Battery module, battery pack, and automobile including the same

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery module, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the same, which are configured to ensure structural stability even when a thermal event occurs. The battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention includes a battery module having an opening and closing member configured to prevent vent gas or flame from being discharged at a front side where a module terminal is arranged and to discharge the vent gas or flame to the outside at a rear side, and a pack housing that accommodates the battery module therein.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0081164, filed on July 1, 2022, and the entire contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of that application are incorporated herein by reference.

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

[0003] Recently, with the rapid increase in demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, video cameras, and mobile phones, and the full-scale development of electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots, satellites, etc., active research is being conducted on high-performance secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged.

[0004] Currently commercially available secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, lithium secondary batteries, etc. Among these, lithium secondary batteries have attracted attention due to their advantages of being free to charge and discharge since they have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, an extremely low self-discharge rate, and a 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 positive and negative electrode plates coated with the positive and negative electrode active materials, an electrode assembly in which the positive and negative electrode plates are arranged with a separator sandwiched between them, and an exterior material that seals and houses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0006] Lithium secondary batteries are classified 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 an aluminum laminated sheet pouch, depending on the shape of the battery case. Can-type secondary batteries are further classified into cylindrical batteries and prismatic batteries depending on the shape of the metal can.

[0007] The pouch of a pouch-type secondary battery is generally divided into a lower sheet and an upper sheet covering the lower sheet. The pouch contains an electrode assembly formed by stacking and winding a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator. After the electrode assembly is contained, the edges of the upper and lower sheets are sealed by heat sealing or the like. The electrode tabs extending from each electrode are connected to electrode leads, and an insulating film may be attached to the electrode leads at the portions in contact with the sealing portions.

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

[0009] In order to provide high voltage and high current, the lithium secondary battery is used as a battery module or a battery pack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked or laminated by themselves or in a state of being mounted in a cartridge or the like to form a dense structure, and the battery modules or battery packs are electrically connected.

[0010] One of the most important issues in the configuration of such a battery pack is safety. In particular, if a thermal event occurs in one of the multiple battery modules included in the battery pack, it is necessary to prevent the propagation of such an event to other battery modules. If the thermal propagation between battery modules is not properly prevented, this may lead to a thermal event in other battery modules included in the battery pack, causing larger problems such as a fire or explosion of the battery pack. Furthermore, a fire or explosion occurring in the battery pack may cause serious damage to surrounding people and objects. Therefore, a configuration that can properly control the above-mentioned thermal events is required for such a battery pack. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a battery module, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the same that are configured to ensure structural stability even when a thermal event occurs.

[0012] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] A battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention includes a battery module having an opening / closing member configured to prevent vent gas or flame from being discharged from a front side where a module terminal is arranged and configured to allow the vent gas or flame to be discharged to the outside from a rear side, and a pack housing that accommodates the battery module therein.

[0014] In one embodiment, the pack housing may include a side frame that forms a side surface of the pack housing and is disposed so that at least a portion of the side frame faces a rear side of the battery module.

[0015] In one embodiment, the pack housing is configured to face the opening / closing member in the vertical direction and further includes a first cover arranged to face the side frame, and a flow hole through which the vent gas or flame can pass can be provided between the side frame and the first cover.

[0016] In one embodiment, an end of the opening / closing member may be configured to abut against the first cover when the battery module experiences thermal runaway.

[0017] In one embodiment, the pack housing may further include a second cover disposed above the first cover and spaced apart from the first cover in the vertical direction, and a flow path may be provided between the first cover and the second cover, the flow path communicating with the flow hole and configured to guide the vent gas or flame to the outside of the pack housing.

[0018] In one embodiment, the pack housing may further include an exhaust port in communication with the flow path and configured to allow the vent gas or flame to be exhausted to the outside of the pack housing.

[0019] In one embodiment, the outlet may be located in the pack housing after one or more bends in the vent gas or flame.

[0020] In one embodiment, the exhaust port may be provided on the pack housing on an opposite side of the first cover from a portion where the battery module is disposed.

[0021] In one embodiment, the exhaust port may be provided on the pack housing on a side opposite to a front side of the battery module relative to the first cover.

[0022] In one embodiment, the pack housing may further include a reinforcing wall connected to the side frame, the battery modules may be provided in pairs based on the reinforcing wall, and the pair of battery modules may be arranged in the pack housing with front sides of each battery module facing each other.

[0023] In one embodiment, the pack housing may further include a partition wall connected to the side frame, and the battery modules may be provided in plurality along a longitudinal direction of the pack housing, and the plurality of battery modules may be configured to be sealed from one another by the partition wall when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the pack housing.

[0024] Furthermore, a vehicle according to another aspect of the present invention includes at least one battery pack according to the above-described aspect of the present invention.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present invention, a battery module includes a cell assembly and a module case that houses the cell assembly therein and has an opening / closing member configured to prevent vent gas or flame from being discharged from a front side where a module terminal is arranged and to allow the vent gas or flame to be discharged to the outside from a rear side.

[0026] In one embodiment, the module case may be configured to have an open upper portion on the rear side, and the opening / closing member may be configured to open and close the upper portion on the rear side of the module case by the exhaust pressure of the vent gas or the flame.

[0027] In one embodiment, the opening / closing member includes blocking plates formed on both side ends, and the blocking plates may be configured to block the flow of the vent gas or the flame toward the side of the module case when the opening / closing member opens the upper part of the rear side of the module case. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, by configuring an opening / closing member that guides the discharge of vent gas and / or flame in one direction, it is possible to minimize the discharge of vent gas and / or flame in the direction where the module terminals are arranged in the battery module.

[0029] This prevents thermal runaway and flame propagation between battery cells within a single battery module.

[0030] In addition, it is possible to minimize the discharge of vent gas and / or flames toward the module terminal side, thereby preventing simultaneous ignition between multiple battery modules.

[0031] Furthermore, damage to electrical connection members that connect module terminals between a plurality of battery modules can be prevented, and short circuits between battery modules can be prevented, thereby ensuring electrical stability.

[0032] Furthermore, after the vent gas and / or flame has been discharged, the reverse inflow of the vent gas and / or flame can be blocked, thereby suppressing further ignition within the battery module.

[0033] Furthermore, when the battery module is in a normal state, the cell assemblies can be stably protected by closing the open portions of the module case.

[0034] In addition, it is possible to suppress the causes of battery pack ignition and strengthen the structural stability of the battery pack.

[0035] Furthermore, various other additional effects can be achieved by various embodiments of the present invention. These various effects of the present invention will be described in detail in each embodiment, or the description of effects that can be easily understood by those skilled in the art will be omitted.

[0036] 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 concepts of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to only the matters described in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the detailed structure of the battery pack in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a battery module provided in the battery pack of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which thermal runaway occurs in the battery module of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which thermal runaway occurs in the battery module of FIG. 3. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Cross-sectional view along the A-A' direction in Figure 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of vent gas or flame being emitted during thermal runaway of a battery module. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of vent gas or flame being emitted during thermal runaway of a battery module. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing other examples in which vent gas or flame is emitted during thermal runaway of a battery module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, the terms and phrases used in the specification and claims should not be construed as being limited to their ordinary and 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 inventors themselves can appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe the invention.

[0039] Therefore, it should be understood that the configurations shown in the embodiments described in this specification are merely the most desirable embodiments 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 therefor at the time of this application.

[0040] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a diagram for explaining a detailed structure of the battery pack 10 of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a battery module 100 provided in the battery pack 10 of Fig. 2, and Figs. 4 and 5 are diagrams showing a state during thermal runaway in the battery module 100 of Fig. 3. In this regard, vent gas and flames, which will be described later in Figs. 4 and 5, are denoted by the reference characters "V" and "F," respectively.

[0041] In an embodiment of the present invention, the X-axis direction shown in the drawings may refer to the longitudinal direction of the pack housing 200 described later, the Y-axis direction may refer to the left-right direction of the pack housing 200 that is perpendicular to the X-axis direction on a horizontal plane (XY plane), and the Z-axis direction may refer to the up-down direction that is perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0042] 1 to 5, a battery pack 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery module 100 and a pack housing 200.

[0043] The battery module 100 may include a cell assembly 110 and a module case 120 .

[0044] The cell assembly 110 may include at least one battery cell. Here, the battery cell may refer to a secondary battery. Such a battery cell may be provided as a pouch-type battery cell, a cylindrical battery cell, or a prismatic battery cell. For example, the battery cell may be a pouch-type battery cell.

[0045] The module case 120 may accommodate the cell assemblies 110 therein. To this end, the module case 120 may be provided with an internal accommodation space for accommodating the cell assemblies 110 therein. The module case 120 may include a heat-resistant and rigid material. The battery module 100 may further include a module terminal B provided at the front side of the module case 120 and connected to the cell assemblies 110. For example, the module terminal B may include a positive module terminal and a negative module terminal. The module terminal B may be electrically connected to a separate electronic control configuration, such as a BMS (Battery Management System), a current sensor, and a fuse, provided in the battery pack 10.

[0046] The pack housing 200 may accommodate the battery module 100 therein. To this end, the pack housing 200 may include an internal accommodation space for accommodating the battery module 100 therein. In addition, the pack housing 200 may include a material that is heat-resistant and has high rigidity.

[0047] 3 to 5, the module case 120 may be configured to prevent vent gas and / or flame from being discharged to the front side where the module terminal B is disposed. The module case 120 may also include an opening / closing member C.

[0048] The opening / closing member C may be provided on the rear side of the module case 120. The opening / closing member C may be configured to be able to exhaust vent gas and / or flame to the outside.

[0049] In a typical battery pack, an event such as a thermal runaway phenomenon may occur in a specific battery module, in which case high-temperature and high-pressure vent gas is generated inside the specific battery module, and if this vent gas comes into contact with oxygen, a fire may occur inside or outside the battery module.

[0050] Meanwhile, conventional battery modules have a structure in which cell assemblies are arranged inside a sealed module case, and therefore there is no proper exhaust path for vent gas or flames, making the module case structure highly susceptible to collapse and explosion.In such cases, vent gas or flames may be discharged toward the module terminals of the battery module, potentially causing greater damage.

[0051] In addition, there is a high risk that a fire occurring in a battery module will spread to other battery modules adjacent to that particular battery module, which may result in simultaneous ignition of multiple battery modules. Meanwhile, conventional battery packs have multiple battery modules arranged in a sealed pack housing and lack an appropriate exhaust path for vent gas or flames, making them vulnerable to the aforementioned simultaneous ignition.

[0052] In the case of the battery module 100 of the present invention, the above problem can be solved by including the opening and closing member C. Such an opening and closing member C can be configured to open and close the rear side of the module case 120 in response to changes in the internal pressure of the module case 120.

[0053] According to this embodiment of the present invention, by configuring an opening / closing member C that guides the discharge of vent gas and / or flame in one direction, it is possible to minimize the discharge of vent gas and / or flame in the direction where the module terminal B is located in the battery module 100.

[0054] Such a vent structure can prevent thermal runaway and flame propagation between battery cells within one battery module 100. In addition, when a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs, the internal pressure of the battery module 100 can be reduced by appropriately venting gas, thereby preventing the battery module 100 from exploding. In addition, simultaneous ignition between multiple battery modules 100 can be prevented by minimizing the discharge of vent gas and / or flame toward the module terminal B side. In addition, damage to electrical connection members (e.g., module bus bars) connecting module terminals B between multiple battery modules 100 can be prevented, and short circuits between the battery modules 100 can be prevented, ensuring electrical stability.

[0055] In summary, the above-described embodiments of the present invention can reduce the risk of fire in the battery pack 10 and enhance the structural stability of the battery pack 10.

[0056] Referring again to Figures 3 to 5, the module case 120 may be configured with an open top on the rear side.

[0057] In addition, the opening / closing member C may be configured to open and close the upper part of the rear side of the module case 120 by the exhaust pressure of the vent gas and / or flame.

[0058] That is, the opening / closing member C may be configured to open and close the upper rear portion of the module case 120 when the internal pressure of the module case 120 changes due to the exhaust pressure of the vent gas and / or flame.

[0059] Specifically, the opening / closing member C may be rotatably coupled to one side of the upper rear portion of the open module case 120. As an example, the opening / closing member C may be rotatably coupled to one side of the upper rear portion of the module case 120 by a separate coupling member I. As an example, the coupling member I may be a hinge, but is not limited thereto.

[0060] Although not shown in detail, the coupling member I may be provided with an elastic body and configured to control the rotational movement of the above-mentioned opening / closing member C. As an example, the elastic body may be a hinge spring.

[0061] The opening / closing member C can close the upper rear portion of the module case 120 by the elastic restoring force of the elastic body provided in the connecting member I described above, when the thermal runaway phenomenon of the battery module 100 does not occur.

[0062] Meanwhile, the opening / closing member C may be configured to open the upper rear portion of the module case 120 when the internal pressure of the module case 120 rises above a reference pressure due to thermal runaway of the battery module 100. In this case, the pressure applied to the opening / closing member C due to the exhaust pressure of the vent gas and / or flame may be greater than the elastic restoring force of the elastic body. Therefore, during thermal runaway of the battery module 100, the opening / closing member C may be deployed outward from the module case 120 due to the exhaust pressure of the vent gas and / or flame.

[0063] This allows the vent gas and / or flame to be quickly discharged to the outside of the module case 120 through the upper rear portion of the opened module case 120. Furthermore, the internal pressure of the module case 120 can be quickly reduced by discharging the vent gas and / or flame.

[0064] Furthermore, the opening / closing member C may be configured to close the upper rear portion of the module case 120 when the vent gas and / or flame is discharged to the outside of the module case 120 and the internal pressure of the module case 120 drops below a reference pressure. In this way, when the internal pressure of the module case 120 is below the reference pressure, this may mean that the vent gas and / or flame is discharged to the outside of the module case 120 and the elastic restoring force of the elastic body is greater than the pressure applied to the opening / closing member C by the internal pressure of the module case 120. In this case, the elastic body can return to its initial state. Therefore, when the vent gas and / or flame is discharged to the outside and the internal pressure of the module case 120 drops, the opening / closing member C can close the upper rear portion of the module case 120.

[0065] This makes it easier to close module case 120 with opening / closing member C when the amount of vent gas and / or flame emitted decreases, thereby reliably blocking the backflow of vent gas and / or flame into module case 120. Also, by blocking the flow of oxygen into module case 120, further ignition within module case 120 can be suppressed.

[0066] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, in the battery module 100, the discharge of vent gas and / or flame in the direction in which the module terminal B is arranged can be minimized, and after the vent gas and / or flame is discharged, the reverse inflow of the vent gas and / or flame can be blocked, thereby suppressing further ignition within the battery module 100.

[0067] In addition, since one side can be opened or closed depending on changes in the internal pressure of the module case 120, the open portion of the module case 120 can be closed when the battery module 100 is in a normal state, thereby stably protecting the cell assembly 110.

[0068] 6 is a diagram showing a battery module 102 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In addition, in FIG. 6, vent gas and flame are denoted by reference characters "V" and "F," respectively.

[0069] Since the battery module 102 according to this embodiment is similar to the battery module 100 according to the above embodiment, redundant descriptions of configurations that are substantially identical or similar to those of the above embodiment will be omitted, and the following discussion will focus on the differences from the above embodiment.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 6, in the battery module 102, the opening / closing member C may include a blocking plate C1.

[0071] The blocking plates C1 may be formed on both ends of the opening / closing member C.

[0072] Such a blocking plate C1 can be configured to block the flow of vent gas and / or flames toward the side of the module case 120 when the opening / closing member C opens the upper part on the rear side of the module case 120.

[0073] Specifically, the blocking plates C1 may be configured to extend downward in a bent shape from both end portions of the open / close member C. Such blocking plates C1 may be located within the module case 120 in the normal state of the battery module 102. Meanwhile, when thermal runaway of the battery module 102 occurs, the open / close member C opens the upper portion of the rear side of the module case 120, so that the blocking plates C1 may be disposed on both sides of the open / close member C.

[0074] That is, when the opening / closing member C is deployed outside the module case 120, the blocking plate C1 can be disposed in the gap between both side ends of the opening / closing member C and the module case 120. As a result, when the opening / closing member C opens the upper part of the rear side of the module case 120, the blocking plate C1 can block the flow of vent gas and / or flame toward the side of the module case 120. Furthermore, when the battery module 102 experiences thermal runaway, the blocking plate C1 can guide the discharge direction of the vent gas and / or flame in a more specific direction (toward the rear outside of the module case 120).

[0075] The battery module 102 according to this embodiment can prevent the vent gas and / or flame from spreading to other battery modules 102 adjacent to a specific battery module 102 in the lateral direction (left-right direction) by blocking the flow of vent gas and / or flame toward the side of the module case 120. This can prevent multiple battery modules 102 from catching fire simultaneously.

[0076] The detailed structure of the above-mentioned battery pack 10 will be discussed in more detail below.

[0077] 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the A-A' direction in FIG. 1 (specifically, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack 10 in FIG. 1 taken along the A-A' line with respect to the YZ plane), and FIGS. 8 and 9 are diagrams showing an example in which vent gas or flame is emitted during thermal runaway of the battery module 100. In this case, in FIGS. 8 and 9, the vent gas and flame are denoted by the reference characters "V" and "F," respectively.

[0078] 1, 2, and 7 to 9, the pack housing 200 may include a side frame 210. However, for ease of explanation, FIG. 8 shows the side frame 210 with a portion thereof removed.

[0079] The side frame 210 may constitute a side surface of the pack housing 200. The side frame 210 may be disposed so that at least a portion thereof faces the rear side of the battery module 100. In this case, the rear side of the battery module 100 may be disposed so as to face all sides of the side frame 210 or so as to face only some sides of the side frame 210.

[0080] Such a side frame 210 can further impart directionality to the flow of vent gas and / or flame discharged to the outside of the module case 120 when the opening / closing member C is opened.

[0081] Specifically, the side frame 210 can provide a path through which vent gas and / or flame can flow between the pack housing 200 and the rear side of the module case 120. That is, in the event of thermal runaway of the battery module 100, the opening / closing member C can be opened toward the opposing side frame 210, and the vent gas and / or flame discharged to the outside of the module case 120 can be guided along the path between the rear side of the battery module 100 and the side of the pack housing 200 and discharged to the outside of the pack housing 200.

[0082] This configuration can further minimize the discharge of vent gas and / or flame in the direction in which the module terminal B is disposed in the battery module 100.

[0083] Referring again to FIGS. 1, 2, and 7-9, the pack housing 200 may further include a first cover 220.

[0084] The first cover 220 is configured to face the opening / closing member C in the vertical direction, and may be disposed to face the side frame 210. That is, the first cover 220 may be disposed to face the side surface of the pack housing 200.

[0085] In addition, a communication hole H through which vent gas and / or flame can pass may be provided between the side frame 210 and the first cover 220. That is, the communication hole H may be provided between the side surface of the pack housing 200 and the first cover 220. In addition, the opening / closing member C may be opened so that its end faces the communication hole H when thermal runaway occurs in the battery module 100.

[0086] In this way, when the battery module 100 experiences thermal runaway, the end of the opening / closing member C moves toward the flow hole H between the side frame 210 and the first cover 220, allowing vent gas and / or flames to be quickly expelled from the area of ​​the pack housing 200 where the battery module 100 is located.

[0087] According to this embodiment, the discharge of vent gas and / or flames in the direction in which the module terminal B is disposed in the battery module 100 can be further minimized.

[0088] 9 again, an end of the opening / closing member C may be configured to abut against the first cover 220 during thermal runaway of the battery module 100. To this end, the length of the opening / closing member C (e.g., the length extending from one side of the upper rear side of the opened module case 120) may be configured to be equal to or longer than the vertical distance between the first cover 220 and the module case 120.

[0089] As a result, in the event of thermal runaway of the battery module 100, the opening / closing member C can prevent vent gas and / or flames from flowing toward the front side of the battery module 100 (in the direction in which the module terminal B is arranged) based on the portion where the end of the opening / closing member C abuts the first cover 220 in the space between the first cover 220 and the module case 120.

[0090] According to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the discharge of vent gas and / or flame in the direction of the module terminal B in the battery module 100. In addition, it is possible to prevent the vent gas and / or flame from remaining in the pack housing 200, and to more reliably guide the discharge of the vent gas and / or flame in the direction of the flow hole H.

[0091] Referring again to FIGS. 1, 2, and 7 to 9, the pack housing 200 may further include a second cover 230.

[0092] The second cover 230 may be spaced apart from the first cover 220 in the vertical direction and disposed on the upper part of the first cover 220. The second cover 230 may be coupled to the upper part of the side frame 210.

[0093] In addition, a flow path P may be provided between the first cover 220 and the second cover 230.

[0094] The flow path P may be configured to communicate with the flow hole H and guide the discharge of vent gas or flame to the outside of the pack housing 200.

[0095] In addition, the flow path P may be disposed vertically separated from the space in which the battery module 100 is disposed by the first cover 220. The flow path P may provide a flow space such that vent gas and / or flames flowing into the flow path P through the flow holes H can be discharged to the outside of the pack housing 200.

[0096] With this configuration, the vent gas and / or flame discharged from the rear side of the battery module 100 does not flow randomly inside the pack housing 200, but is guided by the flow path P, allowing it to be discharged more stably to the outside of the pack housing 200.

[0097] In addition, since the vent gas and / or flame discharged through the flow hole H can be discharged to the outside of the pack housing 200 through a flow path P separated from the space in which the battery module 100 is arranged, it is possible to minimize the backflow of the vent gas and / or flame into the space in which the battery module 100 is arranged.

[0098] Meanwhile, the above-described pack housing 200 may further include a floor frame 240 .

[0099] The floor frame 240 constitutes the lower part of the pack housing 200 and can be connected to the lower part of the side frame 210 .

[0100] 1, 2, and 7-9, the pack housing 200 may further include an outlet E.

[0101] The exhaust port E may be configured to communicate with the flow path P and to allow the vent gas and / or flame to be discharged to the outside of the pack housing 200. Such an exhaust port E may be provided in the shape of a hole having a predetermined area.

[0102] With this configuration, vent gas and / or flames discharged through the rear side of the battery module 100 can be discharged to the outside of the pack housing 200.

[0103] In particular, the outlet E may be located in the pack housing 200 after one or more bends in the vent gases and / or flame.

[0104] That is, the exhaust port E may be formed in the pack housing 200 at a position after the flow of vent gas and / or flame discharged from the rear side of the battery module 100 has been switched at least once. As an example, the exhaust port E may be formed in a side surface (side frame 210) of the pack housing 200 on the flow path P between the first cover 220 and the second cover 230. The exhaust port E may also be disposed adjacent to the above-mentioned flow hole H on the flow path P, or may be disposed slightly spaced apart from the flow hole H.

[0105] According to this embodiment, the vent gas and / or flame is discharged to the outside of the pack housing 200 at a position after the flow of the vent gas and / or flame discharged from the rear side of the battery module 100 has been switched at least once, so that a flame with a strong linear tendency can be slowly discharged to the outside of the pack housing 200, thereby minimizing its role as a cause of ignition. In addition, the backflow of the vent gas and / or flame into the space in which the battery module 100 is disposed can be minimized.

[0106] In addition, the outlet E may be provided on the pack housing 200 on the opposite side of the first cover 220 from the portion where the battery module 100 is disposed.

[0107] As an example, the outlet E may be located on the flow path P at the top of the first cover 220 and may be disposed slightly away from the flow hole H.

[0108] That is, the exhaust port E may be formed at a position after the flow of vent gas and / or flame has been switched multiple times in the pack housing 200. This allows a flame with a strong linear tendency to be discharged more slowly to the outside of the pack housing 200, thereby minimizing its role as a cause of ignition. In addition, it is possible to further minimize the backflow of the vent gas and / or flame into the space in which the battery module 100 is disposed.

[0109] In one embodiment, the outlet E may be provided on the pack housing 200 on the side opposite to the front side of the battery module 100 with respect to the first cover 220.

[0110] For example, the location where the outlet E is formed may be on the side surface (side frame 210) of the pack housing 200, on the opposite side in the up-down direction from the front side of the battery module 100 with respect to the first cover 220.

[0111] That is, the exhaust port E may be formed in the pack housing 200 as far away as possible from the rear side of the battery module 100 where the vent gas and / or flame is exhausted. This allows the flame, which has a strong tendency to travel in a straight line, to be exhausted to the outside of the pack housing 200 as slowly as possible, thereby minimizing its role as a cause of ignition. In addition, the vent gas and / or flame may be prevented from flowing back into the space in which the battery module 100 is disposed as much as possible.

[0112] Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 7-9, the pack housing 200 may further include a reinforcing wall 250.

[0113] The reinforcing wall 250 may be connected to the side frames 210. For example, both ends (one side end and the other side end) of the reinforcing wall 250 may be respectively coupled to the side frames 210 arranged in opposite directions. In addition, an upper portion of the first cover 220 may be coupled to the reinforcing wall 250. In addition, a floor frame 240 may be disposed below the reinforcing wall 250. For example, the reinforcing wall 250 may be provided at approximately the center of the pack housing 200 when viewed from the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the pack housing 200.

[0114] The battery modules 100 may be provided in pairs with the reinforcing wall 250 as a reference. The reinforcing wall 250 may partition the pair of battery modules 100. The battery modules 100 may be provided in pairs along the left-right direction of the pack housing 200.

[0115] Furthermore, the pair of battery modules 100 may be arranged in the pack housing 200 such that the front sides of the respective battery modules 100 face each other. That is, the pair of battery modules 100 may be arranged such that the front sides, on which the module terminals B are arranged, face each other across the reinforcing wall 250. In this case, the rear sides of the pair of battery modules 100 may be configured to face the side frames 210.

[0116] According to this embodiment, the reinforcing wall 250 can reinforce the overall rigidity of the battery pack 10.

[0117] In addition, it is possible to prevent vent gas and / or flames discharged from the rear sides of each of the pair of battery modules 100 from being discharged toward the respective module terminals B. It is also possible to minimize simultaneous ignition between battery modules 100 configured to face each other.

[0118] 10 is a diagram showing another example in which vent gas or flame is emitted during thermal runaway of the battery module 100. In this case, in FIG. 10, the vent gas and flame are denoted by the reference characters "V" and "F," respectively.

[0119] 2, 7 and 10, the pack housing 200 may further include a partition wall 260.

[0120] One end of the partition wall 260 may be connected to the side frame 210. For example, one end of the partition wall 260 may be connected to the side frame 210 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the pack housing 200. In addition, the other end of the partition wall 260 may be connected to the reinforcing wall 250. For example, the other end of the partition wall 260 may be connected to the side frame 210 in the left-right direction of the pack housing 200. In addition, an upper portion of the first cover 220 may be coupled to the partition wall 260.

[0121] A plurality of such partition walls 260 may be provided along the longitudinal direction of pack housing 200. In this case, reinforcing wall 250 may be configured to extend along the longitudinal direction of pack housing 200 so as to correspond to the plurality of partition walls 260.

[0122] Furthermore, a plurality of battery modules 100 may be provided along the longitudinal direction of the pack housing 200. In this case, the plurality of battery modules 100 may be configured to be sealed from one another by partition walls 260 when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the pack housing 200. In this case, the partition walls 260 may include a material that is heat-resistant and highly rigid.

[0123] Furthermore, the rear side of each of the multiple battery modules 100 may be configured to face the side frame 210 .

[0124] With this configuration, simultaneous ignition between adjacent battery modules 100 in the longitudinal direction of the pack housing 200 can be suppressed.

[0125] Furthermore, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the pack housing 200, the plurality of battery modules 100 are sealed from one another by the partition walls 260, so the flow of vent gas and / or flame can be more concentrated in the direction of the flow holes H. This allows the vent gas and / or flame to be discharged to the outside of the pack housing 200 more quickly and stably.

[0126] Meanwhile, the battery pack 10 according to the present invention can be applied to automobiles such as electric vehicles, that is, an automobile according to the present invention can include at least one battery pack 10 according to the present invention.

[0127] As described above, the present invention has been described using limited embodiments and drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and it goes without saying that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can make various modifications and variations within the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the following claims.

[0128] Meanwhile, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used in the present invention, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms are used for the convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the position of the target object, the position of the observer, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 10 Battery Pack 100, 102 Battery Module 110 Cell Assembly 120 module case 200 pack housing 210 Side Frame 220 First Cover 230 Second Cover 240 Floor Frame 250 Reinforced Wall 260 Bulkhead B Module Terminal C. Opening and closing member C1 Shut-off Plate E outlet H Flow hole I Connecting member P flow path

Claims

1. a battery module including an opening / closing member configured to prevent vent gas or flame from being discharged from a front side where a module terminal is arranged and configured to allow the vent gas or flame to be discharged to the outside from a rear side; a pack housing that houses the battery module therein; The pack housing includes: a side frame that forms a side surface of the pack housing and is disposed so that at least a portion of the side frame faces a rear side of the battery module; a first cover configured to face the opening / closing member in the vertical direction and disposed to face the side frame, The battery pack, wherein a flow hole through which the vent gas or the flame can pass is provided between the side frame and the first cover.

2. The end of the opening and closing member is The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the battery module is configured to come into contact with the first cover when thermal runaway occurs.

3. The pack housing includes: The device further includes a second cover disposed above the first cover and spaced apart from the first cover in a vertical direction, Between the first cover and the second cover, 2. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising a flow path communicating with the flow hole and configured to guide the vent gas or flame to the outside of the pack housing.

4. The pack housing includes: The battery pack according to claim 3 , further comprising an exhaust port communicating with the flow path and configured to allow the vent gas or flame to be exhausted to the outside of the pack housing.

5. The outlet is The battery pack according to claim 4 , wherein the vent gas or flame is disposed in a position after being bent one or more times in the pack housing.

6. The outlet is The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein the first cover is provided on an opposite side of the pack housing from a portion where the battery module is disposed, with respect to the first cover.

7. The outlet is The battery pack according to claim 6, wherein the first cover is provided on the pack housing on a side opposite to a front side of the battery module with respect to the first cover.

8. A battery module having an opening / closing member configured to prevent vent gas or flame from being discharged on the front side where the module terminals are arranged, and configured to allow the vent gas or flame to be discharged to the outside on the rear side; a pack housing that houses the battery module therein; The pack housing includes: a side frame that forms a side surface of the pack housing and is disposed so that at least a portion of the side frame faces a rear side of the battery module; a reinforcing wall connected to the side frame, The battery module includes: A pair of the reinforcing walls is provided as a reference. The pair of battery modules The battery pack is characterized in that the front sides of the battery modules are arranged facing each other within the pack housing.

9. The pack housing includes: The side frame further includes a partition wall connected to the side frame, The battery module includes: A plurality of the pack housing members are provided along the longitudinal direction of the pack housing, The plurality of battery modules include: The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the battery pack is configured to be sealed from one another by the partition wall when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the pack housing.

10. A motor vehicle comprising at least one battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The battery module includes: The upper part of the rear side is open, The opening and closing member is The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein an upper portion of a rear side of the battery module is configured to be opened or closed by exhaust pressure of the vent gas or the flame.

12. The opening and closing member is The blocking plates are formed on both ends of the The blocking plate is 12. The battery pack according to claim 11, wherein the opening / closing member is configured to block a flow of the vent gas or the flame toward a side of the battery module when the opening / closing member opens an upper portion of the rear side of the battery module.

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