Battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery pack comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a pack case for accommodating the plurality of battery cells; and a venting device which is provided in the pack case and which generates forced convection to discharge a venting gas inside the pack case to the outside of the pack case.

Description

Battery pack and vehicle including same

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack and a vehicle including the same.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0107240, filed on August 16, 2023, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Secondary batteries, which boast high electrical properties such as high energy density and easy applicability across a wide range of product categories, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electrical power sources. These batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for environmental friendliness and energy efficiency, not only because they can dramatically reduce fossil fuel use, but also because they produce no byproducts from energy use.

[0004] Commonly used secondary batteries today include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. When high output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery module or battery pack. Furthermore, to increase charge / discharge capacity, multiple battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery module or pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in a battery module or pack can vary depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] Meanwhile, since battery cells undergo chemical reactions during charging and discharging, their performance can deteriorate if used in environments above their optimal temperature. Furthermore, if thermal control fails to maintain optimal temperatures, there's a constant risk of unexpected fire or explosion. Therefore, if a thermal event, such as thermal runaway, occurs within the battery pack, the high-temperature gases or flames emitted from the battery cells contained within could spread to adjacent battery modules, potentially triggering a chain reaction of battery module explosions, posing a significant risk.

[0006] In the past, when thermal runaway occurred within a battery pack, high-temperature gas or flames were vented to the outside of the battery pack due to the pressure difference inside and outside the battery pack. However, in such cases, not only were the gas or flames not quickly vented to the outside of the battery pack, but when the thermal runaway of the battery module ended, the pressure difference inside and outside the battery pack decreased, preventing the gas or flames from being continuously vented. As a result, even after the thermal runaway of the battery module ended, there was a possibility that high-temperature heat would remain inside the battery pack, causing the heat to spread to adjacent battery modules.

[0007] Therefore, when thermal runaway occurs in a battery module, there is a need to develop a structure that can quickly discharge high-temperature gases or flames generated inside the battery module to the outside of the battery pack, thereby minimizing thermal propagation to adjacent battery modules.

[0008] In addition, there is a need to develop a structure that can continuously discharge high-temperature gases or flames to the outside of the battery pack even after the thermal runaway of the battery module has ended, thereby preventing heat accumulation inside the battery pack.

[0009] Accordingly, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery pack that can effectively prevent or delay heat transmission between battery modules by quickly discharging gases or flames generated inside the battery module to the outside of the battery pack when thermal runaway of the battery module occurs.

[0010] In addition, another problem that the present invention seeks to solve is to provide a battery pack with improved safety and reliability by continuously discharging high-temperature gases or flames to the outside of the battery pack even after thermal runaway of the battery module has ended, thereby preventing heat accumulation inside the battery pack.

[0011] In addition, another problem that the present invention seeks to solve is to provide a vehicle including such a battery pack.

[0012] However, the 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.

[0013] To solve the above problem, the present invention provides a battery pack comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a pack case configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells; and a venting device provided in the pack case and forming forced convection to discharge venting gas inside the pack case to the outside of the pack case.

[0014] A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a module case configured to group at least some of the plurality of battery cells and having a venting hole formed on at least one side thereof.

[0015] The pack case may include a pack frame that surrounds the plurality of battery cells and has the venting device, a venting path through which the venting gas flows is formed inside the pack frame, and the venting device may be configured to forcibly discharge the venting gas inside the venting path to the outside of the pack case.

[0016] The pack frame includes a base frame configured to accommodate the battery cell, and a plurality of side frames extending upward from the base frame, and the venting path can be formed inside the plurality of side frames.

[0017] The above venting device may be provided in multiple numbers on side frames facing each other among the plurality of side frames.

[0018] The above pack frame includes a cross beam that is provided to connect the side frames facing each other among the plurality of side frames, and the venting path can be formed inside the cross beam.

[0019] A plurality of the above venting devices may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the cross beam.

[0020] The pack frame may be formed with at least one inlet hole configured to allow the venting gas to flow into the venting path.

[0021] The above inlet holes may be provided in multiple numbers so as to be spaced apart from each other along the direction in which the pack frame extends.

[0022] The above inlet hole can be formed in a rectangular shape along the direction in which the pack frame extends.

[0023] A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a rib provided inside the venting path formed in the pack frame and configured to guide the venting gas toward the venting device.

[0024] The above inlet holes are provided in multiple numbers and arranged in multiple rows, and the ribs can be provided between two adjacent rows.

[0025] The above ribs may be provided to extend in a straight line along the direction in which the pack frame extends.

[0026] The above venting euro may be divided into a plurality of compartment spaces by the ribs, and the venting device may be configured to communicate with each of the plurality of compartment spaces.

[0027] The pack case may include a pack lead coupled to an upper portion of the pack frame and configured to be spaced apart from the battery cell, and the venting gas may be configured to flow in the space between the battery cell and the pack lead.

[0028] The above venting device may include a fan assembly.

[0029] The fan assembly may include a coupling portion coupled to the pack frame and a plurality of rotating portions configured to extend outward from the coupling portion and be rotatable.

[0030] And, the present invention provides an automobile characterized by including a battery pack according to the present invention.

[0031] According to one aspect of the present invention, when thermal runaway occurs in a battery module, gases or flames generated within the battery module can be quickly discharged to the outside of the battery pack. This effectively prevents or delays the propagation of thermal runaway between battery modules, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of the battery pack.

[0032] In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, even after the thermal runaway of the battery module has ended, heat accumulation inside the battery pack can be prevented by continuously discharging high-temperature gas or flames to the outside of the battery pack.

[0033] In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, events resulting from thermal runaway of a device equipped with a battery pack, such as fire or explosion, can be prevented or delayed.

[0034] In addition, the present invention may have various other effects, which will be described in each embodiment configuration, or an explanation of effects that can be easily inferred by a person skilled in the art will be omitted.

[0035] 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.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of part A of FIG. 2, and is a drawing for explaining the structure of a venting device of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a venting device of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a cross-section taken along line Ⅰ-Ⅰ' of FIG. 1, and is a drawing for explaining a venting path of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 6 is an enlarged view of part B of Figure 5.

[0042] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of part C of Figure 5.

[0043] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing an inlet hole of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing an inlet hole of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a venting path of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Fig. 11 is a drawing showing the Ⅱ-Ⅱ' cross-section of Fig. 1.

[0047] Figure 12 is a drawing showing the Ⅲ-Ⅲ' cross-section of Figure 1.

[0048] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a cross-section taken along line IV-IV' of FIG. 1, and is a drawing for explaining a venting path of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050]

[0051] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings. Based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best explain his or her invention, they should be interpreted in a way that aligns with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0052] Accordingly, 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. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0053] Furthermore, the present invention includes various embodiments. For each embodiment, redundant descriptions of substantially identical or similar components will be omitted, and the differences will be described.

[0054] Meanwhile, in the present invention, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back may be used, but it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms are only for convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the location of the target object or the location of the observer.

[0055] For example, in an embodiment of the present invention, the X-axis direction shown in the drawing may mean a front-back direction, the Y-axis direction may mean a left-right direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction on a horizontal plane (XY plane), and the Z-axis direction may mean an up-down direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0056] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition, FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of part A of FIG. 2, which is a drawing for explaining the structure of a venting device of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a venting device of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery cell (110), a pack case (200), and a venting device (300).

[0058] First, referring to FIG. 1, a battery pack (10) according to the present invention may include a pack case (200). The pack case (200) forms the exterior of the battery pack (10). The pack case (200) may have a predetermined length in each of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions, and may have an overall shape of approximately a rectangular parallelepiped. The pack case (200) may include a pack frame (210) in the shape of a box with an open upper surface, and a pack lid (220) covering the open upper surface of the pack frame (210).

[0059] Referring further to FIG. 2, a battery pack (10) according to the present invention may include at least one, preferably multiple, battery cells (110). The battery cells (110) may be accommodated within the pack case (200) of FIG. 1. In this case, multiple battery cells (110) may be electrically connected to each other.

[0060] The above battery cell (110) may be provided in a pouch type. The cell case of such a pouch type battery cell (110) may be configured in the form of a pouch in which a metal layer made of aluminum is interposed between polymer layers.

[0061] In addition, although not shown in the drawing, such a pouch type battery cell (110) 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. The cell case may include a storage portion that accommodates the electrode assembly and a sealing portion that seals the periphery of the storage portion.

[0062] At this time, the plurality of battery cells (110) may be arranged in a parallel manner in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) while standing vertically (Z-axis direction) as illustrated in FIG. 2. At this time, each battery cell (110) may have its sealing portion facing the front-back direction (X-axis direction) and the up-down direction (Z-axis direction), and its storage portion facing the left-right direction (Y-axis direction).

[0063] Meanwhile, the present invention is not limited by the specific type or shape of the battery cell (110), and various battery cells (110) known at the time of filing of the present invention may be employed to construct the battery pack (10) of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a pouch-type secondary battery having a high energy density and easy stacking is targeted as shown in the drawing, but it goes without saying that a cylindrical or square secondary battery may be applied as the battery cell (110).

[0064] Meanwhile, the pack case (200) may be configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells (110). That is, the pack case (200) may provide a space for accommodating a plurality of battery cells (110). The pack case (200) may be made of a material that can ensure mechanical rigidity, such as a metal such as SUS or a fiber-reinforced plastic, or may include such a material, in order to safely protect the battery cells (110) accommodated therein.

[0065] The above pack frame (210) may be provided to surround a plurality of battery cells (110). Specifically, the pack frame (210) may include a base frame (211) and a plurality of side frames (212).

[0066] The above base frame (211) may be configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells (110). The base frame (211) may form the lower surface of the pack case (200) and may be provided in the shape of a square plate. In addition, the base frame (211) may be provided with a flat upper surface so that the module case (120) may be stably accommodated.

[0067] The above-described plurality of side frames (212) may be provided to extend upward from each corner of the base frame (211). The above-described plurality of side frames (212) may be provided to surround a plurality of battery cells (110). More specifically, the above-described plurality of side frames (212) may be provided as a right wall located at the +Y direction side end of the base frame (211), a rear wall located at the +X direction side end, a left wall located at the -Y direction side end, and a front wall located at the -X direction side end, thereby forming a side surface of the pack case (200).

[0068] Meanwhile, a plurality of battery cells (110) may be arranged adjacently in the front-back direction and / or left-right direction along a plurality of rows. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a plurality of battery cells (110) may be arranged in two rows along the front-back direction (X-axis direction) and in four rows along the left-right direction (Y-axis direction).

[0069] In addition, referring to FIG. 2, the pack frame (210) may include a cross beam (213). The cross beam (213) may be provided to connect the side frames (212) facing each other among a plurality of side frames (212). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the cross beam (213) may be provided to extend in the left-right direction and connect the right wall and the left wall among the side frames (212).

[0070] At this time, the cross beam (213) may be configured to partition between a plurality of battery cells (110). The cross beam (213) may be provided between the battery cells (110) arranged in two rows in the front-back direction. Accordingly, the plurality of battery cells (110) may be provided spaced apart by the cross beam (213).

[0071] In addition, the pack frame (210) may include a partition wall (214). The partition walls (214) may be provided in multiple numbers to connect the side frame (212) and the cross beam (213). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the partition walls (214) may be provided to connect the front wall and the rear wall of the side frame (212) and the cross beam (213), respectively. At this time, the multiple partition walls (214) may be provided to be spaced apart from each other along the direction in which the cross beam (213) extends, i.e., the left-right direction. The partition walls (214) may be provided between a plurality of battery cells (110) arranged in four rows along the left-right direction to partition the battery cells (110).

[0072] Meanwhile, the pack lead (220) may be provided to be coupled to the upper portion of the side frame (212) to form the upper surface of the pack case (200). At this time, the pack lead (220) may be provided to be spaced apart from the upper portion of the cross beam (213) and the battery cell (110) in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) by a predetermined distance.

[0073] In addition, the battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a venting device (300). The venting device (300) may be provided in the pack case (200). Specifically, the venting device (300) may be provided on a side of the pack case (200), i.e., a side frame (212). The venting device (300) may be configured to discharge gas generated from battery cells (110) housed inside the pack case (200) to the outside of the pack case (200). At this time, the venting device (300) may be configured to form forced convection. Here, forced convection means artificially causing gas to move even when there is no pressure difference, unlike the case where gas or the like moves from a place of high pressure to a place of low pressure due to a pressure difference. The venting device (300) is preferably provided to be in communication with the outside of the pack case (200).

[0074] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when thermal runaway of a battery cell (110) occurs, gas or flame generated inside the battery cell (110) can be quickly discharged to the outside of the battery pack (10). In addition, when the thermal runaway of the battery cell (110) ends, the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the battery pack (10) decreases, thereby stopping the movement of venting gas or the like. However, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, not only high-temperature gas or flame but also heat remaining in adjacent battery cells (110) can be forcibly discharged to the outside of the battery pack (10) through the forced convection of the venting device (300), so that heat accumulation inside the battery pack (10) can be prevented. As a result, the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells (110) can be effectively prevented or delayed, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of the battery pack (10).

[0075] Meanwhile, a plurality of venting devices (300) may be provided. The venting device (300) may be provided on at least one side frame (212) among a plurality of side frames (212). The venting device (300) may be separately formed on two or more side frames (212), or two or more may be formed on one side frame (212).

[0076] The venting device (300) may be provided on the side frames (212) that face each other among the plurality of side frames (212). For example, referring to FIG. 2, a plurality of venting devices (300) may be provided on each of the left and right walls among the plurality of side frames (212). At this time, the plurality of venting devices (300) may be provided symmetrically with respect to the cross beam (213). As in the embodiment of the present invention, since the venting devices (300) are provided on both sides of the pack frame (210), in the event of an abnormality in the battery cell (110), high-temperature gas, etc., can be discharged in both directions of the pack case (200), making it easy to discharge the gas to the outside of the pack case (200) more quickly.

[0077] Meanwhile, the number or location of the venting device (300) described based on the embodiment of FIG. 2 is merely an example, and it is obvious that the number or location may be changed to various other numbers or locations.

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the structure of the venting device (300) will be described in detail. The venting device (300) may include a fan assembly (310). The fan assembly (310) may include a coupling portion (311) coupled to the pack frame (210), and a plurality of rotating portions (312) configured to extend outward from the coupling portion (311) and be rotatable. The plurality of rotating portions (312) may be provided radially spaced apart from each other with the coupling portion (311) as the center. According to the above-described exemplary configuration of the present invention, since the gas can be forcibly moved and heat can be circulated through the rotation of the rotating portion (312), the heat inside the pack case (200) can be discharged to the outside of the pack case (200). In addition, the venting device (300) may be provided with any structure as long as it can form forced convection.

[0079] A coupling hole configured to couple the fan assembly (310) may be formed in the side frame (212), and the fan assembly (310) may be inserted into the coupling hole and installed.

[0080] Meanwhile, the battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a module case (120). The module case (120) may be configured to have an empty space formed therein and accommodate at least some of the plurality of battery cells (110) in the internal space. In particular, the module case (120) may group the plurality of battery cells (110) into several battery cells (110) and may serve as a boundary that physically limits the internal space of each battery cell (110).

[0081] That is, the battery pack (10) according to the present invention includes a plurality of battery modules (100), and a plurality of battery cells (110) included in the battery pack (10) can be divided and accommodated in a plurality of battery modules (100).

[0082] The above module case (120) may be made of a metal material having rigidity and heat resistance to physically or chemically protect the received battery cell (110).

[0083] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 2, the module case (120) may be provided as a mono frame. For example, the module case (120) may be configured in a square tube shape having an upper surface, a lower surface, a left surface, and a right surface, and having an open front and back surface.

[0084] Alternatively, the module case (120) may be provided as a U-frame. When the module case (120) is provided as a U-frame, it may be provided to cover both sides and the bottom surface of the battery cell (110). The module case (120) may include a left plate and a right plate covering both sides of the battery cell (110), and a bottom plate covering the bottom surface of the battery cell (110). In addition, the left plate, the right plate, and the bottom plate may be configured in an integrated form. At this time, the top surface and the front and back surfaces of the module case (120) may be open.

[0085] In addition, the module case (120) may be formed in various other shapes. For example, the module case (120) may include a box-shaped lower case having an upper open end and an upper cover that closes the upper open end of the lower case. In this case, the lower case may be provided in an integrated form with a left plate and a right plate covering both sides of the battery cell (110), and a front plate and a rear plate covering the front and back of the battery cell (110).

[0086] The battery module (100) may include a top plate (130) forming the upper surface of the module case (120). Alternatively, when the module case (120) is provided as a U-frame, the top plate (130) may be coupled to the open upper surface of the module case (120). In this case, the shape in which the top plate (130) and the module case (120) are coupled may be a square tubular shape with the front and back sides open.

[0087] In addition, the battery module (100) may include an end plate (140) provided on the open front and rear sides of the module case (120). The end plate (140) may be welded and joined to the module case (120). Meanwhile, although not shown for convenience, the end plate (140) may have, for example, an inner side made of an insulating material and an outer side made of a metal material. In addition, the end plate (140) may partially have holes or slits for exposing components that need to be exposed to the outside, such as a positive terminal and a negative terminal of a battery cell (110) or a connector.

[0088] Additionally, although not shown in the drawing, the battery module (100) may include a busbar assembly and / or module terminals electrically connected to a plurality of battery cells (110) housed inside the module case (120).

[0089] Meanwhile, at least one venting hole (150) may be formed in the module case (120). Preferably, a plurality of venting holes (150) may be formed. The venting hole (150) may be configured to allow venting gas generated in the battery cell (110) to be discharged to the outside of the module case (120). The venting hole (150) may be formed on one side of the module case (120), and directional venting in one direction may be possible. For example, the venting hole (150) may be formed on the upper surface of the module case (120). In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the venting hole (150) may be formed in the top plate (130). According to the above-described exemplary configuration of the present invention, the remaining portion of the module case (120) except for the venting hole (150) is sealed, and gas or flame can be discharged in a straight line toward the venting hole (150).

[0090] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' of FIG. 1, and is a drawing for explaining a venting path of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. In addition, FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of part B of FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of part C of FIG. 5.

[0091] Meanwhile, the venting device (300) may be provided to communicate with a venting path (S). The venting path (S) may refer to a passage through which venting gas or the like flows. The venting device (300) may be configured to forcibly discharge the venting gas inside the venting path (S) to the outside of the pack case (200). That is, the venting gas or the like discharged from the battery cell (110) or battery module (100) may move to the venting path (S) and then be discharged from the venting path (S) to the outside of the pack case (200) by the venting device (300). As a result, the venting gas or the like may be prevented from remaining in the venting path (S) and accumulating heat.

[0092] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the venting path (S) may be formed inside the pack frame (210). In other words, an empty space through which venting gas or the like can flow is formed inside the pack frame (210), and the space may be defined as the venting path (S).

[0093] At this time, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the pack frame (210) may include at least one inlet hole (H). The inlet hole (H) may be configured to allow venting gas to flow into a venting path (S) formed inside the pack frame (210). The inlet hole (H) may be provided to communicate with a venting device (300). The inlet hole (H) may be provided in multiple numbers. Accordingly, when the venting gas, etc. generated within the battery module (100) flows into the venting path (S) through the inlet hole (H), it may be discharged to the outside of the pack case (200) by the venting device (300).

[0094] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the venting path (S) may be formed inside the plurality of side frames (212). In addition, the inlet hole (H) may be formed on the inner surface of the plurality of side frames (212). Accordingly, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 6, the venting gas generated inside the battery module (100) may move to the venting path (S) formed in the side frame (212) through the inlet hole (H) and then be discharged to the outside of the pack case (200) by the venting device (300).

[0095] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since venting gas and the like can move directly to the internal space of the side frame (212) in which the venting device (300) is provided, the venting gas and the like can be quickly discharged to the outside of the pack case (200).

[0096] In addition, as shown in Fig. 7, the venting path (S) may be formed inside the cross beam (213). At this time, the cross beam (213) may be provided to directly or indirectly communicate with the side frame (212). In addition, the inlet hole (H) may be formed on the surface of the cross beam (213) facing the battery module (100).

[0097] Accordingly, as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 7, the venting gas generated inside the battery module (100) can move to the venting path (S) through the inlet hole (H) formed in the cross beam (213) and then move to the venting path (S) of the side frame (212) in which the venting device (300) is provided. Accordingly, the gas can be discharged to the outside of the pack case (200) by the venting device (300) provided in the side frame (212).

[0098] Accordingly, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, venting gas, etc. discharged from all battery modules (100) in contact with the cross beam (213) can move directly to the venting path (S) formed in the cross beam (213), so that the venting gas, etc. can be discharged to the outside of the pack case (200) more quickly.

[0099] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 7, when an inlet hole (H) is formed on a surface of the cross beam (213) facing the battery module (100), the inlet holes (H) formed on the facing surface may be arranged so as not to overlap each other. In other words, the inlet holes (H) formed on the left surface of the cross beam (213) and the inlet holes (H) formed on the right surface of the cross beam (213) may be arranged in an alternating manner so as not to overlap each other.

[0100] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs in a battery module (100), venting gas or the like that flows into the venting path (S) through a certain inlet hole (H) can be prevented from being discharged to another battery module (100) through another inlet hole (H) formed on the side of another battery module (100) facing the battery module (100). As a result, thermal runaway propagation to an adjacent battery module (100) can be effectively prevented or delayed.

[0101] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing an inlet hole of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a drawing showing an inlet hole of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, a plurality of inlet holes (H, H') may be provided in a plurality so as to be spaced apart from each other along the direction in which the pack frame (210) extends. For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the inlet holes (H, H') may be arranged in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction. That is, one battery module (100) may be provided so as to be in contact with a plurality of inlet holes (H, H') formed in the cross beam (213). According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since a plurality of inlet holes (H, H') are provided, a larger amount of venting gas, etc., may be introduced into the venting path (S).

[0103] Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIG. 9, a plurality of inlet holes (H) arranged in a horizontal direction in the above-described embodiment may be integrated to form an inlet hole (H'). At this time, the inlet hole (H') may be provided in a rectangular shape along the direction in which the pack frame (210) extends. According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, a larger amount of gas is introduced into the venting path (S) of the pack frame (210) than when the inlet hole (H') is provided as a circular hole with a small diameter, so that gas or heat inside the pack case (200) can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack (10) more quickly.

[0104] The width direction length of the inlet hole (H, H') formed in the above cross beam (213) may be provided to be smaller than the left-right direction length of the battery module (100). According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, gas generated in one battery module (100) moves only through the inlet hole (H, H') connected to one battery module (100), so the possibility of the gas spreading to another battery module (100) can be extremely reduced.

[0105] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a venting path of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. In addition, Fig. 11 is a drawing showing a cross-section taken along line II-II' of Fig. 1, and Fig. 12 is a drawing showing a cross-section taken along line III-III' of Fig. 1.

[0106] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, a battery pack (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a rib (400). The rib (400) may be provided within a venting path (S) formed in a pack frame (210) and configured to guide venting gas toward a venting device (300). That is, the rib (400) provided in the cross beam (213) may be configured to guide venting gas, etc., to the side frames (212) connected to both sides of the cross beam (213). In addition, the rib (400) provided in the side frames (212) may be configured to guide venting gas, etc., to the venting device (300).

[0107] As described above, the inlet holes (H) may be provided in multiple numbers and arranged in multiple rows. At this time, the ribs (400) may be provided between two adjacent rows among the multiple rows. For example, as illustrated in Fig. 11, the inlet holes (H) may be arranged in three rows along the vertical direction, and the ribs (400) may be provided in two numbers between two adjacent rows so as to be spaced apart from each other along the vertical direction.

[0108] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the rib (400) may be provided to extend in a straight line along the direction in which the pack frame (210) extends. The horizontal length of the rib (400) may be provided to correspond to the horizontal length of the pack frame (210). Accordingly, the venting path (S) may be divided into a plurality of compartment spaces (C) by the rib (400). For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, the venting path (S) may be divided into three compartment spaces (C) by two ribs (400). At this time, an inlet hole (H) may be provided in each compartment space (C). Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, regardless of the height at which the venting gas is discharged from the battery module (100), it can be quickly introduced into any one of the compartment spaces (C) through the inlet hole (H).

[0109] In addition, the venting device (300) may be configured to be connected to each of the plurality of compartment spaces (C). As a result, the venting gas discharged from any battery module (100) may be introduced into at least one compartment space (C) among the venting paths (S) formed in the cross beam (213) or the side frame (212), and may be guided along the rib (400) toward the venting device (300) to be discharged to the outside of the pack case (200) by forced convection of the venting device (300).

[0110] Meanwhile, referring again to FIG. 4, when the venting device (300) includes a fan assembly (310), the connecting portion (311) of the fan assembly (310) may be provided so as to be connected between two adjacent ribs (400). That is, the vertical height of the connecting portion (311) may be provided to correspond to the gap between two adjacent ribs (400).

[0111] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a cross-section taken along line IV-IV' of FIG. 1, and is a drawing for explaining a venting path of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 13, the venting gas may be configured to flow in the space between the battery module (100) and the pack lid (220). In other words, a venting path (S) may be formed in the space between the battery module (100) and the pack lid (220). In addition, a space may also exist between the pack lid (220) and the cross beam (213) and the bulkhead (214), thereby forming a venting path (S). Accordingly, the venting gas, etc. discharged upward through the venting hole (150) of the battery module (100) may move to the venting path (S) and be discharged to the outside of the pack case (200) through the venting device (300) provided in the side frame (212).

[0113] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, various venting paths (S) are provided inside the pack case (200), so that when the battery cell (110) is in an abnormal state, venting gas, etc. generated from the battery cell (110) can be efficiently guided toward the venting device (300) and discharged more quickly to the outside of the pack case (200).

[0114] By combining the venting path (S) formed inside the pack frame (210) described in the previous embodiments and the venting path (S) formed in the space between the battery module (100) and the pack lead (220) described in this embodiment, smooth venting gas and heat discharge to the outside of the battery pack (10) can be maximized.

[0115] By forming forced convection through the venting device (300) in the venting urea (S), the venting gas and heat can be discharged quickly and continuously when thermal runaway of the battery module (100) occurs, regardless of the pressure difference inside and outside the battery pack (10).

[0116] According to this implementation configuration, heat transfer between battery modules (100) within a battery pack (10) can be minimized, thereby suppressing heat transfer between battery modules (100) within a battery pack (10), and thereby satisfying the safety requirement related to heat transfer that requires no exposure to flames outside the battery pack (10).

[0117] FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0118] Referring to FIG. 14, a vehicle (20) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention or battery modules (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle (20) according to the present invention may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle (20) includes a four-wheel vehicle and a two-wheel vehicle. The vehicle (20) operates by receiving power from the battery pack (10) or battery module (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0119] 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 can be made within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims to be described below by a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains.

Claims

1. Multiple battery cells; A pack case configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells; and A battery pack characterized by including a venting device provided in the pack case and forming forced convection to discharge venting gas inside the pack case to the outside of the pack case.

2. In paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized by further comprising a module case configured to group at least some of the plurality of battery cells and having a venting hole formed on at least one side thereof.

3. In paragraph 1, The above pack case is A pack frame is provided to surround the plurality of battery cells and is provided with the venting device, A venting path through which the venting gas flows is formed inside the above pack frame, A battery pack characterized in that the venting device is configured to forcibly discharge the venting gas inside the venting path to the outside of the pack case.

4. In paragraph 3, The above pack frame is A base frame configured to accommodate the above battery cells, comprising a plurality of side frames extending upward from the above base frame; A battery pack, characterized in that the venting euro is formed inside the plurality of side frames.

5. In paragraph 4, A battery pack characterized in that the above-mentioned venting devices are provided in plurality on side frames facing each other among the plurality of side frames.

6. In paragraph 4, The above pack frame is It includes a cross beam that is provided to connect the side frames facing each other among the above-mentioned plurality of side frames, A battery pack, characterized in that the venting euro is formed inside the cross beam.

7. In paragraph 5, A battery pack, characterized in that a plurality of the above venting devices are arranged symmetrically with respect to the cross beam.

8. In paragraph 3, A battery pack, characterized in that at least one inlet hole is formed in the pack frame so that the venting gas flows into the venting path.

9. In paragraph 8, A battery pack characterized in that the above inlet holes are provided in multiple numbers spaced apart from each other along the direction in which the pack frame extends.

10. In paragraph 8, A battery pack, characterized in that the above inlet hole is formed in a rectangular shape along the direction in which the pack frame extends.

11. In paragraph 9, A battery pack further comprising: a rib formed inside the venting path formed in the pack frame and configured to guide the venting gas toward the venting device.

12. In paragraph 11, The above inlet holes are provided in multiple numbers and arranged in multiple rows. A battery pack characterized in that the above rib is provided between two adjacent rows.

13. In paragraph 11, A battery pack, characterized in that the ribs are provided to extend in a straight line along the direction in which the pack frame extends.

14. In paragraph 13, The above venting euro is divided into a plurality of compartment spaces by the ribs, A battery pack, characterized in that the venting device is configured to be connected to each of the plurality of compartment spaces.

15. In paragraph 3, The above pack case is A pack lead is included, which is coupled to the upper portion of the pack frame and configured to be spaced apart from the battery cell. A battery pack characterized in that the venting gas is configured to flow in the space between the battery cell and the pack lead.

16. In paragraph 3, A battery pack, wherein the venting device comprises a fan assembly.

17. In paragraph 16, The above fan assembly A joint part coupled to the above pack frame, A battery pack characterized by including a plurality of rotating parts configured to be rotatable and extend outward from the above-mentioned joint.

18. A vehicle comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

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