Battery packs and automobiles containing them

Abstract

The present invention discloses a battery pack configured to allow high-temperature gas generated in a battery module to be discharged to the outside of the battery pack without affecting other adjacent battery modules. The battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention includes a pack housing, a battery module, and a pack cover configured to include a side vent channel configured to guide gas generated from the battery module to a center space at a position corresponding to the battery module, and a center vent channel configured to guide gas collected toward the center space to the outside of the pack housing at a position corresponding to the center space, the center vent channel having a volume equal to or larger than the volume of the side vent channel.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0028947 filed on March 7, 2022, and all of the contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the application are incorporated into this application.

Background Art

[0003] In recent years, the demand for portable electronic products such as notebook computers, video cameras, and mobile phones has rapidly increased, and as the commercialization of robots, electric vehicles, etc. has become full-scale, research on high-performance secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged has been actively conducted.

[0004] Currently, commercially available secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, lithium secondary batteries, etc. Among them, lithium secondary batteries are attracting attention for their advantages of being able to charge and discharge freely because they hardly have a memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, having a very low self-discharge rate, and having a high energy density.

[0005] Such a lithium secondary battery mainly uses a lithium-based oxide and a carbon material as a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material, respectively. The lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate 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 for enclosing the electrode assembly together with an electrolytic solution, for example, a battery case.

[0006] Generally, lithium-ion secondary batteries can be broadly classified into two types based on the shape of their casing: can-type secondary batteries, in which the electrode assembly is housed in a metal can, and pouch-type secondary batteries, in which the electrode assembly is housed in an aluminum laminate sheet pouch.

[0007] Recently, secondary batteries are widely used not only in small devices such as portable electronic devices, but also in medium and large devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS) for propulsion and energy storage. Multiple such secondary batteries can be electrically connected and housed together inside a module case to form a single battery module. Such battery modules are then electrically reconnected in a confined space to form a battery pack in order to increase energy density.

[0008] However, when multiple battery modules are densely packed into a confined space like this, there are concerns that they become vulnerable to accidents such as fires and explosions. For example, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs in one of the battery modules, there is a risk that high-temperature gas will be emitted from the battery module. If such gas is not properly vented to the outside of the battery pack, it may propagate to other battery modules within the battery pack, potentially causing a chain reaction. In this case, the pressure inside the battery pack may rise, potentially causing an explosion. If a battery pack explodes, the explosion pressure can cause significant damage to surrounding equipment and users, and the scope and speed of the damage may increase. Therefore, there is a need to develop a battery pack with a structure that allows high-temperature gas to be safely vented to the outside of the battery pack without affecting adjacent battery modules, even if a malfunction occurs in some battery modules and gas is emitted. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] In one aspect of the present invention, the present invention was devised in view of the above-mentioned problems, and one objective is to provide a battery pack that can control the flow of gas in a desired direction by adding an additional vent flow path forming structure to a conventional battery pack.

[0010] In another aspect of the present invention, one objective is to provide a battery pack that can prevent gas from flowing smoothly through the side vent passages to the center vent passage and then flowing back into the side vent passages.

[0011] In yet another aspect of the present invention, one objective is to provide a battery pack that, in the event of a thermal event occurring in some battery modules, allows the ejected high-temperature gas to be safely discharged to the outside of the battery pack without affecting other battery modules within the battery pack. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] A battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention for achieving the above objective may include a pack housing comprising: a first housing space; a second housing space located spaced apart from the first housing space; and a center space formed between the first housing space and the second housing space; at least one first battery module disposed within the first housing space; at least one second battery module disposed within the second housing space; and a pack cover configured to include: a first side vent passage having a first volume, configured to guide gas generated from the first battery module at a position corresponding to the first battery module into the center space; a second side vent passage having a second volume, configured to guide gas generated from the second battery module at a position corresponding to the first battery module into the center space; and a third center vent passage having a third volume equal to or greater than the first and second volumes, configured to guide gas collected toward the center space at a position corresponding to the center space to the outside of the pack housing.

[0013] The pack cover may be formed such that the region corresponding to the center vent channel is located higher than the regions corresponding to the first side vent channel and the second side vent channel.

[0014] The battery pack may include partitions positioned between adjacent first battery modules and between adjacent second battery modules.

[0015] The partition wall may be configured to block the movement of gas between the respective housing spaces of the adjacent first battery modules and between the respective housing spaces of the adjacent second battery modules.

[0016] The battery pack may be provided with a sealing member in at least one of the following locations: between the partition wall and the pack cover, and between the partition wall and the pack housing.

[0017] The pack cover may include a cover plate configured to cover the accommodation space of the pack housing, and a flow path plate bonded to the inner surface of the cover plate, which has the first side vent flow path, the second side vent flow path, and the center vent flow path.

[0018] The flow path plate may include: a first flow path plate coupled to the inner surface of the cover plate at a position corresponding to the first battery module and having the first side vent flow path; a second flow path plate coupled to the inner surface of the cover plate at a position corresponding to the second battery module and having the second side vent flow path; and a third flow path plate coupled to the inner surface of the cover plate at a position corresponding to the center space and having the center vent flow path.

[0019] The pack housing may include a gas collection space formed on at least one side of the center vent flow path along the extension direction of the center vent flow path.

[0020] The pack housing may include a venting device configured to allow the gas in the gas collection space to be discharged to the outside of the pack housing.

[0021] The first side vent channel and the second side vent channel may have a groove shape formed on the inner surface of the pack cover.

[0022] The first side vent channel and the second side vent channel each have a groove shape formed on one surface of the first channel plate and the second channel plate, and the first channel plate and the second channel plate can be coupled to the inner surface of the cover plate on the surface opposite to the surface on which the groove shape is formed.

[0023] The first side vent channel and the second side vent channel may be provided in plurality along the longitudinal direction of the battery pack respectively.

[0024] The center vent channel may include a first center vent channel that communicates with the first side vent channel and is configured to have a fourth volume larger than the first volume, and a second center vent channel that communicates with the second side vent channel and is configured to have a fifth volume larger than the second volume.

[0025] The third flow path plate may include a first flow path forming portion that forms a first center vent channel communicating with the first side vent channel, a second flow path forming portion that forms a second center vent channel communicating with the second side vent channel, and a connecting portion that connects the first flow path forming portion and the second flow path forming portion and is coupled to the inner surface of the cover plate.

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

Effect of the Invention

[0027] According to one aspect of the present invention, a vent channel can be formed in a pack cover that is usually used only for covering a pack housing, thereby adding a function of controlling the gas flow. When a thermal event occurs, the gas or flame from each battery module may have its temperature lowered and the intensity of the flame weakened during movement. By ejecting high-temperature gas or flame to the outside, possible damages can be removed or reduced.

[0028] Particularly, with the structure of the pack cover having side vent channels with a smaller volume than the center vent channel, the gas can smoothly move from the side vent channels to the center vent channel, and the phenomenon of the gas flowing back from the center vent channel to the side vent channels again can be prevented. Therefore, smooth discharge of the gas is possible.

[0029] According to another aspect of the present invention, it is easy to form the volume of the center vent passage larger than the volume of the side vent passage. When mounting a battery pack including a pack cover with a center region protruding upward in a vehicle, since the protruding portion of the pack cover is located between the driver's seat and the passenger seat of the vehicle and / or at the center of the rear seat, the battery pack can be easily mounted.

[0030] According to still another aspect of the present invention, it is possible to delay / prevent high-temperature vent gas from some battery modules in which problems occur during a thermal event from affecting adjacent battery modules.

[0031] According to still another aspect of the present invention, gas can be discharged quickly.

[0032] According to still another aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent a fire or delay the spread rate of a fire.

[0033] According to still another aspect of the present invention, in a secondary battery where energy density is important, it is possible to arrange without providing a separate space for electrical components required for the battery module, and at the same time protect against physical impacts from the outside.

[0034] In addition to this, the present invention can have various other effects. Regarding this, effects described in each implementation configuration or effects easily analogizable by those skilled in the art, etc., the description thereof may be omitted.

[0035] The drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and are for the purpose of further understanding the technical idea of the present invention together with the content of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not construed as being limited only to the matters described in the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0036] [Figure 1] This is an exploded perspective view showing a battery pack according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the battery pack according to the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the internal space of the pack housing included in the battery pack according to the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows a battery module included in a battery pack according to the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows a battery module included in a battery pack according to the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure shows a pack cover included in the battery pack according to the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view showing a section cut along the line B-B' in Figure 6. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view showing a section taken along the line C-C' in Figure 6. [Figure 9] This figure shows a pack cover included in the battery pack according to the present invention. [Figure 10] This figure shows a partition wall included in the battery pack according to the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view showing a section taken along the line A-A' in Figure 2. [Figure 12] This figure shows the collection space and vent holes included in the battery pack according to the present invention. [Figure 13] This figure shows a cover plate and a flow path plate included in the battery pack according to the present invention. [Figure 14] This figure shows grooves provided in the pack cover included in the battery pack according to the present invention. [Figure 15] This figure shows a cross-section of the battery pack according to the present invention, with the pack cover of Figure 13 applied, cut along the line D-D'. [Figure 16] This is a diagram showing an automobile according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0037] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. The drawings attached herein are illustrative of preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention later, are intended to further illustrate the technical idea of ​​the present invention; therefore, the present invention shall not be construed as being limited only to what is shown in the drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings refer to the same components. In addition, the thickness, ratios, and dimensions of components in the drawings may be exaggerated for the sake of effective illustration of the technical content.

[0038] The terms and words used in this specification and in the claims are not to be interpreted in a manner limited to their usual or dictionary meanings, but rather in a manner and concept corresponding to the technical idea of ​​the present invention, in accordance with the principle that the inventor himself may appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe the invention.

[0039] In this specification, terms such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used to indicate direction, but 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.

[0040] Therefore, the embodiments and configurations shown in the drawings 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. It should be understood that there are various equivalents and modifications that can be substituted for these at the time of filing this application.

[0041] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the battery pack according to the present invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the battery pack according to the present invention. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the internal space of the pack housing included in the battery pack according to the present invention.

[0042] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the battery pack 10 according to the present invention includes a pack housing 100, a first battery module 210, a second battery module 220, and a pack cover 300.

[0043] The pack housing 100 may comprise a first storage space 110, a second storage space 120 located spaced apart from the first storage space 110, and a center space 130 formed between the first storage space 110 and the second storage space 120. The first storage space 110 may be positioned opposite the second storage space 120 with the center space 130 in between. The pack housing 100 may include five rectangular parallelepiped plates with one side missing. In this case, at least a portion of each plate constituting the pack housing 100 may be configured to be integral with each other. Alternatively, each of the five plates may be manufactured separately and then joined together by welding, bolting, or the like. The pack housing 100 may include a metal material such as aluminum. However, the present invention does not limit the pack housing 100 to a specific material.

[0044] At least one first battery module 210 may be placed in the first housing space 110. At least one second battery module 220 may be placed in the second housing space 120. For example, as shown in Figure 1, four first battery modules 210 may be provided in the first housing space 110, and four second battery modules 220 may be provided in the second housing space 120.

[0045] The pack cover 300 may be configured to be coupled with the pack housing 100 to cover the battery module 200.

[0046] Figure 4 shows a battery module included in the battery pack according to the present invention.

[0047] Referring to Figure 4, the battery module 200 may include a battery cell 201. Multiple battery cells 201 may be provided. A battery cell 201 may mean a rechargeable battery. A battery cell 201 may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, a battery case housing the electrode assembly and the electrolyte, and a pair of electrode leads connected to the electrode assembly and drawn out to the outside of the battery case. The battery cell 201 may be, for example, a pouch-type rechargeable battery. However, other forms of rechargeable batteries, such as cylindrical batteries and prismatic batteries, can also be used as the battery cell 201 of the present invention.

[0048] If multiple battery cells 201 are provided, the multiple battery cells 201 may be electrically connected. The battery module 200 may further include a busbar frame assembly 202 for electrically connecting the multiple battery cells 201. The busbar frame assembly 202 may be, for example, a pair. In this case, each of the pair of busbar frame assemblies 202 may be coupled to one side and the other side of the battery cell 201 in the longitudinal direction (parallel to the X-axis).

[0049] Figure 5 shows a battery module included in the battery pack according to the present invention.

[0050] The battery module 200 may further include a module case 203. The module case 203 may be configured to house at least one battery cell 201. The module case 203 may have a vent hole 203a. The vent hole 203a) may be configured to allow any gas generated from the battery cell 201 housed in the internal space to be discharged from the inside of the module case 203 to the outside.

[0051] Figure 6 shows a pack cover included in the battery pack according to the present invention. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section cut along the line B-B' in Figure 6. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section cut along the line C-C' in Figure 6.

[0052] Referring to Figures 6 to 8, the pack cover 300 may include a first side vent channel 310, a second side vent channel 320, and a center vent channel 330.

[0053] The first side vent channel 310 may be configured to guide gas generated from the first battery module 210 to the center space 130 at a position corresponding to the first battery module 210. The first side vent channel 310 may have a substantially trapezoidal shape when viewed in the YZ plane. The first side vent channel 310 may have a shape extending in the X-axis direction. The first side vent channel 310 may be a groove formed on one surface (a surface parallel to the XY plane) of the pack cover 300. The first side vent channel 310 may have a first volume. Referring also to Figure 1, the first volume may be the volume of the space between the inside of the pack cover 300 and the first battery module 210 positioned in close contact with the pack cover 300. If multiple first battery modules 210 are provided, the volume of the first side vent channel 310 at a position corresponding to one battery module may be the first volume. If multiple first side vent channels 310 are provided, the volume of each channel may be the first volume.

[0054] Applying Figure 7 and the above description of the first side vent channel 320 to the second side vent channel 320, the second side vent channel 320 may be configured to guide gas generated from the second battery module 220 to the center space 130 at a position corresponding to the second battery module 220. The second side vent channel 320 may have a substantially trapezoidal shape when viewed in the YZ plane. The second side vent channel 320 may have a shape that extends in the X-axis direction. The second side vent channel 320 may be a groove formed on one surface of the pack cover 300 (a surface parallel to the XY plane). The second side vent channel 320 may have a second volume. Referring also to Figure 1, the second volume may be the volume of the space between the inside of the pack cover 300 and the second battery module 220 which is positioned in close contact with the pack cover 300. If multiple second battery modules 220 are provided, the volume of the second side vent channel 320 at the location corresponding to one battery module may be the second volume. If multiple second side vent channels 320 are provided, the volume of each channel may be the second volume.

[0055] Referring to Figures 6-8 along with Figure 3, the center vent channel 330 may be configured to guide the gas collected toward the center space 130 at a position corresponding to the center space 130 to the outside of the pack housing 100. The center vent channel 330 may have a width corresponding to the center space 130 and a height corresponding to the first side vent channel 310 and the second side vent channel 320 in the XZ plane, and may have a shape that extends in the Y axis direction. The center vent channel 330 may have a third volume equal to or greater than the first and second volumes.

[0056] According to this configuration of the present invention, a vent channel can be created in the pack cover 300, which is normally used only to cover the pack housing 100, thereby adding a function to control the flow of gas. In the event of a thermal event, gas and flames from each battery module can move through the first side vent channel 310 and the second side vent channel 320 to the center vent channel 330, where the temperature of the gas may decrease and the intensity of the flame may weaken during the movement. Damage that may occur due to the ejection of hot gas and flames to the outside can be eliminated or mitigated.

[0057] In particular, when the center vent passage 330 has a volume equal to or larger than that of the side vent passages 310 and 320, the movement of gas from the side vent passages 310 and 320 to the center vent passage 330 can be facilitated, and the phenomenon of gas flowing back into the side vent passages after entering the center vent passage 330 can be prevented. Therefore, smooth gas discharge is possible.

[0058] Figure 9 shows a pack cover included in the battery pack according to the present invention.

[0059] Referring to Figure 9, the pack cover 300 may be formed such that the region corresponding to the center vent channel 330 is higher than the regions corresponding to the first side vent channel 310 and the second side vent channel 320. The pack cover 300 may have a shape in which only the region corresponding to the center vent channel 330 protrudes in the positive direction of the Z axis. The inner surface of the pack cover 300 may be recessed to form a certain space inside the protruding shape.

[0060] With this configuration of the present invention, it is easy to make the volume of the center vent channel 330 larger than the volume of the side vent channels. Furthermore, when the battery pack 10 including such a pack cover 300 is mounted in an automobile, the protruding portion of the pack cover 300 is located between the driver's seat and the passenger seat of the automobile, and / or in the center of the rear seat, making it easy to mount the battery pack 10.

[0061] Figure 10 shows the partition and additional partition included in the battery pack according to the present invention.

[0062] Referring to Figure 10, the battery pack 10 according to the present invention may include a partition wall 140 and an additional partition wall 141. The partition wall 140 may be positioned correspondingly between adjacent first battery modules 210 and between adjacent second battery modules 220, respectively. The partition wall 140 may be configured to block the movement of gas between the respective housing spaces of adjacent first battery modules 210 and between the respective housing spaces of adjacent second battery modules 220. The partition wall 140 may be coupled to the pack cover 300 and / or pack housing 100. The coupling may be mutual coupling by welding, bolting, etc. The partition wall 140 may have a substantially beam shape with a hollow interior.

[0063] With this configuration of the present invention, the partition wall 140 structurally isolates the respective housing spaces of adjacent first battery modules 210 and adjacent second battery modules 220 from each other. Therefore, gas generated from each battery module does not move toward adjacent battery modules, but only moves toward the sensor space through the first side vent channel 310 and the second side vent channel 320. During this movement, the temperature of the gas may decrease and the intensity of the flame may weaken, thereby minimizing the impact of the high-temperature flames and gases generated from each battery module on other battery modules. On the other hand, if the partition wall 140 has a substantially beam shape with a hollow interior, the weight can be reduced without sacrificing rigidity. The hollow space formed within the partition wall 140 can be used as a space to house electrical components required for the battery modules. The electrical components can be protected from physical impact by the partition wall 140.

[0064] Referring again to Figure 10 in conjunction with Figure 3, the additional partition wall 141 may have a shape that extends long along the extension direction of the center vent channel 330 (parallel to the Y-axis) in order to define the housing space for the first battery module 210. Thus, the pack housing 100 and the additional partition wall 141 can form the housing space for the first battery module 210. Similarly, the additional partition wall 141 for defining the housing space for the second battery module 220 may have a shape that extends long along the extension direction of the center vent channel 330 (parallel to the Y-axis), that is, along the longitudinal direction of the battery pack 10. Thus, the pack housing 100 and the additional partition wall 141 can form the housing space for the second battery module 220. Thus, when an additional partition wall 141 for defining the housing space for the first battery module 210 and an additional partition wall 141 for defining the housing space for the second battery module 220 are provided separately, the additional partition wall 141 for defining the housing space for the first battery module 210 and the additional partition wall 141 for defining the housing space for the second battery module 220 are spaced apart from each other, and a center space 130 can be formed between them. On the other hand, the additional partition wall 141 can also be configured to function as a common partition wall 140 for defining the housing space for the first battery module 210 and the housing space for the second battery module 220 within the pack housing 100. The additional partition wall 141 may have a shape that extends long along the extension direction of the center vent flow path 330. Such an additional partition wall 141 may be located approximately in the center of the pack housing 100 in the width direction (direction parallel to the X axis).

[0065] The additional partition wall 141 can have a hollow interior, thereby reducing weight without sacrificing rigidity. The hollow space formed within the additional partition wall 141 can be used as a passage for wiring connecting the battery module 200. Furthermore, the additional partition wall 141 can protect the wiring from physical impact. Therefore, a high energy density can be achieved in secondary batteries where energy density is critical.

[0066] The bulkhead 140 and the additional bulkhead 141 can be constructed integrally with each other, at least partially. Alternatively, each component can be manufactured separately and then joined together by welding, bolting, or other means.

[0067] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a section taken along the line A-A' in Figure 2.

[0068] Referring to Figure 11, the battery pack 10 according to the present invention may include a sealing member 150. The sealing member 150 may be provided between the partition wall 140 and the pack cover 300, and between the partition wall 140 and the pack housing 100, or at least one of the other. The sealing member 150 may be provided not only with the partition wall 140, but also between an additional partition wall 141 and the pack cover 300, and between the additional partition wall 141 and the pack housing 100, or at least one of the other. The sealing member 150 may be configured to enclose at least a portion of the joint between the partition wall 140 and the pack cover 300, and / or the joint between the partition wall 140 and the pack housing 100.

[0069] According to this configuration of the present invention, the effect of preventing gas from moving into the gap between the partition wall 140 and the pack cover 300, and / or the gap between the partition wall 140 and the pack housing 100 can be further improved.

[0070] Figure 12 shows a gas collection space and venting device included in a battery pack according to the present invention.

[0071] Referring to Figure 12, the pack housing 100 may include a gas collection space 160. The gas collection space 160 may be formed on at least one side of the center vent flow path 330 along its extension direction. The gas collection space 160 may communicate with the center vent flow path 330. For example, the gas collection space 160 may be located at the end of the pack housing 100 in the longitudinal direction (parallel to the Y-axis) parallel to the extension direction of the center vent. However, the present invention is not limited to the shape, location, and number of gas collection spaces 160 shown in Figure 12.

[0072] Referring to Figure 12, the pack housing 100 may be equipped with a venting device 170. The venting device 170 may be configured to allow the gas in the gas collection space 160 to be discharged to the outside of the pack housing 100. The venting device 170 may be in the form of a simple hole penetrating the pack housing 100. It may also be a completely open form, or a specific device that is not completely open, but is closed under normal conditions but can be opened in response to changes in pressure, temperature, etc.

[0073] With this configuration of the present invention, if a large amount of gas is generated at once and the internal pressure of the battery pack 10 rises, the internal pressure of the battery pack 10 can be quickly reduced through the gas collection space 160. Furthermore, by using the venting device 170, the gas can be discharged in the intended direction, and by increasing the processing capacity or number of the venting devices 170, the gas can be discharged more quickly and smoothly even when a large amount of vent gas is generated instantaneously.

[0074] Figure 13 shows a cover plate and a flow path plate included in the battery pack according to the present invention.

[0075] Referring to Figure 13, the pack cover 300 may include a cover plate 340 and a flow path plate 350. The cover plate 340 may be configured to cover the accommodation space of the pack housing 100. The flow path plate 350 is coupled to the inner surface of the cover plate 340 and may include a first side vent flow path 310, a second side vent flow path 320, and a center vent flow path 330.

[0076] The flow path plate 350 may include a first flow path plate 351, a second flow path plate 352, and a third flow path plate 353. The first flow path plate 351 may be coupled to the inner surface of the cover plate 340 at a position corresponding to the first battery module 210. The first flow path plate 351 may have a first side vent flow path 310. The second flow path plate 352 may be coupled to the inner surface of the cover plate 340 at a position corresponding to the second battery module 220. The second flow path plate 352 may have a second side vent flow path 320. The third flow path plate 353 may be coupled at a position corresponding to the center space 130. The third flow path plate 353 may have a center vent flow path 330.

[0077] At least a portion of the cover plate 340, the first flow path plate 351, the second flow path plate 352, and the third flow path plate 353 may be integrally formed with each other, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to cases where each plate is manufactured separately and then joined together.

[0078] With this configuration of the present invention, if the cover plate 340 and the flow channel plate 350 are not integrally formed but are prepared as separate parts and joined together, a general-purpose pack cover 300 without a flow channel can be used as is. Furthermore, when manufacturing the pack cover 300, it is possible to increase production efficiency by manufacturing each plate separately and joining them together. On the other hand, as described above, if a vent flow channel is formed on the inner surface of the pack cover 300, the reduction in the internal storage space of the pack housing 100 due to the formation of the flow channel can be minimized.

[0079] Figure 14 shows a groove provided in the pack cover included in the battery pack according to the present invention.

[0080] Referring to Figure 14, the first side vent channel 310 and the second side vent channel 320 may have groove shapes G formed on the inner surface of the pack cover 300. Alternatively, the first side vent channel 310 and the second side vent channel 320 may have groove shapes G formed on the inner surface of the channel plate 350. In this case, the channel plate 350 may be coupled to the inner surface of the cover plate 340 on the side opposite to the inner surface where the groove shapes G are formed.

[0081] Multiple first side vent channels 310 and second side vent channels 320 can be provided along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis extension direction) of the battery pack 10. Therefore, multiple groove shapes G can be provided.

[0082] According to this embodiment of the present invention, since grooves can be formed on the inner surface of the pack cover 300 or the flow path plate 350 without providing a separate member for forming the vent flow path, the spatial efficiency in secondary batteries, where energy density is important, can be improved. This can be achieved more easily than connecting a separate member for forming the vent flow path to the pack cover 300 or the flow path plate 350, thus simplifying manufacturing.

[0083] Figure 15 shows a cross-section of the battery pack according to the present invention, with the pack cover of Figure 13 applied, cut along the line D-D'.

[0084] Referring to Figure 15 together with Figure 13, the center vent channel 330 may include a first center vent channel 331 and a second center vent channel 332. The first center vent channel 331 may communicate with the first side vent channel 310. The first center vent channel 331 may have a roughly rectangular shape when viewed in the XZ plane. The first center vent channel 331 may have a shape that extends in the Y-axis direction. The first center vent channel 331 may have a fourth volume that is larger than the first volume. The second center vent channel 332 may communicate with the second side vent channel 320. The second center vent channel 332 may have a roughly rectangular shape when viewed in the XZ plane. The second center vent channel 332 may have a shape that extends in the Y-axis direction. The second center vent channel 332 may have a fifth volume that is larger than the second volume.

[0085] Referring to Figure 15 together with Figure 13, the third flow path plate 353 may include a first flow path forming portion 353a, a second flow path forming portion 353b, and a connecting portion 353c. The first flow path forming portion 353a may form a first center vent flow path 331 that communicates with the first side vent flow path 310. The second flow path forming portion 353b may form a second center vent flow path 332 that communicates with the second side vent flow path 320. The connecting portion 353c may connect the first flow path forming portion 353a and the second flow path forming portion 353b. The connecting portion 353c may be coupled to the inner surface of the cover plate 340. The third flow path plate 353 may have a shape that extends long along the Y-axis direction. The first flow path forming portion 353a may be located at a predetermined distance from the inner surface of the cover plate 340. As a result, a first center vent channel 331 can be formed in the space surrounded by the first channel forming portion 353a, the cover plate 340, and the connecting portion 353c. Similarly, the second channel forming portion 353b may be positioned at a predetermined distance from the inner surface of the cover plate 340. As a result, a second center vent channel 332 can be formed in the space surrounded by the second channel forming portion 353b, the cover plate 340, and the connecting portion 353c. In order to smoothly connect the first side vent channel 310 and the first center vent channel 331, the first channel forming portion 353a may be positioned at a height corresponding to the height (length extending along the direction parallel to the Z axis) of the battery cell 201 which is upright in the pack housing 100. Similarly, in order to smoothly connect the second side vent channel 320 and the second center vent channel 332, the second channel forming section 353b may be positioned at a height corresponding to the height (length extending along the direction parallel to the Z-axis) of the battery cell 201 which is upright within the pack housing 100.

[0086] Figure 16 shows an automobile according to the present invention.

[0087] Referring to Figure 16, the battery pack 10 according to the present invention can be applied to an automobile 1 such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. That is, the automobile 1 according to the present invention may include the battery pack 10 according to the present invention. In addition to the battery pack 10, the automobile 1 according to the present invention may further include various other components included in the automobile 1. For example, the automobile 1 according to the present invention may further include, in addition to the battery pack 10 according to the present invention, a vehicle body, a motor, an electronic control unit (ECU), and other control devices.

[0088] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many diverse and obvious modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be analyzed by the claims, which are described to include such many modifications. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1. Automobile 10 Battery Packs 100 Pack Housing 110 First Containment Space 120 Second Containment Space 130 Center Space 140 Bulkhead 141 Additional bulkhead 150 sealing member 160 Gas collection space 170 Venting device 200 Battery Modules 201 battery cells 202 Busbar Frame Assembly 203 Module Case 203a Vent Hole 210 First Battery Module 220 Second Battery Module 300 Pack Cover 310 First side vent channel 320 Second side vent channel 330 Center vent channel 331 First center vent channel 332 Second Center Vent Flow Channel 340 Cover Plate 350 flow path plate 351 First channel plate 352 Second channel plate 353 Third channel plate 353a First channel forming section 353b Second channel formation section 353c joint G groove shape

Claims

1. A pack housing comprising a first storage space, a second storage space located spaced apart from the first storage space, and a center space formed between the first storage space and the second storage space, At least one first battery module, disposed within the first containment space, At least one second battery module and, located within the second accommodation space. A pack cover is configured to include: a first side vent passage having a first volume, configured to guide gas generated from the first battery module into the center space at a position corresponding to the first battery module; a second side vent passage having a second volume, configured to guide gas generated from the second battery module into the center space at a position corresponding to the first battery module; and a center vent passage having a third volume equal to or greater than the first and second volumes, and communicating with the center space, configured to guide gas collected in the center space to the outside of the pack housing at a position corresponding to the center space. Includes, The aforementioned center space is a space formed between an additional partition wall for defining the first accommodation space and an additional partition wall for defining the second accommodation space, which are spaced apart from each other, in a battery pack.

2. The aforementioned pack cover is The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the region corresponding to the center vent passage is formed at a higher position than the regions corresponding to the first side vent passage and the second side vent passage.

3. The aforementioned battery pack is The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising partition walls positioned at locations corresponding to the spaces between adjacent first battery modules and at locations corresponding to the spaces between adjacent second battery modules.

4. The aforementioned partition wall is The battery pack according to claim 3, configured to block the movement of gas between the respective housing spaces of the adjacent first battery modules and between the respective housing spaces of the adjacent second battery modules.

5. The aforementioned battery pack is The battery pack according to claim 4, further comprising a sealing member between the partition wall and the pack cover, and between the partition wall and the pack housing, at least one of these.

6. The aforementioned pack cover is A cover plate configured to cover the storage space of the pack housing, A flow path plate is coupled to the inner surface of the cover plate and includes the first side vent flow path, the second side vent flow path, and the center vent flow path, The battery pack according to claim 1, including the following:

7. The aforementioned flow channel plate is A first flow path plate is coupled to the inner surface of the cover plate at a position corresponding to the first battery module and is provided with the first side vent flow path, A second flow path plate is coupled to the inner surface of the cover plate at a position corresponding to the second battery module and is provided with the second side vent flow path, A third flow path plate is coupled to the inner surface of the cover plate at a position corresponding to the center space and is equipped with the center vent flow path, The battery pack according to claim 6, including the following:

8. The aforementioned pack housing is The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising a gas collection space formed on at least one side of the center vent flow path along the extension direction of the center vent flow path.

9. The aforementioned pack housing is The battery pack according to claim 8, further comprising a venting device configured to allow the gas in the gas collection space to be discharged to the outside of the pack housing.

10. The first side vent channel and the second side vent channel are The battery pack according to claim 1, having a groove shape formed on the inner surface of the pack cover.

11. The first side vent channel and the second side vent channel are Each has a groove shape formed on one side of the first flow channel plate and the second flow channel plate, The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein the first flow path plate and the second flow path plate are bonded to the inner surface of the cover plate on the side opposite to the one surface on which the groove shape is formed.

12. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the first side vent channel and the second side vent channel are each provided in multiple quantities along the longitudinal direction of the battery pack.

13. The aforementioned center vent passage is A first center vent passage is configured to communicate with the first side vent passage and to have a fourth volume larger than the first volume, A second center vent passage is configured to communicate with the second side vent passage and to have a fifth volume larger than the second volume, The battery pack according to claim 7, including the following:

14. The third flow channel plate is, A first channel forming section that forms a first center vent channel that communicates with the first side vent channel, A second channel forming section that forms a second center vent channel that communicates with the second side vent channel, The first channel forming section and the second channel forming section are connected, and the connecting section is coupled to the inner surface of the cover plate, The battery pack according to claim 13, including the following:

15. An automobile comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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