Battery packs, electric wheelchairs and automobiles

Abstract

The battery pack according to the present invention includes a plurality of battery cells configured to eject internal materials to the outside due to internal pressure when the internal pressure of each of the battery cells exceeds a predetermined pressure; a cell frame configured to house the plurality of battery cells so that the internal materials of each of the battery cells are discharged in at least one direction; at least one guide cover configured to cover at least one side of the plurality of battery cells, at least a portion of which is spaced a predetermined distance from the cell frame to form a passageway through which the internal materials move; and a pack housing having an accommodation space for accommodating the cell frames therein, and including a discharge portion configured to be pierced by the internal materials in a portion facing an end of the passageway.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack, an electric wheelchair, and an automobile, and more particularly to a battery pack with improved safety against fire and explosion of battery cells.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0003198, filed on January 11, 2021, and the entire contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of that application are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0003] Recently, as demand for portable electronic products such as notebook PCs, video cameras, and mobile phones has surged and development of electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots, and satellites has gained momentum, research into high-performance secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged is actively underway.

[0004] Currently, commercially available secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries. Of these, lithium secondary batteries are attracting attention due to their advantages of almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, free charging and discharging, 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 and negative electrode active materials, respectively, and include an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate, each coated with a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material, are arranged with a separator sandwiched therebetween, and an exterior material, i.e., a battery case, that seals and houses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0006] Depending on the shape of the exterior material, lithium secondary batteries can be divided into can-type secondary batteries, in which the electrode assembly is housed in a metal can, and pouch-type secondary batteries, in which the electrode assembly is housed in a pouch made of an aluminum laminate sheet.

[0007] In particular, as the number of vehicles or devices that move by the rotational force of an electric motor powered by a battery pack has increased recently, the demand for battery packs applied to such vehicles or devices has also increased.

[0008] However, because such a battery pack includes a plurality of battery cells, if a fire or explosion occurs in at least some of the plurality of battery cells, flames and high-temperature gases are emitted, which may damage the device components inside or outside the battery pack, or may cause damage such as injury to a user of a vehicle or a mobile device equipped with the battery pack. Therefore, a solution to improve the safety of battery packs against fires and gas explosions is needed. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has an object to provide a battery pack with improved safety against fire and explosion of battery cells.

[0010] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] To achieve the above object, a battery pack according to the present invention includes a plurality of battery cells configured to eject an internal material to the outside due to the internal pressure of each of the battery cells when the internal pressure of the battery cells exceeds a predetermined pressure; a cell frame configured to house the plurality of battery cells so that the internal material is discharged in at least one direction; at least one guide cover configured to cover at least one side of the plurality of battery cells, at least a portion of which is spaced a predetermined distance from the cell frame to form a passage through which the internal material moves; and a pack housing having an accommodation space for accommodating the cell frame therein, and including an outlet portion configured to be pierced by the internal material in a portion facing an end of the passage.

[0012] The discharge portion may be formed such that one portion of the pack housing has a thickness that is relatively thinner than another adjacent portion.

[0013] Furthermore, the cell frame has a protruding screen rib formed to surround the outer periphery of the guide cover, The guide cover may have a bent portion facing the screen rib and extending inwardly from an outer periphery thereof.

[0014] Furthermore, the discharge portion may be made of a material that melts at a predetermined temperature or higher.

[0015] The container may further include a cover film disposed in the passageway and extending to cover one side of the plurality of battery cells from which the internal material is discharged.

[0016] Furthermore, the cell frame may be provided with at least one partition rib that protrudes toward the guide cover and extends along the movement path.

[0017] The guide cover may include a guide rib formed at a position corresponding to at least some of the battery cells and configured to divert the movement direction of the internal material discharged from the battery cell to one direction.

[0018] The battery pack further includes a BMS module configured to control charging and discharging of the plurality of battery cells; the BMS module is mounted on the other side of the guide cover, which is opposite to the one side facing the plurality of battery cells; The guide cover may include a reinforcing portion on one side facing the battery cells, the reinforcing portion being thicker than the remaining portion.

[0019] An electric wheelchair according to the present invention for achieving the above object may include at least one battery pack.

[0020] In order to achieve the above object, a vehicle according to the present invention may include at least one battery pack. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to one aspect of the present invention, the battery pack of the present invention includes a pack housing equipped with a guide cover and an exhaust port. Therefore, if internal materials are discharged due to abnormal behavior (thermal runaway, explosion, etc.) of a plurality of battery cells, the discharged internal materials (gas, flame, etc.) can move along a set passageway and be discharged to the outside through the exhaust port of the pack housing located at the end of the passageway. As a result, the battery pack of the present invention allows the generated high-temperature gas and flame to move in the intended direction along the passageway, preventing damage to other components inside the battery pack. Furthermore, the battery pack of the present invention can be configured to exhaust the high-temperature gas and flame to a position that minimizes damage to external devices adjacent to the battery pack or to the user, thereby effectively improving the safety of the battery pack.

[0022] The present invention provides a discharge portion formed at a portion of the pack housing that is relatively thinner than the adjacent portion, so that the discharge portion can be pierced by high-temperature gases or flames emitted by thermal runaway or explosion of the battery cells without the need for additional components or controls, thereby effectively discharging internal materials to the outside. As a result, the battery pack of the present invention can improve safety against thermal runaway, fire, explosion, etc. of the battery cells without requiring additional components. Ultimately, the manufacturing costs of the battery pack can be reduced.

[0023] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to further understand the technical concept of the present invention, so the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the matters described in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating an internal configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a left perspective view schematically illustrating an internal configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a battery cell of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a right perspective view schematically illustrating a partial configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a left perspective view schematically illustrating a partial configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] 2 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention taken along line CC' in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is a bottom perspective view schematically illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 9] 10 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a partial configuration of a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 10 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a left side view schematically showing a guide cover of a battery pack according to still another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 13] 10 is a perspective view schematically illustrating another guide cover of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, the terms and words used in the specification and claims should not be construed as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be construed as having meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical ideas of the present invention, in accordance with the principle that the inventor himself can appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best explain the invention.

[0026] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiment of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical idea of ​​the present invention, and that there may be various equivalents and modifications that can be substituted for them at the time of this application.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating the internal configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a left perspective view schematically illustrating the internal configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a battery cell of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 5 and 6 are right and left perspective views respectively illustrating a partial configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. For reference, the X-axis arrow, Y-axis arrow, and Z-axis arrow in FIG. 1 indicate the right, rear, and upper directions, respectively.

[0028] 1 to 6, a battery pack 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of battery cells 110, a cell frame 120, at least one guide cover 130, and a pack housing 140.

[0029] 2 and 4, the plurality of battery cells 110 may be cylindrical battery cells 110. The battery cells 110 may include an electrode assembly 116, an electrolyte (not shown), a battery can 112, and a cap assembly 113.

[0030] The electrode assembly 116 may have a wound structure with a separator interposed between a positive electrode and a negative electrode. A positive electrode tab 114 may be attached to the positive electrode plate and connected to a cap assembly 113, and a negative electrode tab 115 may be attached to the negative electrode plate and connected to the bottom of the battery can 112.

[0031] The battery can 112 may have a space formed therein and may accommodate the electrode assembly 116. In particular, the battery can 112 may be cylindrical and configured with an open top. The battery can 112 may be made of a metal material such as steel or aluminum to ensure rigidity. A negative electrode tab may be attached to the bottom of the battery can 112, and the battery can 112 itself, as well as the bottom of the battery can 112, may function as a negative electrode terminal.

[0032] In addition, the battery cells 110 may have electrode terminals 111 at one end and the other end, respectively. For example, a positive terminal may be formed at the left end of any one of the battery cells 110, and a negative terminal may be formed at the right end. The positive and negative terminals of another battery cell 110 may be formed at positions opposite to the positions of the positive and negative terminals of the battery cell 110. The plurality of battery cells 110 may be electrically connected by a connection plate 150 made of a metal material. The plurality of battery cells 110 may be electrically connected in series, in parallel, or in series and parallel by the connection plate 150. For example, a plurality of connection plates 150 may be mounted on the left and right sides of the cell frame 120, respectively.

[0033] 2, four connection plates 150 may be mounted on the right side of the cell frame 120. Also, as shown in FIG.

[0034] 4, the cap assembly 113 may be coupled to the upper open end of the battery can 112 to seal the open end of the battery can 112. The cap assembly 113 may have a circular or rectangular shape depending on the shape of the battery can 112, and may include sub-components such as an upper cap C1, a vent unit C2, and a gasket C3.

[0035] Here, the upper cap C1 may be positioned at the top of the cap assembly 113 and may be configured to protrude upward. In particular, the upper cap C1 may function as a positive terminal (electrode terminal) 111 of the battery cell 110. As a result, the upper cap C1 may be electrically connected to another battery cell 110 or a charging device via an external device, for example, the connection plate 150 of FIG. 2. The upper cap C1 may be made of a metal material such as stainless steel or aluminum. In the event of a serious explosion or fire occurring in the battery cell 110, at least a portion of the upper cap C1 may burst or detach from the battery can 112 to the outside, thereby opening the battery can 112.

[0036] Furthermore, each of the plurality of battery cells 110 may be configured to eject internal materials to the outside when the internal pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure. For example, the internal materials may be gas and flames generated inside the battery cell 110. The internal materials may also be, for example, electrode assembly fragments and electrolyte. For example, the vent unit C2 may be configured to deform (rupture) when the internal pressure of the battery cell 110, i.e., the internal pressure of the battery can 112, exceeds a predetermined level, thereby ejecting gas inside the battery can 112 to the outside through the opening D of the upper cap C1. Here, the predetermined level of internal pressure may be 2 atmospheres or greater.

[0037] Furthermore, the gasket C3 may be made of an electrically insulating material so that the periphery of the upper cap C1 and the vent unit C2 is insulated from the battery can 112.

[0038] Meanwhile, the cap assembly 113 may further include a current interrupting member C4. The current interrupting member C4 is also called a CID (Current Interrupt Device), and when the internal pressure of the battery increases due to gas generation and the shape of the vent unit C2 reverses, the contact between the vent unit C2 and the current interrupting member C4 may be cut off or the current interrupting member C4 may be damaged, thereby cutting off the electrical connection between the vent unit C2 and the electrode assembly 116.

[0039] The configuration of such a cylindrical battery cell 110 is well known to those skilled in the art at the time of filing of the present invention, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted herein. Also, although an example of a cylindrical battery cell 110 is shown in Fig. 2, the battery pack 100 according to the present invention is not limited to the configuration of a specific cylindrical battery cell 110. In other words, various types of battery cells 110 known at the time of filing of the present invention may be used in the battery pack 100 according to the present invention.

[0040] 2 and 3 , the cell frame 120 may include a first frame 121 and a second frame 122. The first frame 121 and the second frame 122 may be coupled to each other at opposing sides. The cell frame 120 may be configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells 110 therein. The first frame 121 and the second frame 122 may each have a plurality of hollows O configured to receive portions of the plurality of battery cells 110. The cell frame 120 may be configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells 110 so that the internal material can be discharged in at least one direction. The cell frame 120 may include a plurality of exposure holes 125. The plurality of exposure holes 125 may be formed by perforating a portion of the cell frame 120 so that the electrode terminals 111 of each of the plurality of battery cells 110 are exposed to the outside. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a plurality of exposure openings 125 may be provided on the left side of the first frame 121 and the right side of the second frame 122, respectively.

[0041] 4, 5, and 6, at least one guide cover 130 may be configured to cover at least one side of the plurality of battery cells 110. In particular, it may be configured to cover one side where the vent unit C2 of each of the plurality of battery cells 110 is located. For example, the guide cover 130 may be configured to cover a plurality of exposure holes 125 of the cell frame 120 in which the plurality of battery cells 110 are accommodated.

[0042] FIG. 7 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention taken along line CC' of FIG.

[0043] 1, 5, and 6, referring to FIG. 7, at least a portion of the guide cover 130 may be configured to be spaced a predetermined distance from the cell frame 120 to form a transfer path P. The transfer path P may be configured to allow the internal material S discharged from each of the plurality of battery cells 110 to move. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a portion of the guide cover 130 may be spaced a predetermined distance from the left side of the cell frame 120 to form a transfer path P through which gas or flame can move.

[0044] The guide cover 130 may be made of at least one of nylon and glass fiber. For example, the guide cover 130 may be made of a mixture of polyamide (75 wt%) and glass fiber (25 wt%). Alternatively, the guide cover 130 may be made of mica. The guide cover 130 may be made of a mica sheet.

[0045] FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view schematically illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] 7 and 8, the pack housing 140 may have an accommodating space for accommodating the cell frame 120 therein. The pack housing 140 may include an outlet 141 configured to allow the internal material S discharged from each of the plurality of battery cells 110 to be discharged to the outside. The outlet 141 may be a portion of the outer wall of the pack housing 140. The outlet 141 may also be provided in a portion of the pack housing 140 facing the end of the passage P. The outlet 141 may be formed, for example, in the lower portion of the pack housing 140. The pack housing 140 may have a plurality of outlets 141. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, eight outlets 141 may be formed at predetermined intervals in the lower portion of the pack housing 140. However, the outlets 141 of the pack housing 140 are not necessarily formed in this shape and may be formed anywhere as long as they face the end of the passage P. For example, the plurality of discharge portions 141 may be connected to each other and extend longitudinally, rather than being spaced apart at predetermined intervals.

[0047] The pack housing 140 may include an exhaust portion 141 configured to be pierced by the internal material S. For example, the exhaust portion 141 may be configured to be pierced when a portion thereof is melted by gas or flame at a predetermined temperature or higher. The predetermined temperature may be, for example, 310°C or higher. The exhaust portion 141 may be configured to be pierced when an internal pressure equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure is generated inside the pack housing 140. For example, the exhaust portion 141 may be configured to be pierced when the internal pressure of the pack housing 140 reaches 2 atmospheres or higher. For example, the pack housing 140 may be made of polycarbonate material.

[0048] Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, the battery pack 100 of the present invention includes the pack housing 140 having the guide cover 130 and the discharge portion 141. Therefore, when an internal substance S is discharged due to abnormal behavior (thermal runaway, explosion, etc.) of the plurality of battery cells 110, the discharged internal substance S (gas, flame, etc.) moves along the set path P and can be discharged to the outside from the discharge portion 141 of the pack housing 140 located at the end of the path P. As a result, the battery pack 100 of the present invention can prevent damage to other components inside the battery pack 100 by allowing the generated high-temperature gas or flame to move in the intended direction through the path P. Furthermore, the battery pack 100 of the present invention can be configured to discharge the high-temperature gas or flame to a position that minimizes damage to external devices adjacent to the battery pack 100 or to a user, thereby effectively improving the safety of the battery pack 100.

[0049] 7 and 8, the discharge portion 141 may be a portion of the pack housing 140 formed to be relatively thinner than other adjacent portions. For example, the discharge portion 141 may have an outer wall thickness of 0.5 mm to 1 mm. The outer wall thickness of the other portion adjacent to the discharge portion 141 may be approximately 3 mm. That is, since the discharge portion 141 is formed to have an outer wall that is relatively thinner than other adjacent portions, it may melt before other adjacent portions due to high-temperature gas or flame, and the melted portion may flow outward to form an opening. The discharge portion 141 may discharge the internal material S (gas, flame) to the outside through the formed opening.

[0050] Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, a portion of the pack housing 140 includes the exhaust portion 141 formed to be relatively thinner than the adjacent portion, so that the exhaust portion 141 can be perforated by high-temperature gas or flames emitted due to thermal runaway or explosion of the plurality of battery cells 110, and the internal material S can be effectively exhausted to the outside, without the need for additional components or controls. As a result, the battery pack 100 of the present invention can improve safety against thermal runaway, fire, explosion, etc. of the plurality of battery cells 110 without the need for additional components. Ultimately, the manufacturing cost of the battery pack 100 can be reduced.

[0051] 5 to 7, the cell frame 120 may be provided with a screen rib 123. The screen rib 123 may be configured to prevent the internal material S discharged from the battery cells 110 from moving in a direction opposite to the direction in which the discharge portion 141 is located. The screen rib 123 may have a protruding shape to surround the outer periphery of the guide cover 130. The screen rib 123 may also be formed to protrude to surround the remaining outer periphery of the guide cover 130 except for the end (lower end) of the guide cover 130 facing the discharge portion 141. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the screen rib 123 may be formed at each of the left and right ends of the cell frame 120. The screen rib 123 formed at the right end may be formed in plurality to cover the upper, rear, and front ends of the guide cover 130B provided on the right side. The screen rib 123 formed on the left end may be formed in plural to cover the upper end, rear end, and front end of the guide cover 130A provided on the left side.

[0052] The guide cover 130 may also include a bent portion 132 positioned to face the screen rib 123. The guide cover 130 may be plate-shaped to cover one side of the battery cells 110. The bent portion 132 may be formed by extending and bending from the plate-shaped outer periphery of the guide cover 130 inward (toward the battery cells 110). The bent portion 132 may be configured to guide the movement of the internal material S discharged from the battery cells 110 so that the internal material S moves downward rather than upward, forward, or backward of the guide cover 130. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the upper, front, and rear ends of the guide cover 130B located on the right side may be provided with bent portions 132 that extend and be bent inward toward the battery cells 110. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the upper, front, and rear ends of the guide cover 130A located on the left side may be provided with bending portions 132 that extend to be bent inward toward where the battery cells 110 are located.

[0053] Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, the cell frame 120 is formed with the screen rib 123 and the guide cover 130 is provided with the bent portion 132, so that in the event of a gas explosion or fire caused by thermal runaway in one of the plurality of battery cells 110, the internal material S (gas, flame) discharged to the outside of the battery cell 110 can move toward the discharge portion 141 of the pack housing 140 by the screen rib 123 of the cell frame 120 and the bent portion 132 of the guide cover 130. As a result, the high-temperature gas or flame can be moved and discharged to the intended location, reducing damage to other components inside the battery pack 100 and preventing the high-temperature gas or flame from being transmitted to external devices or users located near the battery pack 100.

[0054] FIG. 9 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention, in which a part of the battery pack is cut away.

[0055] 9 together with FIG. 8, in comparison with the battery pack 100 of FIG. 7, the battery pack 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a discharge portion 141 having a material 141a that melts at a predetermined temperature or higher.

[0056] Specifically, the discharge portion 141 provided in the pack housing 140 of the battery pack 100 of FIG. 9 may include, at least in part, a material 141a that melts at a predetermined temperature or higher. The material may be a metal that melts at a predetermined temperature or higher. For example, the material may include at least one of lead (Pb), which has a melting point of about 327°C, zinc (Zn), which has a melting point of about 420°C, and tellurium, which has a melting point of about 450°C. For example, the predetermined temperature may be 327°C or higher.

[0057] That is, the exhaust portion 141 may be configured so that at least a portion thereof melts and becomes perforated when the inside of the pack housing 140 rises above a predetermined temperature or when the exhaust portion 141 comes into contact with high-temperature gas or flame.

[0058] Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, since the present invention includes the material 141a that melts at a predetermined temperature or higher, when high-temperature gas or flame is generated, the exhaust portion 141 of the pack housing 140 is melted and perforated, allowing the high-temperature gas or flame to be discharged to the outside. As a result, the battery pack 100 of the present invention discharges the generated high-temperature gas or flame to the intended portion and direction of the pack housing 140, thereby minimizing damage caused by the high-temperature gas or flame to external devices adjacent to the battery pack 100 or to users. Ultimately, the safety of the battery pack 100 of the present invention can be effectively improved.

[0059] Fig. 10 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a partial configuration of a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 11 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a cut portion of a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] 10 and 11 in addition to FIGS. 2 and 3, the battery pack of FIG. 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include a cover film 160 when compared with the battery pack 100 of FIG. 2. Specifically, the cover film 160 may be configured to cover one side of the battery cells 110 from which the internal material S is discharged. The cover film 160 may have a shape extending in the up-down and front-rear directions to cover one side of the battery cells 110. The cover film 160 may be attached to the outer surface of the connection plate 150. For example, the cover film 160 may be attached to the outer surface of the connection plate 150. Alternatively, the cover film 160 may have a size corresponding to a portion of the cell frame 120 on which the connection plate 150 is mounted. The cover film 160 may be configured to cover an exposure opening of the cell frame 120.

[0061] The cover film 160 may be made of an electrically insulating material, such as a polyethylene film. The cover film 160 may be located in the space between the guide cover 130 and the cell frame 120. That is, the cover film 160 may be located inside the passage P where the battery cells 110 are located.

[0062] Furthermore, the cover film 160 may be configured to be partially ruptured and perforated when high-temperature gas or flame is emitted from any one of the plurality of battery cells 110. Conversely, the cover film 160 may not be perforated in a portion facing a battery cell 110 in which no fire or gas explosion has occurred. That is, the cover film 160 may be disposed to face one side of the plurality of battery cells 110 on which the vent unit C2 is formed. The high-temperature gas or flame that has penetrated the cover film 160 may move along the movement path P.

[0063] Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, the present invention is configured to cover one side of the plurality of battery cells 110 from which the internal material S is discharged, so that when high-temperature gas or flame is emitted from one of the plurality of battery cells 110, a portion of the battery cell 110 may rupture to allow the high-temperature gas or flame to move toward the passage P. The cover film 160 of the present invention can prevent the high-temperature gas or flame moving through the passage P from flowing into the remaining battery cells 110 among the plurality of battery cells 110 that have not experienced a fire or explosion. Ultimately, the safety of the battery pack 100 can be effectively improved.

[0064] 2 and 3, the cell frame 120 of the battery pack 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include at least one partition rib 124. When a gas explosion or fire occurs in one or more of the plurality of battery cells 110, the partition rib 124 can prevent high-temperature gas or flame from moving to the other battery cells 110. The partition rib 124 can guide the generated gas or flame to move downward toward the discharge portion 141. The partition rib 124 may protrude toward the guide cover 130. The partition rib 124 may extend along the transfer path P. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, three partition ribs 124 may be provided on the right side of the cell frame 120, and three partition ribs 124 may be provided on the left side. The six partition ribs 124 may extend in the vertical direction.

[0065] Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, the present invention includes at least one partition rib 124 protruding toward the guide cover 130 and extending along the passage P, which can prevent high-temperature gas or flames moving through the passage P from flowing into the remaining battery cells 110 that have not experienced a fire or explosion. Ultimately, the safety of the battery pack 100 can be effectively improved.

[0066] FIG. 12 is a left side view schematically showing a guide cover of a battery pack according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] 12 together with FIG. 7, the guide cover 130 of the battery pack 100 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention may further include a guide rib 131 when compared with the guide cover 130 of FIG. 5. The remaining configuration of the battery pack 100 according to yet another embodiment may be identical to that of the battery pack 100 of FIG.

[0068] 12 may include a plurality of guide ribs 131. The guide ribs 131 may be configured to change the movement direction of the internal material S discharged from the battery cells 110 in one direction. The guide ribs 131 may be configured to be formed on one surface facing at least some of the plurality of battery cells 110. The guide cover 130 may include at least one guide rib 131. For example, the guide rib 131 may be positioned to correspond to one side of the plurality of battery cells 110 from which the internal material S is discharged.

[0069] In addition, the guide rib 131 may be configured to redirect the movement of the internal material S ejected from the battery cell 110 toward the discharge portion 141. The guide rib 131 may have an arc shape with an open bottom when viewed from the left side. The arc shape with an open bottom of the guide rib 131 may redirect the movement of gas and flame ejected from the battery cell 110 downward. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the guide cover 130 may be formed with 12 guide ribs 131.

[0070] Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, the guide cover 130 is provided with a guide rib 131 configured to change the movement direction of the internal material S discharged from the battery cell 110 in one direction, so that the internal material S ejected from the battery cell 110 can be guided to change its movement direction toward the discharge portion 141. Therefore, compared to the battery pack 100 of Figure 1, it is possible to more effectively control the ejected gas or flame to move toward the discharge portion 141.

[0071] FIG. 13 is a perspective view schematically illustrating another guide cover of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] 13 together with FIGS. 6 and 7, the battery pack 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a BMS module 170. The BMS module 170 may be configured to control charging and discharging of the plurality of battery cells 110. In addition, the battery pack 100 may further include a current sensor, a fuse, etc.

[0073] The battery pack 100 may also include two or more guide covers 130. Any one of the two or more guide covers 130 may include a BMS mounting portion on which a BMS module 170 is mounted. For example, the BMS module 170 may be mounted in a BMS mounting portion 136 formed on the other side of the guide cover 130, opposite to the side facing the plurality of battery cells 110.

[0074] In addition, the guide cover 130 may have a reinforcing portion 135 on one side facing the battery cells 110. The reinforcing portion 135 may be a portion that is formed relatively thicker than the remaining portion on one side of the guide cover 130. That is, the reinforcing portion 135 may be a portion that protrudes from one side of the guide cover 130 toward the battery cells 110.

[0075] Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, the guide cover 130 on which the BMS module 170 is mounted is provided with a reinforcing portion 135, so that in the event of an explosion or fire occurring in the plurality of battery cells 110 mounted on the cell frame 120, the guide cover 130 can prevent the BMS module 170 from being exposed to gas or flame, and minimize heat transfer from the high-temperature gas or flame, thereby minimizing damage or malfunction of the BMS module 170.

[0076] Meanwhile, an electric wheelchair (not shown) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes at least one of the above-described battery packs 100. Here, the electric wheelchair refers to a wheelchair that can move by rotating wheels using the driving force of an electric motor. The electric wheelchair may further include a pack mounting case having a storage space for storing a plurality of battery packs 100. For example, the pack mounting case may be disposed below the seat portion of the electric wheelchair.

[0077] Meanwhile, a vehicle (not shown) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes at least one of the above-described battery packs 100. The vehicle may further include a mounting unit having a storage space for storing a plurality of battery packs 100. For example, the battery packs 100 may be mounted on a vehicle body. For example, the vehicle may refer to any device that generates power by supplying power from the battery packs 100 to an electric motor and moves using such power. For example, the vehicle may be an electric vehicle, an electric motorcycle, an electric bicycle, an electric kick scooter, or the like.

[0078] Although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used in this specification, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms indicate relative positions and are used only for convenience of explanation, and may vary depending on the position of the object in question, the position of the observer, etc.

[0079] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and variations can be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains within the technical spirit of the present invention and the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 100 battery packs 110 battery cells 120 Cell Frame 121 1st frame 122 2nd frame 123 Screen Rib 124 Compartment Rib 130, 130a, 130b Guide cover 131 Guide rib 132 Bend section 135 Reinforcement 136 BMS mounting section 140 pack housing 141 Discharge section 141a Material to be melted 150 Connecting Plate 160 Cover Film 170 BMS modules P moving passage

Claims

1. a plurality of battery cells configured such that, when the internal pressure of each of the plurality of battery cells becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined pressure, the internal material is ejected to the outside by the internal pressure; a cell frame configured to house the plurality of battery cells so that the internal substance is discharged in at least one direction; at least one guide cover configured to cover at least one side of the plurality of battery cells, at least a portion of which is spaced apart from the cell frame by a predetermined distance to form a passage through which the internal material moves; a pack housing having an accommodation space for accommodating the cell frame therein, the pack housing including a discharge part having a portion facing an end of the moving passage configured to be perforated by the internal material; Including, The battery pack, wherein the cell frame has a protruding screen rib formed to surround an outer periphery of the guide cover.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the discharge portion is formed such that a portion of the pack housing is thinner than another adjacent portion of the pack housing.

3. A battery pack as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the guide cover faces the screen rib and has a folding portion extending from the outer periphery so as to be folded inward.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the discharge portion is provided with a material that melts at a predetermined temperature or higher.

5. The battery pack of claim 1 , further comprising a cover film disposed in the passageway and extending to cover one side of the plurality of battery cells from which the internal material is discharged.

6. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the cell frame is provided with at least one partition rib that protrudes toward the guide cover and extends along the moving path.

7. 7. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the guide cover includes a guide rib formed at a position corresponding to at least some of the plurality of battery cells and configured to divert a movement direction of internal materials discharged from the battery cells to one direction.

8. The battery pack further includes a BMS module configured to control charging and discharging of the plurality of battery cells; the BMS module is mounted on the other side of the guide cover, which is opposite to the one side facing the plurality of battery cells; 8. The battery pack of claim 1, wherein the guide cover includes a reinforcing portion on one side facing the plurality of battery cells, the reinforcing portion being thicker than the remaining portion.

9. An electric wheelchair comprising at least one battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A motor vehicle comprising at least one battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images