Battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery pack comprising: at least one battery module comprising a plurality of battery cells and a module case for accommodating the plurality of battery cells; a pack case for accommodating the battery module; a top cover accommodated in the pack case and configured to cover the top portion of the battery module while being spaced apart from the pack case; and a lifting prevention member configured to maintain the separation distance between the top cover and 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. 10-2023-0112297, filed on August 25, 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] A battery module is composed of battery cells housed in a module frame, and a battery pack houses these battery modules in a pack case. Conventionally, high-temperature gases or flames are discharged through venting holes provided at the top of the module frame and are discharged to the outside of the pack case through the space between the pack case and the battery module. However, as the shape of the pack case is deformed by the heat of the high-temperature gases or flames, the gap between the pack case and the battery module is not maintained, making it difficult to secure a path for the high-temperature gases or flames to be discharged to the outside of the pack case.

[0007] Therefore, when a thermal runaway occurs in a battery module, there is a need to develop a structure that can prevent heat accumulation inside the battery pack by securing a path for high-temperature gas or flames generated inside the battery module to be discharged to the outside of the battery pack.

[0008] Additionally, there is a need to develop a structure that can prevent gases or flames discharged outside the battery module from flowing back into the battery module.

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

[0010] In addition, another problem that the present invention seeks to solve is to provide a battery pack with improved safety and reliability by preventing gas or flames discharged outside the battery module from flowing back into the battery module when thermal runaway of the battery module occurs.

[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] In order to solve the above problem, the present invention provides a battery pack comprising: at least one battery module including a plurality of battery cells and a module case accommodating the plurality of battery cells; a pack case accommodating the battery module; a top cover accommodated inside the pack case and configured to cover an upper portion of the battery module while being spaced apart from the pack case; and an anti-lifting member configured to maintain a distance between the top cover and the pack case.

[0014] The above pack case includes a box-shaped pack bottom frame with an open upper surface and a pack lid covering the open upper surface of the pack bottom frame, and the lifting prevention member may be provided on the pack lid.

[0015] A venting path is formed in the space between the above-mentioned anti-lifting member, the pack lead, and the top cover, and the above-mentioned anti-lifting member can be configured to maintain the height of the venting path.

[0016] At least a portion of the anti-lifting member may be configured to protrude from the pack lead toward the top cover and contact an upper surface of the top cover.

[0017] The length of the above-mentioned anti-lifting member protruding from the pack lead may be provided to be equal to the gap between the pack lead and the top cover.

[0018] The above-mentioned anti-lifting member may include a protrusion provided to protrude from the pack lead, and a coupling portion configured to extend from the protrusion and be coupled to the pack lead.

[0019] The cross-sectional area of ​​the above protrusion may be provided to be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the above joining portion.

[0020] The above anti-lifting member may be provided as a rigid body.

[0021] The above anti-lifting member may be made of a material having fire-resistant properties.

[0022] A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include an insulating coating layer formed on an outer surface of the anti-lifting member.

[0023] The above anti-lifting member may be provided in multiple pieces and arranged to be spaced apart from each other.

[0024] The above anti-lifting member may be configured as an island type.

[0025] At least one venting hole may be formed on the upper surface of the module case through which venting gas discharged from the battery cell is discharged, and at least one cover hole corresponding to the venting hole and opened by the venting gas may be formed on the top cover.

[0026] The above anti-lifting member is fastened to the pack lead, and the fastening density of the anti-lifting member can be configured differently depending on the position where the cover hole is formed.

[0027] The above cover holes are provided in multiple numbers and arranged in a row along one direction, and the lifting prevention member can be provided between adjacent cover holes.

[0028] The area projected onto the top cover by the above-mentioned anti-lifting member may be provided to be smaller than the area of ​​the cover hole.

[0029] The above anti-lifting member can be bolted to the pack lead.

[0030] The above anti-lifting member can be welded to the pack lead.

[0031] The above top cover can be made of mica material.

[0032] And, the present invention provides an automobile characterized by including a battery pack according to the present invention.

[0033] According to one aspect of the present invention, a path can be secured for high-temperature gases or flames generated within a battery module in the event of an abnormal condition to be discharged outside 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.

[0034] In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent high-temperature gases or flames generated in a battery cell in an abnormal situation of the battery module from flowing back into the battery module.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a part of the Ⅰ-Ⅰ' cross-section of FIG. 1, and illustrates the flow direction of venting gas, etc. when a lifting prevention member included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an anti-lifting member included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 6 is a comparative example, illustrating a case in which a lifting prevention member included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention is not provided.

[0044] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing an anti-lifting member included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the main parts of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 9 is a drawing showing the Ⅱ-Ⅱ' cross-section of Figure 8.

[0047] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing the arrangement of an anti-lifting member included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition, FIG. 4 is a view showing a part of the Ⅰ-Ⅰ' cross-section of FIG. 1, illustrating the flow direction of venting gas, etc. when a lifting prevention member included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a lifting prevention member included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery module (100), a pack case (200), a top cover (300), and a lifting prevention member (400).

[0056] 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 bottom 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 bottom frame (210).

[0057] Referring further to FIG. 2, the battery pack (10) according to the present invention may include at least one, preferably a plurality of battery modules (100). The battery modules (100) may be accommodated within the pack case (200) of FIG. 1.

[0058] In addition, each of the plurality of battery modules (100) may include a plurality of battery cells (110). At this time, the plurality of battery cells (110) included in the battery module (100) may be electrically connected to each other. That is, the battery pack (10) according to the present invention includes a plurality of battery modules (100), and the plurality of battery cells (110) included in the battery pack (10) may be divided and included in a plurality of battery modules (100).

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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).

[0062] 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).

[0063] In addition, the battery module (100) may 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 a plurality of battery cells (110) in the internal space. In particular, the module case (120) may be included in each battery module (100), group the plurality of battery cells (110) into several battery modules (100), and may serve as a boundary that physically limits the internal space of each battery module (100). The module case (120) may be formed of a metal material having rigidity and heat resistance in order to physically or chemically protect the accommodated battery cells (110).

[0064] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 2, 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.

[0065] In this case, the battery module (100) may further include a top plate (130). 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). At this time, 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.

[0066] 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).

[0067] Alternatively, 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.

[0068] Meanwhile, 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, for example, have 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 the battery module (100) or a connector.

[0069] Additionally, although not shown in the drawing, the battery module (100) may include a busbar assembly and / or module terminal electrically connected to a plurality of battery cells (110) housed therein.

[0070] 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 discharge venting gas generated in the battery cell (110) 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). As illustrated in FIG. 2, in the illustrated example, the venting hole (150) may be formed in the top plate (130). According to the above-described embodiment 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).

[0071] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 3, the pack case (200) may be configured to accommodate a plurality of battery modules (100). That is, the pack case (200) may provide a space for accommodating a plurality of battery modules (100). The pack case (200) may be made of a material that can ensure mechanical strength, 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 modules (100) accommodated therein.

[0072] The above pack bottom frame (210) may include a base frame (211) and a side frame (212).

[0073] The above base frame (211) may be configured to accommodate a plurality of battery modules (100). 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.

[0074] The side frame (212) may extend upward from each corner of the base frame (211). The side frame (212) may be provided with a plurality of unit walls to surround a plurality of battery modules (100). More specifically, the side frame (212) may include a right wall located at the +Y direction side end of the base frame (211), a front wall located at the +X direction side end, a left wall located at the -Y direction side end, and a rear wall located at the -X direction side end to form a side of the pack case (200).

[0075] Meanwhile, a plurality of battery modules (100) 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. 3, a plurality of battery modules (100) 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).

[0076] In addition, referring to FIG. 3, the pack bottom frame (210) may include a cross member (213). The cross member (213) may be configured to partition between a plurality of battery modules (100). The cross member (213) may be provided in multiple numbers. The cross member (213) may be provided on the upper portion of the base frame (211) and may be coupled to the base frame (211). The cross member (213) may be bolted or welded to the base frame (211).

[0077] The above 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 member (213) and the battery module (100) in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) by a predetermined distance.

[0078] In addition, the pack case (200) may be provided with a venting device (230). The venting device (230) may be provided on a side of the pack case (200), i.e., a side frame (212). The venting device (230) may be configured to discharge gas generated from battery cells (110) stored therein to the outside of the pack case (200). Specifically, a space may exist between the pack lid (220) and the cross member (213). Accordingly, gas discharged upward through the venting hole (150) of the battery module (100) may move to the space between the pack lid (220) and the cross member (213). This gas may be discharged to the outside of the pack case (200) through the venting device (230).

[0079] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a battery module (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a top cover (300).

[0080] The top cover (300) may be configured to cover the upper portion of the battery module (100). The top cover (300) may be provided by being adhered to the top plate (130). The top cover (300) may be attached to the top plate (130) by an adhesive member. The adhesive member may include an adhesive, an adhesive tape, or the like. In addition, the top cover (300) may be provided to be accommodated inside the pack case (200) and spaced apart from the pack lid (220) in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

[0081] The above top cover (300) may be made of a material with excellent heat resistance and / or fire resistance, such as mica or a pad combining a Fire Resistant Barrier (FRB) and silicone. The FRB may include an inorganic material that is easily converted and may be composed of a material with excellent flame retardancy and ignition resistance.

[0082] Accordingly, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, even if high-temperature heat is generated, the top cover (300) does not shrink and maintains morphological stability, thereby stably blocking high-temperature gas or flames generated from the battery cell (110). In addition, by providing the top cover (300), even if a thermal event occurs inside the battery module (100), heat such as high-temperature gas or flames can be prevented from being conducted to the outside.

[0083] A cover hole (310) may be formed in the top cover (300). A plurality of cover holes (310) may be provided, and may be provided to correspond to the venting hole (150). That is, the cover hole (310) may be provided at a position where the venting hole (150) is formed, and may have the same shape and size as the venting hole (150). Such a cover hole (310) may be provided to cover the venting hole (150).

[0084] The cover hole (310) may be configured to be opened by pressure such as venting gas or flame discharged from the battery cell (110). Specifically, when gas is discharged from the venting hole (150) corresponding to the cover hole (310), only the cover hole (310) provided on the upper portion of the vented battery cell (110) may be provided to be broken from the top cover (300). To this end, a cut groove may be formed along the shape of the cover hole (310). Alternatively, a groove or notch may be formed in a portion of the cover hole (310) and provided in a broken or solid line.

[0085] Accordingly, in a normal state, the top cover (300) can shield the venting hole (150) to protect the battery cells (110) inside the module case (120). In addition, in the event of a thermal event in which venting gas or flames are generated in some battery cells (110), the cover hole (310) is separated from the top cover (300) so that the path of the venting gas or flames discharged in a straight line through the venting hole (150) is not obstructed and can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery module (100). At the same time, the remaining cover holes (310) maintain their connection with the top cover (300), thereby preventing the discharged gas from flowing back into the inside of the battery module (100).

[0086] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5, the battery pack (10) of the present invention includes a lifting prevention member (400). The lifting prevention member (400) may be configured to maintain a separation distance between the top cover (300) and the pack case (200).

[0087] As described above, the top cover (300) and the pack lid (220) are spaced apart by a predetermined distance, so that venting gas or flame, etc. can move into the spaced apart space. That is, a venting passage (S) can be formed in the space between the lifting prevention member (400), the pack lid (220), and the top cover (300). At this time, the lifting prevention member (400) can be provided in the pack lid (220) so that the height (d) of the venting passage (S) can be maintained constant. Here, the height (d) of the venting passage (S) refers to the length in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), and can refer to the vertical distance from the upper surface of the top cover (300) to the lower surface of the pack lid (220).

[0088] The adhesive material provided between the top plate (130) and the top cover (300) may melt due to high heat such as venting gas or flame, thereby reducing the adhesive strength. In this case, if a part of the top cover (300) remains without being separated from the top plate (130) with the adhesive material having weakened adhesive strength, the top cover (300) may be separated from the top plate (130), thereby reducing the gap (d) between the pack lead (220) and the top cover (300). Accordingly, the venting path (S) may not be secured, and thus venting gas or flame may not be discharged to the outside of the battery pack (10), thereby causing thermal runaway.

[0089] However, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the anti-lifting member (400) applies pressure to the top cover (300), thereby preventing the top cover (300) from being separated from the module case (120). Accordingly, the height (d) of the venting path (S) can be secured, so that venting gas or flame, etc. can smoothly move through the venting path (S) as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 4.

[0090] In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent venting gas or flames discharged outside the battery module (100) from penetrating into the excited interface between the top cover (300) and the top plate (130) and flowing back into the battery module (100). As a result, thermal runaway of the battery cells (110) inside the battery module (100) can be suppressed or prevented. Accordingly, the safety and reliability of the battery pack (10) can be guaranteed.

[0091] The above anti-lifting member (400) may be provided as a rigid body. Here, the rigid body is in contrast to an elastic body, and for example, the anti-lifting member (400) may be provided with a material such as a metal such as SUS or a reinforced fiber plastic. Accordingly, the mechanical rigidity of the anti-lifting member (400) is increased, and since the elastic deformation is hardly occurred, the gap (d) between the pack lid (220) and the top cover (300) can be maintained at a constant level even when an impact is applied from the outside.

[0092] In addition, the anti-lifting member (400) may be made of a material having fire resistance. For example, the anti-lifting member (400) may be made of a material such as flame-retardant plastic or mica. According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the anti-lifting member (400) can be prevented from melting or disappearing due to high heat such as a flame. Therefore, even in a situation where a flame occurs, the function of maintaining the gap (d) between the pack lid (220) and the top cover (300) by the anti-lifting member (400) is ensured.

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the structure of the anti-lifting member (400) will be described in detail. At least a portion of the anti-lifting member (400) may be configured to protrude from the pack lead (220) toward the top cover (300) and come into contact with the upper surface of the top cover (300).

[0094] At this time, the lifting prevention member (400) may be provided in a bolt shape. Specifically, the lifting prevention member (400) may include a protrusion (410) that is a portion that protrudes from the pack lid (220) and a coupling member (420) that extends from the protrusion (410) and is configured to be coupled to the pack lid (220). At this time, it is preferable that the protrusion (410), which corresponds to the bolt head, be a flat head rather than a round head to secure a contact area with the top cover (300).

[0095] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the length by which the anti-lifting member (400) protrudes from the pack lid (220), i.e., the vertical height (L) of the protrusion (410), may be provided to be equal to the gap (d) between the pack lid (220) and the top cover (300). Accordingly, the lower surface of the protrusion (410) may be provided to contact the upper surface of the top cover (300), and at the same time, the upper surface of the protrusion (410) may be provided to contact the lower surface of the pack lid (220). According to the above-described exemplary configuration of the present invention, when the top cover (300) is about to be lifted by being separated from the top plate (130), the lower surface of the protrusion (410) presses the upper surface of the top cover (300), thereby preventing the top cover (300) from being lifted.

[0096] In addition, the cross-sectional area of ​​the protrusion (410) in the direction perpendicular to the Z-axis may be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting portion (420). As a result, the protrusion (410) can stably fix the pack lid (220) and the top cover (300) simultaneously, thereby further preventing deformation of the shape due to high heat, etc.

[0097] Meanwhile, FIG. 6 is a comparative example, illustrating a case in which a lifting prevention member included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention is not provided.

[0098] If, as illustrated in the comparative example of FIG. 6, the lifting prevention member (400) is not provided, when thermal runaway occurs in the battery module (100), the shape of the pack lid (220) may be deformed by the pressure of the gas discharged from the battery cell (110) and / or the high heat of dust or flames. For example, a part of the pack lid (220) located above the venting hole (150) and the cover hole (310) through which the gas or flames are discharged may swell upward (in the direction of the thick arrow in FIG. 6), and the adjacent part may, on the contrary, be sunk downward (in the direction of the thin arrow in FIG. 6). As a result, the gap between the pack lid (220) and the top cover (300) is reduced in the part where the pack lid (220) is sunk downward, so that a venting path is not secured, and thus the movement of the venting gas or flames toward the venting device (230) may be impeded.

[0099] However, according to one embodiment of the present invention, since the coupling portion (420) of the anti-lifting member (400) is firmly coupled to the pack lid (220), the pack lid (220) can be prevented from being bent or deformed by pressure and / or heat such as a venting gas. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 5, a screw thread may be formed on the coupling portion (420), and accordingly, a groove having the same shape as the screw thread may be formed on the pack lid (220) so that the coupling portion (420) can be coupled. That is, a tap is formed on the pack lid (220), and the anti-lifting member (400) in the shape of a bolt is fastened thereto.

[0100] Accordingly, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the gap (d) between the pack lead (220) and the top cover (300) can be maintained, thereby securing a venting path (S). As a result, venting gas or flames, etc. can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery pack (10), thereby suppressing or preventing thermal runaway between battery modules (100). Accordingly, the safety and reliability of the battery pack (10) can be guaranteed.

[0101] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing an anti-lifting member included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 7, a battery pack (10) according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a lifting prevention member (400) having an insulating coating layer (500) formed thereon. The insulating coating layer (500) may be formed on the outer surface of the lifting prevention member (400). The insulating coating layer (500) may be configured to not only electrically insulate the lifting prevention member (400) but also prevent heat conduction, etc. For this purpose, the insulating coating layer (500) may be made of a material such as polyurethane or silicone.

[0103] As illustrated in Fig. 7, the insulating coating layer (500) may be formed on a portion of the anti-lifting member (400) exposed from the pack lead (220). That is, the insulating coating layer (500) may be formed on the remaining surface except for the surface of the protrusion (410) that comes into contact with the pack lead (220). For example, the insulating coating layer (500) may be provided to surround the lower surface and side surface of the protrusion (410). According to the above-described 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 a portion of the anti-lifting member (400) exposed to venting gas or flame.

[0104] The above insulating coating layer (500) may be a coating layer formed by directly foaming on the outer surface of the anti-lifting member (400) after the anti-lifting member (400) is assembled to the pack lid (220). According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the outer surface of the anti-lifting member (400) can be easily covered compared to attaching a separately prepared sheet-shaped insulating member. In addition, since the process of separately manufacturing the insulating member according to the size of the outer surface of the anti-lifting member (400) is omitted, the cost and time can be reduced when manufacturing a battery module.

[0105] Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the assembly of the main parts of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' of Fig. 8. In addition, Fig. 10 is a view showing the arrangement of a lifting prevention member of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, the anti-lifting member (400) may be provided in multiple pieces and arranged to be spaced apart from each other. The anti-lifting member (400) may be configured as an island type. According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the anti-lifting member (400) is provided in an island shape instead of a long beam shape, the position of the anti-lifting member (400) can be freely set. This increases the degree of design freedom, which can improve productivity. The anti-lifting member (400) may be isotropic within the XY plane. When combining the anti-lifting member (400) to the pack lid (220), the direction of the anti-lifting member (400) does not need to be considered, which improves the assembling efficiency.

[0107] The above-described anti-lifting member (400) may be welded to the pack lid (220). Alternatively, the anti-lifting member (400) may be bolted to the pack lid (220). According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, even if the anti-lifting member (400) is incorrectly assembled to the pack lid (220), it can be easily disassembled and corrected, thereby improving the assembling efficiency when manufacturing the battery pack (10).

[0108] At this time, the density (fastening density) at which the above-mentioned anti-lifting member (400) is fastened to the pack lid (220) may be configured differently depending on the position where the cover hole (310) is formed. Here, the fastening density may refer to the number of anti-lifting members (400) per unit area of ​​the pack lid (220) or the area occupied by the anti-lifting members (400). The area or number of the anti-lifting members (400) may be freely adjusted depending on the area or number of the cover holes (310). For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, after checking in advance through an experiment the part where the top cover (300) is likely to be lifted, the battery pack (10) may be manufactured so that the anti-lifting members (400) are provided more densely in the corresponding part. According to the above-mentioned exemplary configuration of the present invention, the degree of design freedom may be increased, thereby further improving productivity, and flexibly responding to event situations may be achieved without changing the design of other parts of the battery pack (10).

[0109] Specifically, the lifting prevention member (400) may be provided between adjacent cover holes (310) among a plurality of cover holes (310). That is, the lifting prevention member (400) may be provided at a portion of the top cover (300) adjacent to the cover holes (310). For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, a plurality of cover holes (310) are arranged in a row in the front-back direction (X-axis direction), and the lifting prevention members (400) may be provided three each between adjacent cover holes (310) among the cover holes (310) arranged in a row along the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). In addition, the lifting prevention members (400) may also be provided at both ends along the front-back direction (X-axis direction) of the top cover (300).

[0110] When venting gas or flame is discharged from the venting hole (150), there is a high possibility that the portion of the top cover (300) adjacent to the separated cover hole (310) will be separated from the top plate (130) and lifted due to the heat of the venting gas or flame. Therefore, by providing the lifting prevention member (400) adjacent to the cover hole (310) as in the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the portion of the top cover (300) adjacent to the cover hole (310) can be effectively prevented from being lifted.

[0111] Referring to Fig. 9, the area projected onto the top cover (300) by the anti-lifting member (400) may be provided to be smaller than the area of ​​the cover hole (310). More specifically, the cross-sectional area of ​​the protrusion (410) of the anti-lifting member (400) may be provided to be smaller than the area of ​​the space between adjacent cover holes (310). Accordingly, the anti-lifting member (400) may not shield the venting hole (150) or the cover hole (310), and thus may not prevent venting gas or flames from being discharged through the venting hole (150) or the cover hole (310).

[0112] Accordingly, since the anti-lifting member (400) is provided in a local area of ​​the top cover (300), venting gas or flame, etc. can move between the anti-lifting members (400) as indicated by the arrows in Fig. 9. That is, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the venting path (S) is further secured, so that thermal runaway propagation between battery modules (100) can be effectively prevented or delayed.

[0113] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 11, 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.

[0115] 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. At least one battery module comprising a plurality of battery cells and a module case accommodating the plurality of battery cells; A pack case accommodating the above battery module; A top cover configured to be accommodated inside the pack case and spaced apart from the pack case to cover the upper portion of the battery module; and A battery pack characterized by including an anti-lifting member configured to maintain a gap between the top cover and the pack case.

2. In paragraph 1, The above pack case is A box-shaped pack bottom frame with an open upper surface, A pack lid covering the open upper surface of the pack bottom frame is included, A battery pack characterized in that the above-mentioned anti-lifting member is provided in the pack lead.

3. In paragraph 2, A venting path is formed in the space between the above anti-lifting member, the pack lead and the top cover, A battery pack characterized in that the above-mentioned anti-lifting member is configured so that the height of the venting path is maintained.

4. In paragraph 2, A battery pack characterized in that at least a portion of the anti-lifting member is configured to protrude from the pack lead toward the top cover and contact the upper surface of the top cover.

5. In paragraph 4, A battery pack characterized in that the length of the anti-lifting member protruding from the pack lead is provided to be equal to the gap between the pack lead and the top cover.

6. In paragraph 2, The above anti-lifting member A protrusion provided protruding from the above pack lead, A battery pack characterized by including a coupling portion extending from the protrusion and configured to be coupled to the pack lead.

7. In paragraph 6, A battery pack characterized in that the cross-sectional area of ​​the protrusion is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting portion.

8. In paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the above-mentioned lifting prevention member is provided as a rigid body.

9. In paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the above-mentioned anti-lifting member is made of a material having fire-resistant properties.

10. In paragraph 1, A battery pack further comprising an insulating coating layer formed on the outer surface of the above-mentioned anti-lifting member.

11. In paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the above-mentioned lifting prevention members are provided in multiple pieces and arranged to be spaced apart from each other.

12. In paragraph 11, A battery pack characterized in that the above-mentioned anti-lifting member is configured as an island type.

13. In paragraph 2, At least one venting hole is formed on the upper surface of the module case through which venting gas discharged from the battery cell is discharged, A battery pack characterized in that the top cover is formed with at least one cover hole corresponding to the venting hole and opened by the venting gas.

14. In paragraph 13, The above anti-lifting member is fastened to the pack lead, A battery pack characterized in that the fastening density of the above-mentioned anti-lifting member is configured differently depending on the position where the cover hole is formed.

15. In paragraph 14, The above cover holes are provided in multiple numbers and arranged in a row along one direction, A battery pack characterized in that the above-mentioned anti-lifting member is provided between adjacent cover holes.

16. In paragraph 15, A battery pack characterized in that the area projected onto the top cover by the above-mentioned anti-lifting member is smaller than the area of ​​the cover hole.

17. In paragraph 14, A battery pack characterized in that the above-mentioned anti-lifting member is bolted to the pack lead.

18. In paragraph 14, A battery pack characterized in that the above-mentioned anti-lifting member is welded to the pack lead.

19. In paragraph 13, A battery pack characterized in that the top cover is made of mica material.

20. A vehicle comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

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