Battery packs and automobiles containing them

Abstract

According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery pack includes a cell array including a plurality of battery cells, and a pack case that houses the cell array, the pack case including a vent device that is arranged to exhaust gas generated from the cell array to the outside of the pack case, and a rib that is arranged under the cell array and guides the gas to the vent device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack and a vehicle including the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to a battery pack capable of smoothly discharging gas or the like to the outside of a pack case when a battery cell vents, and a vehicle including the same.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0181098 filed on December 21, 2022, and all of the contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the application are incorporated into this application.

[0003] In addition, this application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0062677 filed on May 15, 2023, and all of the contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the application are incorporated into this application.

Background Art

[0004] Secondary batteries with high applicability to a product group and having electrical characteristics such as high energy density are widely applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) driven by an electric drive source. Such secondary batteries have not only the primary advantage of significantly reducing the use of fossil fuels but also the advantage of producing no by-products associated with energy use, and thus are attracting attention as a new energy source for environmental friendliness and energy efficiency improvement.

[0005] Currently widely used types of rechargeable batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of such a single rechargeable battery cell is approximately 2.5V to 4.5V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, multiple batteries are connected in series to form a battery pack. Depending on the required charge and discharge capacity of the battery pack, multiple battery cells may also be connected in parallel to form a battery pack. Therefore, the number of batteries included in the battery pack can be set in various ways depending on the required output voltage or charge and discharge capacity.

[0006] On the other hand, when configuring a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel, the common method is to first configure a battery module containing at least one battery cell, and then use that at least one battery module to add other components and configure a battery pack or battery rack.

[0007] In conventional battery packs and modules using battery cells, internal temperature can rise due to malfunctions or misuse of the battery cells, which can increase the internal pressure of the battery cells. This internal pressure can cause the battery cells to vent or explode, and if the hot gases and flames released at that time transfer to adjacent battery cells, a chain reaction of explosions can occur, making it extremely dangerous.

[0008] Therefore, for example, conventional cylindrical battery cells are typically manufactured to include a vent structure on the upper side of the cylindrical battery cell where the positive terminal is formed. In battery packs and battery modules that house such cylindrical battery cells in an upright position, a predetermined space is provided above the top cover of the pack case or module case facing the direction in which the cylindrical battery cell vents or explodes, allowing hot gases and flames to escape. This configuration delays or prevents the transfer of hot gases and flames to other battery cells.

[0009] However, with such conventional structures, high-temperature gases and flames are not easily directed only upwards to the top cover, but rather diffuse in all directions from inside the battery pack or battery module. Therefore, there are limitations to efficiently discharging these gases to the outside of the battery pack or battery module, and improvements are needed. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] Therefore, one problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a battery pack and an automobile including it that can more efficiently discharge high-temperature gases and flames to the outside of the battery pack in the event of a malfunction in the battery cells.

[0011] However, the technical problems that this invention aims to solve are not limited in any way to those described above, and other problems not mentioned should be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a battery pack comprising a cell array containing a plurality of battery cells, and a pack case housing the cell array, wherein the pack case includes a venting device provided to discharge gas generated from the cell array to the outside of the pack case, and a rib provided at the bottom of the cell array to guide the gas to the venting device.

[0013] The ribs may be provided so as to be in surface contact with the lower surface of the cell array.

[0014] The ribs can be adhesively fixed to the lower surface of the cell array.

[0015] The pack case may include a case frame having an open top and bottom and housing the cell array, and a bottom cover that covers the lower part of the case frame and connects with the case frame.

[0016] The ribs are provided in multiple locations on the bottom cover and may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along one direction of the bottom cover.

[0017] The ribs define at least one vent passage through which the gas flows, and the vent passage may be configured to communicate with the venting device.

[0018] The bottom cover may be manufactured by extrusion such that the ribs are integrally formed with the bottom cover.

[0019] The venting device is provided on one side of the case frame, and the case frame may include a gas inlet provided between the venting passage and the venting device, through which the gas can pass.

[0020] The gas inlet may be provided independently for each of the vent channels.

[0021] The gas inlet may be formed in a rectangular shape such that the length in the width direction of the gas inlet corresponds to the interval between the ribs.

[0022] Also, according to another aspect of the present invention, the gas inlets may be integrally provided.

[0023] The case frame may include a side gas channel connected to the gas inlet and the vent device inside so that the gas can flow therethrough.

[0024] The side gas channel may be formed along the extending direction of the case frame.

[0025] The bottom cover may include a plurality of bottom plates joined to each other by friction stir welding.

[0026] The case frame and the bottom cover may be joined by friction stir welding.

[0027] The vent device may be provided on both sides of the case frame.

[0028] The rib may extend in the direction in which the vent device is located.

[0029] The case frame may include a recessed portion for accommodating the vent device.

[0030] The pack case houses a plurality of the cell arrays, and the case frame may further include a partition wall partitioning between the plurality of cell arrays.

[0031] The vent device may be provided corresponding to each of the plurality of cell arrays.

[0032] Furthermore, the present invention provides an automobile, characterized in that it includes a battery pack according to the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0033] According to the present invention, a battery pack is provided that can efficiently guide high-temperature gases and flames that may be generated in the event of an abnormal condition in the battery cells to the venting device, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of the battery pack.

[0034] Furthermore, if a thermal event occurs in the battery cell, generating high-temperature gases or flames, these gases or flames can be guided in a specific direction and quickly discharged to the outside of the pack case.

[0035] Furthermore, the process of venting high-temperature gases from the battery cells to the outside of the pack case helps to minimize thermal damage to other battery cells.

[0036] Furthermore, by separating the space through which the gas vented from the battery cells flows into multiple regions within the pack case, the gas discharge paths can be diversified, increasing the total amount of gas discharged. As a result, even if a large amount of gas is generated, it can be discharged smoothly and quickly to the outside of the battery pack.

[0037] In addition to these, the present invention may have various other effects, which will be described in the section for each embodiment, or the description of effects that can be easily inferred by a person skilled in the art will be omitted.

[0038] The drawings accompanying this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and are intended to further illustrate the technical idea of ​​the invention along with the content of the invention; therefore, the present invention shall not be construed as being limited only to what is shown in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0039] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a battery pack assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack along the line III-III'. [Figure 4] This is an enlarged view of section A in Figure 3. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates the direction of gas discharge when the battery cells in the battery pack shown in Figure 1 are vented. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a magnified view of the venting device included in the battery pack. [Figure 7] Figure 5 is a magnified view of the gas inlet included in the battery pack case frame. [Figure 8] This is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of the gas inlet of the battery pack. [Figure 9] This diagram illustrates the manufacturing method for the bottom cover included in the battery pack shown in Figure 1. [Figure 10] This figure illustrates the manufacturing method of the pack case included in the battery pack shown in Figure 1. [Figure 11] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the automobile including the battery pack. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0040] 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 ordinary or dictionary sense, but rather in the sense and concept corresponding to the technical idea of ​​the present invention, in accordance with the principle that the inventor may appropriately define the concept of terms in order to best describe the invention.

[0041] 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 be substituted for these at the time of filing this application.

[0042] Figure 1 is a coupled 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 of Figure 1.

[0043] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a battery pack 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a cell array 100 containing a plurality of battery cells 110, and a pack case 200 that houses the cell array 100.

[0044] The cell array 100 is an assembly of battery cells 110. A binding material such as resin may be filled between the battery cells 110 to hold them together as a single unit. In another example, the cell array 100 may be a battery module including a module housing 120 that houses these battery cells 110. The module housing 120 may be made of a material with high mechanical rigidity, preferably a metallic material, to protect the battery cells 110 from external shocks and vibrations.

[0045] The battery cell 110 can be any shape of secondary battery, such as a prismatic, cylindrical, or pouch-type battery cell, and in this embodiment, the battery cell 110 is given as an example of a cylindrical battery cell. In particular, although the battery cell 110 is a cylindrical battery cell, it may include a vent structure such as a vent notch at its bottom. The vent notch ruptures when the pressure inside the battery cell 110 rises abnormally, thereby releasing the internal gas to the outside. Including a vent notch at the bottom of the battery cell 110 in this way can help guide the direction of vent gas release downwards in the battery pack 10. Within the cell array 100, multiple battery cells 110 may be arranged in columns and rows. Multiple such cell arrays 100 may be provided in the battery pack 10.

[0046] The pack case 200 includes a venting device 224 provided to discharge gas generated from the cell array 100 to the outside of the pack case 200, and a rib 233 provided at the bottom of the cell array 100 to guide the gas to the venting device 224. The venting device 224 and the rib 233 are characterized in that they are positioned lower than the cell array 100.

[0047] The pack case 200 accommodates a plurality of the cell arrays 100, and the case frame 220 may further include partition walls 223 that separate the plurality of cell arrays 100. There may be a plurality of partition walls 223, which may be provided at regular intervals.

[0048] The cell array 100 can be housed inside the pack case 200, partitioned by the partition wall 223 and supported by the rib 233. By forming the vent structure of the battery cells 110 included in the cell array 100 on the bottom side of the battery cells 110 as described above, the high-temperature gas discharged downward through the vent structure of the battery cells 110 can be guided to the vent device 224 via the rib 233 located at the bottom of the cell array 100 for rapid discharge. The partition wall 223 and rib 233 prevent the gas from spreading from the inside of the battery pack 10 to the sides, and the cell array 100 can prevent the gas from spreading upward from the inside of the battery pack 10.

[0049] Thus, in the battery pack 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs in a battery cell 110 and generates high-temperature gas or flames, the gas can be discharged to the outside of the pack case 200 via the vent device 224 in a specific direction rather than in all directions, and in the process of discharging such gas to the outside of the pack case 200, other battery cells 110 can be prevented from suffering thermal damage as much as possible. In addition, when gas is ejected from a battery cell in general, electrode plates and fragments of active material inside the battery cell may be discharged to the outside in a state of being heated to a high temperature, and such high-temperature particles may appear in the form of sparks. In the battery pack 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, even if high-temperature particles are discharged from a battery cell 110, they are prevented from immediately and easily escaping to the outside of the battery pack 10, and their temperature is sufficiently reduced as they are guided to the vent device 224 side through the space between the ribs 233, thereby preventing such high-temperature particles from acting as an ignition source outside of the battery pack 10.

[0050] In conventional battery packs, vent gas diffuses in all directions from inside the battery pack before being discharged upwards. However, in this embodiment, the vent gas is quickly guided from below the cell array 100 towards the vent device 224, making it difficult for it to diffuse in all directions from inside the battery pack 10, and the final discharge direction may not be upwards from the battery pack 10. When gas generated inside the battery pack is discharged in multiple directions rather than one, it becomes difficult to easily discharge the vent gas to the outside of the battery pack, which can prolong the vent gas discharge time and significantly reduce the safety of the battery pack.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a vent path utilizing the rib 233 and the vent device 224 is formed at the bottom of the cell array 100, allowing the vent gas to be discharged in a targeted direction, for example, in the direction in which the vent device 224 is formed.

[0052] According to the above embodiment, in the event of thermal runaway or other situations where high-temperature gas or flames are discharged from the battery cell 110, the discharged gas or flames can be prevented from being directed upwards. In particular, in cases where an occupant is located above the battery pack 10, such as in an electric vehicle, the above embodiment can suppress or delay the gas or flames from being directed towards the occupant. In particular, according to one embodiment of the present invention, directional venting can be performed on the lower and lateral sides of the battery pack 10, thereby enhancing the safety of users such as occupants located above.

[0053] In particular, the special structure and arrangement of the ribs 233 have a remarkable effect in guiding the high-temperature gas and flames toward the vent device 224 when they are generated. The configuration of the pack case 200 including such ribs 233 will be described in more detail below with further reference to Figures 3 and 4, along with Figures 1 and 2.

[0054] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack in Figure 1 along line III-III', and Figure 4 is an enlarged view of section A in Figure 3.

[0055] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the pack case 200 included in the battery pack 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is formed in a shape with an open top and bottom, and may include a case frame 220 that houses the cell array 100.

[0056] The pack case 200 may include a bottom cover 230 that covers the lower part of the case frame 220 and connects to the case frame 220. The bottom cover 230 may include a base 232 that supports the lower part of the cell array 100. The base 232 may be formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape. The bottom cover 230 may also be manufactured by extrusion such that the ribs 233 are integrally formed with the bottom cover 230. A detailed description of the manufacturing method of the bottom cover 230 will be given later.

[0057] The case frame 220 may be provided to form a rectangular wall along the outer circumference of the rectangular plate-shaped base 232. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the case frame 220 may include walls in the +X direction, -Y direction, -X direction, and +Y direction.

[0058] On the other hand, the pack case 200 may include a top cover 210 that covers the upper part of the case frame 220 and is provided to be connectable to the case frame 220. The top cover 210 can be connected to the upper part of the case frame 220, and the bottom cover 230 can be connected to the lower part of the case frame 220 to form the pack case 200 in which the cell array 100 is housed. The cell array 100 may be provided in multiple units in the battery pack 10, and each of the cell arrays 100 may be separated by the partition wall 223 and placed on the bottom cover 230. The top cover 210 can be provided so as to be in close relative contact with the upper surface of the cell array 100 so as not to form any unnecessary space between the top cover 210 and the cell array 100.

[0059] In particular, the rib 233 according to this embodiment may be provided so as to be in surface contact with the lower surface of the cell array 100. That is, the lower surface of the cell array 100 may be in contact with and supported by the upper end surface of the rib 233. Because it is surface contact rather than point or line contact, a relatively large contact area is secured, and the surface contact portion functions as a kind of barrier, preventing the gas discharged from the battery cells 110 contained in the cell array 100 from spreading in all directions. This guides the vent gas to be discharged in a predetermined direction, i.e., to the bottom of the pack case 200, thereby ensuring safety.

[0060] In this case, the ribs 233 can be adhesively fixed to the lower surface of the cell array 100. The ribs 233 and the cell array 100 can be bonded to each other with a structural adhesive or the like to further strengthen the connection and fixing structure. Multiple ribs 233 are provided on the bottom cover 230 and may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along one direction of the bottom cover 230. In this embodiment, an example is given in which they are spaced apart along the Y direction. The number and thickness of the ribs 233 can be changed according to the required rigidity and the designer's intentions.

[0061] As a result, the multiple ribs 233, which are spaced apart from each other, define at least one vent passage S through which the gas flows, and the vent passage S may be configured to communicate with the venting device 224. The vent passage S may be defined as the space between two adjacent ribs 233, and a predetermined space may be provided below the cell array 100 through which the gas flows.

[0062] In this way, by providing the rib 233 at the bottom of the cell array 100, the inside of the pack case 200 can be divided vertically into a space where the cell array 100 is located and a space through which the vent gas moves. Furthermore, the rib 233 separates the space through which the gas flows, i.e., the vent passage S, into multiple regions, thereby diversifying the gas discharge path and increasing the total volume of the discharge path. Therefore, the vent passage S formed in the battery pack 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention may be effective in smoothly discharging the vent gas to the outside of the battery pack 10, even when a large amount of vent gas is generated.

[0063] Furthermore, the vent channel S may be configured to be individually connected to a plurality of battery cells 110 that may be arranged in a row within the cell array 100. This prevents gas discharged from any battery cell 110 from moving to other vent channels S via the ribs 233.

[0064] Each battery cell 110 may be arranged in the bottom cover 230 as shown in Figures 3 and 4. If the cell array 100 includes a module housing 120, the module housing 120 may have a frame that houses and supports the battery cells 110, and may also have cell vent holes 121 aligned at the bottom of the battery cells 110. For example, if a fire problem occurs due to a short circuit or overcharging of a battery cell 110, flames, hot particles, and vent gas may be generated from the battery cell 110. In this case, the cell vent holes 121 may be provided to communicate with the vent flow path S, and the gas can be discharged from the inside to the outside of the cell array 100, i.e., to the vent flow path S, through the cell vent holes 121.

[0065] A packing member (not shown) may be attached to the cell vent hole 121. The packing member seals the cell vent hole 121 under normal conditions, preventing foreign matter from entering the module housing 120 from the outside. The packing member may be made of a material that bursts at a certain pressure or melts with heat, such as a plastic material. That is, when an internal fire occurs in the cell array 100, the packing member, which is made of plastic material, will disappear due to the pressure and heat of the discharged gas, and the cell vent hole 121 will be opened.

[0066] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the direction of gas discharge during venting of the battery cells in the battery pack shown in Figure 1, and Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the venting device included in the battery pack shown in Figure 5.

[0067] Referring to Figure 5, the venting device 224 may be provided on both sides of the case frame 220. In Figure 5, the venting device 224 is provided on a wall in the Y direction, but it may also be provided on a wall in the X direction. Because the venting device 224 is provided on both sides of the case frame 220, when an abnormal condition occurs in the battery cell 110, high-temperature gas and flames can be discharged in both directions of the pack case 200, making it easier to discharge the gas and the like to the outside of the pack case 200.

[0068] In this configuration, the rib 233 may extend in the direction in which the venting device 224 is located. Such a structure of the rib 233 can guide the hot gas or flame toward the venting device 224 so that it is discharged through the venting device 224. In addition, in the embodiment, the rib 233 may extend in the direction in which the partition wall 223 extends. This prevents the venting passage S defined by the rib 233 from being blocked by the partition wall 223.

[0069] Furthermore, the venting devices 224 can be provided to correspond to each of the multiple cell arrays 100. That is, the multiple cell arrays 100 are partitioned by the partition walls 223, and the venting devices 224 can be provided in each of the regions where the cell arrays 100 partitioned by the partition walls 223 are located. Therefore, even if a thermal event occurs in any of the cell arrays 100, it is possible to prevent gas or the like from moving to other adjacent cell arrays 100 and causing a chain reaction explosion.

[0070] On the other hand, referring to Figure 6, the case frame 220 may include a side frame 221 on which the vent device 224 is provided, and a recessed portion 222 in which a part of the side frame 221 is recessed inward to accommodate the vent device 224. The recessed portion 222 prevents the vent device 224 from being exposed to the outside of the pack case 200.

[0071] The venting device 224 may consist of an external vent hole 224a formed by drilling a part of the outer surface of the side frame 221, and a vent valve 224b for selectively opening and closing the external vent hole 224a.

[0072] Referring again to Figure 5, the case frame 220 may include a gas inlet 225 provided between the vent passage S and the venting device 224, through which the gas can pass. Multiple gas inlets 225 may be provided, and the gas inlets 225 may be formed on both sides of the case frame 220, similar to the venting device 224. That is, the gas inlets 225 may be provided so as to communicate with both sides of the vent passage S. In this case, the gas inlets 225 may be provided on the inner surface of the case frame 220, which is the surface facing the vent passage S, and the venting device 224 may be provided on the outer surface of the case frame 220. The detailed shape, structure, etc. of the gas inlet 225 will be described later.

[0073] The case frame 220 may include a side gas channel C connected to the gas inlet 225 and the venting device 224 so as to allow the gas to flow through it. That is, the case frame 220 may have a side gas channel C inside the side frame 221, which is a space through which the gas flows. The side gas channel C may be formed along the extending direction of the case frame 220. As shown in Figure 5, if the case frame 220 is composed of a rectangular wall, the side gas channel C may be formed only in the wall where the venting device 224 is provided.

[0074] To elaborate on the direction of gas discharge when high-temperature gas or flames are generated in any of the battery cells 110, the gas flows from the cell vent hole 121 into the vent channel S surrounded by the ribs 233, and the gas flowing through the vent channel S can flow into the side gas channels C via the gas inlets 225 provided on both sides. Subsequently, the gas can be discharged to the outside of the pack case 200 via the venting device 224. This has the effect of more efficiently guiding high-temperature gas or flames towards the venting device 224 when an abnormal situation occurs in the battery cell 110.

[0075] Figure 7 is a magnified view of the gas inlet included in the case frame of the battery pack shown in Figure 5.

[0076] The structure of the gas inlet 225 will now be described in detail. Referring to Figure 7, the gas inlet 225 included in the case frame 220 of the battery pack 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention may be provided independently for each of the vent passages S. In other words, the gas inlet 225 may be provided in a one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of vent passages S. As a result, gas generated from any one battery cell 110 travels only along the vent passage S connected to any one battery cell 110, and the ribs 233 defining the vent passages S make it extremely unlikely that the gas will propagate to other vent passages S.

[0077] With this configuration of the gas inlets 225, gases and flames generated from any battery cell 110 can travel along each of the gas inlets 225 provided on the case frame 220 and be discharged to the outside of the battery pack 10 via the venting device 224. In this case, the gas inlets 225 can be formed in a rectangular shape such that the length L in the width direction of the gas inlet 225 corresponds to the spacing D between the ribs 233. This allows a larger amount of gas to flow into the side gas channel C and be discharged to the outside of the battery pack 10 more quickly than if the gas inlets 225 were configured as small-diameter circular holes.

[0078] Figure 8 illustrates another embodiment of the gas inlet of the battery pack.

[0079] The same component reference numerals as in the above-described embodiments indicate the same components. For identical components, redundant explanations will be omitted, and the focus will be on the differences from the above-described embodiments.

[0080] In other embodiments, the gas inlets 225' are provided integrally with each other, whereas in the above-described embodiments, the gas inlets 225 are provided individually for each vent passage S. That is, they can be provided so that gas flowing through multiple vent passages S flows into the gas inlets 225'. The gas inlets 225' can be provided for each cell array 100 located in the region between the partition walls 223, and can be formed to be long along both sides of the case frame 220, i.e., in the Y direction. This allows a larger amount of gas to flow into the side gas channel C than in the above-described embodiments, and can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack 10 more quickly.

[0081] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the manufacturing method of the bottom cover included in the battery pack of Figure 1, and Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the manufacturing method of the pack case included in the battery pack of Figure 1.

[0082] The bottom cover 230 can be manufactured by extrusion in one step. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 9, the bottom cover 230 may include a plurality of bottom plates 231a to 231d that are joined to each other by friction stir welding. In other words, first, a plurality of bottom plates 231a to 231d can be manufactured by extrusion, and then a single bottom cover 230 can be formed by friction stir welding with the sides of the plurality of bottom plates 231a to 231d in contact with each other.

[0083] The bottom cover 230 can be manufactured by extrusion such that the ribs 233 are formed integrally with the bottom cover 230. By manufacturing the bottom cover 230 by extrusion, the ribs 233 can be formed to extend in one direction (X direction or Y direction) along the extrusion direction. Since the ribs 233 are provided integrally with the bottom cover 230, there is no need for a step to join the ribs 233 to the bottom cover 230, and no defects occur at the joint, thus further reducing the possibility of the gas propagating to other vent passages S.

[0084] On the other hand, referring to Figure 10, the case frame 220 and the bottom cover 230 can be joined by friction stir welding. Specifically, the bottom cover 230 can be placed on the case frame 220 of the pack case 200, and the bottom cover 230 and the case frame 220 can be overlapped and friction stir welded to form the pack case 200. This prevents the gas flowing through the vent channel S from leaking to the outside of the pack case 200, and allows it to be discharged to the outside only through the vent device 224.

[0085] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the automobile including the battery pack shown in Figure 1.

[0086] On the other hand, one embodiment of the present invention provides an automobile 20 characterized by including the battery pack 10 according to the above-described embodiment. That is, the battery pack 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is applicable to automobiles such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles. For example, the battery pack 10 can be installed in the vehicle body frame below the vehicle seats or in the trunk space.

[0087] According to the various embodiments described above, it is possible to provide a battery pack 10 and an automobile 20 including the same that, in the event of an abnormal condition in the battery cell 110, efficiently guide the high-temperature gas and flame generated from the battery cell 110 toward the vent device 224 and quickly discharge them to the outside.

[0088] For reference, the battery pack 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention can, of course, be applied not only to automobiles but also to energy storage systems (ESS) and various electrical devices.

[0089] 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 merely 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 being examined, the observer's position, etc.

[0090] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and variations are possible within the equivalent scope of the technical concept and claims of the present invention by persons with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 10 Battery Packs 100-cell array 110 battery cells 200 pack case 224 Venting device 233 Rib

Claims

1. A cell array containing multiple battery cells, A pack case for housing the cell array, Includes, The aforementioned pack case is A case frame containing the cell array and including a gas inlet through which gas generated from the cell array passes, A venting device provided on the case frame is provided to discharge gas generated from the cell array to the outside of the pack case, A rib provided at the lower part of the cell array, extending in the direction in which the venting device is located, to guide the gas to the venting device, Includes, Multiple gas inlets are arranged along the case frame, The aforementioned pack case accommodates multiple cell arrays, The venting device is provided to correspond to each of the plurality of cell arrays, A battery pack in which a portion of the multiple gas inlets and the venting device corresponding to the cell array are aligned in a straight line in the direction in which the ribs extend.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the ribs are provided so as to be in surface contact with the lower surface of the cell array.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein the ribs are adhesively fixed to the lower surface of the cell array.

4. The aforementioned pack case is A bottom cover that covers the lower part of the case frame and connects with the case frame, Includes, The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the case frame has an open shape at the top and bottom.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein a plurality of ribs are provided on the bottom cover and are arranged to be spaced apart from each other along one direction of the bottom cover.

6. The ribs define at least one vent passage through which the gas flows. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein the vent channel is provided to communicate with the venting device.

7. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein the bottom cover is manufactured by extrusion such that the ribs are integrally formed with the bottom cover.

8. The venting device is provided on one side of the case frame. The aforementioned case frame is The battery pack according to claim 6, comprising a gas inlet provided between the vent channel and the vent device, through which the gas can pass.

9. The battery pack according to claim 8, wherein the gas inlet is provided independently for each of the vent passages.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein the gas inlet is formed in a rectangular shape such that the widthwise length of the gas inlet corresponds to the spacing between the ribs.

11. Multiple ribs define multiple vent passages, The battery pack according to claim 6, wherein the gas flowing through the multiple vent passages is provided to flow into the gas inlet.

12. The aforementioned case frame is The battery pack according to claim 8, further comprising a side gas channel connected to the gas inlet and the venting device so that the gas flows inside.

13. The battery pack according to claim 12, wherein the side gas channel is formed along the extending direction of the case frame.

14. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein the bottom cover includes a plurality of bottom plates joined to each other by friction stir welding.

15. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein the case frame and the bottom cover are joined by friction stir welding.

16. The battery pack according to claim 8, wherein the venting devices are provided on both sides of the case frame.

17. The battery pack according to claim 16, wherein the case frame includes an indentation for housing the venting device.

18. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein the case frame further includes partitions that divide the spaces between the cell arrays.

19. An automobile comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

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