.

[0066] According to this embodiment, the waste discharged from the vent hole 12 of the battery module 10 can flow in the external space of the module cover 310.

[0067] The module cover 310 may be configured to cover the tops of at least some of the multiple module cases 11. For example, the module cover 310 may be configured to cover the tops of each of the module cases 11. Alternatively, the module cover 310 may be configured to cover the entire module cases 11 arranged in one direction. As in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the module cover 310 may be configured to cover the entire tops of the module cases 11 arranged in the front-rear direction. That is, the module cover 310 may be configured in a shape that extends long enough to cover the stack of battery modules 10 arranged in one direction from one end to the other.

[0068] According to this embodiment, the module cover 310 can guide waste matter in the space outside the module cover 310 to the outside of the stack of battery modules 10. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the module cover 310 is provided extending long along the direction in which the battery modules 10 are arranged, and thus can reliably partition and separate the internal space and the external space of the pack case 200 in which the battery modules 10 are housed. This makes it possible to prevent waste matter discharged outside the module cover 310 from affecting the battery modules 10.

[0069] 4, the module cover 310 may be disposed at a predetermined distance from the module case 11. For example, the module cover 310 may be configured to cover the top surface of the module case 11 from the outside and may be disposed at a predetermined distance from the top surface of the module case 11.

[0070] Specifically, the pack case 200 may include a cross beam 230 configured to separate the battery modules 10 arranged in one direction inside the pack case 200. The cross beam 230 may be provided so as to protrude upward beyond the module case 11. Furthermore, the module cover 310 may be configured to be placed on the cross beam 230. This allows the module cover 310 and the module case 11 to be spaced apart by a predetermined distance.

[0071] According to this embodiment, the module cover 310 is spaced a predetermined distance from the module case 11, thereby enabling the module cover 310 to more reliably partition and separate the storage space of the battery module 10 from the external space. As a result, even if vent gas or flames are emitted from one battery module 10, it is possible to prevent heat from being transmitted to other adjacent battery modules 10. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the module cover 310 is placed on and coupled to the cross beam 230, thereby improving the ease of assembly of the battery pack 1.

[0072] FIG. 5 is a top view of a battery pack to which a stopper according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied, and FIG. 6 is a top view of a battery pack to which a stopper according to another embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0073] The blocking member 300 may include a stopper 320. The stopper 320 may be interposed between the module case 11 and the module cover 310. A plurality of stoppers 320 may be provided, one for each battery module 10.

[0074] The stopper 320 may be configured to limit the distance between the module case 11 and the module cover 310. When a thermal event occurs inside the battery module 10, the internal pressure of the battery module 10 increases, and the upper part of the battery module 10 may expand. In such a case, the space between the upper surface of the module case 11 and the battery cells 100 becomes inconsistent, which may hinder smooth directional ventilation through the vent holes 12.

[0075] However, according to the present embodiment, the stopper 320 is provided between the module case 11 and the module cover 310, so that the stopper 320 can press and fix the battery module 10 from above the module case 11. This prevents the module case 11 from expanding upward, and allows for smooth directional venting of waste materials inside the battery module 10 to the outside through the vent hole 12.

[0076] Specifically, the stopper 320 may be placed on the top of the module case 11. The module cover 310 may be configured to be placed on the stopper 320. That is, the height of the stopper 320 may be approximately the distance between the module cover 310 and the module case 11.

[0077] According to this embodiment, stopper 320 structurally supports module cover 310, thereby preventing module cover 310 from bending due to gravity. Also, module case 11 can be more reliably prevented from floating up.

[0078] Meanwhile, the stopper 320 may be configured to prevent emissions such as flames that have been discharged from the interior of the battery module 10 through the vent hole 12 from flowing back into the interior of the battery module 10 through other adjacent vent holes 12. The stopper 320 may be made of a material that has fire resistance and / or heat resistance. For example, the stopper 320 may be made of a material such as silicone, polyurethane, or mica.

[0079] Specifically, stopper 320 may be disposed between vent holes 12. As described above, a plurality of vent holes 12 may be provided, and may be provided at regular intervals from each other in the horizontal direction (X-axis and Y-axis directions).

[0080] As in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, stoppers 320 may be provided along the X-axis direction between the vent holes 12 that are spaced apart from one another.

[0081] 5, the plurality of vent holes 12 may form a vent hole array arranged in one direction. The vent hole array may be formed by arranging the vent holes 12 in a line along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 100 (the Y-axis direction in FIG. 5).

[0082] According to this embodiment, regardless of where a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 100, gases and flames generated in the battery cell 100 can be discharged to the outside of the battery module 10 through the vent holes 12 included in the vent hole array provided on the top of the battery cell 100.

[0083] Furthermore, a plurality of vent hole arrays may be provided, and the plurality of vent hole arrays may be arranged side by side in one direction, i.e., the direction in which the battery cells 100 are stacked (the X-axis direction in FIG. 5 ). One vent hole array may be provided to correspond to at least one battery cell 100.

[0084] 6, the stoppers 320 may be provided between the vent hole arrays. That is, the stoppers 320 may be provided between the vent holes 12 that are spaced apart from each other along a direction horizontally perpendicular to the stacking direction of the battery cells 100. According to this embodiment, the movement of exhaust gas between the battery cells 100 is blocked, and therefore, heat transfer between the battery cells 100 can be suppressed or delayed.

[0085] 5 and 6 , the stopper 320 may be configured to extend elongatedly in at least one direction. That is, the stopper 320 may be configured to extend elongatedly in at least one direction between the vent holes 12. For example, the stopper 320 may be configured to extend elongatedly in the stacking direction of the battery cells 100 or in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the battery cells 100.

[0086] According to this embodiment, the stopper 320 is configured to cross between the plurality of vent holes 12, thereby more reliably blocking the movement of waste. In addition, since the process is simpler than when several stoppers 320 are provided in one battery module 10, productivity during manufacturing of the battery pack 1 can be improved.

[0087] FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a module cover that is partially opened in the event of thermal runaway in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] 7 , the module cover 310 may include an opening 311. The opening 311 may be configured to be opened by the pressure or heat of the waste material discharged from the battery cell 100. The opening 311 may be provided above the vent hole 12.

[0089] Specifically, in a normal state, the module cover 310 covers the outer surface of the module case 11 where the vent holes 12 are formed, thereby protecting the battery module 10 and the battery cells 100. However, if a thermal event occurs in some of the battery cells 100, in which vent gas or flames are generated, the opening 311 of the module cover 310 is opened, so that the exhaust that has passed through the vent holes 12 of the battery module 10 can be smoothly discharged into the space outside the module cover 310 without any obstruction.

[0090] According to this embodiment, the opening 311 is opened and the vent hole 12 is exposed to the outside of the module cover 310, so that exhaust materials such as gas and flames can be completely discharged to the outside of the battery module 10.

[0091] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the module cover 310 can prevent exhaust materials such as gas and flames discharged to the outside from flowing back into the adjacent battery module 10. Therefore, heat transfer between adjacent battery modules 10 can be minimized, and the transfer of thermal runaway can be effectively prevented or delayed, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of the battery module 10.

[0092] Specifically, the opening 311 may include a cover hole 311a formed in the main body of the module cover 310, and an opening member 311b provided in the cover hole 311a so as to be able to open and close.

[0093] The opening member 311b may be configured to be separable or openable from the module cover 310 by waste materials discharged from the battery cells 100. This opens the cover hole 311a, and waste materials discharged from the vent hole 12 can be discharged to the outside of the module cover 310 through the cover hole 311a.

[0094] For example, the opening portion 311 may have a notch formed along the outer periphery of the cover hole 311a. In this case, the opening member 311b may be completely separated from the main body of the module cover 310 to open the cover hole 311a. Alternatively, the opening member 311b may have a slit or notch so as to be ruptured. In this case, only a portion of the cover hole 311a may be opened.

[0095] On the other hand, the openings 311 may be configured to at least partially face the vent holes 12. That is, the openings 311 may be configured to face at least some of the multiple vent holes 12. In particular, the openings 311 may be arranged to correspond to all of the vent holes 12, respectively.

[0096] According to this embodiment, the discharge pressure of the waste material discharged in a straight line through the vent holes 12 acts on the open portion 311, pushing the open portion 311 directly in the direction in which the waste material is discharged, thereby opening the cover hole 311a. As a result, when waste material is discharged from a certain vent hole 12, only the cover hole 311a of the open portion 311 provided above and facing the vent hole 12 is opened. This allows the waste material to be discharged more quickly through the cover hole 311a into the space outside the module cover 310.

[0097] Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the inside of a battery pack to which a guide member according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied, Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack to which a guide member according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied, Fig. 10 is a view of a battery pack to which a guide member according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied, viewed from above, and Fig. 11 is a view of a battery pack to which a guide member according to another embodiment of the present invention is applied, viewed from above.

[0098] 8 to 11, the blocking member 300 may include a guide member 330. The guide member 330 may be disposed on the outside of the module cover 310. That is, the guide member 330 may be provided between the upper surface of the pack case 200 and the module cover 310.

[0099] The guide member 330 may be configured to guide the effluent flowing in the space outside the module cover 310. The guide member 330 may be made of a material that is fire-resistant and / or heat-resistant. For example, the guide member 330 may be made of a material such as silicone, polyurethane, or mica.

[0100] The guide member 330 may be configured to extend elongatedly along at least one direction. For example, as in the embodiment shown in Fig. 8, the guide member 330 may be configured to extend elongatedly along the stacking direction of the plurality of battery modules 10. That is, the guide member 330 may be configured to extend elongatedly along the front-rear direction of the battery pack 1.

[0101] In particular, the guide member 330 may be configured to extend from one end to the other end of the stack of battery modules 10. That is, the guide member 330 may be configured to overlap at least a portion of the plurality of battery modules 10. In this case, one end of the guide member 330 may be located outside the stack of battery modules 10. According to this embodiment, the guide member 330 may guide the overall flow of waste flowing above the plurality of battery modules 10.

[0102] A plurality of guide members 330 may be provided. The plurality of guide members 330 may be arranged at a predetermined distance apart in the horizontal direction. In this case, a vent flow path P configured to allow the flow of waste may be formed between adjacent guide members 330. That is, the vent flow path P may be formed in the space outside the module cover 310. The vent flow path P may be formed between the pack case 200, the guide members 330, and the module cover 310. The vent flow path P may be configured to extend long in the front-rear direction, the same as the direction in which the guide members 330 extend. In this case, the guide members 330 may be configured to block the waste from moving to other vent flow paths P.

[0103] As a result, the guide member 330 can guide the waste flowing in the vent flow path P in at least one direction in the space outside the module cover 310 and allow it to be smoothly discharged to the outside of the pack case 200.

[0104] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 8, a pack case 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a base frame 210 and a side frame 220.

[0105] The base frame 210 forms the bottom surface of the pack case 200 and may be a rectangular plate. The base frame 210 may be configured so that a plurality of battery cells 100 are placed on the upper surface. Furthermore, the base frame 210 may have a flat upper surface so that a plurality of battery modules 10 can be stably placed thereon.

[0106] The side frames 220 may extend upward from each side of the base frame 210. The side frames 220 may include a plurality of unit walls and surround a plurality of battery cells 100 or battery modules 10. More specifically, each of the plurality of side frames 220 may include a right wall located at the end of the base frame 210 in the -Y-axis direction, a rear wall located at the end in the +X-axis direction, a left wall located at the end in the +Y-axis direction, and a front wall located at the end in the -X-axis direction, forming a side surface of the pack case 200.

[0107] The pack lid 250 may be configured to cover the top of the plurality of battery modules 10. The pack lid 250 may be configured to cover the open top of the pack case 200. The pack lid 250 may be coupled to the side frame 220. The pack lid 250 protects the components housed inside the pack case 200, such as the battery modules 10, and can prevent waste discharged from such battery modules 10 from being discharged to the outside of the pack case 200, particularly to the upper side.

[0108] The pack case 200 may also include a vent unit 260. The vent unit 260 may be configured to discharge waste generated in the battery module 10 to the outside of the pack case 200. The vent unit 260 may be provided in the form of a hole that penetrates the inside and outside of the pack case 200. Alternatively, the vent unit 260 may be in the form of a vent device that is configured to be attachable to a hole in the pack case 200 and that is activated when waste is generated inside the pack case 200.

[0109] The vent portion 260 may be provided on a side surface of the pack case 200, i.e., on the side frame 220. A plurality of vent portions 260 may be provided. The vent portion 260 may be located in at least some of the plurality of unit wall portions of the side frame 220. Furthermore, the vent portion 260 may be formed in each of two or more unit wall portions, or two or more vent portions 260 may be formed in one unit wall portion. For example, referring to FIG. 8, a plurality of vent portions 260 may be provided in each of the front wall portion and the rear wall portion. Furthermore, the plurality of vent portions 260 may be provided symmetrically with respect to each other with respect to the central axis of the side frame 220.

[0110] According to this embodiment, when an abnormal condition occurs in the battery cell 100, high-temperature gas and the like are discharged in both directions of the pack case 200, so that the gas can be discharged to the outside of the pack case 200 more quickly and easily.

[0111] Meanwhile, the number and positions of the vent portions 260 described based on the embodiment of FIG. 8 are merely examples, and it goes without saying that the number and positions can be changed to various other numbers and positions.

[0112] Meanwhile, the pack case 200 may further include a center beam 240 and a cross beam 230. The center beam 240 and the cross beam 230 may be provided to separate the plurality of battery modules 10. For example, the center beam 240 may be formed in the form of a partition wall extending elongated in the front-rear direction and may be interposed between the battery modules 10 arranged adjacently in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the cross beam 230 may be formed in the form of a partition wall extending elongated in the left-right direction and may be interposed between the battery modules 10 arranged adjacently in the front-rear direction.

[0113] According to this embodiment, heat and flames can be prevented from directly transferring between the battery modules 10 whose storage spaces are separated by the center beam 240 and the cross beams 230.

[0114] Meanwhile, the plurality of guide members 330 may be provided symmetrically around the center beam 240. A plurality of guide members 330 may be provided between the center beam 240 and the side frames 220. For example, as in the embodiment shown in Fig. 8, three guide members 330 may be provided between the center beam 240 and each of the side frames 220 on either side.

[0115] The guide members 330 may be configured to guide exhaust material to the vent portion 260. For example, the guide members 330 may be provided so as to extend elongatedly toward the vent portion 260. This allows exhaust material, such as vent gas, moving through the vent flow path P between the guide members 330 to be directed toward the vent portion 260. In this case, according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 10 , the plurality of guide members 330 may be provided parallel to one another, and the distance between the guide members 330 may be maintained constant.

[0116] According to this embodiment, when a thermal event occurs in the battery module 10, the guide member 330 guides the waste material inside the vent passage P toward the vent portion 260, thereby enabling the waste material to be quickly discharged to the outside of the pack case 200. This prevents an increase in the internal pressure of the pack case 200 and prevents a chain reaction of fires in other battery modules 10.

[0117] 11 , in another embodiment of the present invention, the guide member 330 may be configured so that the flow path area of ​​at least a portion of the vent flow path P becomes smaller as it approaches the vent portion 260. Specifically, the guide member 330 may include a portion configured so that the spacing of the vent flow path P becomes narrower as it approaches the vent portion 260.

[0118] According to the present embodiment, the guide member 330 can more effectively guide the waste material in the vent passage P toward the vent portion 260. As a result, the waste material is smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery pack 1 through the vent portion 260, and the propagation of thermal runaway between the battery modules 10 can be suppressed or prevented.

[0119] 8, the guide member 330 may be coupled and fixed to the cross beam 230. Specifically, the module cover 310 may be placed on the cross beam 230, the guide member 330 may be placed on the module cover 310, and the guide member 330, the module cover, and the cross beam 230 may be coupled and fixed from above the guide member 330 by a coupling member such as a bolt.

[0120] According to this embodiment, it is possible to achieve a coupling and fixing configuration between the blocking member 300 and the pack case 200 with a simple structure. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the module cover 310 is manufactured in a form in which it is pre-placed on the cross beam 230, so that once the guide member 330 is coupled to the top of the cross beam 230, the blocking member 300 is automatically coupled to the cross beam 230. This reduces the time and cost required to manufacture the battery pack 1 and improves productivity. In addition, since the blocking member 300 is stably fixed between the cross beam 230 and the pack lid 250, the rigidity of the battery pack 1 can be further ensured.

[0121] FIG. 12 is a top view of a battery pack to which a guide member according to still another embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0122] 12, in yet another embodiment, a plurality of guide members 330 may be provided, spaced apart a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction. That is, the guide members 330 may be configured in a discontinuous form rather than extending continuously from one end to the other. In particular, a plurality of guide members 330 may be provided outside the opening 311, spaced apart a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction.

[0123] This allows heat to be dispersed in the space between adjacent guide members 330 arranged in the longitudinal direction. Also, the guide members 330 provided between the openings 311 are configured in a continuously extending form, and the vent flow path P can be separated into both sides.

[0124] According to this embodiment, the guide member 330 can guide the exhaust inside the vent passage P toward the vent portion 260, and at the same time, disperse the heat inside the vent passage P. This can minimize heat accumulation between the module cover 310 and the pack lid 250.

[0125] FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of a battery module included in a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a module cover included in a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 16 is a view of a battery pack to which a stopper according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is applied, viewed from above.

[0126] 13 , the vent holes 12 of the battery module 10 may be formed on the rear side. The rear side of the battery module 10 may refer to the side opposite the module terminals of the battery module 10. In this case, the multiple battery modules 10 may be arranged inside the pack case 200 such that the module terminals face the inside of the pack case 200. The vent holes 12 may be arranged facing the outside of the pack case 200.

[0127] For example, referring to the thick arrows in Fig. 14, when a thermal event occurs in a battery module 10, vent gas, flames, etc. can be discharged through the vent holes 12 provided on the rear side of the battery module 10. This prevents vent gas, flames, etc. from moving toward the module terminals of the battery module 10 when a thermal event occurs in the battery module 10. This also minimizes thermal damage to other battery modules 10.

[0128] 14 and 15, the outer portion of the module cover 310 may be configured to be at least partially open. A portion of the module cover 310 may be open to allow waste discharged from the vent holes 12 provided on the rear side of the battery module 10 to move outside the module cover 310. For example, both left and right ends of the module cover 310 may be configured to be spaced apart from the left and right side frames 220 by a predetermined distance. This allows waste to move from the rear side of the battery module 10 to the outside of the module cover 310.

[0129] 15 , the opening 311 of the module cover 310 may be provided on the side of the battery module 10 where the vent hole 12 is provided. For example, the opening 311 may be disposed along the outer edge of the module cover 310.

[0130] According to this embodiment, by providing the opening 311 on the side where the vent hole 12 is located, emissions such as gas and flames can be quickly discharged to the outside of the module cover 310.

[0131] 16, the stopper 320 may be configured to guide waste material discharged from the battery module 10 immediately to the outside of the module cover 310. For example, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the stopper 320 may be provided on the rear side of the battery module 10. The stopper 320 may also be configured to prevent waste material from moving beyond the stopper 320 into the inside of the battery module 10.

[0132] According to this embodiment, the stopper 320 allows waste materials discharged through the vent hole 12 to be immediately directed to the outside of the module cover 310. In addition, the stopper 320 can prevent the waste materials from being directed toward the module terminal side.

[0133] 17 and 18 are views of a battery pack to which a guide member according to still another embodiment of the present invention is applied, as viewed from above.

[0134] Furthermore, when the vent hole 12 is provided on the rear side of the battery module 10, the guide member 330 may be provided inside the opening 311, as in the embodiment shown in Figures 17 and 18. Furthermore, a plurality of guide members 330 may be provided and arranged at a predetermined distance apart in the longitudinal direction. That is, the guide member 330 may be configured in a discontinuous form rather than extending continuously from one end to the other.

[0135] This allows the discharged material from the opened opening 311 to pass through the space between adjacent guide members 330 arranged in the longitudinal direction and move to the vent flow path P when a thermal event occurs in the battery module 10.

[0136] According to this embodiment, the waste material that has moved to the outside of the module cover 310 can be moved into the vent passage P by the guide member 330. Furthermore, since the waste material is guided toward the vent portion 260, the waste material can be quickly discharged to the outside of the pack case 200.

[0137] The guide member 330 may also be provided in a continuously extending form on the inside of the module cover 310. This can further prevent waste from moving beyond the center beam 240 toward other battery modules 10.

[0138] According to the present embodiment, when thermal runaway occurs in a battery module 10, it is possible to minimize the thermal energy received by adjacent battery modules 10. As a result, the propagation of thermal runaway between battery modules 10 is prevented or suppressed, and the safety and reliability of the battery pack 1 can be ensured.

[0139] FIG. 19 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0140] 19, an automobile 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The automobile 3 according to the present invention may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The automobile 3 includes four-wheeled vehicles and two-wheeled vehicles. The automobile 3 may be driven by receiving power from the battery pack 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0141] As described above, the present invention has been described using limited embodiments and drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and it goes without saying that various changes and modifications can be made by a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains within the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims.

Claims

1. a plurality of battery cells; a pack case configured to accommodate a plurality of the battery cells; a blocking member having a module cover configured to cover the outside of the battery cell, the blocking member being configured to guide waste material discharged from the battery cell in a space outside the module cover.

2. The battery pack further includes a module case that accommodates a plurality of the battery cells in a group and has at least one vent hole formed on one surface thereof, The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the module cover is configured to cover one surface of the module case on which the vent hole is formed.

3. The module case is provided in plurality, The battery pack according to claim 2 , wherein the module cover is configured to cover at least a portion of the plurality of module cases.

4. The battery pack according to claim 2 , wherein the module cover is disposed at a predetermined distance from the module case.

5. The battery pack according to claim 2 , wherein the blocking member includes a stopper interposed between the module case and the module cover.

6. The battery pack according to claim 5 , wherein the stopper is configured to limit a distance between the module case and the module cover.

7. The battery pack according to claim 5 , wherein the module cover is configured to be placed on the stopper.

8. The battery pack according to claim 5 , wherein the stopper is disposed between the vent holes.

9. The battery pack according to claim 5 , wherein the stopper is configured to extend elongatedly in at least one direction.

10. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the module cover includes an opening configured to be opened by pressure or heat to discharge the waste to the outside.

11. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the blocking member includes a guide member disposed on the outside of the module cover and extending elongatedly along at least one direction.

12. The guide members are provided in plurality at predetermined intervals in the horizontal direction, The battery pack according to claim 11 , wherein a vent passage configured to allow the exhaust to flow is formed between the guide members.

13. the pack case includes a vent configured to discharge the waste material to the outside of the pack case, The battery pack according to claim 12 , wherein the guide member is configured to guide the discharged material to the vent portion.

14. The battery pack according to claim 13 , wherein the guide member is configured such that a flow path area of ​​at least a portion of the vent flow path becomes smaller as it approaches the vent portion.

15. The battery pack according to claim 11 , wherein a plurality of the guide members are provided and are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction of the guide members.

16. A motor vehicle comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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