Battery module, battery pack, and motor vehicle including these

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery module, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the same, configured to ensure structural stability even when a thermal event occurs. The battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention includes a battery module configured to prevent venting gas or flame from being discharged to a front side where a module terminal is arranged, and configured such that a venting path through which the venting gas or flame is discharged becomes wider toward a rear side, and a pack housing that accommodates the battery module therein.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0064723 filed on May 26, 2022, and all of the content disclosed in the specification and drawings of the application is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery module, a battery pack, and an automobile including the same, and more particularly, to a battery module, a battery pack, and an automobile configured to ensure structural stability even when a thermal event occurs.

Background Art

[0003] In recent years, the demand for portable electronic devices such as notebook computers, video cameras, and mobile phones has increased rapidly. As the development of electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots, satellites, etc. has become full-scale, research on high-performance secondary batteries capable of repeated charge and discharge has been actively conducted.

[0004] Currently, commercially available secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, lithium secondary batteries, etc. Among these, lithium secondary batteries have attracted attention for their advantages of almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, free charge and discharge, very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0005] Such lithium secondary batteries mainly use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material, respectively. In addition, a lithium secondary battery includes a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate coated with such positive electrode active material and negative electrode active material, respectively, an electrode assembly in which the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate are arranged with a separator interposed therebetween, and an exterior material for sealing and housing the electrode assembly together with an electrolytic solution.

[0006] On the one hand, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into can-type secondary batteries in which the electrode assembly is incorporated into a metal can and pouch-type secondary batteries in which the electrode assembly is built into a pouch made of an aluminum laminate sheet according to the shape of the battery case. Further, the can-type secondary batteries can be classified into cylindrical batteries and prismatic batteries according to the form of the metal can again.

[0007] Here, the pouch of the pouch-type secondary battery is roughly divided into a lower sheet and an upper sheet covering it. At this time, the pouch houses an electrode assembly formed by laminating and winding a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator. Further, after housing the electrode assembly, the edges of the upper sheet and the lower sheet are sealed by heat fusion or the like. Also, the electrode tabs drawn from each electrode are coupled to the electrode leads, and an insulating film can be added to a portion of the electrode leads that contacts the sealing portion.

[0008] In this way, the pouch-type secondary battery can have flexibility that can be configured in various forms. Also, the pouch-type secondary battery has the advantage that a secondary battery with the same capacity can be realized with a smaller volume and mass.

[0009] Such lithium secondary batteries are used as battery modules or battery packs in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked and laminated in a dense structure in a state where they are mounted on themselves or in a cartridge or the like so as to provide a high voltage and a high current, and then electrically connected.

[0010] In such a battery pack configuration, one of the typically important issues is safety. In particular, among the plurality of battery cells included in the battery pack, when a thermal event occurs in any one of the battery cells, it is necessary to suppress the propagation of such an event to other battery cells. If the heat propagation between the battery cells is not properly suppressed, this may lead to thermal events in other battery cells included in the battery pack, potentially causing more serious problems such as ignition or explosion of the battery pack. Furthermore, the ignition or explosion that occurs in the battery pack may cause significant damage to the surrounding human lives and property. Therefore, in the case of such a battery pack, a configuration that can appropriately control the above-described thermal events is required.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0011] The present invention has been devised to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a battery module, a battery pack, and an automobile including these, which are configured to ensure structural stability even when a thermal event occurs.

[0012] However, the problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the above-described problems, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0013] A battery pack according to an aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object includes a battery module configured such that venting gas or flame is not discharged to the front side where module terminals are arranged, and a venting path for discharging the venting gas or flame widens toward the rear side, and a pack housing that houses the battery module therein.

[0014] In one aspect of the present invention, the pack housing includes a support frame configured to lift the front side of the battery module higher than the rear side.

[0015] In one aspect of the present invention, the support frame is configured to be inclined such that its height increases towards one side, and further includes an inclined portion located at the lower part of the battery module, and the front side of the battery module can be arranged on one side of the inclined portion.

[0016] In one aspect of the present invention, the support frame further includes a module fixing portion configured to support the rear side of the battery module.

[0017] In one aspect of the present invention, the pack housing further includes an exhaust port configured to discharge the venting gas or flame to the outside of the pack housing, and the rear side of the battery module can be configured to face the exhaust port.

[0018] In one aspect of the present invention, the exhaust port can be configured at a position in the pack housing where the venting gas or flame is bent one or more times.

[0019] In one aspect of the present invention, the exhaust port can be provided on the opposite side of the portion of the pack housing where the battery module is arranged with respect to the support frame.

[0020] In one aspect of the present invention, the exhaust port can be provided on the opposite side of the front side of the battery module with respect to the support frame in the pack housing.

[0021] In one aspect of the present invention, the pack housing may further include a flow channel configured to communicate with the venting path and the exhaust port.

[0022] In one aspect of the present invention, it may further include a guide portion provided at a portion corresponding to a corner of the pack housing and configured to guide the venting gas or flame in the direction of the discharge port.

[0023] In one aspect of the present invention, the battery module is provided in a pair based on the support frame, and the pair of battery modules can be arranged in the pack housing such that the front sides of the respective battery modules face each other.

[0024] In one aspect of the present invention, the support frame may further include a reinforcing portion configured to partition between the pair of battery modules and connect to the pack housing.

[0025] In one aspect of the present invention, a plurality of battery modules are provided along the longitudinal direction of the support frame, and the plurality of battery modules can be configured to be separated from each other by a partition wall connected to the support frame when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the support frame.

[0026] Moreover, an automobile according to another aspect of the present invention includes at least one battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention as described above.

[0027] Moreover, a battery module according to still another aspect of the present invention includes a cell assembly, and a module case that houses the cell assembly therein and is configured such that venting gas or flame is not discharged from the front side where module terminals are arranged, and the venting path through which the venting gas or flame is discharged widens toward the rear side.

Effects of the Invention

[0028] According to one aspect of the present invention, by forming a venting path that can easily discharge venting gas and / or flame in one direction, it is possible to minimize the discharge of venting gas and / or flame in the direction in which the module terminals are arranged in the battery module.

[0029] Thereby, it is possible to prevent ignition from occurring between battery cells within one battery module.

[0030] Also, according to one aspect of the present invention, by minimizing the discharge of venting gas and / or flame to the module terminal side, it is possible to prevent simultaneous multiple ignitions between a plurality of battery modules.

[0031] Also, according to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent damage to the electrical connection members that connect the module terminals between a plurality of battery modules, prevent a short circuit from occurring between the battery modules, and ensure electrical stability.

[0032] Also, according to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the ignition factors of the battery pack and improve the structural stability of the battery pack.

[0033] Some embodiments of the present invention can achieve several other additional effects. Such various effects of the present invention will be described in detail in each embodiment, or the description will be omitted for effects that can be easily understood by those skilled in the art.

[0034] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further understand the technical idea of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be construed as being limited only to the matters described in the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0035]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0036] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, the terms and words used in this specification and the claims are not to be construed as being limited to ordinary and dictionary meanings. The inventors themselves should interpret them in accordance with the meaning and concept corresponding to the technical idea of the present invention in accordance with the principle that they can appropriately define the concept of the terms in order to explain the invention in the best way.

[0037] Therefore, it should be understood that the configurations shown in the embodiments described in this specification are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. At the time of this application, there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace them.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the detailed structure of the battery pack 10 in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a battery module 100 provided in the battery pack 10 in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the battery module 100 in FIG. 3 from the side. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the state of the battery module 100 in FIG. 3 during thermal runaway. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A' in FIG. 1 (specifically, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the battery pack 10 in FIG. 1 after being sectioned along the line A-A' with respect to the YZ plane). At this time, the illustration of the cover 230 described later in FIG. 2 is omitted. Note that the venting gas and flame described later in FIG. 5 are denoted by reference numerals "V" and "F", respectively.

[0039] In an embodiment of the present invention, the X-axis direction shown in the drawings can mean the longitudinal direction of the pack housing 200 described later, the Y-axis direction can mean the left-right direction of the pack housing 200 perpendicular to the X-axis direction and the horizontal plane (XY plane), and the Z-axis direction can mean the vertical direction perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, a battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a battery module 100 and a pack housing 200.

[0041] The battery module 100 may include a cell assembly 110 and a module case 120.

[0042] The cell assembly 110 may include at least one battery cell. Here, the battery cell may mean a secondary battery. Such a battery cell may be composed of a pouch-type battery cell, a cylindrical battery cell, or a prismatic battery cell. As an example, the battery cell may be a pouch-type battery cell.

[0043] The module case 120 may accommodate the cell assembly 110 therein. For this purpose, the module case 120 may constitute an internal accommodation space for accommodating the cell assembly 110 therein. Such a module case 120 may include a material with high heat resistance and rigidity. Further, the battery module 100 further includes a module terminal B provided on the front side of the module case 120 and connected to the cell assembly 110. As an example, the module terminal B may be provided with a positive electrode module terminal and a negative electrode module terminal. Such a module terminal can be electrically connected to an electronic control configuration such as a separate BMS (Battery Management System), a current sensor, and a fuse provided in the battery pack 10.

[0044] The pack housing 200 may accommodate the battery module 100 therein. For this purpose, the pack housing 200 may include an internal accommodation space for accommodating the battery module 100 therein. Further, the pack housing 200 may include a material with high heat resistance and rigidity.

[0045] In a general battery pack, an event such as a thermal runaway phenomenon may occur in a specific battery module. In this case, there may be a possibility of generating high-temperature and high-pressure venting gas inside the specific battery module. When such venting gas comes into contact with oxygen, there may be a possibility of a flame occurring inside or outside the battery module.

[0046] On the one hand, since a conventional battery module is configured with a cell assembly disposed within a sealed module case, there is no proper discharge path for venting gas or flame, and the risk of collapse or explosion of the module case structure is extremely high. Also, in this case, venting gas or flame is discharged to the module terminal side provided in the battery module, posing a risk of greater damage.

[0047] Moreover, the flame generated in the battery module has a high risk of transferring to other battery modules adjacent to a specific battery module, which may cause simultaneous multiple ignitions of a plurality of battery modules. On the other hand, a conventional battery pack has a plurality of battery modules disposed within a sealed pack housing, lacking a proper discharge path for venting gas or flame, and is vulnerable to the aforementioned simultaneous multiple ignitions.

[0048] To solve such problems, the module case 120 of the battery module 100 according to the present invention can be configured such that venting gas and / or flame is not discharged to the front side where the module terminal B is disposed, and a venting path P through which venting gas and / or flame is discharged widens toward the rear side. Exemplarily, the module case 120 can be configured to slope upward as it goes toward the rear side when viewed as a whole.

[0049] That is, the battery module 100 can be configured such that venting gas and / or flame is not discharged to the front side where the module terminal B is disposed, and a venting path P through which venting gas and / or flame is discharged widens toward the rear side. Thereby, the venting gas and / or flame caused by thermal runaway of the battery module 100 can be guided to be naturally discharged to the rear side of the battery module 100 through the venting flow path P configured as described above.

[0050] According to such an embodiment of the present invention, by configuring a venting path P that guides the discharge of venting gas and / or flame in one side direction, it is possible to minimize the discharge of venting gas and / or flame in the direction in which the module terminal B is arranged in the battery module 100.

[0051] With such a venting structure, it is possible to prevent ignition from occurring between battery cells within one battery module 100. Further, by minimizing the discharge of venting gas and / or flame to the module terminal B side, it is possible to prevent simultaneous multiple ignitions between a plurality of battery modules 100. Further, it is possible to prevent damage to an electrical connection member (for example, a module bus bar) that connects the module terminals B between the plurality of battery modules 100, prevent a short circuit from occurring between the battery modules 100, and ensure electrical stability.

[0052] In summary, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the ignition factor of the battery pack 10 and improve the structural stability of the battery pack 10.

[0053] Hereinafter, the detailed structure of the battery pack 10 described above will be examined in more detail.

[0054] Referring again to FIGS. 1, 2, and 6, the pack housing 200 may include a support frame 210.

[0055] The support frame 210 may be configured to lift the front side of the battery module 100 higher than the rear side. By lifting the front side of the battery module 100 higher than the rear side in such a support frame 210, it is possible to further give directionality to the flow of venting gas and / or flame discharged to the outside of the battery module 100 through the venting path P.

[0056] That is, the support frame 210 can lift the front side of the battery module 100 higher than the rear side so that the flow of venting gas and / or flame is directed toward the rear side of the battery module 100. Thereby, the venting gas and / or flame generated by the thermal runaway of the battery module 100 can be more naturally induced to be discharged to the rear side of the battery module 100.

[0057] According to such a configuration, the discharge of venting gas and / or flame in the arrangement direction of the module terminal B in the battery module 100 can be further minimized.

[0058] On the other hand, the above-described pack housing 200 may further include a side frame 220, a cover 230, and a floor frame 240.

[0059] The side frame 220 may form the side surface of the pack housing 200. Such a side frame 220 may be arranged so that at least a part thereof faces the rear side of the battery module 100.

[0060] The cover 230 is coupled to the upper part of the side frame 220 and can seal the upper part of the battery module 100. At this time, with the support frame 210 supporting the battery module 100, the upper side of the module case 120 may be arranged parallel to the cover 230 in the vertical direction.

[0061] The floor frame 240 forms the lower part of the pack housing 200 and can be coupled to the side frame 220. At this time, the above-described support frame 210 may be located above the floor frame 240.

[0062] As an example, the support frame 210 may include an inclined portion 212.

[0063] The inclined portion 212 is configured to be inclined such that its height increases as it goes toward one side, and can be located at the lower part of the battery module 100. Also, the front side of the battery module 100 can be arranged on one side of the inclined portion 212.

[0064] Specifically, the inclined portion 212 can be located at the lower part of the module case 120. Also, the module case 120 can be arranged such that the front side where the module terminal B is disposed is on one side of the inclined portion 212. Further, the module case 120 can be arranged on the other side of the inclined portion 212 where the height of the rear side is lower than that of one side of the inclined portion 212.

[0065] In this way, since the battery module 100 is arranged in the pack housing 200 along the inclined surface of the support frame 210, the flow of venting gas and / or flame to the rear side of the battery module 100 can be more stably guided. Also, since the inclined portion 212 is arranged at the lower part of the battery module 100 to guide the flow of venting gas and / or flame, the venting gas and / or flame discharged from the rear side of the battery module 100 can be guided to flow in a downwardly inclined manner and face the lower side of the pack housing 200. Thereby, in an automobile (not shown), it is possible to prevent the venting gas and / or flame from heading toward the driver's side located above the battery pack 10.

[0066] Referring again to FIGS. 1, 2, and 6, the support frame 210 may further include a module fixing portion 214.

[0067] The module fixing portion 214 can be configured to support the rear side of the battery module 100. At this time, the module fixing portion 214 can be provided on the other side of the inclined portion 212 described above and can be formed to extend in the vertical direction.

[0068] Specifically, the module fixing portion 214 can be configured to limit the movement of the rear side of the module case 120 disposed on the inclined portion 212.

[0069] Thus, by fixing the position of the battery module 100 disposed on the support frame 210, the flow of venting gas and / or flame in a certain direction (the rear side of the battery module 100) can be stably maintained.

[0070] In addition, the pack housing 200 may further include an exhaust port E.

[0071] The exhaust port E may be configured to discharge venting gas or flame to the outside of the pack housing 200. Such an exhaust port E may be provided in the shape of a hole having a predetermined area.

[0072] In particular, the rear side of the battery module 100 may be configured to face the exhaust port E in a state of being disposed on the support frame 210 described above.

[0073] According to such a configuration, the venting gas and / or flame discharged from the rear side of the battery module 100 can be easily discharged in the direction of the exhaust port E.

[0074] Referring again to FIGS. 1, 2, and 6, the exhaust port E may be configured at a position where the venting gas or flame is bent one or more times in the pack housing 200.

[0075] That is, the exhaust port E may be formed at a position in the pack housing 200 where the flow of venting gas and / or flame discharged from the rear side of the battery module 100 is switched at least once or more. As an example, the exhaust port E may be formed at a portion in the pack housing 200 where the venting gas and / or flame passes through a portion where the side frame 220 and the cover 230 are connected. Alternatively, the exhaust port E may be formed at a portion in the pack housing 200 where the venting gas and / or flame passes through a connection portion between the side frame 220 and the cover 230 and a connection portion between the side frame 220 and the floor frame 240.

[0076] Therefore, venting gas and / or the flow of flames discharged from the battery module 100 is discharged to the outside of the pack housing 200 at a position after being switched at least once or more, so that a highly straight flame is slowly discharged to the outside of the pack housing 200, thereby minimizing the acting as an ignition factor. Furthermore, it is possible to minimize the backflow of venting gas and / or flames into the battery module 100.

[0077] Also, the discharge port E may be provided on the opposite side of the portion where the battery module 100 is disposed in the pack housing 200 with respect to the support frame 210.

[0078] As an example, the discharge port E may be located at the lower part of the support frame 210 in the pack housing 200. Exemplarily, the discharge port E may be provided in the floor frame 240 described above.

[0079] That is, the discharge port E may be formed at a position in the pack housing 200 after the flow of venting gas and / or flames has been switched a plurality of times. Thereby, by allowing a highly straight flame to be discharged more slowly to the outside of the pack housing 200, it is possible to minimize the acting as an ignition factor. Furthermore, it is possible to further minimize the backflow of venting gas and / or flames into the battery module 100.

[0080] In particular, the discharge port E may be provided on the opposite side of the front side of the battery module 100 with respect to the support frame 210 in the pack housing 200.

[0081] As an example, the discharge port E may be located at the lower part of the support frame 210 in the pack housing 200. Exemplarily, the formation position of such a discharge port E may be on the opposite side of the front side of the battery module 100 with respect to the support frame 210 in the floor frame 240.

[0082] That is, the discharge port E can be formed as far as possible from the battery module 100 where venting gas and / or flames can occur in the pack housing 200. Thereby, by allowing the straight and strong flames to be discharged to the outside of the pack housing 200 as slowly as possible, it is possible to minimize the acting as an ignition factor. Also, it is possible to suppress as much as possible the backflow of venting gas and / or flames into the battery module 100.

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 6 again, the pack housing 200 may further include a flow channel C.

[0084] Such a flow channel C can be configured to communicate with the venting path P and the discharge port E of the battery module 100. Such a flow channel C can provide a flow space so that the venting gas and / or flames discharged to the rear side of the battery module 100 through the venting path P are discharged to the outside of the pack housing 200. Also, the rear side of the battery module 100 can be configured to face the inlet I of the flow channel C.

[0085] On the other hand, the flow channel C can be disposed inside the pack housing 200. Specifically, the flow channel C can be configured such that its sides are surrounded by the side frames 220. Also, a cover 230 can be disposed above the flow channel C. Also, a floor frame 240 can be disposed below the flow channel C.

[0086] With such a configuration, the venting gas and / or flames discharged from the rear side of the battery module 100 are guided by the flow channel C without randomly flowing into the pack housing 200 and can be discharged to the outside of the pack housing 200 more stably.

[0087] In addition, the flow channel C can be configured such that the overall shape is bent at least once or more. In particular, the lower part of the flow channel C can be provided on the side opposite to the part where the battery module 100 is arranged with respect to the support frame 210 in the pack housing 200. That is, before the venting gas and / or flame discharged from the rear side of the battery module 100 is discharged through the discharge port E, the flow thereof can be switched at least once or more within the flow channel C. Thereby, by allowing the flame with strong straightness to be slowly discharged to the outside of the pack housing 200, it is possible to minimize the act of acting as an ignition factor. Furthermore, it is possible to minimize the backflow of the venting gas and / or flame into the battery module 100.

[0088] FIGS. 7 and 8 are diagrams showing an example in which venting gas or flame is discharged during thermal runaway of the battery module 100. At this time, in FIGS. 7 and 8, the venting gas and flame are denoted by reference numerals "V" and "F", respectively.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 6 to 8, the battery module 100 can be provided in a pair with respect to the support frame 210. At this time, the battery module 100 can be provided in a pair along the left-right direction of the pack housing 200.

[0090] In addition, the pair of battery modules 100 can be arranged in the pack housing 200 such that the front sides of the respective battery modules face each other. At this time, the rear side of each of the pair of battery modules 100 can be configured to face the inlet I of the flow channel C. For this purpose, the flow channel C can also be provided to face each other with a pair of inlets I facing each other with respect to the support frame 210.

[0091] That is, the pair of battery modules 100 can be arranged such that the front sides where the module terminals B are arranged face each other. According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress the venting gas and / or flame discharged from the rear sides of the pair of battery modules 100 from being discharged toward the module terminal B side. Further, it is possible to minimize simultaneous multiple ignitions between the battery modules 100 configured to face each other.

[0092] As an example, the support frame 210 may further include a reinforcing portion 216.

[0093] The reinforcing portion 216 may be configured to partition between the pair of battery modules 100 described above and connect to the pack housing 200. At this time, the reinforcing portion 216 may partition between the pair of battery modules 100 in the left-right direction of the pack housing 200.

[0094] Specifically, the reinforcing portion 216 may be provided substantially at the center of the inclined portion 212 described above. The inclined portion 212 may be formed symmetrically with respect to the reinforcing portion 216 as a whole. Further, the reinforcing portion 216 may be configured to support a part of the front side of each of the pair of battery modules 100.

[0095] Further, the reinforcing portion 216 may be connected to the cover 230 of the pack housing 200. As an example, the reinforcing portion 216 may be bolted to the cover 230, but is not limited thereto.

[0096] According to this embodiment of the present invention, by providing the reinforcing portion 216 connected to the cover 230 of the pack housing 200, the overall rigidity of the battery pack 10 can be reinforced.

[0097] Furthermore, by partitioning between the pair of battery modules 100 via the reinforcing portion 216, a part of the venting gas and / or flame discharged to the rear side of each of the pair of battery modules 100 can flow through the space between the upper side of the battery module 100 and the cover 230, thereby preventing it from remaining in the pack housing 200.

[0098] FIGS. 9 and 10 are diagrams showing other examples in which venting gas or flame is discharged during thermal runaway of the battery module 100. At this time, in FIGS. 9 and 10, the venting gas and the flame are denoted by reference numerals "V" and "F", respectively.

[0099] Referring to FIGS. 2, 6, 9, and 10, a plurality of battery modules 100 may be provided along the longitudinal direction of the support frame 210. At this time, the plurality of battery modules 100 may be configured to be separated from each other by a partition wall W connected to the support frame 210 when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the support frame 210. As an example, the partition wall W may include a material having high heat resistance and rigidity.

[0100] Also, the rear side of each of the plurality of battery modules 100 may be configured to face the inlet I of the flow channel C. For this purpose, the flow channel C may also be configured to extend along the longitudinal direction of the pack housing 200.

[0101] Such a partition wall W may be connected to the above-described reinforcing portion 216, respectively. Further, the reinforcing portion 216 may be configured to extend along the longitudinal direction of the pack housing 200 corresponding to the plurality of battery modules 100.

[0102] With such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of simultaneous multiple ignitions between adjacent battery modules 100 in the longitudinal direction of the pack housing 200.

[0103] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the battery pack 12 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. At this time, in FIG. 11, the venting gas is denoted as a reference sign "V", and the flame is denoted as "F".

[0104] Since the battery pack 12 according to the present embodiment is similar to the battery pack 12 of the above-described embodiment, redundant descriptions of substantially the same or similar configurations as those of the above-described embodiment will be omitted, and hereinafter, the differences from the above-described embodiment will be mainly examined.

[0105] Referring to FIG. 11, the battery pack 12 can further include a guide portion G.

[0106] The guide portion G is provided at a portion corresponding to the corner of the pack housing 200 and can be configured to guide the venting gas and / or the flame in the direction of the discharge port E. As an example, the guide portion G can include a material having high heat resistance and rigidity. Such a guide portion G can be provided with at least one or more at a portion corresponding to the corner of the pack housing 200. Further, the surface of the guide portion G is formed with an uneven structure, and the flow of the flame can be partially suppressed.

[0107] As an example, any one of the guide portions G can be provided in a region corresponding to the connection portion between the side frame 220 and the cover 230 within the flow channel C. Such a guide portion G can have one end connected to the upper inside of the flow channel C and the other end connected to the inner side surface of the flow channel C. Further, such a guide portion G can be arranged to be inclined from the upper inside of the flow channel C toward the inner side surface of the flow channel C.

[0108] Further, the other of the guide portions G can be provided in a region corresponding to the connection portion between the side frame 220 and the floor frame 240 within the flow channel C. Such a guide portion G can have one end coupled to the inner side surface of the flow channel C and the other end coupled to the lower inside of the flow channel C. Further, such a guide portion G can be arranged to be inclined from the inner side surface of the flow channel C toward the lower inside of the flow channel C.

[0109] According to such an embodiment, the flow of the venting gas flowing in the flow path P can be smoothly guided in the direction of the discharge port E. Further, since the flow of the flame is partially suppressed in the guide portion G, by allowing the flame with strong straightness to be slowly discharged outside the pack housing 200, it is possible to minimize the action as an ignition factor.

[0110] FIG. 12 is a view showing the battery pack 14 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. At this time, in FIG. 12, the venting gas is denoted by the reference sign "V", and the flame is denoted by "F".

[0111] The battery pack 14 according to the present embodiment is similar to the battery pack 14 of the above-described embodiment. Therefore, redundant descriptions of substantially the same or similar configurations as those of the above-described embodiment are omitted, and hereinafter, the differences from the above-described embodiment will be mainly examined.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 12, the battery pack 14 can further include a bent portion D.

[0113] The bent portion D is provided at the outlet of the venting path P and can be formed by being bent in the longitudinal direction of the pack housing 200.

[0114] Such a bent portion D can be provided on the rear side of the module frame (module case) 120 and can be formed by being bent in the longitudinal direction of the pack housing 200.

[0115] Specifically, the bent portion D can be provided at both side ends behind the module frame (module case) 120, or can be provided only at one side end behind the module frame (module case) 120.

[0116] Such a bent portion D can further impart directivity to the direction of discharge of the venting gas and / or flame generated in the battery module 100 toward the flow channel C side. That is, as shown in FIG. 12, the venting gas and / or flame generated in the battery module 100 can hit the bent portion D and be discharged toward the flow channel C side. Further, the venting gas and / or flame generated in one battery module 100 can be suppressed from transferring to other adjacent battery modules 100 by the bent portion D.

[0117] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, a pair of bent portions D can be provided so as to face the longitudinal direction of the pack housing 200 at both side ends behind the module frame (module case) 120. At this time, the pair of bent portions D can be formed by being bent so as to face each other in the longitudinal direction of the pack housing 200.

[0118] In this case, not only can the discharge of the venting gas and / or flame toward the flow channel C side be easily guided, but also the simultaneous multiple ignition between the adjacent battery modules 100 in the longitudinal direction of the pack housing 200 can be minimized.

[0119] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a battery pack 16 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. At this time, in FIG. 13, the venting gas is denoted as reference sign "V", and the flame is denoted as "F".

[0120] Since the battery pack 16 according to the present embodiment is similar to the battery pack 16 of the above-described embodiment, redundant description of substantially the same or similar configurations as those of the above-described embodiment will be omitted, and hereinafter, the differences from the above-described embodiment will be mainly considered.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 13, the battery pack 16 may further include a flow restriction portion M.

[0122] The flow restriction portion M may be configured to extend a predetermined length from the upper end of the outlet of the venting path P.

[0123] Specifically, the flow restriction portion M can extend a predetermined length from the upper rear end of the module frame (module case) 120 and be bent at a predetermined angle in the downward direction.

[0124] Such a flow restriction portion M can more easily guide the discharge of the venting gas and / or flame generated in the battery module 100 to the flow channel C side. That is, as shown in FIG. 13, the venting gas and / or flame generated in the battery module 100 can have its upward flow restricted when it hits the flow restriction portion M. In this way, the venting gas and / or flame with its upward flow restricted can be naturally discharged to the flow channel C side.

[0125] Also, according to such an embodiment, it is possible to prevent a part of the venting gas and / or flame discharged to the rear side of the battery module 100 from flowing through the space between the upper side of the battery module 100 and the cover 230 and remaining in the pack housing 200.

[0126] As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, by configuring a venting path P that can easily discharge the venting gas and / or flame in one direction, it is possible to minimize the discharge of the venting gas and / or flame in the direction in which the module terminal B is arranged in the battery module 100.

[0127] Also, it is possible to suppress the ignition factors of the battery packs 10, 12, 14, 16 and strengthen the structural stability of the battery packs 10, 12, 14, 16.

[0128] On the one hand, in addition to the above-described configuration, the battery module 100 according to the present invention further includes various devices for controlling the charging and discharging of the battery module 100, such as a BMS (Battery Management System), a current sensor, a fuse, etc., and can be configured as a battery pack. That is, the battery packs 10, 12, 14, 16 according to the present invention may include at least one or more of the battery modules 100 according to the present invention.

[0129] Also, the battery pack according to the present invention can be applied to automobiles such as electric vehicles. That is, the automobile according to the present invention may include at least one or more of the battery packs according to the present invention.

[0130] As described above, the present invention has been described by limited embodiments and drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and it goes without saying that various modifications and variations are possible within the equivalent scope of the technical idea of the present invention and the claims described below by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs.

[0131] On the other hand, in the present invention, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used, but such terms are for convenience of explanation and it is self-evident to those skilled in the art of the present invention that they may vary depending on the position of the object to be targeted and the position of the observer, etc.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0132] 10, 12, 14, 16 Battery packs 100 Battery module 200 Pack housing B Module terminal P Venting path

Claims

1. A battery module configured so that venting gas or flame generated inside is not discharged to the side where the module terminal is arranged, the battery module having a venting path that discharges the venting gas or flame to the side opposite to the side where the module terminal is arranged; a pack housing that houses the battery module therein; Including, The venting path is configured to become wider from a side of the battery module where the module terminal is arranged toward the opposite side of the battery module.

2. the side of the battery module on which the module terminals are arranged is the front side of the battery module, The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the side of the battery module opposite to the side on which the module terminals are arranged is a rear side of the battery module.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2 , wherein the pack housing includes a support frame configured to raise a front side of the battery module higher than a rear side thereof.

4. the support frame is configured to be inclined so that its height increases toward one side, and further includes an inclined portion located under the battery module; The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein a front side of the battery module is disposed on one side of the inclined portion.

5. The battery pack according to claim 3 , wherein the support frame further comprises a module fixing portion configured to support a rear side of the battery module.

6. the pack housing further includes an exhaust port configured to exhaust the venting gas or flame outside the pack housing; The battery pack according to claim 3 , wherein a rear side of the battery module is configured to face the exhaust port.

7. The battery pack according to claim 6, wherein the exhaust port is configured at a position in the pack housing after the flow direction of the venting gas or flame is bent one or more times.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein the discharge port is provided on the opposite side of the portion where the battery module is disposed in the pack housing with respect to the support frame.

9. The battery pack according to claim 8, wherein the discharge port is provided on the opposite side of the front side of the battery module with respect to the support frame in the pack housing.

10. The battery pack according to claim 6, wherein the pack housing further includes a flow path that is a flow channel configured to communicate with the venting path and the discharge port.

11. The battery pack according to claim 6, further including a guide portion provided at a portion corresponding to a corner of the pack housing, the guide portion being configured to guide the venting gas or flame in the direction of the discharge port.

12. The battery module is provided in a pair with respect to the support frame. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein the pair of battery modules are arranged in the pack housing such that the front sides of the respective battery modules face each other.

13. The battery pack according to claim 12, wherein the support frame further includes a reinforcing portion that partitions between the pair of battery modules and is configured to be connected to the pack housing.

14. A plurality of the battery modules are provided along the longitudinal direction of the support frame. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of battery modules are configured to be separated from each other by a partition wall connected to the support frame when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the support frame.

15. An automobile, comprising at least one or more of the battery packs according to claim 1.

16. A cell assembly, A module case that houses the cell assembly therein and is configured not to discharge the venting gas or flame generated inside to the front side where the module terminals are disposed, the module case including a venting path that discharges the venting gas or flame to the rear side, which is the opposite side of the front side. Including The battery module is characterized in that the bending path is configured to widen as it goes from the front side to the rear side of the module case where the module terminals are arranged.

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