Battery pack and automobile including said battery pack

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a battery pack including a plurality of battery cells; and a pack case in which a plurality of storage spaces are formed to separate and store the plurality of battery cells, at least one of the storage spaces is provided with a vent portion configured to discharge vent gas discharged from the battery cells to the outside of the storage space, and a vent flow path configured to communicate with the vent portion is formed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack and an automobile including the battery pack.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0159747 filed on November 17, 2023, and all the contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the application are incorporated herein.

Background Art

[0003] Secondary batteries with high applicability for each product group and having electrical characteristics such as high energy density are not only applicable to portable devices but also widely applied to electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), etc., which are driven by an electric drive source. Such secondary batteries not only have the primary advantage of significantly reducing the use of fossil fuels but are also environmentally friendly in that they do not generate any by-products from the use of energy and are attracting attention as a new energy source for improving energy efficiency.

[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 plurality of battery cells are connected in series to form a battery module or a battery pack; also, to increase the charge / discharge capacity, a plurality of battery cells may be connected in parallel to form a battery module or a battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery module or pack can be variously set according to the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] On the other hand, because battery cells undergo chemical reactions during charging and discharging, their performance may degrade if used in environments with temperatures higher than the appropriate level. If the heat cannot be controlled to the appropriate temperature, there is a risk of unexpected ignition or explosion. Therefore, if a thermal event such as thermal runaway occurs inside a battery pack, the high-temperature gases and flames ejected from the battery cells inside can propagate to adjacent battery modules, potentially causing a chain reaction of battery module explosions, which is extremely dangerous.

[0006] Therefore, when thermal runaway occurs in a battery module, it is necessary to develop a structure that can minimize the thermal energy received by adjacent battery modules and prevent or suppress the propagation of thermal runaway between battery modules.

[0007] Furthermore, when thermal runaway occurs in the battery module, it is necessary to develop a structure that can quickly expel the high-temperature gases and flames generated in the battery module to the outside of the battery pack, thereby eliminating heat buildup inside the battery pack. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] Therefore, the problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a battery pack that can prevent or suppress the propagation of thermal runaway between battery modules by minimizing the thermal energy received by adjacent battery modules when thermal runaway occurs in a battery module.

[0009] Another problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide an automobile that includes such a battery pack.

[0010] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to the purposes described above, and other purposes and advantages not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] To solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention provides a battery pack comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a plurality of housing spaces formed therein, which are configured to house the plurality of battery cells in separate sections; a vent section provided in at least one of the plurality of housing spaces, which is configured to discharge vent gas discharged from the battery cells to the outside of the housing space; and a vent channel formed therein, which is configured to communicate with the vent section.

[0012] The pack case is configured to partition a plurality of the aforementioned storage spaces and includes a cross beam in which the vent channel is formed, and the vent portion may be provided on the cross beam.

[0013] The present invention may further include a module case configured to house battery cells provided in each of the aforementioned housing spaces, and having a vent hole formed on one side facing the vent portion, configured to allow the vent gas to be discharged to the outside.

[0014] The present invention may further include a movable member provided inside the vent passage, which partitions the vent passage and is configured to be at least partially movable by the vent gas.

[0015] The movable member may be configured to expand the volume of the vent passage when it is moved by the vent gas.

[0016] The moving member may be configured such that at least a portion of it is elastically deformed by the vent gas.

[0017] The present invention may further include an opening / closing member configured to cover the vent portion and to open the vent portion by the vent gas or heat.

[0018] The opening and closing member may include a cover plate configured to cover the vent portion and to be rotatable by the vent gas, and a hinge portion coupled to the cover plate.

[0019] The opening and closing member may be configured to melt due to the heat.

[0020] The pack case is configured to accommodate a plurality of the battery cells and includes a base frame on which the vent channel is formed, and the vent portion may be provided on the base frame.

[0021] The pack case includes a crossbeam configured to partition a plurality of the aforementioned storage spaces and to be spaced apart from the battery cells at a predetermined interval, and the vent portion may be provided between the battery cells and the crossbeam.

[0022] The pack case is configured to be open at the top and may further include a top cover configured to be coupled to the open top of the pack case to seal each storage space.

[0023] Furthermore, another aspect of the present invention provides an automobile including a battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to one aspect of the present invention, when thermal runaway occurs in a battery module, the thermal energy received by adjacent battery modules can be minimized. This prevents or suppresses the propagation of thermal runaway between battery modules, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of the battery pack.

[0025] Also, according to one aspect of the present invention, when thermal runaway occurs in a battery module, high-temperature gas, flames, etc. generated in each battery module can be individually discharged to the outside of the battery pack, so heat propagation to other battery modules can be minimized.

[0026] Also, according to one aspect of the present invention, since high-temperature gas, flames, etc. can be quickly discharged to the outside of the battery pack, heat accumulation inside the battery pack can be eliminated.

[0027] Also, according to one aspect of the present invention, events due to thermal runaway phenomena of the device to which the battery pack is attached, such as fires and explosions, can be prevented or delayed.

[0028] In addition, the present invention can achieve various other effects. This will be described in each embodiment, but effects that can be easily inferred by those skilled in the art will be omitted from the description.

[0029] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and are for the purpose of making it easier to further understand the technical idea of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be construed as being limited only to the matters described in the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] [Figure 1] It is an overall perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, it is a cross-sectional view taken along I-I' of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is an overall perspective view of a battery module included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5]This is a cross-sectional view of a key part of a battery pack to which a movable member according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 6] Figure 5 illustrates an example of how the moving member moves when a thermal event occurs in the battery pack shown in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 5 illustrates another example of how the moving member moves when a thermal event occurs in the battery pack. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view of a key part of a battery pack to which an opening / closing member according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 9] This figure illustrates how the opening / closing member opens when a thermal event occurs in the battery pack shown in Figure 8. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view of a key part of a battery pack to which an opening / closing member according to another embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 11] This figure illustrates how the opening / closing member opens when a thermal event occurs in the battery pack shown in Figure 10. [Figure 12] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the opening and closing member applied to the battery pack. [Figure 13] This is a schematic perspective view of an automobile including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] 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 a manner limited to their general and dictionary meanings, but in accordance with the principle that inventors themselves may appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe their invention, and shall be interpreted in a manner and concept corresponding to the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0032] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the drawings represent only one of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the invention. It should be understood that there are various equivalents and modifications that can substitute for them at the time of this application.

[0033] Furthermore, the present invention includes a variety of embodiments. In each embodiment, redundant explanations of substantially identical or similar configurations will be omitted, and the explanation will focus on the differences.

[0034] On the other hand, while terms such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used in this specification to indicate direction, these terms are used for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that they can change depending on the position of the object being examined, the position of the observer, etc.

[0035] For example, in the embodiment of the present invention, the illustrated X-axis direction may mean the front-to-back direction, the Y-axis direction may mean the left-to-right direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction on the horizontal plane (XY plane), and the Z-axis direction may mean the up-and-down direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0036] Figure 1 is an overall perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, for example, a cross-sectional view along line I-I' in Figure 1.

[0037] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, a battery pack 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell 100 and a pack case 200.

[0038] First, referring primarily to Figure 2, the battery cell 100 may include multiple units. Although not shown, such multiple battery cells 100 may include an electrode assembly, a cell case housing the electrode assembly, and electrode leads connected to the electrode assembly and extending to the outside of the cell case to function as electrode terminals. In this case, the multiple battery cells 100 may be electrically connected to each other.

[0039] The battery cell 100 may be a pouch-type rechargeable battery. The cell case of such a pouch-type rechargeable battery may be constructed in a pouch form in which a metal layer containing aluminum material is sandwiched between polymer layers.

[0040] Multiple battery cells 100 can be arranged in a front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) while standing vertically (Z-axis direction), as shown in Figure 2.

[0041] On the other hand, the present invention is not limited by the specific type or form of such battery cell 100, and a variety of battery cells 100 known at the time of filing of the present invention can be used in the configuration of the battery pack 20 of the present invention. In this embodiment, as shown in the figure, a pouch-type secondary battery with high energy density and easy stacking is targeted, but of course, cylindrical secondary batteries or prismatic secondary batteries can also be applied as battery cells 100.

[0042] The pack case 200 may be configured to house a plurality of battery cells 100. The pack case 200 may have a plurality of housing spaces S configured to house a plurality of battery cells in a divided manner. The housing spaces S are empty spaces that can be provided in a shape that can house a certain number of battery cells 100 inside. Specifically, the housing spaces S may be provided in a shape that can house the battery cells 100 inside with a crossbeam 230, which will be described later, in between.

[0043] The pack case 200 is made of a material that can ensure mechanical rigidity, such as steel or SUS (Steel Use Stainless), or plastic, in order to safely protect the battery cells 100 and other components housed inside, or may contain such materials.

[0044] The pack case 200 may include a vent section H. The vent section H may be configured to discharge vent gas emitted from the battery cell 100 to the outside of the containment space S. Multiple vent sections H may be provided. The vent section H may be provided in at least one of the multiple containment spaces.

[0045] Furthermore, the pack case 200 may include a vent passage P. The vent passage P may mean a passage through which vent gas or the like flows. The vent passage P may be configured to communicate with a vent section H. The vent passage P may be configured to communicate with a containment space S through the vent section H.

[0046] The vent channel P may be formed inside the pack case 200. Here, the inside of the pack case 200 may be a predetermined space separately provided inside the pack case 200, or it may be a hollow space formed in a plurality of beams or plates constituting the pack case 200, as shown in Figure 3.

[0047] As a result, the vent section H can be configured so that the vent gas generated in each containment space S flows into the vent channel P formed inside the pack case 200. According to this embodiment, when thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell 100, the high-temperature gas and flames generated in each containment space S can be individually discharged to the outside, thereby minimizing heat propagation to the battery cells 100 located in other containment spaces S. In other words, according to this embodiment, even if a thermal event occurs in any of the containment spaces S, it is possible to prevent it from affecting the other containment spaces S. This prevents or suppresses the propagation of thermal runaway within the battery pack 20, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of the battery pack 20.

[0048] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, vent gases generated in the battery cell 100 can flow through the vent section H into the vent channel P and be quickly discharged to the outside of the pack case 200. This eliminates heat buildup inside the battery pack 20.

[0049] On the other hand, referring to Figure 2, the pack case 200 may include a base frame 210 and a plurality of side frames 220.

[0050] The base frame 210 may be configured to support multiple battery cells 100. The base frame 210 forms the bottom surface of the pack case 200 and may be in the shape of a rectangular plate. The base frame 210 may also have a flat top surface and be provided to stably support the module case 11.

[0051] Multiple side frames 220 may extend upward from each side of the base frame 210. Multiple side frames 220 may be arranged to surround multiple battery cells 100. More specifically, each of the multiple side frames 220 may form a side of the pack case 200, including a right wall located at the -Y axis end of the base frame 210, a rear wall located at the +X axis end, a left wall located at the +Y axis end, and a front wall located at the -X axis end.

[0052] On the other hand, at least one of the multiple battery cells 100 can be modularized as multiple battery modules 10. The multiple battery modules 10 can be arranged in multiple rows adjacent to each other along the front-to-back and / or left-to-right directions. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the multiple battery modules 10 can be arranged in four rows along the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) and two rows along the left-to-right direction (Y-axis direction).

[0053] Referring to Figure 2, the pack case 200 may include a center beam 240. The center beam 240 may be provided to connect opposing side frames 220 among a plurality of side frames 220. For example, as shown in Figure 2, at least one of the center beam 240 may extend in the left-right direction to connect the right wall and the left wall of the side frame 220.

[0054] Furthermore, the center beam 240 may be configured to partition off areas between multiple battery modules 10 arranged in multiple rows. For example, the center beam 240 may be provided between two battery modules 10 arranged in two rows in the left-right direction. This allows multiple battery modules 10 to be spaced apart by the center beam 240.

[0055] Furthermore, the pack case 200 may include a crossbeam 230. The crossbeam 230 may be configured to partition a plurality of accommodation spaces S.

[0056] Multiple crossbeams 230 may be provided. The crossbeams 230 may be provided to connect the side frames 220 and the center beam 240. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the crossbeams 230 may be provided to connect the left and right side walls of the side frames 220 to the center beam 240, respectively. In this way, the crossbeams 230 can be provided between multiple battery modules 10 arranged in four rows along the front-rear direction, thereby partitioning the battery modules 10.

[0057] In this case, the crossbeam 230 may be provided so as to protrude above the battery cell 100. According to this embodiment, by extending the crossbeam 230 above the battery cell 100, adjacent accommodation spaces S can be reliably separated by the crossbeam 230, thereby preventing heat transfer.

[0058] A vent channel P may be formed inside the crossbeam 230. The vent channel P of the crossbeam 230 may be configured to communicate with at least one containment space S. A vent section H may also be provided in the crossbeam 230. In particular, the vent section H may be formed on the side of the crossbeam 230 facing the battery module 10. Multiple vent sections H may be provided in a single crossbeam 230. This allows vent gas generated in the battery cell 100 to move directly through the vent section H provided in the crossbeam 230 to the vent channel P formed inside the crossbeam 230.

[0059] On the other hand, referring to Figure 2, the pack case 200 may include a discharge section 250. The discharge section 250 may be configured to discharge gas generated in the battery cells 100 housed inside to the outside of the pack case 200. The discharge section 250 may be configured to open due to the pressure of the vent gas when vent gas is generated inside the pack case 200 and the internal pressure rises, thereby discharging the vent gas to the outside of the pack case 200.

[0060] For example, the discharge section 250 may be configured to open and close due to the internal pressure of the pack case 200. Alternatively, the discharge section 250 may be configured in the form of a hole. On the other hand, the present invention is not limited by the specific type or form of such discharge section 250, and various discharge sections 250 known at the time of filing of the present invention may be adopted in the configuration of the battery pack 20 of the present invention.

[0061] Specifically, the discharge section 250 may be provided on the side of the pack case 200, i.e., on the side frame 220. The discharge section 250 may be configured to discharge gas generated by the battery cells 100 housed inside the pack case 200 to the outside of the pack case 200. For example, the vent gas from the vent passage P may be discharged to the outside of the pack case 200 through the discharge section 250.

[0062] On the other hand, multiple discharge sections 250 may be provided. The discharge section 250 may be provided on at least one of the multiple side frames 220. The discharge section 250 may be formed on two or more side frames 220, or two or more may be formed on a single side frame 220.

[0063] On the other hand, the number and position of the discharge section 250 described based on the embodiment in Figure 2 are merely examples, and of course, they can be changed to a variety of other numbers and positions.

[0064] Figure 4 is an overall perspective view of a battery module included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] On the other hand, referring to Figures 2 and 4, the multiple battery cells 100 can be modularized as one or more battery modules 10. That is, the battery pack 20 according to the present invention includes multiple battery modules 10, and the multiple battery cells 100 included in the battery pack 20 can be divided and included in the multiple battery modules 10. In this case, the multiple battery cells 100 included inside the battery module 10 can be electrically connected to each other.

[0066] Multiple battery modules 10 may be individually provided in each housing space S of the pack case 200. In particular, the battery pack 20 according to the present invention may include a module case 11. The module case 11 may be configured to have an open space formed inside, and to house at least a portion of the multiple battery cells 100 in the internal space. In particular, the module case 11 may be configured to house the battery cells 100 provided in each housing space S. That is, the module case 11 may be provided for each housing space S, and may group the multiple battery cells 100 into several battery modules 10, becoming a boundary that physically defines the internal space of each battery module 10.

[0067] Although not shown in the illustration, the battery module 10 may also include a busbar assembly and / or module terminals electrically connected to a plurality of battery cells 100 housed inside.

[0068] The battery module 10 may have vent holes 12. The vent holes 12 may be configured to discharge gas generated by the battery cells 100 housed inside the module case 11 to the outside of the module case 11.

[0069] Specifically, the vent hole 12 is provided in the module case 11, enabling directional venting in a specific direction. In particular, the vent hole 12 may be provided on one side of the module case 11 facing the vent section H. For example, as shown in Figure 3, if the vent section H is provided on the crossbeam 230, the vent hole 12 may be provided on the side of the module case 11 facing the crossbeam 230. This guides the vent gas, etc., to move straight toward the vent section H.

[0070] According to this embodiment, since the vent gas and other gases discharged from the vent hole 12 facing the vent section H can move straight into the vent channel P formed in the pack case 200, the vent gas and other gases can be discharged to the outside of the containment space S more quickly.

[0071] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of a battery pack to which a movable member according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied, and Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the movable member moves when a thermal event occurs in the battery pack of Figure 5. Furthermore, Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating another example in which the movable member moves when a thermal event occurs in the battery pack of Figure 5.

[0072] Referring to Figures 5 to 7, a battery pack 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a movable member 300. The movable member 300 may be provided inside the vent channel P. For example, as in the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the movable member 300 may be provided on the crossbeam 230.

[0073] In this case, the movable member 300 may be configured to partition the vent passage P. The movable member 300 may be configured to partition the vent passage P in a horizontal or vertical direction. As a result, the vent passage P may be separated and partitioned into multiple sections. The partitioned vent passages P may be configured so that vent gas and the like do not communicate with each other. Therefore, the length of the movable member 300 may be configured to correspond to the height or width of the vent passage P.

[0074] The movable member 300 may be configured to be at least partially movable by vent gas. The movable member 300 may be configured to move as a whole, or only a part of it may move.

[0075] The movable member 300 can move in the direction in which the vent gas moves. Specifically, the movable member 300 can be configured to move toward the vent section H in the adjacent containment space S (the containment space on the right in Figure 5) due to the pressure of the vent gas flowing in through the vent section H in the containment space S where a thermal event occurred (the containment space on the right in Figure 5).

[0076] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the movable member 300 may be configured to expand the volume of the vent passage P when it is moved by the vent gas. Here, the expansion of the volume of the vent passage P may mean that the volume of the vent passage P located on the side of the containment space S where the event occurred, among the vent passage P partitioned by the movable member 300, expands.

[0077] According to this embodiment, the volume of the vent channel P through which the vent gas flows is increased, allowing an even larger amount of vent gas to flow through the vent channel P. This makes it possible to discharge vent gas and other substances into the vent channel P more quickly and smoothly.

[0078] As an example, as shown in the embodiment in Figure 6, the movable member 300 may include a plate-shaped partition member and an elastic member connected to the partition member. The partition member may be made of a material having heat resistance and / or fire resistance. The partition member may be configured to partition the vent flow path P and to be movable in at least one direction by the vent gas. In this case, the elastic member may be configured to control the movement of the partition member. That is, the partition member may be configured to move by the elastic force of the elastic member.

[0079] As another example, as shown in the embodiment in Figure 7, the movable member 300 may be configured so that at least a portion of it is elastically deformed by the vent gas. In this case, both ends of the movable member 300 may be configured to be fixed to the pack case 200, for example, the crossbeam 230. The movable member 300 may also be composed of an elastic pad or the like. According to this embodiment, when vent gas flows into the vent channel P through the vent section H, the pressure of the vent gas causes the central part of the movable member 300 to elastically deform, making it movable in at least one direction.

[0080] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of a battery pack to which an opening / closing member according to one embodiment of the present invention is applied, and Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating how the opening / closing member opens when a thermal event occurs in the battery pack of Figure 8.

[0081] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, a battery pack 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include an opening / closing member 400. The opening / closing member 400 may be configured to cover the vent portion H. The opening / closing member 400 may also be configured to open the vent portion H by vent gas and heat generated when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 100. Such an opening / closing member 400 may be provided in the pack case 200 in which the vent flow path P is formed. For example, as in the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the opening / closing member 400 may be provided on at least one surface of the crossbeam 230.

[0082] As an example, referring to Figure 8, the opening / closing member 400 may include a cover plate 401a and a hinge portion 401b.

[0083] Specifically, the cover plate 401a may be configured to cover the vent portion H. The cover plate 401a may be provided on the pack case 200. For example, as shown in the embodiment in Figure 8, the cover plate 401a may be provided on the crossbeam 230. In this case, the cover plate 401a may be rotatably coupled by the vent gas. This allows the cover plate 401a to open or close the inside of the containment space S by the pressure of the vent gas due to thermal runaway of the battery cell 100.

[0084] The cover plate 401a may be rotatably connected to the vent portion H via a hinge portion 401b. The hinge portion 401b may be connected to the cover plate 401a. Although not shown in detail, the hinge portion 401b may be configured to include an elastic body to control the rotational movement of the cover plate 401a. For example, the elastic body may be a hinge spring.

[0085] Specifically, the cover plate 401a can maintain the closed state of the vent section H by the elastic force of the elastic body provided on the hinge section 401b, even when thermal runaway is not occurring in the battery cell 100.

[0086] On the other hand, the cover plate 401a may be configured to open to the vent passage P side and discharge vent gas and / or flames to the outside of the containment space S when the internal pressure of the containment space S rises above the reference pressure due to thermal runaway of the battery cell 100. When the internal pressure of the containment space S is above the reference pressure, it may mean that the internal pressure of the containment space S is higher than the pressure of the vent passage P due to the generation of vent gas. In this case, the pressurizing force on the internal air of the containment space S applied to the cover plate 401a by the vent gas may be higher than the elastic force of the hinge portion 401b that attempts to maintain the closed state of the cover plate 401a.

[0087] According to this embodiment, when a thermal event occurs in a containment space S, the cover plate 401a is opened by the pressure of the vent gas, allowing the vent gas to be quickly discharged to the outside of the containment space S through the vent section H.

[0088] When the cover plate 401a is opened by the pressure of the vent gas, the cover plate 401a may open at an acute angle with respect to the vent section H. According to this embodiment, vent gas and the like discharged from inside the housing space S due to thermal runaway of the battery cell 100 are discharged into the vent flow path P along the inner surface of the cover plate 401a, which is positioned diagonally with respect to the vent section H. This allows for more reliable guidance of the flow of vent gas and the like towards the vent flow path P.

[0089] Furthermore, the cover plate 401a may be configured to open in only one direction. In this case, the one direction may be defined as the direction toward the inside of the vent channel P. More specifically, the cover plates 401a provided at each vent section H may all be configured to open only toward the inside of the vent channel P. As a result, the opening direction of the cover plate 401a provided at the vent section H on the side of the containment space S where a thermal event occurs may be opposite to the opening direction of the cover plate 401a provided at the adjacent vent section H on the side of the containment space S.

[0090] According to this embodiment, it is prevented that the vent H provided in the containment space S where a thermal event occurs and the vent H provided in the other containment space S are opened simultaneously. This suppresses the transfer of vent gas, heat, etc., to the battery cells 100 provided in the other containment space S, thereby enhancing the safety of the battery pack 10.

[0091] Furthermore, the cover plate 401a may be configured to close the containment space S when the vent gas is discharged to the outside and the internal pressure of the containment space S falls below a reference pressure. When the internal pressure of the containment space S falls below a reference pressure, this may mean that the vent gas is discharged to the outside and the internal pressure of the containment space S is lower than the pressure of the vent passage P. In this case, not only the pressure applied to the cover plate 401a by the vent passage P, but also the elastic force of the hinge portion 401b that attempts to maintain the closed state of the cover plate 401a may be applied. Therefore, when the vent gas is discharged to the outside and the internal pressure of the containment space S decreases, the cover plate 401a can be smoothly driven outward from the vent passage P by the pressure difference between the inside of the containment space S and the vent passage P, thereby closing the containment space S.

[0092] According to this embodiment, when the amount of vent gas discharged decreases, the backflow of vent gas and / or flames into the containment space S can be reliably blocked by facilitating the closure of the containment space S by the cover plate 401a. Furthermore, by blocking the inflow of oxygen into the containment space S, additional ignition within the containment space S can be suppressed.

[0093] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of a battery pack to which an opening / closing member according to another embodiment of the present invention is applied; Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating how the opening / closing member opens when a thermal event occurs in the battery pack of Figure 10; and Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of the opening / closing member applied to the battery pack of Figure 10.

[0094] Referring to Figures 10 and 11, the opening / closing member 400 according to another embodiment of the present invention may be configured to melt with heat.

[0095] Specifically, as shown in Figure 10, the opening / closing member 400 can maintain the closed state of the vent section H when thermal runaway is not occurring in the battery cell 100. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 11, the opening / closing member 400 can melt due to the direct heat such as high-temperature vent gas and / or flame generated inside the housing space S due to thermal runaway of the battery cell 100, thereby opening the vent section H. This allows the vent gas and / or flame to be discharged to the vent flow path P.

[0096] According to this embodiment, when a thermal event occurs in a containment space S, the opening / closing member 400 is easily melted by the heat of the vent gas and / or flame, opening the vent section H, thereby allowing the vent gas to be quickly discharged to the outside of the containment space S. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the opening / closing member 400 of the vent section H in an adjacent containment space S does not melt and remains closed, thereby preventing heat diffusion.

[0097] Referring to Figures 10 and 12, the opening / closing member 400 may include a sealing portion 402a and a cover portion 402b. More specifically, a vent portion H is provided on at least one surface of the housing space S, and the vent portion H can be sealed by inserting the sealing portion 402a into the vent portion H. This ensures that the closed state of the vent portion H is maintained without the occurrence of thermal events such as thermal runaway.

[0098] Furthermore, the cover portion 402b may be provided on one side of the sealing portion 402a, i.e., on the outside of the vent flow path P. The cover portion 402b may be configured to cover the sealing portion 402a. The cover portion 402b may be connected to the pack case 200 by bolting or welding. By providing the cover portion 402b, it is possible to prevent the sealing portion 402a from detaching from the vent portion H even when external shocks or vibrations occur, thereby protecting the sealing portion 402a.

[0099] As an example, the vent channel P may be formed in the base frame 210. That is, the vent channel P may be formed on the underside of the battery cell 100. In such a case, the vent section H may also be provided in the base frame 210. The vent section H may be configured to communicate with the vent channel P formed in the base frame 210. This allows the housing space S to communicate with the vent channel P formed on the underside of the battery cell 100 through the vent section H.

[0100] In this case, a mounting portion may be formed on the side of the base frame 210 where the vent portion H is provided, configured such that the sealing portion 402a is placed on it. The mounting portion may be configured to prevent the sealing portion 402a from falling into the lower vent channel P due to gravity. As a result, the sealing portion 402a is placed on the mounting portion, and the vent portion H can be stably sealed.

[0101] On the other hand, the crossbeam 230 may be configured to be spaced apart from the battery cell 100 at a predetermined distance. In this case, the vent section H may be provided between the battery cell 100 and the crossbeam 230. That is, a vent channel P is formed in the base frame 210, and the vent section H may be provided in the space formed between the battery cell 100 and the crossbeam 230 in the base frame 210.

[0102] In such cases, as shown in the embodiment in Figure 10, the cover portion 402b may be configured to protrude upward from the base frame 210. That is, the cover portion 402b may be provided between the battery cell 100 and the crossbeam 230. Alternatively, the cover portion 402b may be provided in contact with the battery cell 100 and the crossbeam 230. According to this embodiment, the battery cell 100 and the crossbeam 230 are prevented from moving horizontally by the cover portion 402b. This makes it possible to prevent the battery cell 100 from moving even if external shocks or vibrations occur.

[0103] On the other hand, referring further to Figures 1 to 3, the pack case 200 may be configured to have an open top. A battery pack 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include an upper cover 500 coupled to the open top of the pack case 200. The upper cover 500 may be configured to seal each housing space S. The upper cover 500 may be configured to be curved to correspond to the structure of the pack case 200. For example, as in the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the upper cover 500 may be configured such that the portion provided on top of the crossbeam 230 is curved to correspond to the shape of the battery cell 100 and the crossbeam 230.

[0104] According to this embodiment, the upper cover 500 is configured to seal each housing space S, thereby minimizing the thermal damage suffered by battery cells 100 located in adjacent housing spaces S when a thermal event occurs. This ensures the safety of the battery pack 20.

[0105] Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view of an automobile including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] Referring to Figure 13, an automobile 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The automobile 30 according to the present invention may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The automobile 30 includes four-wheeled vehicles and two-wheeled vehicles. The automobile 30 can be operated by receiving power from a battery pack 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] As described above, the present invention has been explained with limited embodiments and drawings, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited thereto, and that various modifications and variations are possible within the equivalent scope of the technical idea and claims of the present invention by persons with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

Claims

1. Multiple battery cells, A battery pack comprising: a pack case having a plurality of housing spaces formed such that a plurality of the battery cells are divided and housed therein; a vent section provided in at least one of the plurality of housing spaces, configured to allow vent gas discharged from the battery cells to be discharged to the outside of the housing space; and a vent channel formed to communicate with the vent section; The pack case is configured to accommodate a plurality of the battery cells and includes a base frame on which the vent channel is formed. The aforementioned vent section is provided on the base frame, The pack case includes a crossbeam configured to partition a plurality of the aforementioned storage spaces and to be spaced apart from the battery cells at a predetermined distance. The vent portion provided on the base frame is a battery pack located between the battery cell and the crossbeam.

2. The pack case is configured to partition a plurality of the aforementioned containment spaces and includes a crossbeam in which the vent channel is formed within the internal space. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the vent portion is further provided on the crossbeam.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising a module case configured to house battery cells provided in each of the aforementioned housing spaces, and having a vent hole formed on one side facing the vent portion, configured to allow the vent gas to be discharged to the outside.

4. Multiple battery cells, A battery pack comprising: a pack case having a plurality of housing spaces formed such that a plurality of the battery cells are divided and housed therein; a vent section provided in at least one of the plurality of housing spaces, configured to allow vent gas discharged from the battery cells to be discharged to the outside of the housing space; and a vent channel formed to communicate with the vent section; A battery pack further comprising a partitioning member provided inside the vent passage, partitioning the vent passage, and configured to be at least partially movable by the vent gas.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein the volume of the vent passage expands when the partition member moves due to the vent gas.

6. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein at least a portion of the partition member is configured to be elastically deformable by the vent gas.

7. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising a cover member configured to cover the vent portion and configured to open the vent portion by the vent gas or heat.

8. The cover member is A cover plate configured to cover the vent portion and to be rotatable by the vent gas, The battery pack according to claim 7, further comprising a hinge portion coupled to the cover plate.

9. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein the cover member is configured to melt due to the heat.

10. The aforementioned pack case is configured to have an open top, The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising an upper cover configured to be coupled to the open top of the pack case and to seal each of the storage spaces.

11. An automobile comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

Images