Battery packs and devices containing them

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 in a plurality of module sections that separate each other; a flow path frame located at a lower part of the pack frame; and at least one first outlet portion located at one side of the pack frame, wherein the plurality of module sections include a first module section and a second module section that are arranged side by side in one direction, the second module section being located closer to the first outlet portion than the first module section, the flow path frame including a first flow path portion located at a lower part of the first module section and a second flow path portion located at a lower part of the second module section, and a second lower venting flow path formed in the second flow path portion may be longer than a first lower venting flow path formed in the first flow path portion.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0045592, filed April 6, 2023, and all contents disclosed in the documents of said Korean patent application 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, in which a venting channel formed in a pack frame is designed taking into account the distance between the position of a battery module and an exhaust port. [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 that are driven by electrical sources, power storage devices, etc. These 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. Among 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 according to the shape of their exterior materials 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 laminate sheet pouch.

[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 each other 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] Because battery packs are made up of multiple battery modules, if some of the battery modules are overvoltage, overcurrent, or overheated, the safety and operating efficiency of the battery pack may become a problem. In particular, as battery pack capacity gradually increases to improve driving distance, the energy inside the pack also increases. As such, it is necessary to design a structure that meets stricter safety standards and ensures the safety of the vehicle and driver.

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

[0009] In particular, when gas and flames occur in a battery module located adjacent to a venting device formed in a battery pack, the distance between the battery module and the venting device may be relatively short, and the venting flow path through which the gas and flames flow from the battery module to the venting device may be relatively short.

[0010] In this case, the gas and flame generated in the battery module may not be sufficiently cooled and may be discharged to the outside at a high temperature, which may cause an external fire or explosion. Therefore, there is an increasing need to develop a battery pack including a gas and flame venting path designed taking into account the position of the battery module. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery pack and a device including the same in which the venting flow path formed in the pack frame is designed taking into consideration the distance between the position of the battery module and the exhaust part.

[0012] 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]

[0013] The battery pack includes a pack frame in which a plurality of battery modules are mounted in a plurality of module sections that separate the battery modules from one another; a flow path frame located at a lower part of the pack frame; and at least one first outlet section located at one side of the pack frame, the plurality of module sections including a first module section and a second module section arranged side by side in one direction, the second module section being located closer to the first outlet section than the first module section, the flow path frame including a first flow path section located at a lower part of the first module section and a second flow path section located at a lower part of the second module section, and the second lower venting flow path formed in the second flow path section is longer than the first lower venting flow path formed in the first flow path section.

[0014] The flow path frame may include a flow path bottom and at least one partition extending from the flow path bottom in a direction toward the pack frame, and the number of the partitions formed in the first flow path section may be less than the number of the partitions formed in the second flow path section.

[0015] The battery module may be mounted in the module part in a direction in which a side surface of the battery module faces the first outlet, and the at least one partition wall may extend along a width direction of the battery module.

[0016] The first module portion may include at least one first module venting hole, and the second module portion may include at least one second module venting hole, the first module venting hole may extend through toward the first flow path portion, and the second module venting hole may extend through toward the second flow path portion.

[0017] A first distance between a first partition wall, among the at least one first partition wall, located closest to the first module vent hole and a side surface of the pack frame may be greater than a second distance between a second partition wall, among the at least one second partition wall, located closest to the second module vent hole and a side surface of the pack frame.

[0018] The first lower venting channel may be a channel that moves from the first module venting hole toward the first discharge part along a space partitioned by the at least one partition wall formed in the first channel part, and the second lower venting channel may be a channel that moves from the second module venting hole toward the first discharge part along a space partitioned by the at least one partition wall formed in the second channel part.

[0019] The first module venting holes may be located adjacent to corners of the first module portion, and the second module venting holes may be located adjacent to corners of the second module portion, and the number of the second module venting holes may be less than the number of the first module venting holes.

[0020] The plurality of battery modules may include a first battery module and a second battery module, and the first battery module may be mounted in the first module section in a direction in which a side of the first battery module faces the first discharge portion, and the second battery module may be mounted in the second module section in a direction in which a side of the second battery module faces the first discharge portion.

[0021] The first module venting hole may include a first horizontal venting hole formed at a position adjacent to a front or rear surface of the first battery module, and the second module venting hole may include a second horizontal venting hole formed at a position adjacent to a front or rear surface of the second battery module, and the number of the second horizontal venting holes may be less than the number of the first horizontal venting holes.

[0022] The first lower venting passage may be a path from the first horizontal venting hole to an outer surface of the first passage portion adjacent to the first discharge portion, and the second lower venting passage may be a path from the horizontal venting hole to an outer surface of the second passage portion adjacent to the first discharge portion.

[0023] The pack frame may further include at least one first pack venting hole formed in a lower portion of the pack frame, and the first pack venting hole may be located between one side of the pack frame where the first discharge portion is located and the second module portion.

[0024] The first flow path portion and the second flow path portion are connected to each other, and materials that flow into the first lower venting flow path and the second lower venting flow path can move toward the first discharge portion through the first pack venting hole.

[0025] The pack frame includes a pack bottom that contacts the underside of the battery module and a frame portion that surrounds the side of the battery module, and the frame portion includes a first side frame that extends upward from the edge of the pack bottom and a first internal frame that is located inside the first side frame, and the multiple module portions can be separated from each other by the first side frame and the first internal frame.

[0026] The flow path frame includes a second side frame located below the first side frame and a second internal frame located below the first internal frame, and the first flow path portion and the second flow path portion can be partitioned by the second side frame and the second internal frame.

[0027] The second inner frame may include a horizontal channel beam extending along the width direction of the battery module and at least two vertical channel beams extending in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal channel beam, and one of the at least two vertical channel beams located between a pair of adjacent module units may include at least one communication portion.

[0028] The plurality of module units may further include a third module unit arranged in one direction with the first module unit and the second module unit, the third module unit being located more adjacent to the first discharge unit than the second module unit, the vertical channel beams may include a first vertical channel beam located between a lower portion of the first module unit and a lower portion of the second module unit, and a second vertical channel beam located between a lower portion of the second module unit and a lower portion of the third module unit, and the number of first communication portions included in the first vertical channel beam may be less than the number of second communication portions included in the second vertical channel beam.

[0029] The length of the first communicating portion may be greater than the length of the second communicating portion.

[0030] The pack frame may include at least one second outlet located on the other side of the pack frame, and the first side frame and the inner frame may each include at least one frame venting hole formed at a position contacting an outer surface of the battery module attached to the module unit.

[0031] The first side frame and the inner frame may further include at least one side venting hole formed between the first module part and another side of the pack frame where the second discharge part is located, and may have a side venting flow path through which material flowing into the frame venting hole moves toward the second discharge part through the side venting hole.

[0032] The vertical flow path beam may further include a third vertical flow path beam formed between a side of the flow path frame adjacent to the second discharge portion and a lower portion of the first module portion, and the pack frame may further include at least one second pack venting hole formed in a lower portion of the pack frame, the third vertical flow path beam having at least one flow path venting hole formed therein, the second pack venting hole being located between another side of the pack frame where the second discharge portion is located and the first module portion, and material flowing into the flow path venting hole may move toward the second discharge portion through the pack venting hole. [Effects of the Invention]

[0033] According to the embodiments, the battery pack and the device including the same of the present invention are able to effectively reduce the temperature of high-temperature vent gas discharged from the battery module regardless of the position of the battery module because the venting passage formed in the pack frame is designed taking into account the distance between the position of the battery module and the discharge part.

[0034] 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]

[0035] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which an upper pack frame is removed from the battery pack of FIG. 1 and a lower pack frame and a flow path frame are joined together. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a top view of the lower pack frame of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] 5 is a top view showing a state in which a discharge section is removed from the lower pack frame of FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a top view of the flow path frame of FIG. 3. [Figure 7] 4 is a view showing the flow of venting gas discharged to the lower part of the battery module when the lower pack frame and the flow path frame of FIG. 3 are coupled together. [Figure 8] 4 is a view showing the flow of venting gas discharged to the side of the battery module when the lower pack frame and the flow path frame of FIG. 3 are combined. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a top view of a channel frame according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10]10 is a view showing the flow of venting gas discharged to the lower part of the battery module when the lower pack frame of FIG. 3 and the flow path frame of FIG. 9 are combined. [Figure 11] 2 is a perspective view showing a battery module attached to the battery pack of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] 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 can be embodied in several different forms and is not limited to the examples described herein.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] Furthermore, throughout the specification, "on a plane" means when the target part is viewed from above, and "on a cross section" means when the target part is cut vertically and viewed from the side.

[0041] Hereinafter, a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0042] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack of Fig. 1.

[0043] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a battery pack 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include pack frames 1100, 1200 on which a plurality of battery modules 100 (Figure 11) are mounted, and a flow path frame 1300 located below the pack frames 1100, 1200.

[0044] Here, the pack frames 1100 and 1200 may include a lower pack frame 1100 on which a plurality of battery modules 100 (FIG. 11) are mounted, and an upper pack frame 1200 located on top of the battery modules 100 (FIG. 11). Here, the lower pack frame 1100 and the upper pack frame 1200 may be joined at their contacting surfaces by welding, adhesive, or the like, thereby sealing the interior of the battery pack 1000.

[0045] The flow path frame 1300 may form a lower venting channel in a space formed between the flow path frame 1300 and the lower parts of the pack frames 1100 and 1200. More specifically, the flow path frame 1300 may form a lower venting channel in a space formed between the flow path frame 1300 and the lower part of the lower pack frame 1100. As a result, in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, gas and / or flame in the battery module 100 (FIG. 11) in which thermal runaway occurs can flow along a path guided by the lower venting channel.

[0046] Here, the flow path frame 1300 and the lower pack frame 1100 are joined at their contacting surfaces by a method such as welding or adhesive, and the lower venting flow path formed between the flow path frame 1300 and the lower pack frame 1100 can be sealed from the outside.

[0047] Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which an upper pack frame is removed from the battery pack of Fig. 1 and a lower pack frame and a flow path frame are joined together. Fig. 4 is a top view of the lower pack frame of Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a top view showing a state in which a discharge part is removed from the lower pack frame of Fig. 4.

[0048] 3 and 4, the pack frames 1100, 1200 may each be mounted to a plurality of module sections 1150 that separate a plurality of battery modules 100 (FIG. 11). More specifically, the lower pack frame 1100 may be formed with a plurality of module sections 1150 that separate a plurality of battery modules 100 (FIG. 11).

[0049] The pack frames 1100, 1200 may include a pack bottom that contacts the bottom of the battery module 100 (FIG. 11) and frame units 1110, 1120 that surround the side surfaces of the battery module. More specifically, the lower pack frame 1100 may include a bottom of the lower pack frame 1100 that contacts the bottom of the battery module 100 (FIG. 11) and frame units 1110, 1120 that surround the side surfaces of the battery module. Here, the bottom of the lower pack frame 1100 and the frame units 1110, 1120 may be integrated with each other or may be fixed to each other by a separate fastening method such as welding or adhesive.

[0050] The frame portions 1110, 1120 may include a first side frame 1110 extending from the edge of the bottom of the pack toward the upper pack frame 1200, and a first inner frame 1120 positioned inside the first side frame 1110.

[0051] For example, the frame members 1110 and 1120 may be made of a heat insulating material. For example, the frame members 1110 and 1120 may be made of an aluminum extrusion structure. For another example, the frame members 1110 and 1120 may be made of a dissimilar metal bonding material such as clad metal, or may be a structure including a heat insulating material such as aerogel or EPP (Expanded Polypropylenes) foam. For another example, the frame members 1110 and 1120 may be a structure including a material such as silicon foam, mica, or glass fiber padding. However, the frame members 1110 and 1120 are not limited thereto, and any heat insulating material having a predetermined rigidity may be used as the frame members 1110 and 1120.

[0052] The first side frame 1110 may include a pair of first horizontal frames 1111 extending along the length direction (y-axis direction) of the edge of the lower pack frame 1100, and a pair of first vertical frames 1115 extending along the width direction (x-axis direction) of the edge of the lower pack frame 1100. Here, the pair of first horizontal frames 1111 and the pair of first vertical frames 1115 may be integrated with each other or fixed by a separate fastening method such as welding or adhesive.

[0053] The first inner frame 1120 may include at least two vertical beams 1121 extending along the width direction (x-axis direction) of the lower pack frame 1100 and an outermost vertical beam 1129. The first inner frame 1120 may also include a horizontal beam 1125 extending in a direction (y-axis direction) perpendicular to the vertical beams 1121 and the outermost vertical beam 1129. As an example, the vertical beams 1121 and the outermost vertical beam 1129 may include a pair of first and second vertical beams with the horizontal beam 1125 interposed therebetween, and the first and second vertical beams may each be attached to the horizontal beam 1125. Here, the at least two vertical beams 1121 and the horizontal beam 1125 may be integral with each other or may be fixed to each other by a separate fastening method such as welding or adhesive.

[0054] More specifically, the lengths of the vertical beams 1121, the outermost vertical beams 1129, and the horizontal beams 1125, as well as the spacing between adjacent vertical beams 1121 among the at least two vertical beams 1121, can be adjusted according to the size of the battery module 100 (FIG. 11).

[0055] As a result, in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, the plurality of module units 1150 can be separated from one another by the first side frame 1110 and the first inner frame 1120. More specifically, the plurality of battery modules 100 (FIG. 11) can be spaced apart from one another by the first side frame 1110 and the first inner frame 1120, and even if a fire occurs in some of the battery modules 100, heat propagation between adjacent battery modules 100 can be effectively prevented.

[0056] Furthermore, the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment may include at least one exhaust portion 1140 located on one side of the pack frames 1100 and 1200. More specifically, at least one exhaust portion 1140 may be formed on one side of the lower pack frame 1100. On one side of the lower pack frame 1100, the at least one exhaust portion 1140 may be spaced apart at a predetermined interval, as shown in FIGS.

[0057] The discharge portion 1140 may include at least one first discharge portion 1141 located on one side of the pack frames 1100 and 1120 and at least one second discharge portion 1145 located on the other side of the pack frames 1100 and 1200. More specifically, at least one first discharge portion 1141 may be formed on one of both opposing sides of the lower pack frame 1100, and at least one second discharge portion 1145 may be formed on the other side.

[0058] The exhaust unit 1140 may rupture when the pressure inside the battery pack 1000 reaches a certain level or higher. More specifically, the exhaust unit 1140 may include a rupture surface (not shown) configured to rupture when the pressure of the inflowing gas reaches a certain level or higher, like a rupture disk.

[0059] However, the structure of the exhaust part 1140 is not limited to this, and any structure that communicates with one side of the pack frames 1100, 1200 and allows the internal gas to be exhausted to the outside can be included in this embodiment.

[0060] In the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, a mesh member or a fire extinguishing member may be additionally disposed adjacent to the exhaust portion 1140. More specifically, the mesh member and / or the fire extinguishing member may be located inside the battery pack 1000 and disposed on a flow path leading to the exhaust portion 1140. For example, the mesh member may be made of a mesh material, and the fire extinguishing member may be made of a material containing an extinguishing agent. In this way, the gas and / or flame of the battery module 100 (FIG. 11) experiencing a thermal runaway phenomenon is not immediately exhausted to the exhaust portion 1140, but the mesh member and / or the fire extinguishing member may filter the ash or flame contained in the gas and / or flame.

[0061] 3 and 4, the pack frames 1100 and 1200 may include a first space 1160 and a second space 1170 located between the first inner frame 1120 and the sides of the pack frames 1100 and 1200. More specifically, the first space 1160 in the pack frames 1100 and 1200 may be a space formed between the outermost vertical beam 1129 and one side of the pack frames 1100 and 1200 where the first discharge portion 1141 is located. Additionally, the second space 1170 in the pack frames 1100 and 1200 may be a space formed between the vertical beam 1121, of the at least two vertical beams 1121, located closest to the other side of the pack frames 1100 and 1200 where the second discharge portion 1145 is located.

[0062] The first space 1160 may be an empty space with no additional components installed, and the second space 1170 may be equipped with other electrical components and at least a portion of a control system such as a BMS. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the width of the first space 1160 may be smaller than the width of the second space 1170.

[0063] 5, in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, the pack frames 1100 and 1200 may include at least one module venting hole 1151a, 1151b, 1152a, 1152b, 1153a, 1153b, and 1155 formed in the module unit 1150. More specifically, the lower pack frame 1100 may have at least one module venting hole 1151a, 1151b, 1152a, 1152b, 1153a, 1153b, and 1155 formed in each of the plurality of module units 1150.

[0064] In the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, materials discharged from the battery module 100 (FIG. 11) to the module venting holes 1151a, 1151b, 1152a, 1152b, 1153a, 1153b, and 1155 can move to the channel frame 1300 (FIG. 2). In addition, as will be described later, the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment may have a lower venting channel that moves to the first discharge part 1141 along a space partitioned by at least one partition wall 1351a, 1352a, and 1353a formed in the channel frame 1300 (FIG. 2).

[0065] More specifically, in the lower pack frame 1100, the module venting holes 1151a, 1151b, 1152a, 1152b, 1153a, 1153b, and 1155 may be penetrated toward the flow path frame 1300. More specifically, the module venting holes 1151a, 1151b, 1152a, 1152b, 1153a, 1153b, and 1155 may be penetrated toward each flow path section 1351, 1352, and 1353 (FIG. 6). In other words, the module venting holes 1151a, 1151b, 1152a, 1152b, 1153a, 1153b, and 1155 may communicate with the flow path frame 1300. Additionally, the module venting holes 1151 a, 1151 b, 1152 a, 1152 b, 1153 a, 1153 b, and 1155 may be located adjacent to the corners of the module portion 1150.

[0066] 3 to 5, in the module unit 1150, the module venting holes 1151a, 1151b, 1152a, 1152b, 1153a, 1153b, and 1155 may be formed adjacent to the inner frame 1120. Although not shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the module venting holes 1151a, 1151b, 1152a, 1152b, 1153a, 1153b, and 1155 may be located between an edge of the battery module 100 (FIG. 11) mounted in the module unit 1150 and the inner frame 1120. Here, the module venting holes 1151a, 1151b, 1152a, 1152b, 1153a, 1153b, and 1155 may include horizontal venting holes 1151a, 1151b, 1152a, 1152b, 1153a, and 1153b formed adjacent to the horizontal beam 1125, and a vertical venting hole 1155 formed adjacent to the vertical beam 1121.

[0067] As a result, in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, the module venting holes 1151a, 1151b, 1152a, 1152b, 1153a, 1153b, and 1155 can easily discharge materials generated in the battery module 100 (FIG. 11). In particular, by-products such as ash generated in the battery module 100 (FIG. 11) can sink to the bottom of the lower pack frame 1100, and the module venting holes 1151a, 1151b, 1152a, 1152b, 1153a, 1153b, and 1155 can discharge gases and / or flames from the battery module 100 (FIG. 11) in which thermal runaway occurs toward the flow path frame 1300.

[0068] More specifically, the plurality of module units 1150 may include a first module unit 1151, a second module unit 1152, and a third module unit 1153. Here, the first module unit 1151, the second module unit 1152, and the third module unit 1153 may be arranged side by side in one direction. Also, the plurality of battery modules 100 (FIG. 11) may include a first battery module, a second battery module, and a third battery module, and the first battery module, the second battery module, and the third battery module may be mounted in the first module unit 1151, the second module unit 1152, and the third module unit 1153, respectively. Here, the second module unit 1152 may be positioned closer to the first outlet 1141 than the first module unit 1151, and the third module unit 1153 may be positioned closer to the first outlet 1141 than the second module unit 1152.

[0069] For example, the second battery module and the third battery module may be mounted in the module unit 1150 in a direction in which the side of the battery module 100 (FIG. 11) faces the first outlet 1141. Here, in the module unit 1150, horizontal vent holes 1151a, 1151b, 1152a, 1152b, 1153a, and 1153b may be formed at positions corresponding to the front and rear sides of the battery module 100 (FIG. 11), and vertical vent holes 1155 may be formed at positions corresponding to both side surfaces of the battery module 100 (FIG. 11).

[0070] However, the positions of the module venting holes 1151a, 1151b, 1152a, 1152b, 1153a, 1153b, and 1155 are not limited to this and can be changed depending on the arrangement of the battery module 100 (FIG. 11).

[0071] As a result, the module venting holes 1151a, 1151b, 1152a, 1152b, 1153a, 1153b, and 1155 can easily exhaust gas and flames emitted from the front and rear surfaces of the battery module 100 (FIG. 11). In particular, in the case of the battery module 100 (FIG. 11), since venting portions are generally formed on the front and rear surfaces of the battery module 100 (FIG. 11), the horizontal venting holes 1151a, 1151b, 1152a, 1152b, 1153a, and 1153b can effectively exhaust gas and flames emitted from the battery module 100 (FIG. 11).

[0072] In addition, the module venting holes 1151a, 1151b, 1152a, 1152b, 1153a, 1153b, 1155 may include first module venting holes 1151a, 1151b, 1155 formed in the first module part 1151, second module venting holes 1152a, 1152b, 1155 formed in the second module part 1152, and third module venting holes 1153a, 1153b, 1155 formed in the third module part 1153. In addition, the first module venting holes 1151a, 1151b, 1155 may include first horizontal venting holes 1151a, 1151b and a vertical venting hole 1155, the second module venting holes 1152a, 1152b, 1155 may include second horizontal venting holes 1152a, 1152b and a vertical venting hole 1155, and the third module venting holes 1153a, 1153b, 1155 may include third horizontal venting holes 1153a, 1153b and a vertical venting hole 1155.

[0073] In addition, the number of second module venting holes 1152a, 1152b formed at positions corresponding to the front and rear surfaces of the second battery modules mounted in the second module unit 1152 may be less than the number of first module venting holes 1151a, 1151b formed at positions corresponding to the front and rear surfaces of the first battery modules mounted in the first module unit 1151. In addition, the number of third module venting holes 1153a, 1153b formed at positions corresponding to the front and rear surfaces of the third battery modules mounted in the third module unit 1153 may be less than the number of second module venting holes 1152a, 1152b formed at positions corresponding to the front and rear surfaces of the second battery modules mounted in the second module unit 1152.

[0074] More specifically, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, the number of second horizontal venting holes 1152a, 1152b formed in the second module part 1152 may be less than the number of first horizontal venting holes 1151a, 1151b formed in the first module part 1151, and the number of third horizontal venting holes 1153a, 1153b formed in the third module part 1153 may be less than the number of second horizontal venting holes 1152a, 1152b formed in the second module part 1152.

[0075] That is, in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, the number of module venting holes 1151a, 1151b, 1152a, 1152b, 1153a, 1153b, and 1155 formed in each module unit 1150 can be reduced as they are positioned closer to the first outlet 1141. In other words, the number of module venting holes 1151a, 1151b, 1152a, 1152b, 1153a, 1153b, 1155 decreases as the position of the module part 1150 to which the battery module 100 (FIG. 11) is attached is positioned adjacent to the first exhaust part 1141, and the speed at which gas and / or flame is exhausted to the module venting holes 1151a, 1151b, 1152a, 1152b, 1153a, 1153b, 1155 can decrease as the position is positioned adjacent to the first exhaust part 1141.

[0076] As a result, in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, the number of module venting holes 1151a, 1151b, 1152a, 1152b, 1153a, 1153b, and 1155 can be varied depending on the position of the module unit 1150 to which the battery module 100 (FIG. 11) is attached, thereby controlling the rate at which gas and / or flame from the battery module 100 (FIG. 11) is exhausted to the module venting holes 1151a, 1151b, 1152a, 1152b, 1153a, 1153b, and 1155. In other words, by adjusting the number of module venting holes 1151a, 1151b, 1152a, 1152b, 1153a, 1153b, and 1155, the rate at which gas and / or flame from the battery module 100 (FIG. 11) that has experienced thermal runaway flows into the flow path frame 1300 can be controlled.

[0077] 5, the pack frames 1100 and 1200 may include pack venting holes 1165 and 1175 formed in the lower portions of the pack frames 1100 and 1200. That is, the lower pack frame 1100 may include pack venting holes 1165 and 1175 formed in the bottom surface of the lower pack frame 1100.

[0078] More specifically, the pack frame 1100, 1200 may include at least one pack venting hole 1165, 1175 located between a module section 1150 of the plurality of module sections 1150 that is located adjacent to the side of the pack frame 1100, 1200 and the side of the pack frame 1100, 1200.

[0079] The at least one pack venting hole 1165, 1175 may include at least one first pack venting hole 1165 formed between a module unit 1150 among the plurality of module units 1150 that is positioned closest to the first discharge unit 1141 and a side surface of the pack frame 1100, 1200 on which the first discharge unit 1141 is positioned. More specifically, the first pack venting hole 1165 may be formed in the first space portion 1160 of the pack frame 1100, 1200.

[0080] In addition, the at least one pack venting hole 1165, 1175 may include at least one second pack venting hole 1175 formed between the module part 1150 among the plurality of module parts 1150 that is located closest to the second discharge part 1145 and the side of the pack frame 1100, 1200 on which the second discharge part 1145 is located.

[0081] More specifically, the second pack venting hole 1175 may be formed in the second space portion 1170 of the pack frame 1100, 1200. More specifically, the pack frame 1100, 1200 may include an outermost vertical beam 1129 located between the third module portion 1153 located closest to the first discharge portion 1141 and one side of the pack frame 1100, 1200 on which the first discharge portion 1141 is located. Here, at least one first pack venting hole 1165 may be located between the outermost vertical beam 1129 and one side of the pack frame 1100, 1200 on which the first discharge portion 1141 is located.

[0082] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, in the lower venting passage where gas / flame moves from the module venting holes 1151a, 1151b, 1152a, 1152b, 1153a, 1153b, 1155 in the passage frame 1300, materials that move into the passage frame 1300 can move toward the first discharge part 1141 through the first pack venting hole 1165.

[0083] As a result, in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, gas and / or flame in the battery module 100 (FIG. 11) where thermal runaway occurs can be sufficiently cooled while flowing inside the flow path frame 1300. The cooled gas and / or flame can then be discharged through the first pack venting hole 1165 and the first exhaust part 1141, thereby preventing the occurrence of external fire and explosion.

[0084] FIG. 6 is a top view of the flow path frame of FIG.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 6, in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, the channel frame 1300 includes a channel bottom and at least one partition wall 1351a, 1352a, 1353a extending from the channel bottom toward the pack frames 1100, 1200.

[0086] More specifically, the channel frame 1300 includes second side frames 1311 and 1315 located below the first side frame 1110, and second inner frames 1321a, 1321b, 1321c, and 1325 located below the first inner frame 1120. The bottom of the channel frame 1300, the second side frames 1311 and 1315, and the second inner frames 1321a, 1321b, 1321c, and 1325 may be integrated with each other or fixed by a separate fastening method such as welding or adhesive. For example, the second side frames 1311 and 1315 and the second inner frames 1321a, 1321b, 1321c, and 1325 may be made of the same material as the frame parts 1110 and 1120.

[0087] The second side frames 1311 and 1315 may include a pair of second horizontal frames 1311 extending along the length direction (y-axis direction) of the edge of the channel frame 1300, and a pair of second vertical frames 1315 extending along the width direction (x-axis direction) of the edge of the channel frame 1300. Here, the pair of second horizontal frames 1311 and the pair of second vertical frames 1315 may be integrated with each other or may be fixed by a separate fastening method such as welding or adhesive.

[0088] The second inner frame 1320 may include at least two vertical channel beams 1321a, 1321b, and 1321c extending along the width direction (x-axis direction) of the channel frame 1300 and a horizontal channel beam 1325 extending in a direction (y-axis direction) perpendicular to the vertical channel beams 1321a, 1321b, and 1321c. For example, the vertical channel beams 1321a, 1321b, and 1321c may include a pair of first and second vertical channel beams with the horizontal channel beam 1325 interposed therebetween, and the first and second vertical channel beams may be attached to the horizontal channel beam 1325. Here, the horizontal channel beam 1325 and the at least two vertical channel beams 1321a, 1321b, and 1321c may be integral with each other or may be fixed to each other by a separate fastening method such as welding or adhesive.

[0089] More specifically, the lengths of the vertical channel beams 1321a, 1321b, 1321c and the horizontal channel beam 1325, and the spacing between adjacent vertical channel beams 1321a, 1321b, 1321c among at least two vertical channel beams 1321a, 1321b, 1321c, etc. can be adjusted according to the size of the battery module 100 (Figure 11).

[0090] As a result, in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, the second side frame 1310 and the second inner frame 1320 can separate the plurality of flow path portions 1351, 1352, and 1353 located below the plurality of module portions 1150 from each other, and can also separate the lower venting flow paths formed in the plurality of flow path portions 1351, 1352, and 1353 from each other. More specifically, gas and / or flame from a battery module 100 (FIG. 11) in which thermal runaway occurs can flow into the spaces separated by the first side frame 1110 and the first inner frame 1120. In addition, in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, materials generated in the plurality of battery modules 100 (FIG. 11) can be partially cooled as they pass through the flow path frame 1300, thereby preventing heat transfer between adjacent battery modules and further improving the safety of the battery pack 1000.

[0091] 6, at least one partition wall 1351a, 1352a, 1353a may be located in an area defined by second side frames 1311, 1315 and second inner frames 1321a, 1321b, 1321c, 1325. That is, at least one partition wall 1351a, 1352a, 1353a may be formed in each of a plurality of flow path portions 13151, 1352, 1352. More specifically, the flow path frame 1300 may include a first module portion 1151, a first flow path portion 1351 located at the bottom of FIGS. 4 and 5, a second module portion 1152, a second flow path portion 1352 located at the bottom of FIGS. 4 and 5, and a third module portion 1153, a third flow path portion 1353 located at the bottom of FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0092] Here, the at least one partition 1351a, 1352a, 1353a may include at least one first partition 1351a formed in the first flow path portion 1351, at least one second partition 1352a formed in the second flow path portion 1352, and at least one third partition 1353a formed in the third flow path portion 1353. However, unlike Fig. 6, a structure in which at least one first partition 1351a is omitted from the first flow path portion 1351 may also be included in this embodiment.

[0093] Here, the number and arrangement of the at least one partition wall 1351a, 1352a, 1353a may vary depending on the positions of the flow path portions 1351, 1352, 1353. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the at least one first partition wall 1351a and the at least one second partition wall 1352a may be spaced apart from each other. Also, the at least one third partition wall 1353a may be spaced apart from each other, with some of the partition walls contacting each other. For example, the third partition wall 1353a may include an "L"-shaped partition wall as shown in FIG. 6.

[0094] Therefore, the arrangement of the at least one partition 1351a, 1352a, 1353a may become more complex as the module unit 1150 to which the battery module 100 (FIG. 11) is attached is positioned closer to the first outlet 1141. Conversely, the arrangement of the at least one partition 1351a, 1352a, 1353a may become simpler as the module unit 1150 to which the battery module 100 (FIG. 11) is attached is positioned farther from the first outlet 1141.

[0095] Furthermore, the battery module 100 (FIG. 11) is mounted in the module section 1150 (FIGS. 4 and 5) with the side of the battery module 100 (FIG. 11) facing the first outlet 1141, FIGS. 3 and 4, and as shown in FIG. 6, at least one partition wall 1351a, 1352a, 1353a may extend along the width direction (y-axis direction) of the battery module 100 (FIG. 11). However, the shape of the at least one partition wall 1351a, 1352a, 1353a is not limited thereto and may be changed depending on the arrangement of the battery module 100 (FIG. 11) and the position of the module section 1150 (FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0096] In addition, the numbers of the partition walls 1351a, 1352a, and 1353a formed in the flow path portions 1351, 1352, and 1353 of the flow path frame 1300 may be inversely proportional to the distance from the first discharge portion 1141 (FIGS. 3 and 4). For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the number of the at least one second partition wall 1352a may be greater than the number of the at least one first partition wall 1351a, and the number of the at least one third partition wall 1353a may be greater than the number of the at least one second partition wall 1352a.

[0097] As a result, the number of at least one partition wall 1351a, 1352a, 1353a increases as the module part 1150 to which the battery module 100 (FIG. 11) is attached is positioned adjacent to the first discharge part 1141, and the distance over which the gas and / or flame flowing into the flow path frame 1300 flows can also increase.

[0098] In addition, in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, the number of at least one partition wall 1351a, 1352a, 1353a can be varied depending on the position of the module unit 1150 to which the battery module 100 (FIG. 11) is attached, thereby controlling the distance over which gas and / or flame flow into the flow path frame 1300. That is, by adjusting the number of at least one partition wall 1351a, 1352a, 1353a, it is possible to control the flow of gas and / or flame flowing into the flow path frame 1300 to a predetermined distance or more. That is, the gas and / or flame flowing into the flow path frame 1300 can flow through a venting path of a predetermined length or more regardless of the position of the module unit 1150, and gas and / or flame from a battery module 100 (FIG. 11) in which thermal runaway occurs can be discharged to the outside in a sufficiently cooled state regardless of the position of the module unit 1150.

[0099] 5 and 6, in at least one first partition 1351a, a first distance (d1) between a first partition located closest to the first horizontal venting hole 1151a, 1151b among the first module venting holes 1151a, 1151b, 1155 and the side of the pack frame 1100, 1200 may be greater than a second distance (d2) between a second partition located closest to the second horizontal venting hole 1152a, 1152b among the second module venting holes 1152a, 1152b, 1155 and the side of the pack frame 1100, 1200. In at least one second partition wall 1352a, the first distance (d2) between the first partition wall located closest to the second horizontal venting hole 1152a, 1152b among the second module venting holes 1152a, 1152b, 1155 and the side of the pack frame 1100, 1200 may be greater than the third distance (d3) between the third partition wall located closest to the third horizontal venting hole 1153a, 1153b among the third module venting holes 1153a, 1153b, 1155 and the side of the pack frame 1100, 1200.

[0100] As a result, the first distance (d1), the second distance (d2), and the third distance (d3) decrease as the module part 1150 on which the battery module 100 (FIG. 11) is mounted is positioned adjacent to the first discharge part 1141, and the distance over which the gas and / or flame flowing into the flow path frame 1300 flows also increases.

[0101] In addition, in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, the first distance (d1), the second distance (d2), and the third distance (d3) vary depending on the position of the module unit 1150 to which the battery module 100 (FIG. 11) is attached, thereby controlling the distance over which the gas and / or flame flowing into the flow path frame 1300 flows. That is, by adjusting the first distance (d1), the second distance (d2), and the third distance (d3), the gas and / or flame flowing into the flow path frame 1300 can be controlled to flow a predetermined distance or more. That is, the gas and / or flame flowing into the flow path frame 1300 can flow through a venting path of a predetermined length or more regardless of the position of the module unit 1150, and the gas and / or flame of the battery module 100 (FIG. 11) in which thermal runaway occurs can be discharged to the outside in a sufficiently cooled state regardless of the position of the module unit 1150.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 6, among the at least two vertical channel beams 1321a, 1321b, 1321c, the vertical channel beams 1321a, 1321b, 1321c located between a pair of adjacent module portions 1150 (FIGS. 4 and 5) may include at least one communication portion 1322b, 1322c.

[0103] More specifically, the vertical channel beams 1321a, 1321b, and 1321c may include a first vertical channel beam 1321b located between a lower portion of the first module unit 1151 (FIG. 5) and a lower portion of the second module unit 1152 (FIG. 5), and a second vertical channel beam 1321c located between a lower portion of the second module unit 1152 (FIG. 5) and a lower portion of the third module unit 1153 (FIG. 5). That is, the first vertical channel beam 1321b may be located between the first channel unit 1351 and the second channel unit 1352, and the second vertical channel beam 1321c may be located between the second channel unit 1352 and the third channel unit 1353. In addition, the vertical channel beams 1321a, 1321b, and 1321c may include a third vertical channel beam 1321a located farthest from the first discharge unit 1141. That is, the third vertical flow path beam 1321 a may be positioned closest to the second discharge portion 1145 .

[0104] Here, the first vertical flow path beam 1321b may include a first communication portion 1322b that communicates between the first flow path portion 1351 and the second flow path portion 1352, and the second vertical flow path beam 1321c may include a second communication portion 1322c that communicates between the second flow path portion 1352 and the third flow path portion 1353.

[0105] Therefore, in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, the gas and / or flame flowing from the module unit 1150 to the flow passage units 1351, 1352, and 1353 can flow through the venting path toward the first outlet unit 1141, regardless of the position of the module unit 1150. 6, the number of first communication portions 1322b included in the first vertical channel beam 1321b may be less than the number of second communication portions 1322c included in the second vertical channel beam 1321c. As another example, the length (d4) of the first communication portions 1322b may be greater than the length (d5) of the second communication portions 1322c.

[0106] As a result, in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, the length of the venting path of the gas and / or flame that flows from the module unit 1150 into the flow path units 1351, 1352, and 1353 can be adjusted based on the difference in the number and / or length of the first communicating unit 1322b and the second communicating unit 1322c. In particular, the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment allows the gas and / or flame discharged from the module unit 1150 located adjacent to the first outlet 1141 to travel a sufficient distance through the venting path, thereby allowing the gas and / or flame discharged from the module unit 1150 located adjacent to the first outlet 1141 to be sufficiently cooled.

[0107] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the flow of venting gas discharged to the lower part of the battery module when the lower pack frame and the flow path frame of FIG. 3 are combined.

[0108] 3 to 7, gas and / or flame from a battery module 100 (FIG. 11) in which thermal runaway occurs among the battery modules 100 (FIG. 11) mounted in each module unit 1150 can flow into the flow path units 1351, 1352, and 1353 through module venting holes 1151a, 1151b, 1152a, 1152b, 1153a, 1153b, and 1155 formed in the module unit 1150. In addition, the gas and / or flame that has flowed into each flow path unit 1351, 1352, and 1353 can flow along a lower venting flow path formed by second side frames 1311, 1315, second inner frames 1321a, 1321b, 1321c, and 1325, and at least one partition wall 1351a, 1352a, and 1353a.

[0109] In this case, depending on the position of the module part 1150 or the channel parts 1351, 1352, 1353, the length of the lower venting channel can be adjusted to be different from each other depending on the number, shape, and distance of the communication parts 1322b, 1322c and the partition walls 1351a, 1352a, 1353a formed in some of the vertical channel beams 1321a, 1321b, 1321c.

[0110] 3 to 7, the second lower venting channel (V2) formed in the second flow path portion 1352 may be longer than the first lower venting channel (V1) formed in the first flow path portion 1351, and the third lower venting channel (V3) formed in the third flow path portion 1353 may be longer than the second lower venting channel (V2) formed in the second flow path portion 1352.

[0111] Here, the lower venting channels (V1, V2, V3) may be channels that move from the module venting holes 1151a, 1151b, 1152a, 1152b, 1153a, 1153b, 1155 in a direction toward the first discharge section 1141 along a space partitioned by at least one partition wall 1351a, 1352a, 1353a formed in the channel sections 1351, 1352, 1353, respectively.

[0112] More specifically, the lower venting channels (V1, V2, V3) may be paths from horizontal venting holes 1151a, 1151b, 1152a, 1152b, 1153a, 1153b formed at positions adjacent to the front and rear surfaces of the battery module 100 (FIG. 11) to the outer surfaces of the channel sections 1351, 1352, 1353 adjacent to the first discharge section 1141.

[0113] For example, the first lower venting channel (V1) allows a material flowing from the first horizontal venting holes 1151a and 1151b into the first channel portion 1351 to move along a space partitioned by at least one first partition wall 1351a and move to an outer surface of the first channel portion 1351 adjacent to the first discharge portion 1141. That is, the first lower venting channel (V1) may be a path from the first horizontal venting holes 1151a and 1151b to the first communication portion 1322b formed between the first channel portion 1351 and the second channel portion 1352.

[0114] Here, material flowing along the first lower venting flow path (V1) moves toward the first communication portion 1322b, and material that flows into the first communication portion 1322b can move toward the first discharge portion 1141 via the second flow path portion 1352 and the third flow path portion 1353.

[0115] Similarly, the second lower venting channel (V2) allows material flowing from the second horizontal venting holes 1152a and 1152b into the second flow path unit 1352 to move along a space partitioned by at least one second partition wall 1352a and to an outer surface of the second flow path unit 1352 adjacent to the first discharge unit 1141. That is, the second lower venting channel (V2) may be a path from the second horizontal venting holes 1152a and 1152b to the second communication part 1322c formed between the second flow path unit 1352 and the third flow path unit 1353. In this case, the second flow path unit 1352 may include a relatively larger number of second partition walls 1352a than the first flow path unit 1351, and the second lower venting channel (V2) may be formed to be relatively longer than the first lower venting channel (V1).

[0116] Here, material flowing along the second lower venting flow path (V2) moves toward the second communication portion 1322c, and material that flows into the second communication portion 1322c can move toward the first discharge portion 1141 via the third flow path portion 1353.

[0117] In addition, the third lower venting channel (V3) allows material flowing from the third horizontal venting holes (1153a, 1153b) into the third flow path portion 1353 to move along a space partitioned by at least one third partition wall (1352a) and to the outer surface of the third flow path portion 1353 adjacent to the first discharge portion 1141. That is, the third lower venting channel (V3) may be a path from the third horizontal venting holes (1153a, 1153b) to the first pack venting hole 1165 located at the top of the third flow path portion 1353. In this case, the third flow path portion 1353 may include a relatively larger number of third partition walls (1353a) than the second flow path portion 1352, and the third lower venting channel (V3) may be formed to be relatively longer than the second lower venting channel (V2).

[0118] That is, in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, gas and / or flame generated in the battery module 100 (FIG. 11) can move along the lower venting passages (V1, V2, V3) described above, and the gas and / or flame flowing along each lower venting passage (V1, V2, V3) flows into the first pack venting hole 1165, and the gas and / or flame flowing into the first pack venting hole 1165 can move toward the first exhaust portion 1141.

[0119] As a result, in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, even in the case of the third module part 1153, which is located closest to the first discharge part 1141 among the multiple module parts 1150, the gas and / or flame flowing into the third flow path part 1353 moves along the third lower venting flow path (V3), which is formed relatively longer than the first flow path part 1351 and the second flow path part 1352, and the gas and / or flame flowing into the third flow path part 1353 can be discharged to the outside in a sufficiently cooled state.

[0120] In addition, in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, gas and / or flame flowing into the flow path frame 1300 can flow through a venting path of a predetermined length or more regardless of the position of the module part 1150, and gas and / or flame from the battery module 100 (FIG. 11) in which a thermal runaway phenomenon has occurred can be discharged to the outside in a sufficiently cooled state regardless of the position of the module part 1150, thereby preventing the gas and / or flame discharged to the outside from causing an external fire and explosion.

[0121] FIG. 8 is a view showing the flow of venting gas discharged to the side of the battery module when the lower pack frame and the flow path frame of FIG. 3 are combined.

[0122] 3 and 8, in a battery pack 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention, a first side frame 1110 and an inner frame 1120 may include at least one frame venting hole 1111a, 1111b, 1111c, 1125a, 1125b, and 1125c formed at a position where the first side frame 1110 and the inner frame 1120 are in contact with the outer surface of a battery module 100 (FIG. 11) mounted in module parts 1151, 1152, and 1153. Here, the frame venting holes 1111a, 1111b, 1111c, 1125a, 1125b, and 1125c may include first frame venting holes 1111a, 1111b, and 1111c formed in the first side frame 1110 and second frame venting holes 1125a, 1125b, and 1125c formed in the inner frame.

[0123] Here, the inside of the first side frame 1110 and the inside of the inner frame 1120 may be empty. Also, the frame venting holes 1111a, 1111b, 1111c, 1125a, 1125b, and 1125c may have a shape that penetrates toward the inside of the first side frame 1110 or the inside of the inner frame 1120.

[0124] As a result, substances discharged from the battery module 100 (FIG. 11) in which a thermal runaway phenomenon has occurred can flow into the frame venting holes 1111a, 1111b, 1111c, 1125a, 1125b, and 1125c, and the substances 1111a, 1111b, 1111c, 1125a, 1125b, and 1125c that have flowed into the frame venting holes can move along the inside of the first side frame 1110 and the inside of the inner frame 1120.

[0125] In the first side frame 1110, the first horizontal frame 1111 may include at least one first frame venting hole 1111a, 1111b, and 1111c. The first frame venting holes 1111a, 1111b, and 1111c may include the first frame venting hole 1111a formed in the first module part 1151, the first frame venting hole 1111b formed in the second module part 1152, and the first frame venting hole 1111c formed in the third module part 1153.

[0126] More specifically, the number of first frame venting holes 1111a, 1111b, and 1111c formed in each module unit 1150 of the first side frame 1110 may vary depending on the distance between the second outlet 1145 and the module unit 1150. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the number of first frame venting holes 1111a formed in the first module unit 1151 may be less than the number of first frame venting holes 1111b formed in the second module unit 1152. Furthermore, the number of first frame venting holes 1111b formed in the second module unit 1152 may be less than the number of first frame venting holes 1111c formed in the third module unit 1153. However, the number of the first frame venting holes 1111a, 1111b, and 1111c is not limited to that shown in FIG. 3, and the number of the first frame venting holes 1111a, 1111b, and 1111c can be adjusted as needed.

[0127] In other words, in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, the number of first frame venting holes 1111a, 1111b, and 1111c decreases as the position of the module part 1150 to which the battery module 100 (FIG. 11) is attached is positioned adjacent to the second exhaust part 1145, and the speed at which gas and / or flame is exhausted to the first frame venting holes 1111a, 1111b, and 1111c can decrease as the position is positioned adjacent to the second exhaust part 1145.

[0128] Therefore, in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, the number of first frame venting holes 1111a, 1111b, and 1111c can be varied depending on the position of the module unit 1150 to which the battery module 100 (FIG. 11) is attached, thereby controlling the rate at which gas and / or flame from the battery module 100 (FIG. 11) is exhausted to the first frame venting holes 1111a, 1111b, and 1111c. In other words, by adjusting the number of first frame venting holes 1111a, 1111b, and 1111c, the rate at which gas and / or flame from the battery module 100 (FIG. 11) that has experienced thermal runaway flows into the first side frame 1110 can be controlled.

[0129] In the internal frame 1120, the horizontal beam 1125 may include at least one second frame venting hole 1125a, 1125b, 1125c. The second frame venting holes 1125a, 1125b, 1125c may include the second frame venting hole 1125a formed in the first module part 1151, the second frame venting hole 1125b formed in the second module part 1152, and the second frame venting hole 1125c formed in the third module part 1153.

[0130] More specifically, the number of second frame venting holes 1125a, 1125b, and 1125c formed in each module unit 1150 of the inner frame 1120 may vary depending on the distance between the second outlet 1145 and the module unit 1150. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the number of second frame venting holes 1125a formed in the first module unit 1151 may be less than the number of second frame venting holes 1125b formed in the second module unit 1152. Furthermore, the number of second frame venting holes 1125b formed in the second module unit 1152 may be less than the number of second frame venting holes 1125c formed in the third module unit 1153. However, the number of the second frame venting holes 1125a, 1125b, and 1125c is not limited to that shown in FIG. 3, and the number of the second frame venting holes 1125a, 1125b, and 1125c can be adjusted as needed.

[0131] In other words, in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, the number of second frame venting holes 1125a, 1125b, 1125c decreases as the position of the module part 1150 to which the battery module 100 (FIG. 11) is attached is positioned adjacent to the second exhaust part 1145, and the rate at which gas and / or flame is exhausted to the second frame venting holes 1125a, 1125b, 1125c can decrease as the position becomes more adjacent to the second exhaust part 1145.

[0132] Therefore, in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, the number of second frame venting holes 1125a, 1125b, and 1125c can be varied depending on the position of the module part 1150 to which the battery module 100 (FIG. 11) is attached, thereby controlling the rate at which gas and / or flame from the battery module 100 (FIG. 11) is exhausted to the second frame venting holes 1125a, 1125b, and 1125c. In other words, by adjusting the number of second frame venting holes 1125a, 1125b, and 1125c, the rate at which gas and / or flame from the battery module 100 (FIG. 11) that has experienced thermal runaway flows into the inner frame 1200 can be controlled.

[0133] 3 and 8, in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, the first side frame 1110 and the inner frame 1120 may further include at least one side venting hole 1111d, 1125d formed between the other side of the pack frames 1100, 1200 where the second outlet 1145 is located and the first module unit 1151. More specifically, the side venting holes 1111d, 1125d in the first side frame 1110 and the inner frame 1120 may be formed in the second space portion 1170. The side venting holes 1111d, 1125d may include a first side venting hole 1111d formed in the first side frame 1110 and a second side venting hole 1125d formed in the inner frame.

[0134] Here, the side venting holes 1111d and 1125d may have a shape that penetrates toward the inside of the first side frame 1110 or the inside of the inner frame 1120. More specifically, the side venting holes 1111d and 1125d may have a shape that penetrates toward the second space portion 1170.

[0135] As a result, in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, material that has migrated from the battery module 100 (FIG. 11) in which a thermal runaway phenomenon has occurred along the inside of the first side frame 1110 and the inside of the inner frame 1120 can move toward the second outlet portion 1145 through the side venting holes 1111d and 1125d. In other words, material that has migrated toward the second space portion 1170 through the side venting holes 1111d and 1125d can be discharged to the outside through the second outlet portion 1145.

[0136] 3 and 8, the second space 1170 may accommodate other electrical components and a control system such as a BMS, as described above, and may have a relatively larger width and / or size than the first space 1160. In this case, the distance between the module part 1150 and the side of the pack frame 1100, 1200 may be relatively closer in the first space 1160 than in the second space.

[0137] 3 and 8, if side venting holes 1111d and 1125d are formed in first space 1160, when a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs in battery module 100 (FIG. 11) closest to first space 1160, a spark may be discharged to first exhaust portion 1141. Additionally, the gas and / or flame discharged to first exhaust portion 1141 may not be sufficiently cooled, which may cause an external fire.

[0138] As a result, in the battery pack 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the side venting holes 1111d and 1125d are formed in the second space 1170, and the distance between the module unit 1150 and the side of the pack frame 1100 and 1200 can be relatively large. That is, even if a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs in the battery module 100 (FIG. 11) closest to the second space 1170, the risk of sparks and insufficiently cooled gas and / or flames being discharged to the outside through the second exhaust part 1145 can be minimized.

[0139] Referring to Figures 3 and 8, the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment may have side venting flow paths (V4, V5, V6) through which material flowing into the frame venting holes 1111a, 1111b, 1111c, 1125a, 1125b, 1125c moves toward the second discharge portion 1145 through the side venting holes 1111d, 1125d.

[0140] Here, the side venting channels (V4, V5, V6) may be channels that move in a direction toward the second discharge section 1145 through the frame venting holes 1111a, 1111b, 1111c, 1125a, 1125b, 1125c, the internal space of the first side frame 1110 and the internal frame 1120, and the space passing through the side venting holes 1111d, 1125d.

[0141] The first side venting channel (V4) may be a path through which a material flowing from the first frame venting hole 1111a formed in the first module unit 1151 into the internal space of the first side frame 1110 moves to the first side venting hole 1111d and then moves to the second space 1170 adjacent to the second discharge unit 1145. The first side venting channel (V4) may be a path through which a material flowing from the second frame venting hole 1125a formed in the first module unit 1151 into the internal space of the internal frame 1120 moves to the second side venting hole 1125d and then moves to the second space 1170 adjacent to the second discharge unit 1145. The second side venting channel (V5) and the third side venting channel (V6) may be similarly described.

[0142] That is, in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, the gas and / or flame generated in the battery module 100 (FIG. 11) can move along the above-mentioned side venting channels (V4, V5, V6), and the gas and / or flame flowing along each side venting channel (V4, V5, V6) can move toward the second exhaust section 1145.

[0143] As a result, in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, in addition to the above-mentioned lower venting passages (V1, V2, V3, FIG. 7), gas and / or flame can be discharged through the side venting passages (V4, V5, V6), and the gas and / or flame can be discharged effectively in a relatively short time.

[0144] In addition, the side venting channels (V4, V5, V6) of the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment control the speed of gas flow into the first side frame 1110 and the inner frame 1120 depending on the position of the module part 1150, so that gas and / or flame from the battery module 100 (FIG. 11) in which a thermal runaway phenomenon has occurred can be discharged to the outside in a sufficiently cooled state regardless of the position of the module part 1150, thereby preventing the gas and / or flame discharged to the outside from causing an external fire and explosion.

[0145] Fig. 9 is a top view of a flow path frame according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of venting gas discharged to the bottom of the battery module when the lower pack frame of Fig. 3 and the flow path frame of Fig. 9 are combined.

[0146] The flow path frame 2300 according to this embodiment can be explained in much the same way as the flow path frame 1300 in FIG. 6, and only the different parts will be explained with reference to FIGS.

[0147] 4, 5, and 9, among the vertical channel beams 2321a, 2321b, and 2321c, the third vertical channel beam 2321a may be formed between a side of the channel frame 2300 adjacent to the second discharge unit 1145 and the lower part of the first module unit 1151. In addition, the third vertical channel beam 2321a may have at least one channel venting hole 2321h formed therein.

[0148] The flow path venting hole 2321h may be located between the first partition wall 2351a formed in the first flow path portion 2351 and the horizontal flow path beam 2325. The length (d6) of the flow path venting hole 2321h may be shorter than the length of the first communication portion 2322b. However, the position and length of the flow path venting hole 2321h are not limited thereto and may be appropriately adjusted as needed.

[0149] 4, 5, and 9, the channel venting hole 2321h may connect a space between a side surface of the channel frame 2300 adjacent to the second discharge portion 1145 and the third vertical channel beam 2321a to the first channel portion 2351. More specifically, a space located below the second space portion 1170 in the channel frame 2300 may connect to the first channel portion 2351 through the channel venting hole 2321h.

[0150] 9 and 10, material that has flowed into the first flow path portion 2351 from a battery module 100 (FIG. 11) experiencing thermal runaway can move to the lower portion of the second space portion 1170 through the flow path venting hole 2321a. In addition, the material that has moved to the lower portion of the second space portion 1170 can move to the second space portion 1170 through the second pack venting hole 1175 formed in the second space portion 1170, and the material that has moved to the second space portion 1170 can move toward the second discharge portion 1145.

[0151] 10, as described above, in the channel frame 2300, material that has flowed into the second channel portion 2352 and the third channel portion 2353 can also flow into the first channel portion 2351 through the communication portions 1322b and 1322c. As a result, material that has flowed into the second channel portion 2352 and the third channel portion 2353 can also move through the additional lower venting paths (V7, V8, V9) toward the second discharge portion 1145.

[0152] As a result, in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, in addition to the above-mentioned lower venting passages (V1, V2, V3, FIG. 7), gas and / or flame can be discharged through additional lower venting passages (V7, V8, V9), and the gas and / or flame can be discharged effectively in a relatively short time.

[0153] In this case, materials flowing into the flow path frame 2300 from the battery module 100 (FIG. 11) experiencing thermal runaway may move to both the lower venting channels (V1, V2, V3, FIG. 7) and the additional lower venting channels (V7, V8, V9). Here, the second discharge unit 1145 may have a relatively higher pressure than the first discharge unit 1141 because gas and / or flame may move through the side venting channels (V4, V5, V6, FIG. 8) in addition to the additional lower venting channels (V7, V8, V9). Due to this pressure difference, the amount of gas and / or flame that has flowed into the flow path frame 2300 moving through the lower venting channels (V7, V8, V9) may be greater than that through the additional lower venting channels (V7, V8, V9).

[0154] In addition, the third vertical channel beam 2321a may include a partition wall shaped to allow the movement of materials flowing in from the first horizontal venting holes 1151a and 1151b to be diverted. For example, as shown in Fig. 9, the third vertical channel beam 2321a may include an "L"-shaped partition wall located below the first horizontal venting holes 1151a and 1151b. However, the shape of the third vertical channel beam 2321a is not limited thereto, and any shape that allows the movement of materials flowing in from the first horizontal venting holes 1151a and 1151b to be diverted may be included in this embodiment.

[0155] As a result, even if a flow path venting hole 2321h is formed in the third vertical flow path beam 2321a, the third vertical flow path beam 2321a includes a partition wall shaped to allow the movement of material flowing in from the first horizontal venting holes 1151a and 1151b to be diverted, thereby preventing the material flowing in from the first horizontal venting holes 1151a and 1151b from being discharged to the second discharge part 1145 via a relatively short path.

[0156] Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing a battery module to be mounted in the battery pack of Fig. 1. Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of Fig. 11.

[0157] 1, 11 and 12, 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 first side frame 1110 and a first inner frame 1120, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5. However, the arrangement direction of the battery modules 100 is not limited thereto and may be appropriately changed as needed.

[0158] 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.

[0159] 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.

[0160] 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.

[0161] 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 top 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 top cover 160 and the U-shaped frame 170 may be made of a metal material having a predetermined strength.

[0162] As another example, although not shown in Figures 11 and 12, 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 to this, and any frame form that can protect the internal components of the battery module 100 may be applied.

[0163] 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.

[0164] 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 11 and 12, 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 of each 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.

[0165] 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 increasing the space utilization rate inside the battery pack 1000.

[0166] 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.

[0167] 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 defined in the following claims also fall within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0168] 100 battery modules 110 battery cells 120 Battery cell stack 130 Busbar Frame 150 end plate 160 Upper Plate 170 module frame 1000 battery packs 1100 Lower Pack Frame 1140 Discharge section 1200 Upper Pack Frame 1300 Flow path frame

Claims

1. a pack frame in which a plurality of battery modules are mounted in a plurality of module sections that separate the battery modules from one another; a flow path frame located below the pack frame; and A battery pack including at least one first ejection portion located on one side of the pack frame, the plurality of module sections include a first module section and a second module section arranged side by side in one direction, the second module section being located closer to the first discharge section than the first module section; the flow path frame includes a first flow path portion located below the first module portion and a second flow path portion located below the second module portion, The second lower venting channel formed in the second channel portion is longer than the first lower venting channel formed in the first channel portion.

2. the flow path frame includes a flow path bottom and at least one partition wall extending from the flow path bottom in a direction toward the pack frame, The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the number of the partition walls formed in the first flow path portion is smaller than the number of the partition walls formed in the second flow path portion.

3. the battery module is attached to the module part in a direction in which a side surface of the battery module faces the first discharge part, The battery pack according to claim 2 , wherein at least one of the partition walls extends along the width direction of the battery module.

4. the first module portion includes at least one first module venting hole; 3. The battery pack of claim 2, wherein the second module portion includes at least one second module venting hole, the first module venting hole extending toward the first flow path portion, and the second module venting hole extending toward the second flow path portion.

5. 5. The battery pack of claim 4, wherein a first distance between a first partition wall, among the at least one partition wall, located closest to the first module vent hole and a side surface of the pack frame is greater than a second distance between a second partition wall, among the at least one partition wall, located closest to the second module vent hole and a side surface of the pack frame.

6. the first lower venting channel is a channel that moves from the first module venting hole toward the first discharge part along a space partitioned by at least one partition wall formed in the first channel part, 5. The battery pack of claim 4, wherein the second lower venting passage is a passage that moves from the second module venting hole toward the first outlet along a space partitioned by at least one partition wall formed in the second passage portion.

7. the first module venting hole is located adjacent to a corner of the first module portion; the second module venting hole is located adjacent to a corner of the second module portion; The battery pack of claim 4 , wherein the number of the second module venting holes is less than the number of the first module venting holes.

8. the plurality of battery modules include a first battery module and a second battery module; the first battery module is attached to the first module part in a direction in which a side surface of the first battery module faces the first discharge part, The battery pack according to claim 6 , wherein the second battery module is attached to the second module part in a direction such that a side surface of the second battery module faces the first discharge portion.

9. the first module venting holes include first horizontal venting holes formed adjacent to front and rear surfaces of the first battery module; the second module venting holes include second horizontal venting holes formed adjacent to front and rear surfaces of the second battery module; The battery pack of claim 8 , wherein the number of the second horizontal venting holes is less than the number of the first horizontal venting holes.

10. the first lower venting passage is a path from the first horizontal venting hole to an outer surface of the first passage portion adjacent to the first discharge portion, The battery pack of claim 9 , wherein the second lower venting passage is a path from the first horizontal venting hole to an outer surface of the second passage portion adjacent to the first outlet portion.

11. The pack frame further includes at least one first pack venting hole formed in a lower portion of the pack frame, The battery pack of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first pack venting hole is located between one side of the pack frame where the first outlet portion is located and the second module portion.

12. The first flow path portion and the second flow path portion are in communication with each other, The battery pack of claim 11, wherein the material that has flowed into the first lower venting channel and the second lower venting channel moves toward the first discharge part through the first pack venting hole.

13. the pack frame includes a pack bottom portion that contacts the lower surface of the battery module and a frame portion that surrounds the side surface of the battery module, The frame portion includes a first side frame extending upward from an edge of the bottom of the pack, and a first inner frame positioned inside the first side frame, The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of module sections are partitioned by the first side frame and the first inner frame.

14. the flow path frame includes a second side frame located below the first side frame and a second inner frame located below the first inner frame, The battery pack according to claim 13 , wherein the first flow path portion and the second flow path portion are partitioned by the second side frame and the second inner frame.

15. the second inner frame includes a horizontal channel beam extending along a width direction of the battery module and at least two vertical channel beams extending in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal channel beam; The battery pack according to claim 14 , wherein the vertical channel beam positioned between a pair of adjacent module sections among the at least two vertical channel beams includes at least one communication portion.

16. the plurality of module units further include a third module unit arranged in one direction with the first module unit and the second module unit; the third module portion is located more adjacent to the first discharge portion than the second module portion, the vertical channel beams include a first vertical channel beam positioned between a lower portion of the first module unit and a lower portion of the second module unit, and a second vertical channel beam positioned between a lower portion of the second module unit and a lower portion of the third module unit; The battery pack of claim 15, wherein the number of first communication portions included in the first vertical flow beam is less than the number of second communication portions included in the second vertical flow beam.

17. The battery pack according to claim 16 , wherein the length of the first communicating portion is greater than the length of the second communicating portion.

18. At least one second discharge portion is located on the other side of the pack frame, 16. The battery pack of claim 15, wherein the first side frame and the first inner frame each include at least one frame venting hole formed at a position where the first side frame and the first inner frame contact an outer surface of the battery module attached to the module unit.

19. the first side frame and the first inner frame further include at least one side venting hole formed between the first module portion and another side of the pack frame where the second discharge portion is located, The battery pack of claim 18 , further comprising a side venting passage through which the material flowing into the frame venting hole moves toward the second discharge portion through the side venting hole.

20. the vertical channel beam further includes a third vertical channel beam formed between a side of the channel frame adjacent to the second discharge portion and a lower portion of the first module portion, The pack frame further includes at least one second pack venting hole formed in a lower portion of the pack frame, the third vertical channel beam has at least one channel venting hole formed therein; the second pack venting hole is located between the first module part and another side surface of the pack frame where the second discharge part is located, The battery pack of claim 18 , wherein the material that has flowed into the flow path venting hole moves toward the second discharge portion through the second pack venting hole.

Images