Battery packs and automobiles containing them

Abstract

A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of battery cells, a pack case configured to house the plurality of battery cells, a vent device that can be attached to the pack case and configured to discharge gas generated from the battery cells to the outside, and a vent unit having a protective cover configured to cover at least a portion of the vent device.

Description

Technical Field

[0005] ,

[0004] , , ,

[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. 10-2023-0119302 filed on September 7, 2023, and all the contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the application are incorporated into this application.

[0003] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0097201 filed on July 23, 2024, and all the contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the application are incorporated into this application.

Background Art

[0004] Secondary batteries with high ease of application 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) driven by an electric drive source. Such secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for improving environmental friendliness and energy efficiency in that, in addition to the primary advantage of significantly reducing the use of fossil fuels, no by-products are generated during energy use.

[0005] Currently widely used types of rechargeable batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of such a single rechargeable battery cell is approximately 2.5V to 4.5V. Therefore, if a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells may be connected in series to form a battery pack. Also, depending on the required charge and discharge capacity of the battery pack, multiple battery cells may be connected in parallel to form a battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be set in various ways depending on the required output voltage or charge and discharge capacity.

[0006] On the other hand, when configuring a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel, it is common practice to first configure a battery module containing at least one battery cell, and then use this at least one battery module to add other components and configure a battery pack or battery rack. In recent years, cell-to-pack battery packs, in which multiple battery cells are directly housed in a pack housing without being modularized, have also been manufactured. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a battery pack and an automobile including the same that can guarantee safety and reliability in the event of a malfunction in a battery cell or battery module.

[0008] The problems that this 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]

[0009] To solve the above problems, a battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of battery cells, a pack case configured to house the plurality of battery cells, a vent device that can be attached to the pack case and configured to discharge gas generated from the battery cells to the outside, and a vent unit having a protective cover configured to cover at least a portion of the vent device.

[0010] The protective cover may be configured to cover the upper end of the vent device in order to block sparks emitted from the battery cell.

[0011] The module case may further include one that houses the plurality of battery cells in an internal space and has vent holes formed on its upper side to communicate with the internal space.

[0012] 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 on which the vent device is mounted, wherein the side frame may have mounting holes configured to allow at least a portion of the vent device to be inserted.

[0013] The protective cover may include a main cover positioned opposite the vent device and configured to cover the front of the vent device, and an upper cover extending from the main cover toward the vent device and configured to cover the upper part of the vent device.

[0014] The protective cover may further include a lower end bend portion configured to bend away from the vent device from the lower end of at least one of the main cover and the upper cover.

[0015] The protective cover may further include a projection provided on the outer surface of the main cover so as to protrude outward.

[0016] The upper cover may be formed in a curved shape.

[0017] The protective cover may further include a protruding portion that protrudes upward from one end of the upper cover to which it is connected to the main cover.

[0018] The upper cover may be configured to be inclined upward toward the main cover.

[0019] The protective cover may include a cover housing that is fitted onto the pack case, into which the extended end of the upper cover is joined, and into which at least a portion of the vent device is inserted.

[0020] The cover housing is coupled to one side of the pack case, and a battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention may further include a sealing member configured to seal the space between the cover housing and the one side of the pack case.

[0021] The upper cover extends inward from the cover housing, and the upper cover and main cover may be provided inside the pack case.

[0022] Furthermore, the automobile according to the present invention may include the battery pack according to the present invention.

[0023] The battery pack case according to the present invention is a pack case configured to house a plurality of battery cells and may include a vent unit which is attachable to the pack case and configured to discharge gas generated from the battery cells to the outside, and a protective cover configured to cover at least a portion of the vent device.

[0024] The protective cover may be configured to cover the upper end of the vent device in order to block sparks emitted from the battery cell.

[0025] The battery pack case according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a base frame on which the plurality of battery cells are placed, and a side frame that extends upward from the base frame and to which the vent device is attached. A mounting hole configured to insert at least a part of the vent device may be formed in the side frame.

[0026] The protective cover may include a guiding channel that blocks the spark discharged from the battery cell and guides the direction of the spark into the battery pack case.

Advantages of the Invention

[0027] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the spark generated during an abnormality of the battery cell from being exposed outside the pack case, and to ensure safety and reliability.

[0028] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, by suppressing the development of flames outside the battery pack, it is possible to effectively ensure the performance of preventing thermal propagation in the pack unit.

[0029] Thereby, it is possible to prevent or delay events caused by thermal runaway, such as fires and explosions, in a battery pack including a plurality of battery modules and in a device equipped with these.

[0030] Especially in the case of an electric vehicle, by suppressing or delaying the thermal runaway propagation between battery cells or between battery modules, it is possible to ensure sufficient time for the passengers to escape or continue driving.

[0031] Also, according to one aspect of the present invention, the vent gas generated during an abnormality of the battery cell can be smoothly discharged outside the pack case.

[0032] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, if an abnormality occurs in a specific battery cell or battery module within a single battery pack, high-temperature gases and other substances generated from that battery cell can be quickly discharged to the outside of the pack case. This prevents further chain reactions of fires by minimizing thermal damage to other battery cells or battery modules.

[0033] In addition, the present invention may have various other effects, but these effects will be described in each embodiment, or will be omitted if they can be easily inferred by a person skilled in the art.

[0034] The drawings accompanying this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention described later, serve to further illustrate the technical idea of ​​the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be construed as being limited only to what is shown in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0035] [Figure 1] This is an overall perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an exploded perspective view of a part of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is an exploded perspective view of the main components of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is an enlarged view of a portion of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This diagram shows a vent unit included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from inside the pack case. [Figure 6] This diagram shows the direction in which sparks are discharged from inside a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, Figure 6 may be a diagram showing the I-I' cross-section in Figure 1. [Figure 7] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8]This figure shows a vent unit included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This figure shows a vent unit included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This figure shows a vent unit included in a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This figure shows a vent unit included in a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This figure shows a vent unit included in a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This figure shows a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention in a state in which the protective cover has been removed. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view of a part of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from the outside. [Figure 15] This is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. For example, Figure 15 may be a diagram showing a part of the II-II' cross-section of Figure 1. [Figure 16] This is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle equipped with a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] In some of the attached drawings, corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Those skilled in the art should understand that these drawings are intended to provide a simplified representation of each component and do not necessarily faithfully reflect dimensional ratios. For example, the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated compared to others in order to facilitate understanding of the various embodiments. Furthermore, known technical elements that are useful or necessary in commercially viable embodiments may not be shown so as not to hinder the spirit of the various embodiments of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0037] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used herein and in the claims should not be interpreted in a manner limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but rather in a manner and concept consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention, based on the principle that inventors may appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe their invention.

[0038] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments and configurations shown in the drawings described herein are merely embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the present invention, and that various equivalents and modifications may exist that can substitute for them at the time of filing.

[0039] Furthermore, the present invention includes a variety of embodiments. In each embodiment, redundant explanations of substantially identical or similar configurations will be omitted, and the focus will be on the differences.

[0040] On the other hand, while the present invention may use terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back, these terms are for convenience of explanation and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that they can change depending on the position of the object, the observer's position, etc.

[0041] For example, in the 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 on 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.

[0042] When thermal events such as thermal runaway occur inside a battery pack, gas may be ejected from the battery cells inside. This gas may contain flames or other particles. In addition, when gas is ejected from a battery cell, fragments of electrode plates and active material inside the battery cell may be expelled to the outside in a state of high temperature, and these high-temperature particles may appear in the form of sparks.

[0043] In the case of battery packs, when a malfunction occurs in a specific battery cell or battery module, high-temperature gases are often expelled from the pack case through vents provided in the pack case. If sparks generated along with the high-temperature gases are exposed to the outside of the pack case, they can react with oxygen outside the battery pack, potentially generating flames or developing into a fire. Furthermore, if flames or a fire occur outside a particular battery pack, the fire or other disturbances can spread to other adjacent battery packs or the equipment to which the battery pack is installed, potentially causing a larger problem.

[0044] The present invention provides a technology that prevents sparks, flames, etc., from being exposed to the outside of the battery pack through the vent, thereby suppressing the occurrence or spread of flames or fires outside the battery pack.

[0045] For example, the present invention provides a battery pack and an automobile including the same that can ensure safety and reliability even if an abnormality occurs in a battery cell or battery module.

[0046] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0047] Figure 1 is an overall perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the main part of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 4 is an enlarged view of a part of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, a battery pack 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell 100, a pack case 200, and a vent unit 300.

[0049] First, referring mainly to Figure 2, the battery cell 100 may include multiple units. Although not shown in the drawing, 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] In one embodiment, a plurality of battery cells 100 may be arranged in parallel in the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction) with the cells standing vertically (Z-axis direction), as shown in Figure 2. In this case, each battery cell 100 may have its sealing 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).

[0052] On the other hand, the present invention is not limited by the specific type or form 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 20 of the present invention. In this embodiment, a pouch-type secondary battery with high energy density and easy stacking is targeted as shown in the drawings, but it goes without saying that cylindrical or prismatic secondary batteries can also be applied as battery cells 100.

[0053] The pack case 200 may be configured to accommodate multiple battery cells 100. That is, the pack case 200 may provide a housing space that can accommodate multiple battery cells 100. The pack case 200 may be made of, or may contain, metals such as steel or stainless steel (SUS), or materials that can ensure mechanical rigidity, such as plastic, in order to safely protect the battery cells 100 and the like housed inside.

[0054] Furthermore, the battery pack 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a vent unit 300. The vent unit 300 may be configured to be attachable to the pack case 200. In this case, a plurality of vent units 300 may be provided. The vent unit 300 may include a vent device 310 and a protective cover 320.

[0055] The vent device 310 may be configured to discharge gas generated from the battery cells 100 housed inside to the outside of the pack case 200. In one embodiment, the vent device 310 may be configured to open due to the pressure of the vent gas when vent gas is generated inside the pack case 200 and the internal pressure rises, thereby discharging the vent gas to the outside of the pack case 200.

[0056] For example, the vent device 310 may be configured to open and close in response to the internal pressure inside the pack case 200. For example, the vent device 310 may be provided with an elastic part, and the elastic force of the elastic part may cause a sealing part covering the opening of the vent device 310 to open and close. On the other hand, the present invention is not limited to such specific types or forms of the vent device 310, and various vent devices 310 known at the time of filing of the present invention may be used in the battery pack 20 of the present invention.

[0057] The protective cover 320 may be configured to cover at least a portion of the vent device 310. In one embodiment of the present invention, the protective cover 320 may be configured to completely block sparks generated inside the pack case 200 from passing through the protective cover 320.

[0058] The protective cover 320 may be made of a material that has low thermal conductivity and good heat and / or fire resistance. For example, the protective cover 320 may be made of flame-retardant mica material. Alternatively, the protective cover 320 may be made of a metallic material that has rigidity and heat resistance.

[0059] Highly directional sparks and flames can be emitted from the battery cell 100 and travel to the vent device 310 while colliding with structures inside the pack case 200. According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the protective cover 320 can block the discharge of sparks to the outside of the pack case 200. This suppresses the generation of flames by the reaction of sparks and oxygen outside the pack case 200. Therefore, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, the safety and reliability of the battery pack 20 can be ensured.

[0060] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the protective cover 320 may be configured to cover a portion of the vent device 310, as shown in Figure 4. That is, the protective cover 320 may have a structure that covers only a portion of the vent device 310, rather than the entire vent device 310, by covering the inside of the vent device 310. In this case, sparks generated in the battery cell 100 can be blocked by the protective cover 320, and at the same time, vent gas can be smoothly discharged to the exposed portion of the vent device 310. As a result, when a malfunction occurs in the battery cell 100, vent gas is quickly discharged to the outside of the pack case 200 via the vent device 310, preventing an increase in internal pressure inside the pack case 200 and suppressing or delaying additional chain ignition of other battery cells 100.

[0061] Figure 5 is a view of a vent unit included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from inside the pack case, and Figure 6 is a diagram showing the direction in which sparks are discharged from inside the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, Figure 6 may be a diagram showing the I-I' cross section of Figure 1.

[0062] In one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the protective cover 320 may be configured to cover the upper end of the vent device 310.

[0063] The vent gas and sparks emitted from the battery cell 100 are at a high temperature and may have a strong upward tendency. Therefore, in the configuration where the protective cover 320 covers the upper end of the vent device 310, as in the above embodiment, the highly directional sparks will inevitably collide with the protective cover 320, thus more reliably suppressing the external emission of sparks. At the same time, the vent gas can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the pack case 200 through the lower end of the vent device 310, which is not covered by the protective cover 320, due to internal pressure.

[0064] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, since the spark ejected from the battery cell 100 is blocked by the vent device 310 of the pack case 200, the external discharge of the spark is prevented, and flame generation outside the pack case 200 can be more effectively suppressed.

[0065] Furthermore, the high-temperature vent gas can move along the inner upper surface of the pack case 200 toward the vent device 310 and be discharged to the outside. In this case, if the protective cover 320 covers the upper end of the vent device 310 as in the embodiment described above, the flow direction of the vent gas can be bent by the protective cover 320 before it is discharged through the vent device 310. In this process, sparks and the like that that travel toward the vent device 310 along with the vent gas can be prevented from being discharged to the outside by the protective cover 320.

[0066] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when high-temperature gases are discharged to the outside of the pack case 200 during thermal runaway or the like, the discharged gases may not be directed upward. For example, in electric vehicles, where occupants are positioned above the battery pack 20, the protective cover 320 of the vent device 310 can suppress the upward discharge of gases and flames, thereby further improving occupant safety. Therefore, according to the embodiment of the present invention, directional venting is performed downwards from the battery pack 20, thereby enhancing the safety of users positioned above, such as occupants.

[0067] The protective cover 320 may be positioned inside the vent device 310. Vent gas and / or sparks generated in the battery cells 100 may travel to the vent device 310. That is, a vent path may be formed between the multiple battery cells 100 and the vent unit 300 through which vent gas and sparks can flow. In this case, the protective cover 320 may be positioned to traverse the vent path. In one embodiment, the protective cover 320 may be positioned at a specific location on the vent path further inside the vent device 310 and configured to suppress the movement of sparks and the like.

[0068] On the other hand, referring to Figure 2, the multiple battery cells 100 can be modularized as one or more battery modules 10. For example, the battery pack 20 according to the present invention may include one or more battery modules 10. The multiple battery cells 100 can be included as components of one or more battery modules 10. In this case, the multiple battery cells 100 included inside the battery module 10 can be electrically connected to each other.

[0069] Furthermore, multiple battery modules 10 may be provided inside the pack case 200. That is, the battery pack 20 according to the present invention includes multiple battery modules 10, and the multiple battery cells 100 included in the battery pack 20 may be divided and included in the multiple battery modules 10.

[0070] In one embodiment, the battery pack 20 according to the present invention may include a module case 11. The module case 11 may be configured to have a space formed inside, which can accommodate at least a portion of a plurality of battery cells 100. For example, the module case 11 may be provided in each battery module 10, grouping a plurality of battery cells 100 into a plurality of battery modules 10, and serving as a boundary that physically limits the internal space of each battery module 10.

[0071] Although not shown in the drawings, the battery module 10 may also include a busbar assembly and / or module terminals electrically connected to a plurality of battery cells 100 housed inside.

[0072] In one embodiment, the battery module 10 may include a vent hole H. The vent hole H may be configured to discharge gas generated by the battery cells 100 housed inside the module case 11 to the outside of the module case 11.

[0073] For example, the vent hole H may be provided in the module case 11 to enable directional venting in a specific direction. For example, as shown in Figures 2 and 6, the vent hole H may be provided at the top of the module case 11. According to such an embodiment, vent gas and / or sparks can be guided to be discharged to the top of the battery module.

[0074] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, as shown by the dotted arrow in Figure 6, vent gas and sparks can be guided to the upper side of the pack case 200 through the vent hole H of the module case 11. Therefore, when the vent gas and sparks move towards the vent device 310 side along the upper inner surface of the pack case 200, the protective cover 320 covering the upper end of the vent device 310 can more reliably block the flow of vent gas and sparks. This can more effectively suppress the discharge of sparks to the outside of the pack case 200.

[0075] On the other hand, referring to Figure 2, the pack case 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a base frame 210 and a side frame 220.

[0076] The base frame 210 can form the lower surface of the pack case 200 and may be provided in a roughly 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.

[0077] 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. In one embodiment, the side frame 220 may form the side of the pack case 200 by including a rear wall located at the +Y side end of the base frame 210, a right side wall located at the +X side end, a front wall located at the -Y side end, and a left side wall located at the -X side end.

[0078] The vent unit 300 may be provided on the side of the pack case 200, i.e., the side frame 220. Referring to Figure 3, in one embodiment, a mounting hole 221 may be formed in the side frame 220. The mounting hole 221 may be configured so that at least a portion of the vent device 310 is inserted into it. The shape and size of the mounting hole 221 may vary depending on the shape and size of the vent device 310. In this case, the protective cover 320 may be provided so as to be located inside the side frame 220 and cover at least a portion of the vent device 310.

[0079] Multiple mounting holes 221 may be formed in the side frame 220 as needed. Multiple vent devices 310 and protective covers 320 may be provided. For example, the vent device 310 may be located in at least some of the multiple unit walls of the side frame 220. The vent device 310 may also be provided separately in two or more unit walls, or multiple vent devices may be provided in a single unit wall. For example, as shown in Figure 2, multiple vent devices 310 may be provided in the front wall and the rear wall, respectively.

[0080] A protective cover 320 corresponding to each vent device 310 provided in this manner may be attached. For example, as in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, four vent devices 310 may be provided on the front wall and four on the rear wall, and each vent device 310 may be provided with an individual protective cover 320, resulting in a total of eight protective covers 320 being included in the battery pack. Each of the multiple vent devices 310 and protective covers 320, i.e., multiple vent units 300, may be provided symmetrically with respect to the center of the side frame 220.

[0081] On the other hand, the number and position of the vent devices 310 and protective covers 320 described based on the embodiment in Figure 2 are merely examples, and can of course be changed to various other numbers and positions. For example, in Figure 2, the vent devices 310 and protective covers 320 are provided on the extending wall along the X-axis direction of the side frame 220, i.e., the front wall and the rear wall, but they may also be provided on the extending wall along the Y-axis direction, i.e., the left wall and the right wall. Furthermore, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, when a malfunction occurs in the battery cell 100, high-temperature gas 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] Referring to Figures 1 and 6, a battery pack 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention 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. Therefore, the pack lid 230 may be provided so as to be coupled to the top of the side frame 220 to form the top surface of the pack case 200. Together with the base frame 210 and the side frame 220, the pack lid 230 can protect the components housed inside, such as the battery cells 100, and prevent vent gas and / or sparks emitted from such battery cells 100 from being discharged to the outside of the pack case 200, particularly upward. In particular, the pack lid 230 can guide vent gas and sparks in the internal space of the pack case 200 toward the vent device 310.

[0083] On the other hand, referring to Figures 2 and 6, 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 also be provided between a plurality of battery cells 100 and a side frame 220 on which a vent device 310 is provided. 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.

[0084] Furthermore, 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.

[0085] According to this embodiment, the separation of the housing space by the crossbeam 240 prevents heat and flames generated between cell assemblies or battery modules 10 from directly moving toward other cell assemblies or battery modules. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the separation space between the crossbeam 240 and the pack lid 230 can further improve the effect of guiding gases and sparks generated from the battery cells 100 upward within the internal space of the pack case. For example, as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 6, gases and sparks can be guided into the separation space between the crossbeam 240 and the pack lid 230, reflected by the pack lid 230, or flow along the lower surface of the pack lid 230 toward the vent device 310, reaching the protective cover 320 that covers the upper end of the vent device 310. According to this embodiment of the present invention, the protective cover 320 provided on the vent device 310 can more reliably block sparks discharged from the battery cells 100.

[0086] Figure 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 8 is a diagram showing a vent unit included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] The detailed structure of the protective cover 320 will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. The protective cover 320 may include a main cover 321 and an upper cover 322.

[0088] The main cover 321 may be positioned opposite the vent device 310. The main cover 321 may be configured to cover the inner front of the vent device 310. The main cover 321 may be formed in a plate shape. The plate shape of the main cover 321 allows it to be configured to face the vent device 310 or the side frame 220 in parallel. According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the main cover 321 can more easily cover a portion of the vent device 310.

[0089] The upper cover 322 may be provided extending from the upper edge of the main cover 321. For example, the upper cover 322 may be provided so as to extend from the main cover 321 toward the vent device 310. The upper cover 322 may be configured to cover the top of the vent device 310. This allows the upper cover 322 to block sparks moving upwards toward the vent device 310.

[0090] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the protective cover 320 can block not only sparks directed in front of the vent device 310 but also sparks directed upward, thereby more effectively preventing sparks from being discharged to the outside of the pack case 200.

[0091] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, the upper cover 322 ensures a predetermined gap between the main cover 321 and the vent device 310 at the upper end of the vent device 310, thereby forming a space through which the vent gas can flow. Moreover, in this case, the vent gas can also be discharged from the vent device 310 through the portion covered by the protective cover 320. Therefore, even if the vent gas accumulates in the space between the protective cover 320 and the vent device 310, it can be discharged more smoothly to the vent device 310 through the secured separation space.

[0092] Figure 9 shows a vent unit included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] Referring to Figure 9, the protective cover 320 may further include a lower bent portion 325.

[0094] The lower bent portion 325 may be configured to extend from at least one of the lower ends of the main cover 321 and the upper cover 322 at a predetermined angle away from the vent device 310. In the embodiment of Figure 9, the lower bent portion 325 is shown to be bent only from the lower end of the main cover 321. The lower bent portion 325 may be formed in an oblique shape. The lower bent portion 325 may be configured to bend in a manner that approaches the base frame 210 as it moves outward away from the body of the main cover 321. That is, the lower bent portion 325 may be provided at an obtuse angle with the main cover 321.

[0095] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, sparks that collide with the main cover 321 and are reflected downward can be guided inward towards the pack case 200 by the lower end bent portion 325. This more effectively prevents the sparks from heading back towards the vent device 310 and more effectively suppresses the discharge of sparks to the outside of the pack case 200.

[0096] Figure 10 shows a vent unit included in a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] Referring to Figure 10, the protective cover 320 may further include a projection 326.

[0098] The projection 326 may be configured such that at least a portion of the main cover 321 protrudes. The projection 326 may be provided so as to protrude outward from the outer surface of the main cover 321, that is, inward towards the pack case 200. For example, referring to the embodiment shown in Figure 10, the projection 326 may have a configuration that protrudes outward from the outer surface of the main cover 321.

[0099] Furthermore, the projection 326 may be provided in an oblique manner from the outer surface of the main cover 321 toward the pack lid 230. That is, the projection 326 may be provided to form an acute angle with the main cover 321. For example, at least a portion of the projection 326 may be configured to protrude outward from the outer surface of the main cover 321 and to point upward toward the outer end. The length of the projection 326 protruding from the main cover 321 can be set in various ways.

[0100] Furthermore, multiple projections 326 may be provided. Multiple projections 326 may be arranged at intervals from each other along the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). Alternatively, multiple projections 326 may be arranged at intervals from each other along the horizontal direction.

[0101] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, sparks and flames emitted from the battery cell 100 are reflected by the protrusions 326, further suppressing the flow of sparks and flames, which have a strong directional property. Furthermore, in this case, particles such as sparks can be captured by grooves formed between the protrusions 326. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively prevent sparks and flames from being emitted to the outside of the pack case 200.

[0102] Figure 11 shows a vent unit included in a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 12 shows a vent unit included in a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0103] Referring to Figures 8 to 12, the upper cover 322 can be formed in a curved shape. For example, when the protective cover 320 is viewed from the front, the upper end of the main cover 321 may be formed in an arc shape, and the upper cover 322 may be provided so as to extend from the upper end of the main cover 321. In this way, the upper cover 322 can also be formed in an arc shape.

[0104] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, since the upper cover 322 is formed in a curved shape, no corners are formed, and it is possible to prevent particles such as sparks from accumulating on the upper cover 322. Furthermore, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, since the pressure on the upper cover 322 due to sparks can be dispersed, the rigidity of the protective cover 320 can be further ensured.

[0105] Referring to Figure 11, the protective cover 320 may further include a protrusion 327.

[0106] The protrusion 327 may be provided at one end of the upper cover 322 where it connects to the main cover 321. The protrusion 327 may be provided so as to protrude upward from the upper cover 322. For example, referring to the embodiment in Figure 11, the protrusion 327 may have a form that protrudes upward from the outer surface of the upper cover 322.

[0107] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent sparks accumulated on the upper cover 322 from flowing back into the battery cell 100 or the vent device 310. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 11, the protrusion 327 can prevent sparks from moving to the battery cell 100 located inside the vent unit 300. The protrusion 327 can also bend or redirect sparks moving toward the vent device 310 so that they move toward the lower left and right sides where the vent device 310 is not covered by the protective cover 320.

[0108] Referring to Figure 12, the upper cover 322 may be provided at an upward inclination toward the main cover 321. That is, the upper cover 322 may be formed in a trumpet shape so as it inclins upward toward the main cover 321 from the vent device 310 side.

[0109] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent sparks accumulated on the upper cover 322 from moving inward, that is, towards the battery cell 100 or the vent device 310. Furthermore, it is possible to guide the vent device 310 on the upper cover 322 to move downward to the left and right sides, which are not covered by the protective cover 320.

[0110] Figure 13 shows the battery pack 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention with the protective cover 320 removed from the pack case 200, and Figure 14 is a perspective view of a part of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention from the outside. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the corner portion of the pack case 200 of the battery pack 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above.

[0111] Referring to Figures 8 to 15, the protective cover 320 may include a cover housing 323.

[0112] The extended end of the upper cover 322 may be connected to the cover housing 323. That is, the upper cover 322 may be provided between the cover housing 323 and the main cover 321, and may be provided to connect the cover housing 323 and the main cover 321 to each other.

[0113] The cover housing 323 may be configured to accommodate at least a portion of the vent device 310. Therefore, the cover housing 323 may include an insertion hole 324. At least a portion of the vent device 310 may be provided by being inserted into the insertion hole 324.

[0114] For example, the cover housing 323 may be mounted in a mounting hole 221 formed in the side frame 220, and the main cover 321 and upper cover 322 may be provided inside the side frame 220. Therefore, at least a portion of the outer circumference of the cover housing 323 may be configured in a manner corresponding to the mounting hole 221 of the side frame 220. In addition, a portion of the vent device 310 may be inserted into an insertion hole 324 formed in the cover housing 323 of the protective cover 320 and provided outside the main cover 321 and upper cover 322. Thus, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, sparks and the like generated from the battery cell 100 are blocked by the main cover 321 and upper cover 322, and gases that are not blocked by the main cover 321 and upper cover 322 can be discharged to the outside of the pack case 200 through an outlet 311 formed in the vent device 310.

[0115] Referring to Figures 13 and 14, the cover housing 323 can be mounted on the pack case 200. For example, the cover housing 323 can be bolted to the side frame 220. According to the above embodiment of the present invention, a simple structure can be used to securely fasten the protective cover 320 to the side frame 220. In this case, assembly work during the assembly of the battery pack 20 can be simplified, reducing time and costs.

[0116] The cover housing 323 can be coupled to one side of the pack case 200. For example, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, the cover housing 323 may have an outer diameter larger than the mounting hole 221 formed in the side frame 220, and its edge may be attached to the outer surface of the side frame 220. That is, in the above embodiment, the protective cover 320 can be coupled from the outside of the pack case 200. In particular, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the vent unit 300 may be configured in a form in which the vent device 310 and the protective cover 320 are integrated. In this case, the vent unit 300 is assembled from the outside with the battery cell 100 etc. housed inside the pack case 200, rather than being assembled inside the complex pack case 200, thus improving productivity and ease of assembly.

[0117] Referring also to Figures 13 and 15, a battery pack 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a sealing member 400. When the cover housing 323 is coupled to one side of the pack case 200, a gap may be formed between the cover housing 323 and the one side of the pack case 200. The sealing member 400 may be configured to seal the gap.

[0118] In this case, the cover housing 323 may have a mounting groove 328 formed in which a portion is recessed and into which the sealing member 400 is inserted. As shown in Figure 13, the mounting groove 328 is formed on the inner surface of the cover housing 323, and the cover housing 323 can be coupled to the outer surface of the pack case 200.

[0119] Unlike the above embodiment, the cover housing 323 may also be coupled to the inner surface of the side frame 220. In this case, the mounting groove 328 is formed on the outer surface of the cover housing 323, and the sealing member 400 may be provided between the outer surface of the cover housing 323 and the inner surface of the side frame 220.

[0120] The upper cover 322 may be provided extending inward from the cover housing 323. This allows the upper cover 322 and the main cover 321 to be installed inside the pack case 200. In addition, at least a portion of the upper cover 322 and the main cover 321 may be inserted into the mounting holes 221 of the side frame 220.

[0121] In this case, even with the vent unit 300, the portion of the pack case 200 that protrudes outward can be minimized. Therefore, the ease of mounting to the battery pack 20 can be improved. In particular, according to this embodiment, the space in which the battery pack 20 is mounted is not unnecessarily enlarged, and interference with other devices around the battery pack 20 due to the protruding portion can be prevented.

[0122] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 15, at least a portion of the vent device 310, the upper cover 322, and the main cover 321 may be provided in the portion of the side frame 220 that is recessed inward. That is, the main cover 321 and the upper cover 322 may be provided so as not to protrude inward beyond the inner surface of the vent device 310 and the side frame 220.

[0123] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the protrusion of the main cover 321 and the upper cover 322 into the internal space of the pack case 200 can be minimized. This minimizes the space occupied by the protective cover 320 in the internal space of the pack case 200, thereby improving the efficiency of the battery pack 20.

[0124] Figure 16 is a schematic perspective view of an automobile including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0125] Referring to Figure 16, an automobile 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs 20, each containing a pack case 200 according to the embodiment described above. The automobile 30 according to the present invention may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The automobile 30 may include not only four-wheeled vehicles but also various other forms of automobiles, such as two-wheeled vehicles and three-wheeled vehicles. In particular, the automobile 30 may operate by receiving power from a battery pack 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0126] 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, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention as described in the claims, and these modifications should not be understood individually from the technical idea or prospects of the present invention.

Claims

1. Multiple battery cells, A pack case configured to house the aforementioned plurality of battery cells, A vent unit comprising a vent device that can be attached to the pack case and is configured to discharge gas generated from the battery cell to the outside, and a protective cover configured to cover at least a portion of the vent device, Includes a battery pack.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the protective cover is configured to cover the upper end of the vent device so as to block sparks discharged from the battery cell.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, 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.

4. The aforementioned pack case is A base frame on which the plurality of battery cells are mounted, Extending upward from the base frame, the side frame to which the vent device is attached, Includes, The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the side frame has a mounting hole formed therein, into which at least a portion of the vent device is inserted.

5. The aforementioned protective cover is A main cover is positioned opposite the vent device and configured to cover the front of the vent device, An upper cover is configured to extend from the main cover toward the vent device and cover the upper part of the vent device, The battery pack according to claim 1, including the following:

6. The aforementioned protective cover is The battery pack according to claim 5, further comprising a lower end bend portion configured to bend away from the vent device from at least one of the lower ends of the main cover and the upper cover.

7. The aforementioned protective cover is The battery pack according to claim 5, further comprising a projection provided on the outer surface of the main cover so as to protrude outward.

8. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein the upper cover is formed in a curved shape.

9. The aforementioned protective cover is The battery pack according to claim 8, further comprising a protruding portion provided such that the upper cover protrudes upward from one end connected to the main cover.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein the upper cover is configured to be inclined upward toward the main cover.

11. The aforementioned protective cover is The battery pack according to claim 5, comprising a cover housing that is mounted on the pack case, to which the extended end of the upper cover is connected, and to which at least a portion of the vent device is inserted.

12. The cover housing is attached to one side of the pack case, The battery pack according to claim 11, further comprising a sealing member configured to seal the space between the cover housing and one side of the pack case.

13. The battery pack according to claim 11, wherein the upper cover extends inward from the cover housing, and the upper cover and main cover are provided inside the pack case.

14. An automobile comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A pack case configured to house multiple battery cells, A battery pack case comprising a vent unit that includes a vent device that can be attached to the pack case and is configured to discharge gas generated from the battery cells to the outside, and a protective cover configured to cover at least a portion of the vent device.

16. The battery pack case according to claim 15, wherein the protective cover is configured to cover the upper end of the vent device so as to block sparks discharged from the battery cell.

17. A base frame on which the plurality of battery cells are mounted, Extending upward from the base frame, the side frame to which the vent device is attached, Includes, The battery pack case according to claim 15, wherein the side frame has a mounting hole formed therein, into which at least a portion of the vent device is inserted.

18. The battery pack case according to claim 16, wherein the protective cover includes an induction channel that can block sparks discharged from the battery cell and guide the direction of the sparks into the inside of the battery pack case.

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