Battery pack

Abstract

The battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a case providing an internal space, a battery module accommodated in the internal space, an outer cover covering the battery module, and an inner cover forming a gap between the battery module and the outer cover and communicating the gap with an outside of the case.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0152575 filed on November 15, 2022, and all of the content disclosed in the specification and drawings of the application is incorporated into this application.

Background Art

[0003] The demand for portable electronic products such as notebook computers, video cameras, and mobile phones has increased rapidly, and with the full-scale commercialization of robots, electric vehicles, etc., research on high-performance secondary batteries capable of repeated charge and discharge has been actively conducted.

[0004] Currently commercially available secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, lithium secondary batteries, etc. Among these, lithium secondary batteries are in the spotlight because they have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, so they can be charged and discharged freely, have a very low self-discharge rate, and have a high energy density.

[0005] Such lithium secondary batteries mainly use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material, respectively. A lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate, each coated with such a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material, are arranged with a separator interposed therebetween, and an exterior material that seals and houses the electrode assembly together with an electrolytic solution, that is, a battery case.

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

[0007] Recently, secondary batteries are widely used not only in small devices such as portable electronic devices, but also in medium and large-scale devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS) for propulsion and energy storage. These secondary batteries can be electrically connected and housed together inside a module case to form a single battery module. Furthermore, multiple such battery modules can be connected to form a single battery pack.

[0008] However, when multiple secondary batteries (battery cells) or multiple battery modules are densely packed into a small space, they can become vulnerable to thermal events. In particular, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs in any of the battery cells, high-temperature gases, flames, and heat may be generated. If such gases, flames, and heat are transferred to other battery cells contained within the same battery module, an explosive chain reaction situation such as thermal propagation may occur. Furthermore, such a chain reaction could not only cause accidents such as fires and explosions in the battery module in question, but could also cause fires and explosions in other battery modules.

[0009] Furthermore, in the case of medium to large battery packs, such as those found in electric vehicles, the risk of thermal chain reactions is even higher because they contain a large number of battery cells and battery modules to increase output and / or capacity. In addition, in the case of battery packs installed in electric vehicles, there may be drivers or other users in the vicinity. Therefore, if a thermal event occurring in a particular battery module cannot be properly controlled and a chain reaction occurs, it could cause not only significant property damage but also loss of life. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and other problems.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack that can suppress heat propagation.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack that can discharge gases and flames caused by thermal events to the outside.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack with improved assembly or productivity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned objectives may include a case that provides an internal space, a battery module housed in the internal space, an outer cover that covers the battery module, and an inner cover that forms a gap between the battery module and the outer cover and connects the gap to the outside of the case.

[0015] Furthermore, the battery pack may further include partitions that divide the internal space into multiple spaces.

[0016] Furthermore, the case includes a base plate and a peripheral wall protruding from the base plate, the battery module is housed in a housing space formed by the peripheral wall and the partition wall, and at least a portion of the inner cover can be housed in the housing space.

[0017] Furthermore, the outer cover includes a first part fastened to the peripheral wall and a second part that forms an opening with the peripheral wall, the opening being able to communicate with the gap.

[0018] Furthermore, a gasket located between the first part and the peripheral wall may be included.

[0019] Further, the inner cover may include a plate positioned between the battery module and the outer cover, and a guide protruding toward the outer cover with the plate.

[0020] Further, the guide may extend along the periphery of the plate and be in close contact with the partition wall or the peripheral wall.

[0021] Further, the battery pack may further include a partition wall partitioning the internal space into a plurality of spaces, and the plate may be positioned lower than the upper end of the partition wall.

[0022] Further, the inner cover may be fitted between the peripheral wall and the partition wall.

[0023] Further, the plate may include a plurality of holes.

[0024] Further, the battery module includes a battery cell, a body in contact with the plate, and a terminal formed at at least one end of the body, and the plurality of holes may include a first hole facing the body and a second hole having a diameter larger than that of the first hole and facing the terminal.

[0025] Further, the plate may be in close contact with the battery module, and the inner cover may further include a protruding portion protruding below the plate to fix the position of the battery module.

[0026] An automobile according to the present invention for achieving the above object includes the battery pack according to the present invention.

Advantages of the Invention

[0027] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, a battery pack capable of suppressing heat propagation can be provided.

[0028] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide a battery pack that can discharge gas or flame due to a thermal event to the outside.

[0029] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide a battery pack with improved assemblability or productivity.

[0030] In addition to this, the present invention can have various effects, which will be described in each embodiment, or for effects that those skilled in the art can easily analogize, the corresponding descriptions will be omitted.

[0031] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further understand the technical idea of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be construed as being limited only to the matters described in the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0032] [Figure 1] A perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. <00><b000112>A view showing a separated configuration of a part of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] A view showing an inner cover according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] A view schematically showing a part of the configuration of a cross-section with respect to the cutting line A-A' in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] A view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention as seen from the right side. [Figure 6] A separated perspective view schematically showing a part of the configuration of a cross-section with respect to the cutting line A-A' in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] A view schematically showing the configuration of a cross-section with respect to the cutting line B-B' in FIG. 1. [Figure 8] A view showing an inner cover of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9]A diagram showing an inner cover for a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] A diagram showing an inner cover for a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] A diagram showing an inner cover for a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] A diagram showing an inner cover for a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] A schematic diagram showing the cross-sectional configuration of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention with respect to the cutting line A-A' in Figure 1. [Figure 14] A schematic diagram showing the cross-sectional configuration of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention with respect to the cutting line A-A' in Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0033] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and in the claims shall not be interpreted in their usual and dictionary sense, but rather in a sense and concept appropriate to the technical idea of ​​the present invention, in accordance with the principle that the inventor himself may appropriately define the concept of terms in order to best describe the invention.

[0034] Therefore, it should be understood that the configurations shown in the embodiments described herein represent only one of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the present invention, and that there are various equivalents and modifications that can be substituted therein at the time of filing this application.

[0035] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of a battery pack 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a diagram showing a portion of the configuration of a battery pack 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention in isolation.

[0036] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a battery pack 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a case 100, a battery module 200, an outer cover 300, and an inner cover 400.

[0037] The case 100 may be configured to provide internal space. The case 100 may be configured to cover at least a portion of the exterior of the battery module 200. Alternatively, the case 100 may be configured to limit the internal space and house the battery module 200 within that internal space. Pack terminals may be provided on at least one side of such a case 100. Such pack terminals can function as terminals that can send and receive power to and from external charging and discharging devices for the battery pack 1000. The case 100 may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape with at least a portion of the top open.

[0038] The battery module 200 can be housed in the internal space provided by the case 100. The battery module 200 may comprise one or more battery cells and be configured to store and release energy, where each battery cell may represent a secondary battery. Furthermore, multiple battery modules 200 may be included in the battery pack 1000. In particular, to improve the capacity and / or output of the battery pack 1000, multiple battery modules 200 may be included in the battery pack 1000, as shown in Figure 2. In this case, multiple battery modules 200 may be stacked in at least one direction. For example, referring to Figure 2, a configuration is shown in which four battery modules 200 are arranged in the x-axis and y-axis directions.

[0039] Here, the battery cell may comprise an electrode assembly, an electrolyte solution, and a battery case. In this case, the battery cell may be a pouch-type rechargeable battery. Furthermore, other forms of rechargeable batteries, such as cylindrical or prismatic batteries, can also be included in the battery module 200.

[0040] The outer cover 300 may be configured to cover the battery module 200. In this case, the outer cover 300 may be configured to cover at least a portion of the internal space provided by the case 100. If the battery pack 1000 includes multiple battery modules 200, the outer cover 300 may be configured to cover at least a portion of the multiple battery modules 200. In particular, the outer cover 300 may be configured to cover the upper side of the multiple battery modules 200. The outer cover 300 may also have a rectangular plate shape.

[0041] Figure 3 shows an inner cover 400 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In particular, Figure 3(a) is a perspective view showing the configuration of one inner cover 400, and Figure 3(b) is a cross-sectional view along the line C-C' in Figure 3. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing a part of the configuration of the cross section along the cutting line A-A' in Figure 1.

[0042] Referring to Figures 2, 3, and 4, the inner cover 400 may be configured to form a gap 450 between the battery module 200 and the outer cover 300. In this case, the inner cover 400 may be located between the battery module 200 and the outer cover 300. The gap 450 may be a space provided by the inner cover. Alternatively, the gap 450 may be at least a part of the internal space provided by the case 100. If the battery pack 1000 includes a plurality of battery modules 200, the inner cover 400 can form a gap 450 between each of the plurality of battery modules 200 and the outer cover 300.

[0043] The battery pack 1000 may have as many inner covers 400 as there are battery modules 200. In this case, each inner cover 400 can correspond one-to-one with a battery module 200 and cover the upper side of the corresponding battery module 200. For example, if the battery pack 1000 contains four battery modules 200, as shown in Figure 2, then there may also be four inner covers 400, each positioned on top of one of the four battery modules 200.

[0044] The inner cover 400 can connect the gap 450 to the outside of the case 100. That is, the internal space provided by the case 100 can be connected to the outside of the case 100 by the inner cover 400. If multiple inner covers 400 are provided, the gap 450 formed by each inner cover 400 can be connected to the outside of the case 100.

[0045] According to this configuration of the present invention, if a thermal event occurs in any of the battery modules 200, the vent gas g or flame released from the battery module 200 can be discharged to the outside of the case 100 through the gap 450 formed by the inner cover 400. This prevents the thermal event from propagating to other battery modules 200 contained inside the case 100, thereby improving the thermal safety and thermal stability of the battery pack 1000.

[0046] Referring to Figure 2, the battery pack 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include partition walls 110, 120 that divide the internal space into multiple spaces. The case 100 may also include a base plate 130 and a peripheral wall 140 that protrudes from the base plate 130.

[0047] The base plate 130 may have a rectangular shape. The base plate 130 may have a pair of long edges and a pair of short edges. The peripheral wall 140 may project upward or in the +z axis direction around the base plate 130. The peripheral wall may have a pair of long walls and a pair of short walls. The base plate 130 and the peripheral wall 140 can limit the internal space. The base plate 130 and the peripheral wall 140 can also form the exterior of the battery pack 1000.

[0048] The partitions 110 and 120 are located in the internal space of the case 100 and may be provided in multiple quantities. The partitions 110 and 120 may be provided on the base plate 130 or the peripheral wall 140. The partitions 110 and 120 may be configured to partition the internal space in a horizontal or vertical direction. The battery module 200 may be formed in the housing space formed by the peripheral wall 140 and the partitions 110 and 120. Furthermore, if the peripheral wall 140 and the partitions 110 and 120 form multiple housing spaces, a battery module 200 may be housed in each of the multiple housing spaces.

[0049] At least a portion of the inner cover 400 can be housed in a housing space formed by the peripheral wall 140 and the partition walls 110 and 120. The inner cover 400 can be attached to the upper side of the battery module 200. In this case, a portion of the inner cover 400 may be located in the housing space, and the remaining portion may be located outside the housing space. Furthermore, if the peripheral wall 140 and the partition walls 110 and 120 form multiple housing spaces, each of the multiple housing spaces can be provided with an inner cover 400.

[0050] According to this configuration of the present invention, if a thermal event occurs in any of the battery modules 200, the partitions 110, 120 and the inner cover 400 can physically block the thermal event from propagating to adjacent battery modules 200. As the thermal event is physically blocked, and the vent gas g or flame released from the battery module 200 is discharged to the outside of the case 100 through the gap 450 formed by the inner cover 400, the thermal safety and thermal stability of the battery pack 1000 can be further improved.

[0051] Figure 5 is a view of a battery pack 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention, seen from the right side. However, in Figure 5, for the sake of explanation, at least some of the internal components of the battery pack 1000 are shown with dotted lines.

[0052] Referring to Figures 2 and 5, the outer cover 300 of the battery pack 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first part 310 fastened to the peripheral wall 140. The first part 310 may be a part of the outer cover 300. For example, the first part 310 may be the long edge area of ​​the outer cover 300. The first part 310 may be fastened to the upper part of the long wall or the upper surface of the long wall in the peripheral wall 140. For example, the first part 310 and the peripheral wall 140 may be fastened with screws.

[0053] Furthermore, the outer cover 300 may include a second part 320 that forms an opening 330 with the peripheral wall 140. The second part 320 may be a part of the outer cover 300. For example, the second part 320 may be the short edge area of ​​the outer cover 300. The second part 320 may be located on the short wall of the peripheral wall 140. An opening 330 can be formed between the second part 320 and the short wall of the peripheral wall 140. The opening 330 can communicate with a gap 450 formed by the inner cover 400.

[0054] According to this configuration of the present invention, gas g or flames discharged from the battery module 200 by a thermal event can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack 1000 through the gap 450 and the opening 330.

[0055] Referring to Figures 2 and 5, a battery pack 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a gasket 500 located between the first part 310 and the peripheral wall 140. The gasket 500 may extend along the long side of the first part 310 or the outer cover 300. The gasket 500 may be made of a flexible material. This allows for a seal between the outer cover 300 and the peripheral wall 140 when the first part 310 of the outer cover 300 and the peripheral wall 140 are screw-fastened together. The thickness of the gasket 500 may also form an opening 330 between the outer cover 300 and the second part 320.

[0056] With this configuration of the present invention, the gas g or flame discharged from the battery module 200 due to a thermal event is not discharged toward the first part 310 of the outer cover 300, but can be discharged toward the opening 330 formed by the second part 320 of the outer cover 300. In other words, the direction of discharge of the gas g or flame discharged from the battery module 200 due to a thermal event can be controlled.

[0057] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the inner cover 400 of the battery pack 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a plate 410 and guides 420, 430, and 440.

[0058] The inner cover 400's plate 410 may be configured to be positioned between the battery module 200 and the outer cover 300. The plate 410 may have a rectangular shape. The plate 410 may have a pair of long edges and a pair of short edges. The plate 410 may contact or be in close contact with the top of the battery module 200. Alternatively, the plate 410 may cover the top of the battery module 200. Or, the plate 410 may be wider than the top surface of the battery module 200. The plate 410 may also face the outer cover 300.

[0059] The guides 420, 430, and 440 of the inner cover 400 may be configured to protrude toward the outer cover 300 on the plate 410. Alternatively, the guides 420, 430, and 440 may be configured to protrude upward or in the +z-axis direction on the plate 410. The guides 420, 430, and 440 can come into contact with the outer cover 300. This allows the plate 410 and the guides 420, 430, and 440 to form a predetermined space, i.e., a gap 450, between them. Alternatively, a gap 450 can be formed between the plate 410 and the outer cover 300.

[0060] According to this configuration of the present invention, a gap 450 is formed between the inner cover 400 and the outer cover 300, allowing gas g or flames discharged from the battery module 200 due to a thermal event to be discharged to the outside of the battery pack 1000 through the gap 450.

[0061] Guides 420, 430, and 440 of the battery pack 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to extend along the perimeter of the plate 410. For example, the guides 420, 430, and 440 may extend along a pair of long and short sides of the plate 410. However, the guides 420, 430, and 440 may extend along only a portion of the perimeter of the plate 410, and there may be portions of the perimeter of the plate 410 that are not formed. For example, the guides 420, 430, and 440 may not be formed on the portion of the short side of the plate 410 adjacent to the opening 330, as shown in Figure 3.

[0062] Guides 420, 430, and 440 may protrude at an angle from plate 410. In particular, guides 420, 430, and 440 may be formed at an angle away from plate 410. In this case, the inclined formation of guides 420, 430, and 440 allows the inner cover 400 to be easily secured to case 100. Alternatively, guides 420, 430, and 440 may have a shape that protrudes perpendicularly from plate 410.

[0063] Guides 420, 430, and 440 may be configured to be in close contact with the partition walls 110, 120, or the peripheral wall 140. Guides 420, 430, and 440 extend at least partially along the perimeter of the plate 410 and are in close contact with it, thereby sealing the space between the inner cover 400 and the partition walls 110, 120, or between the inner cover 400 and the peripheral wall 140.

[0064] According to this configuration of the present invention, if a thermal event occurs in any of the battery modules 200, the guides 420, 430, and 440 of the inner cover 400 can prevent gases g and flames generated from the battery module 200 from propagating beyond the partitions 110 and 120 to adjacent battery modules 200.

[0065] Referring to Figure 4, the battery pack 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include partition walls 110, 120 that divide the internal space into multiple spaces, and the plate 410 may be configured to be positioned lower than the upper ends of the partition walls 110, 120. The plate 410 may be spaced apart from the outer cover 300 by the height of the guides 420, 430, 440. This allows the plate 410 to be positioned lower than the upper ends of the partition walls 110, 120.

[0066] With this configuration of the present invention, even if a gap occurs between the partition walls 110, 120 and the outer cover 300, it is possible to prevent gas g and flames generated by a thermal event from leaking beyond the partition walls 110, 120 to the adjacent battery module 200.

[0067] Referring to Figure 4, the inner cover 400 of the battery pack 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to fit between the peripheral wall 140 and the partition walls 110 and 120. In this case, the inner cover 400 may be fixed between the peripheral wall 140 and the partition walls 110 and 120. Furthermore, the space between the inner cover 400 and the partition walls 110 and 120, or between the inner cover 400 and the peripheral wall 140, can be sealed.

[0068] Alternatively, the inner cover 400 may be fitted between the peripheral wall 140 and the outer cover 300, and / or between the partition walls 110, 120 and the outer cover 300. For example, in the embodiment of Figure 4, the upper end of the right-side guide 440 of the inner cover 400 may be fitted between the gasket 500 located at the upper end of the peripheral wall 140 and the outer cover 300. Also, in the embodiment of Figure 4, the upper end of the left-side guide 420 of the inner cover 400 may be fitted between the partition wall 120 and the outer cover 300.

[0069] According to this embodiment of the present invention, the compatibility and ease of assembly with respect to the inner cover 400 can be further improved. In particular, in this case, even if high pressure is applied due to the generation of vent gas or the like, the inner cover 400 can stably maintain its position and shape.

[0070] Furthermore, with this configuration of the present invention, the inner cover 400 can be assembled or fixed to the case 100 without using a separate fastening configuration. This improves the productivity of the battery pack 1000.

[0071] Figure 6 is a schematic separated perspective view showing a portion of the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' in Figure 1. Figure 7 is a schematic separated perspective view showing a portion of the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line B-B' in Figure 1. Referring to Figures 3, 6, and 7, the plate 410 of the inner cover 400 according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a plurality of holes 411. The plurality of holes 411 may be arranged along the long side or short side of the plate 410. At least a portion of the plurality of holes 411 may face the battery module 200.

[0072] According to this configuration of the present invention, gas g and flames generated in the battery module 200 due to a thermal event can flow through the multiple holes 411 into the gap 450 formed by the inner cover 400. Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the gas g generated in the battery module can move upward or in the +z axis direction. At this time, the gas g generated in the battery module may be at high temperature and high pressure, so the gas g and flames that flow in through the gap 450 can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack 1000 through the opening 330. At this time, the guides 420, 430, and 440 of the inner cover 400 can block the gas g and flames from propagating to adjacent battery modules 200.

[0073] Figure 8 shows an inner cover 400a according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 8, the battery module 200 of the battery pack 1000 according to another embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a body 210 that comprises battery cells and is in contact with plate 410b. The body 210 may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape and may be configured to house the battery cells.

[0074] The battery module 200 may be configured to include a terminal 220 formed at at least one end of the body 210. Such a terminal 220 can function as a terminal that can send and receive power to and from an external charging and discharging device for the battery module 200.

[0075] Furthermore, the multiple holes 411a, 412a may be configured to include a first hole 411a facing the body, and a second hole 412a having a larger diameter than the first hole 411a and facing the terminal 220. The second holes 412a may be formed to correspond to the terminals 220 on both sides formed in the body 210. In this case, the first hole 411a may be located between the multiple second holes 412a.

[0076] According to this configuration of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs, the amount of gas g and flame discharged from the terminal 220 of the battery module 200 may be greater than the amount discharged from the body 210 of the battery module 200. If the diameter of the second hole 412a facing the terminal 220 is formed to be larger than the diameter of the first hole 411a facing the body 210, the discharge of gas g and flame can be performed more smoothly.

[0077] Figure 9 shows an inner cover 400b of a battery pack 1000 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 9, a plate 410b of a battery pack 1000 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention may be configured to be tightly coupled to the battery module 200. Furthermore, in such an embodiment, the plate 410b may be configured to surround the upper side of the battery module 200 on the outside.

[0078] More specifically, the inner cover 400b may further include protrusions 413b, 414b that project from the bottom of the plate 410b to secure the position of the battery module 200. Alternatively, the protrusions 413b, 414b may project in the opposite direction to the guides 420b, 440b. For example, the guides 420b, 440b may project from the top of the plate 410b, while the protrusions 413b, 414b may be formed to project downward along the circumferential surface of the battery module 200. Also, the protrusions 413b, 414b may cover at least a portion of the circumferential surface of the battery module 200. This allows the protrusions 413b, 414b to cover the gap between the battery module 200 and the plate 410b where they are in close contact.

[0079] When a thermal event occurs, gas g or flames may be discharged into the gap space 101 between the battery module 200 and the partition wall 120, or into the gap space 102 between the battery module 200 and the peripheral wall 140. However, as in the above embodiment of the present invention, when the plate 410b is in close contact with the upper surface of the battery module 200 and the protrusions 413b and 414b cover the gap between the battery module 200 and the plate 410b, it is possible to prevent the discharged gas g or flames from leaking into the gap between the battery module 200 and the plate 410b and flowing into the gap spaces 101 and 102. As a result, the discharged gas g or flames do not propagate to other parts of the battery module 200, but instead flow immediately into the gap 450b formed by the inner cover 400b, thereby improving the thermal safety of the battery pack 1000.

[0080] Figure 10 shows an inner cover 400c of a battery pack 1000 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 10, the inner cover 400c may be configured to include a flow guide 460c. The flow guide 460c may extend along the long side of the plate 410c or along the long side guides 420c, 440c. One side of the flow guides 420c, 440c may be connected to the short side guide 430c. The flow guide 460c may be formed in multiple units. The multiple flow guides 460c may be arranged side by side along the short side of the plate 410c or along the short side guide 430c. The flow guide 460c can divide the gap 450 formed by the inner cover 400c into multiple flow channels.

[0081] In particular, the multiple flow guides 460c may be arranged in a direction that aligns with the stacking direction of the multiple battery cells contained within the battery module 200 located at the bottom. For example, if the multiple battery cells are stacked in the x-axis direction, the multiple flow guides 460c may also be arranged in the x-axis direction. Furthermore, the unit gaps 450 formed by the multiple flow guides 460c and the long-side guides 420c, 440c may each be provided to correspond to one or more battery cells. For example, each unit gap 450 may be formed corresponding to one or two battery cells.

[0082] According to this configuration of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs, the gas g and flames discharged from the battery module 200 can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack 1000 through the shortest or most optimal path by the flow guide 460c.

[0083] Furthermore, with this configuration of the present invention, the gap 450 formed by the inner cover 400c is divided into multiple flow paths, thereby suppressing or blocking the propagation of gas g or flames caused by thermal events to adjacent flow paths. Moreover, in this case, it is possible to prevent gas g or flames that have flowed into the gap 450 through a specific hole 411c from flowing out to the top of other battery cells through other holes 411c. Therefore, in this case, the effect of suppressing the propagation of heat or flames between multiple battery cells sharing one inner cover 400c can be improved.

[0084] Figure 11 shows an inner cover 400d of a battery pack 1000 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 11, the inner cover 400d may be configured to include a shut-off guide 460d. In particular, such a shut-off guide 460d may be formed for each of the holes 411d. The shut-off guide 460d may also protrude upward around the holes 411d. The shut-off guide 460d may contact or be in close contact with the outer cover 300.

[0085] The shut-off guide 460d may be formed in part around the hole 411d. In particular, the shut-off guide 460d may be located on the opposite side of the portion from each hole 411d toward the opening 330.

[0086] According to this configuration of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs, the gas g and flames discharged from the battery module 200 are prevented from flowing back by the shut-off guide 460d. That is, the gas g1 and flames that flow into the interior of the inner cover 400 through a specific hole 411d can easily move toward the opening 330. This allows the gas g and flames to be discharged to the outside of the battery pack 1000 through the shortest or most optimal path.

[0087] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, as gas g1 and flames are discharged toward the opening 330, it is possible to more reliably block gas g2 and flames from flowing into other holes 411d located in front of it.

[0088] Figure 12 shows an inner cover 400e of a battery pack 1000 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 12, the inner cover 400e may be configured to include a shut-off guide 460e. The shut-off guide 460e may protrude upward around the hole 411e. The shut-off guide 460e may cover at least a portion of the hole 411e. The shut-off guide 460e may contact or be in close contact with the outer cover 300.

[0089] The shut-off guide 460e may be configured to have a shape that slopes upwards. Alternatively, the shut-off guide 460e may be configured to have a curved surface. Alternatively, the shut-off guide 460e may be configured to have a dome shape.

[0090] According to this configuration of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs, gases g3, g4 and flames discharged from the battery module 200 are prevented from flowing back by the shut-off guide 460e. This allows gases g3, g4 and flames to be discharged to the outside of the battery pack 1000 through the shortest or most optimal path.

[0091] Furthermore, with this configuration of the present invention, the gas g4 and flames discharged from a specific hole 411e can pass over the shut-off guide 460e provided in other holes 411e and be discharged to the outside of the battery pack 1000 through the opening 330. Thus, the discharge path for the gas g4 and flames is shortened, and the discharge rate of the gas g4 and flames can be increased.

[0092] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing the cross-sectional configuration of a battery pack 1000 according to another embodiment of the present invention with respect to the cutting line A-A' in Figure 1. Referring to Figure 13, the partition wall 120f and the peripheral wall 140f may include grooves S1, i.e., stepped portions. The grooves S1 may correspond to the shape of the portion where the plate 410 and guides 420, 430 of the inner cover 400 are connected. The inner cover 400 can be fixed to the grooves S1 of the partition wall 120f and the grooves S1 of the peripheral wall 140f.

[0093] According to this configuration of the present invention, the inner cover 400 can be stably supported by the partition wall 120f and the peripheral wall 140f.

[0094] Furthermore, according to this configuration of the present invention, the alignment and assembly of the inner cover 400 can be improved.

[0095] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing the cross-sectional configuration of a battery pack 1000 according to another embodiment of the present invention with respect to the cutting line A-A' in Figure 1. Referring to Figure 14, the inner cover 400g may include attachment portions 421g, 441g. The attachment portions 421g, 441g may protrude outward from the guides 420g, 440g. The attachment portions 421g, 441g may extend along the guides 420g, 440g. The attachment portions 421g, 441g may be positioned or fixed between the partition wall 120 and the outer cover 300. Alternatively, the attachment portion 421g may be positioned or fixed between the peripheral wall 140 and the outer cover 300. Or, the attachment portion 441g may be positioned or fixed between the gasket 500 and the outer cover 300.

[0096] According to this configuration of the present invention, the inner cover 400g can be stably supported or fixed by the partition wall 120 and the peripheral wall 140.

[0097] Furthermore, this configuration of the present invention makes it possible to improve the alignment and assembly of the 400g inner cover.

[0098] The automobile V according to the present invention may include the battery pack 1000 according to the present invention as described above. The battery pack 1000 according to the present invention can be applied to automobiles such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles. In addition, the automobile V according to the present invention may further include various other components included in the automobile V, in addition to such a battery pack 1000. For example, the automobile V according to the present invention may further include a vehicle body, a motor, an ECU (electronic control unit) and other control devices, in addition to the battery pack 1000 according to the present invention.

[0099] On the other hand, while terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used in this specification, such terms are for convenience of explanation and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that they can change depending on the position of the object in question, the position of the observer, etc.

[0100] As described above, the present invention has been explained with limited embodiments and drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and it goes without saying that any person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs can make various modifications and variations within the equivalent scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the following claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0101] 100 cases 101 Gap space 102 Gap space 110 Bulkhead 120 Bulkhead 120f bulkhead 130 Base Plate 140 Peripheral wall 140f Peripheral wall 200 Battery Modules 210 Body 220 terminals 220 Double-ended terminals 300 Outer Cover 310 Part 1 320 Part 2 330 opening 400 Inner Cover 400a Inner Cover 400b Inner Cover 400c Inner Cover 400d Inner Cover 400e Inner Cover 400g Inner Cover 410 Plate 410b Plate 410c plate 411 holes 411a 1st hole 411c hole 411d hole 411e hole 412a 2nd hole 413b Protrusion 414b Protrusion 420 Guide 420b Guide 420c Long side guide, flow guide 420g Guide 421g Safety part 430 Guide 430c Short side guide 440 Guide 440b Guide 440c Long side guide, flow guide 440g Guide 441g Safety part 450 unit gap 450 gap 450b gap 460c Flow Guide 460d Shutdown Guide 460e Shutdown Guide 500 Gasket 1000 Battery Pack g vent gas g1 gas g2 gas g3 gas g4 gas S1 groove V Automobile

Claims

1. Cases that provide interior space, A partition wall divides the aforementioned internal space into multiple spaces, The battery module housed in the aforementioned internal space, An outer cover that covers the aforementioned battery module, A battery pack comprising an inner cover that forms a gap between the battery module and the outer cover and connects the gap to the outside of the case, The aforementioned case is, base plate and Including a peripheral wall protruding from the base plate, The aforementioned battery module is It is housed in the accommodation space formed by the peripheral wall and the partition wall, The aforementioned inner cover is A plate located between the battery module and the outer cover, which is housed in the housing space and is positioned lower than the upper end of the peripheral wall and the upper end of the partition wall, A battery pack including a guide that protrudes from the plate toward the outer cover to at least the upper end of the peripheral wall and the upper end of the partition wall.

2. The aforementioned outer cover is The first part fastened to the peripheral wall, It includes the peripheral wall and a second part that forms an opening, The aforementioned opening is The battery pack according to claim 1, which communicates with the aforementioned gap.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, further comprising a gasket located between the first part and the peripheral wall.

4. The aforementioned guide, The battery pack according to claim 1, extending along the periphery of the plate and in close contact with the partition wall or the peripheral wall.

5. The aforementioned inner cover is The battery pack according to claim 1, which fits between the peripheral wall and the partition wall.

6. The aforementioned plate is The battery pack according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of holes.

7. The aforementioned battery module is A body comprising a battery cell and in contact with the plate, The body includes a terminal formed at at least one end of the body, The plurality of holes are, A first hole facing the body, The battery pack according to claim 6, further comprising a second hole having a diameter larger than the diameter of the first hole and facing the terminal.

8. The aforementioned plate is In close contact with the aforementioned battery module, The aforementioned inner cover is The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising a projection that protrudes from the lower part of the plate and fixes the position of the battery module.

9. An automobile comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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