Battery pack and ESS including the same

Abstract

A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of battery cells, a pack case that houses the plurality of battery cells and is provided with a vent portion configured to discharge gas generated by the battery cells to the outside, and a cover member attached to the pack case and configured to open and close the vent portion.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0119307 filed on September 7, 2023, and all the contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the application are incorporated herein.

[0003] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0149469 filed on November 1, 2023, and all the contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the application are incorporated herein.

[0004] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0119308 filed on September 7, 2023, and all the contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the application are incorporated herein.

[0005] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No.10-2023-0159736 filed on November 17, 2023, and all the contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the application are incorporated herein.

Background Art

[0006] Secondary batteries with high applicability by product groups and electrical characteristics such as high energy density are generally applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), or energy storage systems (ESSs). Such secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for improving energy efficiency in consideration of the environment in that they not only have the main advantage of being able to dramatically reduce the use of fossil fuels but also produce no by-products from the use of energy.

[0007] Depending on the charge and discharge capacity required by electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), or energy storage systems (ESSs), battery packs may be configured by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel. In this case, it is common 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. Alternatively, more recently, cell-to-pack type battery packs, in which multiple battery cells are directly housed in a pack housing or similar without modularization, are also being manufactured.

[0008] However, in the case of battery packs containing multiple lithium-ion batteries, the damage is even greater if a fire or explosion occurs. Fires in battery packs are caused by an abnormal temperature rise and internal gas generation in the battery cells located inside. As a result, when the internal pressure of the battery cells rises above a certain level, venting occurs, and high-temperature sparks containing high-temperature gas, electrode active material, and aluminum particles are ejected to the outside of the battery cells.

[0009] Therefore, to ensure the operational stability of the battery pack, if a thermal event such as thermal runaway occurs inside the battery pack, venting gas must be rapidly expelled to the outside of the battery pack to prevent further increases in internal pressure. If such venting gas is not properly expelled to the outside, the rate at which thermal runaway transfers between battery cells may increase. Furthermore, it could lead to more serious problems, such as the battery pack exploding, so expelling venting gas to the outside is extremely important.

[0010] Therefore, in conventional battery packs, when a thermal event occurs in a specific battery cell or battery module, a vent is provided in the pack case to expel high-temperature vent gases to the outside of the pack case. In this case, the vent is provided in the form of a hole that penetrates the pack, guiding the gas to be expelled from the inside to the outside.

[0011] However, with this type of battery pack, there is a possibility that external foreign matter such as moisture may enter through the vents. In particular, when conventional battery packs are supplied with a water-cooled cooling medium instead of an air-cooled one, condensation occurs on the cooling pipes located on the outside of the battery pack, and moisture and other substances can flow into the inside of the battery pack through the vents, making it difficult to ensure the waterproof performance of the battery pack.

[0012] Therefore, under normal operating conditions, technology is needed to prevent foreign substances such as moisture from entering the battery pack through the vents.

[0013] Furthermore, if a thermal event occurs inside the battery pack, technology is needed to prevent heat from accumulating and transferring inside the battery pack, thereby suppressing the generation of flames, by rapidly expelling high-temperature gases and other substances to the outside of the battery pack through vents. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0014] Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems and provides a battery pack and an ESS including the same that can ensure safety and reliability even when the battery cells or battery modules are in abnormal conditions.

[0015] However, the problems that this invention aims to solve are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will 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 includes a plurality of battery cells, a pack case that houses the plurality of battery cells and is provided with a vent portion configured to discharge gas generated by the battery cells to the outside, and a cover member attached to the pack case and configured to open and close the vent portion.

[0017] The cover member may be configured to open when the inside of the pack case reaches at least one of a specific temperature and pressure, allowing gas generated in the battery cells to be discharged to the outside.

[0018] The pack case may include ribs configured to cover at least a portion of the vent section.

[0019] The cover member can be attached to the outer surface of the pack case along the vent portion.

[0020] The cover member may be attached to the inner surface of the pack case along the vent portion, and the ribs may be configured to protrude inward from the inner surface of the pack case.

[0021] The rib may include a portion in which its thickness decreases towards the inner surface of the pack case.

[0022] The ribs may be provided at an angle toward the outside of the pack case.

[0023] The vent portion includes a plurality of vent holes partitioned by the ribs, and the cover member may be provided with a different thickness for each of the plurality of vent holes.

[0024] The pack case may further include an opening and closing member configured to open and close at least one of the plurality of vent holes.

[0025] A plurality of vent portions are provided, and at least some of the plurality of vent portions may be provided in different sizes from each other.

[0026] The pack case may further include a cooling unit configured such that a cooling medium flows therethrough, and the cover member may be provided on a side surface of the pack case where the cooling unit is located.

[0027] The battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a vent device attached to the vent portion and configured to be openable and closable.

[0028] The cover member may be attached to the outside of the vent device and configured to be opened together when the vent device is opened, so that the gas is discharged to the outside of the pack case.

[0029] The vent device may be formed with a protruding portion configured to protrude toward the cover member.

[0030] In addition, an ESS according to the present invention may include the battery pack according to the present invention.

Advantages of the Invention

[0031] According to one aspect of the present invention, by ensuring the waterproof and dustproof functions of the battery pack, it is possible to prevent moisture, dust, etc. from flowing into the inside of the battery pack, and to ensure the safety and reliability of the battery pack.

[0032] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, vent gas generated when the battery cell is in an abnormal condition can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the pack case, thereby effectively ensuring thermal propagation prevention performance on a pack-by-pack basis.

[0033] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, by preventing heat accumulation inside the pack case, thermal damage to other battery cells or battery modules can be minimized.

[0034] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, when the vent gas is completely discharged to the outside of the pack case, the inflow of oxygen into the pack case is blocked, thereby preventing and suppressing the generation of flames in the battery pack.

[0035] This makes it possible to prevent or delay events caused by thermal runaway in battery packs or devices to which they are installed, such as fires or explosions.

[0036] In addition, the present invention may have various other effects, which will be described in each embodiment, or effects that can be easily inferred by those skilled in the art will not be described.

[0037] The following drawings accompanying this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to further illustrate the technical idea of ​​the invention; therefore, the invention should not be construed as being limited solely to what is shown in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0038] [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 perspective view showing the inside of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3]This is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which a cover member is provided. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of a battery pack with the cover member open. [Figure 5] This figure shows the direction in which gas is discharged from inside the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, Figure 5 may be a diagram showing a portion of the front side of the I-I' cross section in Figure 1. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of a battery pack provided with a cover member, according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This figure shows a front view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a magnified view of the main components of a battery pack relating to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is an enlarged view of the main part of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a front perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a rear perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This figure shows a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, in which the venting device is separated from the pack case. [Figure 14] This is a magnified perspective view showing a portion of a battery pack provided with a venting device, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This is a cross-sectional view showing a closed vent device of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. For example, Figure 15 may be a view showing a portion of the front side of the I-I' section in Figure 1. [Figure 16]This is a cross-sectional view showing one configuration of the vent device of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention in an open state. For example, Figure 16 may be a view showing a portion of the front side of the I-I' cross section in Figure 1. [Figure 17] This figure shows a venting device for a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] This figure shows a venting device for a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] This figure shows a venting device for a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] This figure shows a front view of the main part of a battery pack to which a cover member according to another embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 21] This is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack to which a cover member according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 22] This is a cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of a battery pack cover member in an open state according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] This figure shows a front view of the main part of a battery pack to which a cover member according to another embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 24] This is a cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of a battery pack cover member in an open state according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] This is a cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of a battery pack cover member in an open state according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0039] Figure 1 is an overall perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the inside of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the portion of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention in which a cover member is provided. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing one form of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention in which the cover member is open. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the direction in which gas is discharged from inside the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, Figure 5 may be a diagram showing a portion of the front side of the I-I' cross section in Figure 1.

[0040] Referring to Figures 1 to 5, a battery pack 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell 100, a pack case 200, and a cover member 300.

[0041] First, referring primarily to Figure 2, the battery cell 100 may include multiple units. Although not shown, such multiple battery cells 100 may include electrode assemblies, cell cases housing the electrode assemblies, and electrode leads connected to the electrode assemblies and extended to the outside of the cell cases to function as electrode terminals. In this case, the multiple battery cells 100 may be electrically connected to each other.

[0042] 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 the form of a pouch in which a metal layer made of aluminum is interposed between polymer layers.

[0043] Multiple battery cells 100 can be arranged side by side in the left-to-right direction (X-axis direction) while standing upright in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), as shown in Figure 2. In this case, each battery cell 100 may have its sealing portion facing in the front-to-back direction (Y-axis direction) and upward direction (+Z-axis direction), and its housing portion facing in the left-to-right direction (X-axis direction).

[0044] Multiple battery cells 100 can be stacked side by side in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) to form a single cell array. As shown in Figure 2, multiple cell arrays can be arranged side by side in the front-back direction (Y-axis direction).

[0045] On the other hand, the present invention is not limited to specific types or forms of such battery cells 100, and various battery cells 100 known at the time of filing the application of the present invention can be used to constitute the battery pack 10 of the present invention.

[0046] Furthermore, the battery pack 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a busbar assembly and / or terminals electrically connected to a plurality of battery cells 100 housed inside.

[0047] The pack case 200 may be configured to accommodate multiple battery cells 100. That is, the pack case 200 can provide a housing space capable of accommodating multiple battery cells 100. The pack case 200 may be made of, or may contain, a material that can ensure mechanical rigidity, such as metal like steel or stainless steel, or plastic, in order to safely protect the battery cells 100 and the like housed inside.

[0048] Furthermore, the pack case 200 may be equipped with a vent section V. The vent section V may be configured to discharge gas generated by the battery cells 100 housed inside to the outside of the pack case 200. The vent section V may be provided to allow communication between the inside and outside of the pack case 200.

[0049] The vent section V can be provided in the shape of a hole. That is, the vent section V can be provided in the shape of a hole formed in the pack case 200 and configured to communicate the inside and outside of the pack case 200. For example, the vent section V can be provided in the shape of a circle. In this case, the position, shape, and structure of the vent section V provided in the pack case 200 can be designed differently depending on the internal structure of the pack case 200.

[0050] On the other hand, a battery pack 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a cover member 300. The cover member 300 may be configured to open and close the vent portion V. Specifically, referring to Figures 4 and 5, the cover member 300 may be configured to remain attached to the pack case 200 so as to cover the vent portion V under normal circumstances, and to be opened under specific circumstances.

[0051] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the cover member 300 is configured to cover the vent portion V, thereby preventing foreign matter such as dust from flowing into the inside of the pack case 200 through the vent portion V. This ensures the dustproof function of the battery pack 10, and thus ensures the safety and reliability of the battery pack 10.

[0052] Specifically, the cover member 300 may be configured to open when the temperature and / or pressure inside the pack case 200 reaches at least one of a specific temperature and / or pressure. For example, the cover member 300 may be released and removed from the pack case 200, or a part of the cover member 300 may rupture due to gas pressure and open.

[0053] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, if an abnormal condition occurs in the battery pack 10, the cover member 300 is opened as shown by the thick arrow in Figure 5, allowing the gas generated in the battery cell 100 to be smoothly discharged to the outside of the pack case 200 through the exposed portion of the vent V. This prevents the internal pressure of the pack case 200 from rising when an abnormal condition occurs in the battery cell 100, and prevents further chain ignition of other battery cells 100. Therefore, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, the safety and reliability of the battery pack 10 can be ensured.

[0054] Furthermore, such a cover member 300 can be attached to the pack case 200. That is, the cover member 300 can be attached to the pack case 200 and configured to cover the entire vent portion V. The cover member 300 can be provided by adhering it to the pack case 200. For example, the cover member 300 may have tape or include an adhesive surface in the form of tape.

[0055] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, under normal circumstances, the cover member 300 maintains adhesion to the pack case 200 and can cover the vent portion V. On the other hand, when at least one of a specific temperature and pressure is reached, the cover member 300 easily ruptures, exposing the vent portion V, so that the internal gas can be quickly discharged to the outside of the pack case 200.

[0056] The cover member 300 may be configured to prevent moisture from entering. For example, the cover member 300 may be equipped with a sealing member to prevent moisture from entering the inside of the pack case 200. Alternatively, the cover member 300 may be provided with any structure or material that can prevent moisture from entering. For example, the cover member 300 may be formed of a waterproof material such as waterproof tape. According to the above embodiment of the present invention, since moisture can be prevented from flowing into the inside of the battery pack 10 through the vent portion V, the waterproof function of the battery pack 10 can be ensured.

[0057] Furthermore, the cover member 300 may be made of a heat-resistant material. The battery pack 10 may generate heat during repeated charging and discharging in the normal operating process. Also, in devices to which the battery pack 10 is attached, such as energy storage systems, it is subjected to particularly high heat conditions, such as in summer.

[0058] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, in the normal state of the battery pack 10, the cover member 300 can be stably maintained to cover the vent portion V. Furthermore, even if high-temperature gas is generated in some of the battery cells 100 contained in the battery pack 10, if the gas is below a certain temperature, in particular, if no thermal event has occurred in the battery pack 10 or if it is in a state where it can be used normally, the cover member 300 will not open.

[0059] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 3 and other figures, the pack case 200 included in the battery pack 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include ribs R. The ribs R may be configured to cover at least a portion of the vent portion V. The ribs R may be configured to support the cover member 300.

[0060] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the area in which the cover member 300 contacts the pack case 200 is increased, which allows for better maintenance of the state in which the cover member 300 is supported or adhered to the pack case 200 when the battery pack 10 is functioning normally. As a result, the cover member 300 can more effectively prevent moisture, dust, and other contaminants from entering the inside of the pack case 200.

[0061] The rib R may be provided so as to cross the vent portion V. In particular, the rib R may have a shape that extends from one end to the other of the vent portion V. For example, the rib R may have a shape that extends from the left side to the right side of the hole forming the vent portion V. Alternatively, the rib R may have a shape that extends from the upper end to the lower end of the hole forming the vent portion V.

[0062] Multiple ribs R may be provided in a single vent section V. In this case, the extension directions of the multiple ribs R may differ from each other. In particular, a single vent section V may contain two ribs R, with the two ribs R extending horizontally and vertically, respectively. Furthermore, as shown in the embodiment in Figure 2, the ribs R may be arranged in a cross shape. Unlike the above embodiment, the size and area of ​​the ribs R can be appropriately designed according to the gas composition.

[0063] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the rib R can more stably support and protect the cover member 300. Furthermore, in this case, it is possible to effectively prevent large foreign objects from damaging the cover member 300 and flowing into the pack case 200 through the vent V. This ensures safety during the manufacture or use of the battery pack 10.

[0064] The cover member 300 can be attached to one side of the pack case 200. According to one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, the cover member 300 can be attached to the outer side of the pack case 200. According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the cover member 300 can be opened to the outside of the pack case 200 even more quickly by gas flowing outside the pack case 200. In addition, during the manufacturing of the battery pack 10, the cover member 300 can be manufactured simply by attaching it from the outside after the pack case 200 has been fully assembled, thus improving ease of assembly.

[0065] The edges of the cover member 300 can be attached to the pack case 200 along the perimeter of the vent portion V. That is, the edges of the cover member 300 can be configured to be bonded as a whole along the perimeter of the vent portion V. In this case, the cover member 300 may be provided with a cross-sectional area larger than that of the vent portion V, so as to completely cover the vent portion V.

[0066] In this case, the cover member 300 may be provided in a circular shape. When the vent portion V and the cover member 300 are provided in a circular shape as in the above embodiment of the present invention, a uniform bonding area can be ensured. In this case, it is possible to prevent the cover member 300 from being easily released by gas at temperatures and pressures other than the specific temperature and pressure. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent specific parts of the vent portion V and the cover member 300 from being unintentionally damaged during normal or abnormal conditions.

[0067] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of a battery pack provided with a cover member, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] According to another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 6, the cover member 300 may be attached to the inner surface of the pack case 200 along the vent portion V. In this case, the cover member 300 may be configured to directly face the rib R.

[0069] Furthermore, the cover member 300 may be configured to contact the rib R. For example, the rib R may be configured to protrude inward beyond the inner surface of the pack case 200. This allows the end portion of the protruding part of the rib R to contact the cover member 300.

[0070] The rib R may include portions whose thickness decreases towards the inner surface of the pack case 200. For example, the rib R may include portions whose thickness decreases in the left-right and / or up-down directions towards the inner surface of the pack case 200.

[0071] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, if an abnormal situation occurs in the battery pack 10, the rib R can be guided to rupture more easily at the portion where it protrudes and contacts the cover member 300.

[0072] Figure 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] The rib R may be provided at an angle toward the outside of the pack case 200. Specifically, a vertically extending rib R may be provided at an angle so that gas can be discharged toward both sides of the pack case 200. That is, when the rib R is viewed from above, the cross-section of the rib R may be provided at an angle toward the outside of the pack case 200.

[0074] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the rib R is provided at an angle, which guides the gas discharged when the cover member 300 is opened toward the outer part of the pack case 200 rather than the central part. In this case, it is possible to prevent the gas discharged from one vent V from flowing back into the interior of the pack case 200 through another adjacent vent V.

[0075] Figure 8 is a front view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 9 is an enlarged view of the main part of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] The vent section V may include a plurality of vent holes H partitioned by ribs R. For example, as shown in Figure 9, the ribs R may be arranged in a cross shape, and the vent holes H may be partitioned into four sections.

[0077] In this case, the cover member 300 may be configured such that the pressure or temperature at which the vents are released differs in at least two of the multiple vent holes H. According to the above embodiment of the present invention, by providing different pressures or temperatures at which the cover member 300 is released for each of the multiple vent holes H, the user can design the venting direction as desired. As a result, even with the same battery pack 10, the direction in which the gas is discharged can be designed to differ depending on the usage environment and location, thereby reducing costs and improving productivity.

[0078] For example, the cover member 300 may be provided with different thicknesses for at least two of the multiple vent holes H. That is, a single cover member 300 may be provided with different thicknesses depending on the position of the vent holes H. Multiple cover members 300 can also be attached to only a portion of the cover member 300, and the thickness of the cover member 300 can be adjusted by manufacturing only a portion of the cover member 300 with a thicker thickness.

[0079] This allows the cover member 300 to be configured so that the relatively thicker portion does not open even when certain pressures or temperatures are reached. For example, the cover member 300 covering the uppermost vent hole H among the multiple vent holes H is made thicker so that it does not open at certain pressures or temperatures, maintaining a closed state of the vent hole H. As a result, only the cover member 300 covering the lower vent hole H opens due to rupture or other reasons, allowing gas to be vented downwards.

[0080] Alternatively, unlike the above embodiment, the adhesive strength of the cover member 300 to the pack case 200 can be varied. That is, the adhesive strength can be varied within a single cover member 300 depending on the position of the vent hole H. As a result, the parts of the cover member 300 with relatively weak adhesive strength will open when a certain pressure or temperature is reached, while the parts with relatively strong adhesive strength will not open even at a certain pressure or temperature. This allows the user to adjust the adhesive strength of the cover member 300 to set the vent direction as desired.

[0081] Figure 10 is an enlarged view of the main part of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] Referring to Figure 10, another embodiment of the present invention, the battery pack 10, may further include an opening / closing member 500. The opening / closing member 500 may be configured to open or close at least one of a plurality of vent holes H. In other words, it may be configured to selectively open or close at least a portion of the plurality of vent holes H.

[0083] The opening / closing member 500 may be provided on the pack case 200. Specifically, as shown in Figure 10, the opening / closing member 500 may be provided on the outer surface of the pack case 200 and outside the rib R and the cover member 300.

[0084] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the user can adjust the number or position of vent holes H from which gas is selectively discharged by the opening / closing member 500, thereby venting the gas in a desired direction.

[0085] The opening / closing member 500 may consist of any structure capable of selectively opening or closing a plurality of vent holes H. According to one embodiment, the opening / closing member 500 may include a case coupled to a pack case 200 and configured to cover one vent hole H, and a cover provided inside the case and configured to be pullable out to the outside of the case. The cover may be selectively provided inside the case and configured to cover only one vent hole H, or it may be pullable out to the outside of the case and configured to cover at least one of the remaining vent holes H. The cover may be provided with a projection to pull it out to the outside of the case.

[0086] For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, multiple vent sections V are provided, and one of the multiple vent sections V can completely open the opening / closing member 500 to discharge a large amount of gas, while the other vent sections V can pull out the cover of the opening / closing member 500 to completely close the vent hole H and prevent gas from being discharged to the outside. As a result, by discharging gas only from the vent section V on the side where the opening / closing member 500 is open, the venting direction can be freely adjusted.

[0087] Figure 11 is a front perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 12 is a rear perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] Referring to Figures 2, 11, and 12, the pack case 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a base plate 210 and a side plate 220.

[0089] The base plate 210 may be configured to securely attach multiple battery cells 100 to its upper surface. The base plate 210 can form the lower surface of the pack case 200 and may be configured in the shape of a rectangular plate. The base plate 210 may also have a flat upper surface and be provided to securely attach multiple battery cells 100.

[0090] The side plates 220 may extend upward from each corner (edge) of the base plate 210. The side plates 220 may have multiple unit walls and be configured to cover the sides of multiple battery cells 100. More specifically, the side plates 220 may include a front plate 221 located at the -Y side end of the base plate 210 and configured to cover the front of the battery cell 100, a rear plate 222 located at the +Y side end and configured to cover the rear of the battery cell 100, and end plates 223 located at the +X and -X side ends and configured to cover both sides of the battery cell 100.

[0091] The vent section V may be provided on the side of the pack case 200, i.e., on the side plate 220. In this case, the cover member 300 may be attached to the side plate 220 so as to cover the vent section V.

[0092] Multiple vent sections V and cover members 300 can be provided. In particular, the vent section V may be located on at least some of the unit walls of the multiple unit walls of the side plate 220. The vent section V may be provided on both sides of the side plate 220. For example, referring to the illustrations in Figures 11 and 12, the vent section V may be provided on the front plate 221 and the rear plate 222, respectively.

[0093] Furthermore, the vent section V can be formed separately on two or more unit wall bodies, or two or more can be formed on one unit wall body. Multiple vent sections V can be provided on both sides of the side plate 220. For example, referring to the illustrations in Figures 11 and 12, two vent sections V can be provided on the front plate 221 and two on the rear plate 222.

[0094] In this case, a corresponding cover member 300 may be provided for each vent section V. For example, as shown in the embodiments of Figures 11 and 12, two vent sections V are formed on the front plate 221 and the rear plate 222, and a separate cover member 300 is provided for each vent section V, so that a total of four cover members 300 may be included in the battery pack 10.

[0095] Multiple vent sections V and cover members 300 can be arranged within a single unit wall, spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction (for example, left-right direction). Furthermore, each of the multiple vent sections V and cover members 300 can be provided symmetrically with respect to the centers of the front plate 221 and the rear plate 222.

[0096] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, in the event of an abnormal condition of the battery cell 100, high-temperature gases and the like can be discharged in both directions from the pack case 200 through vents V provided symmetrically on both sides of the pack case 200. In particular, at the end of a single unit wall where two vents V are located, electrode leads of multiple battery cells 100 and empty space can be located. This makes it easier to more quickly discharge gases generated in the battery cells and present inside the pack case 200 to the outside of the pack case 200.

[0097] On the other hand, the number and position of the vent section V and cover member 300 described based on the embodiments in Figures 2, 11, and 12 are merely examples, and it goes without saying that they can be changed to various other numbers and positions.

[0098] Furthermore, at least some of the multiple vent sections V may be provided in different sizes. For example, the vent section V provided on the front plate 221 and the vent section V provided on the rear plate 222 can be configured to be of different sizes. Alternatively, the vent sections V provided on the same front plate 221 or rear plate 222 can be configured to be of different sizes.

[0099] A relatively small vent section V has a smaller gas discharge area, which can result in a faster discharge speed. As a result, when a certain pressure or temperature is reached, the probability of the cover member 300 covering the relatively small vent section V opening increases, allowing gas to be discharged towards the relatively small vent section V.

[0100] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the user can set the direction in which the gas is discharged, depending on the orientation and position of the battery pack 10. This allows for different gas discharge directions to be designed for the same battery pack 10, depending on the usage environment and location, thereby reducing costs and improving productivity.

[0101] For example, if the front of the battery pack 10 is positioned to face forward, the area of ​​the vent V provided on the rear plate 222 may be larger than the area of ​​the vent V provided on the front plate 221. This allows gas to be discharged more smoothly through the vent V provided on the rear plate 222, thereby protecting users or others in front of the battery pack 10.

[0102] On the other hand, referring mainly to Figures 1, 11, and 12, the pack case 200 may further include a top plate 230.

[0103] The top plate 230 may be configured to cover the tops of multiple battery cells 100. For this purpose, the top plate 230 may be coupled to the tops of the side plates 220 and provided to form the top surface of the pack case 200. The top plate 230 can protect components housed inside, such as the battery cells 100, and prevent vent gases released from such battery cells 100 from being released to the outside of the pack case 200, particularly the top.

[0104] In particular, the top plate 230 can guide vent gas and sparks from the internal space of the pack case 200 toward the vent section V. Specifically, as shown by the thick arrows in Figure 5, vent gas and sparks can move toward the vent section V along the inner surface of the upper part of the pack case 200. The gas that has moved toward the upper part is guided toward the front plate 221 and rear plate 222 where the vent section V is provided, and can be discharged to the outside of the pack case 200 through the vent section V. As a result, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, if an abnormal situation occurs in the battery pack 10, the gas generated in the battery cells 100 will not diffuse in all directions but will be quickly discharged to the outside through the vent section V, thereby preventing heat transfer between the battery cells 100.

[0105] On the other hand, the top plate 230 and the base plate 210 may be provided so as to protrude outward from the side plate 220. For example, as shown in Figures 5, 11, and 12, the top plate 230 and the base plate 210 may be provided so as to protrude outward from the front plate 221 and the rear plate 222.

[0106] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, if an abnormal situation occurs in the battery pack 10, the cover member 300 is opened, preventing the gas discharged through the vent V from moving to the upper or lower part of the battery pack 10. This prevents heat transfer to adjacent battery packs 10 when multiple battery packs 10 of the present invention are included in other devices.

[0107] On the other hand, a battery pack 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a cooling unit 400. The cooling unit 400 may be configured to allow a cooling medium to flow. Specifically, the cooling unit 400 may include an inlet port 410 and an outlet port 420. The inlet port 410 may be configured to allow the cooling medium to flow into the pack case 200, and the outlet port 420 may be configured to allow the cooling medium to be discharged outside the pack case 200.

[0108] The inlet port 410 and the outlet port 420 may be provided on one side of the pack case 200. For example, as shown in Figure 11, the inlet port 410 and the outlet port 420 may be provided on the side where the front plate 221 is located. In this case, the cover member 300 may be provided on the side of the pack case 200 where the cooling unit 400 is located.

[0109] A hose through which the cooling medium flows can be connected to the inlet port 410 and the outlet port 420. According to the above embodiment of the present invention, by providing the cover member 300 in the part where condensation is likely to occur due to the cooling medium, it is possible to prevent moisture generated by condensation from flowing into the inside of the pack case 200.

[0110] Figure 13 is a diagram showing the vent device separated from the pack case in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 14 is a magnified perspective view showing the portion where the vent device is provided in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the vent device of the battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention in a closed state. Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view showing one form of the vent device of the battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention in an open state. For example, Figures 15 and 16 may be diagrams showing a portion of the front side of the I-I' cross section in Figure 1.

[0111] A battery pack 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a vent device 600. The vent device 600 may be attached to the pack case 200. The vent device 600 may be configured to be attachable to a vent section V.

[0112] The vent device 600 can be attached to one side of the side plate 220. For example, the vent device 600 can be attached to the outer side of the side plate 220. In such a case, the vent device 600 can be bolted to the outer side of the side plate 220. In the above embodiment, the size of the vent device 600 may be smaller than the size of the vent section V, and the vent device 600 may be configured to completely cover the vent section V. According to the above embodiment of the present invention, productivity can be improved by assembling the vent device 600 outside the pack case 200 after its completion, rather than assembling it inside the complex pack case 200.

[0113] Furthermore, the vent device 600 may be configured to be openable and closable. Specifically, as shown in Figure 15, the vent device 600 may remain closed and not open when the pressure is below a certain level, and as shown in Figure 16, the vent device 600 may be configured to open only when a thermal event occurs in the battery pack 10 and the gas pressure exceeds a certain level.

[0114] The vent device 600 may be configured to open due to gas pressure, allowing gas generated by the battery cells 100 housed inside to be discharged to the outside of the pack case 200. According to the above embodiment of the present invention, if an abnormal condition occurs in the battery pack 10, the vent device 600 opens as shown by the thick arrow in Figure 16, allowing gas generated by the battery cells 100 to be smoothly discharged to the outside of the pack case 200 through the open portion of the vent device 600. This prevents the internal pressure inside the pack case 200 from rising when an abnormal condition occurs in the battery cells 100, and prevents further chain ignition of other battery cells 100. Therefore, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, the safety and reliability of the battery pack 10 can be ensured.

[0115] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, once the vent gas is completely discharged to the outside of the pack case 200, the closed vent device 600 can block oxygen from flowing into the inside of the pack case 200. This prevents and suppresses the generation of flames in the battery pack 10.

[0116] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the vent gas discharged to the outside from flowing back into the pack case 200.

[0117] Specifically, referring to Figure 16, if a thermal event occurs in the battery pack 10 and the gas pressure inside the battery pack 10 exceeds a certain pressure, the vent device 600 may be configured to open in one direction due to the gas pressure generated in the battery cell 100. Specifically, the vent device 600 is configured to open in only one direction, and this one direction can be defined as the direction from the inside to the outside of the pack case 200 (the direction outward of the pack case 200).

[0118] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the vent device 600, which opens in only one direction, can guide the gas inside the pack case 200 to vent in a specific direction, i.e., to the outside of the pack case 200. Furthermore, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the gas that has been discharged to the outside of the pack case 200 from flowing back into the pack case 200.

[0119] On the other hand, as long as such a vent device 600 has directionality, the present invention is not limited to specific types or forms of vent devices 600, and various vent devices 600 known at the time of filing the present invention can be used to constitute the battery pack 10 of the present invention.

[0120] Figure 17 shows a venting device for a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0121] The detailed structure of the vent device 600 will be described with further reference to Figure 17, along with Figures 15 and 16. The vent device 600 may include a mounting portion 610, a cover portion 620, and a hinge portion 630.

[0122] The attachment portion 610 can be coupled to the pack case 200. As described above, the vent device 600 can be attached to the pack case 200 by inserting the attachment portion 610 into the vent portion V of the pack case 200 or by coupling it to one side of the pack case 200. The attachment portion 610 can have an exhaust hole 611 through which vent gas is discharged. That is, the attachment portion 610 can be provided in a ring shape.

[0123] The cover portion 620 may be configured to cover the discharge hole 611. The cover portion 620 may be provided in a plate shape. The cover portion 620 may be provided coupled to the fastening portion 610. The cover portion 620 may be provided inside the fastening portion 610 and fastened to the fastening portion 610.

[0124] The vent device 600 includes a hinge portion 630, by which the cover portion 620 can be coupled to the anchor portion 610. The hinge portion 630 may be configured to be rotatable to one side of the cover portion 620. This allows the cover portion 620 to be rotatable. The hinge portion 630 may also include an elastic body having elastic force, or can be realized with such an elastic body.

[0125] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, in a normal state where no thermal events occur in the battery pack 10, the elastic force of the hinge portion 630 can maintain the cover portion 620 in a position that covers the discharge hole 611. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the vent device 600 from opening due to external forces or vibrations acting on the battery pack 10.

[0126] On the other hand, if a thermal event occurs in the battery pack 10, the cover portion 620 may be configured to open in one direction due to the gas pressure. That is, when the internal pressure due to the gas inside the pack case 200 exceeds a certain pressure, the internal pressure becomes even greater than the elastic force that attempts to maintain the closed state of the hinge portion 630, causing the hinge portion 630 to rotate and open the cover portion 620. For this purpose, the elastic modulus or material of the hinge portion 630 can be designed to open when the pressure exceeds the aforementioned certain pressure.

[0127] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the cover portion 620 is kept closed under normal conditions to maintain the waterproof and dustproof performance of the battery pack 10, as well as its ability to prevent the intrusion of foreign matter, while the cover portion 620 is opened when a thermal event occurs, thereby preventing heat accumulation inside the battery pack 10.

[0128] Referring to Figures 15 and 17, the anchoring portion 610 may include an inclined portion 612. The inclined portion 612 may be provided at an inclination downward at the edge of the discharge hole 611. According to the above embodiment of the present invention, when the cover portion 620 is opened due to pressure exceeding a certain level, the anchoring portion 610 prevents the opening operation of the cover portion 620 from being obstructed, or the inclined portion 612 can guide the opening direction of the cover portion 620.

[0129] Figure 18 shows a venting device for a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0130] Referring to Figure 18, the vent device 600 may further include an inner sealing member 640. The inner sealing member 640 may be provided along the periphery of the discharge hole 611. The inner sealing member 640 may be provided between the cover portion 620 and the anchor portion 610. The inner sealing member 640 may be made of an elastic material such as silicone.

[0131] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, by providing the inner sealing member 640, if the cover portion 620 is not opened by the anchoring portion 610, it is possible to fundamentally prevent gas from leaking into the separation space between the cover portion 620 and the anchoring portion 610.

[0132] Figure 19 shows a venting device for a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0133] Referring to Figure 19, the vent device 600 may further include a locking projection 650. The locking projection 650 may be provided to protrude upward from the anchoring portion 610. In this case, the cover portion 620 may be provided inward of the locking projection 650. Thus, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, when the cover portion 620 is closed, the cover portion 620 is fixed by the locking projection 650, so that the cover portion 620 does not easily open when the pressure is below a certain level or when vibrations occur.

[0134] The locking projection 650 may be formed of an elastic material. According to the above embodiment of the present invention, when the cover portion 620 is opened, it bends outward, releasing the lock of the cover portion 620. Alternatively, the locking projection 650 can also release the lock of the cover portion 620 by breaking.

[0135] Alternatively, unlike the above embodiment, the locking projection 650 can protrude outward from the anchoring portion 610 to fix the cover portion 620 when the cover portion 620 is covering the discharge hole 611, and the locking projection 650 can move inward from the anchoring portion 610 so that the cover portion 620 is released at a certain pressure. As a result, when the cover portion 620 is released, the locking projection 650 can release its fixation on the cover portion 620.

[0136] Figure 20 is a front view of the main part of a battery pack to which a cover member according to another embodiment of the present invention is applied, Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack to which a cover member according to another embodiment of the present invention is applied, and Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view showing one form of the battery pack with the cover member according to another embodiment of the present invention in an open state.

[0137] The cover member 300 may be configured to cover the vent device 600. Such a cover member 300 may be attached to the pack case 200. The cover member 300 may be attached to the outside of the vent device 600. That is, the cover member 300 may be attached to the pack case 200 and configured to cover at least a portion of the vent device 600. In this case, as shown in Figure 20, the width of the cover member 300 may be made larger than the width of the vent device 600 and configured to completely cover the vent device 600 in the horizontal direction. Alternatively, the cover member 300 may be attached to the vent device 600, for example, to the anchoring portion 610.

[0138] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the cover member 300 prevents the vent device 600 from being easily opened, thereby preventing the vent device 600 from being easily opened by gas at temperatures and pressures other than the specific temperature and pressure.

[0139] Referring to Figures 21 and 22, the cover member 300 may be configured to remain attached to the pack case 200 to cover the vent device 600 under normal circumstances and to be opened under specific circumstances. Specifically, the cover member 300 may be configured to open together with the vent device 600 when the internal pressure of the pack case 200 reaches a certain pressure. For example, as shown in Figure 22, the cover member 300 may be opened by being released from its attachment to the pack case 200 and removed.

[0140] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, under normal circumstances, moisture is prevented from entering the battery pack 10. If an abnormal situation occurs in the battery pack 10, the vent device 600 and the cover member 300 are opened as shown by the thick arrow in Figure 22, allowing the gas generated in the battery cell 100 to be smoothly discharged to the outside of the pack case 200 through the opened portion of the vent device 600.

[0141] This prevents the internal pressure inside the pack case 200 from rising if an abnormal condition occurs in the battery cell 100, thereby preventing further chain reactions and ignition of other battery cells 100. Therefore, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, the safety and reliability of the battery pack 10 can be ensured.

[0142] Figure 23 is a front view of the main part of a battery pack to which a cover member according to one or another embodiment of the present invention is applied, and Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view showing one form of the battery pack with the cover member according to one or another embodiment of the present invention in an open state.

[0143] According to another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in the embodiments of Figures 23 and 24, the cover member 300 may be provided with a break line 310. The break line 310 may be formed along the portion in which the vent device 600 is opened. For example, the break line 310 may be formed around the cover portion 620 of the vent device 600.

[0144] As a result, as shown in Figure 16, when the pressure inside the pack case 200 reaches a certain pressure and the vent device 600 is opened, the cover member 300 is broken along the break line 310, making it easier to open.

[0145] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, even when the cover member 300 is provided to correspond to the area of ​​the vent device 600, or when the adhesive force of the cover member 300 is provided to be strong, the cover member 300 can be easily broken, and the gas can be quickly discharged to the outside.

[0146] Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of the battery pack cover member in an open state according to the present invention or another embodiment.

[0147] Alternatively, as shown in the embodiment in Figure 25, the vent device 600 may have a protrusion 660 configured to protrude toward the cover member 300. The protrusion 660 may be provided at the lower end of the cover portion 620. The protrusion 660 may be provided so that at least a portion of the cover portion 620 protrudes.

[0148] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, when the pressure inside the pack case 200 reaches a specific pressure and the vent device 600 is opened, a force acts on the protrusion 660 to push toward the cover member 300, causing the cover member 300 to easily break in the area corresponding to the opening of the vent device 600. This allows the gas to be discharged more quickly to the outside of the pack case 200.

[0149] An Energy Storage System (ESS) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery pack 10 according to the present invention. The ESS may include, for example, a battery container that includes a plurality of battery packs 10 and a container housing configured to allow the plurality of battery packs 10 to be stacked inside. The ESS may include one or more such battery systems.

[0150] In addition, the present invention may include various battery systems including the battery pack 10 according to the present invention. For example, a battery charging system, a battery replacement system, a battery repair system, etc., according to the present invention may be a battery system according to the present invention.

[0151] Furthermore, the present invention may include an automobile that includes the battery pack 10 according to the present invention. The automobile according to the present invention may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The automobile may include a four-wheeled vehicle and a two-wheeled vehicle. The automobile can be powered and operated by the battery pack 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0152] 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 persons with ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs without departing from the gist of the invention as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood independently of the technical idea or prospects of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0153] 10: Battery Pack 100: Battery cell 200: Pack Case V: Vent section H: Venthole R: Rib 210: Base plate 220: Side Plate 221: Front plate 222: Rear Plate 223: End plate 230: Top plate 300: Cover component 310: Broken line 400: Cooling Unit 410: Inflow port 420: Discharge port 500: Opening / closing member 600: Vent device 610: Safe Landing Department 611: Discharge hole 612: Inclined part 620: Cover section 630: Hinge section 640: Inner sealing member 650: Locking protrusion 660:Protrusion

Claims

1. Multiple battery cells, A pack case is provided with a vent section configured to house multiple battery cells and to discharge gas generated by the battery cells to the outside, A battery pack comprising a cover member attached to the pack case and configured to open and close the vent portion.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the cover member is configured to open when the inside of the pack case reaches at least one of a specific temperature and pressure, so that gas generated in the battery cells can be discharged to the outside.

3. The aforementioned pack case is The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising ribs configured to cover at least a portion of the vent portion.

4. The cover member is The battery pack according to claim 3, which is attached to the outer surface of the pack case along the vent portion.

5. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein the cover member is attached to the inner surface of the pack case along the vent portion and is configured to directly face the rib.

6. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein the rib includes a portion whose thickness decreases towards the inner surface of the pack case.

7. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein the ribs are provided at an angle toward the outside of the pack case.

8. The vent portion includes a plurality of vent holes partitioned by the ribs, The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein the cover member is configured such that the pressure or temperature released in at least two of the plurality of vent holes is different.

9. The vent portion includes a plurality of vent holes partitioned by the ribs, The battery pack according to claim 3, further comprising an opening / closing member provided in the pack case and configured to open and close at least one of the plurality of vent holes.

10. Multiple vent sections are provided. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein at least some of the multiple vents are provided in different sizes from each other.

11. The pack case further includes a cooling unit provided therein, configured to allow a cooling medium to flow through it. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the cover member is provided on the side of the pack case where the cooling unit is located.

12. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising a vent device attached to the vent portion and configured to be openable and closable.

13. The battery pack according to claim 12, wherein the cover member is attached to the outside of the vent device and is opened together with the vent device when it is opened, so that the gas can be discharged to the outside of the pack case.

14. The battery pack according to claim 12, wherein the vent device has a protruding portion that is configured to protrude toward the cover member.

15. An ESS comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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