Battery packs and automobiles containing them

Abstract

A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of battery cells, a pack case configured to house the plurality of battery cells and provided with a vent portion configured to discharge gas generated by the battery cells to the outside, and a shielding composite member configured to cover at least a portion of the vent portion and to block flames generated inside the pack case from being exposed to the outside.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack and an automobile including the same.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0125639 filed on September 20, 2023, and all the contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the application are incorporated into this application.

Background Art

[0003] Secondary batteries with high applicability according to product groups and having electrical characteristics such as high energy density are widely applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). In addition to the primary advantage of being able to dramatically reduce the use of fossil fuels, such secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for environmental consideration and energy efficiency improvement in that no by-products are generated during energy use. <x

[0004] According to the charge and discharge capacity of the battery pack required by an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plurality of battery cells may be connected in series or in parallel to form a battery pack. At this time, a battery module including at least one battery cell is first configured, and a method of adding other components using such at least one battery module to form a battery pack or a battery rack is common. In recent years, a battery pack in a cell-to-pack form that directly accommodates a plurality of battery cells without modularizing them in a pack housing or the like has also been manufactured.

[0005] However, in battery packs containing multiple lithium-ion batteries, the damage can be more extensive if a fire or explosion occurs. Fires in battery packs are initiated by abnormal temperature increases and internal gas generation in the battery cells located inside. This can cause venting to occur if the internal pressure of the battery cells rises above a certain level, potentially leading to flames inside the battery pack.

[0006] Therefore, to ensure the safety of the battery pack during use, it is necessary for venting gas to be rapidly expelled from the battery pack to prevent the internal pressure from rising further in the event of thermal events such as thermal runaway. If such venting gas is not properly expelled, the rate at which thermal runaway propagates between battery cells may increase. Furthermore, this could lead to more serious problems, such as the battery pack exploding, making it extremely important to expel the venting gas to the outside.

[0007] Consequently, conventional battery packs had vents in the pack case to expel high-temperature vent gases and other substances to the outside of the pack case when a thermal event occurred in a specific battery cell or battery module.

[0008] However, with conventional battery packs, flames and flammable particles generated inside the battery pack may be exposed to the outside of the pack case through the vents. This could cause flames to spread to other adjacent battery packs or to the devices in which the battery pack is installed, potentially leading to more serious problems.

[0009] Therefore, there is a growing need for technology that allows vent gas to be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery pack through the vent, while preventing flames or other flammable materials from being exposed to the outside of the battery pack, thereby suppressing the spread of flames or fires outside the battery pack. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a battery pack that can prevent flames or other objects from being exposed to the outside of the battery pack in the event of an abnormality in the battery cell or battery module.

[0011] Another problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a battery pack that allows vent gas to be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery pack in the event of a malfunction in the battery cell or battery module.

[0012] Another problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a battery pack capable of preventing or suppressing thermal runaway propagation at the battery pack level.

[0013] Therefore, the problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a battery pack with improved safety and reliability in the event of a malfunction in a battery cell or battery module.

[0014] Another problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide an automobile that includes such a battery pack.

[0015] However, the problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other problems not described can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] To solve the above problems, a battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention may include a plurality of battery cells, a pack case configured to house the plurality of battery cells and provided with a vent portion configured to discharge gas generated by the battery cells to the outside, and a shielding composite member configured to cover at least a part of the vent portion and to block flames generated inside the pack case from being exposed to the outside.

[0017] The aforementioned shielding composite member may be provided between the plurality of battery cells and the vent portion.

[0018] The pack case includes a base frame on which the plurality of battery cells are mounted, and a side frame extending upward from the base frame and having the vent portion formed thereon, and the shielding composite member may be configured to face the side frame on which the vent portion is formed.

[0019] The aforementioned shielding composite member can be bolted to the side frame.

[0020] The aforementioned shielding composite member may be provided in the form of multiple plates configured to cover the vent portion.

[0021] The barrier composite member may include a mesh member configured to filter the flame and allow the gas to pass through, and a barrier wall provided on at least one side of the mesh member so as to cover at least one side of the mesh member.

[0022] The barrier wall may be configured to include mica material.

[0023] The aforementioned barrier composite member may include a communication hole formed through a portion of the barrier wall, which is configured to allow the gas to pass through.

[0024] The aforementioned barrier composite member may further include a coating layer formed by coating the outer surface of the barrier wall with a fire-resistant material.

[0025] The blocking wall may include a first blocking wall provided between the vent portion and the mesh member, and a second blocking wall provided on the other side of the mesh member.

[0026] The mesh member, the first blocking wall, and the second blocking wall may be configured to be laminated in one direction.

[0027] The blocking composite member may include one or more first communication holes and one or more second communication holes formed in the first blocking wall and the second blocking wall, respectively, and configured to allow the gas to pass through.

[0028] The first communication holes and the second communication holes may be configured to be arranged in a staggered pattern along the one direction.

[0029] A plurality of the first communication holes are arranged along rows and columns, and the second communication holes may be arranged along rows and columns at positions shifted from the first communication holes along the one direction. <000009​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​[Effects of the Invention]

[0035] According to one aspect of the present invention, when a malfunction occurs in a battery cell or battery module, flames or flammable particles generated are prevented from being exposed to the outside of the battery pack, thereby ensuring safety and reliability.

[0036] Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent flames from being exposed to the outside of the battery pack and to effectively ensure thermal runaway propagation prevention performance at the battery pack level.

[0037] Furthermore, according to yet another aspect of the present invention, vent gas generated when a malfunction occurs in a battery cell can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the pack case. This prevents other battery cells or battery modules from suffering thermal damage as much as possible, thus preventing further chain ignition.

[0038] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, events caused by thermal runaway in battery packs or devices in which they are installed, such as fires or explosions, can be prevented or delayed.

[0039] In particular, in the case of electric vehicles, suppressing or delaying the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells or battery modules can ensure sufficient time for occupants to escape or for the vehicle to be driven.

[0040] In addition to the effects described above, the present invention may have various other effects. These effects will be explained in the configuration of each embodiment, or explanations of effects that can be easily inferred by those skilled in the art will be omitted.

[0041] The drawings accompanying this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention described later, are intended to further illustrate the technical concept of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be construed as being limited only to what is shown in these drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0042] [Figure 1] This is an overall perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a disassembled perspective view of a battery pack relating to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of a battery module included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is an enlarged view of the main part of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a diagram illustrating a shielding composite member included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and may, for example, be a diagram showing the I-I' cross-section in Figure 1. [Figure 6] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is an exploded perspective view of a circuit breaker composite component included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is an exploded perspective view of a circuit breaker composite member included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above, and may, for example, be a diagram showing the II-II' section of Figure 1. [Figure 12] This is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, and may, for example, be a view showing the I-I' cross-section in Figure 1. [Figure 13] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This is an exploded perspective view of a circuit breaker composite member included in a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This is a schematic perspective view of an automobile including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0043] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and in the claims shall not be interpreted to be limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but rather in a sense and concept consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention, in accordance with the principle that inventors may appropriately define the concepts of terms themselves in order to best describe the invention.

[0044] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the drawings represent only one of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the present invention, and that there may be a variety of equivalent and modified embodiments that can be substituted therein at the time of filing this application.

[0045] Furthermore, the present invention includes various embodiments. For each embodiment, redundant explanations of substantially identical or similar configurations will be omitted, and the explanation will focus on the differences.

[0046] On the other hand, while terms such as up, down, left, right, front, and back may be used in this specification to indicate directions, these terms are for convenience of explanation and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that they may vary depending on the position of the object in question, the position of the observer, etc.

[0047] For example, in embodiments of the present invention, the X-axis direction shown in the drawings may mean the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction may mean the front-back direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction and the horizontal plane (XY plane), and the Z-axis direction may mean the up-down direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0048] Figure 1 is an overall perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 3 is a perspective view of a battery module included in the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the main part of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a diagram for illustrating a blocking composite member included in the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and may, for example, be a diagram showing the I-I' section in Figure 1.

[0049] Referring to Figures 1 to 5, a battery pack 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell 100, a pack case 200, and a shielding composite member 300.

[0050] First, referring to Figure 1, the battery pack 1 according to the present invention may include a pack case 200. The pack case 200 constitutes the external appearance of the battery pack 1. The pack case 200 has predetermined lengths in the X, Y, and Z axis directions, and may have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape overall.

[0051] Referring further to Figures 2 and 3, the battery pack 1 according to the present invention may include at least one, preferably more than one, battery module 10. The battery module 10 may be housed in the pack case 200 shown in Figure 1.

[0052] Furthermore, each of the multiple battery modules 10 may contain multiple battery cells 100. In this case, the multiple battery cells 100 contained within the battery module 10 may be electrically connected to each other. That is, the battery pack 1 according to the present invention includes multiple battery modules 10, and the multiple battery cells 100 contained in the battery pack 1 may be divided and contained within the multiple battery modules 10.

[0053] Referring to Figure 3, the battery cell 100 may include multiple units. Although not shown in the figure, these multiple battery cells 100 may include an electrode assembly, a cell case housing the electrode assembly, and electrode leads connected to the electrode assembly and extended to the outside of the cell case to function as electrode terminals. In this case, the multiple battery cells 100 may be electrically connected to each other.

[0054] The battery cell 100 may be a pouch-type rechargeable battery. The cell case of such a pouch-type rechargeable battery may be constructed in a pouch form in which a metal layer of aluminum material is interposed between polymer layers.

[0055] Furthermore, although not shown in the figure, such a pouch-type battery cell 100 may include an electrode assembly, a cell case that houses the electrode assembly, and electrode leads that are connected to the electrode assembly and extended to the outside of the cell case to function as electrode terminals. The cell case may include a housing portion that houses the electrode assembly and a sealing portion that seals the periphery of the housing portion.

[0056] As shown in Figure 3, multiple battery cells 100 can be arranged in parallel in the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction) with the cells standing vertically (Z-axis direction). In this case, each battery cell 100 can have its seal portion facing left-to-right (X-axis direction) and up-to-down (Z-axis direction), and its housing portion facing front-to-back (Y-axis direction).

[0057] On the other hand, the present invention is not limited by the specific types or forms of these battery cells 100, and various battery cells 100 known at the time of filing of the present invention can be used to constitute the battery pack 1 of the present invention. In this embodiment, as shown in the drawings, a pouch-type secondary battery with high energy density and easy stacking is targeted, but of course, cylindrical or prismatic secondary batteries can also be applied as the battery cell 100 of the present invention.

[0058] The battery module 10 may include a module case 11. The module case 11 has an internal space in which at least some of the multiple battery cells 100 can be housed. In particular, the module case 11 is provided for each battery module 10, grouping the multiple battery cells 100 into the multiple battery modules 10 and serving as a boundary that physically partitions the internal space of each battery module 10. The module case 11 may be made of a rigid and heat-resistant metallic material to physically or chemically protect the housed battery cells 100.

[0059] Although not shown in the figure, the battery module 10 may also include a busbar assembly and / or module terminals that are electrically connected to a plurality of battery cells 100 housed inside.

[0060] The battery module 10 may include a vent hole 12. The vent hole 12 may be configured to allow gas generated by the battery cells 100 housed inside the module case 11 to be discharged to the outside of the module case 11.

[0061] Specifically, the vent hole 12 may be provided in the module case 11 and may allow directional venting in a specific direction. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the vent hole 12 may be provided at the top of the module case 11. With such an embodiment, vent gas and / or flames may be guided to be discharged upwards to the battery module 10.

[0062] Referring to Figure 2, the pack case 200 may be configured to house multiple battery cells 100 or multiple battery modules 10. That is, the pack case 200 may provide a housing space capable of accommodating multiple battery cells 100 or multiple battery modules 10. The pack case 200 may be made of, or may include, a material that ensures mechanical rigidity, such as metal or plastic, such as steel or stainless steel (SUS), or stainless steel.

[0063] Furthermore, the pack case 200 may be equipped with a vent section V. The vent section V may be configured to discharge gases generated by the battery cells 100 housed inside to the outside of the pack case 200.

[0064] The vent section V may be provided in the form of a hole that penetrates the inside and outside of the pack case 200.

[0065] Alternatively, the vent section V may be configured to fit into a hole in the pack case 200 and may be configured as a vent device that operates when vent gas is generated inside the pack case 200.

[0066] For example, the vent section V may be equipped with a vent valve or be composed of such a vent valve. In such a case, the pack case 200 may have a mounting hole, and the vent section V may be configured to be mounted in the mounting hole. If the vent section V is equipped with a vent valve or is composed of such a vent valve, it may be configured so that when the internal pressure of the pack case 200 rises, the vent valve opens and vent gas is discharged to the outside of the pack case 200.

[0067] On the other hand, the battery pack 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a shielding composite member 300. The shielding composite member 300 may be configured to cover at least a portion of the vent portion V. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the shielding composite member 300 may be configured to block flames and the like generated inside the pack case 200 from passing through the vent portion V and being exposed to the outside of the pack case 200. The shielding composite member 300 may be made of a material that has low thermal conductivity and excellent heat resistance and / or fire resistance.

[0068] Highly directional flames can be discharged from the battery cell 100 and move to the vent section V while colliding with the internal structure of the pack case 200. According to the configuration of the above embodiment of the present invention, the blocking composite member 300 can block the discharge of flames to the outside of the pack case 200 through the vent section V. This effectively ensures thermal runaway propagation prevention performance for each battery pack. Therefore, according to the above aspect of the present invention, the safety and reliability of the battery pack 1 can be guaranteed.

[0069] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the blocking composite member 300 may be provided between the multiple battery cells 100 and the vent section V. That is, the blocking composite member 300 may be provided inside the pack case 200, particularly inside the vent section V. Specifically, vent gas and / or flames generated from the battery cells 100 may move to the vent section V. That is, a vent path may be formed between the multiple battery cells 100 and the vent section V through which the vent gas and / or flames flow. In this case, the blocking composite member 300 may be provided so as to cross the vent path. In other words, the blocking composite member 300 may be provided in the vent path and configured to suppress the movement of flames and the like.

[0070] According to the configuration of the above embodiment of the present invention, since the flame generated from the battery cell 100 is interrupted before it reaches the vent section V of the pack case 200, the discharge of the flame to the outside can be more effectively suppressed.

[0071] On the other hand, referring to Figures 2, 4, and 5, the pack case 200 may include a base frame 210 and a side frame 220.

[0072] The base frame 210 may form the lower surface of the pack case 200 and may be configured in a generally rectangular plate shape. The base frame 210 may be configured so that multiple battery cells 100 are mounted on its upper surface. Furthermore, the base frame 210 may have a flat upper surface and be provided so that multiple battery cells 100 and module cases 11 are stably mounted on it.

[0073] The side frame 220 may extend upward from each side edge of the base frame 210. The side frame 220 may comprise a plurality of unit walls and be configured to surround a plurality of battery cells 100 or battery modules 10. More specifically, the side frame 220 may include a rear side wall located at the -Y side end of the base frame 210, a right side wall located at the +X side end, a front side wall located at the +Y side end, and a left side wall located at the -X side end, forming the side of the pack case 200.

[0074] The pack case 200 may further include a pack lid 230. The pack lid 230 may be configured to cover the tops of a plurality of battery cells 100. For this purpose, the pack lid 230 may be provided to be coupled to the top of the side frame 220 to form the top surface of the pack case 200.

[0075] The pack lid 230 can protect components housed inside, such as the battery cell 100, and prevent vent gas and / or flames emitted from such battery cell 100 from being discharged outside the pack case 200, particularly towards the top. In particular, the pack lid 230 may be configured to guide vent gas, flames, etc., from the internal space of the pack case 200 toward the vent section V.

[0076] Referring to Figures 2 and 5, the pack case 200 may further include a crossbeam 240. The crossbeam 240 may be provided to partition between a plurality of battery cells 100 or battery modules 10. The crossbeam 240 may be provided between a plurality of battery cells 100 and a side frame 220 provided with a vent V. For example, the crossbeam 240 may be formed in the form of a partition wall that extends long in the left-right direction and interposed between battery modules 10 that are adjacent to each other in the front-rear direction. Alternatively, the crossbeam 240 may be formed in the form of a partition wall that extends long in the front-rear direction and interposed between battery modules 10 that are adjacent to each other in the left-right direction.

[0077] The crossbeam 240 may be provided at a predetermined distance from the pack lid 230. That is, the crossbeam 240 may be configured such that at least a portion of its upper end does not come into contact with the lower surface of the pack lid 230, maintaining a predetermined distance.

[0078] According to the configuration of this embodiment, heat and flames can be prevented from directly moving between the cell assemblies or battery modules 10 whose housing spaces are separated by the crossbeam 240. Furthermore, according to the configuration of the embodiment, the separation space between the crossbeam 240 and the pack lid 230 can further induce gases and flames generated in the battery cells 100 to move upward within the internal space of the pack case. For example, as shown by the dotted arrow in Figure 5, flames F can move into the separation space between the crossbeam 240 and the pack lid 230, be reflected by the pack lid 230, or flow along the lower surface of the pack lid 230 towards the vent V and reach the shielding composite member 300 that covers the vent V. According to the configuration of the embodiment of the present invention, the shielding composite member 300 can more reliably block flames heading towards the vent V.

[0079] On the other hand, the vent section V may be provided on the side of the pack case 200, i.e., on the side frame 220. In this case, the shielding composite member 300 may be positioned on the side frame 220 side and provided to cover the vent section V.

[0080] Multiple vent sections V and shielding composite members 300 can be provided. In particular, the vent sections V may be located on at least some of the multiple unit walls of the side frame 220. Furthermore, the vent sections V may be formed separately on two or more unit walls, or two or more may be formed on a single unit wall. For example, as shown in Figure 2, multiple vent sections V may be provided on the front wall and the rear wall. Multiple vent sections V and shielding composite members 300 may be provided symmetrically with respect to the center of the side frame 220.

[0081] According to the configuration of the above embodiment of the present invention, when a malfunction occurs in the battery cell 100, high-temperature gases and the like can be discharged in both directions of the pack case 200, making it easier to discharge the gas to the outside of the pack case 200 more quickly.

[0082] On the other hand, the number and position of the vent section V and the barrier composite member 300 described based on the embodiment in Figure 2 are merely examples, and it goes without saying that they can be changed to various other numbers and positions.

[0083] The barrier composite member 300 may be configured to face the side frame 220 in which the vent section V is formed. In this case, the barrier composite member 300 may be provided at a predetermined distance from the side frame 220. According to the configuration of the above embodiment of the present invention, by ensuring a distance between the barrier composite member 300 and the side frame 220, a space through which the vent gas can flow can be formed. Furthermore, in this case, the vent gas can also be discharged from the portion of the vent section V covered by the barrier composite member 300. Therefore, the vent gas can be discharged more smoothly into the vent section V through the space provided behind the barrier composite member 300.

[0084] As a result, according to the configuration of one embodiment of the present invention, flames and the like can be blocked by the blocking composite member 300, and vent gas can be smoothly discharged. In the event of an abnormality in the battery cell 100, the vent gas can be quickly discharged to the outside of the pack case 200 through the vent section V, thereby preventing an increase in internal pressure inside the pack case 200 and preventing further chain ignition of other battery cells 100.

[0085] The shielding composite member 300 can be connected to the side frame 220 by a connecting member 400. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the connecting member 400 can be provided as a bolt, and the shielding composite member 300 can be bolted to the side frame 220.

[0086] According to the configuration of the above embodiment of the present invention, a simple structure can be used to achieve a bonded and fixed configuration between the shielding composite member 300 and the side frame 220. In this case, since the shielding composite member 300 is firmly fixed by the bonding member 400, it does not easily move due to pressure such as flames, and thus the effect of shielding against flames and the like against the vent section V can be achieved more reliably. Furthermore, according to the configuration of the above embodiment of the present invention, the assembly of the battery pack 1 becomes easier, and productivity can be improved.

[0087] As another example, the barrier composite member 300 can be attached to the side frame 220. As yet another example, the barrier composite member 300 can be added to the side frame 220 as a partition, or it can be configured as a replacement for the side frame 220.

[0088] Figure 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of a shielding composite member included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] The shielding composite member 300 may be provided in the shape of a plate configured to cover the vent portion V. By manufacturing the shielding composite member 300 in the shape of a plate, the shielding composite member 300 may be configured to face the vent portion V or the side frame 220 in parallel. According to the configuration of the above embodiment of the present invention, the shielding composite member 300 can cover the vent portion V more easily. Furthermore, according to the configuration of the above embodiment of the present invention, assembly of the battery pack 1 is easier, and time and cost can be reduced.

[0090] The barrier composite member 300 may be composed of a multi-layered plate structure. For example, the barrier composite member 300 may be composed of a double or triple layer structure. Specifically, referring to Figures 6 and 7, the barrier composite member 300 may include a mesh member 310 and a barrier wall 320. Thus, the barrier composite member 300 may be provided in a multi-layered plate shape configured to cover the vent portion V.

[0091] The mesh member 310 may be configured to filter flames and allow gas to pass through. Such a mesh member 310 may be configured in the form of a plate-shaped member with numerous pores, or in the form of numerous wires woven together in a mesh. In this case, the pores may be configured to be sized to filter flames discharged to the outside of the pack case 200. That is, the mesh member 310 can capture flames and the like, delaying or blocking their release to the outside. The mesh member 310 may also be configured to allow vent gas G to pass through.

[0092] According to the configuration of the above embodiment of the present invention, not only can the exposure of flames to the outside of the pack case 200 be minimized, but vent gas can also be rapidly discharged. Furthermore, according to the configuration of the above embodiment of the present invention, the mesh member 310 can delay or block heat propagation by forming an insulating air layer.

[0093] The barrier wall 320 may be configured to block flames F from the inside of the pack case 200 toward the vent section V. Such a barrier wall 320 may be made of a material with excellent heat resistance and / or fire resistance. For example, the barrier wall 320 may be made of mica material. According to the configuration of the above embodiment of the present invention, shrinkage does not occur even when high temperatures are generated, and the stability of the shape is maintained, so that high-temperature gases and flames generated from the battery cell 100 can be reliably blocked.

[0094] The barrier wall 320 may be provided on at least one side of the mesh member 310 so as to cover at least one side of the mesh member 310. The barrier wall 320 may be provided on the front and / or rear side of the mesh member 310. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the mesh member 310 may be provided behind the vent V, and the barrier wall 320 may be provided on the rear side of the mesh member 310 so as to cover the rear surface of the mesh member 310. According to the configuration of the above embodiment of the present invention, the flame can be more effectively prevented from being exposed to the vent V by the primary barrier wall 320 blocking the flame and the secondary barrier blocking the flame by the mesh member 310.

[0095] The barrier composite member 300 may include a communication hole H. The communication hole H may be formed by a portion of the barrier wall 320 penetrating through it, and may be configured to allow the vent gas G to pass through. According to the configuration of the above embodiment of the present invention, as shown by the thick arrow in Figure 6, the vent gas G can flow into the communication hole H and be discharged to the outside of the pack case 200 through the vent section V.

[0096] This allows the vent gas to be quickly discharged to the outside of the pack case 200 through the vent section V when a malfunction occurs in the battery cell 100, thereby preventing an increase in internal pressure inside the pack case 200 and suppressing or delaying further chain ignition of other battery cells 100.

[0097] Simultaneously, according to the configuration of the above embodiment of the present invention, as shown by the dotted arrow in Figure 6, the flame is mostly blocked in the portion of the barrier wall 320 where the communication hole H is not provided, and the flame that flows into the communication hole H without being blocked by the barrier wall 320 is filtered by the mesh member 310 and prevented from being discharged to the vent section V.

[0098] Referring to Figure 8, the shielding composite member 300 may further include a coating layer 330. The coating layer 330 may be formed by coating the outer surface of the shielding wall 320. The coating layer 330 may contain a fire-resistant substance. Thus, according to the configuration of the above embodiment of the present invention, the coating layer 330 is provided on the outer surface of the shielding wall 320, thereby preventing heat conduction and thermal radiation (thermal radiation) from the shielding wall 320 to the outside. Thus, according to the configuration of the above embodiment of the present invention, the thermal runaway propagation of one battery pack can be effectively prevented or delayed.

[0099] For example, the coating layer 330 may be a ceramic coating layer. Conventionally known ceramic coatings involve coating an organic material (e.g., fluororesin) with ceramic as a partial additive. The coating layer 330 may be a ceramic coating layer that does not contain organic material and whose main ingredient is ceramic. The ceramic coating layer can be formed by applying a coating agent containing ceramic powder and allowing it to cure naturally or at a low temperature of around 200°C. The coating agent may be a slurry made by blending fine ceramic powder such as alumina or silica with water, an inorganic dispersant, etc. The coating agent may further contain inorganic oxides (K2O, BaO, etc.) that enable the formation of a glassy substance. However, the slurry does not contain organic solvents or organic binders. If organic solvents and organic binders are included, the heat resistance will be low and the coating will deteriorate over time after formation. A ceramic coating layer can be formed by applying such a slurry-type coating agent to the surface of the barrier wall 320 and allowing it to cure. The coating can be applied by any method, including dip coating, spin coating, spray coating, or brushing. Such slurry-type coatings can be directly coated onto the barrier wall 320 for low-temperature fusion, are environmentally friendly and harmless to humans, and have excellent corrosion resistance, abrasion resistance, and adhesion.

[0100] The ceramic coating layer can block flames exceeding 1000°C. This can improve the flame propagation blocking effect of adjacent shielding composite members 300. Furthermore, the ceramic coating layer can further improve the durability of the shielding composite members 300.

[0101] Figure 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of a shielding composite member included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention viewed from above. For example, Figure 11 may be a diagram showing the II-II' section of Figure 1.

[0102] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the barrier composite member 300 may be composed of a triple-layer plate. Specifically, the barrier wall 320 may include a first barrier wall 320a and a second barrier wall 320b. The first barrier wall 320a and the second barrier wall 320b may be configured to cover the mesh member 310 on both sides. For example, as shown in Figures 9 to 11, the first barrier wall 320a may be provided on one side of the mesh member 310, i.e., the front side. That is, the first barrier wall 320a may be provided between the vent portion V and the mesh member 310. The second barrier wall 320b may be provided on the other side of the mesh member 310, i.e., the rear side. Here, the front side may mean the +Y axis direction, and the rear side may mean the -Y axis direction.

[0103] With this configuration of the present invention, the mesh member 310 can delay or block the release of flames F, etc., to the outside. The second barrier wall 320b can delay or block the release of flames F, etc., that the mesh member 310 could not block. In this way, by providing the triple-layered barrier composite member 300, heat propagation can be suppressed more reliably, thereby improving the thermal safety of the battery pack 1.

[0104] The mesh member 310, the first barrier wall 320a, and the second barrier wall 320b can be configured to be stacked in one direction. For example, the mesh member 310, the first barrier wall 320a, and the second barrier wall 320b can be stacked along the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction). That is, the vent section V, the second barrier wall 320b, the mesh member 310, and the first barrier wall 320a can be arranged sequentially along the front-to-back direction. The first barrier wall 320a and the second barrier wall 320b can support the mesh member 310 from both sides. With this configuration of the present invention, the mesh member 310 can be stably fixed by the first barrier wall 320a and the second barrier wall 320b provided on both sides. This prevents the mesh member 310 from deforming due to high-temperature flames, and more stably suppresses the emission of flames.

[0105] The barrier composite member may include a first communication hole H1 and a second communication hole H2 configured to allow gas to pass through. One or more first communication holes H1 and second communication holes H2 may be formed in each. The first communication holes H1 and second communication holes H2 may be formed in the first barrier wall 320a and the second barrier wall 320b, respectively. In this case, flames can also pass through the first communication holes H1 and the second communication holes H2. As a result, as shown in the embodiment in Figure 11, the first barrier wall 320a can block flames F, etc., and gases G and flames F, etc. that were not blocked by the first barrier wall 320a can flow into the mesh member 310 through the first communication hole H1. In this case, the mesh member 310 can capture flames F, etc., and gases G can pass through. The second barrier wall 320b can then allow gases G to pass through to the vent section V through the second communication hole H2.

[0106] According to this configuration of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs, the shielding composite member 300 can suppress heat propagation by smoothly discharging gas G to the outside while shielding flames F, etc. This improves the thermal safety of the battery pack 1.

[0107] Referring to Figures 9 to 11, multiple first communication holes H1 and second communication holes H2 can be provided. In this case, the number of first communication holes H1 can be fewer than the number of second communication holes H2. That is, more second communication holes H2, which are provided closer to the vent section V than the first communication holes H1, can be provided, allowing gas to be smoothly discharged to the vent section V.

[0108] The first communication holes H1 and the second communication holes H2 may be configured to be arranged in a staggered pattern along one direction (front-to-back direction). In other words, multiple first communication holes H1 may be arranged along rows and columns, and the second communication holes H2 may be arranged along rows and columns at positions offset from the first communication holes H1 along one direction. For example, as in the embodiment shown in Figure 10, the first communication holes H1 may be arranged in the first barrier wall 320a, for example, in 2 rows and 5 columns, and the second communication holes H2 may be arranged between the first communication holes H1, for example, in 3 rows and 6 columns, and arranged so as not to overlap along the front-to-back direction.

[0109] According to this embodiment of the present invention, by staggering the arrangement of the first communication hole H1 and the second communication hole H2, the movement paths of gas G, flame F, etc., can be increased when a thermal event occurs. For the flame F to reach the vent section V, it must pass through the first communication hole H1, through the mesh member 310, and through the second communication hole H2, which is located at a staggered position from the first communication hole H1. If the blocking composite member 300 is not provided, for example, the discharge direction of the flame F will be directly along the Y axis, whereas if such a blocking composite member 300 is provided, the discharge direction of the flame F may be configured to be in a zigzag direction with respect to the Y axis. This extends the movement path of the flame, etc., and reduces the intensity of the flame. Therefore, the blocking composite member 300 can more reliably suppress or block the discharge of the flame F, etc., to the outside of the battery pack 1. On the other hand, the movement paths can be further extended by changing the number and arrangement of the first communication hole H1 and the second communication hole H2.

[0110] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. For example, Figure 12 may be a view showing the I-I' section of Figure 1. Also, Figure 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view of a shielding composite member included in a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the barrier composite member 300 may include mesh members 310 and barrier walls 320 of different sizes. Specifically, the mesh member 310 is configured to completely cover the front surface of the vent section V, and the barrier wall 320 is configured to cover the upper part of the vent section V from the inside of the mesh member 310, thereby blocking the flame. For example, the barrier wall 320 may be configured to cover only the mesh member 310 and the upper part of the vent section V. In this case, the barrier wall 320 does not need to be provided with a communication hole H. As a result, gases, flames, etc. directed toward the vent section V may not be able to pass through the barrier wall 320.

[0112] The vent gas and flames emitted from the battery cell 100 are at a high temperature and may have a strong tendency to rise upwards. In particular, if the vent hole 12 is located at the top of the battery module 10, the vent gas and flames may be directed upwards to the pack case 200, as shown by the dotted arrow in Figure 12.

[0113] Therefore, as in the embodiment described above, when the barrier wall 320 is configured to cover the upper part of the vent section V, highly directional flames will inevitably collide with the barrier wall 320, potentially more reliably suppressing flame leakage to the outside. Furthermore, flames not blocked by the barrier wall 320 can be blocked by the mesh member 310. At the same time, as shown by the thick arrows in Figure 12, the vent gas can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the pack case 200 through the lower part of the mesh member 310, which is exposed and not covered by the barrier wall 320, due to internal pressure.

[0114] Furthermore, according to the configuration of the above embodiment of the present invention, when high-temperature gases are discharged to the outside of the pack case 200 in situations such as thermal runaway, the discharged gases can be prevented from being directed upward. In particular, when occupants are positioned above the battery pack 1, such as in electric vehicles, the safety of occupants can be further improved by suppressing the upward discharge of gases and flames. In other words, according to the configuration of the embodiment of the present invention, by realizing a directional vent directed downward from the battery pack 1, the safety of users positioned above, such as occupants, can be enhanced.

[0115] Figure 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0116] The barrier composite member 300 may further include a lower bent portion 340. The lower bent portion 340 may extend from the lower end of the barrier wall 320. The lower bent portion 340 may be configured to bend at a predetermined angle away from the mesh member 310 (towards the inside of the pack case 200) from the lower end of the barrier wall 320. Furthermore, the lower bent portion 340 may be configured to bend in a manner that approaches the base frame 210 as it moves inward (in the -Y axis direction in Figure 15). Here, the lower bent portion 340 can be said to be configured in a diagonal shape. For example, the lower bent portion 340 may be configured to have an obtuse angle with respect to the barrier wall 320.

[0117] According to the configuration of the above embodiment of the present invention, flames that collide with the barrier wall 320 and are reflected downward can be guided inward towards the pack case 200. This more reliably blocks the flames from returning to the vent section V, and more effectively suppresses the discharge of flames to the outside of the pack case 200.

[0118] Figure 16 is a schematic perspective view of an automobile containing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0119] Referring to Figure 16, an automobile 3 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs 1 according to the above-described embodiment. The automobile 3 according to the present invention may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The automobile 3 includes four-wheeled vehicles and two-wheeled vehicles. The automobile 3 can be powered and operated by a battery pack 1 or battery module 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0120] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. It is of course possible for those skilled in the art to carry out various modifications without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the claims, and these modifications should not be understood individually from the technical idea or prospects of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0121] 1 Battery Pack 3. Automobile 10 Battery Modules 11 Module Cases 12 vent holes 100 battery cells 200 pack case 210 Base Frame 220 Side Frame 230 Pack Lid 240 Crossbeam 300 Composite barrier material 310 Mesh member 320 Barrier Wall 320a First Barrier Wall 320b Second Barrier 330 Coating layer 340 Lower end bent part 400 Connecting member EV (Electric Vehicle) F flame G Vent Gas H Communication hole H1 1st communication hole H2 2nd communication hole V-shaped vent section

Claims

1. Multiple battery cells, A pack case configured to house the plurality of battery cells and provided with a vent section configured to discharge gas generated by the battery cells to the outside, A shielding composite member configured to cover at least a portion of the vent section and to block flames generated inside the pack case from being exposed to the outside, Includes a battery pack.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the shielding composite member is provided between the plurality of battery cells and the vent portion.

3. The aforementioned pack case is The base frame on which the plurality of battery cells are mounted, It includes a side frame that extends upward from the base frame and has the vent portion formed thereon, The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the shielding composite member is configured to face the side frame on which the vent portion is formed.

4. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein the shielding composite member is bolted to the side frame.

5. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the shielding composite member is provided in a multi-plate shape configured to cover the vent portion.

6. The aforementioned shielding composite member is A mesh member configured to filter the flame and allow the gas to pass through, A barrier wall is provided on at least one side of the mesh member so as to cover at least one side of the mesh member, The battery pack according to claim 1, including the following:

7. The battery pack according to claim 6, wherein the barrier wall is configured to include mica material.

8. The aforementioned shielding composite member is The battery pack according to claim 6, further comprising a communication hole formed through a portion of the barrier wall, which is configured to allow the gas to pass through.

9. The aforementioned shielding composite member is The battery pack according to claim 6, further comprising a coating layer formed by coating the outer surface of the barrier wall with a fire-resistant material.

10. The aforementioned barrier wall is A first barrier wall is provided between the vent portion and the mesh member, The battery pack according to claim 6, further comprising a second barrier wall provided on the other side of the mesh member.

11. The battery pack according to claim 10, wherein the mesh member, the first barrier wall, and the second barrier wall are configured to be stacked in one direction.

12. The aforementioned shielding composite member is The battery pack according to claim 11, comprising one or more first communication holes formed in the first barrier wall and configured to allow the gas to pass through, and one or more second communication holes formed in the second barrier wall and configured to allow the gas to pass through.

13. The battery pack according to claim 12, wherein the first communication hole and the second communication hole are configured to be arranged in a staggered pattern along one direction.

14. The first communication holes are arranged in multiple locations along the rows and columns, The battery pack according to claim 12, wherein the second communication holes are arranged along rows and columns at a position offset from the first communication holes in one direction.

15. The mesh member is configured to completely cover the front surface of the vent portion. The battery pack according to claim 6, wherein the barrier wall is configured to cover the upper part of the vent portion inside the mesh member, thereby blocking the flame.

16. The battery pack according to claim 15, further comprising a module case having an internal space for housing the plurality of battery cells and having vent holes formed on its upper side to communicate with the internal space.

17. The aforementioned shielding composite member is The battery pack according to claim 15, further comprising a lower end bent portion configured to be bent away from the mesh member from the lower end of the barrier wall.

18. The battery pack according to claim 17, wherein the lower bent portion is configured to form an obtuse angle with respect to the barrier wall.

19. An automobile comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

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