Battery pack and vehicle comprising the battery pack

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery pack characterized by comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a pack tray having an open top for accommodating the plurality of battery cells; a pack lid configured to cover the open top of the pack tray; and a reinforcing member coupled to the pack lid to suppress deformation of the pack lid.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack and an automobile including the same. Background Technology

[0002] Secondary batteries, which possess electrical characteristics such as high energy density and high applicability across product groups, are widely applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electric sources. These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for enhancing eco-friendliness and energy efficiency, not only for the primary advantage of drastically reducing the use of fossil fuels but also because they generate no by-products from energy use.

[0003] Currently, widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium-polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of these unit secondary battery cells, or unit battery cells, is approximately 2.5V to 4.5V. Therefore, if a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery pack. Additionally, depending on the charge / discharge capacity required for the battery pack, multiple battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery pack. Accordingly, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be varied depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0004] Meanwhile, when configuring a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel, it is common practice to first construct a battery module containing at least one battery cell, and then use this at least one battery module to add other components to form a battery pack or battery rack. Alternatively, recently, battery packs in the form of a "Cell-to-Pack," in which multiple battery cells are directly housed in a pack housing without modularization, are also being manufactured.

[0005] If thermal events such as thermal runaway occur within a battery pack, gases may be ejected from the contained battery cells, and these gases may include flames. Furthermore, in a battery pack containing multiple modules, if a situation such as thermal runaway occurs in a specific module, there is a possibility that the heat will spread to other modules. This is extremely dangerous because failure to properly control such thermal propagation between battery modules can lead to a fire or explosion of the entire battery pack.

[0006] Furthermore, in conventional battery packs, when thermal runaway occurred inside the pack, venting gases and other substances moved through the space between the pack lid, located on the top of the battery module, and the battery module to be discharged to the outside. However, a problem existed in that if a specific part of the pack lid was deformed outward by high-temperature venting gases or sparks, other surrounding parts would deform inward, resulting in a failure to secure a venting path. Consequently, the problem was that venting gases, heat, and sparks could not diffuse evenly and were instead accelerated to randomly transfer to adjacent battery cells or battery modules.

[0007] Therefore, when a thermal event occurs in a battery module or battery cell, there is a need for a structure to minimize heat propagation within the battery pack by preventing the pack lead from being thermally deformed by high-temperature venting gas or sparks.

[0008] Furthermore, to this end, there is a need for technology that ensures a venting path is secured so that venting gases and the like can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery pack when a thermal event occurs in a battery module or battery cell. The problem to be solved

[0009] Accordingly, the present invention is designed to solve the problems described above and provides a battery pack capable of ensuring safety and reliability when a thermal event occurs in a battery cell or battery module, and an automobile including the same.

[0010] However, the 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

[0011] To solve the above problem, a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may include: a plurality of battery cells; a pack tray having an open top for accommodating the plurality of battery cells; a pack lid configured to cover the open top of the pack tray; and a reinforcing member coupled to the pack lid to suppress deformation of the pack lid.

[0012] A venting channel is formed between the pack lead and the battery cell to allow venting gas generated in the battery cell to flow, and the reinforcing member can be configured to maintain the height of the venting channel.

[0013] The above reinforcing member may be composed of a material with a lower thermal expansion coefficient than the above pack lid.

[0014] The reinforcing member may be configured in a long, extended shape along the stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells.

[0015] The above reinforcing members may be provided in multiple numbers spaced apart by a predetermined distance in the horizontal direction.

[0016] The module case further includes a plurality of battery cells in an internal space and at least one venting hole formed on the upper side to communicate with the internal space, and the venting hole may be positioned between adjacent reinforcing members.

[0017] At least a portion of the above reinforcing member may be configured to protrude from the pack lead toward the battery cell side.

[0018] The reinforcing member may include a protrusion formed by protruding from the pack lid, and a support member extending from the protrusion to both sides and supported by the pack lid.

[0019] It may further include an insulating coating layer formed on the outer surface of the above-mentioned reinforcing member.

[0020] The above pack tray includes a venting section configured to discharge the venting gas to the outside of the pack tray, and the reinforcing member may be provided to extend long toward the venting section.

[0021] The gap between adjacent reinforcing members can be configured to become narrower as it approaches the venting portion.

[0022] Among the plurality of the above reinforcing members, the width of at least one portion of the reinforcing member coupled to the central part of the pack lid may be configured to be wider than the width of the reinforcing member coupled to the edge part of the pack lid.

[0023] And, the automobile according to the present invention may include a battery pack according to the present invention. Effects of the invention

[0024] According to one aspect of the present invention, safety and reliability can be ensured by preventing thermal deformation of the pack lead due to high-temperature venting gas or sparks generated when a thermal event occurs in a battery cell or battery module.

[0025] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs in a battery cell or battery module, additional chain ignition can be prevented by ensuring that other battery modules are protected from thermal damage as much as possible during the process of discharging high-temperature gases, etc., generated in the battery module to the outside of the pack case.

[0026] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a venting passage between the battery module and the pack lead is stably secured so that venting gas generated when an abnormal situation occurs in the battery module can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the pack case.

[0027] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, thermal propagation prevention performance at the pack level can be effectively secured.

[0028] By doing so, it is possible to prevent or delay events such as fire or explosion caused by thermal runaway phenomena in battery packs containing multiple battery modules or devices equipped with them.

[0029] In particular, in the case of electric vehicles, by suppressing or delaying the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells or battery modules, sufficient time can be secured for occupants to escape or operate the vehicle.

[0030] In addition to the above, the present invention may have various other effects, which are described in each embodiment, or effects that can be easily inferred by those skilled in the art, etc., will be omitted. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0031] 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 one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the direction in which venting gas is discharged when a reinforcing member is provided in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 4 may be a drawing showing the cross-section I-I' of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a comparative example, a drawing showing the direction in which venting gas is discharged when a reinforcing member is not provided in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 5 may be a drawing showing the cross-section I-I' of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a drawing of the interior of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention viewed from the top side, illustrating the direction in which venting gas moves when a thermal event occurs in the battery module. FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 8 may be a drawing showing the cross-section II-II' of FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 9 may be a drawing showing the cross-section II-II' of FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 12 may be a drawing showing the cross-section II-II' of FIG. 1. FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0032] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, 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.

[0033] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention; thus, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0034] In addition, the present invention includes various embodiments. For each embodiment, redundant descriptions of substantially identical or similar configurations are omitted, and the focus is on the differences.

[0035] Meanwhile, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back may be used in the present invention, these terms are used merely for convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the position of the object or the position of the observer, as is obvious to those skilled in the art of the present invention.

[0036] For example, in an embodiment of the present invention, the X-axis direction shown in the drawing may mean the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction may mean the front-back direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction on the horizontal plane (XY plane), and the Z-axis direction may mean the up-down direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0037] FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition, FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the direction in which venting gas is discharged when a reinforcing member is provided in the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 4 may be a drawing showing the cross-section I-I' of FIG. 1. And, FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the direction in which venting gas is discharged when a reinforcing member is not provided in the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention as a comparative example. For example, FIG. 5 may be a drawing showing the cross-section I-I' of FIG. 1.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell (100), a pack tray (200), a pack lid (300), and a reinforcing member (400).

[0039] First, referring primarily to FIG. 3, a plurality of battery cells (100) may be included. Although not shown in the drawing, these plurality of battery cells (100) may include an electrode assembly, a cell case that accommodates the electrode assembly, and an electrode lead that is connected to the electrode assembly and extends outward from the cell case to function as an electrode terminal. At this time, the plurality of battery cells (100) may be electrically connected to each other.

[0040] The battery cell (100) may be a pouch-type secondary battery. The cell case of such a pouch-type secondary battery may be configured in the form of a pouch in which a metal layer made of aluminum is interposed between polymer layers.

[0041] A plurality of battery cells (100) can be arranged in a row in the front-back direction (Y-axis direction) while standing upright in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), as shown in FIG. 2. At this time, each battery cell (100) may have a sealing portion facing left-right direction (X-axis direction) and up-down direction (Z-axis direction), and a storage portion facing the front-back direction (Y-axis direction).

[0042] Meanwhile, the present invention is not limited by the specific type or shape of such battery cell (100), and various battery cells (100) known at the time of filing the present invention may be employed to constitute the battery pack (1) of the present invention. In this embodiment, a pouch-type secondary battery with high energy density and easy stacking is used as shown in the drawing, but it is understood that cylindrical or prismatic secondary batteries may also be applied as battery cells (100).

[0043] Referring to FIG. 2, etc., the pack tray (200) may be configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells (100). That is, the pack tray (200) may provide a space to accommodate a plurality of battery cells (100). Additionally, the pack tray (200) may be configured so that the top is open.

[0044] The pack tray (200) may be made of a material capable of ensuring mechanical strength, such as steel or SUS metal or plastic, or may include such a material, in order to safely protect the battery cell (100) housed inside.

[0045] Referring primarily to FIGS. 1, FIGS. 2, etc., the pack lid (300) may be configured to cover the top of a plurality of battery cells (100). The pack lid (300) may be configured to cover the open top of the pack tray (200). The pack lid (300) may be provided to be coupled to the top of the pack tray (200) to form the top surface of the pack tray (200). The pack lid (300) can protect internally housed components such as battery cells (100) and prevent venting gas and / or sparks emitted from these battery cells (100) from being emitted to the outside of the pack tray (200), particularly to the top.

[0046] Additionally, referring to FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 4, a battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a reinforcing member (400). The reinforcing member (400) may be located on the upper part of a battery cell (100). The reinforcing member (400) may be coupled to a pack lid (300). In particular, the reinforcing member (400) may be coupled to the lower part of the pack lid (300).

[0047] The reinforcing member (400) may be configured to suppress deformation of the pack lead (300). In particular, the reinforcing member (400) may be configured to suppress deformation of the pack lead (300) by heat or pressure, such as high-temperature venting gas or sparks generated in the battery cell (100) when a thermal event occurs. That is, the reinforcing member (400) may be configured to prevent thermal deformation of the pack lead (300). Furthermore, the reinforcing member (400) may be configured to suppress partial deformation of the pack lead (300).

[0048] As shown in the comparative example illustrated in FIG. 5, if the reinforcing member (400) is not provided, the shape of the pack lid (220) may be deformed by pressure and / or high heat, such as venting gas or sparks discharged from the battery cell (100) when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell (100). For example, a part of the pack lid (300) located at the part where the venting gas or sparks are discharged may bulge upward (see part A in FIG. 5), and an adjacent part may conversely sink downward (see part B in FIG. 5). As a result, the gap between the pack lid (300) and the battery cell (100) is reduced in the part where the pack lid (300) sinks downward, and since a venting passage is not secured, the venting gas may be obstructed from being discharged to the outside of the pack tray (200).

[0049] However, according to one embodiment of the present invention, since a reinforcing member (400) is provided on the pack lid (300), when a high-temperature venting gas or the like is applied to the pack lid (300), the bending of a specific part of the pack lid (300) in an upward or downward direction can be suppressed. That is, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcing member (400) can prevent or suppress the formation of a bend in a specific part of the pack lid (300).

[0050] Thus, a path can be secured for high-temperature venting gas generated in the battery cell (100) to be discharged to the outside of the battery pack (1) in the event of an abnormal situation of the battery cell (100). Therefore, according to the above aspect of the present invention, the propagation of thermal runaway within the battery pack (1) can be effectively prevented or delayed, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of the battery pack (1).

[0052] Specifically, referring to FIG. 4, the pack lid (300) and the battery cell (100) or battery module (10) are spaced apart by a predetermined distance, so that venting gas or sparks can move into the spaced-apart space. That is, a venting channel (S) configured to allow venting gas to flow can be formed between the pack lid (300) and the battery cell (100). Here, the reinforcing member (400) can be configured to maintain the height (h) of the venting channel (S). The height (h) of the venting channel (S) refers to the length in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) and may mean the vertical distance from the upper surface of the battery cell (100) or battery module (10) to the lower surface of the pack lid (300).

[0053] Accordingly, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, the volume of the venting channel (S) can be secured as the gap (h) between the pack lid (300) and the battery cell (100) is maintained constant by the reinforcing member (400). As a result, venting gas or heat can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery pack (1) through the venting channel (S), thereby effectively suppressing or delaying thermal runaway between the battery cells (100). In addition, venting gas or sparks discharged upward from the battery cell (100) can be prevented from being reflected by the pack lid (300) and flowing back into adjacent battery cells (100) or battery modules (10). Accordingly, the safety and reliability of the battery pack (1) can be guaranteed.

[0055] Meanwhile, the reinforcing member (400) may be composed of a material with a lower thermal expansion coefficient than that of the pack lid (300). The reinforcing member (400) may be composed solely of a material with a lower thermal expansion coefficient than that of the pack lid (300). However, the difference in thermal expansion coefficient between the reinforcing member (400) and the pack lid (300) may be configured such that the reinforcing member (400) is not separated from the pack lid (300) in the event of a thermal event. According to the above embodiment of the present invention, thermal deformation of the pack lid (300) due to high-temperature venting gas or sparks in the event of an abnormal situation of the battery module (10) or battery cell (100) is prevented, thereby minimizing heat propagation within the battery pack (1).

[0056] The reinforcing member (400) may be made of a material having fire-resistant properties. This prevents the reinforcing member (400) from melting or being lost due to high-temperature heat, such as flames, even if a thermal event occurs internally. Therefore, even if flames occur, the reinforcing member (400) ensures the prevention of deformation of the pack lid (300) and the maintenance of the gap between the pack lid (300) and the battery cell (100).

[0057] The reinforcing member (400) may be provided as a rigid body. The reinforcing member (400) may be composed of a material with higher strength than the pack lid (300). Here, a rigid body is used in contrast to an elastic body, and for example, the reinforcing member (400) may be provided with a material such as metal, such as SUS, or reinforced fiber plastic.

[0058] Thus, not only is thermal deformation of the pack lid (300) prevented by high-temperature venting gas or the like from inside, but the mechanical strength of the reinforcing member (400) is also increased so that elastic deformation of the pack lid (300) can be prevented even if an impact is applied from the outside.

[0060] FIG. 6 is a top view of the interior of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the direction in which venting gas moves when a thermal event occurs in the battery module. FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] As described above, a plurality of battery cells (100) can be stacked side by side along the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction). At this time, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the reinforcing member (400) can be configured to extend long along the stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells (100). That is, the reinforcing member (400) can be configured to extend long along the front-rear direction of the battery pack (1). The length of the reinforcing member (400) can be configured to be approximately equal to the front-rear length of the pack lead (300).

[0062] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, by the reinforcing member (400) holding both ends of the pack lid (300) in the longitudinal direction, the deformation of the pack lid (300) in the height direction due to heat can be prevented more effectively.

[0063] Meanwhile, the reinforcing member (400) may be provided in multiple numbers. The multiple reinforcing members (400) may be arranged so as to be spaced apart by a predetermined distance in the horizontal direction. At this time, the venting channel (S) may be formed between adjacent reinforcing members (400). That is, the venting channel (S) may be formed between the pack lid (300), the reinforcing member (400), and the battery cell (100), so that when a thermal event occurs in any battery cell (100), venting gas, etc. may flow. The venting channel (S) may also be configured to be extended in a long shape along the front-rear direction, such as the direction in which the reinforcing member (400) is extended.

[0064] Thus, the reinforcing member (400) can guide the venting gas flowing through the venting channel (S) in the forward and backward directions of the pack tray (200) and smoothly discharge it to the outside.

[0066] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a plurality of battery cells (100) can be modularized into one or more battery modules (10). That is, the battery pack (1) according to the present invention may include one or more battery modules (10). In addition, a plurality of battery cells (100) may be included as components of one or more battery modules (10). At this time, the multiple battery cells (100) included inside the battery module (10) may be electrically connected to each other.

[0067] Furthermore, a plurality of battery modules (10) may be provided inside the pack tray (200). That is, the battery pack according to the present invention (1) includes a plurality of battery modules (10), and a plurality of battery cells (100) included in the battery pack (1) may be divided and included in the plurality of battery modules (10).

[0068] In particular, the battery pack (1) according to the present invention may include a module case (11). The module case (11) may be configured to have an empty space formed inside so as to accommodate at least some of a plurality of battery cells (100) in the internal space. In particular, the module case (11) may be included for each battery module (10) to group a plurality of battery cells (100) into multiple battery modules (10) and may serve as a boundary that physically limits the internal space of each battery module (10).

[0069] Additionally, although not shown in the drawing, the battery module (10) may include a busbar assembly and / or module terminals electrically connected to a plurality of battery cells (100) housed inside.

[0070] The battery module (10) may include a venting hole (H). The venting hole (H) may be configured to allow gas generated from a battery cell (100) housed inside the module case (11) to be discharged to the outside of the module case (11).

[0071] Specifically, the venting hole (H) may be provided in the module case (11) to enable directional venting in a specific direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the venting hole (H) may be provided on the upper part of the module case (11). According to this embodiment, venting gas and / or sparks may be guided to be discharged toward the upper side of the battery module (10).

[0072] Venting holes (H) may be provided in multiple numbers. Venting holes (H) may be arranged in a row in the front-rear direction or the left-right direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, venting holes (H) may be arranged in a row along the length direction (left-right direction) of the battery cell (100) to form a single row. Multiple such rows may be arranged along the stacking direction (front-rear direction) of the battery cell (100).

[0073] Additionally, the venting holes (H) may be positioned between adjacent reinforcing members (400) among a plurality of reinforcing members (400). All of the plurality of venting holes (H) may be positioned between adjacent reinforcing members (400), or some of the plurality of venting holes (H) may be positioned between adjacent reinforcing members (400) as shown in FIG. 7. That is, when the battery pack (1) is viewed from above, the reinforcing members (400) may be positioned so that the portion overlapping with the venting holes (H) is minimized.

[0074] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the flow of venting gas, etc. discharged upward can be prevented from being obstructed by the reinforcing member (400). As a result, the venting gas, etc. can flow smoothly into the venting passage (S) and be discharged to the outside of the battery pack (1).

[0075] Additionally, the reinforcing member (400) may be provided at a predetermined distance in a vertical direction from the upper surface of the battery cell (100) or battery module (10). Thus, even if the reinforcing member (400) overlaps with the venting hole (H), the venting gas, etc. can be smoothly discharged upward through the venting hole (H) and flow into the venting path (S).

[0076] The position or shape of the reinforcing member (400) may be configured differently depending on the location where the venting hole (H) is formed, and the area or number of the reinforcing member (400) may be freely adjusted depending on the area or number of the venting hole (H).

[0078] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 8 may be a drawing showing the cross-section II-II' of FIG. 1.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 8, at least a portion of the reinforcing member (400) may be configured to protrude from the pack lid (300) toward the battery cell (100). That is, at least a portion of the reinforcing member (400) may be configured to protrude downward from the pack lid (300).

[0080] Specifically, the reinforcing member (400) may include a protrusion (410) and a support member (420). The protrusion (410) may be configured to protrude from the pack lid (300). The protrusion (410) may be provided in the central part of the reinforcing member (400). At this time, the lower surface of the protrusion (410) may be configured as a flat surface.

[0081] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs and the pack lid (300) is about to be deformed by heat, the lower surface of the protrusion (410) presses against the upper surface of the battery cell (100) or module case (11), thereby preventing a part of the pack lid (300) from moving downward. Additionally, even if an external impact is applied, the lower surface of the protrusion (410) can be supported by the upper surface of the battery cell (100) or module case (11). Thus, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, deformation of the pack lid (300) can be reliably prevented, thereby ensuring the venting path (S) is properly secured.

[0082] The support member (420) may be configured to extend from the protrusion (410) to both sides. The support member (420) may be configured in a form where both ends of the reinforcing member (400) are bent. Such a support member (420) may be provided to be supported by contacting the pack lid (300). The support member (420) may make surface contact with the lower surface of the pack lid (300). To this end, the support member (420) may have an outer surface parallel to the lower surface of the pack lid (300). At this time, it is desirable to secure a contact area between the pack lid (300) and the support member (420). According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the support member (420) can stably fix the pack lid (300) and the reinforcing member (400). Therefore, the pack lid (300) does not undergo deformation due to external vibrations, shocks, heat, etc., and its shape and position can be stably maintained.

[0084] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 9 may be a drawing showing the cross-section II-II' of FIG. 1.

[0085] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 9, a battery pack (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a reinforcing member (400) having an insulating coating layer (500) formed thereon. The insulating coating layer (500) may be formed on the outer surface of the reinforcing member (400). The insulating coating layer (500) may be formed on the portion of the reinforcing member (400) that is exposed from the pack lid (300). That is, the insulating coating layer (500) may be formed on the remaining surface of the reinforcing member (400) excluding the surface that contacts the pack lid (300). For example, the insulating coating layer (500) may be provided to surround the lower surface of the protrusion (410) and the support member (420).

[0086] The insulating coating layer (500) can be configured to not only electrically insulate the reinforcing member (400) but also prevent heat conduction. To this end, the insulating coating layer (500) may be made of a material such as polyurethane or silicone. According to the above embodiment of the present invention, by providing the insulating coating layer (500), the insulating and / or heat conduction prevention effect can be reliably maintained for the portion of the reinforcing member (400) exposed to venting gas or sparks.

[0087] The insulating coating layer (500) may be a coating layer formed by directly foaming the outer surface of the reinforcing member (400) after assembling the reinforcing member (400) to the pack lid (300). According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the outer surface of the reinforcing member (400) can be easily covered compared to attaching a separately prepared sheet-shaped insulating member. In addition, the process of separately manufacturing an insulating member to match the size or shape of the outer surface of the reinforcing member (400) is omitted, thereby reducing costs and time when manufacturing the battery pack (1).

[0089] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 10, a pack tray (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a base frame (210) and a side frame (220).

[0091] The base frame (210) can form the lower surface of the pack tray (200) and can be provided in the shape of a square plate. Additionally, the base frame (210) can be configured so that a plurality of battery cells (100) are seated on its upper surface. Furthermore, the base frame (210) can be provided with a flat upper surface so that a plurality of battery cells (100) or a module case (11) can be stably seated.

[0092] The side frame (220) may extend upward from each corner of the base frame (210). The side frame (220) may be provided with a plurality of unit walls to surround a plurality of battery cells (100) or battery modules (10). More specifically, the side frame (220) may form the side of the pack tray (200) by including a rear wall located at the +Y direction side end of the base frame (210), a right wall located at the +X direction side end, a front wall located at the -Y direction side end, and a left wall located at the -X direction side end.

[0093] Additionally, the pack tray (200) may be provided with a venting section (230). The venting section (230) may be configured to discharge gas generated from a battery cell (100) stored inside to the outside of the pack tray (200). The venting section (230) may be provided in the form of a hole penetrating between the inside and the outside of the pack tray (200). Alternatively, the venting section (230) may be configured to be mounted in the hole of the pack tray (200) and may be provided in the form of a venting device that operates when venting gas is generated inside the pack tray (200).

[0094] Venting sections (230) may be provided on the side of the pack tray (200), that is, on the side frame (220). Multiple venting sections (230) may be provided. Venting sections (230) may be located on at least some of the unit walls of the side frame (220). Additionally, venting sections (230) may be formed separately on two or more unit walls, or two or more may be formed on a single unit wall. For example, referring to the illustration in FIG. 10, multiple venting sections (230) may be provided on the front wall and the rear wall, respectively. Additionally, multiple venting sections (230) may be provided symmetrically with respect to the central axis of the side frame (220).

[0095] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, when an abnormal condition occurs in the battery cell (100), high-temperature gas, etc. can be discharged in both directions of the pack tray (200), making it easier to discharge the gas more quickly to the outside of the pack tray (200).

[0096] Meanwhile, the number or location of the venting section (230) described based on the embodiment of FIG. 10 is merely an example, and it is obvious that it can be changed to various other numbers or locations.

[0097] Meanwhile, the pack tray (200) may further include a center beam (240) and a cross beam (250). The center beam (240) and the cross beam (250) may be provided to partition between a plurality of battery cells (100) or battery modules (10). The center beam (240) and the cross beam (250) may be provided between a plurality of battery cells (100) and a side frame (220) equipped with a venting section (230). For example, the center beam (240) may be formed in the shape of a partition extending long in the front-rear direction and interposed between battery modules (10) arranged adjacently in the left-right direction. Additionally, the cross beam (250) may be formed in the shape of a partition extending long in the left-right direction and interposed between battery modules (10) arranged adjacently in the front-rear direction.

[0098] According to this embodiment, heat or flame can be prevented from directly moving between cell assemblies or battery modules (10) separated by a center beam (240) and a cross beam (250).

[0099] Additionally, the center beam (240) and the cross beam (250) may be provided so as to be spaced apart from the pack lid (300) by a predetermined distance. That is, the center beam (240) and the cross beam (250) may be configured so as to be spaced apart by a predetermined distance, so that at least a portion of their upper portions does not come into contact with the lower surface of the pack lid (300).

[0101] Meanwhile, a plurality of reinforcing members (400) may be provided symmetrically around the center beam (240). A plurality of reinforcing members (400) may be provided between the center beam (240) and the side frame (220). For example, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, two reinforcing members (400) may be provided between the center beam (240) and each of the two side frames (220). These two reinforcing members (400) may be spaced apart by a distance D, and a venting channel (S) may be formed between the two reinforcing members (400).

[0102] The reinforcing member (400) may be provided to extend long toward the venting section (230). Accordingly, venting gas, etc., moving through the venting passage (S) between the two reinforcing members (400) may be directed toward the venting section (230). At this time, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the two reinforcing members (400) may be provided parallel to each other so that the gap (D) between the reinforcing members (400) can be maintained constant.

[0103] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs in a battery cell (100), the reinforcing member (400) guides the venting gas toward the venting section (230), thereby rapidly discharging the venting gas to the outside of the pack tray (200). This prevents the internal pressure inside the pack tray (200) from rising and prevents additional chain ignition of other battery cells (100).

[0105] Reinforcing members (400) may be provided in multiple numbers at the central part of the pack lid (300) and at the edge part of the pack lid (300), respectively. As in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, two reinforcing members (400) may be provided on each side with respect to the center beam (240) of the pack lid (300). At the same time, two reinforcing members (400) may be provided on each side edge part of the pack lid (300).

[0106] At this time, the gap (d) between the two reinforcing members (400) coupled to the central part of the pack lid (300) may be smaller than the gap (D) between one of the reinforcing members (400) and the reinforcing member (400) coupled to the edge part of the pack lid (300). That is, the density of the reinforcing member (400) provided in the central part of the pack lid (300) may be higher than that of the edge part of the pack lid (300).

[0107] The central part of the pack lid (300) is more likely to undergo thermal deformation than the rim part of the pack lid (300). According to the above embodiment of the present invention, a reinforcing member (400) spaced closely apart in the central part can more stably fix the pack lid (300). This prevents the central part of the pack lid (300) from lifting off the pack tray (200).

[0109] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 2, FIGS. 4 and FIG. 10, the reinforcing member (400) can be combined with the pack lid (300). In particular, the reinforcing member (400) may be provided in a form combined to the lower surface of the pack lid (300). The reinforcing member (400) may be fixed by being combined to the pack lid (300) by a connecting member (600), such as a bolt. At this time, as shown in FIG. 10, the reinforcing member (400) may be configured to be seated on a cross beam (250) that extends long in the left and right directions. Specifically, the reinforcing member (400) is seated on the cross beam (250), and the pack lid (300) is seated on the reinforcing member (400), so that the pack lid (300), the reinforcing member (400), and the cross beam (250) can be combined with each other by a connecting member (600), such as a bolt, at the top of the pack lid (300).

[0110] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, a coupling and fixing configuration between the reinforcing member (400) and the pack lid (300) can be achieved with a simple structure. Furthermore, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, since the reinforcing member (400) is manufactured in a form that is pre-seated on the cross beam (250), when the pack lid (300) is coupled to the upper part of the pack tray (200), the reinforcing member (400) can be automatically installed on the cross beam (250). Therefore, time and cost can be reduced in manufacturing the battery pack (1), and productivity can be improved. In addition, since the reinforcing member (400) can be stably fixed to the cross beam (250), the rigidity of the reinforcing member (400) can be further ensured.

[0112] FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a reinforcing member (400') located in the center of the pack lid (300) may be configured so that the center portion is bent. The reinforcing member (400') may be configured in a diagonal shape. Specifically, the gap (D') between two adjacent reinforcing members (400, 400') may be configured to become narrower as it approaches the venting portion (230). Here, the reinforcing members (400, 400') may refer to reinforcing members (400, 400') provided between the center beam (240) and the side frame (220). That is, in the above embodiment, the width (D') of the venting channel (S) may become narrower as it approaches the venting portion (230).

[0114] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcing member (400, 400') can guide the venting gas, etc. within the venting path (S) toward the venting section (230). Accordingly, the venting gas or sparks, etc. can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery pack (1), thereby suppressing or preventing thermal runaway between battery modules (10).

[0116] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 12 may be a drawing showing the cross-section II-II' of FIG. 1.

[0117] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the width (W) of at least one portion of the reinforcing member (400) coupled to the central portion of the pack lid (300) among a plurality of reinforcing members (400) may be configured to be wider than the width (w) of the reinforcing member (400) coupled to the edge portion of the pack lid (300). In particular, the width of the central portion of the reinforcing member (400) coupled to the central portion of the pack lid (300) may be configured to be wider than other portions. At this time, the wider the width of the support portion (420) of the reinforcing member (400), the more the pack lid (300) may be prevented from moving upward and deforming.

[0118] Alternatively, unlike the present embodiment, the height of at least one portion of the reinforcing member (400) coupled to the central portion of the pack lid (300) may be configured to be greater than the height of the reinforcing member (400) coupled to the edge portion of the pack lid (300).

[0119] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, a reinforcing member (400) that is wide at the central part of the pack lid (300) can more stably fix the central part of the pack lid (300). By doing so, the central part of the pack lid (300) can be more effectively prevented from lifting off the pack tray (200).

[0121] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 13, a vehicle (3) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs (1) according to the aforementioned embodiments. The vehicle (3) according to the present invention may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle (3) includes four-wheeled vehicles and two-wheeled vehicles. The vehicle (3) may operate by receiving power from a battery pack (1) to a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0124] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. It is understood that various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the essence of the invention as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical spirit or perspective of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0125] 3: Cars 1: Battery pack 10: Battery module 11: Modular case H: Venting hole 100: Battery cell 200: Pack Tray 210: Base Frame 220: Side frame 230: Venting Department 240: Center beam 250: Cross Beam 300: Pack lid 400: Lack of reinforcement 410: Protrusion 420: Support S: Venting Euro 500: Insulating coating layer 600: Connecting member

Claims

Claim 1 A battery pack comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a pack tray having an open top for accommodating the plurality of battery cells; a pack lid configured to cover the open top of the pack tray; and a reinforcing member coupled to the pack lid and configured to suppress deformation of the pack lid, wherein the reinforcing member is provided in a plurality of units spaced apart by a predetermined distance in a horizontal direction, and a venting channel is formed between them to allow venting gas generated from the battery cells to flow, and the pack tray includes a venting section configured to discharge the venting gas to the outside of the pack tray, and the reinforcing member is provided to extend long toward the venting section. Claim 2 A battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that the venting channel is formed between the pack lead and the battery cell, and the reinforcing member is configured to maintain the height of the venting channel. Claim 3 A battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that the reinforcing member is composed of a material having a lower thermal expansion coefficient than the pack lead. Claim 4 A battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that the reinforcing member is configured in a shape that is extended along the stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells. Claim 5 delete Claim 6 A battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising a module case that accommodates the plurality of battery cells in an internal space and has at least one venting hole formed on the upper side to communicate with the internal space, wherein the venting hole is disposed between adjacent reinforcing members. Claim 7 A battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that at least a portion of the reinforcing member is configured to protrude from the pack lead toward the battery cell side. Claim 8 A battery pack according to claim 7, wherein the reinforcing member comprises a protrusion formed by protruding from the pack lid and a support member extending from the protrusion to both sides and supported by the pack lid. Claim 9 A battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising an insulating coating layer formed on the outer surface of the reinforcing member. Claim 10 delete Claim 11 A battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that the gap between adjacent reinforcing members is configured to become narrower as it approaches the venting portion. Claim 12 A battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that the width of at least one portion of the reinforcing member coupled to the central portion of the pack lid among the plurality of reinforcing members is configured to be wider than the width of the reinforcing member coupled to the edge portion of the pack lid. Claim 13 An automobile comprising a battery pack according to any one of paragraphs 1 through 4, 6 through 9, 11 and 12.

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