Battery pack

Abstract

The present invention discloses a battery pack. A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a base plate, a side wall provided on the upper surface of the base plate and forming an internal space, a first battery module provided in the internal space, and a partition wall that divides the internal space and has a first hole facing the first battery module and a first flow path communicating with the first hole.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0021753 filed on February 15, 2024, and all of the contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the application are incorporated into this application.

Background Art

[0003] As 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 these, lithium secondary batteries have attracted attention because they have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, so they can be freely charged and discharged, have a very low self-discharge rate, and have a high energy density.

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

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

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

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

[0009] Furthermore, in the case of medium to large battery packs, such as those found in electric vehicles, the risk of chain reactions is even higher because they contain a large number of battery cells and battery modules in an attempt to increase output and / or capacity. Moreover, in the case of battery packs installed in electric vehicles, there may be users such as drivers in the vicinity. Therefore, if a thermal event occurring in a particular battery cell or module cannot be properly controlled and a chain reaction occurs, it could lead to not only significant property damage but also loss of life. For this reason, it is necessary to improve the thermal safety of battery packs by properly controlling thermal events generated in battery cells and modules. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

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

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack with improved safety when a thermal event occurs.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack that can suppress heat propagation by providing an independent vent path for each battery module when a thermal event occurs.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack that can suppress the emission of flammable particles and flames and lower the temperature of the vent gas when a thermal event occurs.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack that facilitates venting control when a thermal event occurs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] To achieve the above objective, a battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention includes a base plate, a side wall provided on the upper surface of the base plate to form an internal space, a first battery module provided in the internal space, and a partition wall that divides the internal space and has a first hole facing the first battery module and a first flow path communicating with the first hole.

[0016] Furthermore, the battery pack may further include a second battery module provided in the internal space, and the partition wall may be located between the first battery module and the second battery module and include a second hole facing the second battery module and a second flow path communicating with the second hole.

[0017] Further, the first flow path and the second flow path may extend along the longitudinal direction of the partition wall.

[0018] Further, the first flow path may be formed above the second flow path.

[0019] Further, the battery pack may be provided on the upper surface of the base plate and further include a side wall having a third flow path communicating with the first flow path.

[0020] Further, the third flow path may extend along the longitudinal direction of the side wall.

[0021] Further, the side wall may include a fourth flow path communicating with the second flow path.

[0022] Further, the fourth flow path may extend along the longitudinal direction of the side wall.

[0023] Further, the battery pack may further include a first fastening member that penetrates the side wall and is fastened to the partition wall.

[0024] Further, the battery pack may further include a first gasket disposed between the side wall and the partition wall.

[0025] Further, the battery pack may be provided on the upper surface of the base plate to form the appearance of the battery pack and further include a rear wall having a fifth flow path communicating with the side wall.

[0026] Further, the battery pack may further include a second fastening member that penetrates the side wall and is fastened to the rear wall.

[0027] Further, the battery pack may further include a second gasket disposed between the side wall and the rear wall.

[0028] Further, the battery pack may further include a pack cover that covers the internal space and is coupled to the partition wall.

[0029] Further, the battery pack may further include a third fastening member that penetrates the pack cover and is fastened to the partition wall.

[0030] An automobile according to another aspect of the present invention includes a battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention.

Advantages of the Invention

[0031] According to one aspect of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery pack can be improved.

[0032] According to one aspect of the present invention, heat propagation can be suppressed.

[0033] According to one aspect of the present invention, the venting of the battery pack can be easily controlled.

[0034] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and are for the purpose of more easily understanding the technical idea of the present invention together with the detailed description 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

[0035] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing a separated partial configuration of the battery pack of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the battery pack of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing the first partition wall of the battery pack of FIG. 2. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing the second partition wall of the battery pack of FIG. 2. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing the second partition wall of the battery pack of FIG. 2. [Figure 7]This diagram shows the rear wall of the battery pack in Figure 2. [Figure 8] This diagram shows the side wall of the battery pack in Figure 2. [Figure 9] This figure shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line H-H' in Figure 8. [Figure 10] This figure shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line I-I' in Figure 8. [Figure 11] This figure shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line J-J' in Figure 8. [Figure 12] This figure shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line K-K' in Figure 8. [Figure 13] This figure shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line L-L' in Figure 8. [Figure 14] This diagram shows the connection between the first partition wall and the side wall in Figure 2. [Figure 15] This figure shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' in Figure 3. [Figure 16] This diagram shows the connection between the second partition wall and the side wall in Figure 2. [Figure 17] This figure shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line B-B' in Figure 3. [Figure 18] This figure shows the connection between the rear wall and the side wall. [Figure 19] This figure shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line C-C' in Figure 3. [Figure 20] This figure shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line D-D' in Figure 1. [Figure 21] This figure shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line E-E' in Figure 1. [Figure 22] This figure shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line F-F' in Figure 3. [Figure 23] This is an enlarged view of section M in Figure 22. [Figure 24] This is an enlarged view of portion N in Figure 22. [Figure 25] This is an enlarged view of portion O in Figure 22. [Figure 26] This figure shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line G-G' in Figure 3. [Figure 27] This is an enlarged view of section P in Figure 26. [Figure 28] This is an enlarged view of section Q in Figure 26. [Figure 29] This is an enlarged view of the R portion of Figure 26. [Figure 30] This diagram shows a partial configuration of the battery pack shown in Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0036] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and in the claims shall not be interpreted in a manner limited to their general and dictionary meanings, but in accordance with the principle that inventors themselves may appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe their invention, and shall be interpreted in a manner and concept corresponding to the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0037] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the drawings represent only one of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the invention. It should be understood that there are various equivalents and modifications that can substitute for them at the time of this application.

[0038] Figure 1 shows a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 shows a partial configuration of the battery pack in Figure 1 separated, Figure 3 shows a partial configuration of the battery pack in Figure 1, Figure 4 shows the first partition wall 171 of the battery pack in Figure 2, and Figures 5 and 6 show the second partition wall 172 of the battery pack in Figure 2.

[0039] Referring to Figures 1 to 6, a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a base plate 110, side walls 140, a battery module 200, and partition walls (first partition wall 171, second partition wall 172).

[0040] The base plate 110 may be flat. Alternatively, the base plate 110 may be rectangular.

[0041] The side walls 140 may be provided on the upper surface of the base plate 110. The side walls 140 may also be referred to as side beams 140. The side walls 140 may form the exterior of the battery pack. The side walls 140 may be provided in pairs. The side walls 140 may extend along the front-to-back direction or the X-axis direction. The side walls 140 and the base plate 110 may form an internal space.

[0042] The front wall 120 may be provided on the upper surface of the base plate 110. The front wall 120 may also be referred to as the front beam 120. The front wall 120 may form the exterior of the battery pack. The front wall 120 may extend along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. The front wall 120 and the base plate 110 may form an internal space.

[0043] The rear wall 130 may be provided on the upper surface of the base plate 110. The rear wall 130 may also be referred to as the rear beam 130. The rear wall 130 may form the exterior of the battery pack. The rear wall 130 may extend along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. The rear wall 130 and the base plate 110 may form an internal space.

[0044] The battery module 200 may be located in an internal space. The battery module 200 may include a module case 210 (see Figure 20). The battery module 200 may also include a plurality of battery cells 220 housed inside the module case 210. In this case, the battery cells 220 (see Figure 20) may represent secondary batteries. The battery cells 220 may also be pouch-type secondary batteries. Multiple battery modules 200 may be provided. The term "battery module 200" may be used as a general term for the first battery module 201, the second battery module 202, the third battery module 203, and the fourth battery module 204.

[0045] The central beam 160 can partition the internal space. The central beam 160 can extend along the front-to-back direction or the X-axis direction. The central beam 160 can be provided on the base plate 110.

[0046] Partition walls (first partition wall 171, second partition wall 172) can partition the interior space. Multiple partition walls (first partition wall 171, second partition wall 172) can be provided. Partition walls (first partition wall 171, second partition wall 172) can extend in the left-right direction or in the Y-axis direction. Multiple partition walls (first partition wall 171, second partition wall 172) can be arranged along the front-back direction or in the X-axis direction. Partition walls (first partition wall 171, second partition wall 172) can be provided on the base plate 110.

[0047] The first partition wall 171 may include a first inlet 171a, a first flow path 171b, and a first discharge hole 171c. The first inlet 171a may be formed on the rear surface of the first partition wall 171. The first discharge hole 171c may be formed on the left side surface of the first partition wall 171. The first flow path 171b may connect the first inlet 171a and the first discharge hole 171c. The first flow path 171b may be formed inside the first partition wall 171 and may extend along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. The first inlet 171a, the first flow path 171b, and the first discharge hole 171c may be located below the midpoint of the Z-axis height of the first partition wall 171.

[0048] The second partition wall 172 may include a second inlet 172a, a second flow path 172b, and a second discharge 172c. The second inlet 172a may be formed on the front surface of the second partition wall 172. The second discharge 172c may be formed on the left side surface of the second partition wall 172. The second flow path 172b may connect the second inlet 172a and the second discharge 172c. The second flow path 172b may be formed inside the second partition wall 172 and may extend along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction.

[0049] Furthermore, the second partition wall 172 may include a third inlet 172d, a third flow path 172e, and a third discharge 172f. The third inlet 172d may be formed on the rear surface of the second partition wall 172. The third discharge 172f may be formed on the left side surface of the second partition wall 172. The third flow path 172e may connect the third inlet 172d and the third discharge 172f. The third flow path 172e may be formed inside the second partition wall 172 and may extend along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction.

[0050] The second inlet 172a may be located above the third inlet 172d. The second flow path 172b may be located above the third flow path 172e. The second discharge 172c may be located above the third discharge 172f.

[0051] The battery modules 200 may be arranged in the order of a first battery module 201, a second battery module 202, a third battery module 203, and a fourth battery module 204 along the front-rear direction. The first battery module 201 may be surrounded by side walls 140, a first partition wall 171, a central beam 160, and a second partition wall 172. The second battery module 202 may be surrounded by side walls 140, a pair of second partition walls 172, and a central beam 160. The third battery module 203 may be surrounded by side walls 140, a pair of second partition walls 172, and a central beam 160. The fourth battery module 204 may be surrounded by side walls 140, a second partition wall 172, a central beam 160, and a rear wall 130.

[0052] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery pack can be improved. When a thermal event occurs, vent gas g and flammable particles may be discharged to the outside of the battery module 200. At this time, the vent gas g and flammable particles may flow into the inlet holes (first inlet hole 171a, second inlet hole 172a, third inlet hole 172d) of the partition walls (first partition wall 171, second partition wall 172) and move through the flow paths (first flow path 171b, second flow path 172b, third flow path 172e). This extends the vent path, lowers the temperature of the vent gas g, and suppresses the discharge of flammable particles to the outside of the battery pack.

[0053] Referring to Figures 1 to 6, the second partition wall 172 may be located between the first battery module 201 and the second battery module 202. The second inlet hole 172a of the second partition wall 172 may face the first battery module 201. Also, the third inlet hole 172d of the second partition wall 172 may face the second battery module 202.

[0054] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery pack can be improved. The second partition wall 172 may include a second flow path 172b communicating with the first battery module 201 and a third flow path 172e communicating with the second battery module 202. Furthermore, the vent path of the first battery module 201 and the vent path of the second battery module 202 can be formed independently. This makes it possible to suppress heat propagation between the first battery module 201 and the second battery module 202.

[0055] Figure 7 shows the rear wall 130 of the battery pack in Figure 2. Referring to Figure 7, the rear wall 130 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a fourth inlet 130a, a fourth flow path 130b, and a fourth outlet 130c. The fourth inlet 130a may be formed on the front surface of the rear wall 130. The fourth outlet 130c may be formed on the left side surface of the rear wall 130. The fourth flow path 130b may connect the fourth inlet 130a and the fourth outlet 130c. The fourth flow path 130b may be formed inside the rear wall 130 and may extend along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. The fourth inlet 130a, the fourth flow path 130b, and the fourth outlet 130c may be located higher than the midpoint of the Z-axis height of the rear wall 130.

[0056] Figure 8 shows the side wall 140 of the battery pack in Figure 2, Figure 9 shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line H-H' in Figure 8, and Figure 10 shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line I-I' in Figure 8.

[0057] Referring to Figures 8 to 10, the side wall 140 of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may extend long in the longitudinal direction or along the X-axis direction. The side wall 140 may include a lower channel 141 and an upper channel 142. The lower channel 141 and the upper channel 142 may be formed inside the side wall 140. The lower channel 141 and the upper channel 142 may extend long in the longitudinal direction or along the X-axis direction. The cross-sections of the upper channel 142 and the lower channel 141 may be rectangular. The upper channel 142 may be located above the lower channel 141. The upper channel 142 and the lower channel 141 may be configured independently. Alternatively, the upper channel 142 and the lower channel 141 may be separated or partitioned. Furthermore, the upper channel 142 and the lower channel 141 may be formed to penetrate the side wall 140. In addition, a vent device may be provided at one end of the upper channel 142 and the lower channel 141.

[0058] Figure 11 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line J-J' in Figure 8. Referring to Figures 8 and 11, the side wall 140 of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first hole 140a. The first hole 140a may be formed on the right side of the side wall 140. The first hole 140a may communicate with the lower flow path 141.

[0059] Figure 12 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line K-K' in Figure 8. Referring to Figures 8 and 12, the side wall 140 of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a second hole 140b. The second hole 140b may be formed on the right side of the side wall 140. The second holes 140b may be formed in pairs. Furthermore, the pair of second holes 140b may communicate with a lower flow path 141 and an upper flow path 142, respectively.

[0060] Figure 13 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line L-L' in Figure 8. Referring to Figures 8 and 13, the side wall 140 of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a third hole 140c. The third hole 140c may be formed on the right side of the side wall 140. The third hole 140c may communicate with the upper flow path 142.

[0061] Figure 14 shows the connection between the first partition wall 171 and the side wall 140 in Figure 2, and Figure 15 shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' in Figure 3. Referring to Figures 14 and 15, the first partition wall 171 of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention can be connected to the side wall 140. The left side of the first partition wall 171 can be connected to the right side of the side wall 140. A first gasket 181 can be placed between the left side of the first partition wall 171 and the right side of the side wall 140. The first gasket 181 can seal the space between the first partition wall 171 and the side wall 140. The first gasket 181 may include a fourth hole 181a. The first discharge hole 171c, the fourth hole 181a, and the first hole 140a can communicate. Also, the first flow path 171b and the lower flow path 141 can communicate. The first fastening member 191 can fasten and secure the first partition wall 171, the first gasket 181, and the side wall 140. The first fastening member 191 can penetrate the side wall 140 and the first gasket 181, and at least a portion of it can be inserted into the first partition wall 171.

[0062] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery pack can be improved. When a thermal event occurs, vent gas g and flammable particles may be discharged to the outside of the battery module 200. At this time, the vent gas g can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack through the first flow path 171b of the first partition wall 171 and the lower flow path 141 of the side wall 140. This extends the vent path, lowers the temperature of the vent gas g, and suppresses the discharge of flammable particles to the outside of the battery pack.

[0063] Figure 16 shows the connection between the second partition wall 172 and the side wall 140 in Figure 2, and Figure 17 shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line B-B' in Figure 3. Referring to Figures 16 and 17, the second partition wall 172 of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention can be connected to the side wall 140. The left side of the second partition wall 172 can be connected to the right side of the side wall 140. A second gasket 182 can be placed between the left side of the second partition wall 172 and the right side of the side wall 140. The second gasket 182 can seal the space between the second partition wall 172 and the side wall 140. The second gasket 182 may include a fifth hole 182a. The fifth holes 182a can be formed in pairs. The pair of fifth holes 182a can be arranged vertically.

[0064] The third discharge port 172f can communicate with the lower fifth port 182a and the lower second port 140b. Also, the second flow path 172b can communicate with the upper flow path 142. Furthermore, the second discharge port 172c can communicate with the upper fifth port 182a and the upper second port 140b. Also, the third flow path 172e can communicate with the lower flow path 141.

[0065] The second fastening member 192 can fasten and secure the second partition wall 172, the second gasket 182, and the side wall 140. The second fastening member 192 can penetrate the side wall 140 and the second gasket 182, and at least a portion of it can be inserted into the second partition wall 172.

[0066] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery pack can be improved. When a thermal event occurs, vent gas g and flammable particles may be discharged to the outside of the battery module 200. At this time, the vent gas g can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack through the second passage 172b of the second partition wall 172 and the upper passage 142 of the side wall 140. Alternatively, the vent gas g can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack through the third passage 172e of the second partition wall 172 and the lower passage 141 of the side wall 140. This extends the vent path, lowers the temperature of the vent gas g, and suppresses the discharge of flammable particles to the outside of the battery pack.

[0067] Figure 18 shows the connection between the rear wall 130 and the side wall 140 in Figure 2, and Figure 19 shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line C-C' in Figure 3. Referring to Figures 18 and 19, the rear wall 130 of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention can be connected to the side wall 140.

[0068] The rear wall 130 may include a fourth inlet 130a, a fourth flow path 130b, and a fourth outlet 130c. The fourth inlet 130a may be formed on the front surface of the rear wall 130. The fourth outlet 130c may be formed on the left side surface of the rear wall 130. The fourth flow path 130b may connect the fourth inlet 130a and the fourth outlet 130c. The fourth flow path 130b may be formed inside the rear wall 130 and may extend along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. The fourth inlet 130a, the fourth flow path 130b, and the fourth outlet 130c may be located higher than the midpoint of the Z-axis height of the rear wall 130.

[0069] The left side of the rear wall 130 can be coupled to the right side of the side wall 140. A third gasket 183 can be positioned between the left side of the rear wall 130 and the right side of the side wall 140. The third gasket 183 can seal the space between the rear wall 130 and the side wall 140. The third gasket 183 may include a sixth hole 183a. The fourth discharge hole 130c, the sixth hole 183a, and the third hole 140c can communicate with each other. The fourth flow path 130b and the upper flow path 142 can communicate with each other. A third fastening member 193 can fasten and secure the rear wall 130, the third gasket 183, and the side wall 140. The third fastening member 193 can penetrate the side wall 140 and the third gasket 183, and at least a portion of it can be inserted into the rear wall 130.

[0070] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery pack can be improved. When a thermal event occurs, vent gas g and flammable particles may be discharged to the outside of the battery module 200. At this time, the vent gas g can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack through the fourth flow path 130b of the rear wall 130 and the upper flow path 142 of the side wall 140. This extends the vent path, lowers the temperature of the vent gas g, and suppresses the discharge of flammable particles to the outside of the battery pack.

[0071] Figure 20 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line D-D' in Figure 1. Referring to Figure 20, a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a pack cover 150. The pack cover 150 may be in the shape of a rectangular plate. The pack cover 150 may cover the internal space formed by the base plate 110, the side walls 140, the front wall 120, and the rear wall 130. The pack cover 150 may also be coupled to the first partition wall 171, the second partition wall 172, the side walls 140, the central beam 160, the rear wall 130, and the front wall 120.

[0072] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery pack can be improved. The pack cover 150, the first partition wall 171, the second partition wall 172, the side walls 140, the central beam 160, the rear wall 130, and the front wall 120 can surround each battery module 200. As a result, vent gas g can be discharged to the outside through the partition walls (first partition wall 171, second partition wall 172) and the side walls 140 without propagating to adjacent battery modules 200.

[0073] Referring to Figure 20, a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a fourth fastening member 194. The fourth fastening member 194 can fasten the base plate 110 to the partition walls (first partition wall 171, second partition wall 172). The fourth fastening member 194 can penetrate the base plate 110 and at least a portion of it can be inserted into the partition walls (first partition wall 171, second partition wall 172).

[0074] Furthermore, a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a fifth fastening member 195. The fifth fastening member 195 can fasten the pack cover 150 to the partition walls (first partition wall 171, second partition wall 172). The fifth fastening member 195 can penetrate the pack cover 150 and at least a portion of it can be inserted into the partition walls (first partition wall 171, second partition wall 172).

[0075] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery pack can be improved. The fourth fastening member 194 and the fifth fastening member 195 can guide the vent gas g generated from the battery module 200 to flow into the partition walls (first partition wall 171 and second partition wall 172) by strengthening the bonding force between the partition walls (first partition wall 171 and second partition wall 172) and the base plate 110 and the pack cover 150. Furthermore, the fourth fastening member 194 and the fifth fastening member 195 can prevent the vent gas g from moving to adjacent battery modules 200 by strengthening the bonding force between the partition walls (first partition wall 171 and second partition wall 172) and the base plate 110 and the pack cover 150.

[0076] Figure 21 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line E-E' in Figure 1. Referring to Figure 21, a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a sixth fastening member 196. The sixth fastening member 196 can fasten the base plate 110 to the side wall 140. The sixth fastening member 196 can also fasten the base plate 110 to the central beam 160. The sixth fastening member 196 penetrates the base plate 110 and at least a portion of it can be inserted into the side wall 140 or the central beam 160.

[0077] Furthermore, a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a seventh fastening member 197. The seventh fastening member 197 can fasten the pack cover 150 to the side wall 140. The seventh fastening member 197 can also fasten the pack cover 150 to the central beam 160. The seventh fastening member 197 can penetrate the pack cover 150 and at least a portion of it can be inserted into the side wall 140 or the central beam 160.

[0078] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery pack can be improved. The sixth fastening member 196 and the seventh fastening member 197 can guide the vent gas g generated from the battery module 200 to flow into the partition walls (first partition wall 171, second partition wall 172) by strengthening the bonding force between the side wall 140, the central beam 160, and the pack cover 150. In addition, the sixth fastening member 196 and the seventh fastening member 197 can prevent the vent gas g from moving to adjacent battery modules 200 by strengthening the bonding force between the side wall 140, the central beam 160, and the pack cover 150.

[0079] Figure 22 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line F-F' in Figure 3, and Figure 23 is an enlarged view of portion M in Figure 22. Referring to Figures 22 and 23, the vent gas g generated from the first battery module 201 of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention can be discharged through the first inlet hole 171a, the first flow path 171b, the first discharge hole 171c of the first partition wall 171, and the lower flow path 141 of the side wall 140.

[0080] Figure 24 is an enlarged view of portion N of Figure 22. Referring to Figures 22 to 24, the vent gas g generated from the second battery module 202 of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention can be discharged through the second inlet hole 172a, the second flow path 172b, the second discharge hole 172c of the second partition wall 172, and the lower flow path 141 of the side wall 140.

[0081] Furthermore, the vent gas g generated from the third battery module 203 of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention can be discharged through the third inlet hole 172d, the third flow path 172e, the third discharge hole 172f of the second partition wall 172, and the lower flow path 141 of the side wall 140.

[0082] Figure 25 is an enlarged view of portion O in Figure 22. Referring to Figures 22 and 25, the vent gas g generated from the fourth battery module 204 of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention can be discharged through the second inlet hole 172a, the second flow path 172b, the second discharge hole 172c of the second partition wall 172, and the lower flow path 141 of the side wall 140.

[0083] Figure 26 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line G-G' in Figure 3, and Figure 27 is an enlarged view of portion P in Figure 26. Referring to Figures 26 and 27, the vent gas g generated from the first battery module 201 of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention can be discharged through the second inlet hole 172a, the second flow path 172b, the second discharge hole 172c of the second partition wall 172, and the upper flow path 142 of the side wall 140.

[0084] Figure 28 is an enlarged view of portion Q in Figure 26. Referring to Figures 26 to 28, the vent gas g generated from the second battery module 202 of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention can be discharged through the second inlet hole 172a, the second flow path 172b, the second discharge hole 172c of the second partition wall 172, and the upper flow path 142 of the side wall 140.

[0085] Figure 29 is an enlarged view of the R portion of Figure 26. Referring to Figures 26 and 29, the vent gas g generated from the fourth battery module 204 of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention can be discharged through the fourth inlet hole 130a, the fourth flow path 130b, the fourth discharge hole 130c of the rear wall 130, and the upper flow path 142 of the side wall 140.

[0086] Furthermore, the vent gas g generated from the third battery module 203 of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention can be discharged through the second inlet hole 172a, the second flow path 172b, the second discharge hole 172c of the second partition wall 172, and the upper flow path 142 of the side wall 140.

[0087] Figure 30 shows a partial configuration of the battery pack shown in Figure 1. Figure 30 omits the pack cover 150 and shows the remaining configuration. Referring to Figure 30, the vent gas g generated from each battery module 200 can move toward the side wall 140. Alternatively, the vent gas g generated from each battery module 200 can move toward the central beam 160. This minimizes the transfer of heat to adjacent battery modules 200. Furthermore, providing an independent vent path for each battery module 200 minimizes heat transfer. Additionally, extending the vent path long suppresses the discharge of flames and flammable particles to the outside of the battery pack. Furthermore, extending the vent path long allows the vent gas g to be discharged to the outside of the battery pack at a lower temperature.

[0088] Furthermore, a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a variety of components, such as a battery management system (BMS), busbars, relays, current sensors, and other components of a battery pack known at the time of filing the present invention.

[0089] An automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the battery pack according to the present embodiment of the present invention described above. The battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may be applied to automobiles such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles. Furthermore, an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a variety of other components included in the automobile in addition to such a battery pack, such as a vehicle body, motors, and control devices such as an electronic control unit (ECU).

[0090] On the other hand, while terms indicating direction such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used in this specification, these terms are used for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that they can change depending on the position of the object being examined, the position of the observer, etc.

[0091] As described above, the present invention has been explained with limited embodiments and drawings, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited thereto, and that various modifications and variations are possible within the equivalent scope of the technical idea and claims of the present invention by persons with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

Claims

1. base plate and A side wall provided on the upper surface of the base plate to form an internal space, The first battery module, the second battery module, and the third battery module are provided in the aforementioned internal space. The interior space is partitioned and includes one partition wall and the other partition wall, each having a second inlet and a second flow path communicating with the second inlet, and a third inlet and a third flow path communicating with the third inlet, In the partition wall located between the first battery module and the second battery module, the second inlet faces the first battery module, and the third inlet faces the second battery module. In the other partition wall located between the second battery module and the third battery module, the second inlet faces the second battery module, and the third inlet faces the third battery module. The battery pack comprises a side wall having an upper channel communicating with the second channel and a lower channel communicating with the third channel.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the second and third flow paths extend along the longitudinal direction of one partition wall and the other partition wall.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the second flow path is formed above the third flow path.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the upper flow path extends along the longitudinal direction of the side wall.

5. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the lower flow path extends along the longitudinal direction of the side wall.

6. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising a second fastening member that penetrates the side wall and is fastened to one partition wall or the other partition wall.

7. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising a second gasket disposed between the side wall and one partition wall or the other partition wall.

8. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising a rear wall provided on the upper surface of the base plate to form the exterior of the battery pack and having a fourth flow path communicating with the side wall.

9. The battery pack according to claim 8, further comprising a third fastening member that penetrates the side wall and is fastened to the rear wall.

10. The battery pack according to claim 8, further comprising a third gasket disposed between the side wall and the rear wall.

11. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising a pack cover that covers the internal space and is coupled to one partition wall and the other partition wall.

12. The battery pack according to claim 11, further comprising a fifth fastening member that penetrates the pack cover and is fastened to one partition wall or the other partition wall.

13. An automobile comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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