Heat propagation prevention battery pack

The battery pack structure addresses heat dissipation and propagation issues by using a coolant-filled cavity and partitioned frame to manage heat transfer, ensuring efficient cooling and thermal stability.

JP2026508202APending Publication Date: 2026-03-10LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-02-20
Publication Date
2026-03-10

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing battery pack structures face challenges in simultaneously achieving efficient heat dissipation and preventing heat propagation between battery modules, which can lead to thermal runaway during a fire.

Method used

A battery pack structure with a pack frame containing cavities filled with coolant, partition plates with low thermal conductivity, and an outlet system to manage heat transfer, allowing for high thermal conductivity for heat dissipation and low conductivity for inter-module heat propagation.

Benefits of technology

The structure effectively dissipates heat through coolant absorption and gradual release, prevents rapid temperature rises, and reduces heat transfer between modules, thereby stabilizing the battery pack and preventing thermal runaway.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention provides a battery pack structure including a pack frame and a plurality of battery modules arranged at intervals along the width direction inside the pack frame, wherein the pack frame includes a bottom plate, side plates, a cavity provided inside the bottom plate in which a coolant is filled and stored without leaving any empty space, and an outlet that connects the inside of the cavity with the outside of the pack frame.
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0022208, filed February 20, 2023, and all contents disclosed in the documents of this Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery pack structure that prevents heat transfer between battery modules in a battery pack that houses a plurality of battery modules. [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. These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source because they not only have the primary advantage of dramatically reducing the use of fossil fuels, but also because they are environmentally friendly and improve energy efficiency by not producing any by-products from energy use.

[0004] While small mobile devices use one or a few battery cells per device, medium to large devices such as automobiles require high output and large capacity, and therefore use medium to large battery modules in which multiple battery cells are electrically connected.

[0005] Since it is preferable to manufacture medium- to large-sized battery modules with small size and weight if possible, prismatic batteries and pouch-shaped batteries, which can be stacked with high density and have low weight relative to capacity, are mainly used as battery cells for medium- to large-sized battery modules.

[0006] FIG. 1 shows a battery module. Referring to FIG. 1, the battery module (M) comprises a battery cell stack in which a plurality of pouch-type battery cells are stacked, and a module frame that houses the battery cell stack. Each battery cell is connected to a module bus bar that connects the battery cells to each other in series or parallel. The positive and negative terminals connected to the module bus bar are exposed to the outside of the module frame, electrically connecting the battery cell stack to the outside.

[0007] 2 shows a typical battery pack. A plurality of battery modules (M) can be housed in a pack frame to form a battery pack (P). Each battery module (M) is connected to a pack bus bar that connects the battery modules (M) in series or parallel to each other.

[0008] Figures 3 and 4 show cross sections of the battery pack of Figure 2. Referring to these figures, the pack frame 1 includes a bottom plate 11, a side plate 12, and a plurality of partition plates 13 that separate the battery modules (M) from one another.

[0009] Meanwhile, the battery module (M) may catch fire due to a short circuit, impact, overvoltage, overcurrent, etc. of the battery cells or battery cell stack. In this case, if heat transfer between the battery modules (M) is not prevented, a chain reaction of fires between the modules may occur, causing thermal runaway of the pack as a whole. For this reason, the separator 13 may include a heat insulating material to prevent heat transfer between the battery modules (M).

[0010] Figure 5 shows the heat propagation path in the battery pack of Figure 4. Referring to this, heat generated from the battery module (M) is conducted to the bottom plate 11 and can be discharged to the outside. The bottom plate 11 is mainly made of a metal material with high thermal conductivity, so it can conduct the heat discharged from the battery module (M) well. In addition, to dissipate the heat, a thermally conductive resin layer may be applied to the top surface of the bottom plate 11 on which the battery module (M) is placed.

[0011] At this time, the thermal energy released from the battery module (M) and conducted to the bottom plate 11 may propagate to adjacent battery modules through the bottom plate 11. In particular, if the battery module (M) catches fire, this heat propagation may cause thermal runaway of the pack unit.

[0012] However, as described above, discharging the heat emitted from the battery module (M) to the outside and preventing heat transmission between the battery modules (M) are mutually contradictory goals with respect to the thermal conductivity of the bottom plate 11, and it is therefore difficult to achieve these goals simultaneously. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0013] The present invention was devised against the background of the prior art described above, and has an object to provide a battery pack structure that allows for easy heat dissipation and prevents heat propagation.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack structure having a pack frame with a heat capacity so that a rapid rise in temperature is prevented even if a battery module catches fire.

[0015] Yet another technical object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack structure that has high thermal conductivity in discharging thermal energy generated from the battery modules to the outside, and low thermal conductivity in heat transmission between the battery modules.

[0016] A further technical object of the present invention is to provide a battery module structure that allows a battery module that has caught fire to be cooled.

[0017] The technical object of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned objects, and other unmentioned objects and advantages of the present invention will be understood from the following description and will become more apparent from the examples of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be easily understood that the objects and advantages of the present invention can be achieved by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0018] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a battery pack structure including a pack frame and a plurality of battery modules arranged at intervals along a width direction inside the pack frame, wherein the pack frame includes a bottom plate, side plates, a cavity provided inside the bottom plate in which a coolant is filled and stored without leaving any empty space, and an outlet that connects the inside of the cavity with the outside of the pack frame.

[0019] At least a portion of the cavity may be located within a widthwise section corresponding to one widthwise end of a first battery module among the plurality of battery modules to the other widthwise end of a second battery module adjacent to the first battery module on the other widthwise side. That is, the cavity may be located on a path along which heat generated from the first battery module is conducted to the second battery module via the bottom plate.

[0020] A plurality of the cavities may be provided. In particular, a plurality of the cavities may be arranged in a row along the width direction. For example, the cavities may include a first cavity corresponding to the first battery module and a second cavity corresponding to the second battery module. That is, the cavities may be provided to correspond to the battery modules. In this case, heat propagation from a specific battery module in which a fire has occurred can be prevented.

[0021] The arrangement of the battery modules and the cavities may vary. For example, as described above, each battery module may be arranged on a corresponding cavity, each group of battery modules may be arranged on a corresponding cavity, and each battery module may be arranged on a corresponding cavity, or each group of battery modules may be arranged on a corresponding cavity.

[0022] A partition plate may be provided between the first battery module and the second battery module to separate the first battery module and the second battery module from each other in the width direction. The partition plate preferably has low thermal conductivity so as to block heat transfer between the battery modules. For this reason, the partition plate may contain a heat insulating material.

[0023] The coolant can absorb the thermal energy transferred from the battery module to the bottom plate and release it to the outside. At this time, the coolant has a higher specific heat than the bottom plate, so it can absorb a large amount of thermal energy without a large temperature change and release it gradually.

[0024] The boiling point of the coolant may be between 100°C and 140°C. This allows the coolant to vaporize when the battery module ignites and thermal runaway occurs. The coolant can cool the battery module by absorbing the heat required for vaporization from the battery module.

[0025] The coolant may contain water. The coolant may also contain antifreeze. Preferably, the coolant may contain cooling water containing water and antifreeze. Water has a large specific heat and is therefore advantageous for absorbing heat, and antifreeze prevents the coolant from freezing even at low temperatures, preventing expansion or contraction of the volume due to freezing of the coolant. The boiling points of these cooling waters are between 100°C and 140°C.

[0026] The outlet may open when the withstand pressure of the cavity is equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure. For example, the outlet may include a relief valve that opens when the withstand pressure of the cavity is equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure. Alternatively, the outlet may include a rupture disk that bursts when the withstand pressure of the cavity is equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure.

[0027] When the battery module catches fire, the coolant vaporizes, increasing the pressure resistance of the cavity, and the outlet opens to allow the coolant to be discharged to the outside. The discharged coolant may be in a gaseous and / or liquid state. After the coolant is discharged, the cavity becomes an air chamber, which may prevent heat generated from the battery module from being transferred to other adjacent battery modules via the bottom plate.

[0028] The outlet may be located at the top or bottom of the cavity. When the outlet is located at the top of the cavity, when the coolant vaporizes and is discharged, the unvaporized liquid coolant may remain at the bottom of the cavity and absorb heat. When the outlet is located at the bottom of the cavity, when the coolant vaporizes, the unvaporized liquid coolant may also be discharged at once, thereby allowing the air chamber to be formed more quickly.

[0029] The present invention also provides a vehicle structure including the battery pack. The battery pack can be installed inside the vehicle as a power source. The vehicle may be an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. The vehicle may be a two-wheeled vehicle or a four-wheeled vehicle. However, the vehicle structure is not limited to the above, and the battery pack does not necessarily have to function as a power source for the vehicle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] The present invention can provide a battery pack structure that includes a pack frame that has excellent thermal conductivity and a large heat capacity.

[0031] The present invention also provides a battery pack structure that prevents a sudden temperature rise and allows for smooth heat dissipation even in the event of a battery module ignition by including a coolant with a high specific heat.

[0032] The present invention can also provide a battery module structure that allows the battery module to be cooled by evaporation of a coolant.

[0033] The present invention also provides a battery pack structure in which heat transfer after all the coolant has evaporated occurs mainly through gas convection, significantly slowing heat transfer compared to solid-state heat conduction.

[0034] In addition to the above, the present invention can achieve various other effects, which will be explained in each embodiment, or explanations of effects that can be easily inferred by ordinary engineers will be omitted. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a battery module. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a typical battery pack. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack of FIG. 2. [Figure 5] 5 is a diagram showing heat propagation paths in the battery pack of FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] FIG. 1 illustrates a pack frame according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 9] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 10] 10 is a diagram showing heat propagation paths in the battery pack of FIG. 9. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a view showing another cross section of the battery pack according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a rupture disk before rupture. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a rupture disk after rupture. [Figure 14] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating an opening process of an outlet according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating an opening process of an outlet according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating an opening process of an outlet according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a relief valve according to a modified example. [Figure 18] 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which all the coolant in the battery pack according to the embodiment of the present invention has evaporated. [Figure 19] 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which all the coolant in the battery pack according to the embodiment of the present invention has evaporated. [Figure 20] 1 is a diagram showing a vehicle incorporating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] The above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the technical concept of the present invention. In describing the present invention, if a detailed description of known technologies relating to the present invention is deemed to obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings are used to indicate the same or similar components.

[0037] Although terms such as "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, it is understood that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise specified, a first component may also be a second component.

[0038] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specified, each element may be singular or plural.

[0039] Hereinafter, when an arbitrary structure is arranged "on top (or bottom)" of a component or "above (or below)" a component, it means that the arbitrary structure is not only arranged in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of the component, but also that other structures may be interposed between the component and the arbitrary structure arranged above (or below) the component.

[0040] Furthermore, when a component is described as being "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly coupled or connected to each other, but that other components may be "intervening" between the components, or that each component may be "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" via other components.

[0041] As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Terms such as "comprise" or "include" in this application should not be interpreted as including all of the multiple components or multiple steps described in the specification, but should be interpreted as meaning that some of the components or some of the steps may not be included, or that additional components or steps may be included.

[0042] Throughout the specification, "A and / or B" means A, B or A and B unless otherwise specified, and "C to D" means C or more and D or less unless otherwise specified.

[0043] The present invention provides a battery pack structure including a pack frame and a plurality of battery modules arranged inside the pack frame at intervals along a width direction, wherein the pack frame includes a bottom plate, side plates, a cavity provided inside the bottom plate and filled with and storing a coolant without leaving any empty space, and an outlet port connecting the inside of the cavity with the outside of the pack frame.

[0044] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] Fig. 1 shows a battery module. Referring to this, the battery module (M) may include a battery cell stack and a housing that houses the battery cell stack. The battery cell stack may be a stack of multiple battery cells, particularly pouch-type battery cells, but is not limited to this; any shape will suffice as long as it is a single unit of a secondary battery.

[0046] The plurality of battery cells may be connected in series or in parallel to each other via a module bus bar, and positive and negative terminals may be connected to the module bus bar and exposed to the outside of the housing.

[0047] 6 shows a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to this figure, a plurality of the battery modules (M) can be integrated to form a battery pack (P) in order to increase voltage and / or capacity. The battery pack (P) may include a plurality of the battery modules (M) and a pack frame 1 that accommodates the battery modules (M).

[0048] The battery modules (M) may be arranged in a grid pattern so that the positive and negative terminals face each other within the pack frame 1. The positive and negative terminals may be connected to each other via a pack bus bar, with the positive and negative terminals being of the same polarity or opposite polarities, and the battery modules (M) may thereby be connected to each other in series or in parallel.

[0049] 7 shows a pack frame according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to this figure, the pack frame 1 may include a bottom plate 11 constituting the lower portion thereof and side plates 12 constituting the outer portion thereof.

[0050] The pack frame 1 may include partitions 13 that separate the battery modules (M) from one another. The partitions 13 may be provided to separate the battery modules (M) from one another, and to separate each group of battery modules (M) from one another.

[0051] The pack frame 1 may be made of a metal material, which allows the pack frame 1 to have high thermal conductivity and low heat capacity.

[0052] The partitions 13 may contain a heat insulating material, so that the partitions 13 can prevent lateral heat transfer between the battery modules (M).

[0053] The bottom plate 11 may be provided with a predetermined cavity 111. The cavity 111 will be described in more detail below.

[0054] 8 and 9 show a cross section of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to these drawings, the cavity 111 can be filled with a coolant (W). The coolant (W) preferably fills the cavity 111 without leaving any gaps. In this case, the coolant (W) may be simply stored in the cavity 111 without flowing in and out of the cavity 111 or within the cavity 111.

[0055] The coolant (W) may be made of a substance having a higher specific heat than the material constituting the bottom plate 11. For example, the coolant (W) may contain water. Water is known to have a very high specific heat. In this case, the coolant (W) may contain antifreeze to maintain its liquid state without freezing even at low temperatures.

[0056] The boiling point of the coolant (W) may correspond to the temperature at which the battery module (M) begins to ignite. Specifically, the boiling point of the coolant (W) may be 100°C to 140°C. As a result, the coolant (W) may evaporate when the battery module (M) begins to ignite. The coolant (W) according to this embodiment may include a coolant that is a mixture of water and antifreeze, and the boiling point of the coolant is known to be about 120°C.

[0057] 9, at least a portion of the cavity 111 may be located within a widthwise section corresponding to one widthwise end of a first battery module M1 to the other widthwise end of a second battery module M2 adjacent to the first battery module M1 on the other widthwise side. In other words, at least a portion of the cavity 111 may be located within the bottom plate 11 on a path along which heat generated from the first battery module M1 is conducted to the second battery module M2.

[0058] The arrangement relationship between the battery modules (M) and the cavities 111 may vary. For example, as described above, each battery module (M) may be arranged on its corresponding cavities 111, and each group of battery modules (M) may be arranged on its corresponding cavities 111. Alternatively, each group of battery modules (M) may be arranged on its corresponding cavities 111. According to this embodiment, the cavities 111 may be arranged below each battery module (M) so as to have boundaries corresponding to the side plates 12 and the partition plates 13 that surround the space in which the battery modules (M) are placed. According to this embodiment, the first battery module (M1) may be placed on the first cavity 111a, and the second battery module (M2) may be placed on the second cavity 111b.

[0059] FIG. 10 shows a heat propagation path in the battery pack of FIG. 9. Referring to this, heat generated from the first battery module (M1) may be conducted to the bottom plate 11. In this case, the bottom plate 11 may have a high heat capacity by including the first cavity 111a filled with the coolant (W), and the temperature of the bottom plate 11 may gradually increase compared to when the first cavity 111a and the coolant (W) are not provided. The heat absorbed by the coolant (W) may gradually be released to the outside. Through the above-described mechanism, heat typically generated from the first battery module (M1) may be released to the outside.

[0060] Alternatively, the heat absorbed by the coolant (W) in the first cavity 111a can be conducted to the coolant (W) filled in the second cavity 111b. In this case, the coolant (W) filled in the second cavity 111b has a high heat capacity, so its temperature can gradually increase and the absorbed heat can be gradually released. This significantly slows down the heat transfer from the first battery module (M1) to the second battery module (M2).

[0061] 11 shows another cross section of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to this figure, the pack frame 1 may include an exhaust port 112 that connects the interior of the cavity 111 to the exterior of the pack frame 1. The exhaust port 112 may be normally sealed and may be configured to open under specific conditions.

[0062] The outlet 112 may be opened when the withstand pressure of the cavity 111 is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure. The withstand pressure means the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the cavity 111.

[0063] 12 and 13 show the rupture disk before and after rupture respectively.Referring to these figures, rupture disk is a disk-shaped element that is installed to seal between one space and another space, and when the pressure difference between said one space and said another space reaches a predetermined pressure, it will turn over and burst.

[0064] 14 to 16 show a process of opening an exhaust port according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to these drawings, the exhaust port 112 may include the rupture disk 1121. The rupture disk 1121 is disposed on the inside and outside of the exhaust port 112, respectively, and is interposed between a pair of holders 1122 that fasten to each other to seal the exhaust port 112.

[0065] 10, if the first battery module M1 catches fire, the heat generated from the first battery module M1 may be absorbed by the coolant W filled in the first cavity 111a. As a result, if the temperature of the coolant W reaches its boiling point, the coolant W may vaporize. In this process, the coolant W can cool the first battery module M1 by absorbing the heat of vaporization from the first battery module M1, which can delay thermal runaway caused by the first battery module M1 catching fire.

[0066] At this time, the heat conducted to the coolant (W) filled in the second cavity 111b can be absorbed by the coolant (W) filled in the second cavity 111b evaporating.

[0067] 15 and 16, as the coolant (W) evaporates, the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the cavity 111 increases by the vapor pressure of the coolant (W), and when this pressure difference reaches or exceeds the predetermined pressure, the rupture disk 1121 may invert as shown in Fig. 15 and then burst as shown in Fig. 16. This allows the outlet 112 to open.

[0068] At this time, the coolant W can be discharged to the outside of the cavity 111 by opening the outlet 112. At this time, the discharged coolant W may be in a gaseous and / or liquid state. The cavity 111 from which the coolant W has been discharged may be formed as an air chamber.

[0069] The outlet 112 may be located at the top or bottom of the cavity 111. When the outlet 112 is located at the top of the cavity 111, when the coolant W evaporates and is discharged, the unevaporated liquid coolant W remains at the bottom of the cavity 111 and can absorb heat. When the outlet 112 is located at the bottom of the cavity 111, when the coolant W evaporates, the unevaporated liquid coolant W can be discharged all at once, thereby allowing the air chamber to be formed more quickly.

[0070] FIG. 17 shows a relief valve according to a modified example. Referring to this, in this modified example, the outlet 112 may be a release valve, instead of the rupture disk 1121, that opens when the withstand pressure of the cavity 111 is equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure. The release valve is a type of valve that opens when the pressure difference between the inlet and the outlet is equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure and closes when the pressure difference is less than the predetermined pressure. When the release valve is provided in the outlet 112, the coolant (W) is discharged only until the increased withstand pressure of the cavity 111 is reduced to or below a predetermined pressure. This can slow the discharge speed of the coolant (W), thereby allowing the coolant (W) to continue absorbing the heat of vaporization for a longer period of time.

[0071] 18 and 19 show a state in which all the coolant in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention has evaporated. Referring to these drawings, because the cavity 111 forms an air chamber, the cross-sectional area of ​​the path through which heat is conducted from the first battery module M1 to the second battery module M2 in the bottom plate 11 is very small. Furthermore, because the cavity 111 and the exhaust port 112 are open, the surface area of ​​the bottom plate 11 in contact with the outside is very large. Therefore, heat conducted from the first battery module M1 to the bottom plate 11 is conducted through a very narrow path or transferred to the second battery module M2 by gas convection within the cavity 111, with most of the heat being released to the outside through the cavity 111, which acts as a kind of cooling pin. As a result, the battery pack P according to this embodiment can delay or prevent heat transfer between modules.

[0072] In summary, according to one embodiment of the present invention, heat generated from the battery module (M) is normally absorbed by the coolant (W), which has a high specific heat, and gradually dissipates the heat to the outside without causing a large temperature change, thereby thermally stabilizing the battery pack (P). Furthermore, if the battery module (M) begins to ignite, the heat generated from the battery module (M) is absorbed by the coolant (W) due to a temperature change and evaporation, thereby cooling the battery module (M). Finally, as thermal runaway of the battery module (M) continues, the coolant (W) evaporates, opening the exhaust port 112. As a result, the cavity 111 becomes an air chamber, and the thermal conductivity of the bottom plate 11 decreases, preventing heat transfer between battery modules.

[0073] In this way, the present invention can provide a battery pack structure in which the heat capacity and thermal conductivity of the pack frame 1 change by behaving differently at different times before, at the start of, and during the ignition of the battery module (M), thereby simultaneously solving the conflicting issues of dissipating heat and preventing heat propagation.

[0074] The present invention also provides a vehicle structure including the battery pack (P).

[0075] FIG. 20 shows a vehicle incorporating a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to this figure, the battery pack (P) can be installed in a vehicle (V) as a power source. The vehicle (V) may be, but is not limited to, a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle. The vehicle (V) may also be, but is not limited to, a two-wheeled vehicle or a four-wheeled vehicle.

[0076] It should be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative in all respects and are not limiting, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the following claims rather than the above detailed description. All modifications and variations within the meaning and scope of the following claims, as well as equivalent concepts, should be construed as being included within the scope of the present invention.

[0077] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to illustrative drawings, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed in this specification, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Furthermore, even if the effects of the configuration of the present invention are not explicitly described and explained while the embodiments of the present invention are described above, it is natural that the effects that can be predicted by the configuration should also be recognized. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] M Battery Module M1 First battery module M2 Second battery module P Battery pack 1 pack frame 11 Bottom plate 111 Cavity 111a first cavity 111b Second cavity 112 Outlet 1121 Rupture Disk 1122 Holder 12 Side panel 13 Partition plate W Coolant V Automobile

Claims

1. Pack frame and a plurality of battery modules spaced apart from one another along a width direction within the pack frame; In a battery pack including The pack frame includes: The bottom plate and The side panels and a cavity formed inside the bottom plate and filled with a cooling liquid without leaving any empty space; an outlet that connects the interior of the hollow portion with the exterior of the pack frame; Including, Battery pack.

2. at least a portion of the cavity is located within a widthwise section corresponding to a widthwise end of a first battery module among the plurality of battery modules, the widthwise end of the second battery module being adjacent to the first battery module on the other widthwise side; The battery pack according to claim 1 .

3. A plurality of the cavities are provided. The battery pack according to claim 2 .

4. The cavity portion is provided in a plurality of rows arranged along the width direction. The battery pack according to claim 3 .

5. the cavity includes a first cavity corresponding to the first battery module and a second cavity corresponding to the second battery module; The battery pack according to claim 4 .

6. a partition plate is provided between the first battery module and the second battery module to separate the first battery module and the second battery module from each other in a width direction; The battery pack according to claim 2 .

7. The partition includes a thermal insulating material. The battery pack according to claim 6.

8. The outlet includes a relief valve that opens when the withstand pressure of the cavity is equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure. The battery pack according to claim 1 .

9. The outlet includes a rupture disk that ruptures when the withstand pressure of the cavity is equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure. The battery pack according to claim 1 .

10. The outlet is located at the top of the cavity. The battery pack according to claim 1 .

11. The outlet is located at the bottom of the cavity. The battery pack according to claim 1 .

12. The boiling point of the cooling liquid is between 100°C and 140°C. The battery pack according to claim 1 .

13. The coolant comprises water. The battery pack according to claim 1 .

14. The coolant includes an antifreeze. The battery pack according to claim 1 .

15. The coolant includes a coolant containing water and antifreeze. The battery pack according to claim 1 .

16. A battery pack comprising the battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 15. car.