Battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

Disclosed are a battery pack and a vehicle including same. A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a battery module in which a plurality of battery cells are accommodated and a venting unit is formed; and a pack case in which a plurality of battery modules are accommodated, wherein a flame discharge channel may be formed between the battery module and the pack case so as to be adjacent to the venting unit of the battery module. According to embodiments of the present invention, when a flame or gas is generated in any of the battery cells inside the battery module, the flame or gas is discharged in a preset direction, thus having the effect of preventing the flame or gas from propagating to other neighboring battery cells.

Description

Battery pack and vehicle including same

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0101821, filed on August 3, 2023, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery pack and a vehicle including the same, and more particularly, to a battery pack capable of preventing the spread of flame or gas and a vehicle including the same.

[0003] As technological development and demand for mobile devices increase, the demand for secondary batteries as an energy source is rapidly increasing. Nickel-cadmium batteries or hydrogen-ion batteries were used as secondary batteries in the past, but recently, lithium secondary batteries are widely used because they have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, are free to charge and discharge, have a very low self-discharge rate, and have a high energy density.

[0004] These lithium secondary batteries primarily use lithium oxide and carbon materials as the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively. Lithium secondary batteries comprise an electrode assembly comprising positive and negative plates coated with the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively, with a separator interposed between them, and an outer case, i.e., a battery case, that seals and encloses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0005] Lithium secondary batteries are composed of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator and electrolyte interposed between them. Depending on the type of positive and negative electrode active materials used, they are divided into lithium ion batteries (LIBs) and lithium polymer batteries (PLIBs). Typically, the electrodes of these lithium secondary batteries can be formed by applying a positive or negative electrode active material to a current collector such as an aluminum or copper sheet, mesh, film, or foil, and then drying it.

[0006] Lithium secondary batteries are currently in the spotlight due to their advantages such as high operating voltage and significantly higher energy density. However, because they use organic electrolytes, there is a problem that lithium secondary batteries can cause overcurrent and overheating when overcharged, which in severe cases can cause fire due to explosion or ignition.

[0007] Various types of secondary batteries may include a battery module in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked and inserted into a case that is provided to protect the battery cells, and a battery pack in which a plurality of battery modules are stored.

[0008] If a thermal event occurs in any battery cell in a battery module, causing a flame to form in at least one of the battery cells, the flame may spread to other battery cells where the flame did not form.

[0009] In this way, if a flame originating from a random battery cell spreads to neighboring battery cells, a chain reaction of flames can cause damage, total burnout, or explosion of not only the battery cell but also the battery module or battery pack, thereby compromising the stability of the battery module or battery pack. Furthermore, since gas is also generated from the battery cells within the battery module, various problems can arise if this gas moves or is discharged in an undesirable direction.

[0010] Alternatively, if a flame originating from a battery cell leaks outside the battery module case, the flame could spread to other battery modules where no flames have occurred, potentially posing a risk to the user. For example, if a battery module or battery pack is installed in an electric vehicle and a flame occurs in the battery cell and leaks outside, the driver of the electric vehicle could suffer burns or be in a dangerous situation.

[0011] Accordingly, the technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to provide a battery pack and a vehicle including the same, which can prevent the flame or gas from spreading to other neighboring battery cells by discharging the flame or gas in a preset direction when a flame or gas is generated in any battery cell inside a battery module.

[0012] In addition, the present invention provides a battery pack and a vehicle including the same, which can prevent the flame or gas from spreading to neighboring battery modules by discharging the flame or gas in a preset direction when a flame or gas is generated in any battery cell inside the battery module.

[0013] In addition, the present invention provides a battery pack and a vehicle including the same, which can secure the stability of a battery module or battery pack by reducing the possibility of a thermal event through cooling of battery cells.

[0014] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery pack may be provided, comprising: a battery module in which a plurality of battery cells are accommodated and a venting portion is formed; and a pack case in which the battery module is accommodated, wherein a flame exhaust channel is formed between the battery module and the pack case so as to be adjacent to the venting portion of the battery module.

[0016] In one embodiment, the venting portion may be formed on the lower side of the battery module.

[0017] In one embodiment, the battery module includes a lower frame, a protrusion is formed on the lower frame, and the flame exhaust channel may be provided as a flame exhaust space formed between the battery module and the pack case by the protrusion.

[0018] In one embodiment, the protrusions may include a pair of first protrusions formed on each of the opposite edges of the lower frame; a second protrusion formed between the pair of first protrusions so as to be parallel to the pair of first protrusions; and a third protrusion formed so as to intersect the second protrusions.

[0019] In one embodiment, the battery cell is a cylindrical battery cell, and a mounting portion having a circular cross-section is formed on the lower frame so that the cylindrical battery cell is mounted thereon, and the venting portion may be formed on the mounting portion.

[0020] In one embodiment, the mounting portion includes a side lower support portion that supports the lower side of the side of the cylindrical battery cell; and a bottom support portion that supports the bottom surface of the cylindrical battery cell, and the bottom support portion may be formed with the venting portion that breaks at a temperature or pressure within a preset range.

[0021] In one embodiment, when a thermal event occurs in the cylindrical battery cell and a temperature or pressure exceeds a preset value, the bottom support member is broken, and a flame generated during the thermal event can move to the flame exhaust space and be discharged through the broken bottom support member.

[0022] In one embodiment, a cooling fluid may be contained within the battery module, and a waterproof adhesive may be provided on the bottom support member to prevent leakage of the cooling fluid.

[0023] In one embodiment, a cooling fluid may be contained within the battery module, and the plurality of battery cells may be configured to be immersed in the cooling fluid.

[0024] In one embodiment, the cooling fluid may include coolant or insulating oil.

[0025] In one embodiment, the battery module includes a middle frame and a lower frame, and the cooling fluid is accommodated between the middle frame and the lower frame and can be in direct contact with the plurality of battery cells.

[0026] In one embodiment, a waterproof adhesive may be provided on the upper side of the intermediate frame to prevent leakage of the cooling fluid.

[0027] In one embodiment, the waterproof adhesive may be an epoxy-based waterproof resin.

[0028] In one embodiment, the waterproof resin may be made of a flame retardant material.

[0029] In one embodiment, the waterproof resin may be composed of a phase change material (PCM) and configured to cool the plurality of battery cells.

[0030] Meanwhile, according to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle including the above-described battery pack can be provided.

[0031] Embodiments of the present invention have the effect of preventing the flame or gas from spreading to other neighboring battery cells by discharging the flame or gas in a preset direction when a flame or gas is generated in any battery cell inside a battery module.

[0032] In addition, if a flame or gas is generated in any battery cell inside the battery module, the flame or gas can be discharged in a preset direction to prevent the flame or gas from spreading to neighboring battery modules.

[0033] Additionally, it has the effect of ensuring the stability of the battery module or battery pack by reducing the possibility of thermal events through cooling of the battery cells.

[0034] Additionally, lower venting can improve the safety of drivers driving electric vehicles.

[0035] However, the effects that can be obtained through the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and other technical effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0036] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention, and together with the detailed description of the invention described below, serve to further understand the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to matters described in such drawings.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a combined battery module provided in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module provided in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a side view showing a protrusion in the battery module of FIG. 2.

[0041] Figure 5 is a drawing showing the bottom surface of Figure 2, showing a protrusion formed on the lower frame.

[0042] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a battery module coupled to a lower case in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention for explanation purposes.

[0043] Figure 7 is a drawing showing a flame moving due to a break in the bottom support of the lower frame in Figure 6.

[0044] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of part A of Figure 3.

[0045] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a state in which a break has occurred in the bottom support part of one of the lower frames of the battery module in FIG. 8.

[0046] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted with meanings and concepts that conform to the technical idea of ​​the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the term to best explain his or her own invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and various equivalents and modifications may exist as of the time of this application.

[0048] In the drawings, the sizes of each component or specific parts of that component are exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for convenience and clarity of explanation. Therefore, the size of each component does not entirely reflect its actual size. If a detailed description of a related known function or configuration is deemed to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, such description will be omitted.

[0049] The term 'joint' or 'connection' as used herein includes not only cases where one member is directly joined or directly connected to another member, but also cases where one member is indirectly joined or indirectly connected to another member through a connecting member.

[0050] FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 1, a battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a battery module (100) and a pack case (200).

[0052] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a combined battery module provided in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a disassembled battery module provided in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the battery module (100) may include a plurality of battery cells (110) and a module frame (120). The enlarged view of FIG. 3 illustrates the bottom surface of the waterproof adhesive (140).

[0054] A plurality of battery cells (110) are accommodated in the module frame (120) of the battery module (100), and a venting portion (127, see FIG. 6) described later is formed. Here, one or more battery modules (100) may be provided. When a plurality of battery modules (100) are provided, they may be arranged in various ways. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the battery modules (100) may be arranged in a horizontal direction. Alternatively, the battery modules (100) may be arranged in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction, but are not limited thereto.

[0055] Here, the battery module (100) may include various types of battery cells (110). For example, the battery module (100) may include a pouch-shaped battery cell (110), a square battery cell (110), or a cylindrical battery cell (110). However, for convenience of explanation, the following description will focus on a case where the battery cell (110) is cylindrical, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0056] A cylindrical battery cell (110) may include an electrode assembly, a battery can, a positive electrode collector plate, a cell terminal, and a negative electrode collector plate.

[0057] The electrode assembly has a structure in which a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator interposed between the positive and negative electrode plates are wound in one direction, and is formed in a jelly roll type with a center hole formed therein. For example, the electrode assembly can be manufactured by winding a laminate formed by sequentially stacking a negative electrode plate, a separator, a positive electrode plate, and a separator at least once. In addition, the center hole of the electrode assembly can be used for welding a cell terminal and a positive electrode current collector plate. That is, the electrode assembly can be configured to weld the cell terminal and the positive electrode current collector plate by irradiating a laser through the center hole. The positive and negative electrode plates can be formed in a sheet shape. The positive electrode plate may have a positive electrode active material coated on one or both surfaces, and a first uncoated region on which the positive electrode active material is not coated may be present at an end of the positive electrode plate. The negative electrode plate may have a negative electrode active material coated on one or both surfaces, and a second uncoated region on which the negative electrode active material is not coated may be present at an end of the negative electrode plate. That is, at least one of the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate may include a non-coated portion, which is not coated with an active material, at a long side end in the winding direction. The non-coated portion may be exposed to the outside of the separator while forming a plurality of winding turns based on the center of the electrode assembly and may be used as an electrode tab in its own right. Here, the first non-coated portion and the second non-coated portion may be configured to face in opposite directions. However, the electrode assembly may not have a non-coated portion. In addition, the positive electrode active material coated on the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode active material coated on the negative electrode plate may be used without limitation as long as they are active materials known in the art. The separator may be a porous polymer film, for example, a porous polymer film made of a polyolefin polymer such as an ethylene homopolymer, a propylene homopolymer, an ethylene / butene copolymer, an ethylene / hexene copolymer, an ethylene / methacrylate copolymer, etc., may be used alone or in a laminated manner. As another example, the separator may be a conventional porous nonwoven fabric, such as a nonwoven fabric made of high-melting-point glass fiber, polyethylene terephthalate fiber, etc.At least one surface of the membrane may include a coating layer of inorganic particles. Furthermore, the membrane itself may be formed of a coating layer of inorganic particles. The particles constituting the coating layer may have a structure in which they are bound to a binder such that an interstitial volume exists between adjacent particles.

[0058] The battery can accommodates an electrode assembly and may have a through hole formed therein. For example, the battery can be formed in a cylindrical shape, and the electrode assembly may be accommodated within the battery can and electrically connected to the negative plate of the electrode assembly. Accordingly, the battery can have the same polarity as the negative plate, i.e., a negative electrode.

[0059] The positive electrode collector is electrically connected to the positive electrode plate, for example, at the top of the electrode assembly. For example, the positive electrode collector is made of a conductive metal material and can be electrically connected to the first non-conductive portion of the positive electrode plate.

[0060] The cell terminal is made of a conductive metal material and is electrically connected to the positive electrode collector plate through a through-hole in the battery can. Furthermore, the cell terminal is electrically connected to the positive electrode plate of the electrode assembly through the positive electrode collector plate, thereby having a positive polarity.

[0061] The negative current collector is electrically connected to the negative electrode plate, for example, at the bottom of the electrode assembly. For example, the negative current collector may be made of a conductive metal material such as aluminum, steel, copper, or nickel, and may be electrically connected to the second non-conductive portion of the negative electrode plate.

[0062] Referring to Fig. 3, a plurality of battery cells (110) are housed in a module frame (120). Furthermore, a venting portion (127) is formed in the module frame (120). The venting portion (127) may be formed in various locations. For example, the venting portion (127) may be formed on the lower side of the battery module (100) (see Fig. 6), but is not limited thereto. A detailed description of the venting portion (127) will be provided below.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 3, the module frame (120) may include a lower frame (121) and a middle frame (128).

[0064] The lower frame (121) is connected to the middle frame (128) at the lower side thereof. In addition, the lower side of a cylindrical battery cell (110) is mounted on the lower frame (121). That is, the lower side portion of each of a plurality of cylindrical battery cells (110) can be inserted into and supported by the lower frame (121). In addition, as will be described in detail later, a cooling fluid (130) can be accommodated between the middle frame (128) and the lower frame (121).

[0065] The intermediate frame (128) supports a portion of the cylindrical battery cell (110). The intermediate frame (128) supports the upper portion of the cylindrical battery cell (110) above the position supported by the lower frame (121). Here, a plurality of cylindrical battery cells (110) may be each inserted into and supported by the intermediate frame (128). In addition, the intermediate frame (128) may be coupled to the lower frame (121). As will be described in detail later, a waterproof adhesive (140) may be provided on the upper portion of the intermediate frame (128).

[0066] Referring to FIG. 1, at least one battery module (100) is stored in a pack case (200). The pack case (200) may be configured to include, for example, a lower case (210), a side case (220), and an upper case (230). The lower case (210) is configured to accommodate at least one battery module (100). The lower case (210) may be formed in a square plate shape, but is not limited thereto. The lower case (210) forms the bottom of the pack case (200). The side case (220) may be configured to extend upward from an edge of the lower case (210). The side case (220) defines the height of the pack case (200) and forms a preset space between it and the lower case (210). In addition, at least one battery module (100) is accommodated in the space between the side case (220) and the lower case (210). The side case (220) may include a relatively long long side frame and a relatively short short side frame. Alternatively, the side case (220) may include side frames all having the same length. In addition, the upper case (230) is coupled to the side case (220).

[0067] The flame exhaust channel (300) is formed between the battery module (100) and the pack case (200) so as to be adjacent to the venting portion (127) of the battery module (100). Hereinafter, the flame exhaust channel (300) will be described in detail.

[0068] FIG. 4 is a side view showing a protrusion in the battery module of FIG. 2, and FIG. 5 is a bottom view showing a protrusion formed in the lower frame of FIG. 2.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a protrusion (122) is formed on the lower frame (121) of the module frame (120). Here, the protrusion (122) may be formed in various ways. For example, the protrusion (122) may include a first protrusion (122a), a second protrusion (122b), and a third protrusion (122c). The first protrusions (122a) may be provided as a pair, and a pair of first protrusions (122a) are formed on each of the opposite edges of the lower frame (121). In addition, a second protrusion (122b) is formed between a pair of first protrusions (122a) so as to be parallel to the pair of first protrusions (122a). Here, the second protrusion (122b) may be formed at the exact center of the pair of first protrusions (122a), but is not limited thereto, and may be formed at various locations between the pair of first protrusions (122a). In addition, the second protrusion (122b) may be formed parallel to the pair of first protrusions (122a), but is not limited thereto. The third protrusion (122c) is formed to intersect the second protrusion (122b). Here, the third protrusion (122c) may be formed to pass through the exact center of the second protrusion (122b), but is not limited thereto, and may be formed to pass through various locations of the second protrusion (122b). In addition, the third protrusion (122c) may be formed to be orthogonal to the second protrusion (122b), but is not limited thereto.

[0070] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module coupled to a lower case in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, which is schematically illustrated for explanation, and FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating the lower frame moving in FIG. 6.

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, when a protrusion (122) is formed on the lower frame (121), when the lower frame (121) is stored in the lower case (210) of the pack case (200), the protrusion (122) of the lower frame (121) comes into contact with the lower case (210), so that a space of a preset range is formed between one protrusion (122) and an adjacent protrusion (122).

[0072] For example, a space of a preset range is formed between the first protrusion (122a) and the second protrusion (122b), and in this way, flames can be discharged through the space formed between the lower frame (121) of the battery module (100) and the lower case (210) of the pack case (200) by the protrusions (122a, 122b, 122c). Gas generated from the battery cell (110) can also be discharged through the space, just like flames. Hereinafter, even if the discharge of gas is not specifically mentioned, it should be understood that it is discharged in the same manner as flames. That is, the space formed between the lower frame (121) of the battery module (100) and the lower case (210) of the pack case (200) by the protrusions (122a, 122b, 122c) is a flame discharge space (310) through which flames are discharged. Here, in one embodiment of the present invention, the flame exhaust channel (300) may be provided as the flame exhaust space (310) described above.

[0073] As described above, the venting portion (127) may be formed on the lower side of the battery module (100). Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7 , when the venting portion (127) is formed on the lower side of the battery module (100), when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell (110), the flame is discharged toward the lower side of the battery module (100). In this way, when the flame is discharged toward the lower side of the battery module (100), the flame moves in the opposite direction of the driver driving the electric vehicle, thereby improving driver safety.

[0074] Here, in order to discharge the flame in the downward direction of the battery module (100), a venting portion (127) is formed on the lower side of the battery module (100), and a flame exhaust channel (300) provided as a flame exhaust space (310) to discharge the flame moving downward of the battery module (100) through the venting portion (127) may be formed between the lower frame (121) and the lower case (210). That is, as shown in FIG. 7, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell (110), the venting portion (127) is broken (see P of FIG. 7), and the flame moves to the flame exhaust channel (300) between the lower frame (121) and the lower case (210) through the venting portion (127), and is then discharged to the outside through the venting path provided in the pack case (200).

[0075] Accordingly, when a flame or gas is generated in any battery cell (110) within the battery module (100), the flame or gas can be discharged in a preset direction to prevent the flame or gas from spreading to other neighboring battery cells (110), and further, when a flame or gas is generated in any battery cell (110) within the battery module (100), the flame or gas can be discharged in a preset direction to prevent the flame or gas from spreading to other neighboring battery modules (100).

[0076] Fig. 8 is an enlarged view of part A of Fig. 3, and Fig. 9 is a drawing showing a state in which a break has occurred in the bottom support part of one of the lower frames of the battery module in Fig. 8.

[0077] Below, the venting section (127) is described in detail.

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 8, a mounting portion (123) on which a cylindrical battery cell (110) is mounted may be formed on the lower frame (121) of the module frame (120). Here, the mounting portion (123) may have a circular cross-section so that the cylindrical battery cell (110) is mounted, but is not limited thereto. For example, it may be formed as a polygon with a diameter larger than the cylindrical battery cell (110).

[0079] Here, the mounting portion (123) may include a side lower support portion (124) and a bottom support portion (125). The side lower support portion (124) supports the lower side of the side of the cylindrical battery cell (110). In addition, the bottom support portion (125) supports the bottom surface of the cylindrical battery cell (110). That is, when the cylindrical battery cell (110) is inserted into the mounting portion (123), the side lower side and the bottom surface of the cylindrical battery cell (110) may be supported by the mounting portion (123). Here, a venting portion (127) that is broken at a preset temperature or pressure may be formed in the bottom support portion (125) of the mounting portion (123). The way in which the bottom support portion (125) is broken may vary. The entirety or part of the bottom support (125) supporting the battery cell (110) where the thermal event occurred may be torn by the pressure. Alternatively, the entirety or part of the bottom support (125) may be melted and removed by the heat.

[0080] To this end, the bottom support member (125) may be manufactured from a material that melts at a preset temperature. Alternatively, it may be manufactured from a material that tears or breaks at a preset pressure. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, a break groove (126) may be formed in the bottom support member (125) to facilitate removal of the bottom support member (125), and in this case, the venting member (127) may be formed by the break groove (126).

[0081] However, it is not limited to this, and for example, one side of the floor support member (125) may be formed thin so that it can be easily torn.

[0082] And, referring to FIGS. 7 and 9, when a thermal event occurs in the cylindrical battery cell (110) and the temperature or pressure exceeds a preset temperature, the bottom support member (125) is broken (see P of FIGS. 7 and 9), and the flame or gas generated during the thermal event can move from the cylindrical battery cell (110) to the flame exhaust space (310) through the broken bottom support member (125) and be discharged.

[0083] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a cooling fluid (130) may be accommodated inside the battery module (100). The cooling fluid (130) may be configured to cool a plurality of battery cells (110), and the plurality of battery cells (110) may be immersed in the cooling fluid (130). For example, the cooling fluid (130) may be accommodated between the middle frame (128) and the lower frame (121) of the module frame (120).

[0084] In addition, a plurality of battery cells (110) are inserted into the middle frame (128) and are seated on the lower frame (121) and immersed in a cooling fluid (130), whereby the cooling fluid (130) can directly contact the plurality of battery cells (110). That is, the cooling fluid (130) directly contacts the plurality of battery cells (110) and directly cools the plurality of battery cells (110), so that cooling efficiency can be improved. Here, the cooling fluid (130) may include, but is not limited to, a coolant or an insulating oil.

[0085] Since leakage of the cooling fluid (130) may be a problem when the cooling fluid (130) is accommodated between the intermediate frame (128) and the lower frame (121), referring to FIG. 6, a waterproof adhesive (140) may be provided on the upper side of the intermediate frame (128) to prevent leakage of the cooling fluid (130). In addition, although not shown in FIG. 6, when the upper side of the intermediate frame (128) is molded with the waterproof adhesive (140) potted, the upper case (230) of the pack case (200) may be configured to cover the upper side of the waterproof adhesive (140). Here, potting refers to a method of dropping the waterproof adhesive (140) on the upper side of the intermediate frame (128) and solidifying it to package it.

[0086] Additionally, a waterproof adhesive (150) may be provided on the mounting portion (123) to prevent leakage of the cooling fluid (130). In FIG. 3, the waterproof adhesive (140, 150) is illustrated as having a fixed shape, but this is merely illustrated to correspond to a cylindrical battery cell (110) for convenience of explanation.

[0087] Here, the waterproof adhesive (140, 150) may include various types. For example, the waterproof adhesive (140, 150) may be an epoxy-based waterproof resin, or for example, a hybrid resin.

[0088] In a variant embodiment, the waterproof resin may be formed of various flame-retardant materials. In this way, if the waterproof resin is formed of a flame-retardant material, if a fire occurs in one cylindrical battery cell (110), the flame is blocked by the flame-retardant waterproof resin and cannot spread, thereby preventing the flame from spreading to other adjacent cylindrical battery cells (110). However, the waterproof resin may not be applied to the venting portion (127) that is to be ruptured by flame or gas.

[0089] In another modified embodiment, the waterproof resin can cool a plurality of battery cells (110) by including a phase change material (PCM).

[0090] A phase change material is a material that absorbs heat and stores it internally when changing from a solid to a liquid, and then releases the stored heat when changing from a liquid to a solid again. When heat is generated in a cylindrical battery cell (110) during a thermal event, the waterproof resin of the phase change material absorbs the heat generated from the cylindrical battery cell (110) and changes into a liquid, thereby cooling the cylindrical battery cell (110). Accordingly, the waterproof resin can have the effects of waterproofing, preventing the spread of flames, and cooling the cylindrical battery cell (110).

[0091] However, not only waterproof adhesive (140, 150) is used to prevent leakage of cooling fluid (130), and various types of sealing materials may be used.

[0092] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 10, a vehicle (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include the battery pack (10) described above. That is, the battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be applied to a vehicle (20), for example, a vehicle designed to use electricity, such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle.

[0094] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to 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 idea of ​​the present invention and the equivalent scope of the patent claims to be described below by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

[0095] Meanwhile, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used in the present invention, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms are only for the convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the location of the target object or the location of the observer.

[0096] The present invention relates to a battery pack and an automobile including the same, and is particularly applicable to industries related to secondary batteries.

Claims

1. A battery module in which a plurality of battery cells are stored and a venting portion is formed; and Includes a pack case in which the above battery module is stored, A battery pack in which a flame exhaust channel is formed between the battery module and the pack case adjacent to the venting portion of the battery module.

2. In paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the venting portion is formed on the lower side of the battery module.

3. In paragraph 1, The above battery module includes a lower frame, and a protrusion is formed on the lower frame, A battery pack characterized in that the flame exhaust channel is provided as a flame exhaust space formed between the battery module and the pack case by the protrusion.

4. In paragraph 3, The above protrusion is, A pair of first protrusions formed on each of the two sides of the lower frame; a second protrusion formed between the pair of first protrusions so as to be parallel to the pair of first protrusions; and A battery pack characterized by including a third protrusion formed to intersect the second protrusion.

5. In paragraph 3, The above battery cell is a cylindrical battery cell, A mounting portion having a circular cross-section is formed on the lower frame to allow the cylindrical battery cell to be mounted thereon. A battery pack characterized in that the venting portion is formed in the above-mentioned mounting portion.

6. In paragraph 5, The above-mentioned fixing part is, A side lower support member supporting the lower side of the side of the cylindrical battery cell; and It includes a bottom support member that supports the bottom surface of the cylindrical battery cell, A battery pack characterized in that the venting portion is formed on the above-described bottom support portion and is ruptured at a preset temperature or pressure range.

7. In paragraph 6, If a thermal event occurs in the cylindrical battery cell and the temperature or pressure exceeds a preset value, the bottom support member is broken. A battery pack characterized in that the flame generated during the above thermal event moves to the flame exhaust space through the broken floor support and is discharged.

8. In paragraph 6, A cooling fluid is contained inside the above battery module, A battery pack characterized in that the above-mentioned mounting portion is provided with a waterproof adhesive to prevent leakage of the cooling fluid.

9. In paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that a cooling fluid is contained within the battery module, and the plurality of battery cells are configured to be immersed in the cooling fluid.

10. In paragraph 9, A battery pack, characterized in that the cooling fluid comprises coolant or insulating oil.

11. In paragraph 9, A battery pack characterized in that the battery module includes a middle frame and a lower frame, and the cooling fluid is accommodated between the middle frame and the lower frame and is in direct contact with the plurality of battery cells.

12. In paragraph 11, A battery pack characterized in that a waterproof adhesive is provided on the upper side of the intermediate frame to prevent leakage of the cooling fluid.

13. In paragraph 12, A battery pack characterized in that the above waterproof adhesive is an epoxy-based waterproof resin.

14. In paragraph 13, A battery pack characterized in that the above waterproof resin is made of a flame retardant material.

15. In paragraph 13, A battery pack characterized in that the above waterproof resin is composed of a phase change material (PCM) and is arranged to cool the plurality of battery cells.

16. A vehicle comprising a battery pack according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 15.

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