Battery pack and automobile including said battery pack

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a battery pack comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a pack case configured to house the plurality of battery cells, the pack case having a vent device on one side configured to discharge vent gas generated by the battery cells to the outside; and a fire extinguishing member provided in the pack case and configured to provide a fire extinguishing substance to the vent device side.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0084842 filed on June 27, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of that application are incorporated herein by reference. [Background Art]

[0003] Secondary batteries, which have high applicability for each product group and electrical characteristics such as high energy density, are generally applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles (EVs) driven by an electric drive source, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and the like. Such secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for improving energy efficiency, since they are environmentally friendly in that they not only have the primary advantage of dramatically reducing the use of fossil fuels, but also produce no by-products from energy use.

[0004] Currently, secondary batteries such as lithium ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel cadmium batteries, nickel metal hydride batteries, and nickel zinc batteries are widely used. When a high output voltage is required, a plurality of battery cells are connected in series to constitute a battery module or a battery pack. In addition, in order to increase charge and discharge capacity, a plurality of battery cells may be connected in parallel to constitute a battery module or a battery pack.

[0005] When configuring a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel, the common method is to first create a battery module containing at least one battery cell, and then add other components to this at least one battery module to form a battery pack or battery rack. Alternatively, in recent years, cell-to-pack battery packs have also been manufactured, in which multiple battery cells are not modularized but directly housed in a pack housing or similar structure.

[0006] However, if a thermal event such as a thermal runaway occurs inside the battery pack, gas may be ejected from the battery cells inside, and such gas may contain flames or other substances. Also, when gas is ejected from the battery cells, the electrode plates and active material particles inside the battery cells are generally heated to high temperatures and expelled to the outside, and these high-temperature particles may appear in the form of sparks.

[0007] In conventional battery packs, when an abnormal condition occurs in a specific battery cell or battery module, high-temperature gases are often expelled from the pack case through a vent provided in the pack case. If sparks are expelled along with the gas from the pack case at this time, they may react with oxygen outside the battery pack, potentially causing flames or a fire outside the battery pack. Furthermore, if flames or a fire occur outside a particular battery pack, the fire may spread to other adjacent battery packs or the equipment to which the battery pack is attached, potentially causing even bigger problems.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for technology that prevents sparks, flames, etc., from being exposed to the outside of the battery pack through the vents, thereby suppressing the occurrence or spread of flames or fires outside the battery pack. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] Therefore, the problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a battery pack and an automobile including the battery pack that can guarantee safety and reliability in the event of abnormal conditions of battery cells or battery modules.

[0010] However, the problems that this invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following explanation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] To solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention provides a battery pack comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a pack case configured to house the plurality of battery cells, the pack case having a vent device on one side configured to discharge vent gas generated by the battery cells to the outside; and a fire extinguishing member provided in the pack case and configured to provide a fire extinguishing substance to the vent device side.

[0012] The fire extinguishing member may be configured to absorb heat and change the phase of the substance.

[0013] The fire extinguishing member may be configured to surround the outer periphery of the vent device.

[0014] The fire extinguishing member may be provided on the inner surface of the pack case.

[0015] The pack case comprises a plurality of beams with hollows formed inside, and the fire extinguishing member may be provided in the hollow formed in any one of the plurality of beams.

[0016] The fire extinguishing material generated by the fire extinguishing member may be configured to move from the hollow space towards the vent device.

[0017] The pack case may be provided with a discharge hole configured to communicate with the hollow space and discharge the fire extinguishing material generated by the fire extinguishing member.

[0018] The discharge hole may be provided in any one of the plurality of beams.

[0019] The discharge holes may be provided in the beam on which the venting device is installed.

[0020] The discharge port may be configured so that the fire extinguishing material is discharged across the vent device.

[0021] The discharge port may be configured to discharge the fire extinguishing material along the height direction of the vent device.

[0022] Multiple discharge holes may be arranged along the width direction of the vent device.

[0023] Furthermore, a battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention may further include a cover member configured to cover the discharge hole and melt due to heat to open the discharge hole.

[0024] Another aspect of the present invention provides an automobile including a battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to one aspect of the present invention, the fire extinguishing material, such as carbon dioxide, generated by the sublimation of the fire extinguishing member prevents sparks generated during abnormal battery cell conditions from being exposed to the outside of the pack case, thereby suppressing the generation of flames outside the pack case. Therefore, the safety and reliability of the battery pack can be guaranteed.

[0026] Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, the fire extinguishing member is configured to reduce the temperature on the vent device side by absorbing surrounding heat while sublimating. This makes it possible to induce the extinction of sparks heading toward the vent device. Accordingly, sparks discharged to the outside of the pack case 200 can be fundamentally blocked.

[0027] Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, when an event such as thermal runaway of a battery pack occurs, flames or fires can be extinguished by such a fire extinguishing substance. Therefore, a chain reaction between battery cells can be more effectively suppressed.

[0028] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, the performance of preventing thermal propagation on a pack basis can be effectively ensured by suppressing the development of flames outside the battery pack.

[0029] Accordingly, events caused by thermal runaway phenomena in a battery pack including a plurality of battery modules or a device mounted with these battery modules, such as fires and explosions, can be prevented or delayed.

[0030] Particularly, in the case of electric vehicles, by suppressing or delaying the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells or between battery modules, sufficient time for passengers to escape or sufficient operable time can be secured.

[0031] In addition, the present invention can provide various other effects. These effects will be described in each embodiment, but descriptions of effects that can be easily analogized by those skilled in the art will be omitted.

[0032] The following drawings attached to the present specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention, and are intended to facilitate a better understanding of 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 what is described in the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing an overall battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of a disassembled battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of a battery module included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows how a fire extinguishing substance is supplied to the vent device side of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing the inside of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, illustrating an embodiment in which a fire extinguishing substance is provided to the vent device side. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing the inside of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, illustrating an embodiment in which a fire extinguishing substance is provided to the vent device side. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional perspective view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. For example, Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' in Figure 1. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. For example, Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view along line II-II' in Figure 1. [Figure 9] This figure illustrates an embodiment of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention, in which a fire extinguishing substance is provided to the vent device side. [Figure 10] This is a diagram illustrating an ejection port in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a diagram illustrating an ejection port in a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a diagram illustrating an ejection port in a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13]This is a diagram illustrating an ejection port in a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This figure illustrates an embodiment of a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, in which a fire extinguishing substance is provided to the vent device side. [Figure 15] This is a diagram illustrating an ejection port in a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This figure illustrates an embodiment of a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, in which a fire extinguishing substance is provided from an exhaust port when a thermal event occurs. [Figure 17] This figure illustrates a cover member in a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] This is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below. [Figure 19] This is a schematic perspective view of an automobile containing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] 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 a manner limited to their general and dictionary meanings, but in accordance with the principle that inventors themselves may appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe their invention, and shall be interpreted in a manner and concept corresponding to the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0035] Therefore, the embodiments and illustrated configurations described herein represent only one of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the invention. It should be understood that there are various equivalents and modifications that can substitute for them at the time of filing this application.

[0036] Furthermore, the present invention includes a variety of embodiments. In each embodiment, redundant explanations of substantially identical or similar configurations will be omitted, and the focus will be on the differences.

[0037] On the other hand, while terms such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used in this specification to indicate direction, these terms are used for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that they can change depending on the position of the object being examined, the position of the observer, etc.

[0038] For example, in embodiments of the present invention, the illustrated X-axis direction may mean the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction may mean the front-back direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction on the horizontal plane (XY plane), and the Z-axis direction may mean the up-down direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0039] Figure 1 is an overall perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 is a perspective view of a battery module included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 4 is a diagram showing how fire extinguishing material is supplied to the vent device side included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, a battery pack 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell 100 and a pack case 200.

[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] Multiple battery cells 100 can be stacked in at least one direction. For example, as shown in Figure 2, multiple battery cells 100 can be arranged in a front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) while standing upright in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

[0043] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the battery cell 100 may be a pouch-type rechargeable battery. However, the present invention is not limited by the specific type or form of the battery cell 100, and a variety of battery cells 100 known at the time of filing of the present invention may be used to constitute the battery pack 1 of the present invention. For example, cylindrical rechargeable batteries or prismatic rechargeable batteries can, of course, be used as the battery cell 100.

[0044] Such multiple battery cells 100 can be modularized as one or more battery modules 10. That is, the battery pack 1 according to the present invention includes multiple battery modules 10, and the multiple battery cells 100 included in the battery pack 1 can be divided and included in the multiple battery modules 10. In this case, the multiple battery cells 100 included in the battery modules 10 can be electrically connected to each other.

[0045] On the other hand, referring to Figure 3, the battery module 10 included in the battery pack 1 according to the present invention may further include a module case 11. The module case 11 may be configured to have an open space formed inside, and to house at least a portion of the plurality of battery cells 100 in this internal space. In particular, the module case 11 may be configured to house the battery cells 100. That is, the module case 11 may group the plurality of battery cells 100 into several battery modules 10 and become a boundary that physically limits the internal space of each battery module 10.

[0046] Although not shown in the illustration, the battery module 10 may also include a busbar assembly and / or module terminals electrically connected to a plurality of battery cells 100 housed inside.

[0047] The battery module 10 may include vent holes H. The vent holes H may be configured to allow gas generated by the battery cells 100 housed inside the module case 11 to be discharged to the outside of the module case 11.

[0048] Specifically, the vent holes H are provided in the module case 11 to enable directional venting in a specific direction. For example, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, the vent holes H may be located at the top of the module case 11. According to this embodiment, vent gas and / or sparks can be guided to be discharged upwards from the battery module.

[0049] The pack case 200 may be configured to house a plurality of battery cells 100. The pack case 200 may be box-shaped and include a plurality of frames. The pack case 200 may be made of, or may include, a material that can ensure mechanical rigidity, such as steel or stainless steel (SUS), or plastic, in order to safely protect the battery cells 100 and the like housed inside.

[0050] The pack case 200 may have a vent device V on one side. The vent device V may be provided on the side of the pack case 200. The vent device V may be configured to discharge gas generated in the battery cell 100 to the outside of the pack case 200. The vent device V may be configured to be released by the pressure of the vent gas when vent gas is generated inside the pack case 200 and the internal pressure rises, thereby discharging the vent gas to the outside of the pack case 200.

[0051] The vent device V may be configured to open and close according to the internal pressure of the pack case 200. The vent device V may be configured in the form of a hole, or it may be equipped with or implemented as a venting valve. A mounting portion A may be formed in the pack case 200. The mounting portion A may be configured to which the vent device V can be attached. If the vent device V is equipped with or implemented as a venting valve, it may be configured so that when the internal pressure of the pack case 200 rises, the venting valve opens and the vent gas is discharged to the outside of the pack case 200.

[0052] On the other hand, the present invention is not limited by the specific type or form of the vent device V, and various vent devices V known at the time of filing of the present invention can be used to constitute the battery pack 1 of the present invention.

[0053] Multiple vent devices V may be provided. Vent devices V may be provided on at least one of the multiple beams. Vent devices V may be formed separately on two or more beams, or two or more may be formed on a single beam.

[0054] On the other hand, the number and position of the vent devices V described based on the embodiment in Figure 2 are merely examples, and it goes without saying that they can be changed to a variety of numbers and positions.

[0055] Referring to Figure 4, the fire extinguishing member 300 may be configured to provide a fire extinguishing substance E. Specifically, the fire extinguishing member 300 may be configured to provide the fire extinguishing substance E on the vent device V side. The fire extinguishing member 300 may be configured to eject the fire extinguishing substance E towards the vent device V side. The fire extinguishing member 300 may be configured to spray the fire extinguishing substance E towards the vent device V side. Alternatively, the fire extinguishing substance E provided from the fire extinguishing member 300 may be configured to move towards the vent device V side.

[0056] On the other hand, the fire extinguishing member 300 may be provided in the pack case 200. The position of such a fire extinguishing member 300 will be described later.

[0057] The extinguishing substance E may be a gas. For example, the extinguishing substance E may be carbon dioxide or may contain carbon dioxide. Such carbon dioxide is an extinguishing substance that can suppress or extinguish flames. Therefore, according to this embodiment, when an event such as thermal runaway occurs, carbon dioxide can actively respond to vent gas or flames.

[0058] According to this embodiment, by providing a fire extinguishing member 300 configured to supply fire extinguishing material E to the vent device V side, the oxygen concentration on the vent device V side can be reduced. This suppresses the generation of flames inside or outside the battery pack 1. Furthermore, even if flames or a fire occur, the fire extinguishing material E can suppress the flames or fire. This ensures the safety and reliability of the battery pack 1.

[0059] Furthermore, the vent gas generated in the battery cell 100 may contain high-temperature particles, such as active material particles and electrolyte, in the form of sparks. In particular, highly directional sparks and flames can be discharged from the battery cell 100 and travel to the vent device V. If these sparks or flames are discharged outside the pack case 200 through the vent device V, there is a risk of fire or explosion.

[0060] However, according to this embodiment, the fire extinguishing material E can be configured to filter such sparks and / or flames. The fire extinguishing material E can block sparks and flames directed towards the vent device V from being discharged to the outside of the pack case 200. This can suppress the generation of flames outside the battery pack 1.

[0061] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the fire extinguishing member 300 can absorb heat from the vent gas, thereby lowering the temperature of the high-temperature vent gas and active material particles. In addition, the fire extinguishing member 300 can be configured to lower the temperature on the vent device V side during the process of generating the fire extinguishing material E. This can induce the extinguishing of sparks directed toward the vent device V. As a result, sparks discharged to the outside of the pack case 200 can be fundamentally blocked.

[0062] The fire extinguishing member 300 may be configured to absorb heat and change the phase of the substance. For example, the fire extinguishing member 300 may comprise or consist of a substance that changes its state, such as through sublimation, or generates a fire extinguishing substance E through a chemical reaction process, at room temperature or in an environment above a certain temperature. The fire extinguishing member 300 is solid at room temperature and can change into a gas when it absorbs heat and reaches a certain temperature or higher.

[0063] The fire extinguishing member 300 may be configured to generate carbon dioxide (CO2). The fire extinguishing member 300 may contain a substance that generates carbon dioxide under specific conditions. The fire extinguishing member 300 may contain a substance capable of generating carbon dioxide through combustion reactions such as heat or flames. The carbon dioxide thus generated by the fire extinguishing member 300 may be supplied to the vicinity of the vent device V.

[0064] Furthermore, the fire extinguishing component 300 may include a substance that generates water or steam under specific circumstances. In addition, the fire extinguishing component 300 may include a substance that generates carbon dioxide and water through a thermal decomposition reaction.

[0065] In this case, the water or steam generated by the fire extinguishing component 300 acts as a fire extinguishing substance, further improving the effect of suppressing the emission of flames and sparks, or the effect of lowering the temperature of the vent device V, etc.

[0066] For example, the fire extinguishing component 300 may contain naphthalene. The naphthalene contained in the fire extinguishing component 300 produces carbon dioxide and water through a combustion reaction. In particular, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs in the battery module 10 and flames are generated and flow into the vent device V, the flames may cause a combustion reaction with the naphthalene. In this case, the naphthalene reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water.

[0067] As another example, the fire extinguishing component 300 may be equipped with potassium bicarbonate or sodium bicarbonate. Typically, potassium bicarbonate produces carbon dioxide and water (water vapor) through the following thermal decomposition reaction.

[0068] 2KHCO3 → K2CO3 + H2O + CO2 - Q In other words, if the fire extinguishing component 300 contains potassium bicarbonate, the potassium bicarbonate absorbs heat (Q) and, together with K2CO3, generates water vapor (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2).

[0069] According to this embodiment, sparks and fires can be suppressed more quickly and reliably by carbon dioxide and / or water generated by the fire extinguishing member 300 during thermal runaway. In this case, the temperature of vent gases and high-temperature substances can be lowered by water, etc. Furthermore, water vapor, etc., can also have the effect of hindering the straight-line movement of fires and particles, thereby suppressing the discharge of fires and particles to the outside.

[0070] The fire extinguishing member 300 may consist solely of a substance such as naphthalene or potassium bicarbonate, or it may further include other substances or components along with such substances. For example, the fire extinguishing member 300 may be composed of compressed powder of naphthalene or potassium bicarbonate. Alternatively, the fire extinguishing member 300 may be composed of such carbon dioxide and / or water vapor generating material supported by a separate support. For example, the fire extinguishing member 300 may be composed of potassium bicarbonate or naphthalene supported on a mesh-like support made of metal or polymer material.

[0071] The following section will describe in detail the location where the fire extinguishing component 300 is installed.

[0072] Figures 5 and 6 are perspective views showing the inside of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, illustrating an embodiment in which a fire extinguishing substance is provided to the vent device side.

[0073] As one embodiment in which the fire extinguishing material E is provided to the vent device V, the fire extinguishing member 300 may be provided on one surface of the pack case 200 on which the vent device V is installed, as shown in Figure 5. The fire extinguishing member 300 may be configured to adhere to one surface of the pack case 200. Alternatively, the fire extinguishing member 300 may be applied to one surface of the pack case 200.

[0074] In particular, the fire extinguishing member 300 may be configured to surround the outer periphery of the vent device V. The fire extinguishing member 300 may be configured to surround the outer periphery of the mounting portion A. As shown in Figure 5, the fire extinguishing member 300 is configured to surround the outer periphery of the vent device V in a solid state, and as shown in Figure 6, it can absorb heat and sublimate to generate a gaseous fire extinguishing substance E.

[0075] The fire extinguishing member 300 may be in the shape of a plate. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the fire extinguishing member 300 may be in the shape of a hollow rectangular plate.

[0076] According to this embodiment, the fire extinguishing member 300 can absorb heat from around the vent device V during its sublimation process, thereby lowering its temperature. This can induce the extinguishing of sparks directed toward the vent device V.

[0077] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the fire extinguishing material E is ejected towards the vent device V, thereby preventing sparks, flames, etc. directed towards the vent device V from being discharged outside the pack case 200. This suppresses the generation of flames outside the battery pack 1.

[0078] The fire extinguishing member 300 may be provided on the inner surface of the pack case 200. Specifically, sparks and / or flames generated in the battery cells 100 move to the vent device V. That is, a vent path can be formed between the multiple battery cells 100 and the vent device V through which the sparks and / or flames flow. In this case, the fire extinguishing member 300 may be provided so as to cross the vent path and be configured to suppress the movement of sparks and the like.

[0079] According to this embodiment, since the sparks and / or flames ejected from the battery cell 100 are interrupted before they reach the vent device V, the discharge of sparks to the outside is prevented, and the generation of flames outside the pack case 200 can be suppressed even more effectively.

[0080] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. For example, Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along line I-I' in Figure 1. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. For example, Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view along line II-II' in Figure 1. Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment in which a fire extinguishing substance is provided to the vent device side in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] On the other hand, referring to Figures 2, 7, and 8, the pack case 200 may comprise multiple frames and multiple beams. More specifically, the pack case 200 may include a base frame 210 and multiple side beams 220.

[0082] The base frame 210 may be configured to support multiple battery modules 10. The base frame 210 forms the bottom surface of the pack case 200 and may be in the shape of a rectangular plate. The base frame 210 may also have a flat top surface and be provided to stably support the battery modules 10.

[0083] Multiple side beams 220 may extend upward from each side of the base frame 210. Multiple side beams 220 may be arranged to surround multiple battery modules 10. More specifically, each of the multiple side beams 220 may form a side of the pack case 200, comprising a right-side wall located at the +X end of the base frame 210, a rear-side wall located at the +Y end, a left-side wall located at the -X end, and a front-side wall located at the -Y end.

[0084] Furthermore, vent devices V may be provided on at least a portion of the side beam 220. For example, as shown in Figure 8, two vent devices V may be provided on the front wall and two on the rear wall of the side beam 220.

[0085] On the other hand, the pack case 200 may further include a center beam 230 and a cross beam 240. The center beam 230 and the cross beam 240 may be provided to partition the spaces between a plurality of battery modules 10. For example, the center beam 230 may be formed in the form of a partition wall that extends long in the front-rear direction and interposed between battery modules 10 that are adjacent to each other in the left-right direction. Similarly, the cross beam 240 may be formed in the form of a partition wall that extends long in the left-right direction and interposed between battery modules 10 that are adjacent to each other in the front-rear direction. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the center beam 230 and the cross beam 240 may partition the plurality of battery modules 10 into a 4x2 arrangement.

[0086] According to this embodiment, the storage space is separated by the center beam 230 and the cross beam 240, which prevents heat and flames from directly transferring between the battery modules 10.

[0087] On the other hand, the pack case 200 may further include a cover frame 250. The cover frame 250 may be configured to cover the tops of a plurality of battery modules 10. The cover frame 250 may be provided to form the top surface of the pack case 200. The cover frame 250 may be coupled to the side beam 220. Alternatively, the cover frame 250 may be provided integrated with the side beam 220.

[0088] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, at least some of the multiple beams of the pack case 200 may have hollows formed inside. For example, the center beam 230 may have a first hollow S1 inside. Also, at least some of the multiple side beams 220 may have a second hollow S2. As shown in Figure 8, the second hollow S2 may be formed in all four walls of the side beam 220. In this case, the first hollow S1 and the second hollow S2 may be configured to communicate with each other.

[0089] In such cases, as another embodiment in which the fire extinguishing material E is provided to the vent device V side, the fire extinguishing member 300 may be provided in a hollow formed in one of the multiple beams, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. For example, the fire extinguishing member 300 may be provided in at least one of the first hollow S1 and the second hollow S2. The fire extinguishing member 300 may be configured in a form that extends long along the extending direction of the side beam 220 and / or center beam 230. The fire extinguishing member 300 may be configured in a plate shape.

[0090] In particular, the fire extinguishing member 300 may be provided in the first hollow S1 inside the center beam 230. According to this embodiment, since more heat is applied to the first hollow S1 which is directly facing the battery cell 100, the fire extinguishing member 300 can absorb the heat and sublimate rapidly to generate the fire extinguishing material E.

[0091] The fire extinguishing material E generated by the fire extinguishing member 300 may be configured to move from the hollow space towards the vent device V.

[0092] For example, if the fire extinguishing member 300 is provided in the second hollow S2, the fire extinguishing material E can move straight from the second hollow S2 towards the vent device V. The vent device V may be provided so as to communicate with the second hollow S2 formed in the side beam 220. This allows the fire extinguishing material E in the second hollow S2 to move through the vent device V.

[0093] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 8, if the fire extinguishing member 300 is installed in the first hollow S1 of the center beam 230, the fire extinguishing material E may move from the first hollow S1 to the second hollow S2, and then to the vent device V installed in the side beam 220 (see the thick arrow in Figure 9).

[0094] According to this embodiment, the fire extinguishing member 300 inside the center beam 230 absorbs heat from the vent gas inside the pack case 200 during the sublimation process, thereby lowering the temperature of the high-temperature vent gas and active material particles. As a result, the temperature inside the battery pack 1 is lowered, preventing heat buildup and suppressing thermal runaway of the battery pack 1.

[0095] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the extinguishing substance E moves to the vent device V side, which reduces the oxygen concentration on the vent device V side. This suppresses the generation of flames inside or outside the battery pack 1.

[0096] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the discharge port in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figures 11 and 12 are diagrams illustrating the discharge port in yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] Referring to Figures 10 to 12, the process by which the fire extinguishing material E generated by the fire extinguishing member 300 is discharged to the vent device V will be explained in detail.

[0098] The first hollow S1 and the second hollow S2 may be configured to communicate directly or indirectly with the vent device V. More specifically, the pack case 200 may be provided with an exhaust port H. The exhaust port H may be provided in any one of the multiple beams. In particular, the exhaust port H may be provided in the beam on which the vent device V is provided. For example, if the vent device V is provided in the side beam 220, the exhaust port H may be provided in the side beam 220. The exhaust port H may be configured to communicate with the first hollow S1 and the second hollow S2.

[0099] The discharge port H may be configured to discharge the fire extinguishing material E generated by the fire extinguishing member 300. In particular, the discharge port H may be configured to discharge the fire extinguishing material E towards the vent device V.

[0100] The discharge port H may be in the form of a hole that penetrates the pack case 200. Alternatively, the discharge port H may be in the form of a nozzle that protrudes outward from the pack case 200.

[0101] According to this embodiment, the extinguishing substance E is discharged directly to the vent device V, reducing the oxygen concentration on the vent device V side. This suppresses the generation of flames inside or outside the battery pack 1. Furthermore, even if flames or a fire do occur, the extinguishing substance E can suppress them. This ensures the safety and reliability of the battery pack 1.

[0102] The discharge port H may be configured to allow the fire extinguishing material E to be discharged across the vent device V. The fire extinguishing material E discharged from the discharge port H can function as an air curtain. That is, the strong pressure of the fire extinguishing material E discharged from the discharge port H can block the movement of sparks, flames, etc., between the inside and outside of the vent device V.

[0103] The discharge hole H may be provided on the outer periphery of the vent device V. The discharge hole H may be provided on the outside of the mounting portion A. Alternatively, the discharge hole H may be provided on the inner surface of the pack case 200. The side beam 220 may be configured in a form in which the inner surface is recessed inward; in this case, the discharge hole H may be provided in the recessed portion of the side beam 220.

[0104] According to this embodiment, the spark's flow direction can be altered by the strong pressure of the fire extinguishing material E before it is discharged to the vent device V. In this process, the discharge of sparks and other materials that were heading towards the vent device V along with the vent gas is suppressed. This further effectively suppresses the generation of flames outside the battery pack 1.

[0105] The discharge port H may be configured to discharge the fire extinguishing material E along the width direction of the vent device V. The discharge port H may be located on either the left or right side of the vent device V. For example, the discharge port H may be located on both the left and right sides of the vent device V, and positioned alternately. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 10, the discharge port H may be located on the right side of the vent device V.

[0106] Alternatively, the discharge port H may be configured to discharge the fire extinguishing material E along the height direction of the vent device V. The discharge port H may be located either at the top or bottom of the vent device V. For example, the discharge port H may be located at the top and bottom of the vent device V and arranged in alternating positions. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 11, the discharge port H may be located at the bottom of the vent device V.

[0107] In particular, as shown in Figure 12, the discharge port H may be located at the top of the vent device V. This allows the fire extinguishing material E to be strongly discharged in the direction of gravity, blocking sparks and other hazards directed toward the vent device V (see the dotted arrow in Figure 12).

[0108] Specifically, the vent gas and sparks discharged from the battery cell 100 are at a high temperature and have a strong upward tendency. Therefore, as in this embodiment, when the discharge hole H is provided at the top of the vent device V, the highly directional sparks will inevitably collide with the discharged fire extinguishing material E, thereby more reliably suppressing the discharge of sparks to the outside.

[0109] Multiple discharge holes H may be provided. Multiple discharge holes H may be arranged along the width direction of the vent device V. That is, multiple discharge holes H may be arranged along the extending direction of the side beam 220. According to this embodiment, since the fire extinguishing material E can cover the entire surface of the vent device V, sparks can be more reliably blocked from heading toward the vent device V.

[0110] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating the discharge port in a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] Referring to Figure 13, the discharge port H may be configured to discharge the fire extinguishing material E toward the inside of the pack case 200. For example, the nozzle with the discharge port H may be configured to be inclined toward the inside of the pack case 200.

[0112] According to this embodiment, when a fire extinguishing material E, such as carbon dioxide or water, is generated by the fire extinguishing member 300, the fire extinguishing material E can be sprayed towards the inside of the pack case 200, as indicated by the arrows in Figure 13. In other words, the fire extinguishing material E can be sprayed directly against sparks, flames, etc., directed toward the vent device V. Therefore, the fire extinguishing effect of the fire extinguishing material E is further improved.

[0113] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, vent gas can be directed towards the vent device V through the opposite side where the exhaust hole H is provided. As a result, the vent gas is smoothly discharged to the outside of the pack case 200 through the vent device V. Therefore, the internal pressure of the pack case 200 is reduced, which prevents thermal runaway inside the battery pack 1.

[0114] Figure 14 illustrates an embodiment of a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention in which a fire extinguishing substance is provided to the vent device side. Figure 15 illustrates an exhaust port in a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 16 illustrates an embodiment of a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention in which a fire extinguishing substance is provided from the exhaust port when a thermal event occurs.

[0115] Referring to Figure 14, a third hollow S3 may be formed inside the crossbeam 240. The third hollow S3 may be configured to communicate directly with the first hollow S1. Alternatively, the third hollow S3 may be configured to communicate indirectly with the second hollow S2. In such a case, although not shown, a fire extinguishing member 300 may also be provided in the third hollow S3.

[0116] In this case, if the fire extinguishing member 300 is provided in the first hollow S1 of the center beam 230, the fire extinguishing material E is generated in the fire extinguishing member 300 provided in the first hollow S1 and can move from the first hollow S1 to the second hollow S2 and / or the third hollow S3 (see the thick arrow in Figure 14).

[0117] Referring also to Figures 15 and 16, the discharge hole H may be provided in any one of the cross beam 240, the center beam 230, and the side beam 220. The discharge hole H may be configured to communicate with the first hollow S1, the second hollow S2, and the third hollow S3.

[0118] As a result, when a thermal event occurs in a battery module 10, the fire extinguishing material E can be discharged to the battery module 10 side through an exhaust hole H provided in any one of the first hollow S1, second hollow S2, and third hollow S3 (see the thick arrow in Figure 16).

[0119] According to this embodiment, when a thermal event occurs in the battery module 10, the fire extinguishing material E discharged from the exhaust holes H formed in the multiple beams surrounding the battery module 10 is directly injected towards the battery module 10, thereby controlling the thermal event in the battery module 10. As a result, the heat from vent gas and flames generated in the battery cell 100 is rapidly cooled, and thermal runaway of the battery module 10 can be suppressed.

[0120] Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating a cover member in a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below.

[0121] On the other hand, referring to Figures 17 and 18, a battery pack 1 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention may further include a cover member 400. The cover member 400 may be configured to cover the discharge hole H. The cover member 400 may also be configured to open the discharge hole H in the event of thermal runaway.

[0122] For example, the cover member 400 may be composed of a phase change material (PCM). A phase change material is a substance that, in the process of changing phase from solid to liquid, liquid to gas, or vice versa at a specific temperature (phase change temperature), can store or release a large amount of thermal energy (latent heat) without inducing a change in temperature.

[0123] The cover member 400 can absorb heat from the battery cell 100 using an endothermic reaction. For example, the cover member 400 may be a material configured to be in a solid state and to change into a liquid or gaseous state when heat is transferred from the battery cell 100.

[0124] According to this embodiment, the cover member 400 normally blocks the discharge hole H, preventing vent gas and other substances from flowing into the second hollow S2 of the side beam 220 through the discharge hole H. When a thermal event occurs in the battery pack 1, the cover member 400 opens the discharge hole H, allowing the fire extinguishing material E to be discharged through the discharge hole H. As a result, according to this embodiment, sparks directed toward the vent device V can be blocked, reducing the oxygen concentration around the vent device V and suppressing the occurrence of flames or fire.

[0125] Figure 19 is a schematic perspective view of an automobile containing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0126] Referring to Figure 19, an automobile 3 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. An automobile 3 according to one embodiment of the present invention may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The automobile 3 may include four-wheeled vehicles and two-wheeled vehicles. The automobile 3 operates by receiving power from a battery pack 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0127] As described above, the present invention has been explained with limited embodiments and drawings, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited thereto, and that various modifications and variations are possible within the equivalent scope of the technical idea and claims of the present invention by persons with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs.

Claims

1. Multiple battery cells, A pack case configured to house a plurality of the aforementioned battery cells, wherein a vent device is provided on one side of the pack case configured to discharge vent gas generated by the battery cells to the outside, A battery pack comprising: a fire extinguishing member provided in the pack case and configured to provide a fire extinguishing substance to the vent device side.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the fire extinguishing member is configured to absorb heat and change the phase of the substance.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the fire extinguishing member is configured to surround the outer periphery of the vent device.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the fire extinguishing member is provided on the inner surface of the pack case.

5. The aforementioned pack case comprises multiple beams that form a hollow inside, The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the fire extinguishing member is provided in a hollow formed in any one of the plurality of beams.

6. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein the fire extinguishing material generated by the fire extinguishing member is configured to move from the hollow to the vent device side.

7. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein the pack case is provided with a discharge hole configured to communicate with the hollow space and discharge the fire extinguishing material generated by the fire extinguishing member.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein the discharge hole is provided in any one of the plurality of beams.

9. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein the discharge hole is provided in the beam on which the vent device is provided.

10. The battery pack according to claim 8, wherein the discharge hole is configured so that the fire extinguishing material is discharged across the vent device.

11. The battery pack according to claim 8, wherein the discharge hole is configured to discharge the fire extinguishing material along the height direction of the vent device.

12. The battery pack according to claim 10, wherein the discharge holes are arranged in a plurality along the width direction of the vent device.

13. The battery pack according to claim 7, further comprising a cover member configured to cover the discharge hole and to melt by heat to open the discharge hole.

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

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