Battery packs and automobiles containing them

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery pack and a vehicle including the same, which are configured to ensure structural stability even when a thermal event occurs. The battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention includes a battery module, a pack housing having a module receiving portion for receiving the battery module, and an opening / closing member configured to exhaust vent gas or flames caused by thermal runaway of the battery module to the outside of the module receiving portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack and an automobile including the same, and more particularly, to a battery pack configured to ensure structural stability even when a thermal event occurs, and an automobile including the same.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0059601 filed on May 16, 2022, and all of the content disclosed in the specification and drawings of the application is 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 been rapidly increasing, and as the development of electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots, satellites, etc. has become full-scale, research on high-performance secondary batteries capable of repeated charge and discharge has been actively conducted.

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

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

[0006] On the other hand, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into two types based on the shape of the battery case: 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. Furthermore, can-type secondary batteries can be classified into cylindrical batteries and prismatic batteries based on the shape of the metal can.

[0007] Here, the pouch of a pouch-type secondary battery is broadly divided into a lower sheet and an upper sheet that covers the lower sheet. At this time, the pouch contains an electrode assembly formed by laminating and winding a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator. After the electrode assembly is contained, the periphery of the upper and lower sheets is sealed by heat fusion or the like. In addition, electrode tabs drawn out from each electrode are connected to electrode leads, and an insulating film may be added to the part of the electrode lead that is in contact with the sealed part.

[0008] Thus, pouch-type rechargeable batteries can be flexibly adapted to various forms. Furthermore, pouch-type rechargeable batteries have the advantage of achieving the same capacity in a smaller volume and mass.

[0009] Such lithium-ion secondary batteries are constructed by stacking or arranging multiple battery cells, either individually or mounted in cartridges, to create a dense structure that provides high voltage and high current. These are then electrically connected and used as battery modules or battery packs.

[0010] In such battery pack configurations, one of the most important issues is safety. In particular, if a thermal event occurs in the battery module, high-temperature and high-pressure vent gas may be generated inside the battery module. If such vent gas comes into contact with oxygen, there is a risk of flames being generated inside or outside the battery module.

[0011] Furthermore, if a thermal event occurs in any one of the multiple battery modules included in a battery pack, it is necessary to suppress the propagation of such thermal events to the other battery modules. If thermal propagation between battery modules is not properly suppressed, this could lead to thermal events in the other battery modules in the battery pack, potentially causing larger problems such as the battery pack catching fire or exploding. Moreover, a battery pack catching fire or exploding can cause significant damage to people and property in the surrounding area. Therefore, such battery packs require a configuration that can properly control the aforementioned thermal events. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0012] The present invention was devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one of its objectives is to provide a battery pack and an automobile including the same that are configured to ensure structural stability even when thermal events occur.

[0013] However, the technical problems that this invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the detailed description of the invention below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] To achieve the above objectives, a battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention includes a battery module, a module housing for housing the battery module, and a pack housing configured to discharge vent gas or flames caused by thermal runaway of the battery module to the outside of the module housing.

[0015] Preferably, the pack housing includes a side frame that constitutes the side of the pack housing and is positioned at least partially opposite the opening / closing member; a flow path provided between the module housing and the side frame, configured to communicate with the module housing through a flow hole formed by the opening / closing member when the battery module experiences thermal runaway; and an outlet provided in the side frame, configured to communicate with the flow path and discharge the vent gas or flame to the outside of the pack housing.

[0016] Preferably, the end of the opening / closing member may be configured to contact the side frame when the battery module experiences thermal runaway.

[0017] Preferably, the opening / closing member may be configured to open at an acute angle to the flow hole when the battery module experiences thermal runaway.

[0018] Preferably, the outlet may be located in the side frame after the vent gas or flame flowing through the flow path has been bent once or more times.

[0019] Preferably, a plurality of battery modules are provided, a plurality of module housings are provided, the battery modules are housed in each of the plurality of module housings, and the plurality of module housings may be configured to be sealed off from each other by partitions.

[0020] Preferably, the partition wall may be provided with opening and closing members corresponding to each module housing section.

[0021] Preferably, each of the opening / closing members may be configured to open at an acute angle to the flow hole when the plurality of battery modules experience thermal runaway, and at least some of the opening / closing members may be configured so that the opening angle decreases as they approach the discharge port.

[0022] Preferably, the end of the opening / closing member disposed at the position farthest from the discharge port can be configured to contact the side frame during thermal runaway of the plurality of battery modules.

[0023] Preferably, at least some of the opening / closing members of each of the opening / closing members can be configured such that the length thereof becomes shorter as it approaches the discharge port.

[0024] Preferably, in each of the opening / closing members, a blocking member configured to block the flame can be provided on the outer side surface of the module housing portion.

[0025] Preferably, the battery pack is provided at a portion located at a corner of the side frame in the flow path, and may further include a guide member configured to guide the vent gas or flame in the direction of the discharge port.

[0026] Preferably, the battery pack is provided at the discharge port, and may further include a mesh member configured to filter the flame and allow the vent gas to pass therethrough.

[0027] In addition, an automobile according to another aspect of the present invention includes at least one battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention as described above.

Advantages of the Invention

[0028] According to one aspect of the present invention, since the vent gas and / or flame can be quickly discharged by the opening / closing member, the ignition factor of the battery module can be suppressed, and the structural stability of the battery pack can be enhanced.

[0029] In addition, it is possible to prevent the vent gas and / or flame from remaining in the pack housing, and to more reliably guide the discharge of the vent gas and / or flame to the outside of the pack housing.

[0030] Furthermore, in the event of simultaneous thermal runaway in multiple battery modules, the opening of each opening / closing member prevents the flow of a large amount of vent gas and / or flames discharged into the flow path from being restricted towards the exhaust port, thereby reliably blocking the backflow of vent gas and / or flames into the interior of the multiple module housings.

[0031] In addition to these, various other further effects can be achieved by various embodiments of the present invention. These various effects of the present invention will be described in the sections for each embodiment, and the description of effects that are easily understood by those skilled in the art will be omitted.

[0032] The drawings accompanying this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the present invention described later, are intended to further illustrate the technical concept of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be construed as being limited only to what is shown in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0033] [Figure 1] This figure shows a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the detailed structure of the battery pack. [Figure 3] This figure shows the battery module installed in the battery pack shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This is an enlarged view of section A in Figure 2. [Figure 5] Figure 4 shows the opening / closing member in the open position. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of vent gas or flames being emitted during thermal runaway of a battery module. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of vent gas or flames being emitted during thermal runaway of a battery module. [Figure 8] This figure shows another example of vent gas or flames being emitted during thermal runaway of a battery module. [Figure 9]This figure shows another example of vent gas or flames being emitted during thermal runaway of a battery module. [Figure 10] This figure shows a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This figure shows a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This figure shows a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This figure shows a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This figure shows a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This figure shows a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This figure shows a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] This figure shows a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] 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 claims are not to be interpreted in their usual or dictionary sense, but rather in a sense and concept that corresponds 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] Furthermore, the present invention includes various embodiments. For each embodiment, redundant explanations of substantially identical or similar configurations will be omitted, and the explanation will focus on the differences.

[0037] On the other hand, while terms such as up, down, left, right, front, and back may be used in this specification to indicate direction, these terms are for convenience of explanation and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that they may vary depending on the position of the object in question, the observer's position, etc.

[0038] Figure 1 shows a battery pack 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a diagram for explaining the detailed structure of the battery pack 10 of Figure 1, Figure 3 shows a battery module 100 provided in the battery pack 10 of Figure 2, Figure 4 is an enlarged view of part A of Figure 2, and Figure 5 shows the state in which the opening / closing member C is open in Figure 4. In this case, the illustration of the upper cover 230, which will be described later, is omitted in Figure 2.

[0039] In one embodiment of the present invention, the X-axis direction shown in the drawing means the front-to-back direction, the Y-axis direction means the left-to-right direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction and the horizontal plane (XY plane), and the Z-axis direction may mean the up-and-down direction perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0040] Referring to Figures 1 to 5, a battery pack 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery module 100 and a pack housing 200.

[0041] The battery module 100 may include a cell assembly (not shown) and a module case 110.

[0042] The cell assembly may include at least one battery cell, where a battery cell may mean a rechargeable battery. Such a battery cell may be provided as a pouch-type battery cell, a cylindrical battery cell, or a prismatic battery cell. In one example, the battery cell may be a pouch-type battery cell.

[0043] The module case 110 can house a cell assembly inside. Therefore, the module case 110 may have an internal housing space for housing a cell assembly inside.

[0044] The module case 110 may also include a case body 111 that houses the cell assembly and has open ends on both sides, and end plates 112 that are coupled to both sides of the case body 111. The case body 111 may be formed in a tubular shape with open ends, and the end plates 112 may be coupled to the open ends on both sides of the case body 111. Referring to Figure 3, the end plates 112 may be arranged to face each other along the Y-axis. The end plates 112 may be coupled to the open ends of the case body 111 so that the electrode leads of the battery cells and the portions to which the electrode leads are fixedly connected to the busbars are not exposed to the outside.

[0045] The pack housing 200 may be configured to house the battery module 100. For this purpose, a module housing section S may be formed in the pack housing 200. The module housing section S is an empty space and may be formed in a shape that allows the battery module 100 to be housed inside. Specifically, the module housing section S may be formed in a shape that allows the battery module 100 to be housed inside via a partition wall W, which will be described later. Such a pack housing 200 may contain a material with high heat resistance and rigidity.

[0046] In a battery pack 10 as described in one embodiment of the present invention, phenomena such as thermal runaway may occur in a specific battery module 100. In this case, high-temperature and high-pressure vent gas may be generated inside the specific battery module 100, and if such vent gas comes into contact with oxygen, a flame may be generated inside or outside the battery module 100.

[0047] In this case, there is a high risk that such vent gases or flames will transfer to other battery modules 100 adjacent to a specific battery module 100, potentially causing simultaneous thermal runaway or ignition in multiple battery modules 100. On the other hand, conventional battery packs have multiple battery modules arranged within a sealed pack housing and lack a proper exhaust path for vent gases or flames, making them vulnerable to the aforementioned simultaneous ignitions.

[0048] To solve these problems, a pack housing 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an opening / closing member C. Such an opening / closing member C may be configured to discharge vent gas and / or flames caused by thermal runaway of the battery module 100 to the outside of the module housing S.

[0049] Specifically, the opening / closing member C may be configured to open or close the inside of the module housing S in response to the pressure inside the module housing S caused by vent gas resulting from thermal runaway of the battery module 100.

[0050] In this case, the opening / closing member C may be rotatably coupled to one side of the module housing S. In one example, the opening / closing member C may be rotatably coupled to one side of the module housing S by a separate coupling member I. Such coupling member I may, but is not limited to, a hinge.

[0051] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the opening / closing member C can quickly discharge vent gas and / or flames, thereby suppressing the factors that cause the battery module 100 to ignite and strengthening the structural stability of the battery pack 10.

[0052] Although not shown in detail, the connecting member I may include an elastic body and be configured to control the rotational movement of the aforementioned opening / closing member C. In one example, the elastic body may be a hinge spring.

[0053] The opening / closing member C can maintain a closed state by the elastic force of the elastic body provided on the aforementioned coupling member I, even when the battery module 100 is not experiencing thermal runaway.

[0054] On the other hand, the opening / closing member C may be configured to deploy outward from the module housing S in order to discharge vent gas and / or flames to the outside of the module housing S when the pressure inside the module housing S rises above the reference pressure due to thermal runaway of the battery module 100. When the pressure inside the module housing S is above the reference pressure, it may mean that the pressure inside the module housing S is greater than the pressure outside the module housing S due to the generation of vent gas. In this case, the pressurizing force of the air inside the module housing S applied to the opening / closing member C by the vent gas may become greater than the elastic force of the coupling member I that maintains the closed state of the opening / closing member C. For this reason, when the battery module 100 experiences thermal runaway, the opening / closing member C can be easily deployed outward from the module housing S due to the pressure difference between the outside and inside of the module housing S.

[0055] This allows vent gas and / or flames to be quickly discharged to the outside through the open portion of the module housing S. In addition, the discharge of vent gas allows the internal pressure of the battery module 100 to decrease rapidly.

[0056] Furthermore, the opening / closing member C may be configured to close the module housing S when the vent gas is discharged to the outside and the pressure inside the module housing S drops below the reference pressure. In this way, when the pressure inside the module housing S is below the reference pressure, it may mean that the vent gas has been discharged to the outside and the pressure inside the module housing S is lower than the pressure outside the module housing S. In this case, not only the pressure from the air outside the module housing S applied to the opening / closing member C, but also the elastic force of the coupling member I that maintains the closed state of the opening / closing member C may be applied. Therefore, when the vent gas is discharged to the outside and the pressure inside the module housing S drops, the opening / closing member C can be smoothly driven inward towards the module housing S by the pressure difference between the outside and inside of the module housing S, thereby closing the module housing S.

[0057] This makes it easier to close the module housing S with the opening / closing member C when the amount of vent gas discharged decreases, thereby reliably preventing the backflow of vent gas and / or flames into the module housing S. Furthermore, by blocking the inflow of oxygen into the module housing S, further ignition within the module housing S can be suppressed.

[0058] The following provides a more detailed explanation of the structure of the aforementioned pack housing 200.

[0059] Referring again to Figures 1, 2, 4, and 5, the pack housing 200 may include a side frame 210, a flow path P, and an outlet E.

[0060] The side frame 210 constitutes the side of the pack housing 200 and may be positioned at least partially opposite the opening / closing member C. In this case, the opening / closing member C may be positioned opposite all sides of the side frame 210, or it may be positioned opposite only some of the sides of the side frame 210.

[0061] The flow path P is provided between the module housing S and the side frame 210 and may be configured to communicate with the module housing S via a flow hole H formed by the opening of the opening / closing member C when the battery module 100 experiences thermal runaway. Such a flow path P can provide a flow space so that vent gas and / or flames discharged through the flow hole H are discharged to the outside of the pack housing 200.

[0062] Furthermore, the opening / closing member C can be opened in the direction of the opposing side frame 210 in the event of thermal runaway of the battery module 100. Additionally, the opening / closing member C can be configured to open or close the flow hole H in accordance with the pressure inside the module housing S in the event of thermal runaway of the battery module 100.

[0063] The exhaust port E is provided in the side frame 210 and may be configured to communicate with a flow path P for discharging vent gas and / or flames to the outside of the pack housing 200. Such an exhaust port E may be provided in the shape of a hole having a predetermined area. In particular, the opening / closing member C may be opened such that its end faces the exhaust port E in the event of thermal runaway of the battery module 100.

[0064] With this configuration, the vent gas and / or flame discharged from the module housing S can be guided through the space located between the module housing S and the side of the pack housing 200 and discharged to the outside of the pack housing 200. Therefore, the discharge of the vent gas and / or flame to the outside of the pack housing 200 can be performed more stably.

[0065] On the other hand, the aforementioned pack housing 200 may further include a floor frame 220 and an upper cover 230.

[0066] The floor frame 220 constitutes the lower part of the pack housing 200 and can be connected to the side frame 210.

[0067] The upper cover 230 is coupled to the upper part of the side frame 210 and can seal the upper part of the battery module 100. In particular, the upper cover 230 can seal the upper part of the module housing S.

[0068] Figures 6 and 7 illustrate an example of vent gas or flame discharge during thermal runaway of the battery module 100. Specifically, Figures 6 and 7 show an example of thermal runaway occurring in one battery module 100. In Figures 6 and 7, vent gas and flame are indicated by reference numerals "V" and "F," respectively.

[0069] Referring to Figures 2, 4 to 7, the end of the opening / closing member C may be configured to contact the side frame 210 when the battery module 100 experiences thermal runaway. For this reason, the length of the opening / closing member C (for example, the length extending from one side of the module housing S) may be configured to be the same as or longer than the length between the flow hole H and the side frame 210 (length in the Y-axis direction).

[0070] As a result, in the event of thermal runaway of the battery module 100, the opening / closing member C can prevent vent gas and / or flames from flowing into the area opposite to the outlet E within the flow path P, with reference to the portion where the end of the opening / closing member C abuts against the side frame 210. This prevents vent gas and / or flames from remaining inside the pack housing 200 and more reliably guides the discharge of vent gas and / or flames to the outside of the pack housing 200.

[0071] Furthermore, the opening / closing member C may be configured to open at an acute angle to the flow hole H when the battery module 100 experiences thermal runaway.

[0072] Specifically, referring again to Figures 2 and 4-7, a limiting member R may be provided on one side of the module housing S, configured to restrict the opening angle of the opening / closing member C to less than a certain angle. Such a limiting member R may be provided in the shape of a plate. In particular, the limiting member R may be positioned at an acute angle with respect to the flow hole H. The angle between such a limiting member R and the flow hole H may be set in an angle range greater than 0° and less than 90°.

[0073] Furthermore, the limiting member R may be provided on one side of the module housing S so as to be located further from the discharge port E than the opening / closing member C. On the other hand, the limiting member R may be provided with a shorter length than the opening / closing member C (for example, a length extending from one side of the module housing S), but is not limited to this. Meanwhile, the angle that the limiting member R makes with respect to the flow hole H may be set within a range in which the end of the opening / closing member C can come into contact with the side frame 210 when the battery module 100 experiences thermal runaway.

[0074] As a result, when the opening / closing member C is opened towards the side frame 210 due to thermal runaway of the battery module 100, the opening / closing member C can be limited to an opening angle less than a certain angle with respect to the flow hole H by contacting the limiting member R. Preferably, the opening / closing member C can be configured to open at an acute angle with respect to the flow hole H by the limiting member R.

[0075] Therefore, the vent gas and / or flames discharged from inside the module housing S due to thermal runaway of the battery module 100 can be discharged into the flow path P along the inner surface of the opening / closing member C, which is positioned at an inclination with respect to the flow hole H. This allows for more reliable guidance of the flow of vent gas and / or flames toward the outlet E.

[0076] Referring again to Figures 2, 4 to 7, the outlet E may be located in the side frame 210 at a position where the vent gas and / or flame flowing through the flow path P has been bent one or more times.

[0077] In other words, the outlet E may be formed in the side frame 210 at a position after the flow of vent gas and / or flame has been switched at least once. In one example, the outlet E may be configured to be located in a portion of the flow path P perpendicular to the portion where the opening / closing member C is located, with respect to the corner of the side frame 210.

[0078] Therefore, since the vent gas and / or flame flowing through the flow path P is switched at least once before being discharged to the outside of the pack housing 200, the backflow of vent gas and / or flame into the area of ​​the flow path P where the opening / closing member C is located can be reliably blocked.

[0079] Referring to Figures 2, 4, and 5, multiple battery modules 100 may be provided, and correspondingly, multiple module housings S may be provided. In this case, each of the multiple module housings S may be configured independently.

[0080] In this case, multiple battery modules 100 can be housed in multiple module housing sections S.

[0081] In particular, multiple module housings S may be configured to be sealed off from one another by partition walls W. In one example, the partition walls W may include a material with high heat resistance and rigidity.

[0082] Such a bulkhead W can constitute the side surface of each module housing S. Furthermore, the bulkhead W may be formed to extend vertically in accordance with the height of the side frame 210. In this case, the components constituting the bulkhead W may be joined to each other by welding, or they may be formed integrally by injection molding, but the manufacturing method is not limited to these.

[0083] Furthermore, the partition wall W may be positioned at least partially apart from the side frame 210. In one example, the aforementioned flow path P may be formed in the portion where the partition wall W is positioned apart from the side frame 210.

[0084] Furthermore, a floor frame 220 may be attached to the lower side of the partition wall W, and an upper cover 230 may be attached to the upper side of the partition wall W. On the other hand, in a battery pack 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the upper cover 230 may integrally cover the side frame 210 and the upper side of the partition wall W, or a separate cover (not shown) may be provided on the upper side of the partition wall W.

[0085] This configuration makes it possible to suppress simultaneous and multiple fires between adjacent battery modules 100 in the event of a thermal runaway phenomenon in a specific battery module 100.

[0086] In particular, the bulkhead W may be provided with opening and closing members C corresponding to each module housing section S.

[0087] Specifically, the opening / closing member C can be rotatably coupled to one side of the partition wall W. In this case, the opening / closing member C can be rotatably coupled to one side of the partition wall W by the aforementioned coupling member I. Furthermore, the aforementioned limiting member R is provided on one side of the partition wall W and can be configured to limit the opening angle of the opening / closing member C to less than a certain angle.

[0088] Thus, each opening / closing member C provided in the partition wall W corresponding to each module housing S can be configured to open and close the flow holes H in accordance with the pressure inside each module housing S when the battery module 100 experiences thermal runaway.

[0089] On the other hand, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the battery module 100 of this embodiment may be provided with vent holes O on at least one surface of the module case 110 for discharging vent gas and / or flames. In one example, the vent holes O may be provided on the upper surface of the module case 110. However, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the vent holes O may be provided on both sides of the module case 110. Here, both sides may be surfaces that face each other along the X-axis, and the vent holes O may be provided so as to extend along the Z-axis. Furthermore, multiple battery modules 100 may be housed in their respective module housings S such that the vent holes O are arranged adjacent to the opening / closing members C.

[0090] As a result, if a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs in the battery module 100, the vent gas and / or flame generated in the battery module 100 can be vented to both sides of the battery module 100 through the vent holes O. Furthermore, the vent gas and / or flame discharged through the vent holes O can be quickly discharged into the flow path P through the flow holes H, passing through the space between the battery module 100 and the partition wall W in the module housing S, or the space between the battery module 100 and the side frame 210.

[0091] Therefore, according to this embodiment of the present invention, when a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs simultaneously in multiple battery modules 100, the vent gas and / or flames discharged through the vent holes O provided on both sides of the battery module 100 can be more quickly guided to the flow path P and discharged to the outside of the pack housing 200.

[0092] Figures 8 and 9 show other examples of vent gas or flame discharge during thermal runaway of the battery module 100. Specifically, Figures 8 and 9 show examples where thermal runaway occurs in multiple battery modules 100. In Figures 8 and 9, vent gas and flame are indicated by reference numerals "V" and "F", respectively.

[0093] Referring to Figures 2, 4, 8, and 9, at least some of the opening / closing members C may be configured such that, in the event of thermal runaway of multiple battery modules 100, the degree to which they open toward the side frame 210 decreases as they approach the exhaust port E.

[0094] As described above, each opening / closing member C may be configured to open at an acute angle to the flow hole H when a runaway thermal event occurs in one of the battery modules 100.

[0095] Furthermore, at least some of the opening / closing members C may be configured such that their opening angle decreases as they approach the discharge port E.

[0096] Specifically, on one side of the module housing S, each of the opening / closing members C may be provided with a limiting member R configured to restrict the opening angle of the opening / closing member C to less than a certain angle. Such limiting members R may be positioned at an acute angle with respect to the flow hole H.

[0097] In particular, at least some of the restricting members R may be configured such that the angle they make with respect to the flow hole H decreases as they approach the discharge port E. As a result, at least some of the opening / closing members C may be configured such that the opening angle decreases as they approach the discharge port E.

[0098] In one embodiment, each opening / closing member C may be configured such that its opening angle decreases as it approaches the outlet E. In this case, the restricting member R provided on each opening / closing member C may be configured such that the angle it makes with respect to the flow hole H decreases as it approaches the outlet E. In this case, the flow of vent gas and / or flame discharged into the flow path P by the opening of a particular opening / closing member C toward the outlet E can proceed smoothly without being restricted by the outer surface of other opening / closing members C positioned relatively closer to the outlet E than the particular opening / closing member C.

[0099] In other words, the further the opening / closing member C is positioned from the outlet E, the more the vent gas and / or flame can be discharged into the flow path P along the inner surface of the opening / closing member C so as to be guided in a direction adjacent to the side frame 210. Therefore, the collision of the vent gas and / or flame discharged into the flow path P by opening a particular opening / closing member C with the outer surface of other opening / closing members C positioned relatively closer to the outlet E than the particular opening / closing member C can be minimized. Furthermore, since the collision of the vent gas and / or flame discharged into the flow path P by opening a particular opening / closing member C with the outer surface of other opening / closing members C can be minimized, the backflow of the vent gas and / or flame discharged into the flow path P into the module housing S can be minimized.

[0100] According to this embodiment of the present invention, when a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs simultaneously in multiple battery modules 100, the vent gas and / or flames discharged from inside each module housing S can be discharged into the flow path P along the inner surface of the opening / closing member C, which is positioned at an inclination with respect to the flow hole H. This allows for stable guidance of the flow of multiple vent gases and / or flames toward the outlet E.

[0101] Furthermore, in the event that thermal runaway occurs simultaneously in multiple battery modules 100, the opening of each opening / closing member C prevents the flow of multiple vent gases and / or flames discharged into the flow path P from being restricted towards the exhaust port E, thereby reliably blocking the backflow of vent gases and / or flames into the interior of the multiple module housings S.

[0102] Referring again to Figures 2, 4, 8, and 9, the end of the opening / closing member C located furthest from the outlet E may be configured to contact the side frame 210 when the battery modules 100 experience thermal runaway. For this reason, the length of the opening / closing member C located furthest from the outlet E (for example, the length extending from one side of the module housing S) may be configured to be the same as or longer than the length between the flow hole H and the side frame 210 (the length in the Y-axis direction). On the other hand, the angle that the limiting member R, which limits the opening angle of the opening / closing member C located furthest from the outlet E, makes with respect to the flow hole H may be set to a range such that the end of the opening / closing member C located furthest from the outlet E can contact the side frame 210 when the battery modules 100 experience thermal runaway.

[0103] As a result, when thermal runaway occurs simultaneously in multiple battery modules 100, the opening / closing member C, positioned furthest from the outlet E, can prevent vent gas and / or flames from flowing into the area opposite to the outlet E within the flow path P, using the portion where the end of the opening / closing member C abuts against the side frame 210 as a reference. This prevents vent gas and / or flames from remaining inside the pack housing 200 even when multiple battery modules 100 experience thermal runaway, and more reliably guides the discharge of vent gas and / or flames to the outside of the pack housing 200.

[0104] Figure 10 shows a battery pack 12 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] Since the battery pack 12 according to this embodiment is the same as the battery pack 10 according to the above-described embodiment, redundant explanations of substantially identical or similar configurations to those of the above-described embodiment will be omitted, and the following explanation will focus on the differences from the above-described embodiment. In this case, in Figure 10, the vent gas and flame are indicated by reference numerals "V" and "F", respectively.

[0106] As described above, each opening / closing member C can be configured to open at an acute angle to the flow hole H when multiple battery modules 100 experience thermal runaway. This can be achieved by the aforementioned limiting member R.

[0107] Referring to Figure 10, in the battery pack 12 according to this embodiment, at least some of the opening / closing members C may be configured such that their length decreases as they approach the discharge port E when the multiple battery modules 100 experience thermal runaway. In this case, each flow hole H may be provided to correspond to the size of each opening / closing member C.

[0108] In one embodiment of the present invention, each opening / closing member C may be configured such that its length decreases as it approaches the outlet E. In this case, the flow of vent gas and / or flame discharged into the flow path P by opening a particular opening / closing member C toward the outlet E can proceed smoothly without being restricted by the outer surface of other opening / closing members C positioned relatively closer to the outlet E than the particular opening / closing member C.

[0109] In other words, the further the opening / closing member C is positioned from the outlet E, the more the vent gas and / or flame can be discharged into the flow path P along the inner surface of the opening / closing member C so as to be guided in a direction adjacent to the side frame 210. Therefore, the collision of the vent gas and / or flame discharged into the flow path P by opening a particular opening / closing member C with the outer surface of other opening / closing members C positioned relatively closer to the outlet E than the particular opening / closing member C can be minimized. Furthermore, since the collision of the vent gas and / or flame discharged into the flow path P by opening a particular opening / closing member C with the outer surface of other opening / closing members C can be minimized, the backflow of the vent gas and / or flame discharged into the flow path P into the module housing S can be minimized.

[0110] According to the battery pack 12 of this embodiment, when a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs simultaneously in multiple battery modules 100, the opening of each opening / closing member C prevents the flow of multiple vent gases and / or flames discharged into the flow path P from being restricted toward the exhaust port E, and reliably blocks the backflow of vent gases and / or flames into the interior of the multiple module housings S.

[0111] Figure 11 shows a battery pack 14 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0112] Since the battery pack 14 according to this embodiment is the same as the battery pack 10 according to the above-described embodiment, redundant explanations of configurations that are substantially the same or similar to those of the above-described embodiment will be omitted, and the following explanation will focus on the differences from the above-described embodiment. In this case, in Figure 11, the vent gas and flame are indicated by reference numerals "V" and "F", respectively.

[0113] Referring to Figure 11, the battery pack 14 may further include a blocking member T.

[0114] The blocking member T may be provided on the side of each opening / closing member C that faces outward from the module housing S (the outer surface of the opening / closing member C). Such a blocking member T may be configured to block flames (or sparks) generated by thermal runaway of the battery module 100. In one example, multiple blocking members T may be provided in the shape of protrusions on the outer surface of the opening / closing member C.

[0115] When multiple blocking members T are formed on the outer surface of the opening / closing member C in this manner, a portion of the flame discharged into the flow path P due to the opening of a specific opening / closing member C can remain on the outer surface of the opening / closing member C by colliding with the blocking members T formed on the outer surface of other opening / closing members C that are positioned relatively closer to the outlet E than the specific opening / closing member C. This minimizes the exposure of flames to the outside of the pack housing 200.

[0116] Figure 12 shows a battery pack 16 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0117] Since the battery pack 16 according to this embodiment is the same as the battery pack 10 according to the above-described embodiment, redundant explanations of configurations that are substantially the same or similar to those of the above-described embodiment will be omitted, and the following explanation will focus on the differences from the above-described embodiment.

[0118] Referring to Figure 12, the battery pack 16 may further include a guide member G.

[0119] The guide member G is provided in the flow path P at a corner of the side frame 210 and may be configured to guide the vent gas and / or flame toward the outlet E. In one example, the guide member G may include a material with high heat resistance and rigidity.

[0120] Such a guide member G may have one end connected to the region of the side frame 210 facing the opening / closing member C. The other end of the guide member G may be connected to the portion of the side frame 210 where the discharge port E is located. Furthermore, the guide member G may be positioned at an angle on the side frame 210, moving from the region facing the opening / closing member C toward the portion of the side frame 210 where the discharge port E is located.

[0121] With this configuration, the flow of vent gas and / or flames within the flow path P can be smoothly guided toward the outlet E. Furthermore, since the flow of vent gas and / or flames is switched by the guide member G, which is positioned at an angle toward the outlet E, the backflow of vent gas and / or flames into the area of ​​the flow path P where the opening / closing member C is located can be blocked.

[0122] Figure 13 shows a battery pack 18 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0123] Since the battery pack 18 according to this embodiment is the same as the battery pack 10 according to the above-described embodiment, redundant explanations of configurations that are substantially the same or similar to those of the above-described embodiment will be omitted, and the following explanation will focus on the differences from the above-described embodiment.

[0124] Referring to Figure 13, the battery pack 18 may further include a mesh member M.

[0125] The mesh member M is provided at the outlet E and may be configured to filter flames and allow vent gas to pass through. Such a mesh member M may be configured as a plate-shaped member with a large number of pores, or as a mesh made of a large number of wires woven together. In this case, the pores may be configured to be large enough to filter flames discharged from the flow path P to the outside of the pack housing 200. That is, the mesh member M can prevent flames from being discharged to the outside of the pack housing 200 and acting as a cause of ignition.

[0126] According to the battery pack 18 of this embodiment, the mesh structure formed in the exhaust port E allows the passage of vent gas while suppressing the passage of flame to the greatest extent possible. Therefore, it has the advantage that the exposure of flame to the outside of the pack housing 200 can be minimized and the vent gas can be discharged quickly.

[0127] Figure 14 shows a battery pack 20 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0128] Referring to Figure 14, in the battery pack 20 according to this embodiment, each opening / closing member C may further include a bending portion B formed by bending a part of the opening / closing member C. The bending portion B may be formed by bending from the center of the opening / closing member C toward the outside of the module housing S. The bending portion B may be configured to be obtuse in order not to restrict the flow of vent gas and / or flame discharged through the flow hole H. Also, unlike in Figure 14, the bending portion B may be configured as a curve.

[0129] In this case, as shown in Figure 14, the further the opening / closing member C is positioned from the outlet E, the larger the angle formed by the bending portion B may become. For example, the opening / closing member C positioned furthest from the outlet E can contact the side frame 210 at an angle close to or 180 degrees. On the other hand, the opening / closing member C' positioned closer to the outlet E may have a smaller angle, for example, a shape bent at 120 degrees.

[0130] As a result, the flow of vent gas V and / or flame F discharged into the flow path P by opening an opening / closing member C positioned relatively farther from the outlet E than a specific opening / closing member C' is minimized from colliding with the outer surface of the specific opening / closing member C' by the bending portion B', thereby preventing obstruction to the flow of other gases and flames discharged into the flow path P from the rear. Furthermore, the flow of vent gas V and / or flame F discharged into the flow path P by opening an opening / closing member C positioned relatively farther from the outlet E than a specific opening / closing member C' is minimized from being blocked by the opening / closing member C' bent toward the open flow hole H' and flowing back into the module housing S.

[0131] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, when vent gas V', flame F', etc. are discharged through the flow hole H', the bent shape of the opening / closing member C' allows for smoother discharge into the flow path P. That is, according to the above embodiment, when the opening / closing member C' is opened, the bent end can be formed in a shape that is substantially parallel to the flow direction of the flow path P. Therefore, the vent gas V', flame F', etc. discharged into the opening / closing member C' can be smoothly discharged and flow along the flow direction of the flow path P, as shown in Figure 14.

[0132] Figure 15 shows a battery pack 22 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0133] Referring to Figure 15, in the battery pack 22 according to this embodiment, each opening / closing member C may further include a hinge portion G configured to rotate a part of the opening / closing member C. The hinge portion G may be provided in a predetermined part of the opening / closing member C, particularly in the middle. The hinge portion G may also be configured such that the angles on both sides of the hinge portion G are obtuse angles in order not to restrict the flow of vent gas and / or flame discharged through the flow hole H. Furthermore, the opening / closing member C may be configured such that the angles on both sides of the hinge portion G are up to 180 degrees.

[0134] In particular, the hinge G may be configured such that the angle between both sides is 180 degrees when no special external pressure is applied. That is, the opening / closing member C may be configured to be flat, or in other words, to have an angle of 180 degrees around the hinge G, when there is no external force or when a force below a certain level is applied. For this reason, the hinge G may be equipped with an elastic body such as a spring. In such an implementation, if the battery module 100 does not experience thermal runaway, the opening / closing member C can maintain a closed state at 180 degrees without being rotated by the hinge G.

[0135] As shown in Figure 15, when a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs in multiple battery modules 100, a specific opening / closing member C'', for example, an opening / closing member located in the center in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction), can open the module housing S to which it is responsible when the internal pressure of the module housing S rises. At this time, the opening / closing member C'' may be bent by the vent gas V and / or flame F discharged from the other module housing S. For example, in the embodiment of Figure 15, the end of the opening / closing member C'' may be rotated in the direction of the flow hole H'' by the pressure of the vent gas V and / or flame F discharged from the rear (-X-axis direction) side into the flow path P.

[0136] With this configuration, opening an opening / closing member C positioned relatively farther from the outlet E than the specific opening / closing member C'' minimizes the collision of the vent gas V and / or flame F discharged into the flow path P with the outer surface of other opening / closing members C'', thereby allowing the movement of the vent gas V and / or flame F in the flow path P to be smoother. In this case, the backflow of the vent gas V and / or flame F discharged into the flow path P into the interior of other module housings S can be minimized.

[0137] On the other hand, an opening / closing member C positioned relatively farther from the outlet E than the aforementioned specific opening / closing member C" may also be provided with a hinge portion G that rotates toward the flow hole H, similar to the aforementioned specific opening / closing member C". In this case, the closer the opening / closing member C is positioned to the outlet E, the greater the angle at which its end rotates toward the flow hole H. For example, in the opening / closing member C positioned furthest from the outlet E, there is no pressurizing force applied from the outer surface of the opening / closing member C, and only pressurizing force applied from the inner surface by the vent gas V and / or flame F discharged into the flow hole H, so the hinge portion G does not rotate and can be maintained at 180 degrees to contact the side frame 210. On the other hand, the closer the opening / closing member C" is positioned to the outlet E, the more space it is necessary to secure for the gas F,V discharged from the rear side to flow, so its end may be configured to rotate more toward the flow hole H". For example, if the hinge G is made of an elastic material, the opening / closing member C'' positioned closer to the outlet E may be made of an elastic material with a lower modulus of elasticity than the opening / closing member C positioned further away from the outlet E.

[0138] According to the battery pack 22 of this embodiment, when a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs simultaneously in multiple battery modules 100, the opening of each opening / closing member C prevents the flow of multiple vent gases and / or flames discharged into the flow path P from being restricted toward the exhaust port E, and reliably blocks the backflow of vent gases and / or flames into the interior of the multiple module housings S. Figures 16 and 17 show a battery pack 24 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack 24, and Figure 17 is a top view of the battery pack 24 with the upper cover 232 attached.

[0139] Referring to Figures 16 and 17, unlike the above embodiment in which the limiting member R is coupled to one side of the partition wall W, the battery pack 24 may have the limiting member R integrally provided with the upper cover 232.

[0140] In other words, the upper cover 232 according to this embodiment may include a limiting member R that protrudes downward from at least one surface of the upper cover 232 and limits the opening angle of the opening / closing member C to less than a certain angle. The upper cover 232 is coupled to the upper end of the partition wall W and may be formed in the shape of a rectangular plate so as to be able to cover the side frame 210 and the partition wall W simultaneously.

[0141] As a result, the structure of the bulkhead W provided on top of the floor frame 220 is structurally simplified, making the manufacturing process easier and reducing costs. In addition, when assembling the upper cover 232 to the floor frame 220, the limiting member R guides the assembly position, improving ease of assembly. Furthermore, since one end of the limiting member R is supported by the bulkhead W, movement of the upper cover 232 in the horizontal direction (X-axis or Y-axis direction) and vertical direction (Z-axis direction) is prevented, the bonding force between the upper cover 232 and the floor frame 220 can also be improved.

[0142] On the other hand, the height of the limiting member R provided on the upper cover 232 may be less than or equal to the height of the partition wall W or the side frame 210. In one embodiment of the present invention, when the height of the limiting member R is the same as the height of the partition wall W or the side frame 210, unlike the above embodiment in which the upper cover 230 is connected only to the upper part of the side frame 210 and the partition wall W, the upper cover 232 can be directly connected not only to the side frame 210 and the partition wall W but also to the floor frame 220 by the limiting member R. That is, the limiting member R can be connected to one side of the partition wall W to which the opening and closing member C is connected, and at the same time, its lower end can be in contact with and connected to the floor frame 220. With such a configuration, when a vertical compressive force is applied to the battery pack 24 or when the battery pack 24 is subjected to an impact such as being bent vertically, rigidity and stability can be ensured without providing a separate pack reinforcement.

[0143] As a result, the battery pack 20 according to this embodiment prevents vent gas and / or flames from remaining inside the pack housing 200 even when multiple battery modules 100 experience thermal runaway, more reliably guides the discharge of vent gas and / or flames to the outside of the pack housing 200, and ensures the coupling stability of the battery pack 24 by connecting the limiting member R provided on the upper cover 232 to the partition wall W and the floor frame 220.

[0144] As described above, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the opening and closing member C enables the rapid discharge of vent gas and / or flames, thereby suppressing the factors that cause the battery module 100 to ignite and strengthening the structural stability of the battery packs 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24.

[0145] Furthermore, this prevents vent gas and / or flame from remaining inside the pack housing 200 and more reliably guides the discharge of vent gas and / or flame to the outside of the pack housing 200.

[0146] Furthermore, if a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs simultaneously in multiple battery modules 100, opening each of the switching members C prevents the flow of multiple vent gases and / or flames discharged into the flow path P toward the exhaust port E, thereby reliably blocking the backflow of vent gases and / or flames into the interior of the multiple module housings S.

[0147] On the other hand, battery packs 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include, in addition to the above-mentioned configuration, various devices for controlling the charging and discharging of battery packs 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24, such as a battery management system (BMS), a current sensor, and a fuse.

[0148] Furthermore, battery packs 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 according to one embodiment of the present invention can be applied to automobiles such as electric vehicles. That is, an automobile according to the present invention may include at least one of the battery packs 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 according to the present invention.

[0149] 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 that various modifications and variations can be made by persons with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains, within the equivalent scope of the technical concept and claims of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0150] 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 Battery Packs 100 Battery Modules 200 Pack Housing S Module Housing C Opening / closing member

Claims

1. Battery module and A pack housing having a module housing section for housing the battery module, and an opening / closing member configured to discharge vent gas and / or flames caused by thermal runaway of the battery module to the outside of the module housing section, A battery pack including, The end of the opening / closing member is configured to contact the pack housing when the battery module experiences thermal runaway. The aforementioned pack housing is A side frame that constitutes the side surface of the pack housing and is positioned at least partially opposite to the opening / closing member, wherein the end of the opening / closing member abuts against the pack housing when the battery module experiences thermal runaway, A flow path is provided between the module housing and the side frame, and is configured to communicate with the module housing through a flow hole formed by the opening of the opening / closing member when the battery module experiences thermal runaway, The side frame is provided with an outlet configured to communicate with the flow path and discharge the vent gas and / or flame to the outside of the pack housing, Includes, A battery pack in which, in the event of thermal runaway of the battery module, the opening / closing member prevents vent gas and / or flames from flowing into the area opposite to the exhaust port within the flow path, with reference to the portion where the end of the opening / closing member abuts against the side frame.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the opening / closing member is configured to open at an acute angle to the flow hole when the battery module experiences thermal runaway.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the discharge port is located in the side frame at a position after the vent gas or flame flowing inside the flow path has been bent once or more.

4. Multiple battery modules are provided, and multiple module housing sections are provided. The battery modules are each housed in a plurality of module housings, The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of module housings are configured to be sealed from one another by partition walls.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein the partition wall is provided with opening and closing members corresponding to each module housing section.

6. Battery module and A pack housing having a module housing section for housing the battery module, and an opening / closing member configured to discharge vent gas and / or flames caused by thermal runaway of the battery module to the outside of the module housing section, A battery pack including, The aforementioned pack housing is A side frame that forms the side of the pack housing and is positioned at least partially opposite the opening / closing member, A flow path is provided between the module housing and the side frame, and is configured to communicate with the module housing through a flow hole formed by the opening of the opening / closing member when the battery module experiences thermal runaway, The side frame is provided with an outlet configured to communicate with the flow path and discharge the vent gas and / or flame to the outside of the pack housing, Includes, Multiple battery modules are provided, and multiple module housing sections are provided. The battery modules are each housed in a plurality of module housings, Multiple module housings are configured to be sealed off from one another by partition walls. The aforementioned partition wall is provided with opening and closing members corresponding to each module housing section. Each of the aforementioned opening and closing members is configured to open at an acute angle to the flow hole when a plurality of the battery modules experience thermal runaway, A battery pack in which at least some of the opening and closing members are configured such that the opening angle decreases as they approach the discharge port.

7. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein the end of the opening / closing member located furthest from the outlet is configured to contact the side frame when a plurality of the battery modules experience thermal runaway.

8. Battery module and A pack housing having a module housing section for housing the battery module, and an opening / closing member configured to discharge vent gas and / or flames caused by thermal runaway of the battery module to the outside of the module housing section, A battery pack including, The aforementioned pack housing is A side frame that forms the side of the pack housing and is positioned at least partially opposite the opening / closing member, A flow path is provided between the module housing and the side frame, and is configured to communicate with the module housing through a flow hole formed by the opening of the opening / closing member when the battery module experiences thermal runaway, The side frame is provided with an outlet configured to communicate with the flow path and discharge the vent gas and / or flame to the outside of the pack housing, Includes, Multiple battery modules are provided, and multiple module housing sections are provided. The battery modules are each housed in a plurality of module housings, Multiple module housings are configured to be sealed off from one another by partition walls. The aforementioned partition wall is provided with opening and closing members corresponding to each module housing section. A battery pack in which at least some of the opening and closing members are configured to become shorter in length as they approach the discharge port.

9. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein each of the opening and closing members is provided with a blocking member configured to block the flame on the outward-facing side surface of the module housing.

10. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising a guide member provided in the flow path at a corner of the side frame and configured to guide the vent gas and / or flame toward the exhaust port.

11. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising a mesh member provided at the outlet, configured to filter the flame and allow the vent gas to pass through.

12. An automobile comprising at least one battery pack as described in claim 1.

13. The module housing includes a planned opening that allows vent gas and / or flames to be discharged to the outside of the module housing in the event of thermal runaway of the battery module. The opening / closing member is provided so as to be able to open and close the opening portion of the module housing, Except in the case of thermal runaway of the battery module, the opening / closing member closes the planned opening of the module housing. The opening / closing member opens the planned opening of the module housing as a flow hole when the battery module experiences thermal runaway. The battery pack according to claim 1.

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