Battery pack and automobile including the battery pack

Abstract

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a battery pack including a plurality of battery cells and a pack case configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells, the pack case having a vent passage configured to allow vent gas discharged from the battery cells to flow into an internal space, and a cooling passage provided on at least one side of the vent passage and configured to allow a cooling medium to flow.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack, and more particularly to a battery pack with enhanced safety and a vehicle or the like including the battery pack.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0000307, ​​filed on January 2, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety in the specification and drawings thereof. [Background technology]

[0003] Secondary batteries, which have high applicability to each product group and electrical properties such as high energy density, are commonly used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), etc. These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for improving energy efficiency, not only because they have the primary advantage of dramatically reducing the use of fossil fuels, but also because they are environmentally friendly as they do not produce any by-products from energy use.

[0004] Currently, secondary batteries such as lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries are widely used. When a high output voltage is required, a battery module or a battery pack is formed by connecting multiple battery cells in series. In addition, to increase the charge / discharge capacity, a battery module or a battery pack is sometimes formed by connecting multiple battery cells in parallel.

[0005] When a battery pack is constructed by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series / parallel, a common method is to first construct a battery module including at least one battery cell, and then add other components to the at least one battery module to construct a battery pack or a battery rack. Alternatively, in recent years, cell-to-pack battery packs have also been manufactured in which a plurality of battery cells are directly housed in a pack housing without being modularized.

[0006] However, when multiple battery modules are included in a battery pack, the battery pack is vulnerable to thermal chain reactions between the battery modules. For example, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs in one battery module, the thermal runaway may propagate to other battery modules. If the propagation of thermal runaway between battery modules cannot be properly suppressed, an event occurring in a specific battery module may trigger a chain reaction among many battery modules, potentially resulting in serious problems such as explosions or fires.

[0007] In particular, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs in one battery module, vent gas and the like are discharged to the outside of the battery module. If the heat from the discharged vent gas and the like cannot be sufficiently cooled, the heat may be transferred to other battery modules, causing a thermal chain reaction in the other battery modules.

[0008] Therefore, in conventional battery packs, a cooling system is constructed by providing a flame-retardant material on the bottom of the battery pack or between the battery modules to minimize the accumulation of thermal energy in adjacent battery modules. However, while such conventional battery packs can cool the bottom of the battery modules, they are insufficient to cool the vent gases that are emitted when an event such as thermal runaway occurs in a battery module.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need to develop a structure that can improve the cooling performance of battery packs by more efficiently cooling the heat from vent gases and other discharged gases when an event such as thermal runaway occurs in the battery pack. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery pack, which have an improved structure to appropriately manage heat and vent gases emitted from a battery module and have improved cooling performance.

[0011] However, the problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following explanation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention provides a battery pack including a plurality of battery cells and a pack case configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells, the pack case having a vent passage configured to allow vent gas discharged from the battery cells to flow into an internal space, and a cooling passage provided on at least one side of the vent passage and configured to allow a cooling medium to flow.

[0013] The cooling passages may be arranged parallel to the vent passages.

[0014] The cooling passage may be provided outside the vent passage.

[0015] The pack case may include a cross beam configured to partition the plurality of battery cells and having an internal space in which the vent flow passages and the cooling flow passages are formed.

[0016] The cross beam may include a first gas inlet configured to allow the vent gas to enter the vent passage.

[0017] The battery pack may further include a module case configured to accommodate a plurality of the battery cells in groups, and having a vent hole formed on at least one surface thereof, the vent hole being configured to allow the vent gas to be discharged to the outside.

[0018] The vent hole may be formed in a side surface of the module case and configured to communicate with the vent passage.

[0019] The gas supply device may further include a cover member that covers the first gas inlet and is configured to be opened by heat or pressure.

[0020] The pack case may include a base frame configured to mount the cross beam and the plurality of battery cells, the base frame having the cooling flow path formed in its internal space, and a first cooling communication hole configured to connect the base frame and the cross beam.

[0021] The pack case may include a partition wall provided between the vent passage and the cooling passage.

[0022] The partition may be configured to be at least partially opened by vent gas within the vent passage.

[0023] The partition wall may include a protrusion configured to protrude at least partially into the vent passage.

[0024] The pack case may include a cover frame configured to cover an upper portion of the plurality of battery cells and having an internal space in which the vent passage and the cooling passage are formed.

[0025] The cover frame may include a second gas inlet configured to allow the vent gas to enter the vent passage.

[0026] The pack case may include a second cooling communication hole configured to communicate between the cross beam and the cover frame.

[0027] Another aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle including a battery pack according to an aspect of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] According to one aspect of the present invention, efficient cooling performance and safe venting performance of the battery pack can be ensured.

[0029] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, by cooling vent gas generated in a battery module, it is possible to effectively suppress the propagation of heat to other battery modules.

[0030] This prevents or suppresses the propagation of thermal runaway between battery modules, ensuring the safety and reliability of the battery pack.

[0031] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, events due to thermal runaway phenomena in a device to which a battery pack is attached, such as fires and explosions, can be prevented or delayed.

[0032] The present invention can also provide various other effects, which will be described in the respective embodiments, but the description of effects that can be easily inferred by those skilled in the art will be omitted.

[0033] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, are intended to facilitate a better understanding of the technical concepts of the present invention; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the matters described in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 3 is a top view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating vent channels and cooling channels; FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, for example, taken along II' in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a partial configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a first gas inlet formed in a cross beam. [Figure 7] 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above; [Figure 8] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack to which a cover member according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied; [Figure 9] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a partial configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating first cooling communication holes formed in a base frame. FIG. [Figure 10] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack to which a partition wall according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied; [Figure 11] 1 is a top view of a battery pack to which a partition wall according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied; [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a front view of a partition wall according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 10 is a top view of a battery pack to which a partition wall according to another embodiment of the present invention is applied; FIG. [Figure 14]10 is a top view of a battery pack to which a partition wall according to another embodiment of the present invention is applied; FIG. [Figure 15] 10 is a front view of a partition wall applied to a battery pack according to still another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] 10 is a bottom perspective view of a cover frame included in a battery pack according to still another embodiment of the present invention, illustrating second cooling communication holes formed in the cover frame. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a cover frame included in a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below. [Figure 19] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] 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 general 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.

[0036] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred 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 replace them at the time of this application.

[0037] The present invention also includes various embodiments, and in each embodiment, overlapping descriptions of substantially identical or similar configurations will be omitted, and differences will be mainly described.

[0038] Meanwhile, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and rear are used in this specification, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms are used for the convenience of explanation and may change depending on the position of the object of interest, the position of the observer, etc.

[0039] For example, in an embodiment of the present invention, the illustrated X-axis direction may refer to the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction may refer to the front-back direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction on a horizontal plane (XY plane), and the Z-axis direction may refer to the up-down direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0040] FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention viewed from above, illustrating vent channels and cooling channels.

[0041] 1 to 3, a battery pack 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell 100 and a pack case 200.

[0042] 2, the battery may include a plurality of battery cells 100. Although not shown, the plurality of battery cells 100 may include an electrode assembly, a cell case that houses the electrode assembly, and electrode leads that are connected to the electrode assembly and extend to the outside of the cell case to function as electrode terminals. In this case, the plurality of battery cells 100 may be electrically connected to each other.

[0043] The battery cell 100 may be a pouch-type secondary battery. The cell case of such a pouch-type secondary battery may be configured in a pouch shape with a metal layer including an aluminum material sandwiched between polymer layers.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of battery cells 100 may be arranged side by side in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) while standing upright in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

[0045] Meanwhile, the present invention is not limited by the specific type or shape of the battery cell 100, and various battery cells 100 known at the time of filing of the present invention may be adopted in the configuration of the battery pack 1 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, as shown in the drawing, a pouch-type secondary battery that has high energy density and is easy to stack is targeted, but it goes without saying that a cylindrical secondary battery or a prismatic secondary battery may also be applied as the battery cell 100.

[0046] The pack case 200 may be configured to house a plurality of battery cells 100. The pack case 200 may be box-shaped and include a plurality of frames. To safely protect the battery cells 100 housed therein, the pack case 200 may be made of or include a material capable of ensuring mechanical rigidity, such as a metal such as steel or SUS (Steel Use Stainless), or a plastic.

[0047] Further, a vent flow path VP may be formed in the pack case 200. The vent flow path VP may refer to a passage through which vent gas or the like flows. The vent flow path VP may be formed in an internal space of the pack case 200. Here, the internal space of the pack case 200 may be a predetermined space separately provided inside the pack case 200, or may be a hollow space formed in a plurality of beams or frames constituting the pack case 200, as shown in FIG. 3. As a result, the vent gas generated in the battery cells 100 may be configured to flow into the vent flow path VP formed in the internal space of the pack case 200.

[0048] A cooling channel CP may be formed in the pack case 200. The cooling channel CP may refer to a passage configured to allow a cooling medium, such as cooling water, to flow. The cooling channel CP may be formed in the internal space of the pack case 200. Here, the internal space of the pack case 200 may be a predetermined space separately provided inside the pack case 200, or may be a hollow space formed in a plurality of beams or frames constituting the pack case 200, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0049] 3, the vent passage VP and the cooling passage CP may be provided together in the internal space of the pack case 200. The cooling passage CP may be provided on at least one side of the vent passage VP. In particular, the vent passage VP and the cooling passage CP may be configured to contact each other. This allows vent gas and the like inside the vent passage VP to come into contact with the cooling passage CP.

[0050] According to this embodiment, when thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell 100, the heat of the vent gas, flame, etc. inside the vent passage VP can be cooled by the cooling medium in the cooling passage CP. That is, according to this embodiment, the heat of the discharged vent gas, etc. can be more efficiently controlled. This ensures the cooling performance of the battery pack 1.

[0051] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, as shown by the dotted arrow in Fig. 3, high-temperature gases, flames, and the like can be quickly discharged to the outside of the battery pack 1 through the vent flow path VP, thereby minimizing heat propagation to other battery cells 100. As a result, propagation of thermal runaway within the battery pack 1 can be prevented or suppressed, and safety and reliability of the battery pack 1 can be ensured.

[0052] 3, the cooling channels CP may be arranged alongside the vent channels VP. The vent channels VP may extend in one direction, and the cooling channels CP may extend along the extension direction of the vent channels VP. That is, the cooling channels CP may be arranged in parallel along the vent channels VP. According to this embodiment, when thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell 100, the heat of the vent gas, flame, etc. inside the vent channels VP can be more efficiently cooled by the cooling medium in the cooling channels CP.

[0053] Furthermore, the cooling channels CP may be provided outside the vent channels VP. That is, this may mean that the cooling channels CP are provided outside the vent channels VP with respect to any battery cell 100. According to the present embodiment, since the vent channels VP are disposed between the battery cells 100 and the cooling channels CP, vent gases, flames, etc. generated in the battery cells 100 can quickly move to the vent channels VP and be cooled by the cooling medium in the cooling channels CP.

[0054] 3, the pack case 200 may include a partition wall W provided between the vent passage VP and the cooling passage CP. The partition wall W may be configured to separate the vent passage VP and the cooling passage CP from each other. This allows the vent gas and the like to come into contact with the surface of the partition wall that forms the cooling passage CP and be cooled.

[0055] 2, a plurality of battery cells 100 may be modularized as one or more battery modules 10. That is, a battery pack 1 according to the present invention includes a plurality of battery modules 10, and the plurality of battery cells 100 included in the battery pack 1 may be divided and included in the plurality of battery modules 10. In this case, the plurality of battery cells 100 included in the battery module 10 may be electrically connected to each other.

[0056] In particular, the battery pack 1 according to the present invention may include a module case 11. The module case 11 may have an empty space formed therein and may be configured to accommodate at least some of the plurality of battery cells 100 in the internal space. In particular, the module case 11 may be configured to accommodate the battery cells 100. That is, the module case 11 may group the plurality of battery cells 100 into several battery modules 10 and serve as a boundary that physically defines the internal space of each battery module 10.

[0057] Although not shown, the battery module 10 may also include a bus bar assembly and / or a module terminal electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells 100 housed therein.

[0058] The battery module 10 may include a vent hole 12. The vent hole 12 may be configured to exhaust gas generated in the battery cells 100 housed inside the module case 11 to the outside of the module case 11.

[0059] Specifically, the vent holes 12 may be provided in the module case 11 to enable directional venting in a specific direction. The vent holes 12 may be provided on at least one surface of the module case 11. FIG. 2 shows an embodiment in which the vent holes 12 are provided on the top surface of the module case 11. Meanwhile, the number and positions of the vent holes 12 described based on the embodiment of FIG. 2 are merely examples, and it goes without saying that various changes may be made to the number and positions of the vent holes 12.

[0060] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the pack case 200 may include a base frame 210 and a plurality of side frames 220.

[0061] The base frame 210 may be configured to mount a plurality of battery cells 100. The base frame 210 forms the bottom surface of the pack case 200 and may be a rectangular plate. The base frame 210 may have a flat upper surface and may be provided so that the battery cells 100 or the battery module 10 can be stably mounted thereon.

[0062] A cooling channel CP may be formed in the internal space of the base frame 210. That is, a hollow is formed inside the base frame 210, and a cooling medium may flow through the hollow.

[0063] According to the present embodiment, the bottom surface of the battery cell 100 or the battery module 10 can be cooled, thereby minimizing the accumulation of thermal energy in the battery cell 100. In particular, heat generation in the battery cell 100 due to charge / discharge cycles in the normal state of the battery pack 1 can be minimized, thereby ensuring the cooling performance of the battery pack 1.

[0064] Meanwhile, the battery pack 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an inlet port I configured to allow a cooling medium to flow from the outside into a cooling passage CP inside the battery pack 1, and an outlet port O configured to discharge the cooling medium from the cooling passage CP inside the battery pack 1 to the outside. The inlet port I and the outlet port O may be provided on the base frame 210.

[0065] The multiple side frames 220 may extend upward from each side of the base frame 210. The multiple side frames 220 may be provided to surround the multiple battery cells 100. More specifically, each of the multiple side frames 220 may form a side surface of the pack case 200, including a right wall located at the end of the base frame 210 in the +X direction, a rear wall located at the end of the +Y direction, a left wall located at the end of the -X direction, and a front wall located at the end of the -Y direction.

[0066] 2 , the pack case 200 may include a vent device 230. The vent device 230 may be configured to discharge gas generated in the battery cells 100 to the outside of the pack case 200. The vent device 230 may be provided to communicate with the vent flow path VP. As a result, the vent gas in the vent flow path VP may be configured to be discharged to the outside of the pack case 200 through the vent device 230.

[0067] The vent device 230 may be configured to be opened by the pressure of the vent gas to discharge the vent gas to the outside of the pack case 200 when vent gas is generated inside the pack case 200 and the internal pressure increases.

[0068] For example, the vent device 230 may be configured to open and close depending on the internal pressure of the pack case 200. Alternatively, the vent device 230 may be configured in the form of a hole. Meanwhile, the present invention is not limited to a specific type or form of the vent device 230, and various vent devices 230 known at the time of filing of the present invention may be adopted in the configuration of the battery pack 1 of the present invention.

[0069] Specifically, the vent device 230 may be provided on a side surface of the pack case 200, i.e., on the side frame 220. A plurality of vent devices 230 may be provided. The vent device 230 may be provided on at least one of the plurality of side frames 220. The vent device 230 may be formed on each of two or more side frames 220, or two or more vent devices 230 may be formed on one side frame 220.

[0070] Meanwhile, the number and positions of the vent devices 230 described based on the embodiment of FIG. 2 are merely examples, and it goes without saying that the number and positions can be changed to various other numbers and positions.

[0071] The pack case 200 may also include a cross beam 240. The cross beam 240 may be configured to partition the interior space of the pack case 200. The cross beam 240 may be configured to partition a plurality of battery cells 100 or a plurality of battery modules 10. The cross beam 240 may be configured to extend along the left-right direction and / or the front-rear direction of the pack case 200.

[0072] A plurality of cross beams 240 may be provided. For example, the cross beam 240 may include a main beam 240a and a sub-beam 240b. The main beam 240a may be provided between the battery cell 100 or the battery module 10 and the side frame 220. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 , the main beam 240a may be provided to extend in the left-right direction and connect the right wall and the left wall of the side frame 220. The main beam 240a may be configured to be spaced apart from the side frame 220 by a predetermined distance. A control device for the battery pack 1, such as a battery management system (BMS), may be provided in the space between the main beam 240a and the side frame 220.

[0073] The sub beams 240b may be provided to connect at least some of the side frames 220. For example, as shown in Fig. 2, the sub beams 240b may be provided to connect the left side wall and the right side wall of the side frame 220. As a result, the sub beams 240b may be provided between the battery modules 10 arranged in four rows along the front-rear direction, thereby dividing the battery modules 10.

[0074] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II' of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a partial configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a first gas inlet formed in a cross beam.

[0075] 4 and 5, the cross beam 240 may be configured to have a vent passage VP formed in its internal space. That is, an empty space through which vent gas, etc. can flow is formed inside the cross beam 240, and this space may be defined as the vent passage VP. According to the present embodiment, vent gas, etc. discharged from the battery cells 100 or battery modules 10 in contact with the cross beam 240 can move directly to the vent passage VP formed in the cross beam 240, so that the vent gas, etc. can be more quickly discharged to the outside of the pack case 200.

[0076] 4 to 6, the cross beam 240 may be provided with a first gas inlet 241. The first gas inlet 241 may be configured to allow vent gas to flow into the vent flow path VP. That is, the first gas inlet 241 may be provided to communicate the vent flow path VP with the battery cell 100.

[0077] 6, the first gas inlet 241 may be provided on at least one side of the cross beam 240. The first gas inlet 241 may be provided on a surface of the cross beam 240 that faces the battery cells 100 or the battery module 10. That is, the first gas inlet 241 may be provided on a side of the cross beam 240. A plurality of first gas inlets 241 may be provided. For example, the first gas inlet 241 may be provided on both side surfaces of the sub-beam 240b that face the battery module 10.

[0078] The first gas inlet 241 may be provided on a side surface of the cross beam 240 closer to the inside of the pack case 200 than to the outside. That is, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the first gas inlet 241 may be provided at a position closer to the center of the pack case 200 than to the side frame 220. This may further increase the length of the vent channel VP through which vent gas and the like flows inside the cross beam 240. According to this embodiment, the longer vent channel VP extends the time for the vent gas and the like to be cooled by the cooling medium inside the cooling channel CP. This may further improve the cooling efficiency of the battery pack 1.

[0079] Specifically, as shown by the dotted arrows in Figures 4 and 5, vent gases generated in the battery cell 100 may be discharged from the vent hole 12 and flow into the vent flow path VP inside the cross beam 240 through the first gas inlet 241.

[0080] 4, the first gas inlet 241 may be provided at a position where the path of the vent gas discharged from the vent hole 12 can bend at least once before flowing in. That is, the first gas inlet 241 may be formed at a position on the cross beam 240 after the flow of the vent gas, flame, etc. has changed direction at least once. For example, the portion where the first gas inlet 241 is located may be configured to be located at a portion perpendicular to one surface of the module case 11 where the vent hole 12 is formed.

[0081] According to this embodiment, first gas inlet 241 is provided at a position after the vent gas or flame discharged from vent hole 12 has bent at least once, thereby reliably preventing the vent gas or flame from flowing back into vent hole 12. Furthermore, in the case of a flame that tends to travel in a straight line, bending the flame path minimizes the straightness of the flame, thereby preventing the heat and pressure of the flame from being immediately discharged into first gas inlet 241.

[0082] Unlike this embodiment, the first gas inlet 241 may be provided at a position facing the vent hole 12. That is, the vent hole 12 may be provided on one side of the module case 11 facing the vent flow path VP. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the first gas inlet 241 and the vent flow path VP are provided in the cross beam 240, the vent hole 12 may be provided on the side of the module case 11 facing the cross beam 240. This makes it possible to guide the vent gas and the like to move straight toward the vent flow path VP.

[0083] According to this embodiment, vent gas and the like discharged from the vent hole 12 facing the vent flow path VP can move straight to the vent flow path VP formed in the pack case 200, so that the vent gas and the like can be discharged to the outside more quickly and smoothly.

[0084] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above.

[0085] 3 and 7, the vent flow paths VP may also be formed inside the plurality of side frames 220. As a result, as indicated by the dotted arrows in Fig. 3, vent gas generated in the battery cells 100 may move through the vent holes 12 to the vent flow paths VP formed in the cross beams 240, and then move to the vent flow paths VP formed in the side frames 220. The vent gas may be discharged to the outside of the pack case 200 through the vent devices 230 provided in the side frames 220.

[0086] 7, the pack case 200 may be provided with a first gas discharge port 242. The first gas discharge port 242 may be configured to communicate the vent flow path VP inside the cross beam 240 with the vent flow path VP inside the side frame 220. For example, the first gas discharge port 242 may be provided between the cross beam 240 and the side frame 220. The first gas discharge port 242 may be provided in each of the portions where the multiple cross beams 240 are connected to the side frame 220.

[0087] As a result, vent gas and the like that flows into the vent flow path VP inside the cross beam 240 through the first gas inlet 241 can flow into the vent flow path VP inside the side frame 220 through the first gas outlet 242, and can be discharged to the outside of the pack case 200 through the vent device 230.

[0088] According to this embodiment, the vent gas etc. can move directly to the vent flow path VP of the side frame 220 where the vent device 230 is provided, so that the vent gas etc. can be quickly discharged to the outside of the pack case 200.

[0089] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack to which a cover member according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0090] The battery pack 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a cover member 300. Referring to Fig. 8, the cover member 300 may be configured to cover the first gas inlet 241. A plurality of cover members 300 may be provided, one for each first gas inlet 241. The cover member 300 may be provided on one surface of the cross beam 240 where the first gas inlet 241 is formed.

[0091] Such a cover member 300 may be configured to be opened by heat or pressure in the event of a thermal event. For example, the cover member 300 may be configured to melt by heat, such as from vent gases. Alternatively, the cover member 300 may be configured to burst by pressure, such as from vent gases.

[0092] 8, among the plurality of cover members 300, only the cover member 300 provided on the side of the battery module 10 where a thermal event has occurred may be configured to be opened. Referring to the dotted arrows in FIG. 8, the vent gas discharged from the vent hole 12 of the battery module 10 where a thermal event has occurred may flow into the vent flow path VP formed inside the pack case 200 by opening the first gas inlet 241 when the cover member 300 is opened. As a result, the cover member 300 provided on the side of another adjacent battery module 10 is not opened, so that the vent gas inside the vent flow path VP may not flow back toward the other battery module 10.

[0093] According to the present embodiment, when thermal runaway occurs in a battery cell 100, high-temperature gases, flames, etc. generated in each battery module 10 can be individually discharged to the outside, thereby minimizing heat propagation to battery cells 100 provided in other battery modules 10. That is, according to the present embodiment, even if a thermal event occurs in one battery module 10, it can be suppressed from affecting other battery modules 10. As a result, propagation of thermal runaway within the battery pack 1 can be prevented or suppressed, and the safety and reliability of the battery pack 1 can be ensured.

[0094] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a partial configuration of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, illustrating first cooling communication holes formed in a base frame.

[0095] 4 and 5, the cross beam 240 may be configured to have a cooling channel CP formed in its internal space. That is, an open space through which a cooling medium such as coolant can flow is formed inside the cross beam 240, and this space may be defined as the cooling channel CP. The cooling channel CP may be completely separated from the vent channel VP inside the cross beam 240 and may be arranged in parallel to and in contact with the vent channel VP. In this case, the above-described partition wall W may be provided inside the cross beam 240.

[0096] 4 and 9, the pack case 200 may include a first cooling communication hole 243. The first cooling communication hole 243 may be configured to communicate between the base frame 210 and the cross beam 240. That is, the first cooling communication hole 243 may be configured to communicate between the cooling channel CP inside the base frame 210 and the cooling channel CP inside the cross beam 240. The first cooling communication hole 243 may be provided between the cross beam 240 and the base frame 210. For example, the first cooling communication hole 243 may be provided at a portion where the cross beam 240 is connected to the base frame 210. This allows the cooling medium inside the base frame 210 to flow into the cooling channel CP inside the cross beam 240, as indicated by the solid arrows in FIG. 4.

[0097] The first cooling communication hole 243 may include a first cooling inlet 243a and a first cooling outlet 243b. The first cooling inlet 243a may be configured to allow the cooling medium inside the base frame 210 to flow into the cooling channel CP inside the cross beam 240. The first cooling outlet 243b may be configured to allow the cooling medium inside the cross beam 240 to be discharged into the cooling channel CP inside the base frame 210.

[0098] As a result, as shown by the dotted arrow in Figure 9, the cooling medium inside the base frame 210 flows from the first cooling inlet 243a into the cooling passage CP inside the cross beam 240, then flows through the cooling passage CP, and then is discharged again into the cooling passage CP inside the base frame 210 through the first cooling outlet 243b.

[0099] According to this embodiment, when the inlet port I is connected to the base frame 210, the coolant can flow into the cooling passage CP inside the cross beam 240, thereby cooling the heat of the vent gas passing through the vent passage VP inside the cross beam 240. This can minimize heat transmission to other adjacent battery modules 10.

[0100] Meanwhile, the cooling flow passage CP inside the cross beam 240 may include a portion that gradually narrows from the first cooling inlet 243a toward the cross beam 240. According to this embodiment, the cooling medium can move more smoothly from the cooling flow passage CP inside the base frame 210 to the cooling flow passage CP inside the cross beam 240.

[0101] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack to which a partition wall according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied, FIG. 11 is a view of a battery pack to which a partition wall according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied, viewed from above, and FIG. 12 is a view of a partition wall according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front.

[0102] 10 to 12, the partition wall W may be configured so that at least a portion thereof is opened by the vent gas inside the vent channel VP. As a result, the cooling medium inside the cooling channel CP may be discharged to the vent channel VP through the opened portion of the partition wall W. According to this embodiment, when a thermal event occurs in a battery module 10, the cooling medium is discharged from the cooling channel CP to the vent channel VP to cool the heat of the vent gas and extinguish a fire. Furthermore, the pressure of the discharged cooling medium may prevent particles such as sparks from flowing inside the vent channel VP.

[0103] Specifically, the partition wall W may be provided with a partition hole H that is configured to open when a thermal event occurs. For example, a sealing member may normally be configured to cover the partition hole H, and when a thermal event occurs, the sealing member may melt to open the partition hole H. Alternatively, a notch may be provided along the partition hole H so that the partition hole H can be opened by heat or pressure.

[0104] A plurality of partition holes H may be provided and may be arranged in a plurality of rows and columns. The partition holes H may be provided in small sizes so that the cooling medium has directionality when it is discharged.

[0105] In particular, the direction in which the cooling medium is discharged from the partition hole H may be configured to be opposite to the flow direction of the vent gas (see the dotted arrows in FIGS. 11 and 12). The vent gas may be discharged toward the outside of the pack case 200, and the cooling medium may be discharged toward the inside of the pack case 200. For example, as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the cooling medium may be discharged from the partition hole H toward the first gas inlet 241. Therefore, the partition hole H may be formed to be inclined in a direction toward the first gas inlet 241. According to this embodiment, the heat of the vent gas is cooled by the cooling medium, and the pressure of the discharged cooling medium can further suppress the flow of particles such as sparks inside the vent flow passage VP.

[0106] 12, the partition hole H may be provided in the upper part of the partition W. Since vent gas and flames are gases that tend to move upward, the vent gas and flames inside the vent passage VP can be cooled more efficiently by discharging the cooling medium from the upper part of the partition W, as in this embodiment.

[0107] FIG. 13 is a top view of a battery pack to which a partition wall according to another embodiment of the present invention is applied, FIG. 14 is a top view of a battery pack to which a partition wall according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is applied, and FIG. 15 is a front view of the partition wall applied to a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] 13 to 15, the partition wall W may have a protrusion P. The protrusion P may be configured so that the partition wall W at least partially protrudes toward the vent flow passage VP. The protrusion P may be configured to protrude from the outer surface of the partition wall W toward the vent flow passage VP. According to this embodiment, the protrusion P may obstruct the flow of vent gas or the like flowing through the vent flow passage VP or increase the contact area and / or contact time with the cooling flow passage CP. The shape and length of such a protrusion P may vary.

[0109] 13, in one embodiment, the protrusion P may include a first protrusion P1. The first protrusion P1 may be configured to extend long in the vertical direction.

[0110] Furthermore, a plurality of first protrusions P1 may be provided. The plurality of first protrusions P1 may be arranged to be spaced apart from one another along the horizontal direction. For example, the plurality of first protrusions P1 may be arranged to be spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal direction of the partition wall W (the X-axis direction in FIG. 13).

[0111] 13, the first protrusion P1 may be provided obliquely from the outer surface of the partition wall W toward the first gas inlet 241. That is, the first protrusion P1 may be provided to form an acute angle with the partition wall W. For example, at least a portion of the first protrusion P1 may be configured to protrude from the outer surface of the partition wall W toward the inside of the vent channel VP and to be configured to be directed toward the first gas inlet 241 as it approaches the outer end. The length by which the first protrusion P1 protrudes from the partition wall W may be variously configured.

[0112] According to this embodiment, the first protrusion P1 repels the vent gas, increasing the time that the vent gas, flames, and the like remain inside the vent passage VP, allowing the vent gas to be cooled for a longer period of time, thereby enabling the heat of the vent gas to be more efficiently cooled by the cooling medium.

[0113] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the vent gas and flames inside the vent flow path VP are repelled by the first protrusions P1, further suppressing the flow of sparks and flames that tend to travel in a straight line. In this case, particles such as sparks may be trapped in grooves formed between the first protrusions P1. Therefore, it is possible to prevent sparks, flames, and the like from being discharged to the outside of the pack case 200.

[0114] 14, in another embodiment, the protrusion P may include a second protrusion P2. The second protrusion P2 may be configured to extend horizontally. The second protrusion P2 may be provided in a straight line along the horizontal direction. That is, the second protrusion P2 may be provided parallel to the upper or lower surface of the partition wall W. Alternatively, as another example, the second protrusion P2 may be provided in an oblique line on the outer surface of the partition wall W.

[0115] 14, the second protrusion P2 may include a bent portion B. The bent portion B may be configured such that at least a portion of the second protrusion P2 is bent upward or downward. For example, the second protrusion P2 may be configured in a Z-shape.

[0116] In this case, a plurality of second protrusions P2 may be provided. The plurality of second protrusions P2 may be arranged so as to be spaced apart from one another along the vertical direction. For example, the plurality of second protrusions P2 may be arranged so as to be spaced apart from one another along the height direction of the partition wall W (the Z-axis direction in FIG. 14). This allows the vent gas to flow along the spaces formed between the spaced-apart second protrusions P2.

[0117] According to this embodiment, the length of the path of the vent gas flowing through the vent passage VP is increased by providing the second protrusion P2 with the bent portion B. This allows the vent gas to remain in the vent passage VP for a relatively long time, and the time for which the vent gas is cooled by the cooling medium is extended, thereby improving the cooling efficiency.

[0118] In addition, according to this embodiment, even if the vent gas flows into the vent passage VP of the cross beam 240 facing another battery cell 100, the heat of the vent gas has already decreased, so the transfer of heat to the other battery cell 100 can be minimized.

[0119] 15, in yet another embodiment, the protrusion P may include a third protrusion P3. The third protrusion P3 may be configured so that at least a portion of the partition wall W protrudes toward the vent flow path VP to form a filling groove S1 filled with a coolant. That is, the cooling flow path CP may be configured so that at least a portion of the cooling flow path CP protrudes toward the vent flow path VP.

[0120] The filling grooves S1 may be provided in plurality and configured to be spaced apart from one another in the vertical direction. For example, the third protrusion P3 may be configured so that the uneven shape is repeatedly formed along the vertical direction. The third protrusion P3 may be configured to extend long in the horizontal direction.

[0121] This allows the coolant to flow in the filling grooves S1 of the third protrusions P3. Furthermore, spaces S2 through which vent gas and the like can flow may be provided between the filling grooves S1. According to this embodiment, the provision of the third protrusions P3 increases the area over which the vent gas and the like flowing through the vent flow paths VP come into contact with the coolant. This allows the vent gas and the like to be quickly cooled, minimizing heat transfer to other battery cells 100.

[0122] Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. For example, Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II' of Fig. 1. Fig. 17 is a bottom perspective view of a cover frame included in a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, illustrating second cooling communication holes formed in the cover frame. And Fig. 18 is an exploded perspective view of a cover frame included in a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below.

[0123] Meanwhile, referring mainly to FIG. 16 , the pack case 200 of the battery pack 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a cover frame 250. The cover frame 250 may be configured to cover the upper portions of the plurality of battery cells 100. The cover frame 250 may be provided to form the upper surface of the pack case 200. The cover frame 250 may be coupled to the side frame 220. Alternatively, the cover frame 250 may be provided integrally with the side frame 220.

[0124] The cover frame 250 may be configured to have a vent passage VP formed in its internal space. That is, an empty space through which vent gas or the like can flow is formed inside the cover frame 250, and this space may be defined as the vent passage VP.

[0125] In addition, the cover frame 250 may be configured to have a cooling channel CP formed in its internal space. That is, an open space through which a cooling medium such as cooling water can flow is formed inside the cover frame 250, and this space may be defined as the cooling channel CP.

[0126] The cover frame 250 may be configured to have both the vent passages VP and the cooling passages CP formed therein. That is, in another embodiment, both the cross beam 240 and the cover frame 250 may have both the vent passages VP and the cooling passages CP formed therein.

[0127] In this case, the inlet port I and the outlet port O may be provided not only in the base frame 210 but also in the cover frame 250. This allows the coolant to flow from the outside of the battery pack 1 to the cooling flow path CP inside the base frame 210 and the cover frame 250.

[0128] 16 and 17, the cover frame 250 may include an upper cover 250a, a lower cover 250b, and a partition wall W. The upper cover 250a is the outermost surface of the cover frame 250 and may be configured to form the upper surface of the battery pack 1. The lower cover 250b may be disposed below the upper cover 250a and may be configured to be spaced apart from the upper cover 250a by a predetermined distance. A vent channel VP and a cooling channel CP may be formed between the upper cover 250a and the lower cover 250b.

[0129] Specifically, a partition wall W may be provided between the upper cover 250a and the lower cover 250b. The partition wall W may be configured to separate the vent channel VP and the cooling channel CP. In particular, the cooling channel CP may be provided above the vent channel VP inside the cover frame 250. That is, the cooling channel CP may be formed between the upper cover 250a and the partition wall W, and the vent channel VP may be formed between the lower cover 250b and the partition wall W. As a result, the lower cover 250b, the partition wall W, and the upper cover 250a may be arranged in this order from the inside to the outside of the battery pack 1.

[0130] 16 and 17 , a second gas inlet 251 may be provided in the cover frame 250. The second gas inlet 251 may be formed in the lower cover 250b. The second gas inlet 251 may be configured to allow vent gas to flow into the vent flow path VP. That is, the second gas inlet 251 may be provided to communicate the vent flow path VP with the battery cell 100. A plurality of second gas inlets 251 may be provided.

[0131] As a result, as shown by the dotted arrows in FIG. 16, vent gases generated in the battery cell 100 can be discharged from the vent hole 12 and flow into the vent flow path VP inside the cross beam 240 through the second gas inlet 251.

[0132] According to this embodiment, the vent passages VP and the cooling passages CP are provided not only in the cross beam 240 but also inside the cover frame 250, so that the vent gas can be discharged in all directions surrounding the battery cell 100 or the battery module 10, and at the same time, the heat of the vent gas inside the vent passages VP can be cooled. This makes it possible to more efficiently suppress or prevent heat propagation to other adjacent battery modules 10.

[0133] In this case, the cover frame 250 may have a second gas inlet 251 at a portion facing the vent hole 12. That is, the vent hole 12 may be formed in the upper portion of the module case 11 and configured to communicate with the vent flow path VP inside the cover frame 250. As in the embodiment shown in Fig. 16, the second gas inlet 251 may be provided at a position and / or with a size and / or number corresponding to the vent hole 12. This allows the vent gas to be guided to move straight toward the vent flow path VP.

[0134] According to this embodiment, vent gas and the like discharged from the vent hole 12 facing the vent flow path VP can move straight to the vent flow path VP formed in the pack case 200, so that the vent gas and the like can be discharged to the outside more quickly and smoothly.

[0135] 16 and 18, the pack case 200 may be provided with a second gas discharge port 252. The second gas discharge port 252 may be configured to communicate the vent flow path VP inside the cover frame 250 with the outside of the cover frame 250.

[0136] The second gas outlet 252 may be provided in the cover frame 250. In particular, the second gas outlet 252 may be provided between the partition wall W and the lower cover 250b. As in the embodiment shown in Fig. 15, the second gas outlet 252 may be provided at the end of the vent passage VP inside the cover frame 250. In this case, the second gas outlet 252 may be provided in the form of a hole, but the present invention is not limited to the specific type or form of the second gas outlet 252.

[0137] As a result, vent gas and the like that flows into the vent flow path VP inside the cover frame 250 through the second gas inlet 251 can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack 1 through the second gas outlet 252. According to this embodiment, vent gas and the like can be quickly discharged to the outside of the pack case 200.

[0138] 16 , pack case 200 may further include second cooling communication holes 253. Second cooling communication holes 253 may be configured to communicate between cross beam 240 and cover frame 250. That is, second cooling communication holes 253 may be configured to communicate between cooling channels CP inside cross beam 240 and cooling channels CP inside cover frame 250.

[0139] In this case, the second cooling communication holes 253 may have any structure as long as they can communicate the cooling flow paths CP inside the cross beam 240 with the cooling flow paths CP inside the cover frame 250 .

[0140] 16 and 17, the partition wall W may include an extension E. The extension E may be configured so that at least a portion of the partition wall W protrudes toward the cross beam 240. Specifically, the extension E may be configured so that the second cooling communication hole 253 is formed in at least a portion of the partition wall W and extends toward the cross beam 240 along the outer circumferential edge of the second cooling communication hole 253. In other words, the second cooling communication hole 253 may be defined as a hollow formed by the outer surface of the extension E.

[0141] The extension E may be configured to be positioned within the cooling channel CP inside the cross beam 240. The extension E may be configured to be inserted between one surface of the cross beam 240 and a partition wall W inside the cross beam 240. In this case, although not shown, an insertion hole configured to allow the extension E to be inserted therein may be formed in the cross beam 240. The insertion hole may be configured to communicate with the second cooling communication hole 253. As a result, the extension E may be configured to be connected to the cooling channel CP inside the cross beam 240.

[0142] The extensions E may be configured to extend horizontally along the cooling channels CP inside the cross beams 240. In this case, the extensions E may be configured to correspond to the positions and sizes of the respective cross beams 240. Alternatively, a plurality of extensions E may be provided for each cross beam 240, and the extensions E may be configured to be spaced apart horizontally along the cooling channels CP inside the cross beams 240. Alternatively, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, one extension E may be provided for each cross beam 240. The shape of the extensions E shown in FIG. 17 is merely an example, and it is understood that the extensions E may be configured in other shapes, sizes, etc.

[0143] 16, the cooling medium inside the cover frame 250 can flow through the second cooling communication holes 253 into the cooling passage CP inside the cross beam 240. According to this embodiment, the cooling medium flowing through the cooling passage CP inside the cover frame 250 can smoothly flow into the cooling passage CP inside the cross beam 240 due to gravity.

[0144] Meanwhile, as shown in Fig. 16, the extension E may be configured to penetrate the lower cover 250b and be coupled to the cross beam 240. That is, the extension E may be configured to penetrate the vent passage VP of the cover frame 250. In this case, a cover through-hole 254 through which the extension E passes may be formed in the lower cover 250b. As shown in Fig. 17, the cover through-hole 254 may be provided between the second gas inlets 251 so that the extension E may be coupled to the cover at a position that does not interfere with the flow of vent gas. As a result, the vent gas inside the vent passage VP can flow in the space where the extension E is not provided.

[0145] Meanwhile, although not shown, the second cooling communication hole 253 may be configured to be openable and closable, so that it is covered when the battery pack 1 is in a normal state and opened when a thermal event or the like occurs. As a result, the cooling medium in the cooling channel CP inside the base frame 210 normally moves to the cooling channel CP inside the cross beam 240, and only in the event of an abnormality, the cooling medium in the cooling channel CP inside the cover frame 250 may also be configured to move to the cooling channel CP inside the cross beam 240.

[0146] FIG. 19 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0147] 19, an automobile V according to an embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The automobile V according to the present invention may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The automobile V includes four-wheeled vehicles and two-wheeled vehicles. The automobile V may operate by receiving power from the battery pack 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0148] 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 various changes and modifications can be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains within the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims.

Claims

1. a plurality of battery cells; a pack case configured to accommodate a plurality of the battery cells, the pack case having a vent flow path in an internal space through which vent gas discharged from the battery cells flows, and a cooling flow path provided on at least one side of the vent flow path and through which a cooling medium flows, the pack case is configured to partition the plurality of battery cells, and includes a cross beam in which the vent flow passage and the cooling flow passage are formed in an internal space.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the cooling channels are arranged parallel to the vent channels.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the cooling passage is provided outside the vent passage.

4. 2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the cross beam is provided with a first gas inlet configured to allow the vent gas to enter the vent channel.

5. 5. The battery pack of claim 4, further comprising a module case configured to accommodate a plurality of the battery cells in a group, the module case having a vent hole formed on at least one surface thereof, the vent hole configured to allow the vent gas to be discharged to the outside.

6. The battery pack according to claim 5 , wherein the vent hole is formed in a side surface of the module case and is configured to communicate with the vent passage.

7. The battery pack according to claim 4 , further comprising a cover member covering the first gas inlet and configured to be opened by heat or pressure.

8. The pack case is a base frame configured to mount the cross beam and the plurality of battery cells, the base frame having an internal space in which the cooling flow path is formed; 2. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising: a first cooling communication hole configured to communicate between the base frame and the cross beam.

9. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the pack case includes a partition wall provided between the vent passage and the cooling passage.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9 , wherein the partition wall is configured to be at least partially opened by vent gas within the vent channel.

11. The battery pack according to claim 9 , wherein the partition wall includes a protrusion configured to at least partially protrude toward the vent channel.

12. 2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the pack case includes a cover frame configured to cover upper portions of the plurality of battery cells and having an internal space in which the vent passages and the cooling passages are formed.

13. The battery pack according to claim 12 , wherein the cover frame comprises a second gas inlet configured to allow the vent gas to flow into the vent channel.

14. The battery pack according to claim 12 , wherein the pack case includes a second cooling communication hole configured to communicate between the cross beam and the cover frame.

15. A motor vehicle comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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