Battery packs and automobiles including them

Abstract

A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of battery cells provided with vents, and a pack frame that houses the plurality of battery cells and has vent guides provided in the portion corresponding to the vents of the battery cells.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack and an automobile including the same, and more particularly to a battery pack with improved thermal safety and an automobile including the same.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0129707 filed on September 26, 2023, and all the contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the application are incorporated into this application.

Background Art

[0003] Secondary batteries, which are highly applicable to a wide range of product groups and have electrical characteristics such as high energy density, are generally applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) driven by an electric drive source. Such secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for improving energy efficiency, not only because they can significantly reduce the use of fossil fuels but also because they are environmentally friendly in that they do not generate any by-products from the use of energy.

[0004] Currently, widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel cadmium batteries, nickel metal hydride batteries, nickel zinc batteries, etc. The operating voltage of such a unit secondary battery cell, i.e., a unit battery cell, is about 2.5V to 4.5V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, a plurality of battery cells may be connected in series to form a battery pack. Also, depending on the charge / discharge capacity required for the battery pack, a plurality of 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 variously set according to the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] 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 the battery pack.

[0006] Conventional battery packs consist of multiple battery cells and a pack frame that houses these battery cells. In conventional battery packs, these multiple battery cells are arranged relatively densely within the pack case in order to ensure energy density and capacity. In such a structure, there is a problem in that when a thermal event occurs in a particular battery cell, such as the discharge of gas or flame due to overheating of the battery cell, if the gas or flame is not vented quickly, there is a relatively high risk of heat transfer to adjacent surrounding battery cells.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a method that can prevent heat from propagating to adjacent battery cells when a thermal event occurs in a battery cell. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack that can prevent heat propagation to adjacent battery cells when a thermal event occurs in a battery cell, and an automobile including the same.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack that simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces manufacturing costs, and an automobile including the same.

[0010] However, the technical 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]

[0011] To solve the above objective, the present invention provides a battery pack comprising: a plurality of battery cells provided with vent portions; and a pack frame that houses the plurality of battery cells and has vent guide portions provided in the portions corresponding to the vent portions of the plurality of battery cells.

[0012] Preferably, the vent guide portion may be formed to be thinner than the rest of the pack frame so that it can be fractured or melted at a predetermined pressure and / or temperature above a predetermined temperature.

[0013] Preferably, the vent portion may be provided at the bottom of a plurality of battery cells, and the vent guide portion may be provided at the bottom of the pack frame.

[0014] Furthermore, preferably, the vent guide portion may have a thickness thinner than the thickness of the bottom of the pack frame.

[0015] Preferably, the vent guide portions may be provided in a number corresponding to the number of battery cells.

[0016] Furthermore, preferably, the pack frame may be provided as an integrated plastic frame.

[0017] Furthermore, preferably, the vent guide portion may be formed integrally with the pack frame.

[0018] Preferably, the vent guide portion may be provided in the bottom of the pack frame in the shape of a cutout.

[0019] Preferably, the battery pack includes a plurality of cooling tubes arranged between a plurality of battery cells at a predetermined length and spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, and the pack frame may be provided with a plurality of tube support portions for supporting the plurality of cooling tubes.

[0020] Also, preferably, the vent guide portion can be provided between the plurality of tube support portions.

[0021] Also, preferably, the plurality of tube support portions can be formed to have a predetermined length along the length direction of the cooling tube and have a groove shape having a predetermined depth.

[0022] Also, preferably, at the ends of the plurality of cooling tubes, there are provided cooling medium inflow / outflow portions for connecting to a cooling line outside the battery pack, supplying a cooling medium into the cooling tubes, and discharging the cooling medium inside the cooling tubes to the outside, and the ends of the plurality of cooling tubes can be exposed outside the pack frame.

[0023] Also, preferably, at least one flange portion can be integrally formed on at least one side edge of the pack frame.

[0024] Also, preferably, a plurality of the flange portions are provided, and the plurality of flange portions can be provided so as to be arranged at a predetermined distance apart along both side edges of the pack frame.

[0025] The present invention also provides an automobile including at least one battery pack according to the above-described embodiment.

Advantages of the Invention

[0026] According to the various embodiments as described above, it is possible to provide a battery pack that can prevent heat propagation to an adjacent battery cell side when a thermal event of a battery cell occurs, and an automobile including the same.

[0027] Also, according to the various embodiments as described above, it is possible to provide a battery pack that can simplify the manufacturing process and reduce the manufacturing cost, and an automobile including the same.

[0028] In addition, various other further effects can be achieved by various embodiments of the present invention. Such various effects of the present invention will be described in detail in each embodiment, or the description thereof will be omitted for effects that can be easily understood by those skilled in the art.

[0029] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate desirable embodiments of the present invention and serve to further understand the technical idea of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be construed as being limited only to the matters described in the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] [Figure 1] It is a diagram for explaining a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a diagram for explaining a battery cell of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a partial cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a battery cell of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a partial cross-sectional view showing the upper structure of a battery cell of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a partial cross-sectional view showing the lower structure of a battery cell of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. <​​​​​​​​​​ [Figure 11] This figure illustrates a pack frame according to another embodiment of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a cross-sectional view of the main part of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This figure illustrates gas emission from battery cells when a thermal event occurs in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This is a diagram illustrating the manufacturing process of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This is a diagram illustrating the manufacturing process of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This is a diagram illustrating the manufacturing process of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] This figure illustrates a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] This figure illustrates gas discharge from battery cells when a thermal event occurs in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] This is a diagram illustrating a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] This figure illustrates gas discharge from battery cells when a thermal event occurs in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] This is a diagram illustrating an automobile relating to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and in the claims shall not be interpreted in their general and dictionary sense, but in accordance with the principle that the inventor himself may appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe the invention, and shall be interpreted in terms and concepts that correspond to the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0032] Therefore, it should be understood that the configurations shown in the embodiments described herein represent only one of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the present invention, and that there are various equivalents and modifications that can be substituted therein at the time of filing this application.

[0033] On the other hand, while terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back have been used in this specification, such terms are for convenience of explanation and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that they may change depending on the position of the object in question, the position of the observer, etc.

[0034] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the battery pack 1 can include a plurality of battery cells 100 and a pack frame 200.

[0036] Multiple battery cells 100 can be provided as a secondary battery in the form of a cylindrical secondary battery, a pouch-type secondary battery, or a prismatic secondary battery. In this embodiment, the description will be limited to the case in which multiple battery cells 100 are provided as a cylindrical secondary battery.

[0037] Multiple battery cells 100 may be provided with vents 31 (see Figure 7). The vents 31 can guide the discharge of gases, flames, etc., generated in abnormal situations such as overheating to the outside of the battery cell 100. Gases, flames, etc., generated inside the battery cell 100 in abnormal situations can be discharged to the outside of the battery cell 100 through the vents 31. Such vents 31 will be discussed in more detail in the related explanations below.

[0038] The pack frame 200 can accommodate a plurality of the battery cells 100. The pack frame 200 may be provided with vent guide portions 230 in the portions corresponding to the vent portions 31 of the plurality of battery cells 100. The vent guide portions 230 can guide the discharge of gas, flames, etc., from the vent portions 31 to the outside of the pack frame 200.

[0039] In the battery pack 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, when an abnormal situation occurs, gas, flames, etc. that have leaked out of the vent portion 31 of the battery cell 100 can be discharged more quickly and rapidly to the outside of the pack frame 200 via the vent guide portion 230 provided in the portion corresponding to the vent portion 31.

[0040] Therefore, the battery pack 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention can guide smoother and faster venting of gases, flames, etc., generated from the battery cell 100 in the event of the abnormal situation, and can effectively prevent the risk of thermal runaway that may occur toward the adjacent battery cell 100.

[0041] The following describes in more detail the battery cell 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a battery cell of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a battery cell of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the upper structure of a battery cell of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the lower structure of a battery cell of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 7 is a bottom view of a battery cell of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Referring to Figures 3 to 7, the battery cell 100 includes an electrode assembly 10, a battery can 20, a cap plate 30, and a first electrode terminal 40. In addition to the components described above, the battery cell 100 may further include an insulating gasket 50 and / or an upper current collector plate 60 and / or an insulating plate 70 and / or a lower current collector plate 80 and / or a sealing gasket 90.

[0044] The electrode assembly 10 includes a first electrode plate having a first polarity, a second electrode plate having a second polarity, and a separation membrane interposed between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate. The first electrode plate is either a positive or negative electrode plate, and the second electrode plate corresponds to an electrode plate having the opposite polarity to the first electrode plate.

[0045] The electrode assembly 10 may have, for example, a jelly-roll shape. That is, the electrode assembly 10 can be manufactured by winding a laminate formed by stacking a first electrode plate, a separator membrane, and a second electrode plate in order at least once, with the winding center C as the reference point. In this case, a separator membrane may be provided on the outer circumference of the electrode assembly 10 for insulation from the battery can 20.

[0046] The first electrode plate includes a first electrode current collector and a first electrode active material coated on one or both sides of the first electrode current collector. One end of the first electrode current collector in the width direction (parallel to the Z-axis) has a blank area where the first electrode active material is not coated. This blank area functions as a first electrode tab. The first electrode tab 11 is provided at the top of the electrode assembly 10 housed in the battery can 20 in the height direction (parallel to the Z-axis).

[0047] The second electrode plate includes a second electrode current collector and a second electrode active material coated on one or both sides of the second electrode current collector. At the other end of the second electrode current collector in the width direction (parallel to the Z-axis), there is a blank area where the second electrode active material is not coated. This blank area functions as a second electrode tab 12. The second electrode tab 12 is provided at the bottom of the electrode assembly 10 housed in the battery can 20 in the height direction (parallel to the Z-axis).

[0048] The battery container 20 is a cylindrical housing with an opening formed at the bottom, and is made of a conductive metal material. The side and top surfaces of the battery container 20 are integrally formed. The top surface of the battery container 20 has a substantially flat shape. The battery container 20 houses the electrode assembly 10 through the opening formed at the bottom, and also houses the electrolyte together with it.

[0049] The battery can 20 is electrically connected to the second electrode tab 12 of the electrode assembly 10. Therefore, the battery can 20 has the same polarity as the second electrode tab 12.

[0050] The battery can 20 may have a beading portion 21 and a crimping portion 22 formed at its lower end. The beading portion 21 is formed at the lower part of the electrode assembly 10. The beading portion 21 is formed by press-fitting around the outer circumference of the battery can 20. The beading portion 21 prevents the electrode assembly 10, which has a size corresponding to the width of the battery can 20, from coming out through the opening formed at the lower end of the battery can 20, and can function as a support portion to which the cap plate 30 is securely attached.

[0051] The crimping portion 22 is formed at the lower part of the beading portion 21. The crimping portion 22 has a shape that extends and bends so as to surround the outer circumference of the cap plate 30, which is positioned below the beading portion 21, and a part of the lower surface of the cap plate 30.

[0052] The cap plate 30 is a component made of a conductive metal material and covers the opening formed at the lower end of the battery can 20. That is, the cap plate 30 forms the lower surface of the battery cell 100. The cap plate 30 is fixed onto the beading portion 21 formed on the battery can 20 and secured by the crimping portion 22. An airtight gasket 90 may be interposed between the cap plate 30 and the crimping portion 22 of the battery can 20 to ensure the airtightness of the battery can 20.

[0053] The cap plate 30 may further have a vent portion 31 formed to prevent an increase in internal pressure due to gas generated inside the battery can 20. The vent portion 31 corresponds to a region of the cap plate 30 that is thinner than the surrounding region. The vent portion 31 is structurally weaker than the surrounding region. Therefore, if an abnormality occurs in the battery cell 100 and the internal pressure rises above a certain level, the vent portion 31 will rupture, and the gas generated inside the battery can 20 will be released.

[0054] A hole can be pre-formed in the upper surface of the battery can 20 before the first electrode terminal 40 and the insulating gasket 50 are placed therein. However, this is not the only way in which the hole can be formed. For example, the hole can be formed by inserting the first electrode terminal 40, or by pre-forming a hole of a different diameter, or by cutting out the upper surface, or by pre-cutting beforehand. In other words, the hole can be tightened to the desired size, or a small hole can be made by cutting out and then tightened to the desired size. It goes without saying that other methods of forming the hole can also be used.

[0055] The battery cell 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention has a structure in which both positive and negative terminals are present at the top, and therefore the upper structure is more complex than the lower structure. Accordingly, a vent portion 31 can be formed on the cap plate 30 that forms the lower surface of the battery cell 100 in order to smoothly discharge the gas generated inside the battery can 20.

[0056] The vent portion 31 may be formed continuously in a circular pattern on the cap plate 30. However, it is not limited to this, and the vent portion 31 may also be formed discontinuously in a circular pattern on the cap plate 30, or in a linear shape or other shape.

[0057] The first electrode terminal 40 is made of a conductive metal material and is electrically connected to the first electrode tab 11 of the electrode assembly 10 by passing over the top surface of the battery can 20. Therefore, the first electrode terminal 40 has a first polarity. The first electrode terminal 40 is electrically insulated from the battery can 20, which has a second polarity.

[0058] The first electrode terminal 40 includes an exposed terminal portion 41 and an inserted terminal portion 42. The exposed terminal portion 41 is exposed to the outside of the battery can 20. The exposed terminal portion 41 is located in the center of the upper surface of the battery can 20. The inserted terminal portion 42 penetrates the center of the upper surface of the battery can 20 and is electrically connected to the first electrode tab 11. The inserted terminal portion 42 can be rivet-bonded to the inner surface of the battery can 20.

[0059] The upper surface of the battery can 20 and the first electrode terminal 40 have opposite polarities and face the same direction. Furthermore, a step can be formed between the first electrode terminal 40 and the upper surface of the battery can 20. Specifically, if the entire upper surface of the battery can 20 has a flat shape or a shape that protrudes upward from its center, the exposed terminal portion 41 of the first electrode terminal 40 may protrude further above the upper surface of the battery can 20. Conversely, if the upper surface of the battery can 20 has a concave shape that is recessed downward from its center, that is, toward the electrode assembly 10, the upper surface of the battery can 20 may protrude further above the exposed terminal portion 41 of the first electrode terminal 40.

[0060] The insulating gasket 50 is interposed between the battery can 20 and the first electrode terminal 40, preventing the battery can 20 and the first electrode terminal 40, which have opposite polarities, from coming into contact with each other. As a result, the top surface of the battery can 20, which has a substantially flat shape, can function as the second electrode terminal of the battery cell 100.

[0061] The insulating gasket 50 includes an exposed portion 51 and an inserted portion 52. The exposed portion 51 is interposed between the exposed terminal portion 41 of the first electrode terminal 40 and the battery can 20. The inserted portion 52 is interposed between the inserted terminal portion 42 of the first electrode terminal 40 and the battery can 20. The insulating gasket 50 may be made of, for example, an insulating resin material.

[0062] When the insulating gasket 50 is made of a resin material, the insulating gasket 50 can be bonded to the battery can 20 and the first electrode terminal 40 by, for example, heat fusion. In this case, the airtightness at the bonding interface between the insulating gasket 50 and the first electrode terminal 40, and at the bonding interface between the insulating gasket 50 and the battery can 20 can be enhanced.

[0063] Of the upper surface of the battery can 20, the entire remaining area, excluding the area occupied by the first electrode terminal 40 and the insulating gasket 50, corresponds to the second electrode terminal 20a having the opposite polarity to the first electrode terminal 40.

[0064] A battery cell 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first electrode terminal 40 having a first polarity on one side in its longitudinal direction (parallel to the Z-axis), and a second electrode terminal 20a having a second polarity, which is electrically insulated from the first electrode terminal 40. That is, in a battery cell 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, since the pair of electrode terminals 40 and 20a are located in the same direction, when multiple battery cells 100 are electrically connected, it is possible to place electrical connection components such as the busbar assembly 200 on only one side of the battery cell 100. This simplifies the structure of the battery pack 1 and improves the energy density.

[0065] The pack frame 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be examined in more detail below.

[0066] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the pack frame of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 9 is a plan view of the pack frame of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 10 is a side view of the pack frame of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Referring to Figures 8 to 10, the pack frame 200 may include a frame body 210 and a vent guide portion 230.

[0068] The frame body 210 may have a housing space of a predetermined size capable of accommodating the battery cell 100. The vent guide portion 230 may be provided on the frame body 210.

[0069] Such a vent guide portion 230 may be formed to be thinner than the rest of the frame body 210 of the pack frame 200 so that it can be fractured or melted at a predetermined pressure and / or temperature above a predetermined temperature. For example, the vent guide portion 230 may be provided in the shape of a notch at the bottom of the frame body 210 of the pack frame 200.

[0070] On the other hand, as discussed above, the vent portion 230 may be provided at the bottom (-Z axis direction) of the plurality of battery cells 100, and the vent guide portion 230 may be provided at the bottom of the frame body 210 of the pack frame 200. Here, the vent guide portion 230 may have a thickness thinner than the thickness of the bottom of the frame body 210 of the pack frame 200.

[0071] The vent guide portion 230 can be provided in a number corresponding to the number of battery cells 100. Therefore, the vent guide portion 230 can cover all of the vent portions 31 of each battery cell 100.

[0072] The pack frame 200 may be provided as a single-piece plastic frame. The vent guide portion 230 may be formed integrally with the frame body 210 of the pack frame 200. That is, the vent guide portion 230 may be formed integrally (one body) with the frame body 210.

[0073] The vent guide portion 230 may be formed to recess to a predetermined depth from the bottom surface of the frame body 210. This allows the vent guide portion 230 to have a predetermined guide space S in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the pack frame 200. The guide space S may be formed to face the vent portion 31 of the battery cell 100. Such a guide space S can guide directional vents such as gas and flames coming out of the vent portion 31.

[0074] On the other hand, the frame body 210 can have cell support portions 215 formed therein to support the bottom edges of the battery cells 100. Multiple cell support portions 215 may be provided, corresponding to the number of battery cells 100. The cell support portions 215 may be formed to have a predetermined depth from the bottom surface of the frame body 210.

[0075] Such a cell support portion 215 can support the bottom edge of the battery cell 100. For this purpose, the width of the cell support portion 215 may be formed to correspond to the outer diameter of the bottom edge of the battery cell 100.

[0076] The vent guide portion 230 can be recessed to a predetermined depth from the cell support portion 215 to form the guide space S. The vent guide portion 230 may have a width smaller than the bottom edge of the battery cell 100. The vent guide portion 230 may also have a predetermined width that allows the vent portion 31 of the battery cell 100 to be exposed on the guide space S.

[0077] Referring again to Figure 2 and Figures 8 through 10, the battery pack 1 can include a plurality of cooling tubes 300.

[0078] The multiple cooling tubes 300 are for cooling the multiple battery cells 100 and may be arranged between the multiple battery cells 100 at a predetermined length and separated from each other by a predetermined distance.

[0079] The ends of the multiple cooling tubes 300 may be provided with cooling medium inlet / outlet sections 350, which are connected to the external cooling line of the battery pack 1, supply a cooling medium to the inside of the cooling tubes 300, and discharge the cooling medium inside the cooling tubes 300 to the outside.

[0080] The ends of the multiple cooling tubes 300 can be exposed to the outside of the pack frame. Therefore, a simpler and easier connection can be made between the cooling medium inlet / outlet sections 350 provided at the ends of the multiple cooling tubes 300 and the external cooling line.

[0081] Furthermore, the aforementioned pack frame 200 will be examined in more detail.

[0082] The pack frame 200 may include a flange portion 270. The flange portion 270 is for guiding the connection between the battery pack 1 and the automobile V (described later) and between the battery packs 1, and may be provided on at least one side edge of the pack frame 200. Specifically, the flange portion 270 may be provided on at least one side edge of the frame body 210 of the pack frame 200. The flange portion 270 may be formed integrally with the frame body 210 of the pack frame 200. Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the flange portion 270 may be provided integrally with the pack frame 200 (one body) rather than as a separate member.

[0083] Multiple flange portions 270 may be provided. Multiple flange portions 270 may be arranged along both side edges of the pack frame 200 at a predetermined distance apart.

[0084] The pack frame 200 may include tube slits 290. The tube slits 290 are for guiding the ends 350 of the plurality of cooling tubes 300 to extend outside the pack frame 200 and may be provided on one side of the frame body 210.

[0085] Such tube slits 290 can be provided in the shape of a groove formed to a predetermined length along the height direction (Z-axis direction) of one side surface of the frame body 210. The number of tube slits 290 can correspond to the number of cooling tubes 300 and be arranged at a predetermined distance apart from each other.

[0086] Furthermore, considering the battery pack 1, it is possible that the battery pack 1 may include a filling member 400.

[0087] The filling member 400 can be filled into the pack frame 200. Such a filling member 400 can more stably fix the plurality of battery cells 100 and improve the cooling performance of the battery cells 100 by improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the plurality of battery cells 100.

[0088] The filling member 400 may be made of potting resin. The potting resin can be formed by injecting a thin layer of resin material into the battery cells 100 and allowing it to harden. Here, the injection of the resin material can be carried out at room temperature of approximately 15°C to 25°C to prevent thermal damage to the battery cells 100.

[0089] Specifically, the filling member 400 may be made of silicone resin. However, it is not limited to this, and it goes without saying that the filling member 400 may be made of other resin materials that can improve the fixing and heat dissipation efficiency of the battery cell 100, in addition to the silicone resin.

[0090] More specifically, the filling member 400 covers the portion of the battery cell 100 that is not in contact with the cooling tube 300, thereby guiding the thermal equilibrium of the battery cell 100, preventing cooling deviations of the battery cell 100, and thus preventing localized deterioration of the battery cell 100. Through this prevention of localized deterioration of the battery cell 100, the safety of the battery cell 100 can also be significantly improved.

[0091] Furthermore, the filling member 400 can perform an insulating role in preventing current from flowing to adjacent battery cells 100 when damage occurs in at least one specific battery cell 100 among the plurality of battery cells 100 due to an abnormal condition.

[0092] Furthermore, the filling member 400 may include a material having high specific heat performance. This increases the thermal mass of the filling member 400, which slows down the temperature rise of the battery cell 100 and prevents a rapid temperature rise of the battery cell 100, even in situations such as rapid charging and discharging of the battery cell 100.

[0093] Furthermore, the filling member 400 may include glass bubbles. The glass bubbles can reduce the specific gravity of the filling member 400 and increase the energy density relative to its weight.

[0094] Furthermore, the filling member 400 may include a material having high heat resistance. This allows the filling member 400 to effectively prevent thermal runaway to adjacent battery cells when a thermal event such as overheating occurs in at least one specific battery cell 100 among the plurality of battery cells 100.

[0095] Furthermore, the filling member 400 may include a material having high flame retardant properties. This allows the filling member 400 to minimize the risk of fire when a thermal event such as overheating occurs in at least one specific battery cell 100 among the plurality of battery cells 100.

[0096] The following describes a pack frame 205 according to another embodiment of the battery pack 1.

[0097] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating a pack frame according to another embodiment of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] Referring to Figure 11 and Figure 2 above, the pack frame 205 can include a plurality of tube support sections 250.

[0099] Multiple tube support sections 250 are provided at the bottom of the pack frame 205 and can support multiple cooling tubes 300. The vent guide section 230 may be provided between the multiple tube support sections 250.

[0100] Multiple tube support portions 250 are formed to a predetermined length along the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the cooling tube 300 and may have a groove shape having a predetermined depth in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the pack frame 205.

[0101] Thus, in this embodiment, the cooling tube 300 can be more stably fixed and supported within the pack frame 205 through the plurality of tube support portions 250 provided on the pack frame 205.

[0102] Below, we will examine in more detail a heat propagation prevention structure and mechanism for preventing heat propagation to adjacent battery cells 100 due to thermal runaway when a thermal event occurs in the battery pack 1 according to the present embodiment of this invention.

[0103] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating gas discharge from a battery cell when a thermal event occurs in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0104] Referring to Figures 12 and 13, an abnormal situation such as a thermal event due to overheating may occur in at least one specific battery cell 100 of the battery pack 1. At this time, gas G and flames may be generated inside the battery cell 100 where the thermal event occurred. If the gas G and other substances are not quickly discharged, a greater danger such as an explosion of the battery cell 100 may occur. In this embodiment, the gas G can be quickly discharged to the bottom of the battery cell 100 by rupturing or melting the vent portion 31.

[0105] Furthermore, in the case of the battery pack 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the vent guide portion 130, which is positioned opposite the vent portion 31, also ruptures and melts depending on the pressure and / or temperature of the discharged gas G, thereby enabling the gas G and the like to be quickly discharged to the outside of the bottom of the pack frame 200.

[0106] In this case, the guide space S of the vent guide section 130 can guide gases and other substances that have escaped from the bottom of the battery cell 100 in a specific direction of the pack frame 200, in this embodiment, downward (-Z axis direction), thereby guiding more effective directional venting.

[0107] The manufacturing process of the battery pack 1 according to this embodiment of the present invention will be examined in more detail below.

[0108] Figures 14 to 16 are diagrams illustrating the manufacturing process of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0109] Referring to Figure 14, manufacturers can position the cooling tubes 300 between each of the battery cells 100. The manufacturers can then bond the battery cells 100 and the cooling tubes 300 together using an adhesive or the like.

[0110] Referring to Figure 15, the above manufacturers can securely install the multiple battery cells 100 and the multiple cooling tubes 300 within the pack frame 200 so that they are housed within the pack frame 200. In this case, the vents 31 (see Figure 12) provided at the bottom of the multiple battery cells 100 can be positioned on the guide space S (see Figure 12) of the vent guide 130.

[0111] Referring to Figure 16, the above manufacturers can inject the filler 400 into the pack frame 200 using a filler injection device I. Such injection of the filler 400 can be performed after electrical connection via the busbar assembly above the battery cell 100.

[0112] The battery pack 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, by applying the pack frame 200 having an integrated frame structure, can simplify the manufacturing process by reducing the number of manufacturing parts used in the manufacturing process, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and ensuring cost competitiveness.

[0113] The following describes in more detail various embodiments of the present invention.

[0114] Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating gas discharge from battery cells when a thermal event occurs in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0115] Since the battery pack 2 according to this embodiment is similar to the battery pack 1 of the previously described embodiment, redundant explanations of configurations that are substantially the same or similar to those of the previously described embodiment will be omitted, and the following discussion will focus on the differences from the previously described embodiment.

[0116] Referring to Figure 17, the pack frame 500 of the battery pack 2 may include a first frame 510, a second frame 530, a directional vent guide channel 550, and a vent valve 570.

[0117] The first frame 510 can accommodate the battery cell 100. As in the embodiment described above, the first frame 510 can have a cell support portion 512 and a vent guide portion 515 formed at its bottom. The first frame 510 can be filled with the filling member 400.

[0118] The second frame 530 may be provided at the bottom of the first frame 510. Such a second frame 530 may be formed integrally with the first frame 510 or connected as a separate member.

[0119] The directional vent guide channel 550 is formed between the first frame 510 and the second frame 530 and may be provided below the vent guide portion 515 (in the -Z axis direction). Such a directional vent guide channel 550 may be formed to have a predetermined length in a specific direction.

[0120] The vent valve 570 may be provided on the second frame 530 and positioned opposite the directional vent guide passage 550. Such a vent valve 570 may be provided to discharge gas G and the like from the directional vent guide passage 550 to the outside of the second frame 530.

[0121] Referring to Figure 18, when an abnormal situation such as a thermal event occurs in a battery cell 100 of the battery pack 2, gas G and the like inside the battery cell 100 can be guided into the directional vent guide flow path 550 via the vent portion 31 at the bottom of a specific battery cell 100 and the vent guide portion 515 at the bottom of the vent portion 31. Subsequently, the gas G and the like can flow along the directional vent guide flow path 550 and be discharged outside the second frame 530 via the vent valve 570.

[0122] In the case of the battery pack 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs and gas G etc. is discharged from multiple battery cells 100, the gas G etc. discharged from the battery cells 100 can all be guided in a specific direction via the directional vent guide flow path 550 provided at the bottom of the vent guide portion 130 of the battery pack 2, and discharged collectively to the vent valve 570 side.

[0123] Figure 19 is a diagram illustrating a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 20 is a diagram illustrating gas discharge from battery cells when a thermal event occurs in a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0124] Since the battery pack 3 according to this embodiment is similar to the battery pack 1 in the previously described embodiment, redundant explanations of configurations that are substantially the same or similar to those in the previously described embodiment will be omitted, and the following discussion will focus on the differences from the previously described embodiment.

[0125] Referring to Figures 19 and 20, the pack frame 600 of the battery pack 3 may include a first frame 610, a second frame 630, a directional vent guide channel 650, a vent valve 670, and a fire extinguishing unit 690.

[0126] The first frame 610 can be formed with a cell support portion 612 and a vent guide portion 615. Since the cell support portion 612 and the vent guide portion 615 are substantially the same as or similar to the cell support portion 512 and the vent guide portion 515 of the above-described embodiment, redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0127] Since the second frame 630, the directional vent guide channel 650, and the vent valve 670 are substantially identical or similar to the first frame 510, the second frame 530, the directional vent guide channel 550, and the vent valve 570 of the above-described embodiment, redundant explanations will be omitted below.

[0128] The fire extinguishing unit 690 may be provided within the directional vent guide channel 550. Multiple such fire extinguishing units 690 can be provided so that when the thermal event occurs, fire extinguishing material can be injected into the directional vent guide channel 550.

[0129] Therefore, in the battery pack 3 according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the thermal event occurs, it is possible to suppress fires and other incidents together with a vent guide such as gas G.

[0130] Figure 21 is a diagram illustrating an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0131] Referring to Figure 21, an automobile V according to one embodiment of the present invention may include at least one of the battery packs 1, 2, and 3 described above. In addition, an automobile V according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include various other components included in the automobile, in addition to such battery packs 1, 2, and 3. For example, an automobile V according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a vehicle body, a motor, an ECU (electronic control unit) or other control devices, in addition to the battery packs 1, 2, and 3 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0132] Furthermore, it goes without saying that battery packs 1, 2, and 3 according to one embodiment of the present invention can be installed not only in the automobile V, but also in other devices, equipment, and facilities such as energy storage systems that use secondary batteries.

[0133] Through the various embodiments described above, it is possible to provide battery packs 1, 2, and 3, and an automobile V including them, that can prevent heat propagation to adjacent battery cells 100 when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 100.

[0134] Furthermore, through the various embodiments described above, it is possible to provide battery packs 1, 2, and 3, and an automobile V including them, which can simplify the manufacturing process and reduce manufacturing costs.

[0135] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and variations are possible within the equivalent scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the claims described below by persons with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0136] 1, 2, 3 Battery Packs 31 Vent section 100 battery cells 200 Pack Frame 230 Vent guide section

Claims

1. Multiple battery cells with vents, A pack frame that houses multiple battery cells and has vent guides provided in the portions corresponding to the vents of the multiple battery cells, A battery pack, including the battery pack.

2. The aforementioned vent guide section is The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the pack frame is formed to be thinner than the rest of the pack so that it can be fractured or melted at a predetermined pressure and / or a predetermined temperature or higher.

3. The aforementioned vent section is, Provided at the bottom of multiple battery cells, The aforementioned vent guide section is The battery pack according to claim 1, provided at the bottom of the pack frame.

4. The aforementioned vent guide section is The battery pack according to claim 1, having a thickness thinner than the thickness of the bottom of the pack frame.

5. The aforementioned vent guide section is The battery pack according to claim 1, provided in a number corresponding to the number of the multiple battery cells.

6. The aforementioned pack frame is The battery pack according to claim 1, provided as an integrated plastic frame.

7. The aforementioned vent guide section is The battery pack according to claim 1, which is integrally formed with the pack frame.

8. The aforementioned vent guide section is The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein a notch is provided in the bottom of the pack frame.

9. It includes a plurality of cooling tubes arranged between a plurality of battery cells for a predetermined length and spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, The aforementioned pack frame includes: The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of tube support portions for supporting a plurality of the cooling tubes.

10. The aforementioned vent guide section is The battery pack according to claim 9, provided between a plurality of tube support portions.

11. Multiple tube support parts are, The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein the cooling tube has a groove shape formed to a predetermined length and having a predetermined depth along the longitudinal direction.

12. At the ends of the multiple cooling tubes, The battery pack is connected to an external cooling line, and a cooling medium inlet / outlet section is provided for supplying a cooling medium to the inside of the cooling tube and for discharging the cooling medium from inside the cooling tube to the outside. The ends of the multiple cooling tubes are The battery pack according to claim 9, which is exposed to the outside of the pack frame.

13. At least one side edge of the pack frame, The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein at least one flange portion is integrally formed.

14. The flange portion is Multiple facilities are provided, The multiple flange portions are, The battery pack according to claim 13, wherein the battery pack is provided so as to be spaced apart by a predetermined distance along both side edges of the pack frame.

15. An automobile comprising at least one battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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