Battery pack

Abstract

The battery pack of the present invention includes a lower case accommodating a plurality of battery modules, an upper case covering the lower case and coupled to the lower case, a vent hole provided in at least one of a side wall of the lower case and the upper case, a sealing member installed on at least one of the side wall of the lower case and the upper case to cover the vent hole and deformed at a predetermined pressure and / or temperature or higher to open the vent hole, a flame blocking surface attached to at least one of an inner surface of the side wall of the lower case and an inner surface of the upper case to cover the vent hole and the sealing member, the flame blocking surface having a plurality of flame exhaust holes, and a flame control block having an internal space communicating with the flame exhaust hole and open toward the vent hole and the sealing member.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack that houses a battery module, and more particularly to a battery pack that can exhaust flames generated inside the battery pack to the outside in a controlled manner.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0112016, filed on September 5, 2022, and all contents disclosed in the documents of said Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0003] A battery pack used in an electric vehicle or the like has a structure in which a number of battery modules, each including a plurality of secondary batteries, are connected in series or parallel to obtain high output. The secondary battery can be repeatedly charged and discharged through electrochemical reactions between components including positive and negative electrode current collectors, separators, active materials, and electrolytes.

[0004] 1 and 2 are schematic diagrams showing gas discharge paths in a conventional battery pack 1. FIG.

[0005] If thermal runway occurs in a battery module 4 housed in a battery pack 1, heat is transferred to adjacent battery modules, resulting in the generation of gas within the battery pack, causing sparks and flames to erupt.

[0006] The battery pack 1 is formed with a gas exhaust path and a gas exhaust opening 3 for exhausting such gas.

[0007] FIG. 1 shows that the gas is vented directly to a gas vent opening 3 formed in a side wall 2 of the battery pack.

[0008] FIG. 2 shows that the gas is discharged to the outside through the venting channels and gas discharge openings 3 formed in the side wall 2 of the battery pack 1 .

[0009] Meanwhile, flames are released along with gases through the venting channel and the gas exhaust opening. If the flames are directly discharged to the outside of the battery pack without any restriction, other mechanical or electrical devices outside the pack may be damaged. Furthermore, the discharged flames may cause a fire or explosion, thereby compromising safety.

[0010] In order to restrict the flame, it is conceivable to attach a mesh-shaped member to the gas discharge opening. In this case, the mesh-shaped member can reduce the flame to some extent. However, the flame suppression effect of such a mesh-shaped member is limited, and it is difficult to completely prevent the flame.

[0011] Another approach to preventing fire is to form a flame-blocking plate inside the gas exhaust opening, i.e., inside the battery pack. In this case, the flame can be blocked from escaping to the outside of the pack. However, the flame-blocking plate may impede the flow of gas being exhausted to the outside, preventing the gas from being quickly exhausted to the outside. Furthermore, if the flame is not exhausted to the outside, it may spread inside the pack and propagate to other battery modules where no fire is occurring, exacerbating the problem of so-called thermal propagation.

[0012] Therefore, there is a need to develop a technology that can effectively exhaust a flame in a controlled manner when it occurs inside a battery pack, thereby eliminating problems that occur inside and outside the battery pack. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0013] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2018-0039986 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0014] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack that can reduce flames generated inside the battery pack in a controlled manner and vent them to the outside. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] In order to solve the above problems, a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a lower case accommodating a plurality of battery modules; an upper case covering the lower case and coupled to the lower case; a venting hole provided in at least one of a side wall of the lower case and the upper case; a sealing member installed on at least one of the side wall of the lower case and the upper case to cover the venting hole and deformed at a predetermined pressure and / or temperature or above to open the venting hole; and a flame control block attached to at least one of the inner surface of the side wall of the lower case and the inner surface of the upper case to cover the venting hole and the sealing member, the flame control block having a flame-blocking surface provided with a plurality of flame exhaust holes and an internal space communicating with the flame exhaust holes and open toward the venting hole and the sealing member.

[0016] The battery pack according to an embodiment may further include a mesh-shaped flame-extinguishing member installed in the vent hole on the front or rear side of the sealing member.

[0017] The flame control block may include a protruding frame that surrounds and covers the venting hole and the sealing member and protrudes toward the inside of the battery pack, a protruding surface of the protruding frame forming the flame blocking surface, and the internal space may be formed between an inner surface of the protruding frame and the venting hole and the sealing member.

[0018] A mounting bracket may be provided on an end of the protrusion frame opposite the fire-blocking surface, and the mounting bracket may be mounted on at least one of an inner surface of a side wall of the lower case and an inner surface of the upper case.

[0019] Gas inlets may be provided at the corners of the protruding frame.

[0020] The flame blocking surface of the protruding frame may be formed concavely toward the outside of the battery pack.

[0021] The diameter of the fire exhaust hole disposed at the center of the fire blocking surface may be smaller than the diameter of the fire exhaust holes disposed at both sides of the fire blocking surface.

[0022] The fire-blocking surface of the protruding frame may include a flat portion and inclined surface portions located on both sides of the flat portion and inclined from the flat portion toward the inside of the battery pack.

[0023] The diameter of the fire exhaust holes arranged on the flat surface portion may be smaller than the diameter of the fire exhaust holes arranged on the inclined surface portion.

[0024] In one embodiment, the battery pack further includes a venting device that covers the venting hole and is attached to an outer surface of at least one of the side wall of the lower case and the upper case, and the venting device may include a housing having a hollow venting channel that communicates with the venting hole, and a mesh-shaped flame-extinguishing member that is coupled to an inlet of the hollow venting channel that communicates with the venting hole.

[0025] The sealing member may be located within the hollow venting channel of the housing.

[0026] The flame control block may further include at least one partition frame disposed within the protrusion frame, the partition frame having a fire exhaust hole communicating with the fire exhaust hole of the fire blocking surface and defining the internal space.

[0027] The fire exhaust holes of the partition frame may be arranged to overlap at least a portion of the fire exhaust holes of the fire blocking surface.

[0028] The fire-blocking surface of the protruding frame and the partition frame may be concave toward the outside of the battery pack, and the diameters of the fire-blocking surface and the fire exhaust holes arranged at the center of the partition frame may be smaller than the diameters of the fire-blocking surface and the fire exhaust holes arranged at both sides of the partition frame.

[0029] The flame blocking surface of the protruding frame and the partition frame each include a flat portion and inclined surface portions located on both sides of the flat portion and inclined from the flat portion toward the inside of the battery pack, and the diameter of the flame exhaust hole arranged on the flat portion may be smaller than the diameter of the flame exhaust hole arranged on the inclined surface portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] The present invention provides a flame control block on the inner surface of the pack case, allowing the flame to be vented to the outside in a controlled manner.

[0031] This prevents the flame from being emitted straight to the outside, but is emitted to the outside in a state where the flame is extinguished to some extent, thereby improving safety outside the pack.

[0032] It is also possible to prevent flames from remaining inside the battery pack and spreading to other battery modules. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a gas exhaust path in a conventional battery pack. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a gas exhaust path in a conventional battery pack. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a flame control block. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a venting device that is a component of the battery pack of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the venting device. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are a front view and a cross-sectional view showing another example of a flame control block. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are a front view and a cross-sectional view showing another example of a flame control block. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a battery pack to which the flame control block of FIGS. 9 and 10 is applied. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are a front view and a cross-sectional view showing another example of a flame control block. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are a front view and a cross-sectional view showing another example of a flame control block. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a flame control block. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] The present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described herein are shown by way of example to facilitate understanding of the invention, and the present invention may be implemented in various modifications different from the embodiments described herein. In addition, the accompanying drawings are not drawn to scale, and the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated to facilitate understanding of the invention.

[0035] A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a lower case accommodating a plurality of battery modules; an upper case covering the lower case and coupled to the lower case; a venting hole provided in at least one of a side wall of the lower case and the upper case; a sealing member installed on at least one of the side wall of the lower case and the upper case to cover the venting hole and deformed at a predetermined pressure and / or temperature or above to open the venting hole; and a flame control block attached to at least one of the inner surface of the side wall of the lower case and the inner surface of the upper case to cover the venting hole and the sealing member, the flame control block having a flame-blocking surface provided with a plurality of flame exhaust holes and an internal space communicating with the flame exhaust holes and open toward the venting hole and the sealing member.

[0036] The present invention will be described in detail below.

[0037] (First embodiment) 3 and 4 are schematic perspective views showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] A battery pack 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a lower case 10 accommodating a plurality of battery modules, an upper case 20 covering the lower case 10 and coupled to the lower case, a venting hole 30 provided in at least one of a side wall of the lower case and the upper case 20, a sealing member 40 installed on at least one of the side wall 11 of the lower case and the upper case 20 to cover the venting hole 30 and deformed at a predetermined pressure and / or temperature or above to open the venting hole 30, and a flame control block 50 attached to at least one of the inner surface of the side wall 11 of the lower case and the inner surface of the upper case 21 to cover the venting hole 30 and the sealing member 40, the flame control block 50 having a flame blocking surface 51a provided with a plurality of flame exhaust holes H and an internal space S communicating with the flame exhaust holes H and open toward the venting hole 30 and the sealing member 40.

[0039] The present invention relates to a battery pack 100 for accommodating multiple battery modules (not shown). If a fire occurs in one of the multiple battery modules, the flame can be exhausted in a controlled manner by the flame control block 50 of the present invention, thereby preventing the flame from spreading to other battery modules. The battery module includes a battery cell stack in which multiple battery cells are stacked and a module housing in which the battery cell stack is accommodated. The battery module also includes end plates coupled to the front and rear ends of the battery cell stack. The battery module to which the present invention is applicable also includes a moduleless battery module that does not have all or part of the module housing that accommodates the battery cell stack. By installing such a moduleless battery module within the battery pack 100, a so-called cell-to-pack battery pack 100 can be achieved. Therefore, the present invention is also effective in preventing heat or flame propagation in a cell-to-pack battery pack 100.

[0040] The lower case 10 accommodates a plurality of battery modules. Typically, the lower case 10 includes a base plate 12 that forms a battery module mounting area and a side wall 11 that surrounds the base plate 12. The base plate 12 may have a coolant flow path, or a separate heat sink may be installed below the base plate 12. The combination of the base plate 12 and the side wall 11 forms the lower case 10. The side wall 11 may have a gas venting channel therein. In addition, the side wall 11 may have a venting hole 30 at a predetermined position that can discharge gas generated within the battery pack 100 to the outside. The gas venting channel may be in communication with the venting hole 30.

[0041] Partition members 13 may be provided to align a plurality of battery modules within the lower case 10. That is, the partition members 13 divide the battery module mounting area into a plurality of areas, and the battery modules are accommodated in the battery module mounting areas between the partition members 13. The partition members 13 are fixedly installed in the battery module mounting areas, i.e., on the base plate 12.

[0042] In addition to the partition wall members 13, a center frame 14 may be installed in the lower case 10. The center frame 14 extends across the battery module mounting area. A plurality of partition wall members 13 may be arranged on both sides of the center frame 14. By disposing the center frame 14, the battery modules on the left and right of the center frame 14 may be spaced apart and electrically insulated. The center frame 14 and the battery modules may be spaced apart by a predetermined insulating distance.

[0043] The upper case 20 covers the lower case 10 and is coupled to the lower case 10. As shown in Fig. 4, the upper case 20 is coupled to the lower case 10 to form a pack case. A gas venting channel may also be provided inside the upper case 20. In addition, the upper case 20 may have a venting hole 30 at a predetermined position that can discharge gas generated within the battery pack 100 to the outside, and the gas venting channel may be connected to the venting hole 30.

[0044] As described above, the venting holes 30 are provided in at least one of the side wall 11 of the lower case and the upper case 20. That is, as shown in Fig. 3, the venting holes 30 may be provided in the side wall 11 of the lower case 10. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 4, the venting holes 30 may be provided in the upper case 20, or in both the side wall 11 of the lower case and the upper case 20. Therefore, according to the present invention, gas and flames generated inside the battery pack 100 can be exhausted to the outside through the side wall 11 of the lower case, the upper case 20, or both.

[0045] A plurality of venting holes 30 may be provided. The plurality of venting holes 30 may be arranged at predetermined intervals along the sidewall 11 of the lower case or along the upper case 20. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the venting holes 30 may be arranged on both sidewalls of the lower case 10 in accordance with the arrangement direction of the battery modules arranged in the pack case. Alternatively, the venting holes 30 may be arranged on all four sidewalls of the lower case 10. The venting holes 30 may also be arranged at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the upper case 20. FIG. 4 shows an example in which a plurality of venting holes 30 are arranged at intervals on the upper case 20 and the sidewall. The position, size, number, and installation interval of the venting holes 30 may be suitably determined so as to easily exhaust gas and flames from within the battery pack 100.

[0046] The sealing member 40 may be installed on at least one of the side wall 11 of the lower case and the upper case 20 in accordance with the installation position of the venting hole 30. The sealing member 40 is installed to cover the venting hole 30 in order to maintain airtightness during normal operation of the battery pack 100 in which no flame occurs. The sealing member 40 deforms at or above a predetermined pressure and / or temperature to open the venting hole 30.

[0047] The sealing member 40 may be, for example, a sheet-like member. For example, the sealing member 40 may be a burst sheet configured to burst when the gas pressure exceeds a certain pressure. Alternatively, the sealing member 40 may be made of a material that can open the venting hole 30 by melting at a predetermined temperature or higher. For example, the sheet-like sealing member 40 may be made of a film or foam material that is vulnerable to high temperatures. The deformation conditions of the sealing member 40 may be specified so that it bursts or melts to open the venting hole 30 when one or both of the pressure and temperature conditions are satisfied.

[0048] The sealing member 40 may be installed to cover the inside or outside of the venting hole 30. That is, the sealing member 40 may be attached to the inner surface 21 of the lower case 10 or the upper case 20 where the venting hole 30 is formed so as to cover the venting hole 30, or may be attached to the outer surface of the lower case 10 or the upper case 20 so as to cover the venting hole 30. Alternatively, as will be described later, when a predetermined venting device is installed in the venting hole 30, the sealing member 40 may be installed in the venting device rather than in the pack case. However, even in this case, the sealing member 40 must cover the venting hole 30 to achieve its sealing function.

[0049] The sealing member 40 may be provided along the side wall or the upper case 20 with a predetermined length and may be formed to a size that covers all of the vent holes 30 .

[0050] A mesh-shaped flame-extinguishing member 60 may be installed in the vent hole 30 on the front or rear side of the sealing member 40 .

[0051] Referring to FIG. 3, for ease of explanation, the sealing member 40 and the mesh-shaped flame-extinguishing member 60 are not shown in the venting hole 30 formed in the front sidewall of the lower case 10. However, in reality, the sealing member 40 and the mesh-shaped flame-extinguishing member 60 may also be installed in the venting hole 30. The rear side opposite the front sidewall is shown to have all of these components installed. Referring to the enlarged view of a main portion of FIG. 3, the sealing member 40 is installed inside the venting hole 30, and the mesh-shaped flame-extinguishing member 60 is installed on the opposite side from the sealing member 40, i.e., on the outer surface of the sidewall. However, it is also possible to install the sealing member 40 outside the venting hole 30 and the mesh-shaped flame-extinguishing member 60 inside the venting hole 30. As will be described later, when a predetermined venting device is installed in the venting hole 30, the mesh-shaped flame-extinguishing member 60 may be installed in the venting device. The mesh-shaped flame-extinguishing member 60 may guide and exhaust flames in a mesh-like manner. This can prevent the flame inside the battery pack 100 from being directly and forcefully discharged to the outside.

[0052] However, if the flame is very strong, a large amount of flame may be emitted even through the mesh-shaped flame-extinguishing member 60, posing a risk of fire or explosion. That is, as described above, the flame suppression effect of the mesh-shaped flame-extinguishing member 60 is limited, and it is difficult to completely prevent the flame.

[0053] The present invention includes a flame control block 50 to exhaust a flame in a controlled manner within the battery pack 100. The flame control block 50 is attached to at least one of the inner surface of the side wall 11 of the lower case and the inner surface of the upper case 21 to cover the vent hole 30 and the sealing member 40. Fig. 3 shows an example in which the flame control block 50 is attached to the inner surface of the side wall 11 of the lower case, and Fig. 4 shows an example in which the flame control block 50 is attached to the inner surface of the upper case 21, but the flame control block 50 may also be attached to both the inner surface of the side wall of the lower case and the inner surface of the upper case 21.

[0054] The flame control block 50 has a flame blocking surface 51a having a plurality of flame exhaust holes H. The flame control block 50 also has an internal space S that communicates with the flame exhaust holes H and is open toward the vent hole 30 and the sealing member 40.

[0055] Because flames have a tendency to travel in a straight line, most of the flame heads toward the flame-blocking surface 51a of the flame control block 50. Without the flame control block 50, the flame would head directly toward the sealing member 40 and venting hole 30, resulting in the safety issue described above. However, since the present invention includes the flame control block 50, the flame is partially blocked by the flame-blocking surface 51a and does not head directly toward the venting hole 30, thereby preventing the above-mentioned problem. In addition, the flame-blocking surface 51a is not completely sealed, but is provided with a plurality of flame exhaust holes H. Therefore, the flame that has been blocked and stagnated by the flame-blocking surface 51a flows into the internal space S of the flame control block 50 through the flame exhaust holes H. This prevents the flame from spreading to other battery modules.

[0056] The amount and speed of the flame entering the internal space S of the flame control block 50 can be adjusted by adjusting the area of ​​the flame blocking surface 51a and the number, size, and arrangement of the flame exhaust holes H. Therefore, the amount and speed of the flame generated within the pack can be adjusted by the flame control block 50, and the flame can be exhausted to the outside of the battery pack 100. The flame control block 50 also has an internal space S that communicates with the flame exhaust holes H and is open toward the venting hole 30 and the sealing member 40. That is, the internal space S of a predetermined volume is formed between the flame blocking surface 51a and the venting hole 30. The residence time of the flame remaining in the internal space S can be controlled depending on the volume of the internal space S. The amount, speed, and residence time of the flame exhausted to the outside of the battery pack 100 can be controlled by adjusting the area of ​​the flame blocking surface 51a, the number, size, and arrangement of the flame exhaust holes H, and the volume of the internal space S. As a result, the flame is discharged to the outside of the pack in a controlled manner via the flame control block 50. Furthermore, most of the flame can be dissipated during this process. Therefore, the amount of flame or sparks discharged through the venting holes 30 and / or the mesh-shaped flame-extinguishing member 60 can be significantly reduced. As a result, the mesh-shaped flame-extinguishing member 60 is not actually contacted by the flame or only a small amount of flame comes into contact with it, preventing damage to the flame-extinguishing member 60. Even if a flame occurs inside the pack, the flame control block 50 of the present invention can prevent the flame from spreading to other battery modules and can effectively manage the level of flame discharged to the outside of the pack to a very small level. Therefore, safety inside and outside the battery pack 100 can be significantly improved.

[0057] 3 and 4, the flame control block 50 includes a protruding frame 51 that surrounds and covers the venting hole 30 and the sealing member 40 and protrudes toward the inside of the battery pack 100. A protruding surface of the protruding frame 51 forms the flame blocking surface 51a. A plurality of flame exhaust holes H having a predetermined diameter are spaced apart from each other on the protruding surface. An internal space S is formed between the inner surface of the protruding frame 51 and the venting hole 30 and the sealing member 40.

[0058] The protruding frame 51 completely surrounds and covers the venting hole 30. Therefore, flames cannot penetrate the side surface 51b of the protruding frame 51 except through the protruding surface. Because flames have a tendency to travel in a straight line, most of the flames are directed toward the flame blocking surface 51a. However, depending on the flame generation situation, a small amount of flame may be directed toward the side surface 51b of the protruding frame 51. In addition, a portion of the flame may be carried by the flow of gas generated along with the flame and be directed toward the side surface. Because the protruding frame 51 completely surrounds and covers the venting hole 30, this portion of the flame may be prevented from penetrating into the flame control block 50.

[0059] The diameter of the flame exhaust holes H formed in the flame blocking surface 51a may be larger or smaller than the mesh size of the mesh-shaped flame quenching member 60. When the diameter of the flame exhaust holes H is larger than the mesh size, a considerable amount of the flame can be primarily removed by the flame control block 50, and the remaining flame can be secondarily removed by the mesh-shaped flame quenching member 60. Alternatively, the diameter of the flame exhaust holes H may be smaller than the mesh size as needed. In this case, it is advantageous to suppress the speed of the initial flame and control the flame to remain in the internal space S for a relatively long time.

[0060] The flame control block 50 may be mounted to at least one of the inner surface of the side wall of the lower case and the inner surface of the upper case by a mounting bracket 52. For example, the mounting bracket 52 may be provided on an end opposite to the flame blocking surface 51a (protruding surface) of the protruding frame 51. The mounting bracket 52 may be in close contact with the inner surface of the side wall of the lower case and the inner surface 21 of the upper case and may be fixedly coupled to them by welding, fasteners, or other methods.

[0061] A gas inlet V may be provided at a corner of the protruding frame 51. During a thermal runaway event in the battery pack 100, gas generated within the pack is discharged to the outside through a separate venting opening or venting passage provided within the pack. Some gas may also be discharged through the flame exhaust hole H of the flame control block 50. However, there are cases where the gas pressure within the pack becomes excessive and it is necessary to reduce the gas pressure within the pack more quickly. To this end, a gas inlet V may be provided at a corner of the protruding frame 51. The gas inlet V may discharge gas to the venting hole 30 through the internal space S of the protruding frame 51. Because the gas inlet V is small and formed at the corner of the protruding frame, it is difficult for the flame to reach such a corner, considering the linearity of the flame. However, gas may enter such a corner due to pressure. Therefore, according to the present invention, there is an advantage that the flame can be controlled by the flame control block 50 during a thermal runaway event in the battery pack 100, while reducing excessive gas pressure.

[0062] The protruding frame 51 may be made of a flame-resistant material, such as a metal with a high melting point. For example, steel, stainless steel, other high-melting-point metals, or alloys thereof may be used. If necessary, a fire-resistant plastic with high insulation and a high melting point may be used.

[0063] The flame control block 50 of the present invention can be installed not only on the side wall 11 of the lower case but also on the upper case 20, so that when a fire occurs, the flame can be quickly reduced and exhausted through the side and top of the battery pack 100. In this way, a thermal runaway situation can be quickly resolved, thereby reducing the time it takes for the flame to spread to other battery modules. This significantly improves safety during a thermal runaway situation.

[0064] (Second embodiment) FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a flame control block.

[0065] The flame blocking surface 51a of the flame control blocks 50', 50'' of this embodiment is not a flat surface but is a concave surface or a surface with a different inclination.

[0066] The flame blocking surface 51a of the protruding frame 51 in Fig. 5(a) is formed in a concave shape toward the outside of the battery pack 100. That is, the center of the flame blocking surface 51a is configured as a concave surface that converges toward the outside of the battery pack 100. The concave flame blocking surface 51a can easily focus a flame. That is, compared to a flame blocking surface 51a configured as a flat surface, it is easier to collect a flame toward the center of the flame blocking surface 51a.

[0067] In addition, the diameters of the flame exhaust holes H can be varied to improve flame collection efficiency. For example, as shown in FIG. 5(a), the diameter of the flame exhaust hole H1 located at the center of the concave fire-blocking surface 51a can be smaller than the diameter of the flame exhaust holes H2 located on both sides of the fire-blocking surface 51a. A portion of the flame is blocked by the fire-blocking surface 51a where no flame exhaust holes H are formed. The blocked flame is directed toward the flame exhaust holes H. Since the fire-blocking surface 51a is concave, the flame can be easily guided toward the center of the concave surface. Furthermore, because flames tend to travel in a straight line, even if the diameter of the flame exhaust holes H1 is reduced in the center of the fire-blocking surface 51a facing the battery module, a large amount of flame can flow into the small-diameter flame exhaust holes H1. Meanwhile, the flames flowing toward both sides of the flame blocking surface 51a in an oblique direction, and considering that the amount of flames flowing in this oblique direction is relatively small, the diameter of the flame exhaust holes H2 arranged on both sides can be made large, thereby making it possible to easily introduce the flames flowing in the oblique direction into the flame blocking surface 51a on both sides.

[0068] The flame blocking surface 51a of the protruding frame 51 in FIG. 5(b) includes a flat portion 51a and inclined surface portions 51a' that are located on both sides of the flat portion and incline from the flat portion toward the inside of the battery pack 100.

[0069] Similar to the fire blocking surface 51a of FIG. 5(a), the fire blocking surface 51a of FIG. 5(b) also has a shape that facilitates converging a flame toward the center of the fire blocking surface 51a. The inclined surface 51a' is inclined at a predetermined angle toward the inside of the battery pack 100. Therefore, a flame entering in an oblique direction can ride on the inclined surface 51a' and be easily guided into the internal space S. In addition, the diameter of the fire exhaust holes H1 arranged on the flat surface portion can be made smaller than the diameter of the fire exhaust holes H2 arranged on the inclined surface portion 51a'. As a result, a flame with a strong linear tendency can easily flow into the internal space S of the fire control block 50 through the small-diameter fire exhaust holes H1 in the flat surface portion located at the center. In addition, a flame entering in an oblique direction can easily flow into the internal space S of the fire control block 50 through the large-diameter fire exhaust holes H2 in the inclined surface portions 51a' located on both sides.

[0070] As described above, the flame control block 50 of this embodiment, or the battery pack 100 including the flame control block 50, can easily guide the flame into the internal space S of the flame control block 50 by adjusting the shape of the flame blocking surface 51a and the diameter of the flame exhaust hole H. In this case, the degree of convergence of the flame toward the flame blocking surface 51a can be adjusted by changing the curvature of the concave surface or the inclination of the inclined surface. If the curvature of the concave surface and the inclination of the inclined surface are different, the volume of the internal space S can also be changed. As a result, the residence time of the flame remaining in the internal space S can also be adjusted.

[0071] In this embodiment, the diameter of the flame exhaust holes H varies depending on the position on the flame blocking surface 51a, but it is also possible to vary the number of flame exhaust holes H as needed. That is, the same effect can be achieved by making the number of flame exhaust holes H2 arranged on both sides (or the inclined surfaces on both sides) of the flame blocking surface 51a greater than the number of flame exhaust holes H1 arranged in the center (or the flat surface portion of the center) of the flame blocking surface 51a.

[0072] (Third embodiment) FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a battery pack 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of a venting device 70 which is a component of the battery pack 100 according to the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the venting device 70.

[0073] In the battery pack 100 of this embodiment, a venting device 70, which is a dedicated part for gas and flame venting, is installed in the venting hole 30.

[0074] That is, the battery pack 100 of this embodiment further includes a venting device 70 that covers the venting hole 30 and is attached to the outer surface of at least one of the side wall 11 of the lower case and the upper case 20 .

[0075] 7 and 8, the venting device 70 may include a housing 71 having a hollow venting channel 72 communicating with the venting hole 30, and a mesh-shaped flame-extinguishing member 60′ coupled to an inlet 72a of the hollow venting channel 72 communicating with the venting hole 30. The side surface to which the mesh-shaped flame-extinguishing member 60′ is attached (the rear surface of the venting device 70) may be attached to the outer surface of the side wall 11 of the lower case or the outer surface of the upper case 20.

[0076] Although FIG. 6 shows an example in which the venting device 70 is attached to the side wall 11 of the lower case, the venting device 70 may be attached to the outer surface of the upper case 20 as shown in FIG. 11 described below.

[0077] A plurality of venting devices 70 may be installed at predetermined intervals corresponding to the number and spacing of the venting holes 30 .

[0078] In addition, the sealing member 40 covering the venting hole 30 may be installed in a hollow channel of the housing rather than directly on the venting hole 30. That is, by installing the sealing member 40' and the mesh-shaped flame-extinguishing member 60' in the venting device 70, the venting device 70 can be manufactured as a separate, dedicated part for venting the battery pack 100. In this case, the lower case 10 and the upper case 20 of the battery pack 100 are separately manufactured to have only the venting hole 30, and there is no need to install the mesh-shaped flame-extinguishing member 60 or the sealing member 40 in the venting hole 30. Instead, the venting device 70 is manufactured separately and modularized as a dedicated part, thereby improving the manufacturing efficiency of the battery pack 100. In this case, the pack case and the venting device 70 are separately manufactured, and the venting device 70 is coupled to the venting hole 30 of the pack case, thereby simplifying the sealing of the battery pack 100. Furthermore, reuse efficiency can be improved by removing only the venting device 70 that is damaged during flame exhaust and replacing it with a new venting device 70, which can then be reassembled to the battery pack 100. In this case, the flame control block 50 can also be manufactured as a separate component. This allows the venting device 70 and the flame control block 50 to be modularized, standardized, and standardized, and by assembling these separate components to the pack case, the battery pack 100 of the present invention that can prevent flame propagation can be easily manufactured.

[0079] The housing 71 of the venting device 70 may include a large-diameter portion 71b attached to a pack case and a small-diameter portion 71a extending from the large-diameter portion. A hollow venting channel 72 is provided through the small-diameter portion and the large-diameter portion. A venting outlet 72b communicating with the hollow venting channel 72 is located at the front end of the small-diameter portion 71a. A sealing member 40' may be attached to the large-diameter portion 71b. To this end, a step P is formed on the inner surface of the hollow venting channel of the large-diameter portion so that the sealing member 40' can be attached. The sealing member 40' may be attached to the step P. A fastener insertion hole C may be formed on the edge of the large-diameter portion so that the large-diameter portion can be attached to the pack case. A mesh-shaped flame-extinguishing member 60' may be attached to the rear surface of the large-diameter portion. The venting device 70 may be attached to the outer surface of the pack case such that the sealing member 40' and the mesh-shaped flame-extinguishing member 60' cover the venting holes 30 formed in the pack case (lower case 10 and upper case 20).

[0080] (Fourth embodiment) Figures 9 and 10 are a front view and a cross-sectional view showing another example of a flame control block, Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing a battery pack 100 to which the flame control block of Figures 9 and 10 is applied, and Figures 12 and 13 are a front view and a cross-sectional view showing another example of a flame control block.

[0081] The flame control blocks 50''', 50''' of this embodiment include at least one partition frame 53 that defines an internal space S within the protrusion frame 51. The partition frame 53 also includes flame exhaust holes (second flame exhaust hole h1 and third flame exhaust hole h2) that communicate with the flame exhaust hole H (first flame exhaust hole H) of the flame blocking surface 51a. Referring to FIG. 10, a flame passes through the first flame exhaust hole H of the flame blocking surface 51a and enters the internal space S of the flame control block 50, then passes through the second flame exhaust hole h1 of the partition frame 53 and enters the internal space S on the rear surface of the partition frame 53, and then moves toward the sealing member 40 and the venting hole 30. If the sealing member 40 melts or breaks, the flame may be exhausted to the outside through the venting hole 30. The flame cools as it travels along this path, and most of the flame is extinguished during this process. Therefore, at the position where the mesh-shaped flame quenching member 60 is installed, the flame is almost completely eliminated, or only a very small amount of flame can be exhausted to the outside of the pack case through the flame quenching member 60.

[0082] In this embodiment, the installation of partition walls 53 that divide the internal space S increases the flame propagation path, thereby maximizing the flame quenching effect. FIG. 10 shows an example in which one partition wall frame 53 is installed in the internal space S, while FIG. 13 shows an example in which two partition wall frames 53 are installed in the internal space S. In theory, increasing the number of partition walls 53 increases the flame propagation path, thereby maximizing the flame quenching effect. However, the number of partition walls 53 that can be installed in the internal space S may be limited, taking into account the installation space inside the pack and the size of the flame control block 50.

[0083] FIG. 11 shows a flame control block 50 equipped with such a partition frame 53 mounted on the inside surface of the upper case.

[0084] Furthermore, installing the partition frame 53 within the protruding frame 51 can improve the rigidity of the flame control block 50. In this case, alternating the positions of the first flame exhaust holes H of the protruding frame 51 and the second flame exhaust holes h1 of the partition frame 53 can further increase the number of flame propagation paths. However, because flames tend to propagate in a straight line, if the first flame exhaust holes H and the second flame exhaust holes h1 are alternately arranged and do not overlap, flames that pass through the first flame exhaust holes H may collide with the surface of the partition frame 53 and remain in the internal space S without passing through the second flame exhaust holes h1. Because gas has high fluidity, it can be easily exhausted along the exhaust path formed by the first flame exhaust holes H and the second flame exhaust holes h1. However, if the flame tends to propagate in a straight line, it is highly likely that it will not be able to propagate along the exhaust path.

[0085] Therefore, in this embodiment, taking into consideration the straightness of the flame, the flame exhaust holes h1 of the partition frame 53 are arranged to overlap at least a part of the flame exhaust holes H of the flame blocking surface 51a.

[0086] 9 and 10, the first flame exhaust hole H is a long hole extending horizontally, and the second flame exhaust hole h1 is a long hole extending vertically so as to overlap one side of the first flame exhaust hole H. As a result, the flame or a portion of the flame that passes vertically through the first flame exhaust hole H can also advance through the second flame exhaust hole h1. This allows a considerable amount of flame to be quickly guided to the venting hole 30. The flame that flows into the first flame exhaust hole H that does not overlap with the second flame exhaust hole h1 can linger in the internal space S for a relatively long time.

[0087] 12 and 13, two partition wall frames 53 are installed in the internal space S of the flame control block 50. The flame exhaust hole of the first partition wall frame 53 is referred to as the second flame exhaust hole h1, and the flame exhaust hole of the second partition wall frame 53 is referred to as the third flame exhaust hole h2.

[0088] In this case, the second flame exhaust hole h1 and the third flame exhaust hole h2 are arranged so as to overlap at least a portion of the flame exhaust hole H (first flame exhaust hole) in the flame blocking surface 51a. Because a portion of the first flame exhaust hole H overlaps with the second flame exhaust hole h1, a flame with a strong tendency to travel in a straight line can be easily guided toward the venting hole 30. The flame that flows into the portion that does not overlap with the first flame exhaust hole H passes through the internal space S along a longer path.

[0089] If necessary, the second flame exhaust hole h1 and the third flame exhaust hole h2 may also be arranged to overlap at least partially.

[0090] Depending on the arrangement and degree of overlap of the flame exhaust holes, the flame can be guided to the flame control block 50 in a more precisely controlled manner. Also, the flame that has flowed into the internal space S of the flame control block 50 can be guided to the venting hole 30 in a more precisely controlled manner.

[0091] (Fifth embodiment) FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the flame control block 50.

[0092] The flame control block 50 of this embodiment is a combination of the flame control block 50 of FIG. 5 and the flame control blocks of FIGS.

[0093] That is, the flame control block of Figure 14 has a flame blocking surface 51a with different curvatures and / or inclinations, and is equipped with at least one partition frame 53 that divides the internal space S of the flame control block.

[0094] 14(a), the flame blocking surface 51a of the protruding frame 51 and the partition frame 53 are formed in a concave shape toward the outside of the battery pack 100, which allows the flame to be easily guided into the internal space S. In addition, the diameters of the flame exhaust holes arranged at the center of the flame blocking surface 51a and the partition frame 53 are made smaller than the diameters of the flame exhaust holes arranged on both sides of the flame blocking surface 51a and the partition frame 53, respectively, thereby further enhancing the flame collection effect.

[0095] In FIG. 14(b), the flame blocking surface 51a of the protruding frame 51 and the partition frame 53 each include a flat portion 51a and inclined surface portions 51a' located on both sides of the flat portion and inclined from the flat portion toward the inside of the battery pack 100. This facilitates guiding flames into the internal space S of the protruding frame 51. Furthermore, the diameter of the flame exhaust holes located on the flat portion is smaller than the diameter of the flame exhaust holes located on the inclined surface portion, thereby enhancing the flame collection effect. The protruding frame 51 of FIG. 14 also includes a partition frame 53 in its internal space S, which facilitates adjusting the path of the flame. In this case, the flame exhaust holes of the protruding frame 51 and the partition frame 53 are partially overlapped, making it easier to guide flames that tend to travel in a straight line toward the venting hole 30.

[0096] If necessary, only the fire blocking surface 51a may be formed with a concave or inclined surface, and at least one partition frame 53 may be formed with a flat surface. By such a modification, the volume of the internal space S between the fire blocking surface 51a and the partition frame 53 may be freely adjusted.

[0097] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to adjust the area of ​​the fire blocking surface 51a, the curvature and inclination of the fire blocking surface, the size and number of the fire exhaust holes H, the curvature and inclination of the partition frame 53, the size and number of the fire exhaust holes provided in the partition frame 53, the degree of overlap between the fire blocking surface and the fire exhaust holes of the partition frame 53, the size of the internal space S, etc. As a result, it is possible to guide a flame occurring within the battery pack 100 to the venting hole 30 in a very controlled manner, or to eliminate all or most of the flame before it reaches the venting hole 30.

[0098] The above description merely exemplifies the technical concept of the present invention, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the essential characteristics of the present invention, if one skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Therefore, the drawings disclosed in the present invention are intended to explain, not to limit, the technical concept of the present invention, and the scope of the technical concept of the present invention is not limited by such drawings. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted by the scope of the claims, and all technical concepts within the scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 100: Battery pack 10: Lower case 11: Side wall 12: Base plate 13: Partition wall member 14: Center frame 20: Upper case 21: Inside of the upper case 30: Venting Hall 40: Sealing member 50: Fire Control Block 51: Protruding frame 51a: Flame-blocking surface 51b: Side of the flame control block V: Gas inlet S:Internal space H: (First fire exhaust hole) 52: Mounting bracket 53: Partition frame 60: Mesh-shaped flame-extinguishing material 70: Venting device 71: Housing 72: Hollow venting channel

Claims

1. a lower case that houses a plurality of battery modules; an upper case covering the lower case and coupled to the lower case; a vent hole formed in at least one of a sidewall of the lower case and the upper case; a sealing member installed on at least one of the side wall of the lower case and the upper case to cover the vent hole, the sealing member deforming at or above a predetermined pressure and / or a predetermined temperature to open the vent hole; a flame control block attached to at least one of the inner surface of the side wall of the lower case and the inner surface of the upper case to cover the venting hole and the sealing member, the flame control block having a flame blocking surface with a plurality of flame exhaust holes, and an internal space communicating with the flame exhaust holes and opening toward the venting hole and the sealing member; Including, the inner surface of the side wall of the lower case and the inner surface of the upper case, on which the flame control block is mounted, defines an accommodation space for accommodating the battery module; Battery pack.

2. The battery pack of claim 1 , further comprising a mesh-shaped flame-extinguishing member installed in the vent hole on the front or rear side of the sealing member.

3. A battery pack, a lower case that houses a plurality of battery modules; an upper case covering the lower case and coupled to the lower case; a vent hole formed in at least one of a sidewall of the lower case and the upper case; a sealing member installed on at least one of the side wall of the lower case and the upper case to cover the vent hole, the sealing member deforming at or above a predetermined pressure and / or a predetermined temperature to open the vent hole; a flame control block attached to at least one of the inner surface of the side wall of the lower case and the inner surface of the upper case to cover the venting hole and the sealing member, the flame control block having a flame blocking surface with a plurality of flame exhaust holes, and an internal space communicating with the flame exhaust holes and opening toward the venting hole and the sealing member; Including, The flame control block comprises: a protruding frame that surrounds and covers the vent hole and the sealing member and protrudes toward an inside of the battery pack; a protruding surface of the protruding frame forms the flame-blocking surface, and the internal space is formed between an inner surface of the protruding frame and the vent hole and the sealing member.

4. a mounting bracket is provided on the protruding frame at an end opposite the flame blocking surface; The battery pack according to claim 3 , wherein the mounting bracket is attached to at least one of an inner surface of a side wall of the lower case and an inner surface of the upper case.

5. The battery pack according to claim 3 , wherein a gas inlet is provided at a corner of the protruding frame.

6. The battery pack according to claim 3 , wherein the flame-blocking surface of the protruding frame is formed concavely toward an outside of the battery pack.

7. The battery pack according to claim 6 , wherein a diameter of the fire exhaust hole disposed at a center of the fire-blocking surface is smaller than a diameter of the fire exhaust hole disposed at both sides of the fire-blocking surface.

8. The flame blocking surface of the protruding frame is The battery pack according to claim 3 , comprising: a flat portion; and inclined surface portions located on both sides of the flat portion and inclined from the flat portion toward an inside of the battery pack.

9. The battery pack according to claim 8 , wherein a diameter of the fire exhaust hole disposed on the flat surface portion is smaller than a diameter of the fire exhaust hole disposed on the inclined surface portion.

10. A lower case that houses a plurality of battery modules; an upper case covering the lower case and coupled to the lower case; a vent hole formed in at least one of a sidewall of the lower case and the upper case; a sealing member installed on at least one of the side wall of the lower case and the upper case to cover the vent hole, the sealing member deforming at or above a predetermined pressure and / or a predetermined temperature to open the vent hole; a flame control block attached to at least one of the inner surface of the side wall of the lower case and the inner surface of the upper case to cover the venting hole and the sealing member, the flame control block having a flame blocking surface with a plurality of flame exhaust holes, and an internal space communicating with the flame exhaust holes and opening toward the venting hole and the sealing member; Including, a venting device covering the vent hole and attached to an outer surface of at least one of the sidewall of the lower case and the upper case; The venting device comprises: a housing having a hollow venting channel communicating with the venting hole; a mesh-shaped flame-extinguishing member coupled to an inlet of the hollow venting channel that communicates with the venting hole.

11. The battery pack of claim 10 , wherein the sealing member is disposed within the hollow venting channel of the housing.

12. The flame control block comprises:

4. The battery pack according to claim 3, further comprising at least one partition frame disposed within the protrusion frame, the partition frame having a fire exhaust hole communicating with the fire exhaust hole of the fire-blocking surface and partitioning the internal space.

13. The battery pack according to claim 12 , wherein the fire exhaust holes of the partition frame are arranged to overlap at least a portion of the fire exhaust holes of the fire-blocking surface.

14. the flame-blocking surface of the protruding frame and the partition frame are formed concavely toward the outside of the battery pack; 13. The battery pack of claim 12, wherein diameters of the fire evacuation holes disposed at the center of the fire-blocking surface and the partition frame are smaller than diameters of the fire evacuation holes disposed at both sides of the fire-blocking surface and the partition frame.

15. the flame-blocking surface of the protrusion frame and the partition frame each include a flat portion and inclined surface portions located on both sides of the flat portion and inclined from the flat portion toward an inside of the battery pack; The battery pack according to claim 12 , wherein a diameter of the fire exhaust holes arranged on the flat surface portion is smaller than a diameter of the fire exhaust holes arranged on the inclined surface portion.

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