Battery pack and vehicle including the same

Abstract

A battery pack and an automobile including the same are disclosed. A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a plurality of battery modules in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a pack case in which a plurality of battery modules are housed and a venting portion is formed; and a protective cover member coupled to the pack case at a portion where the venting portion is located to protect the venting portion.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack and an automobile including the same, and more specifically, to a battery pack capable of protecting a venting part and facilitating the discharge of venting gas, and an automobile including the same. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, a secondary battery refers to a battery capable of repeated charging and discharging, such as lithium-ion batteries, lithium-polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The battery cells corresponding to the most basic secondary batteries can provide an output voltage of approximately 2.5V to 4.2V.

[0003] Recently, as these battery cells are applied to devices requiring high output voltage and large charging capacity, such as electric vehicles or Energy Storage Systems (ESS), battery modules configured by connecting multiple battery cells in series, parallel, or a combination of series and parallel, and battery packs configured by connecting these battery modules again in series, parallel, or a combination of series and parallel are widely used.

[0004] Lithium secondary batteries are currently in the spotlight due to their advantages, such as high operating voltage and significantly higher energy density, but because they use organic electrolytes, if the lithium secondary battery is overcharged, it causes overcurrent and overheating, which in severe cases can lead to explosions or fires caused by ignition.

[0005] Various types of secondary batteries include a battery module in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked and inserted into the module case, equipped with a module case capable of protecting the battery cells, and a battery pack containing a plurality of battery modules.

[0006] Here, if a flame occurs in at least one of the battery cells inside the module case of the battery module and venting gas is generated, the internal pressure of the battery module rises rapidly, and the flame may propagate to an adjacent battery module due to the explosion of the battery module, causing a chain reaction of ignition.

[0007] Alternatively, if a flame generated from any battery module propagates to an adjacent battery module, the battery module or battery pack may be damaged, completely burned, or explode due to a chain reaction of flames, posing a problem in that the stability of the battery module or battery pack cannot be ensured. Furthermore, venting gas is generated from the battery cells inside the battery module, and if this venting gas is released in an unintended direction, it also causes various problems.

[0008] To solve these problems, a venting section may be formed in the pack case of the battery pack, particularly to smoothly discharge venting gas.

[0009] However, since the venting section of a conventional battery pack is exposed to the outside, there is a problem in that if high-temperature particles are generated by a flame during a thermal event, these high-temperature particles migrate to the venting section and damage it. The problem to be solved

[0010] Accordingly, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery pack capable of protecting a venting part from high-temperature particles generated by a flame, and an automobile including the same.

[0011] In addition, the invention provides a battery pack that prevents high-temperature particles from passing through but allows venting gas to pass through, thereby enabling the smooth discharge of venting gas, and a vehicle containing the same.

[0012] In addition, the invention provides a battery pack capable of preventing pressure rise inside the battery pack and thereby preventing thermal runaway, and a vehicle including the same.

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

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery pack may be provided comprising: a plurality of battery modules having a plurality of battery cells stacked thereon; a pack case in which the plurality of battery modules are housed and a venting portion is formed; and a protective cover member coupled to the pack case at a portion where the venting portion is located to protect the venting portion, and having a gas passage hole formed therein through which venting gas moves.

[0015] In one embodiment, the venting portion may include a venting hole through which venting gas generated from the battery cell is discharged; and a venting valve that closes the venting hole and opens when the internal pressure of the pack case exceeds a preset value.

[0016] In one embodiment, the protective cover member may be formed to cover at least a portion of the venting portion.

[0017] In one embodiment, the protective cover member comprises: an upper surface cover portion located at the top; a side cover portion located on the side and coupled to the upper surface cover portion; and a front cover portion coupled to the upper surface cover portion and the side cover portion, wherein the gas transfer hole may be formed in at least one of the upper surface cover portion, the side cover portion, and the front cover portion.

[0018] In one embodiment, the front cover portion includes a plurality of rod portions, and each of the plurality of rod portions is inclinedly coupled to the side cover portion so that the gas transfer hole may be formed between the plurality of rod portions.

[0019] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of rod portions may have its lower side coupled to the end portion of the side cover portion and its upper side coupled to the inner side of the side cover portion.

[0020] In one embodiment, the gas transfer hole may be formed between one of the plurality of rod portions and an adjacent rod portion so that the venting gas moves upward along the gas transfer hole.

[0021] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of rod portions may have its upper side coupled to the end portion of the side cover portion and its lower side coupled to the inner side of the side cover portion.

[0022] In one embodiment, the gas transfer hole may be formed between one of the plurality of rod portions and an adjacent rod portion so that the venting gas moves downward along the gas transfer hole.

[0023] In one embodiment, the angle of inclination of the plurality of load parts can all be formed equally.

[0024] In one embodiment, at least one of the inclination angles of the plurality of load parts may be formed differently.

[0025] In one embodiment, a fastening coupling portion may be formed on the upper surface cover portion so that the protective cover member can be coupled to the pack case.

[0026] In one embodiment, the protective cover member may further include a lower cover portion located at the bottom so as to be coupled to the lower portion of the side cover portion and the front cover portion.

[0027] In one embodiment, a gas passage hole through which venting gas moves may be formed in the lower cover portion.

[0028] Meanwhile, according to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle comprising at least one of the aforementioned battery packs may be provided. Effects of the invention

[0029] The embodiments of the present invention have the effect of protecting the venting part from high-temperature particles generated by a flame.

[0030] In addition, while high-temperature particles cannot pass through, venting gas can, which has the effect of allowing the venting gas to be discharged smoothly.

[0031] In addition, it has the effect of preventing pressure buildup inside the battery pack, thereby preventing thermal runaway.

[0032] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0033] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention provided below; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings. FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a battery pack according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a protective cover member protecting a venting portion formed in a pack case of a battery pack according to a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the battery module is omitted from the drawing. Figure 3 is a drawing showing the protective cover member separated from Figure 2. Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the venting hole of the venting section in Figure 3. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a protective cover member in a battery pack according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a front view of a protective cover member in a battery pack according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along A-A' of Figure 5. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a protective cover member in a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along B-B' of Figure 8. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a protective cover member in a battery pack according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a protective cover member in a battery pack according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a protective cover member in a battery pack according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle including a battery pack according to each embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0034] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention. Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely one preferred embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all aspects of the technical spirit of the present invention; therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications capable of replacing them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0035] In the drawings, the size of each component or specific part constituting the component is exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted for convenience and clarity of explanation. Accordingly, the size of each component does not entirely reflect its actual size. If it is determined that a detailed description of related known functions or configurations could unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention, such description shall be omitted.

[0036] As used in this specification, the terms "combination" or "connection" include not only cases where one member and another member are directly joined or directly connected, but also cases where one member is indirectly joined or indirectly connected to another member through a connecting member.

[0037] FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a battery pack according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a protective cover member protecting a venting portion formed in a pack case of a battery pack according to a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the battery module is omitted from the drawing, FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the protective cover member separated from FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the venting hole of the venting portion in FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the protective cover member in a battery pack according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a front view of the protective cover member in a battery pack according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along A-A' of FIG. 5.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 together, a battery pack (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a plurality of battery modules (100), a pack case (200), and a protective cover member (300).

[0039] A plurality of battery cells (110, see FIG. 1) are stacked in each battery module (100), and a plurality of battery modules (100) are provided and arranged in various ways. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the battery modules (100) may be arranged in horizontal and vertical directions, but are not limited thereto.

[0040] The battery module (100) may be equipped with a plurality of battery cells (110) and a module case (120).

[0041] Multiple battery cells (110) can be stacked together. The battery cells (110) can have various structures, and additionally, the multiple battery cells (110) can be stacked in various ways.

[0042] The battery cell (110) may have a structure in which a plurality of unit cells arranged in the order of positive plate-separator-negative plate or bi-cells arranged in the order of positive plate-separator-negative plate-separator-positive plate-separator-negative plate are stacked according to the battery capacity.

[0043] The battery cell (110) may be provided with electrode leads. The electrode leads may be made of a conductive material and serve as a type of terminal that is exposed to the outside and connected to an external device. The electrode leads may include a positive electrode lead and a negative electrode lead.

[0044] The positive electrode lead and the negative electrode lead may be positioned in opposite directions with respect to the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (110), or the positive electrode lead and the negative electrode lead may be positioned in the same direction with respect to the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (110).

[0045] A battery cell (110) may be provided with a plurality of cartridges (not shown) for housing the battery cell (110). Each cartridge (not shown) may be manufactured by injection molding of plastic, and a plurality of cartridges (not shown) may be stacked, each having a housing portion formed to accommodate the battery cell (110). A cartridge assembly formed by stacking a plurality of cartridges (not shown) may be provided with a connector element or a terminal element.

[0046] The connector element may include various types of electrical connection components or connection members for connecting to a BMS (Battery Management System, not shown), for example, which can provide data on the voltage or temperature of the battery cell (110).

[0047] Additionally, the terminal element includes a positive terminal and a negative terminal as a main terminal connected to the battery cell (110). The terminal element is equipped with a terminal bolt so that it can be electrically connected to the outside. Meanwhile, the battery cell (110) may have various shapes.

[0048] A plurality of battery cells (110) are stacked and stored in a module case (120). The module case (120) surrounds the plurality of battery cells (110), thereby protecting the battery cells (110) from external vibrations or shocks.

[0049] The module case (120) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of a stack of multiple battery cells (110). For example, if the stack of multiple battery cells (110) is formed in a cuboid shape, the module case (120) may also be formed in a cuboid shape to correspond thereto. However, it is not limited thereto. Here, the module case (120) may include an upper module case, a lower module case, and a side module case.

[0050] Additionally, the module case (120) can be manufactured, for example, by bending a metal plate, thereby allowing the module case (120) to be manufactured as a single unit. When the module case (120) is manufactured as a single unit, the joining process becomes simpler and more streamlined. Alternatively, the module case (120) may be provided as a separate unit and joined by welding or the like. However, the material of the module case (120) is not limited to metal.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 1, a plurality of battery modules (100) are stored in a pack case (200). In FIG. 1, a battery module (100) including a pouch-type battery cell (110) is stored in the pack case (200), but is not limited thereto, and a battery module (100) including a prismatic battery cell or a battery module (100) including a cylindrical battery cell may also be stored inside the pack case (200) of the battery pack (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] And, referring to FIG. 3, a venting section (260) is formed in the pack case (200). The venting section (260) allows the venting gas generated from the battery cell (110) to be discharged to the outside of the battery pack (10). For example, venting gas may be generated when a flame occurs in any battery cell (110). The venting gas generated in this way can be discharged to the outside of the pack case (200) through the venting section (260).

[0053] The venting section (260) may include a venting hole (261) and a venting valve (262). Referring to FIG. 4, the venting hole (261) is a hole through which venting gas generated from the battery cell (110) is discharged, and may be formed in the pack case (200), for example, the side frame (220), but is not limited thereto.

[0054] And, referring to FIG. 3, a venting valve (262) may be installed in the venting hole (261). The venting valve (262) may be configured in various ways. For example, the venting valve (262) may be configured to close the venting hole (261) and to open when the internal pressure of the pack case (200) exceeds a preset value.

[0055] That is, the venting valve (262) normally blocks the venting hole (261), but when venting gas leaks out from the battery cell (110) and the internal pressure of the pack case (200) exceeds a preset value or range, the venting valve (262) opens and the venting gas is discharged from the pack case (200) through the venting hole (261).

[0056] In the battery pack (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the venting portion (260) is protected from flames or high-temperature particles by a protective cover member (300), and a detailed description thereof will be provided later.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 1, the pack case (200) may be configured to include, for example, a lower frame (210), a side frame (220), an inner frame (230), a bulkhead frame (240), and an upper frame (250).

[0058] The lower frame (210) is configured to accommodate a plurality of battery modules (100). The lower frame (210) may be formed in the shape of a square plate, but is not limited thereto. The lower frame (210) forms the bottom portion of the pack case (200).

[0059] The side frame (220) may be configured to extend upward from the edge of the lower frame (210). The side frame (220) defines the height of the pack case (200) and forms a pre-set space between it and the lower frame (210). A plurality of battery modules (100) are seated in the space between the side frame (220) and the lower frame (210). The side frame (220) may include a long side frame that is relatively long and a short side frame that is relatively short. Alternatively, the lengths of the side frames (220) may all be the same.

[0060] The inner frame (230) extends upward within the lower frame (210) and is coupled to the side frame (220). One or more inner frames (230) may be provided, and a plurality of battery modules (100) may be arranged facing each other with respect to the inner frame (230).

[0061] The partition frame (240) is coupled to the inner frame (230). The partition frame (240) is interposed between a plurality of battery modules (100). In FIG. 1, one partition frame (240) is positioned between two adjacent battery modules (100), but it is not limited thereto.

[0062] The upper frame (250) can be connected to the side frame (220) when positioned on the upper side. The method of connecting the upper frame (250) can be varied, for example, it may be connected by fastening members such as bolts, or connected by welding, or connected by other methods.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3 together, the protective cover member (300) is attached to the pack case (200) at the portion where the venting portion (260) is located in order to protect the venting portion (260).

[0064] Here, referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, a gas passage hole (350, see FIG. 7) through which venting gas moves is formed in the protective cover member (300).

[0065] That is, the venting gas generated from the battery cell (110) can move to the venting section (260) through the gas transfer hole (350) of the protective cover member (300) and be discharged through the venting hole (261) of the venting section (260), but the flame generated from the battery cell (110) and the high-temperature particles generated by the flame are blocked by the protective cover member (300) and cannot move to the venting section (260), thereby protecting the venting section (260) from the flame or high-temperature particles.

[0066] The protective cover member (300) may be formed to cover at least a portion of the venting portion (260). That is, the portion of the protective cover member (300) that covers the venting portion (260) may vary as needed.

[0067] And, referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 7 together, the protective cover member (300) may be configured to include an upper cover portion (310), a side cover portion (320), and a front cover portion (330).

[0068] The upper cover portion (310) is located at the top and is coupled to the side cover portion (320). The side cover portion (320) is located at the side and is coupled to the upper cover portion (310) and also to the front cover portion (330). The front cover portion (330) is located at the front and is coupled to the upper cover portion (310) and the side cover portion (320).

[0069] Here, the protective cover member (300) may further include a lower cover portion (340), but this is described in the fifth embodiment below. That is, in the first embodiment, the protective cover member (300) includes an upper cover portion (310), a side cover portion (320), and a front cover portion (330), and does not include a lower cover portion (340). That is, since the lower part of the protective cover member (300) is open, the venting gas can also move to the venting portion (260) through the lower cover portion (340).

[0070] Additionally, the gas transfer hole (350) may be formed in at least one of the upper cover portion (310), the side cover portion (320), and the front cover portion (330). The case where the gas transfer hole (350) is formed in the side cover portion (320) and the upper cover portion (310) is described in the third and fourth embodiments below, respectively, and the case where the gas transfer hole (350) is formed in the front cover portion (330) is described in the first embodiment.

[0071] That is, referring to FIG. 7, the lower cover portion (340) is not formed on the protective cover member (300), and the gas transfer hole (350) is formed only on the front cover portion (330).

[0072] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the front cover portion (330) may include a plurality of rod portions (370a, 370b). Here, each of the plurality of rod portions (370a, 370b) may be formed at an angle and coupled to the side cover portion (320). Additionally, a gas transfer hole (350) is formed between the plurality of rod portions (370a, 370b) that are formed at an angle.

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 5 and FIGS. 7 together, each of the plurality of rod portions (370a, 370b) may have its lower side connected to the end of the side cover portion (320) (see X in FIGS. 5 and 7) and its upper side connected to the inside of the side cover portion (320) (see Y in FIGS. 5 and 7). Additionally, a gap may be formed between the plurality of rod portions (370a, 370b) so that a gas transfer hole (350) may be formed between one of the rod portions (370a) and an adjacent rod portion (370b).

[0074] And, by this structure, each of the multiple rod sections (370a, 370b) is formed to slope upward toward the venting section (260), and thus the venting gas moves upward along the gas movement hole (350) toward the venting section (260).

[0075] Referring to FIG. 7, a plurality of rod sections (370a, 370b) are spaced apart from each other at a preset interval and are formed to slope upward toward the venting section (260). Thus, venting gas can move along the plurality of rod sections (370a, 370b) to the venting section (260) and be discharged outside the pack case (200), but high-temperature particles generated from the flame cannot move to the venting section (260) because they are blocked by hitting the plurality of rod sections (370a, 370b).

[0076] That is, due to this structure and operation, high-temperature particles cannot pass through the protective cover member (300), but venting gas can pass through the gas transfer hole (350) between the multiple rod parts (370a, 370b) and is discharged smoothly, so the venting part (260) can be protected from high-temperature particles generated by the flame, and the venting of the venting gas is also made easy.

[0077] In addition, since the venting gas is smoothly discharged while protecting the venting section (260), it prevents the pressure inside the battery pack (10) from rising due to the venting gas, thereby preventing thermal runaway.

[0078] Here, as shown in FIG. 7, the inclination angles of the plurality of rod portions (370a, 370b) can all be formed to be the same. Alternatively, as a modified embodiment, although not shown in the drawing, at least one of the inclination angles of the plurality of rod portions (370a, 370b) can be formed differently.

[0079] Also, referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a fastening coupling portion (360) may be formed on the upper cover portion (310) so that the protective cover member (300) can be coupled to the pack case (200). A fastening member such as a bolt may be coupled to the fastening coupling portion (360), thereby allowing the protective cover member (300) to be coupled to the pack case (200).

[0080] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a protective cover member in a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along B-B' of FIG. 8.

[0081] The second embodiment of the present invention differs from the first embodiment in the inclination direction of the plurality of rod portions (370c, 370d) of the front cover portion (330). However, any parts of the second embodiment that are common to the parts described in the first embodiment are replaced by the description of the first embodiment described above. Additionally, any parts described in the second embodiment that are applicable to the first embodiment may be applied to the first embodiment.

[0082] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the front cover portion (330) may include a plurality of rod portions (370c, 370d). Here, each of the plurality of rod portions (370c, 370d) may be formed at an angle and coupled to the side cover portion (320). Additionally, a gas transfer hole (350) is formed between the plurality of rod portions (370c, 370d) that are formed at an angle.

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 8 and FIGS. 9 together, each of the plurality of rod portions (370c, 370d) may have its upper side connected to the end of the side cover portion (320) (see Y' in FIGS. 8 and 9) and its lower side connected to the inside of the side cover portion (320) (see X' in FIGS. 8 and 9). Additionally, a gap may be formed between the plurality of rod portions (370c, 370d) so that a gas transfer hole (350) may be formed between one of the rod portions (370c, 370d) and an adjacent rod portion (370d).

[0084] And, by this structure, each of the multiple rod sections (370c, 370d) is formed to slope downward toward the venting section (260), and thus the venting gas moves downward along the gas movement hole (350) toward the venting section (260).

[0085] Referring to FIG. 9, since a plurality of rod sections (370c, 370d) are spaced apart from each other at a preset interval and are formed to slope downward toward the venting section (260), the venting gas can move along the plurality of rod sections (370c, 370d) to the venting section (260) and be discharged outside the pack case (200), but high-temperature particles generated from the flame cannot move to the venting section (260) because they are blocked by hitting the plurality of rod sections (370c, 370d).

[0086] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a protective cover member in a battery pack according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] The third embodiment of the present invention differs from the first and second embodiments in that a gas transfer hole (350) is formed in the side cover portion (320). However, any content common to the parts described in the first or second embodiment is replaced by the description of the first or second embodiment described above. Furthermore, any parts described in the third embodiment that are applicable to the first or second embodiment may be applied to the first or second embodiment.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 10, a gas transfer hole (350) is formed in the side cover portion (320). Here, the gas transfer hole (350) formed in the side cover portion (320) may be formed with an upward slope toward the venting portion (260), or it may be formed with a downward slope toward the venting portion (260).

[0089] Also, as shown in FIG. 10, gas transfer holes (350) may be formed in both the front cover portion (330) and the side cover portion (320), but gas transfer holes (350) may be formed only in the side cover portion (320).

[0090] Alternatively, gas transfer holes (350) may be formed in both of the pair of side cover portions (320), or gas transfer holes (350) may be formed in only one of the pair of side cover portions (320).

[0091] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a protective cover member in a battery pack according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] The fourth embodiment of the present invention differs from the first to third embodiments in that a gas transfer hole (350) is formed in the upper surface cover portion (310). However, any part common to any one of the first to third embodiments described above is replaced by the description of any one of the first to third embodiments. Furthermore, any part described in the fourth embodiment that is applicable to any one of the first to third embodiments may be applied to any one of the first to third embodiments.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 11, a gas transfer hole (350) is formed in the upper cover portion (310). Here, the gas transfer hole (350) formed in the upper cover portion (310) may be formed inclined to the right toward the venting portion (260), or may be formed inclined to the left toward the venting portion (260). Additionally, the gas transfer hole (350) formed in the upper cover portion (310) may be formed inclined not only to the right or left but also to the inner or outer side.

[0094] Also, as shown in FIG. 11, gas transfer holes (350) may be formed in both the front cover portion (330) and the upper cover portion (310), but gas transfer holes (350) may be formed only in the upper cover portion (310).

[0095] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a protective cover member in a battery pack according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0096] The fifth embodiment of the present invention differs from the first to fourth embodiments in that the protective cover member (300) includes a lower cover portion (340) and a gas transfer hole (350) is formed in the lower cover portion (340). However, any content common to the part described in any one of the first to fourth embodiments is replaced by the description of any one of the first to fourth embodiments described above. Furthermore, any part described in the fifth embodiment that is applicable to any one of the first to fourth embodiments may be applied to any one of the first to fourth embodiments.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 12, the protective cover member (300) may further include a lower cover portion (340) located at the bottom so as to be coupled to the lower portions of the side cover portion (320) and the front cover portion (330).

[0098] The bottom cover portion (340) blocks high-temperature particles rising from the bottom. Most high-temperature particles move over the inner frame (230) and the bulkhead frame (240), etc., and thus enter the venting portion (260) through the front, top, and side of the venting portion (260). However, depending on the need or the model of the battery pack, high-temperature particles may also enter the venting portion (260) from the bottom of the venting portion (260), so a bottom cover portion (340) may be formed on the protective cover member (300).

[0099] Here, a gas transfer hole (350) may not be formed in the lower cover portion (340). Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 12, a gas transfer hole (350) through which gas moves may be formed in the lower cover portion (340). When a gas transfer hole (350) is formed in the lower cover portion (340), the gas transfer hole (350) formed in the lower cover portion (340) may be formed inclined to the right toward the venting portion (260), or inclined to the left toward the venting portion (260). Additionally, the gas transfer hole (350) formed in the upper cover portion (310) may be formed inclined not only to the right or left but also inwardly or outwardly.

[0100] Also, as shown in FIG. 12, gas transfer holes (350) may be formed in both the front cover portion (330) and the bottom cover portion (340), but gas transfer holes (350) may be formed only in the bottom cover portion (340).

[0101] FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle including a battery pack according to each embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 13, a vehicle (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs (10) according to each of the above embodiments. Here, the vehicle (20) includes various vehicles configured to use electricity, such as, for example, electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles.

[0103] In this specification, where terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, and right are used, these terms are used merely for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that they may vary depending on the location of the object or the position of the observer.

[0104] Although the present invention has been described above by means of limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims set forth below by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed above should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. That is, the scope of the true technical spirit of the present invention is indicated in the claims, and all variations within the equivalent scope thereof should be interpreted as being included in the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0105] 10 : Battery pack 100 : Battery module 110: Battery cell 120: Module case 200 : Pack case 210 : Bottom frame 220: Side frame 230: Inner frame 240: Bulkhead frame 250: Upper frame 260: Venting section 261: Venting hole 262 : Venting valve 300 : Protective cover member 310: Top cover part 320: Side cover part 330 : Front cover part 340 : Bottom cover part 350: Gas transfer hole 360: Connecting part 370 : Road section 20 : Cars

Claims

Claim 1 A battery pack comprising: a plurality of battery modules in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a pack case in which the plurality of battery modules are housed and a venting portion is formed; and a protective cover member formed to cover at least a portion of the venting portion by being coupled to the pack case at the portion where the venting portion is located to protect the venting portion, and having a gas passage hole formed therein for venting gas to move, wherein the protective cover member comprises a front cover portion located at the front and a side cover portion located at the side, wherein the front cover portion comprises a plurality of rod portions, each of the plurality of rod portions is inclinedly coupled to the side cover portion so that the gas passage hole is formed between the plurality of rod portions, and wherein each of the plurality of rod portions has its lower side coupled to the end portion of the side cover portion and its upper side coupled to the inner side of the side cover portion. Claim 2 A battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the venting portion comprises: a venting hole through which venting gas generated from the battery cell is discharged; and a venting valve that closes the venting hole and opens when the internal pressure of the pack case exceeds a preset value. Claim 3 delete Claim 4 A battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the protective cover member includes an upper surface cover portion located at the top, the side cover portion is coupled to the upper surface cover portion, the front cover portion is coupled to the upper surface cover portion and the side cover portion, and the gas transfer hole is formed in at least one of the upper surface cover portion, the side cover portion, and the front cover portion. Claim 5 delete Claim 6 delete Claim 7 A battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that the gas transfer hole is formed between one of the plurality of load parts and an adjacent load part so that the venting gas moves upward along the gas transfer hole. Claim 8 A battery pack comprising: a plurality of battery modules in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a pack case in which the plurality of battery modules are housed and a venting portion is formed; and a protective cover member formed to cover at least a portion of the venting portion by being coupled to the pack case at the portion where the venting portion is located to protect the venting portion, and having a gas passage hole formed therein for venting gas to move, wherein the protective cover member comprises a front cover portion located at the front and a side cover portion located at the side, wherein the front cover portion comprises a plurality of rod portions, each of the plurality of rod portions is inclinedly coupled to the side cover portion so that the gas passage hole is formed between the plurality of rod portions, and wherein each of the plurality of rod portions has its upper side coupled to the end portion of the side cover portion and its lower side coupled to the inner side of the side cover portion. Claim 9 A battery pack according to claim 8, characterized in that the gas transfer hole is formed between one of the plurality of load parts and an adjacent load part so that the venting gas moves downward along the gas transfer hole. Claim 10 A battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that the angle of inclination of the plurality of load sections is all formed equally. Claim 11 A battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the angles of inclination of the plurality of load portions is formed differently. Claim 12 A battery pack according to claim 4, characterized in that a fastening coupling portion is formed on the upper surface cover portion so that the protective cover member can be coupled to the pack case. Claim 13 A battery pack according to claim 4, wherein the protective cover member further comprises a bottom cover portion positioned at the bottom to be coupled to the lower portion of the side cover portion and the front cover portion. Claim 14 A battery pack according to claim 13, characterized in that a gas passage hole through which venting gas moves is formed in the lower cover portion. Claim 15 An automobile comprising at least one battery pack according to any one of paragraphs 1, 2, 4, 7 through 14.

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