Battery pack and device including same

Abstract

A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of battery modules, a pack frame that houses the plurality of battery modules, end plates that cover open front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack, and a blocking member located between the pack frame and the end plates, the blocking member including a frame member, an opening formed by the frame member, and a blocking plate that covers the opening, the blocking plate moving in a specific direction to open and close the opening.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Cross-references to related applications This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0065587 filed on May 27, 2022 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0066280 filed on May 23, 2023, and all contents disclosed in the documents of said Korean patent applications are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery pack and a device including the same, and more particularly to a battery pack and a device having improved safety. [Background technology]

[0003] As technological development and demand for mobile devices increases, the demand for secondary batteries as an energy source is rapidly increasing. In particular, secondary batteries are attracting much attention not only for mobile devices such as mobile phones, digital cameras, laptops, and wearable devices, but also as energy sources for power devices such as electric bicycles, electric cars, and hybrid electric cars.

[0004] Meanwhile, in recent years, as the need for large capacity structures, including use as an energy storage source, has increased, the demand for a number of battery modules in which a number of secondary batteries are connected in series and / or parallel, and for battery packs with a multi-module structure in which the battery modules are assembled, has also increased.

[0005] In addition, when constructing a battery pack by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series / parallel, a common method is to first construct a battery module consisting of at least one battery cell, and then use this at least one battery module to add other components to construct the battery pack.

[0006] In general, when a secondary battery is heated above an appropriate temperature, its performance may be degraded, and if the temperature is severe, it may explode or catch fire. In particular, in a battery module or battery pack having a large number of secondary batteries, i.e., battery cells, the heat generated from the large number of battery cells may be added together in a small space, causing the temperature to rise more rapidly and excessively. In other words, a battery module having a large number of stacked battery cells and a battery pack having such a battery module mounted thereon can obtain high output, but it is not easy to remove the heat generated in the battery cells during charging and discharging. If the heat of the battery cells is not properly dissipated, the battery cells will deteriorate faster and their lifespan will be shortened, and the possibility of explosion or fire will increase.

[0007] In this case, if thermal runaway occurs in the battery cells, battery modules, and battery packs, a fire may occur, and there is a high possibility of a fire occurring due to venting gas and flames generated from the battery cells. In particular, if a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs in one battery module, it spreads very quickly to adjacent battery modules. In addition, there is a high possibility of a large-scale fire or explosion occurring due to thermal runaway propagation between battery modules and battery packs.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a structure that can prevent and suppress thermal runaway and the propagation of thermal runaway, and in particular, there is a need to ensure the safety of the battery pack through a structure that can block the transmission of venting gas, flames, etc. in one battery module where thermal runaway has occurred to an adjacent battery module. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack with improved safety and a device including the same.

[0010] However, the problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of battery modules, a pack frame that houses the plurality of battery modules, end plates that cover open front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack, and a blocking member located between the pack frame and the end plates, the blocking member including a frame member, an opening formed by the frame member, and a blocking plate that covers the opening, the blocking plate moving in a specific direction to open and close the opening.

[0012] The blocking member may further include a mesh structure positioned in the opening, and the blocking plate may cover the mesh structure.

[0013] The blocking member may further include a plurality of fixing members, and the fixing members may include one end protruding from the frame member and another end extending perpendicularly from the one end in a direction away from the frame member.

[0014] The other end may be located in connection with the pack frame.

[0015] The blocking plate may be moved from one end of the fixed member to the other end of the fixed member under a pressure equal to or greater than a certain pressure.

[0016] The fixing member includes an elastic member, and the blocking plate is movable along a direction in which the elastic member extends.

[0017] The plurality of battery modules may be arranged in parallel, and the blocking members may be arranged in one direction along end plates of the plurality of battery modules.

[0018] When thermal runaway occurs, the blocking plate may be moved by venting gas inside the battery module, and as the blocking plate moves, the opening may be connected to the outside, and the venting gas may be discharged through the opening.

[0019] The blocking member according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include a plurality of protrusions formed on the frame member.

[0020] The protrusion may contact an outer side of the end plate.

[0021] The protrusion can secure the blocking member onto the end plate.

[0022] The battery pack according to this embodiment may further include a partition wall located in the internal space of the pack frame, and the partition wall may separate the plurality of battery modules from each other.

[0023] The pack frame may cover the upper and lower portions of the battery module, and the partition may cover the side surfaces of the battery module to seal the battery module.

[0024] The frame member may include a plurality of holes into which a coupling member may be inserted to couple and fix the frame member to the partition wall.

[0025] A device according to yet another embodiment of the present invention includes the battery pack described above. Effect of the Invention

[0026] A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an insulating member, the insulating member including an insulating plate, the insulating plate being opened to allow venting gas to be exhausted from a battery module in which thermal runaway has occurred, thereby quickly suppressing the thermal runaway of the battery module.

[0027] In addition, the insulating member and insulating plate of the present invention are formed to shield battery modules in which thermal runaway is not occurring, and protect adjacent battery modules from venting gas and flames emitted from a battery module in which thermal runaway is occurring, thereby preventing and suppressing the spread of thermal runaway and minimizing damage to adjacent battery modules.

[0028] In addition, the battery pack of the present invention can improve safety and protect users by minimizing thermal runaway due to the above configuration.

[0029] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a top view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a battery module included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a top view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a cutoff member included in the battery pack according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the blocking member in which the blocking plate of FIG. 4 has been moved to open. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a blocking member of another embodiment included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the blocking member of FIG. 6 as seen from another side. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side view of the blocking member of FIG. 4, showing the blocking member in a closed state with the blocking plate not moving. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a side view of the blocking member of FIGS. 5 and 6, showing the blocking member with the blocking plate moved to the open position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention may be embodied in various different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0032] In order to clearly describe the present invention, parts that are not relevant to the description will be omitted, and the same reference numerals will be used throughout the specification to refer to the same or similar components.

[0033] In addition, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for convenience of explanation, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those shown in the drawings. In the drawings, thicknesses are enlarged to clearly express various layers and regions. In the drawings, the thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated for convenience of explanation.

[0034] Furthermore, when a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is said to be "on" or "above" another part, this includes not only the case where it is "directly on" the other part, but also the case where there is another part in between. Conversely, when a part is said to be "directly on" another part, it means that there is no other part in between. Furthermore, being "on" or "above" a reference part means being located above or below the reference part, and does not necessarily mean being located "on" or "above" the opposite direction of gravity.

[0035] Furthermore, throughout the specification, when a part "comprises" a certain element, this does not mean to exclude other elements, but means that the part may further include other elements, unless specifically stated to the contrary.

[0036] Furthermore, throughout the specification, the term "on a plane" means when the part in question is viewed from above, and the term "on a cross section" means when the part in question is cut vertically and viewed from the side.

[0037] The terms first and second used in this application may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

[0038] Hereinafter, a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0039] Fig. 1 is a top view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a battery module included in the battery pack according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 1, a battery pack 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of battery modules 100, a pack frame 1100 that houses the battery modules 100, and an insulating member 500 positioned between the battery modules 100 and the pack frame 1100.

[0041] 2, the battery module 100 may include a battery cell stack 120 formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells 110 in a preset direction, and a module frame 200 that houses the battery cell stack 120. The module frame 200 may have a structure that covers four sides corresponding to the upper, lower, left and right sides of the battery cell stack 120, or may have a structure in which the front and rear sides of the battery cell stack are open. The front and rear sides of the battery cell stack 120 exposed by the module frame 200 may be covered by end plates 150. Here, the plurality of battery cells 110 may be pouch-type secondary batteries or prismatic secondary batteries, as there is no particular limitation on the type thereof.

[0042] In this case, the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment may further include a partition wall 600 located in an internal space of the battery pack 1000 formed by the pack frame 1100, and the battery modules 100, 101, and 102 may be separated from each other through the partition wall 600. In addition, the pack frame 1100 may be structured to cover not only the side surfaces but also the upper and lower surfaces of the battery module 100, and the partition wall 600 may be structured to cover the side surfaces of the battery module 100 to seal the battery module 100. In other words, the battery modules 100, 101, and 102 may be formed to be independent of each other and sealed from each other by the pack frame 1100 and the partition wall 600.

[0043] In this case, the pack frame 1100 may include a lower pack housing 1110 and an upper pack housing (not shown) covering the lower pack housing 1110, and a plurality of battery modules 100 may be located at a bottom 1111 of the lower pack housing 1110. That is, a plurality of battery modules 100 may be disposed on the lower pack housing 1110, and the lower pack housing 1110 and the plurality of battery modules 100 may be covered by the upper pack housing. In addition, the lower pack housing 1110 may have a plurality of module regions, and the plurality of module regions may be partitioned by a plurality of partition walls 600 formed in the lower pack housing 1110.

[0044] Meanwhile, the partition wall 600 may be formed between adjacent battery modules 100, 101, 102, or between adjacent blocking members 500. In this case, as described below, except when the blocking member 500 is opened, the battery module 100 may be sealed by the pack frame 1100 and the partition wall 600, and the space sealed by the pack frame 1100 and the partition wall 600 may be communicated with the outside only by the blocking member 500 opened in the battery module 102 where thermal runaway has occurred.

[0045] Therefore, the partition 600 and the blocking member 500 can prevent the venting gas, sparks, and flames generated by thermal runaway from propagating to the surrounding battery modules when thermal runaway occurs inside the battery pack 1000. At this time, the venting gas, sparks, and flames may propagate to the battery module adjacent to the battery module where thermal runaway has occurred, causing the thermal runaway to propagate or damaging the surrounding battery modules. Therefore, the partition 600 and the blocking member 500 formed inside the battery pack 1000 can effectively exhaust the venting gas generated from the battery module 102 where thermal runaway has occurred from the battery module 102, and can block the venting gas and flames from propagating to the adjacent battery module 101, thereby improving the safety of the battery pack 1000. In particular, as described above, a partition 600 may be formed inside the pack frame 1100, and a venting path may be formed along the partition 600, and venting gas generated from a battery module 102 in which thermal runaway has occurred through the venting path may be effectively discharged to the outside of the battery module 102, and the venting gas and flames may be prevented from propagating to an adjacent battery module 101.

[0046] In this case, the battery module 100 includes a battery cell stack 120 in which a plurality of battery cells 110 are stacked, and end plates 150 that cover the open front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 120, and the insulating member 500 may be positioned between the pack frame 1100 and the end plates 150.

[0047] The blocking member 500 may be coupled to the pack frame 1100 so as to be located between the pack frame 1100 and the end plate 150. The blocking member 500 may be coupled onto the pack frame 1100 through a fixing member 540. As an example, the fixing member 540 may be an elastic member or a bolt member.

[0048] In this case, the fixing member 540 is coupled onto the pack frame 1100 and also coupled to the blocking member 500, thereby connecting the blocking member 500 to the pack frame 1100. Alternatively, the fixing member 540 may be coupled to the pack frame 1100 through, for example, a bolt connection, but is not limited thereto. In particular, the blocking member 500 includes a plurality of fixing members 540, and one end 545 of the fixing members 540 is coupled to the pack frame 1100, thereby fixing the blocking member 500 within the battery pack.

[0049] The battery modules 100 may be arranged in parallel in the internal space of the pack frame 1100, and may be arranged in a direction in which the end plates 150 are aligned as shown in FIG. 1. Accordingly, the blocking members 500 may be arranged in a line along the end plates 150 in one direction. The blocking members 500 exhaust venting gas generated from a battery module 102 in which thermal runaway has occurred to the outside of the battery module 102, and shield adjacent battery modules 101, thereby preventing the propagation of thermal runaway and damage to adjacent battery modules 101. In this case, the blocking members 500 are arranged in a line along the end plates 150 of the plurality of battery modules 100 in one direction, thereby forming a path for exhausting venting gas from a battery module 102 in which thermal runaway has occurred, and minimizing the influence between the blocking members 500, thereby effectively protecting the adjacent battery modules 101.

[0050] A battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Since the battery pack includes the same contents as those of the battery pack described above, only the differences will be described.

[0051] FIG. 3 is a top view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] 3, the battery pack 1001 according to this embodiment includes a blocking member 500, which includes a plurality of protrusions 560, and the protrusions 560 may contact the outside of the end plate 150. In this case, contact may mean that a part or the whole of the protrusions 560 contacts the outside of the end plate 150.

[0053] In this case, the end plate 150 may be formed adjacent to the pack frame 1100, and the protrusion 560 may be located between the end plate 150 and the pack frame 1100. Also, the blocking member 500 may be fixed onto the end plate 150 by the protrusion 560; therefore, the protrusion 560 may fix the blocking member 500 onto the end plate 150.

[0054] In particular, in the battery pack 1001 according to this embodiment, the blocking member 500 may be formed to be in closer contact with the end plate 150 of the battery module 100. Therefore, venting gas, flames, sparks, etc. generated from the battery module 102 in which thermal runaway has occurred can be effectively discharged through a venting path along the blocking member 500. In addition, adjacent battery modules 101 in which thermal runaway has not occurred are more closely shielded by the blocking member 500, thereby effectively preventing the thermal runaway from propagating or damaging the adjacent battery modules due to the thermal runaway.

[0055] 3, the venting path formed by the partition wall 600 of the battery pack 1001 according to the present embodiment can be seen in more detail. That is, the partition wall 600 is located between the pack frame 1100 and the battery module 100 and between the adjacent blocking members 500, thereby forming a venting path for the venting gas generated from the battery module 102 in which thermal runaway occurs. In particular, the adjacent and neighboring battery modules 101 are shielded by the partition wall 600 and the blocking member 500 formed between the pack frame 1100 and the battery module 101, so that the venting gas discharged to the outside of the battery module 102 through the blocking member 500 of the battery module 102 in which thermal runaway occurs can be effectively discharged without being propagated to the adjacent battery module 101.

[0056] Hereinafter, the cutoff member included in the battery pack according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0057] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a blocking member included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the blocking member of Fig. 4 in which the blocking plate has moved to open. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a blocking member of another embodiment included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the blocking member of Fig. 6 from another side. Fig. 8 is a side view of the blocking member of Fig. 4, showing the blocking member in a closed state with the blocking plate not moved. Fig. 9 is a side view of the blocking member of Figs. 5 and 6, showing the blocking member in which the blocking plate has moved to open.

[0058] 3 to 7, the blocking members 500, 501 include a frame member 505 including a first frame 510 and a second frame 520, openings 515, 525 formed in the first frame 510 and the second frame 520, respectively, a fixing member 540 that connects and fixes the frame member 505 and the blocking plate 550, and a blocking plate 550 that covers the openings 515, 525.

[0059] The first frame 510 and the second frame 520 may be plates with a hollow center. In this case, the first frame 510 and the second frame 520 may have shapes corresponding to each other. Here, the hollow areas in the center of the first frame 510 and the second frame 520 may be openings 515, 525.

[0060] The frame member 505 may include a plurality of holes 565. The first frame 510 and the second frame 520 may include a plurality of holes 565. The plurality of holes 565 may be formed penetrating the first frame 510 and the second frame 520. In this case, a connecting member such as a bolt may be inserted into the hole 565, and the connecting member may be inserted through the hole 565 and fixed to the bulkhead 600. Therefore, the first frame 510 and the second frame 520 may be positioned and connected to the bulkhead 600 by the connecting member.

[0061] The openings 515, 525 may be formed in the frame member 505. The openings 515, 525 may be formed in the first frame 510 and the second frame 520, respectively. The openings 515, 525 are normally blocked by a blocking plate 550, but if the battery module 100 in a high temperature state catches fire, the blocking plate 550 may move to expose the openings 515, 525. In this case, venting gas or flames generated in the battery module 100 may migrate to the outside through the openings 515, 525.

[0062] The fixing member 540 is a structure protruding from the blocking member 500, and can fix the blocking member 500 on the pack frame 1100. Specifically, the fixing member 540 may be a pillar protruding from the frame member 505. More specifically, the fixing member 540 may be a pillar protruding from the second frame 520.

[0063] The fixing member 540 includes one end 541 protruding from the frame member 505, and the other end 545 extending perpendicularly from the one end 541 in a direction (y-axis direction) away from the frame member 505. Specifically, the fixing member 540 includes one end 541 protruding from the second frame 520, and the other end 545 extending perpendicularly from the one end 541 in a direction (y-axis direction) away from the second frame 520. In this case, since the other end 545 is connected to the pack frame 1100 and positioned, the blocking member 500 may be fixed and positioned on the pack frame 1100.

[0064] The fixing member 540 may be formed of an elastic member, that is, a spring member. That is, both one end 541 and the other end 545 of the fixing member 540 may be formed of an elastic member. In this case, when venting gas is generated from the battery module 102 in which thermal runaway occurs, the fixing member 540 is compressed by the strong pressure inside the battery module 102. Specifically, the fixing member 540 is compressed from one end 541 of the fixing member 540 positioned adjacent to the battery module to the other end 545. Therefore, the blocking plate 550 can move due to the change in shape of the fixing member 540.

[0065] In summary, the fixing member 540, which is an elastic member, is compressed by gas generated in the battery module 102 in which thermal runaway has occurred, and this allows the blocking plate 550 to move (in the y-axis direction) from one end 541 to the other end 545 of the fixing member 540. In addition, as the elastic member is compressed, the blocking plate 550 can move due to the elasticity of the elastic member.

[0066] In addition, when the fixing member 540 includes one or more members selected from the group including a spring member and a bolt member, the blocking plate 550 can be moved by the elastic force of the spring member generated when the spring member is compressed. That is, the blocking plate 550 can be moved in the direction from one end 541 to the other end 545 of the fixing member 540 by the strong pressure due to the venting gas generated from the battery module 102.

[0067] The blocking plate 550 may be a plate provided to cover the openings 515 and 525. The size of the blocking plate 550 may be larger than the size of the openings 515 and 525. Therefore, when the battery module 100 is in a normal state, the blocking plate 550 may be located to cover the openings 515 and 525 while being in contact with the second frame 520, but when the battery module 100 is placed in a high temperature and high pressure state such as when a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs, the blocking plate 550 may move from one end 541 to the other end 545 of the fixing member 540. As a result, the openings 515 and 525 are opened, and venting gas and flames may move to the outside, in which case the blocking plate 550 provided at a position corresponding to the adjacent battery module 101 may not move. Therefore, the thermal runaway phenomenon may not be transferred to the adjacent battery modules 101, and the safety of the battery may be improved. In other words, when the battery module 101 is in a normal state in which no thermal runaway occurs, the openings 515, 525 are covered by the blocking plate 550, so that the inside of the battery pack in which the battery module 101 is located can be kept sealed.

[0068] 3, 6 and 7, a blocking member 501 according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a mesh structure 530 formed on a frame member 505. In this case, the mesh structure 530 may be formed at a position corresponding to the opening 525.

[0069] In addition, as another embodiment, the blocking member 501 of this embodiment includes a mesh structure 530 formed between the first frame 510 and the second frame 520 and positioned at the opening 525, i.e., the mesh structure 530 formed at a position corresponding to the opening 525, and a blocking plate 550 covering the mesh structure 530.

[0070] The frame member 505 including the first frame 510 and the second frame 520 may form a body of the blocking member 500. The mesh structure 530 may be formed at a position corresponding to the opening 525, specifically, between the first frame 510 and the second frame 520. The mesh structure 530 may be stably fixed by being formed between the first frame 510 and the second frame 520, and may also be configured to minimize the possibility of propagation of thermal runaway and generation of additional flames by primarily filtering ignition sources and the like as venting gas generated from the battery module 102 in which thermal runaway has occurred passes through the mesh structure 530. In other words, the first frame 510, the mesh structure 530, and the second frame 520 may be stacked in this order, and the mesh structure 530 may be fixed between the first frame 510 and the second frame 520.

[0071] 4 and 8 show the blocking member 500 in a blocked state without thermal runaway occurring in the battery module 100, so the first frame 510 and the second frame 520 may include openings 515 and 525, respectively. In addition, the mesh structure 530 may be exposed to the outside of the first frame 510 and the second frame 520 through the openings 515 and 525. In addition, the mesh structure 530 exposed to the outside may be covered by the blocking plate 550. That is, the blocking plate 550 may cover the mesh structure 530 exposed through the openings 515 and 525.

[0072] Therefore, the blocking member 500 formed adjacent to the battery module 101 where thermal runaway is not occurring includes a blocking plate 550 formed to cover the mesh structure 530, and the blocking plate 550 may be formed in close contact with the frame member 505. Therefore, even if thermal runaway occurs in a nearby battery module 100, the venting gas and flames are prevented from flowing into the battery module 100, thereby preventing the occurrence of thermal runaway and preventing damage to the battery module 100.

[0073] 5, 6 and 9, the blocking member 500 formed adjacent to the battery module 102 where thermal runaway occurs may move the blocking plate 550 due to venting gas generated inside the battery module 102. Specifically, the blocking plate 550 may move in a specific direction to open and close the openings 515 and 525. In this case, as described below, the specific direction may be the direction in which the fixing member 540 extends. More specifically, the blocking plate 550 may move along the direction in which the fixing member 540 and the elastic member extend. In other words, the blocking plate 550 covering the mesh structure 530 may move to be separated from the mesh structure 530 and the frame member 505.

[0074] At this time, the blocking member 500 may include a plurality of fixing members 540. Specifically, the fixing members 540 may be formed on the frame member 505, and more specifically, on the second frame 520. The plurality of fixing members 540 may be formed to be spaced apart from each other, and more specifically, may be formed at positions adjacent to the mesh structure 530 and the openings 515, 525. At this time, one end 545 of the fixing members 540 may be coupled to the pack frame 1100, thereby forming the blocking member 500 on the pack frame 1100.

[0075] Meanwhile, the blocking plate 550 may move along the extending direction (y direction) of the fixing member 540. That is, when the blocking plate 550 moves due to the generation of venting gas from the battery module 102 in which thermal runaway occurs, the blocking plate 550 may move along the extending direction of the fixing member 540 and become separated from the mesh structure 530 and the frame member 505.

[0076] At this time, the fixing member 540 may include an elastic member. More specifically, the fixing member 540 may include an elastic member, and the elastic member may include a spring member. That is, the blocking plate 550 may move along the direction in which the elastic member extends (y direction), more specifically, along the direction in which the spring member extends, and the blocking plate 550 may move along the spring member as the blocking plate 550 is pressurized by the strong pressure of the venting gas. At this time, the spring member not only minimizes the possibility of damage due to the strong pressure of the venting gas, but also supports and absorbs the movement of the blocking plate 550, which moves rapidly due to the venting gas, thereby effectively enabling the blocking plate 550 to move.

[0077] In addition, the mesh structure 530 may be opened or closed to the outside of the battery module as the blocking plate 550 moves. Specifically, before the occurrence of thermal runaway, the mesh structure 530 may be covered by the blocking plate 550 to block the battery module from the outside, or the blocking plate 550 may move away from the mesh structure 530 to connect the battery module to the outside. Therefore, venting gas and flames generated from the battery module 102 in which thermal runaway has occurred may pass through the mesh structure 530 and be discharged from the venting path inside the battery pack 1000, and at this time, some ignition sources and flames may be filtered by the mesh structure 530, minimizing the propagation of thermal runaway and the occurrence of additional flames.

[0078] Meanwhile, the blocking plate 550 may be made of a material that does not melt even when thermal runaway occurs, for example, but is not limited to, a steel material. Also, all the components of the blocking member 500 may be made of a material that does not melt even when thermal runaway occurs, for example, but is not limited to, a steel material.

[0079] 7, the blocking plate 550 may have a protrusion 560 formed thereon as described above, and the protrusion 560 may be in contact with the outside of the end plate 150. In this case, the term "in contact" may refer to a state in which a part or the entirety of the protrusion 560 is in contact with the outside of the end plate 150.

[0080] In this case, the end plate 150 may be formed adjacent to the pack frame 1100, and the protrusion 560 may be located between the end plate 150 and the pack frame 1100. Also, the blocking member 500 may be fixed onto the end plate 150 by the protrusion 560; therefore, the protrusion 560 may fix the blocking member 500 onto the end plate 150.

[0081] In particular, the blocking member 500 may be formed to be in closer contact with the end plate 150 of the battery module 100 by the protrusion 560. Therefore, venting gas, flames, sparks, etc. generated from a battery module 102 in which thermal runaway has occurred can be effectively discharged through a venting path along the blocking member 500. In addition, adjacent battery modules 101 in which thermal runaway has not occurred are more closely shielded by the blocking member 500, thereby effectively preventing the thermal runaway from propagating or damaging the adjacent battery modules due to the thermal runaway.

[0082] The battery packs 1000 and 1001 according to the present embodiment include the blocking member 500 formed adjacent to the battery modules 100, 101, and 102, and thus can smoothly exhaust venting gas, sparks, and flames generated from the battery module 102 in which thermal runaway has occurred, and prevent backflow of the venting gas. In addition, the blocking member 500 of the battery module 101 positioned adjacent to the battery module 102 in which thermal runaway has occurred is shielded by the blocking plate 550, thereby minimizing the possibility of the venting gas, sparks, and flames propagating to the adjacent battery module 101, and minimizing the possibility of damage to the adjacent battery module 101 due to the venting gas, sparks, and flames, thereby improving the safety of the battery packs 1000 and 1001 and protecting users.

[0083] In addition, the battery packs 1000 and 1001 of the present invention may be constructed by packing one or more battery modules together with a battery management system (BMS) for managing the temperature and voltage of the battery and a cooling device, etc., added thereto.

[0084] In addition, the battery packs 1000 and 1001 of the present invention can be applied to various devices. Such devices may be applied to transportation means such as electric bicycles, electric cars, and hybrid cars, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and can be applied to various devices that can use a battery module, which also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0085] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications may be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical ideas and perspectives of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 100: Battery module 110: Battery cell 120: Battery cell stack 150: End plate 200:Module frame 500: Blocking material 510: First frame 520: Second frame 530: Mesh structure 540: Fixing member 550:Blocking plate 560:Protrusion 600: Bulkhead 1000: Battery pack 1100: Pack Frame

Claims

1. A plurality of battery modules; a pack frame that houses the plurality of battery modules; end plates for covering the open front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack; a blocking member located between the pack frame and the end plate, The blocking member is A frame member; an opening formed in the frame member; a blocking plate covering the opening; The blocking plate moves in a specific direction to open and close the opening.

2. The blocking member is further comprising a mesh structure located at the opening; The battery pack of claim 1 , wherein the blocking plate covers the mesh structure.

3. The blocking member further includes a plurality of fixing members, The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the fixing member includes one end protruding from the frame member and another end extending perpendicularly from the one end in a direction away from the frame member.

4. The battery pack according to claim 3 , wherein the other end is located so as to be coupled to the pack frame.

5. The battery pack according to claim 3 , wherein the blocking plate moves from one end of the fixing member toward the other end of the fixing member when the blocking plate is under a pressure equal to or greater than a certain pressure.

6. The fixing member includes an elastic member, The battery pack according to claim 3 , wherein the blocking plate is movable along a direction in which the elastic member extends.

7. The plurality of battery modules are arranged in parallel, The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the blocking members are arranged in one direction along the end plates of the plurality of battery modules.

8. When thermal runaway occurs, the blocking plate moves due to the venting gas inside the battery module, The blocking plate is moved to connect the opening to the outside, The battery pack of claim 1 , wherein the venting gas is exhausted through the opening.

9. The battery pack of claim 1 , wherein the blocking member further comprises a plurality of protrusions formed on the frame member.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9 , wherein the protrusion contacts an outer side of the end plate.

11. The battery pack according to claim 9 , wherein the protrusion fixes the blocking member onto the end plate.

12. The pack frame further includes a partition wall disposed in an internal space of the pack frame, The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the partition walls separate the plurality of battery modules from each other.

13. the pack frame shields an upper and lower portion of the battery module; The battery pack according to claim 12 , wherein the partition walls cover the side surfaces of the battery modules to seal the battery modules.

14. the frame member includes a plurality of holes; The battery pack according to claim 12 , wherein a coupling member is inserted into the hole to couple and fix the frame member to the partition wall.

15. A device comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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