Battery pack and automobile including same

Abstract

The present invention discloses a battery pack configured to discharge high-temperature gas to the outside of the battery pack without affecting other adjacent battery modules when gas is generated inside a battery module. The battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention includes a pack housing, a battery module, and a first side vent passage and a second side vent passage configured to guide vent gas generated in the battery module from a position corresponding to the battery module to a collecting space, and the pack cover includes a protrusion on a surface of an area corresponding to the collecting space.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack and a vehicle including the same, and more particularly to a battery pack and a vehicle including the same that are configured so that when gas is generated inside a battery module, the high-temperature gas is discharged to the outside of the battery pack without affecting other adjacent battery modules.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0011081, filed on January 25, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety in the specification and drawings thereof. [Background technology]

[0003] Recently, as the demand for portable electronic products such as notebook PCs, video cameras, and mobile phones has increased sharply and robots, electric vehicles, and other products have been commercialized in earnest, research into high-performance secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged has been actively conducted.

[0004] Currently, commercially available secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries. Of these, lithium secondary batteries are attracting attention due to their advantages of almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, free charging and discharging, very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0005] Such lithium secondary batteries mainly use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively, and include an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate, each coated with a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material, are arranged with a separator sandwiched therebetween, and an exterior material, i.e., a battery case, that seals and houses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

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

[0007] Recently, secondary batteries have been widely used for driving and storing energy not only in small devices such as portable electronic devices but also in medium- to large-sized devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS). A battery module can be formed by electrically connecting multiple secondary batteries and storing them together inside a module case. Such battery modules are then electrically connected in a small space to form a battery pack in order to increase energy density.

[0008] However, when multiple battery modules are densely packed in a small space, they can be vulnerable to accidents such as fires and explosions. For example, if a thermal event such as thermal runaway occurs in one battery module, high-temperature gas may be emitted from the battery module. If this gas cannot be properly vented to the outside of the battery pack, it may spread to other battery modules installed inside the battery pack, causing a chain reaction. In this case, the internal pressure of the battery pack may increase, leading to an explosion. If a battery pack explodes, the explosion pressure may not only cause significant damage to surrounding devices and users, but the damage may also spread to a larger area and at a larger speed. Therefore, there is a need to develop a battery pack with a structure that, when an abnormality occurs in one battery module and gas is emitted, allows the high-temperature gas to be safely vented to the outside of the battery pack without affecting other adjacent battery modules. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to control the flow of vent gas in a desired direction by further adding a vent flow path forming structure to a conventional battery pack.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to allow high-temperature vent gas, which is emitted when a thermal event occurs in some battery modules, to be safely discharged to the outside of the battery pack without affecting other battery modules inside the battery pack.

[0011] 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 following description of the invention. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] To achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, a battery pack includes: a pack housing having a first accommodating space, a second accommodating space spaced apart from the first accommodating space, and a collecting space; a first battery module group including a plurality of battery modules disposed in the first accommodating space; a second battery module group including a plurality of battery modules disposed in the second accommodating space; and a pack cover having a first side vent flow path configured to guide vent gas generated in the plurality of battery modules included in the first battery module group to the collecting space and a second side vent flow path configured to guide vent gas generated in the plurality of battery modules included in the second battery module group to the collecting space, wherein the pack cover may have a protrusion on a surface of an area corresponding to the collecting space.

[0013] The protrusion portion may include a plurality of protrusions configured to protrude from the surface toward the collection space.

[0014] The plurality of protrusions may be spaced apart from one another.

[0015] The plurality of protrusions may be provided along an extension direction of the collection space.

[0016] The plurality of protrusions may be provided along a direction perpendicular to an extension direction of the collection space.

[0017] The plurality of protrusions may be provided in an area adjacent to a boundary between the first accommodating space and the collecting space and an area adjacent to a boundary between the second accommodating space and the collecting space, respectively.

[0018] The first battery module group may include a first battery module and a second battery module adjacent to each other, and the second battery module group may include a third battery module and a fourth battery module adjacent to each other.

[0019] The battery pack may include first partition walls disposed at positions corresponding to a gap between the first battery module and the second battery module and a gap between the third battery module and the fourth battery module, respectively.

[0020] The first partition wall may be configured to block movement of vent gas between the accommodating space of the first battery module and the accommodating space of the second battery module and between the accommodating space of the third battery module and the accommodating space of the fourth battery module.

[0021] The battery pack may include a sealing member at least one of between the first partition and the pack cover and between the first partition and the pack housing.

[0022] The collecting space may include a first collecting space formed between the first accommodating space and the second accommodating space.

[0023] The collection space may include a second collection space formed on the opposite side of the first collection space across the first accommodating space, and a third collection space formed on the opposite side of the first collection space across the second accommodating space.

[0024] The protrusion may be provided in at least one of a region corresponding to the first collecting space, a region corresponding to the second collecting space, and a region corresponding to the third collecting space.

[0025] The pack cover may be configured to guide vent gas generated in the first battery module to the first collecting space, to guide vent gas generated in the second battery module to the second collecting space, to guide vent gas generated in the third battery module to the first collecting space, and to guide vent gas generated in the fourth battery module to the third collecting space.

[0026] The first battery module and the third battery module may face each other, and the second battery module and the fourth battery module may face each other.

[0027] The battery pack may include second partition walls respectively disposed in the internal space of the pack housing at positions corresponding to between an accommodating space accommodating the first battery module and the second collecting space, between an accommodating space accommodating the second battery module and the first collecting space, between an accommodating space accommodating the third battery module and the third collecting space, and between an accommodating space accommodating the fourth battery module and the first collecting space.

[0028] The first battery module and the fourth battery module may face each other, and the second battery module and the third battery module may face each other.

[0029] The battery pack may include second partition walls respectively disposed in the internal space of the pack housing at positions corresponding to between an accommodating space accommodating the first battery module and the second collecting space, between an accommodating space accommodating the second battery module and the first collecting space, between an accommodating space accommodating the third battery module and the third collecting space, and between an accommodating space accommodating the fourth battery module and the first collecting space.

[0030] The pack housing may have a gas collecting space formed at least at one side and the other side.

[0031] The pack housing may include a vent device configured to allow vent gas in the gas collection space to be discharged to the outside of the pack housing.

[0032] In order to achieve the above object, a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery pack according to the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0033] According to one aspect of the present invention, a pack cover, which is normally used only to cover a pack housing, can be provided with a vent passageway to control the flow of vent gas. Specifically, with this configuration of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs in each battery module, flame and vent gas travel to the collection space along the first and second side vent passageways formed between the top of the battery module and the inner surface of the pack cover, thereby significantly reducing the possibility of the thermal event spreading to adjacent battery modules. When the vent gas travels to the collection space, the protrusions prevent the vent gas from traveling along the shortest, straight path. As a result, the temperature of the vent gas decreases as it travels, and even if a flame breaks out along with the vent gas, the intensity of the flame can be reduced as it travels along the vent passageway. This eliminates or reduces damage that could occur if high-temperature vent gas and flame are ejected to the outside.

[0034] According to another aspect of the present invention, when vent gas moves through the first and second side vent passages to the collection space, it immediately comes into contact with the protrusions, thereby effectively increasing the movement path of the vent gas.

[0035] According to another aspect of the present invention, the first partition wall may structurally isolate the storage spaces of adjacent first battery modules and the storage spaces of adjacent second battery modules. As a result, vent gas generated in each battery module travels through the first and second side vent channels rather than toward the adjacent battery module. The vent gas then travels further through the collection space. During this travel, the temperature of the vent gas decreases, potentially weakening the intensity of the flame. When the first partition wall has a generally beam-like shape with an open interior, it can improve the rigidity of the battery pack, block the movement of vent gas between adjacent storage spaces, and reduce the weight of the battery pack.

[0036] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the effect of preventing vent gas from moving into the gap between the pack cover and / or pack housing and the partition wall can be further improved.

[0037] According to another aspect of the present invention, the application of protrusions can prevent the vent gas from traveling along the shortest straight path as it moves to the collection space. For example, selective application of protrusions to the vent flow passages provided in the pack cover can vary the travel distance of the vent gas for each battery module. As a result, the vent gas generated in each battery module is discharged at different times.

[0038] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, adjacent first battery modules may have different vent flow paths, and adjacent second battery modules may have different vent flow paths, thereby minimizing the impact of high-temperature flames and vent gases generated in adjacent battery modules on other battery modules.

[0039] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, an effective vent flow path can be configured depending on the size of the battery pack and the arrangement of the battery modules.

[0040] According to another aspect of the present invention, when a large amount of gas is generated at once and the internal pressure of the battery pack increases, the internal pressure of the battery pack can be quickly reduced by the gas collection space. The gas can be discharged in a desired direction by the vent device, and by increasing the capacity of the vent device or by increasing the number of vent devices, the gas can be discharged more quickly and smoothly even if a large amount of vent gas is generated instantaneously.

[0041] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other problems of the present invention that are not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description of the invention.

[0042] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to further understand the technical concept of the present invention, so the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the matters described in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0043] [Figure 1] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery pack according to the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a battery pack according to the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram showing a battery module included in a battery pack according to the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram showing a battery module included in a battery pack according to the present invention; [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the movement path of vent gas through a pack cover included in a battery pack according to the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram showing a pack cover included in a battery pack according to the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram showing a partition wall of a battery pack according to the present invention; [Figure 8] 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating an exemplary cross-section taken along line AA' in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 9] 1 is a diagram showing a pack housing and a battery module housed in the pack housing included in a battery pack according to the present invention. FIG. [Figure 10] 1 is a diagram showing a pack cover included in a battery pack according to the present invention. FIG. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the movement path of vent gas through a pack cover included in a battery pack according to the present invention. [Figure 12] 1 is a diagram showing a pack housing and a battery module housed in the pack housing included in a battery pack according to the present invention. FIG. [Figure 13] 1 is a diagram showing a pack cover included in a battery pack according to the present invention. FIG. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the movement path of vent gas through a pack cover included in a battery pack according to the present invention. [Figure 15] 1 is a diagram showing a pack housing and a battery module housed in the pack housing included in a battery pack according to the present invention. FIG. [Figure 16] 1 is a diagram showing a pack cover included in a battery pack according to the present invention. FIG. [Figure 17] 1A and 1B illustrate a collection space and a vent device included in a battery pack according to the present invention. [Figure 18] 1 shows a motor vehicle according to the invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings attached to this specification are intended to illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention below, 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 details shown in such drawings. The same reference numerals refer to the same components. Furthermore, in the drawings, thicknesses, ratios, and dimensions of components may be exaggerated to effectively explain the technical content.

[0045] The terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted in a limited way to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a way that corresponds to the technical idea of ​​the present invention, in accordance with the principle that the inventor himself can appropriately define the concept of the term in order to best explain the invention.

[0046] Although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used in this specification, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms indicate relative positions and are used only for convenience of explanation, and may vary depending on the position of the object in question, the position of the observer, etc.

[0047] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiment of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical idea of ​​the present invention, and that there may be various equivalents and modifications that can be substituted for them at the time of this application.

[0048] Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery pack according to the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the battery pack according to the present invention.

[0049] 1 and 2, a battery pack 10 according to the present invention includes a pack housing 100, a first battery module group 210, a second battery module group 220, and a pack cover 300.

[0050] The pack housing 100 may include a first accommodating space 110, a second accommodating space 120 spaced apart from the first accommodating space 110, and a collecting space 130. The first accommodating space 110 and the second accommodating space 120 may be configured to accommodate a battery module 200. The collecting space 130 may be configured to collect vent gas generated in the battery module 200, which will be described below. The collecting space 130 may be formed between the first accommodating space 110 and the second accommodating space 120. However, the collecting space 130 of the present invention is not limited to the space formed between the first accommodating space 110 and the second accommodating space 120. For example, the collecting space 130 may be formed on both sides of the first accommodating space 110, which will be described below. Similarly, the collecting space 130 may be formed on both sides of the first accommodating space 110.

[0051] The first battery module group 210 may include a plurality of battery modules 200 disposed in the first accommodating space 110. The second battery module group 220 may include a plurality of battery modules 200 disposed in the second accommodating space 120. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 , the first battery module group 210 may include four battery modules disposed in the first accommodating space 110, and the second battery module group 220 may include four battery modules disposed in the second accommodating space 120.

[0052] 3 and 4 are diagrams showing a battery module included in a battery pack according to the present invention.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 3 , the battery module 200 may include a battery cell 201. A plurality of battery cells 201 may be provided. The battery cell 201 may refer to a secondary battery. The battery cell 201 may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, a battery case that houses the electrode assembly and the electrolyte, and a pair of electrode leads that are connected to the electrode assembly and extend to the outside of the battery case. The battery cell 201 may be, for example, a pouch-type secondary battery. However, other types of secondary batteries, such as cylindrical batteries and prismatic batteries, may also be used as the battery cell 201 of the present invention.

[0054] When a plurality of battery cells 201 are provided, the plurality of battery cells 201 may be electrically connected. The battery module 200 may further include a bus bar frame assembly 202 for electrically connecting the plurality of battery cells 201. For example, a pair of bus bar frame assemblies 202 may be provided. In this case, the pair of bus bar frame assemblies 202 may be coupled to one side and the other side of the battery cell 201 in the longitudinal direction (the direction parallel to the X-axis), respectively.

[0055] 4, the battery module 200 may further include a module case 203. The module case 203 may be configured to house at least one battery cell 201. The module case 203 may include a vent hole 203a. When vent gas is generated from the battery cell 201 housed in the internal space, the vent hole 203a may be configured to allow the generated vent gas to be discharged from the inside of the module case 203 to the outside.

[0056] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the migration path of vent gas through a pack cover included in a battery pack according to the present invention.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 5, the pack cover 300 may include a first side vent channel 310 and a second side vent channel 320 .

[0058] The first side vent channel 310 may be configured to guide vent gas generated in the plurality of battery modules 200 included in the first battery module group 210 to the collection space 130.

[0059] The second side vent channel 320 may be configured to guide vent gas generated in the plurality of battery modules 200 included in the second battery module group 220 to the collection space 130.

[0060] The pack cover 300 may be coupled to the pack housing 100 to form a vent passage between the top of the battery module 200 and the inner surface of the pack cover 300 .

[0061] The pack cover 300 may include a protrusion 330 .

[0062] The protrusions 330 may be provided on the surface of the area corresponding to the collection space 130. The protrusions 330 may be configured to protrude from the surface toward the collection space 130.

[0063] According to this configuration of the present invention, the pack cover 300, which is normally only used to cover the pack housing 100, can be provided with a vent flow path to control the flow of vent gas. Specifically, according to this configuration of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs in each battery module 200, flame and vent gas travel to the collection space 130 along the first side vent flow path 310 and the second side vent flow path 320 formed between the top of the battery module 200 and the inner surface of the pack cover 300, thereby significantly reducing the possibility of the thermal event spreading to adjacent battery modules 200. When the vent gas travels to the collection space 130, the protrusion 330 prevents the vent gas from traveling along the shortest linear path. Therefore, the temperature of the vent gas decreases as it travels, and even if a flame occurs along with the vent gas, the intensity of the flame can be weakened as it travels along the vent flow path. This eliminates or reduces damage that could occur if high-temperature vent gas and flame are ejected to the outside.

[0064] With further reference to FIG. 5, the protrusion 330 may include a plurality of protrusions S.

[0065] The protrusions S may be spaced apart from one another. The protrusions S may be arranged along the extension direction of the collecting space 130 (positive direction of the Y axis). The protrusions S may be arranged along a direction (extension direction of the X axis) that is approximately perpendicular to the extension direction of the collecting space 130 (positive direction of the Y axis). Referring to FIG. 5 together with FIG. 1, the protrusions S may be arranged in a region adjacent to the boundary between the first accommodating space 110 and the collecting space 130 and a region adjacent to the boundary between the second accommodating space 120 and the collecting space 130, respectively. For example, the protrusions S may be arranged in two rows along the extension direction of the collecting space 130 (positive direction of the Y axis) in a region adjacent to the boundary between the first accommodating space 110 and the collecting space 130 and a region adjacent to the boundary between the second accommodating space 120 and the collecting space 130, respectively.

[0066] According to this configuration of the present invention, when the vent gas moves to the collection space 130 through the first side vent passage 310 and the second side vent passage 320, the vent gas immediately comes into contact with the plurality of protrusions S. Therefore, the movement path of the vent gas can be effectively increased.

[0067] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a pack cover included in a battery pack according to the present invention.

[0068] 6 together with FIG. 5, the pack cover 300 may have a first side vent channel 310 and a second side vent channel 320 formed in the form of a groove G on its inner surface. The first side vent channel 310 may be provided in plurality in a direction (positive Y-axis direction) substantially perpendicular to the extension direction of the first side vent channel 310 (positive X-axis direction). The second side vent channel 320 may be provided in plurality in a direction (positive Y-axis direction) substantially perpendicular to the extension direction of the second side vent channel 320 (negative X-axis direction). For this reason, a plurality of grooves G may be provided. The pack cover 300 may have a blocking membrane 301 configured to block vent gas from moving directly to the outside through the first side vent channel 310 and the second side vent channel 320 without passing through the collection space 130.

[0069] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a partition wall of a battery pack according to the present invention.

[0070] 7, the first battery module group 210 may include a first battery module 211 and a second battery module 212 adjacent to each other. The second battery module group 220 may include a third battery module 221 and a fourth battery module 222 adjacent to each other.

[0071] In the present invention, the first battery module 211 and the second battery module 212 do not refer to specific battery modules. That is, the first battery module 211 and the second battery module 212 refer to one and the other of a pair of adjacent battery modules arbitrarily selected in the first battery module group 210. Similarly, the third battery module 221 and the fourth battery module 222 do not refer to specific battery modules. That is, the third battery module 221 and the fourth battery module 222 refer to one and the other of a pair of adjacent battery modules arbitrarily selected in the second battery module group 220.

[0072] The battery pack 10 may include a first partition 400a and / or an additional partition 400b and / or a third partition 400c.

[0073] The first partition wall 400a may be disposed at a position corresponding to the gap between the first battery module 211 and the second battery module 212 and at a position corresponding to the gap between the third battery module 221 and the fourth battery module 222. The first partition wall 400a may be configured to block the movement of vent gas between the accommodating space of the first battery module 211 and the accommodating space of the second battery module 212, and between the accommodating space of the third battery module 221 and the accommodating space of the fourth battery module 222. The first partition wall 400a may be coupled to the pack cover 300 and / or the pack housing 100. The coupling may be performed by welding or bolting. The first partition wall 400a may have a substantially beam-like shape with an open interior.

[0074] However, as mentioned above, the first battery module 211, the second battery module 212, the third battery module 221, and the fourth battery module 222 do not refer to specific battery modules, and therefore the first partition walls 400a may be disposed at positions corresponding to the gaps between the plurality of battery modules 200 included in the first battery module group 210 and the gaps between the plurality of battery modules 200 included in the second battery module group 220, respectively.

[0075] According to this configuration of the present invention, the storage spaces of adjacent battery modules are structurally isolated from each other by the first partition wall 400a, so that vent gas generated in each battery module does not move toward the adjacent battery module but moves through the first side vent channel 310 and the second side vent channel 320. The vent gas that moves in this manner then moves through the collection space 130. During this movement, the temperature of the vent gas decreases, which may weaken the intensity of the flame. When the first partition wall 400a has a substantially beam-like shape with an open internal space, the rigidity of the battery pack 10 is improved, the movement of vent gas between adjacent storage spaces is blocked, and the weight of the battery pack 10 is reduced.

[0076] The additional partitions 400b may be disposed at positions corresponding to the gap between the first accommodating space 110 and the collecting space 130 and the gap between the second accommodating space 120 and the collecting space 130. The additional partitions may be configured to block the movement of vent gas between the first accommodating space 110 and the collecting space 130 and between the second accommodating space 120 and the collecting space 130.

[0077] The third partition wall 400c may be configured to separate the collection space 130. The third partition wall 400c may prevent the vent gas collected through the first side vent passage 310 and the vent gas collected through the second side vent passage 320 from mixing with each other. That is, the third partition wall 400c may be configured to prevent the vent gas generated in the first battery module group 210 from affecting the second battery module group 220. The third partition wall 400c may be coupled to the pack cover 300 and / or the pack housing 100. The coupling may be performed by welding, bolting, or the like. The third partition wall 400c may have a substantially beam-like shape with an open interior. The open space formed within the third partition wall 400c may be used as a passage for wiring connecting the battery modules. The wiring can be protected from physical impact by the third partition wall 400c.

[0078] FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating an exemplary cross section taken along line AA' of FIG.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 8, the battery pack 10 may include a sealing member 500.

[0080] The sealing member 500 may be provided in at least one of a position between the first partition 400a and the pack cover 300 and a position between the first partition 400a and the pack housing 100. The sealing member 500 may be provided in at least one of a position between the additional partition 400b and the pack cover 300 and a position between the additional partition 400b and the pack housing 100. The sealing member 500 may be provided in at least one of a position between the third partition 400c and the pack cover 300 and a position between the third partition 400c and the pack housing 100. The sealing member 500 may be configured to at least partially surround the joining portions of the pack cover 300 and / or the pack housing 100 and the partitions 400a, 400b, 400c.

[0081] According to this configuration of the present invention, the effect of preventing vent gas from moving into the gaps between the pack cover 300 and / or the pack housing 100 and the partition walls 400a, 400b, 400c can be further improved.

[0082] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a pack housing and a battery module housed in the pack housing included in a battery pack according to the present invention.

[0083] 9, the trapping space 130 may include a first trapping space 130a formed between the first accommodating space 110 and the second accommodating space 120. The trapping space 130 may include a second trapping space 130b formed on the opposite side of the first trapping space 130a across the first accommodating space 110. The trapping space 130 may include a third trapping space 130c formed on the opposite side of the second accommodating space 120 from the first trapping space 130a.

[0084] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a pack cover included in a battery pack according to the present invention.

[0085] 10, the protrusion 330 may be provided in at least one of the regions corresponding to the first collecting space 130a, the region corresponding to the second collecting space 130b, and the region corresponding to the third collecting space 130c. As shown in Fig. 10, the protrusion 330 may be provided in all of the regions corresponding to the first collecting space 130a, the region corresponding to the second collecting space 130b, and the region corresponding to the third collecting space 130c. Alternatively, the protrusion 330 may be selectively provided in a portion of the region corresponding to at least one collecting space 130, as in the embodiment described below.

[0086] According to this configuration of the present invention, when vent gas moves to the collection space 130, the protrusions 330 prevent the vent gas from traveling along the shortest straight path. Therefore, by selectively providing the protrusions 330 according to the vent flow paths provided in the pack cover 300, the traveling distance of the vent gas can be varied for each battery module. The vent gas generated in each battery module can be discharged at different times.

[0087] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a movement path of vent gas through a pack cover included in a battery pack according to the present invention. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a pack housing included in a battery pack according to the present invention and a battery module accommodated in the pack housing. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a pack cover included in a battery pack according to the present invention. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing a movement path of vent gas through a pack cover included in a battery pack according to the present invention. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing a pack housing included in a battery pack according to the present invention and a battery module accommodated in the pack housing. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing a pack cover included in a battery pack according to the present invention.

[0088] 11 to 16, the pack cover 300 may be configured to guide vent gas generated in the first battery module 211 to the first collecting space 130a, to guide vent gas generated in the second battery module 212 to the second collecting space 130b, to guide vent gas generated in the third battery module 221 to the first collecting space 130a, and to guide vent gas generated in the fourth battery module 222 to the third collecting space 130c.

[0089] However, as described above, the first battery module 211 and the second battery module 212 do not refer to specific battery modules, but rather to a pair of adjacent battery modules 200 arbitrarily selected from the first battery module group 210. This also applies to the third battery module 221 and the fourth battery module 222.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 12, the first battery module 211 and the third battery module 221 may face each other, and the second battery module 212 and the fourth battery module 222 may face each other.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 15, the first battery module 211 and the fourth battery module 222 may face each other, and the second battery module 212 and the third battery module 221 may face each other.

[0092] 12 and 15 together with FIG. 9, the battery pack 10 may include not only the first partition wall 400a and / or the third partition wall 400c described above, but also a second partition wall 400d.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 12, the second partition 400d may be disposed in the internal space of the pack housing 100 at positions corresponding to between the accommodating space accommodating the first battery module 211 and the second collecting space 130b, between the accommodating space accommodating the second battery module 212 and the first collecting space 130a, between the accommodating space accommodating the third battery module 221 and the third collecting space 130c, and between the accommodating space accommodating the fourth battery module 222 and the first collecting space 130a.

[0094] 15, the second partition wall 400d is formed in the interior space of the pack housing 100 between the accommodating space accommodating the first battery module 211 and the second collecting space 130b, between the accommodating space accommodating the second battery module 212 and the first collecting space 130a, and between the accommodating space accommodating the third battery module 221 and the second collecting space 130b. 3 Collection space 130c and the space between the fourth battery module 2 ... 1 Collection space 130 a and , respectively, can be disposed at corresponding positions between them.

[0095] 13 and 16, similar to the above, the pack cover 300 may have a first side vent channel 310 and a second side vent channel 320 formed in the form of a groove G on its inner surface. A plurality of first side vent channels 310 may be provided in a direction (extension direction of the Y axis) that is approximately perpendicular to the extension direction of the first side vent channel 310 (extension direction of the X axis). A plurality of second side vent channels 320 may be provided in a direction (extension direction of the Y axis) that is approximately perpendicular to the extension direction of the second side vent channel 320 (extension direction of the X axis). For this reason, a plurality of grooves G may be provided.

[0096] 13 and 16 , similarly to the above, the pack cover 300 may include a blocking membrane 301. The blocking membrane 301 may be provided in a boundary region between the region corresponding to the first collecting space 130a and the first side vent channel 310. In this case, communication between the first side vent channel 310 and the first collecting space 130a may be blocked. The blocking membrane 301 may be provided in a boundary region between the region corresponding to the second collecting space 130b and the first side vent channel 310. In this case, communication between the first side vent channel 310 and the second collecting space 130b may be blocked. The blocking membrane 301 may be provided in a boundary region between the region corresponding to the first collecting space 130a and the second side vent channel 320. In this case, communication between the second side vent channel 320 and the first collecting space 130a may be blocked. The blocking membrane 301 may be provided in a boundary region between the region corresponding to the third collecting space 130c and the second side vent channel 320. In this case, the blocking membrane 301 may block communication between the second side vent channel 320 and the third collecting space 130c.

[0097] According to this configuration of the present invention, adjacent battery modules in the first battery module group 210 may have different vent flow paths. Adjacent battery modules in the second battery module group 220 may have different vent flow paths. This may minimize the impact of high-temperature flames and vent gases generated in adjacent battery modules on other battery modules. Effective vent flow paths may be configured depending on the size of the battery pack 10 and the arrangement of the battery modules.

[0098] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a gas collection space and a vent device included in a battery pack according to the present invention.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 17, the battery pack 10 may include a gas collection space 600 and / or a vent device 700.

[0100] The gas collecting space 130 may be provided at at least one location on one side and the other side of the pack housing 100. Vent gas generated in each battery module moves through the first independent vent flow path and the second independent vent flow path and collects in the gas collecting space 600. For example, the collecting space 600 may be provided at an end in the longitudinal direction (positive direction of the Y axis) of the pack housing 100. However, the present invention is not limited to the shape, position, and number of the gas collecting space 600 shown in FIG. 17.

[0101] The vent device 700 may be configured to allow the vent gas in the gas collecting space 600 to be discharged to the outside of the pack housing 100. The vent device 700 may be in the form of a simple hole that penetrates the pack housing 100. Furthermore, the vent device 700 may not only be in a completely open state, but may also be a specific device that is closed in a steady state and can be opened in response to changes in pressure, temperature, etc. The vent device 700 may be, for example, a one-way valve.

[0102] According to this configuration of the present invention, when a large amount of gas is generated at once and the internal pressure of the battery pack 10 increases, the internal pressure of the battery pack 10 can be quickly reduced by the gas collecting space 600. The gas can be discharged in the intended direction by the vent device 700, and by increasing the capacity that the vent device 700 can handle or by increasing the number of vent devices 700, the gas can be discharged more quickly and smoothly even if a large amount of vent gas is generated instantaneously.

[0103] FIG. 18 shows a vehicle according to the present invention.

[0104] 18, the battery pack 10 is applicable to a vehicle 1 such as an electric vehicle 1 or a hybrid vehicle 1. That is, the vehicle 1 according to the present invention may include the battery pack 10 according to the present invention. The vehicle 1 according to the present invention may further include various other components included in the vehicle 1 in addition to the battery pack 10. For example, the vehicle 1 according to the present invention may further include a vehicle body, a motor, a control device such as an ECU (electronic control unit), etc. in addition to the battery pack 10 according to the present invention.

[0105] While the present invention has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, focusing on the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made from such description without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be construed by the claims written to include such various modifications. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1. Automobiles 10 Battery Pack 100 pack housing 110 First Storage Space 120 Second Storage Space 130 Collection space 130a 1st collection space 130b 2nd collection space 130c 3rd collection space 200 Battery Module 201 battery cells 202 Busbar frame assembly 203 Module Case 203a Vent Hole 210 First Battery Module Group 211 First Battery Module 212 Second Battery Module 220 Second Battery Module Group 221 Third Battery Module 222 4th Battery Module 300 pack covers 301 Barrier membrane 310 First side vent channel 320 Second side vent channel 330 Protrusion 400a 1st bulkhead 400b Additional bulkhead 400c 3rd bulkhead 400d 2nd bulkhead 500 Sealing material 600 Gas collection space 700 Vent Device S Multiple protrusions G groove

Claims

1. a pack housing including a first receiving space, a second receiving space spaced apart from the first receiving space, and a collecting space; a first battery module group including a plurality of battery modules disposed in the first accommodating space; a second battery module group including a plurality of battery modules disposed in the second accommodating space; a pack cover including a first side vent flow path that guides vent gas generated from the plurality of battery modules included in the first battery module group to the collecting space and a second side vent flow path that guides vent gas generated from the plurality of battery modules included in the second battery module group to the collecting space, The pack cover is a protrusion portion including a plurality of protrusions protruding from a surface of a region corresponding to the collection space toward the collection space, The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of protrusions are formed in a dot pattern and spaced apart from each other.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of protrusions are provided along an extension direction of the collecting space.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of protrusions are provided along a direction perpendicular to an extension direction of the collecting space.

4. The plurality of protrusions are 2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the second accommodating space and the collecting space are adjacent to a boundary between the first accommodating space and the collecting space, and the second accommodating space and the collecting space are adjacent to a boundary between the second accommodating space and the collecting space.

5. the first battery module group includes a first battery module and a second battery module adjacent to each other, and the second battery module group includes a third battery module and a fourth battery module adjacent to each other; The battery pack 2. The battery pack of claim 1, further comprising: first partition walls disposed at positions corresponding to a gap between the first battery module and the second battery module and a gap between the third battery module and the fourth battery module, respectively.

6. The first partition wall is 6. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein movement of vent gas between the accommodating space of the first battery module and the accommodating space of the second battery module and movement of vent gas between the accommodating space of the third battery module and the accommodating space of the fourth battery module are blocked.

7. The battery pack The battery pack according to claim 6, further comprising a sealing member at least one of between the first partition wall and the pack cover and between the first partition wall and the pack housing.

8. A pack housing having a first storage space, a second storage space located apart from the first storage space, and a collection space; a first battery module group including a plurality of battery modules disposed in the first accommodating space; a second battery module group including a plurality of battery modules disposed in the second accommodating space; a pack cover including a first side vent flow path that guides vent gas generated from the plurality of battery modules included in the first battery module group to the collecting space and a second side vent flow path that guides vent gas generated from the plurality of battery modules included in the second battery module group to the collecting space, The pack cover is a protrusion protruding from a surface of a region corresponding to the collection space toward the collection space, The collection space is The battery pack includes a first collecting space formed between the first accommodating space and the second accommodating space.

9. The collection space is a second collecting space formed on the opposite side of the first collecting space with the first accommodating space interposed therebetween; The battery pack according to claim 8 , further comprising: a third collecting space formed on an opposite side of the first collecting space with the second accommodating space interposed therebetween.

10. The protrusion is 10. The battery pack of claim 9, wherein the second collecting space is located in at least one of a region corresponding to the first collecting space, a region corresponding to the second collecting space, and a region corresponding to the third collecting space.

11. the first battery module group includes a first battery module and a second battery module adjacent to each other, and the second battery module group includes a third battery module and a fourth battery module adjacent to each other; The pack cover is a first collecting space configured to guide vent gas generated in the first battery module and a second collecting space configured to guide vent gas generated in the second battery module; 10. The battery pack of claim 9, wherein the vent gas generated in the third battery module is configured to be guided to the first collecting space, and the vent gas generated in the fourth battery module is configured to be guided to the third collecting space.

12. The battery pack according to claim 11, wherein the first battery module and the third battery module face each other, and the second battery module and the fourth battery module face each other.

13. The battery pack 13. The battery pack of claim 12, further comprising second partitions disposed in the internal space of the pack housing at positions corresponding to each other between the accommodating space accommodating the first battery module and the second collecting space, between the accommodating space accommodating the second battery module and the first collecting space, between the accommodating space accommodating the third battery module and the third collecting space, and between the accommodating space accommodating the fourth battery module and the first collecting space.

14. The battery pack according to claim 11, wherein the first battery module and the fourth battery module face each other, and the second battery module and the third battery module face each other.

15. The battery pack 15. The battery pack of claim 14, further comprising second partitions disposed in the internal space of the pack housing at positions corresponding to each other between the accommodating space accommodating the first battery module and the second collecting space, between the accommodating space accommodating the second battery module and the first collecting space, between the accommodating space accommodating the third battery module and the third collecting space, and between the accommodating space accommodating the fourth battery module and the first collecting space.

16. The pack housing includes: The battery pack according to claim 1 , further comprising a gas collection space formed at least at one of one side and the other side.

17. The pack housing includes: The battery pack according to claim 16, further comprising a vent device configured to allow vent gas in the gas collecting space to be discharged to the outside of the pack housing.

18. A motor vehicle comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

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