Battery packs and automobiles containing them

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery pack and a vehicle including the same, which are configured to improve energy density and ensure structural stability even when a thermal event occurs.The battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention includes a cell assembly, a cell case that houses the cell assembly and has an opening formed on at least one side, and a pack housing to which the cell case is coupled and which has a vent path facing the opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0124989 filed on September 30, 2022, and all the contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the patent application are incorporated into this application.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery pack and a vehicle including the same, and more particularly, to a battery pack configured to improve energy density and ensure structural stability even when a thermal event occurs, and a vehicle including the same.

Background Art

[0003] In recent years, as the demand for portable electronic products such as notebook computers, video cameras, and mobile phones has rapidly increased, and 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 are in the spotlight for their advantages of being free of charge and discharge because they hardly have a memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, having a very low self-discharge rate, and having a high energy density.

[0005] Such 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 an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate coated with such positive electrode active material and negative electrode active material are arranged with a separator interposed therebetween, and an exterior material in which the electrode assembly is enclosed together with an electrolyte.

[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 secondary batteries and prismatic secondary 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 it. 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 secondary batteries are used as battery modules or battery packs in which multiple battery cells are superimposed or stacked, either individually or mounted on cartridges, to create a dense structure that can provide high voltage and high current, and these are then electrically connected.

[0010] However, conventional battery packs can have disadvantages in terms of energy density. For example, typically, in the process of modularizing multiple battery cells by housing them in a module case, the volume of the battery pack may unnecessarily increase or the space occupied by the battery cells may decrease due to multiple components such as the module case and stacking frame. Furthermore, in addition to the space occupied by the components themselves, such as the module case and stacking frame, the space for housing the battery cells may also decrease in order to ensure assembly tolerances for these components. As a result, conventional battery packs may have a limited ability to increase energy density.

[0011] Furthermore, conventional battery packs can be disadvantageous in terms of assembly. In particular, the manufacturing process for battery packs is complex because it involves first modularizing multiple battery cells to form battery modules, and then housing the battery modules in a pack case. Moreover, the process and structure for forming the cell stack using the aforementioned stacking frame, bolts, plates, etc., can become extremely complex.

[0012] Furthermore, with conventional battery packs, the module case is housed within the pack case, and the battery cells are housed within the module case, which presents a problem in ensuring excellent cooling. In particular, if the heat from the battery cells housed within the module case is to be dissipated to the outside of the pack case via the module case, the cooling efficiency may decrease, and the cooling structure may become more complex.

[0013] Furthermore, in the case of battery packs, one of the most important issues is safety. In particular, if a thermal event occurs in any one of the battery cells within the battery pack, it is necessary to prevent the event from propagating to the other battery cells.

[0014] If heat transfer between battery cells is not properly suppressed, this can lead to thermal events in other battery cells within the battery pack, potentially causing larger problems such as fire or explosion of the battery pack. Furthermore, fires or explosions originating from a battery pack can cause significant damage to surrounding lives and property. Therefore, such battery packs require a configuration that can properly control the aforementioned thermal events. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0015] This invention was created to solve the above-mentioned problems and provides a battery pack and an automobile including the same, configured to improve energy density and ensure structural safety even when thermal events occur.

[0016] However, the technical problems that the present 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 described below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0017] A battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention includes a cell assembly, a cell case housing the cell assembly and having an opening on at least one side, and a pack housing to which the cell case is connected and which has a vent path facing the opening.

[0018] In one embodiment, the cell case may include a coupling portion configured to be coupled to the pack housing, the coupling portion being configured to be in surface contact with the pack housing.

[0019] In one embodiment, the coupling portion may be configured to be coupled to the floor frame or upper cover of the pack housing.

[0020] In one embodiment, the pack housing may include a plurality of frames coupled to each other, and at least a part of the plurality of frames may include a vent path facing the opening portion.

[0021] In one embodiment, the pack housing includes a circulation hole communicating with the vent path, and the circulation hole may be formed at a position corresponding to the opening portion of the cell case.

[0022] In one embodiment, the opening portion may be configured to be in close contact with a portion of the pack housing where the circulation hole is formed.

[0023] In one embodiment, the cell case may further include an insertion portion formed at the opening portion and configured to be inserted into the vent path through the circulation hole.

[0024] In one embodiment, the insertion portion may be formed by being bent from the opening portion in the inner direction of the vent path.

[0025] In one embodiment, the opening portion may be configured to have an area larger than that of the circulation hole.

[0026] In one embodiment, a pair of the opening portions are formed on both sides of the cell case, and the circulation hole may be formed at a position corresponding to the pair of opening portions.

[0027] In one embodiment, the pack housing may further include a guide portion formed by being bent from the circulation hole in the inner direction of the vent path.

[0028] In one embodiment, the cell assembly may be housed inside the cell case while being spaced apart from the opening portion.

[0029] In one embodiment, the cell case further includes a flow prevention portion formed by being bent from the opening portion toward the cell assembly, and an end portion of the flow prevention portion may be bent in the direction of the vent path.

[0030] In one embodiment, a plurality of cell assemblies are provided, a plurality of cell cases are provided corresponding to the plurality of cell assemblies, the battery pack further includes a compression pad disposed between the cell cases, the cell case extends from the opening portion in the stacking direction of the plurality of cell cases, and may further include an extending portion disposed between the pack housing and the compression pad.

[0031] 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

[0032] According to an embodiment of the present invention, thermal runaway and flame propagation between battery cells in one cell assembly can be prevented. Further, by guiding the flow of vent gas and / or flame in a certain direction, thermal runaway propagation and simultaneous multiple ignition between a plurality of cell assemblies can be prevented.

[0033] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one battery cell can be directly placed and housed inside the pack housing without a separate module case. That is, since the battery cell can be placed on the pack housing in a shape partially wrapped by the cell case without a module case, the mounting state of the cell assembly can be stably maintained without a separate reinforcing member such as a pack cross beam for maintaining the mounting state of the cell assembly.

[0034] Furthermore, according to the embodiments of the present invention, since reinforcing members such as module cases and pack crossbeams are unnecessary, the space occupied by module cases and reinforcing members, as well as the space required to ensure tolerances, within the pack housing can be eliminated. Therefore, it becomes possible to secure additional space within the pack housing for mounting cell assemblies, thereby further improving the energy density of the battery pack.

[0035] Furthermore, according to the embodiments of the present invention, since reinforcing members such as module cases and pack crossbeams are not required, the volume and weight of the battery pack can be reduced and the manufacturing process can be simplified.

[0036] 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 effects that are easily understood by those skilled in the art will not be described.

[0037] The following drawings accompanying this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention described later, are intended to further illustrate the technical idea of ​​the present invention; therefore, the present invention shall not be construed as being limited only to what is shown in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0038] [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 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack along the line A-A' in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 2 is a disassembled perspective view of the battery pack. [Figure 5] This figure shows the cell assembly provided in the battery pack in Figure 1. [Figure 6]This figure shows the cell case that covers the cell assembly in Figure 5. [Figure 7] This figure shows the pack housing provided in the battery pack shown in Figure 1. [Figure 8] This figure shows the cell case attached to the pack housing in Figure 7. [Figure 9] This figure shows a cell case according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This figure shows the state in which vent gas or flames are discharged when a battery cell in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention experiences thermal runaway. [Figure 11] This figure shows a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This figure shows a battery pack according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This figure shows a battery pack according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This figure shows a battery pack according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This figure shows a battery pack according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This figure shows a battery pack according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] This figure shows a battery pack according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0039] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and in the claims shall not be interpreted in their ordinary or dictionary sense, but rather in the sense and concept corresponding to the technical idea of ​​the present invention, in accordance with the principle that the inventor may appropriately define the concept of a term in order to best describe the invention.

[0040] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the drawings represent only 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 embodiments at the time of filing this application.

[0041] Figure 1 shows a battery pack 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the detailed structure of the battery pack 10 of Figure 1, Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack of Figure 1 along line A-A' (more specifically, Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack 10 of Figure 1 in the XY plane along line A-A'), Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack 10 of Figure 2, and Figure 5 shows a cell assembly 100 provided in the battery pack 10 of Figure 1. On the other hand, in embodiments of the present invention, the illustration of the electrode leads 112, which will be described later, is omitted in drawings other than Figure 5.

[0042] In embodiments of the present invention, the X-axis direction shown in the drawings may refer to the front-to-back direction of the battery pack 10 (described later), the Y-axis direction may refer to the left-to-right direction of the battery pack 10 perpendicular to the X-axis direction on the horizontal plane (XY plane), and the Z-axis direction may refer to the up-and-down direction perpendicular to both the X-axis and Y-axis directions.

[0043] Referring to Figures 1 to 5, a battery pack 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a cell assembly 100, a cell case 200, and a pack housing 300.

[0044] The cell assembly 100 may include at least one battery cell 110, where a battery cell may mean a secondary battery. Such a battery cell 110 may be provided as a pouch-type battery cell, a cylindrical battery cell, or a prismatic battery cell. In one example, the battery cell 110 may be a pouch-type battery cell. Electrode leads 112 may also be provided on at least one side of the battery cell 110.

[0045] The cell case 200 can house the cell assembly 100 inside. Therefore, the cell case 200 may be provided with an internal housing space for housing the cell assembly 100. Such a cell case 200 may contain a material with high heat resistance and rigidity.

[0046] In one example, the cell case 200 may be formed in a shape roughly resembling the letter "n". That is, the cell case 200 may be configured in such a shape to enclose the battery cell 110 housed inside, except for the sides and bottom where the electrode leads 112 are provided. Furthermore, the cell case 200 may be configured to cover both sides and the top end of the cell assembly 100 in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction).

[0047] Specifically, the cell case 200 may have an opening O formed on at least one side. In one example, the opening O may be formed on at least one side of the cell case 200 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). That is, the opening O may be formed in the cell case 200 in a region corresponding to the portion where the electrode leads 112 of the battery cell 110 are provided.

[0048] The pack housing 300 can house a cell case 200 in which the cell assembly 100 is housed. For this purpose, the pack housing 300 may include an internal housing space for housing the cell case 200. Furthermore, the pack housing 300 may be made of a material with high heat resistance and rigidity.

[0049] Specifically, a cell case 200 may be coupled to the pack housing 300. The pack housing 300 may also be provided with a vent path C facing the opening O of the cell case 200.

[0050] In typical battery packs, certain battery cells may experience phenomena such as thermal runaway. In this case, high-temperature and high-pressure vent gas may be generated from the specific battery cell, and if this vent gas comes into contact with oxygen, flames may be generated inside or outside the battery pack.

[0051] Furthermore, a flame originating from one battery cell poses a high risk of spreading to other adjacent battery cells, potentially leading to simultaneous ignition of multiple battery cells.

[0052] In the battery pack 10 of the present invention, the aforementioned problems can be solved by configuring the opening O of the cell case 200 and the vent path C of the pack housing 300 to face each other. In this case, the vent path C may be configured to communicate with the opening O and guide the discharge of vent gas and / or flame to the outside of the pack housing 300. That is, such a vent path C may provide a flow space for discharging the vent gas and / or flame discharged through the opening O to the outside of the pack housing 300.

[0053] Specifically, in the battery pack 10 of the present invention, the direction of discharge of vent gas and / or flame can be guided through the open portion O, which is the exposed portion of the cell case 200. That is, the cell case 200 can allow the vent gas and / or flame discharged from the cell assembly 100 to flow into the vent path C of the pack housing 300 and guide its flow in a constant direction.

[0054] According to this embodiment of the present invention, thermal runaway and flame propagation between battery cells 110 in a single cell assembly 100 can be prevented. Furthermore, by guiding the flow of vent gas and / or flame in a specific direction, thermal runaway propagation and simultaneous multiple ignitions between multiple cell assemblies 100 can be prevented.

[0055] Furthermore, according to the embodiment of the present invention, at least one battery cell 110 can be directly placed and housed inside the pack housing 300 without a separate module case. That is, since the battery cell 110 can be placed in the pack housing 300 in a shape in which it is partially enclosed by the cell case 200 without a module case, the placed state of the cell assembly 100 can be stably maintained without the need for a separate reinforcing member such as a pack cross beam to maintain the placed state of the cell assembly 100.

[0056] Furthermore, according to the embodiment of the present invention, reinforcing members such as module cases and pack crossbeams are unnecessary, thus eliminating the need for space occupied by module cases and reinforcing members within the pack housing 300, and the space required to ensure tolerances as a result. Therefore, it becomes possible to secure additional space within the pack housing 300 for mounting the cell assembly 100, thereby further improving the energy density of the battery pack 10.

[0057] Furthermore, according to the embodiment of the present invention, reinforcing members such as module cases and pack cross beams are not required, thus reducing the volume and weight of the battery pack and simplifying the manufacturing process.

[0058] Furthermore, the cell case 200 may include or be made of steel material, particularly stainless steel (SUS). According to such an implementation, the cell case 200 will not easily melt even in the event of a high-temperature flame, thereby preventing flame propagation between the cell assemblies 100. In addition, according to such an implementation, the structure of the cell case 200 will remain constant without collapsing even if a flame occurs, thereby stably maintaining the internal structure of the battery pack 10.

[0059] On the other hand, the pack housing 300 may be constructed as a single unit or as an assembly of multiple components.

[0060] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 4, the pack housing 300 may comprise a plurality of frames that are connected to one another. That is, the pack housing 300 may comprise a plurality of frames that are connected to one another to form an internal housing space of a predetermined size.

[0061] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, at least some of the multiple frames may be provided with a vent path C facing the opening O. Therefore, depending on the orientation of the opening O of the cell case 200 within the pack housing 300, all of the multiple frames may be provided with a vent path C, or only some of the multiple frames may be provided with a vent path C.

[0062] Specifically, the pack housing 300 may include a side frame 310, a floor frame 320, an upper cover 330, and a reinforcing frame 340, as shown in Figure 4.

[0063] The side frame 310 can constitute the side surface of the pack housing 300. In one example, the side frame 310 formed along the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) of the pack housing 300 may have the aforementioned vent path C formed along the front-rear direction of the pack housing 300. That is, the vent path C of the side frame 310 may be configured to face the opening O of the cell case 200.

[0064] Although not shown in detail, the side frame 310 may also include an outlet. Such an outlet may be configured to communicate with the vent path C and discharge vent gas and / or flame to the outside of the pack housing 300.

[0065] The floor frame 320 constitutes the lower part of the pack housing 300 and can be connected to the lower part of the side frame 310.

[0066] In this case, the floor frame 320 may be provided with a heat sink (not shown). In one example, the lower part of the cell assembly 100 housed in the cell case 200 may be placed on the floor frame 320. This allows the heat generated from the cell assembly 100 to be discharged to the outside of the pack housing 300 via the heat sink provided on the floor frame 320.

[0067] In other words, since the cell assembly 100 can make direct surface contact with the pack housing 300 without a separate module case, the heat released from the cell assembly 100 is directly transferred to the pack housing 300, thereby further improving the cooling performance of the battery pack 10.

[0068] The upper cover 330 is attached to the top of the side frame 310 and can cover the cell case 200 housed inside the pack housing 300.

[0069] The reinforcing frame 340 may be configured to reinforce the rigidity of the pack housing 300. In this case, a floor frame 320 may be positioned below the reinforcing frame 340. Furthermore, both ends of the reinforcing frame 340 in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) may be connected to side frames 310 that are positioned along the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the pack housing 300. The reinforcing frame 340 may be positioned approximately in the center of the pack housing 300 when viewed from the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the pack housing 300.

[0070] Furthermore, the reinforcing frame 340 may have the aforementioned vent path C formed along the front-rear direction of the pack housing 300. That is, the vent path C of the reinforcing frame 340 may be configured to face the opening O of the cell case 200.

[0071] This implementation configuration has the advantage of reducing the manufacturing time and cost of the pack housing 300, as multiple vent paths C within the frame can be configured depending on the orientation of the opening O of the cell case 200 housed inside.

[0072] The detailed structure of the battery pack 10 of the present invention will be described in more detail below.

[0073] Figure 6 shows a cell case 200 covering the cell assembly 100 in Figure 5, Figure 7 shows a pack housing 300 provided in the battery pack 10 in Figure 1, and Figure 8 shows the state in which the cell case 200 is coupled to the pack housing 300 in Figure 7.

[0074] Referring to Figures 3, 4, 6, and 8, the cell case 200 may include a case body 210 and a coupling portion 220.

[0075] The case body 210 may be configured to enclose a portion of the cell assembly 100 within the internal space of the pack housing 300. Furthermore, the case body 210 may be configured to cover both sides and the upper end of the cell assembly 100 in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). In particular, such a case body 210 may be formed in a substantially "n" shape. Also, an opening O may be formed on at least one side of the case body 210.

[0076] The coupling portion 220 may be configured to be coupled to the pack housing 300. Specifically, the coupling portion 220 may be configured to extend from the lower end of the case body 210 to both sides of the pack housing 300 in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction).

[0077] Such a joint 220 may be configured to make surface contact with the pack housing 300. In one example, the joint 220 may be configured to make surface contact with the floor frame 320 of the pack housing 300.

[0078] With this configuration, the cell case 200 and the cell assembly 100 housed inside it can be more stably housed within the pack housing 300. This allows the flow of vent gas and / or flame discharged from the cell assembly 100 to be guided more stably in one direction.

[0079] Figure 9 shows a cell case 202 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Since the cell case 202 in this embodiment is similar to the cell case 200 in the above-described embodiment, redundant explanations of configurations that are substantially the same or similar to those in the above-described embodiment will be omitted, and the following explanation will focus on the differences from the above-described embodiment.

[0081] Referring to Figure 9, the cell case 202 may be formed in a shape similar to a "U". That is, the cell case 202 may be configured in such a shape to enclose the battery cell 110 housed inside, except for the sides and top where the electrode leads 112 are provided. In particular, the cell case 202 may be configured to cover both sides and the lower end of the cell assembly 100 in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction).

[0082] Specifically, the cell case 202 may have an opening O formed on at least one side. In one example, the opening O may be formed on at least one side of the cell case 202 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). That is, the opening O may be formed in the cell case 202 in a region corresponding to the portion where the electrode leads 112 of the battery cell 110 are provided.

[0083] Furthermore, the coupling portion 220 of the cell case 202 may be configured to be coupled to the upper cover 330 of the pack housing 300. That is, the coupling portion of the cell case 202 may be configured to make surface contact with the upper cover 330.

[0084] In this case, a heat transfer material (not shown) may be provided at the bottom of the upper cover 330. In one example, the upper part of the cell assembly 100 housed in the cell case 202 may be placed on the upper cover 330 side. This allows the heat generated from the cell assembly 100 to be discharged to the outside of the pack housing 300 via the heat transfer material provided in the upper cover 330.

[0085] With this implementation configuration, it is possible to configure the shape of the cell case 202 so that the cell assembly 100 can be mounted on the upper cover 330 side within the pack housing 300, thus allowing the cell case 202 to be configured in various shapes depending on the installation environment of the battery pack 10.

[0086] Furthermore, according to the above-described configuration, the lower part of the cell case 202 can be stably placed on the floor frame 320 of the pack housing 300. Therefore, the stacking, placement, and assembly of the cell case 202 and the cell assembly 100 housed inside it can be maintained more stably.

[0087] Figure 10 shows the state in which vent gas or flame is discharged when the battery cell 110 experiences thermal runaway in a battery pack 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this case, the vent gas and flame, which will be described later, are indicated by reference numerals "V" and "F" in Figure 10.

[0088] Referring to Figures 7, 8, and 10, the pack housing 300 may further include flow holes H.

[0089] The flow holes H may be configured to communicate with the vent path C. Alternatively, the flow holes H may be formed at a location corresponding to the opening O of the cell case 200. In this case, at least one flow hole H may be formed along the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) of the pack housing 300. Exemplarily, such flow holes H may be provided in the side frame 310 or the reinforcing frame 340.

[0090] In one example, each of the openings O of the multiple cell cases 200 that house the cell assembly 100 can be configured to correspond to each of the multiple flow holes H.

[0091] In other words, the opening O of the cell case 200 is configured to face the flow hole H, so that the vent gas and / or flame flow discharged from the cell assembly 100 can flow into the vent path C more quickly.

[0092] This configuration not only allows for more stable guidance of the flow of vent gas and / or flame, but also enables more rapid discharge of the vent gas and / or flame to the outside of the pack housing 300 through the openings O of the multiple cell cases 200.

[0093] In particular, the opening O may be configured to be in close contact with the portion of the pack housing 300 in which the flow hole H is formed.

[0094] In other words, the opening O can be in close contact with the portion of the pack housing 300 in which the flow hole H is formed, so that no gap is formed between the opening O and the flow hole H in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the pack housing 300.

[0095] This prevents vent gas and / or flames discharged from one cell assembly 100 from being directed towards other cell assemblies 100 housed in adjacent cell cases 200. As a result, simultaneous ignitions among multiple cell assemblies 100 can be further suppressed.

[0096] Referring to Figures 3, 4, 6, 8, and 10, the openings O of the cell case 200 can be formed in pairs on both sides of the cell case 200.

[0097] Furthermore, the flow holes H of the pack housing 300 may be formed at positions corresponding to a pair of openings O of the cell case 200.

[0098] In one example, a pair of openings O of the cell case 200 may be provided at positions corresponding to the flow holes H of the side frames 310, which are arranged opposite each other in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the pack housing 300.

[0099] In other examples, as mentioned above, the pack housing 300 may be provided with a reinforcing frame 340. In this case, one of the pair of openings O of the cell case 200 may be located at a position corresponding to the flow hole H of the side frame 310. The other of the pair of openings O of the cell case 200 may be located at a position corresponding to the flow hole H of the reinforcing frame 340. Furthermore, when the pack housing 300 is provided with a reinforcing frame 340, the cell cases 200 containing the cell assemblies 100 may be positioned on both sides of the reinforcing frame 340.

[0100] In this case, as shown in Figures 3 and 10, a partition wall (W) extending in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) of the pack housing 300 may be provided inside the reinforcing frame 340. Such a partition wall W can block vent gas and / or flames discharged from the opening O of the cell case 200 located on one side of the reinforcing frame 340 from flowing into the opening O of the cell case 200 located on the other side of the reinforcing frame 340.

[0101] With this implementation configuration, the openings O formed on both sides of the cell case 200 allow for more rapid removal of thermal phenomena from the cell assembly 100.

[0102] Referring to Figures 3 and 10, the cell assembly 100 can be housed inside the cell case 200, spaced apart from the opening O.

[0103] In other words, the length of the cell assembly 100 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) can be formed to be shorter than the length of the cell case 200 in the left-right direction.

[0104] As a result, the vent gas and / or flame discharged from the cell assembly 100 can collide with the inner end of the cell case 200 adjacent to the opening O and be discharged into the vent path C.

[0105] This implementation configuration not only ensures that the flow of vent gas and / or flame discharged from the cell assembly 100 is reliably directed, but also more reliably suppresses simultaneous ignitions among multiple cell assemblies 100.

[0106] Referring to Figures 3 and 10, multiple cell assemblies 100 may be provided. Furthermore, multiple cell cases 200 may be provided to correspond to multiple cell assemblies 100.

[0107] The battery pack 10 may further include compression pads P positioned between the cell cases 200. In one example, the compression pads P may include an elastic material such as sponge. Furthermore, the compression pads P may include an insulating material.

[0108] The compression pad P may be configured to be in close contact with opposing cell cases 200 in the stacking direction (X-axis direction) of the plurality of cell cases 200. This allows the compression pad P to be configured to suppress the swelling phenomenon that may occur in the cell assembly 100. The size of the surface of such a compression pad P that faces the cell cases 200 may be formed to correspond to the size of the side surface of the cell cases 200 in the stacking direction (X-axis direction).

[0109] This delays the spread of flames caused by thermal runaway in the cell assembly 100 and suppresses the swelling phenomenon that may occur in the cell assembly 100, thereby further ensuring the structural stability of the battery pack 10.

[0110] Figure 11 shows a battery pack 11 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] Since the battery pack 11 according to this embodiment is similar to the battery pack 10 according to the embodiment described above, redundant explanations of configurations that are substantially the same or similar to those of the embodiment described above will be omitted, and the following explanation will focus on the differences from the embodiment described above.

[0112] Referring to Figure 11, the cell case 200 in the battery pack 11 may further include an insertion portion 230.

[0113] The insertion portion 230 is formed in the opening O and may be configured to be inserted into the vent path C of the pack housing 300 via the flow hole H.

[0114] Specifically, the insertion portion 230 may extend from the opening O. In particular, the insertion portion 230 may be formed in a shape that extends from the left end and / or right end of the case body 210.

[0115] Furthermore, the insertion portion 230 can be in close contact with the flow hole H in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) of the pack housing 300. This ensures that vent gas and / or flames discharged from one cell assembly 100 flow only into the vent path C of the pack housing 300, and more reliably prevents them from flowing toward other cell assemblies 100 housed in adjacent cell cases 200.

[0116] According to this embodiment of the battery pack 11, the cell assembly 100 can be housed more stably inside the pack housing 300. In addition, the flow of vent gas and / or flame discharged from the cell assembly 100 can be guided more stably in a specific direction.

[0117] Figure 12 shows a battery pack 12 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 12, the vent gas and flame are indicated by reference numerals "V" and "F", respectively.

[0118] Since the battery pack 12 according to this embodiment is similar to the battery pack 10 according to the embodiment described above, redundant explanations of configurations that are substantially the same or similar to those of the embodiment described above will be omitted, and the following explanation will focus on the differences from the embodiment described above.

[0119] Referring to Figure 12, in the battery pack 12, the aforementioned insertion portion 230 may be formed by bending it inward from the opening portion O towards the vent path C.

[0120] Specifically, the insertion portion 230 may extend from the opening portion O. The insertion portion 230 may be formed by bending it inward towards the vent path C while it is inserted into the vent path C through the flow hole H.

[0121] In this case, to facilitate the insertion of the bent insertion portion 230 into the vent path C, the insertion portion 230 may also be formed from an elastic material or in an elastic shape. Such an insertion portion 230 may come into contact with the inner surface of the pack housing 300 (the inner surface of the side frame 310 or reinforcing frame 340) while inserted into the vent path C. This makes the coupling of the cell case 200 to the pack housing 300 more stable.

[0122] Furthermore, the vent gas and / or flame discharged from the cell assembly 100 can naturally flow into the vent path C along the insertion portion 230 which is bent inward towards the vent path C.

[0123] According to this embodiment of the battery pack 12, the cell assembly 100 can be more securely housed inside the pack housing 300. In addition, the direction of vent gas and / or flame discharge can be more reliably guided along the insertion portion 230.

[0124] Figure 13 shows a battery pack 13 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0125] Since the battery pack 13 according to this embodiment is similar to the battery pack 10 according to the embodiment described above, redundant explanations of configurations that are substantially the same or similar to those of the embodiment described above will be omitted, and the following explanation will focus on the differences from the embodiment described above.

[0126] Referring to Figure 13, in the battery pack 13, the opening O of the cell case 200 may be configured to have a larger area than the flow hole H of the pack housing 300.

[0127] Specifically, the opening O of the cell case 200 can be made larger than the flow hole H of the opposing pack housing 300. Therefore, the vent gas and / or flame discharged from one cell assembly 100 can be more effectively directed toward the other cell assembly 100 housed in the adjacent cell case 200.

[0128] According to this embodiment of the battery pack 13, simultaneous and multiple ignitions among multiple cell assemblies 100 can be more reliably suppressed.

[0129] Figure 14 shows a battery pack 14 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 14, the vent gas and flame are indicated by reference numerals "V" and "F", respectively.

[0130] Since the battery pack 14 according to this embodiment is similar to the battery pack 10 according to the embodiment described above, redundant explanations of configurations that are substantially the same or similar to those of the embodiment described above will be omitted, and the following explanation will focus on the differences from the embodiment described above.

[0131] Referring to Figure 14, in the battery pack 14, the pack housing 300 may further include a guide portion D.

[0132] The guide portion D may be formed by bending it inward from the flow hole H towards the vent path C. Specifically, the guide portion D may be bent so as to extend inward from the flow hole H towards the vent path C.

[0133] Such a guide section D can provide more directionality to the discharge direction of the vent gas and / or flame discharged from the cell assembly 100. That is, the vent gas and / or flame discharged from the cell assembly 100 can pass through the flow hole H and flow naturally into the vent path C along the guide section D.

[0134] Furthermore, the vent gas and / or flame flowing into the vent path C can be minimized by colliding with the guide section D, thereby reducing backflow into the cell case 200. In this case, the degree of bending of the vent path C inward from the flow hole H of the guide section D can be set to an angle that suppresses backflow of vent gas and / or flame into the cell case 200.

[0135] According to this embodiment of the battery pack 14, not only can the flow of vent gas and / or flame be guided more stably, but it is also possible to prevent or minimize the backflow of vent gas and / or flame discharged from one cell assembly 100 into another cell assembly 100, which could cause ignition in the other cell assembly 100.

[0136] Figure 15 shows a battery pack 15 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 15, the vent gas and flame are indicated by reference numerals "V" and "F", respectively.

[0137] Since the battery pack 15 according to this embodiment is similar to the battery pack 10 according to the embodiment described above, redundant explanations of configurations that are substantially the same or similar to those of the embodiment described above will be omitted, and the following explanation will focus on the differences from the embodiment described above.

[0138] Referring to Figure 15, in the battery pack 15, the cell case 200 may further include a flow prevention section M.

[0139] The flow prevention portion M may be formed by bending it from the opening O of the cell case 200 toward the cell assembly 100. Specifically, the flow prevention portion M may be formed by bending it toward the inside of the cell case 200 so as to face the cell assembly 100.

[0140] Furthermore, the end of the flow prevention section M may be formed by bending it in the direction of the vent path C. Specifically, the flow prevention section M may be formed by bending it from the opening O of the cell case 200 toward the cell assembly 100, with its end being bent in the direction of the vent path C. In one example, the end of the flow prevention section M may be formed by bending it multiple times in the direction of the vent path C.

[0141] In this case, the vent gas and / or flames that flow into the vent path C through the opening O collide with the outer surface of the flow prevention section M, minimizing their inflow into the cell case 200.

[0142] According to this embodiment of the battery pack 15, it is possible to prevent or minimize ignition caused by the backflow of vent gas / or flame discharged from one cell assembly 100 back into the cell assembly 100.

[0143] Figures 16 and 17 show a battery pack 16 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. In this case, Figure 16 shows the state of the battery pack 16 before the cell assembly 100 has swollen, and Figure 17 shows the state of the battery pack 16 after the cell assembly 100 has swollen.

[0144] Since the battery pack 16 according to this embodiment is similar to the battery pack 10 according to the embodiment described above, redundant explanations of configurations that are substantially the same or similar to those of the embodiment described above will be omitted, and the following explanation will focus on the differences from the embodiment described above.

[0145] Next, referring to Figures 16 and 17, in the battery pack 16, the cell case 200 may further include an extended portion 240.

[0146] Referring to Figures 16 and 17, in the battery pack 16, the cell case 200 may further include an extended portion 240.

[0147] Specifically, the extended portion 240 may extend from the opening O in the stacking direction (X-axis direction) of the multiple cell cases 200. Furthermore, the extended portion 240 may be positioned between the pack housing 300 and the compression pad P in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the pack housing 300.

[0148] In particular, the extensions 240 of adjacent cell cases 200 with the compression pad P in between may be arranged to overlap between the pack housing 300 and the compression pad P in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the pack housing 300.

[0149] In embodiments of the present invention, if swelling occurs in the cell assembly 100, the cell assembly 100 may expand. In this case, the cell case 200 that houses the cell assembly 100 may also expand on its sides in the stacking direction (X-axis direction) of the multiple cell cases 200. As a result, the gap between the pack housing 300 and the extended portion 240 may widen in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the pack housing 300.

[0150] In the battery pack 16 according to this embodiment, as described above, the extended portion 240 of the cell case 200 can be positioned between the pack housing 300 and the compression pad P. Therefore, as shown in Figure 17, even if swelling occurs in the cell assembly 100, the extended portions 240 of adjacent cell cases 200 with the compression pad P in between are folded in a state where they overlap each other, thereby sealing the gaps in the stacking direction of the multiple cell cases 200.

[0151] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 17, the compression pad P can be compressed in accordance with the expansion of the sides of the cell cases 200 due to the expansion of the cell assembly 100. In this case, the compression pad P can be compressed in the stacking direction of the multiple cell cases 200 while being stretched in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the pack housing 300. As a result, the compression pad P can press the extended portions 240 of adjacent cell cases 200 that are sandwiched between the compression pad P toward the pack housing 300. In this case, the gaps in the stacking direction of the multiple cell cases 200, particularly the gaps between the cell cases 200 and the pack housing 300, can be sealed more reliably.

[0152] According to this embodiment of the battery pack 16, when a swelling phenomenon occurs in a cell assembly 100 and a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs simultaneously, it is possible to minimize the vent gas and / or flame discharged from one cell assembly 100 moving toward the other cell assembly 100 housed in the adjacent cell case 200.

[0153] On the other hand, in the various embodiments shown in Figures 10 to 17 above, the flow holes H of the pack housing 300 are shown as being open. However, it is also possible to configure the flow holes H to be closed rather than open under normal conditions. For example, the flow holes H of the pack housing 300 may be provided with a separate door member (not shown) that is closed under normal conditions, but when vent gas or the like is generated from a particular cell assembly 100, the flow holes H corresponding to that cell assembly 100 may be configured to open due to pressure, heat, etc. For example, the flow holes H may be configured to be blocked by a material such as a mica sheet. Furthermore, such a mica sheet may be configured to have pre-cut notches or notches in specific parts so that it can be opened by pressure, etc.

[0154] According to this embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to more effectively prevent vent gas, flames, etc., flowing through the vent path C from flowing into other cell assemblies 100 through the flow holes H.

[0155] The battery packs 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 according to 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, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 according to the present invention.

[0156] 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.

[0157] On the other hand, while terms such as up, down, left, right, front, and back have been 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. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0158] 10 Battery Packs 11 Battery Packs 12 Battery Packs 13 Battery Packs 14 Battery Packs 15 Battery Packs 16 Battery Packs 100 cell assembly 110 battery cells 112 Electrode Leads 200 Cell Case 202 Cell Case 210 Case Body 220 Joint 230 Insertion part 240 Extension 300 Pack Housing 310 Side Frame 320 Floor Frame 330 Top cover 340 Reinforcement Frame C vent path D Guide Section H Flow hole M flow prevention section O open part P Compression Pad W Bulkhead

Claims

1. Cell assembly and, A cell case housing the aforementioned cell assembly and having an opening formed on at least one side, The cell case is connected to a pack housing having a vent path facing the opening, Includes, The aforementioned cell case is It further includes a flow-preventing portion formed by bending from the opening toward the cell assembly, The end of the flow prevention portion is formed by bending in the direction of the vent path. Battery pack.

2. The aforementioned cell case is Includes a coupling portion configured to connect to the pack housing, The aforementioned joint is It is configured to make surface contact with the aforementioned pack housing, The battery pack according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned joint is It is configured to be coupled to the floor frame or upper cover of the aforementioned pack housing, The battery pack according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned pack housing is It has multiple frames that connect to each other, At least a portion of the aforementioned plurality of frames, Having a vent path opposite to the aforementioned opening, The battery pack according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned pack housing is It includes a flow hole that communicates with the aforementioned vent path, The aforementioned flow hole is Formed at a position corresponding to the opening of the cell case, The battery pack according to claim 1.

6. The aforementioned opening is In the pack housing, it is configured to be in close contact with the portion where the flow hole is formed. The battery pack according to claim 5.

7. The aforementioned cell case is The opening portion further includes an insertion portion that is formed in the opening portion and configured to be inserted into the vent path through the flow hole, The battery pack according to claim 6.

8. The aforementioned insertion portion is It is formed by bending inward from the opening in the vent path, The battery pack according to claim 7.

9. The aforementioned opening is It is configured to have a larger area than the aforementioned flow hole. The battery pack according to claim 6.

10. The aforementioned opening is A pair of these are formed on both sides of the aforementioned cell case, The aforementioned flow hole is Formed at positions corresponding to the pair of openings, The battery pack according to claim 5.

11. The aforementioned pack housing is It further includes a guide portion formed by bending inward from the flow hole towards the vent path, The battery pack according to claim 5.

12. The aforementioned cell assembly is Located apart from the aforementioned opening and housed inside the cell case, The battery pack according to claim 1.

13. A cell assembly and A cell case housing the aforementioned cell assembly and having an opening formed on at least one side, The cell case is connected to a pack housing having a vent path facing the opening, A battery pack including, The aforementioned cell assembly is Multiple units are provided. The aforementioned cell case is Multiple units are provided to correspond to the aforementioned multiple cell assemblies, The aforementioned battery pack is The system further includes a compression pad positioned between the cell cases, The aforementioned cell case is The extension further includes an extension that extends from the opening in the stacking direction of the plurality of cell cases and is positioned between the pack housing and the compression pad, Battery pack.

14. An automobile comprising at least one battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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