Battery pack and vehicle comprising battery pack

Abstract

A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a plurality of battery cells; a pack case configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells; and a venting unit which is configured to be mountable to the pack case and has a venting device configured to discharge gas generated from the battery cells to the outside and a protective cover configured to cover at least a portion of the venting device.

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. 10-2023-0119302, filed on September 7, 2023, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated by reference into this application.

[0003] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0097201, filed on July 23, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] 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.

[0005] Currently, widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of these unit secondary battery cells, i.e., unit battery cells, is approximately 2.5 V to 4.5 V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery pack. Furthermore, depending on the charge / discharge capacity required for the battery pack, a number of battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be set in various ways depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0006] Meanwhile, when configuring a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel, a common method is to first construct a battery module containing at least one battery cell, and then use this at least one battery module to add other components to form a battery pack or battery rack. Furthermore, recently, battery packs in the cell-to-pack form, where multiple battery cells are directly housed in a pack housing or other device without modularization, have also been manufactured.

[0007] The present invention provides a battery pack and a vehicle including the same that can ensure safety and reliability in the event of an abnormal situation in a battery cell or battery module.

[0008] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0009] To solve the above problem, a battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a plurality of battery cells; a pack case configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells; and a venting unit configured to be mountable on the pack case and configured to discharge gas generated from the battery cells to the outside; and a protective cover configured to cover at least a portion of the venting device.

[0010] The above protective cover may be configured to cover the upper portion of the venting device to block sparks emitted from the battery cell.

[0011] The module case may further include a plurality of battery cells accommodated in an internal space and having a venting hole formed on the upper side to communicate with the internal space.

[0012] The pack case may include a base frame on which the plurality of battery cells are mounted, and a side frame extending upward from the base frame on which the venting device is mounted, and a mounting hole may be formed in the side frame to allow at least a portion of the venting device to be inserted.

[0013] The protective cover may include a main cover configured to face the venting device and cover the front of the venting device, and an upper cover configured to extend from the main cover toward the venting device and cover the upper portion of the venting device.

[0014] The protective cover may further include a lower bending portion configured to bend away from the venting device at the lower end of at least one of the main cover and the upper cover.

[0015] The above protective cover may further include a protrusion provided to protrude outwardly on the outer surface of the main cover.

[0016] The above upper cover may be configured in a curved shape.

[0017] The above protective cover may further include a protrusion provided to protrude upward from one end of the upper cover where the upper cover is connected to the main cover.

[0018] The upper cover may be configured to slope upward toward the main cover.

[0019] The protective cover may include a cover housing mounted to the pack case and configured such that an extended end of the upper cover is coupled thereto and at least a portion of the venting device is inserted therein.

[0020] The cover housing is coupled to one side of the pack case, and the battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention may further include a sealing member configured to seal a space between the cover housing and one side of the pack case.

[0021] The upper cover may extend inward from the cover housing so that the upper cover and the main cover may be provided inside the pack case.

[0022] And, the automobile according to the present invention may include a battery pack according to the present invention.

[0023] In addition, a battery pack case according to the present invention may include a pack case configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells, a venting unit configured to be mountable on the pack case, a venting device configured to discharge gas generated from the battery cells to the outside, and a protective cover configured to cover at least a portion of the venting device.

[0024] The above protective cover may be configured to cover the upper portion of the venting device to block sparks emitted from the battery cell.

[0025] A battery pack case according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a base frame on which the plurality of battery cells are mounted, and a side frame extending upward from the base frame on which the venting device is mounted, and a mounting hole configured to allow at least a portion of the venting device to be inserted may be formed in the side frame.

[0026] The above protective cover may have a guide channel that can block sparks emitted from the battery cell and simultaneously guide the sparks toward the inside of the battery pack case.

[0027] According to one aspect of the present invention, sparks generated in an abnormal state of a battery cell can be prevented from being exposed to the outside of the pack case, thereby ensuring safety and reliability.

[0028] Moreover, according to one aspect of the present invention, by suppressing flame development outside the battery pack, the performance of preventing thermal propagation per pack can be effectively secured.

[0029] This can prevent or delay events such as fire or explosion due to thermal runaway of a battery pack containing multiple battery modules or a device equipped with them.

[0030] In particular, for electric vehicles, by inhibiting or delaying the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells or battery modules, sufficient time can be secured for occupants to escape or drive.

[0031] Additionally, according to one aspect of the present invention, venting gas generated in an abnormal state of a battery cell can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the pack case.

[0032] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, when a specific battery cell or battery module within a battery pack experiences an abnormal condition, high-temperature gases generated from the battery cell can be quickly discharged outside the pack case. Accordingly, other battery cells or battery modules can be minimized from thermal damage, thereby preventing further chain reactions.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a drawing of a venting unit included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the inside of the pack case.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the direction in which sparks are emitted within a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 6 may be a drawing showing the cross-section I-I' of FIG. 1.

[0041] FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a venting unit included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating a venting unit included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a venting unit included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating a venting unit included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating a venting unit included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating a state in which a protective cover is separated from a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a portion of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the outside.

[0049] Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the top. For example, Fig. 15 may be a drawing showing a portion of the cross-section taken along line II-II' of Fig. 1.

[0050] FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] In some of the accompanying drawings, corresponding components are designated by the same reference numerals. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the drawings illustrate elements simply and clearly and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, to facilitate understanding of various embodiments, the dimensions of some elements depicted in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements. Furthermore, elements of known technology that are useful or essential in commercially feasible embodiments may often not be depicted so as not to obscure the spirit of various embodiments of the present invention.

[0052] Hereinafter, 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.

[0053] Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] For example, in an embodiment of the present invention, the X-axis direction shown in the drawing may mean a left-right direction, the Y-axis direction may mean a front-back 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.

[0057] If a thermal event, such as thermal runaway, occurs within a battery pack, gasses may be emitted from the battery cells contained within, potentially containing flames. Furthermore, when gasses are typically emitted from a battery cell, fragments of electrode plates or active material within the battery cell may be ejected to the outside in a heated state. These high-temperature particles may manifest in the form of sparks.

[0058] In the case of battery packs, when an abnormality occurs in a specific battery cell or battery module, high-temperature gases are often discharged through a venting portion of the pack case to the outside. If a spark generated by the high-temperature gases is exposed to the outside of the pack case, it can react with oxygen outside the battery pack, potentially creating a flame or developing a fire outside the battery pack. Furthermore, if a flame or fire occurs outside a specific battery pack, the fire can spread to adjacent battery packs or devices equipped with the battery pack, potentially causing a larger problem.

[0059] In the present invention, a technology is provided for preventing sparks or flames from being exposed to the outside of a battery pack through a venting portion, thereby suppressing the occurrence or spread of flames or fire outside a battery pack.

[0060] For example, the present invention provides a battery pack and a vehicle including the same that can ensure safety and reliability in the event of an abnormal situation of a battery cell or battery module.

[0061] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings below.

[0062] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. In addition, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a major portion of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a battery pack (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell (100), a pack case (200), and a venting unit (300).

[0064] First, referring primarily to FIG. 2, a plurality of battery cells (100) may be included. Although not illustrated in the drawing, the plurality of battery cells (100) may include an electrode assembly, a cell case accommodating the electrode assembly, and electrode leads connected to the electrode assembly and extending outward from the cell case to function as electrode terminals. In this case, the plurality of battery cells (100) may be electrically connected to each other.

[0065] The battery cell (100) may be a pouch-type secondary battery. The cell case of such a pouch-type secondary battery may be configured in a pouch shape in which a metal layer made of aluminum is interposed between polymer layers.

[0066] According to one embodiment, a plurality of battery cells (100) may be arranged in a vertical direction (Z-axis direction) and in a front-back direction (Y-axis direction) as illustrated in FIG. 2. At this time, each battery cell (100) may have a sealing portion facing left-right (X-axis direction) and up-down (Z-axis direction), and a storage portion facing forward-backward (Y-axis direction).

[0067] Meanwhile, the present invention is not limited by the specific type or shape of the battery cell (100), and various battery cells (100) known at the time of filing of the present invention may be employed to construct the battery pack (20) of the present invention. In this 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 (100).

[0068] The pack case (200) may be configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells (100). That is, the pack case (200) may provide a space for accommodating a plurality of battery cells (100). The pack case (200) may be made of a material that can ensure mechanical strength, such as a metal such as steel or stainless steel (STS, SUS), or a plastic, in order to safely protect the battery cells (100) accommodated therein, or may include such a material.

[0069] In addition, the battery pack (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a venting unit (300). The venting unit (300) may be configured to be mountable to the pack case (200). At this time, a plurality of venting units (300) may be provided. The venting unit (300) may include a venting device (310) and a protective cover (320).

[0070] The venting device (310) may be configured to discharge gas generated from the battery cells (100) housed therein to the outside of the pack case (200). According to one embodiment, the venting device (310) may be configured to open due to the pressure of the venting gas when the venting gas is generated inside the pack case (200) and the internal pressure increases, thereby discharging the venting gas to the outside of the pack case (200).

[0071] For example, the venting device (310) may be configured to open and close depending on the internal pressure within the pack case (200). For example, the venting device (310) may be provided with an elastic member, and a sealing member covering the inlet of the venting device (310) may be configured to open and close by the elastic force of the elastic member. Meanwhile, the present invention is not limited by the specific type or shape of the venting device (310), and various venting devices (310) known at the time of filing of the present invention may be employed to configure the battery pack (20) of the present invention.

[0072] The protective cover (320) may be configured to cover at least a portion of the venting device (310). According to one embodiment of the present invention, the protective cover (320) may be configured to completely block sparks generated inside the pack case (200) from passing through the protective cover (320).

[0073] The protective cover (320) may be made of a material that includes a material with low thermal conductivity and excellent heat and / or fire resistance. For example, the protective cover (320) may be made of a flame-retardant mica material. Alternatively, the protective cover (320) may be made of a metal material with rigidity and heat resistance.

[0074] Strong straight-line sparks or flames may be emitted from the battery cell (100), collide with the internal structure of the pack case (200), and move to the venting device (310). According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the sparks can be prevented from being emitted to the outside of the pack case (200) by the protective cover (320). Accordingly, the sparks can be prevented from reacting with oxygen outside the pack case (200) to generate flames. Therefore, according to the above-described aspect of the present invention, the safety and reliability of the battery pack (20) can be guaranteed.

[0075] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the protective cover (320) may be configured to cover a portion of the venting device (310), as illustrated in FIG. 4. That is, the protective cover (320) may have a structure that covers the inside of the venting device (310), but does not cover the entire venting device (310), but only a portion thereof. In this case, sparks generated from the battery cell (100) can be blocked by the protective cover (320), and at the same time, venting gas can be smoothly discharged to the exposed portion of the venting device (310). Accordingly, when an abnormal situation occurs in the battery cell (100), the venting gas can be quickly discharged to the outside of the pack case (200) through the venting device (310), thereby preventing the internal pressure inside the pack case (200) from increasing and suppressing or delaying additional chain ignition of other battery cells (100).

[0076]

[0077] FIG. 5 is a drawing of a venting unit included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the inside of the pack case, and FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the direction in which sparks are emitted from inside the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 6 may be a drawing showing the cross-section I-I' of FIG. 1.

[0078] According to one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the protective cover (320) may be configured to cover the upper portion of the venting device (310).

[0079] Venting gas or sparks discharged from the battery cell (100) may have a strong tendency to flow upward due to their high temperature. Therefore, as in the above embodiment, when the protective cover (320) is configured to cover the upper portion of the venting device (310), sparks with a strong straight-line tendency are guaranteed to collide with the protective cover (320), thereby more reliably suppressing the external discharge of sparks. At the same time, the venting gas can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the pack case (200) through the lower portion of the venting device (310) that is exposed and not covered by the protective cover (320) due to internal pressure.

[0080] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the spark emitted from the battery cell (100) is blocked by the venting device (310) of the pack case (200), the spark is prevented from being discharged to the outside, thereby more effectively suppressing the occurrence of a flame outside the pack case (200).

[0081] In addition, the high-temperature venting gas can move along the inner upper surface of the pack case (200) toward the venting device (310) and be discharged to the outside. At this time, as in the above-described embodiment, if the protective cover (320) covers the upper portion of the venting device (310), the venting gas can have its flow direction bent by the protective cover (320) before being discharged through the venting device (310). In addition, during this process, sparks and the like that were directed toward the venting device (310) together with the venting gas can be suppressed from being discharged to the outside by the protective cover (320).

[0082] In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when high-temperature gas, etc. is discharged to the outside of the pack case (200) in a situation such as thermal runaway, the discharged gas may not be directed upward. For example, in a case where a passenger is positioned above the battery pack (10), such as in an electric vehicle, if the upward discharge of gas, flame, etc. is suppressed by the protective cover (320) of the venting device (310), the safety of the passenger can be further improved. Therefore, according to the embodiment of the present invention, by directional venting being performed downward of the battery pack (10), the safety of users, etc. positioned above, such as the passenger, can be improved.

[0083] The protective cover (320) may be provided further inward than the venting device (310). Venting gas and / or sparks generated from the battery cells (100) may move to the venting device (310). That is, a venting path through which the venting gas and / or sparks flow may be formed between the plurality of battery cells (100) and the venting unit (300). At this time, the protective cover (320) may be provided to cross the venting path. According to one embodiment, the protective cover (320) may be provided at a specific point on the venting path further inward than the venting device (310) and configured to suppress movement of sparks or the like.

[0084]

[0085] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 2, a plurality of battery cells (100) may be modularized into one or more battery modules (10). For example, a battery pack (20) according to the present invention may include one or more battery modules (10). In addition, a plurality of battery cells (100) may be included as components of one or more battery modules (10). In this case, multiple battery cells (100) included within a battery module (10) may be electrically connected to each other.

[0086] Moreover, the battery module (10) may be provided in multiple numbers inside the pack case (200). That is, the battery pack (20) according to the present invention includes multiple battery modules (10), and multiple battery cells (100) included in the battery pack (20) may be divided and included in multiple battery modules (10).

[0087] According to one embodiment, a battery pack (20) according to the present invention may include a module case (11). The module case (11) may be configured to have an empty space formed therein and accommodate at least some of a plurality of battery cells (100) in the internal space. For example, the module case (11) may be included in each battery module (10), grouping a plurality of battery cells (100) into multiple battery modules (10), and may serve as a boundary that physically limits the internal space of each battery module (10).

[0088] Additionally, although not shown in the drawing, the battery module (10) may include a busbar assembly and / or module terminal electrically connected to a plurality of battery cells (100) housed therein.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the battery module (10) may include a venting hole (H). The venting hole (H) may be configured to allow gas generated from a battery cell (100) housed inside the module case (11) to be discharged to the outside of the module case (11).

[0090] For example, the venting hole (H) may be provided in the module case (11) to enable directional venting in a specific direction. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6, the venting hole (H) may be provided in the upper portion of the module case (11). With this embodiment, the venting gas and / or sparks may be induced to be discharged toward the upper portion of the battery module.

[0091] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, as indicated by the dotted arrow in FIG. 6, venting gas or sparks, etc. can be guided to the upper side of the pack case (200) by the venting hole (H) of the module case (11). Therefore, when the venting gas or sparks, etc. move along the upper inner surface of the pack case (200) toward the venting device (310), the flow of the venting gas or sparks, etc. can be more reliably blocked by the protective cover (320) covering the upper part of the venting device (310). Therefore, the sparks can be more effectively suppressed from being discharged to the outside of the pack case (200).

[0092]

[0093] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 2, a pack case (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a base frame (210) and a side frame (220).

[0094] The above base frame (210) may form the lower surface of the pack case (200) and may be provided in an approximately square plate shape. In addition, the base frame (210) may be configured such that a plurality of battery cells (100) are mounted on the upper surface. Furthermore, the base frame (210) may be provided with a flat upper surface so that a plurality of battery cells (100) or module cases (11) are stably mounted.

[0095] The side frame (220) may extend upward from each corner of the base frame (210). The side frame (220) may be provided with a plurality of unit walls to surround a plurality of battery cells (100) or battery modules (10). According to one embodiment, the side frame (220) may include a rear wall located at the +Y direction side end of the base frame (210), a right wall located at the +X direction side end, a front wall located at the -Y direction side end, and a left wall located at the -X direction side end to form a side of the pack case (200).

[0096] The venting unit (300) may be provided on the side of the pack case (200), i.e., the side frame (220). Referring to FIG. 3, according to one embodiment, a mounting hole (221) may be formed in the side frame (220). The mounting hole (221) may be configured such that at least a portion of the venting device (310) is inserted therein. The shape and size of the mounting hole (221) may vary depending on the shape and size of the venting device (310). At this time, the protective cover (320) may be provided so as to be located on the inside of the side frame (220) and cover at least a portion of the venting device (310).

[0097] A plurality of mounting holes (221) may be formed in the side frame (220) as needed. The venting device (310) and the protective cover (320) may each be provided in a plurality of units. For example, the venting device (310) may be positioned in at least some of the unit walls of the side frame (220). In addition, the venting device (310) may be separately provided in two or more unit walls, or two or more may be provided in one unit wall. For example, referring to FIG. 2, a plurality of venting devices (310) may be provided in each of the front wall and the rear wall.

[0098] For each venting device (310) provided in this manner, a corresponding protective cover (320) may be installed. For example, as illustrated in the exemplary configuration of FIG. 2, four venting devices (310) are provided on each of the front wall and the rear wall, and a separate protective cover (320) is provided for each venting device (310), so that a total of eight protective covers (320) may be included in the battery pack. Each of the plurality of venting devices (310) and the protective covers (320), i.e., the plurality of venting units (300), may be provided to be symmetrical to each other with respect to the center of the side frame (220).

[0099] Meanwhile, the number or location of the venting device (310) and the protective cover (320) described based on the embodiment of FIG. 2 are merely examples, and may be changed to various other numbers or locations. For example, in FIG. 2, the venting device (310) and the protective cover (320) are provided on the X-axis extending walls of the side frame (220), that is, the front wall and the rear wall, but they may also be provided on the Y-axis extending walls, that is, the left wall and the right wall. Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when the battery cell (100) is in an abnormal state, high-temperature gas, etc. can be discharged in both directions of the pack case (200), so that it is easy to discharge the gas to the outside of the pack case (200) more quickly.

[0100]

[0101] Meanwhile, referring mainly to FIGS. 1 and 6, the battery pack (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a pack lid (230). The pack lid (230) may be configured to cover the upper portions of the plurality of battery cells (100). To this end, the pack lid (230) may be provided to be coupled to the upper portion of the side frame (220) to form the upper surface of the pack case (200). The pack lid (230), together with the base frame (210) and the side frame (220), may protect components housed therein, such as the battery cells (100), and may prevent venting gas and / or sparks discharged from the battery cells (100) from being discharged to the outside, particularly the upper portion, of the pack case (200). In particular, the pack lid (230) may guide venting gas and sparks, etc., from the internal space of the pack case (200) toward the venting device (310).

[0102] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 2 and 6, the pack case (200) may further include a cross beam (240). The cross beam (240) may be provided to partition between a plurality of battery cells (100) or battery modules (10). In addition, the cross beam (240) may be provided between a plurality of battery cells (100) and a side frame (220) in which a venting device (310) is provided. For example, the cross beam (240) may be formed in the form of a partition wall that extends long in the left-right direction, and may be interposed between battery modules (10) that are adjacently arranged in the front-rear direction. In addition, the cross beam (240) may be formed in the form of a partition wall that extends long in the front-rear direction, and may be interposed between battery modules (10) that are adjacently arranged in the left-right direction.

[0103] In addition, the cross beam (240) may be provided to be spaced apart from the pack lead (230) by a predetermined distance. That is, the cross beam (240) may be configured to be spaced apart by a predetermined distance without at least a portion of the upper portion contacting the lower surface of the pack lead (230).

[0104] According to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent heat or flame from being directly directed between the cell assemblies or battery modules (10) whose storage spaces are separated by the cross beam (240). In addition, according to the embodiment, due to the space between the cross beam (240) and the pack lead (230), the induction effect of gases or sparks generated in the battery cells (100) moving upward in the internal space of the pack case can be further improved. For example, as indicated by the dotted arrow in FIG. 6, gases or sparks can be induced into the space between the cross beam (240) and the pack lead (230) and reflected on the pack lead (230) or flow along the lower surface of the pack lead (230) toward the venting device (310) and reach the protective cover (320) covering the upper portion of the venting device (310). According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the protective cover (320) installed in the venting device (310) can more reliably block sparks emitted from the battery cell (100).

[0105]

[0106] FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a venting unit included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] The detailed structure of the protective cover (320) is described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. The protective cover (320) may include a main cover (321) and an upper cover (322).

[0108] The main cover (321) may be positioned to face the venting device (310). The main cover (321) may be configured to cover the inner front of the venting device (310). The main cover (321) may be provided in a plate shape. Since the main cover (321) is manufactured in a plate shape, the main cover (321) may be configured to face parallel to the venting device (310) or the side frame (220). According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the main cover (321) can more easily cover a portion of the venting device (310).

[0109] The upper cover (322) may be provided to extend from the upper edge of the main cover (321). For example, the upper cover (322) may be provided to extend from the main cover (321) toward the venting device (310). The upper cover (322) may be configured to cover the upper portion of the venting device (310). Accordingly, the upper cover (322) may block sparks moving toward the upper portion of the venting device (310).

[0110] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the protective cover (320) can block sparks not only toward the front of the venting device (310) but also toward the upper side, thereby more effectively blocking sparks from being discharged to the outside of the pack case (200).

[0111] In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, a space through which venting gas can flow can be formed by securing a distance between the main cover (321) and the venting device (310) at the upper end of the venting device (310) by the upper cover (322). Moreover, in this case, the venting gas can also be discharged from the venting device (310) to a portion covered by the protective cover (320). Therefore, even if the venting gas is trapped in the space between the protective cover (320) and the venting device (310), it can be discharged more smoothly to the venting device (310) through the spaced-off space.

[0112]

[0113] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating a venting unit included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 9, the protective cover (320) may further include a lower bending portion (325).

[0115] The lower folded portion (325) may be configured to extend in a form bent at a predetermined angle in a direction away from the venting device (310) from the lower portion of at least one of the main cover (321) and the upper cover (322). In the embodiment of FIG. 9, the lower folded portion (325) is illustrated as being bent only at the lower portion of the main cover (321). The lower folded portion (325) may be configured in a diagonal shape. The lower folded portion (325) may be configured to be bent in a form that becomes closer to the base frame (210) as it goes outward away from the main body of the main cover (321). That is, the lower folded portion (325) may be provided to form an obtuse angle with the main cover (321).

[0116] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, sparks that strike the main cover (321) and are reflected downward can be guided toward the inside of the pack case (200) by the lower bending portion (325). Accordingly, the sparks can be more effectively blocked from heading back toward the venting device (310), thereby more effectively suppressing the sparks from being discharged outside the pack case (200).

[0117]

[0118] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a venting unit included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 10, the protective cover (320) may further include a protrusion (326).

[0120] The protrusion (326) may be configured in a form in which at least a portion of the main cover (321) protrudes. The protrusion (326) may be provided to protrude outward from the outer surface of the main cover (321), i.e., inwardly from the pack case (200). For example, referring to the exemplary configuration of FIG. 10, the protrusion (326) may have a form in which it protrudes outward from the outer surface of the main cover (321).

[0121] Moreover, the protrusion (326) may be provided on the outer surface of the main cover (321) in a diagonal shape toward the pack lid (230). That is, the protrusion (326) may be provided to form an acute angle with the main cover (321). For example, at least a portion of the protrusion (326) may be configured to protrude outward from the outer surface of the main cover (321) and to face upward as it goes toward the outer end. The length at which the protrusion (326) protrudes from the main cover (321) may be provided in various ways.

[0122] In addition, the protrusions (326) may be provided in multiple numbers. The multiple protrusions (326) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). At the same time, the multiple protrusions (326) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the horizontal direction.

[0123] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, sparks or flames emitted from the battery cell (100) are reflected by the protrusions (326), thereby further suppressing the flow of sparks or flames with strong straightness. Furthermore, in this case, particles of sparks or flames can be captured by grooves or the like formed between the protrusions (326). Accordingly, sparks or flames can be more effectively prevented from being emitted to the outside of the pack case (200).

[0124]

[0125] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating a venting unit included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating a venting unit included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0126] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 12, the upper cover (322) may be provided in a curved shape. For example, when the protective cover (320) is viewed from the front, the upper portion of the main cover (321) may be provided in an arc shape, and the upper cover (322) may be provided to extend from the upper portion of the main cover (321). Accordingly, the upper cover (322) may also be provided in an arc shape.

[0127] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the upper cover (322) is provided in a curved shape and thus has no corners, it is possible to prevent particles such as sparks from accumulating on the upper cover (322). In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the pressure applied to the upper cover (322) by the sparks can be dispersed, the rigidity of the protective cover (320) can be further secured.

[0128]

[0129] Referring to FIG. 11, the protective cover (320) may further include a protrusion (327).

[0130] A protrusion (327) may be provided at one end where the upper cover (322) is connected to the main cover (321). The protrusion (327) may be provided so as to protrude upward from the upper cover (322). For example, referring to the exemplary configuration of FIG. 11, the protrusion (327) may have a shape that protrudes upward from the outer surface of the upper cover (322).

[0131] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent sparks accumulated on the upper cover (322) from flowing back toward the battery cell (100) or the venting device (310). For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 11, the protrusion (327) can prevent sparks from moving toward the battery cell (100) located inside the venting unit (300). In addition, the protrusion (327) can bend or change the flow direction of sparks moving toward the venting device (310) so that the venting device (310) moves in the left and right direction, which is the side not exposed by the protective cover (320).

[0132]

[0133] Referring to Fig. 12, the upper cover (322) may be provided to be inclined upward toward the main cover (321). That is, the upper cover (322) may be provided in a trumpet shape to be inclined upward from the venting device (310) side toward the main cover (321).

[0134] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent sparks accumulated on the upper cover (322) from moving inward, i.e., toward the battery cell (100) or the venting device (310). In addition, it is possible to induce the venting device (310) to move left and right on the upper cover (322) toward the side not exposed by the protective cover (320).

[0135]

[0136] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a state in which a protective cover (320) is separated from a pack case (200) of a battery pack (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a portion of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention viewed from the outside. In addition, FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a corner portion of a pack case (200) of a battery pack (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention viewed from the upper side.

[0137] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 15, the protective cover (320) may include a cover housing (323).

[0138] The extended end of the upper cover (322) can be connected to the cover housing (323). That is, the upper cover (322) can be provided between the cover housing (323) and the main cover (321) to connect the cover housing (323) and the main cover (321) to each other.

[0139] The cover housing (323) may be configured to allow at least a portion of the venting device (310) to be inserted therein. To this end, the cover housing (323) may include an insertion hole (324). At least a portion of the venting device (310) may be inserted into the insertion hole (324).

[0140] For example, the cover housing (323) may be mounted in a mounting hole (221) formed in the side frame (220), so that the main cover (321) and the upper cover (322) may be provided on the inside of the side frame (220). To this end, at least a portion of the outer circumference of the cover housing (323) may be configured in a shape corresponding to the mounting hole (221) of the side frame (220). In addition, a portion of the venting device (310) may be inserted into an insertion hole (324) formed in the cover housing (323) of the protective cover (320), so as to be provided on the outside of the main cover (321) and the upper cover (322). Accordingly, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, sparks and the like generated from the battery cell (100) are blocked by the main cover (321) and the upper cover (322), and gas not blocked by the main cover (321) and the upper cover (322) can be discharged to the outside of the pack case (200) through the discharge hole (311) formed in the venting device (310).

[0141] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the cover housing (323) can be mounted on the pack case (200). For example, the cover housing (323) can be bolted and fixed to the side frame (220). According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, a simple structure can be used to achieve a fixed and coupled configuration between the protective cover (320) and the side frame (220). In this case, the assembly of the battery pack (20) is easy, thereby reducing time and cost.

[0142]

[0143] The cover housing (323) can be coupled to one side of the pack case (200). For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, the cover housing (323) has an outer diameter wider than the mounting hole (221) formed in the side frame (220), so that the edge portion can be attached and coupled to the outer surface of the side frame (220). That is, in the above embodiment, the protective cover (320) can be coupled to the outside of the pack case (200). In particular, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the venting unit (300) can be configured in an integrated form in which the venting device (310) and the protective cover (320) are integrated. In this case, the venting unit (300) is not assembled inside the complex pack case (200), but rather the venting unit (300) is assembled from the outside while the battery cell (100), etc., is stored inside the pack case (200), thereby improving productivity and assembly efficiency.

[0144] In addition, referring to FIGS. 13 and 15, the battery pack (20) according to one aspect of the present invention may further include a sealing member (400). When the cover housing (323) is coupled to one side of the pack case (200), a separation space (gap) may be formed between the cover housing (323) and one side of the pack case (200). The sealing member (400) may be configured to seal the separation space.

[0145] In this case, a mounting groove (328) may be formed in the cover housing (323) in which a portion is sunken and into which a sealing member (400) is inserted. As illustrated in FIG. 13, when the cover housing (323) is coupled to the outer surface of the pack case (200), the mounting groove (328) may be formed on the inner surface of the cover housing (323).

[0146] Unlike the above embodiment, the cover housing (323) may be coupled to the inner surface of the side frame (220). In this case, the mounting groove (328) may be formed on the outer surface of the cover housing (323), and the sealing member (400) may be provided between the outer surface of the cover housing (323) and the inner surface of the side frame (220).

[0147]

[0148] The upper cover (322) may be provided to extend inward from the cover housing (323). As a result, the upper cover (322) and the main cover (321) may be provided inside the pack case (200). In addition, at least a portion of the upper cover (322) and the main cover (321) may be inserted into the mounting hole (221) of the side frame (220).

[0149] In this case, due to the venting unit (300), the formation of a portion protruding outward from the pack case (200) can be minimized. Accordingly, the mountability for the battery pack (10) can be improved. In particular, according to this embodiment, the space in which the battery pack (10) is mounted is not unnecessarily increased, and interference with other devices around the battery pack (10) due to the protruding portion can be prevented.

[0150] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 15, at least a portion of the venting device (310) and the upper cover (322) and the main cover (321) may be provided in a portion of the side frame (220) that is sunken inward. That is, the main cover (321) and the upper cover (322) may be provided so as not to protrude inwardly rather than the inner surface of the venting device (310) and the side frame (220).

[0151] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the protrusion of the main cover (321) and the upper cover (322) into the inner space of the pack case (200) can be minimized. Accordingly, the internal space occupied by the protective cover (320) of the pack case (200) can be minimized, thereby increasing the efficiency of the battery pack (20).

[0152]

[0153] FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0154] Referring to FIG. 16, a vehicle (30) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs (20) including pack cases (200) according to the above-described embodiments. The vehicle (30) according to the present invention may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle (30) includes various types of vehicles, such as a four-wheeled vehicle, a two-wheeled vehicle, or a three-wheeled vehicle. In particular, the vehicle (30) may operate by receiving power from a battery pack (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0155] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention as claimed in the claims. Furthermore, such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical idea or prospect of the present invention.

Claims

1. Multiple battery cells; A pack case configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells; and A battery pack characterized by comprising a venting unit configured to be mountable in the pack case and configured to discharge gas generated from the battery cell to the outside, and a protective cover configured to cover at least a portion of the venting device.

2. In paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the protective cover is configured to cover the upper part of the venting device to block sparks emitted from the battery cell.

3. In paragraph 2, A battery pack characterized in that it further includes a module case that accommodates the plurality of battery cells in an internal space and has a venting hole formed on the upper side to communicate with the internal space.

4. In paragraph 1, The above pack case is A base frame on which the above plurality of battery cells are mounted, A side frame extending upward from the base frame and having the venting device mounted thereon, A battery pack characterized in that a mounting hole is formed in the side frame so that at least a part of the venting device is inserted.

5. In paragraph 1, The above protective cover A main cover configured to face the venting device and cover the front of the venting device; A battery pack characterized by including an upper cover configured to extend from the main cover toward the venting device and cover the upper portion of the venting device.

6. In paragraph 5, The above protective cover A battery pack further comprising a lower bending portion configured to bend away from the venting device at the lower portion of at least one of the main cover and the upper cover.

7. In paragraph 5, The above protective cover A battery pack characterized in that it further includes a protrusion provided to protrude outward on the outer surface of the main cover.

8. In paragraph 5, A battery pack characterized in that the upper cover is configured in a curved shape.

9. In paragraph 8, The above protective cover A battery pack characterized in that the upper cover further includes a protrusion that protrudes upward from one end connected to the main cover.

10. In paragraph 9, A battery pack characterized in that the upper cover is configured to be inclined upward toward the main cover.

11. In paragraph 5, The above protective cover A battery pack characterized by comprising a cover housing mounted on the pack case and configured such that an extended end of the upper cover is coupled and at least a portion of the venting device is inserted therein.

12. In paragraph 11, The above cover housing is joined to one side of the pack case, A battery pack further comprising a sealing member configured to seal a space between the cover housing and one side of the pack case.

13. In paragraph 11, A battery pack characterized in that the upper cover extends inward from the cover housing so that the upper cover and the main cover are provided inside the pack case.

14. A vehicle comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A pack case configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells, A venting device configured to be mounted on the pack case and configured to discharge gas generated from the battery cell to the outside; and A battery pack case characterized by comprising a venting unit having a protective cover configured to cover at least a portion of the venting device.

16. In paragraph 15, A battery pack case characterized in that the protective cover is configured to cover the upper part of the venting device to block sparks emitted from the battery cell.

17. In paragraph 15, A base frame on which the above plurality of battery cells are mounted, A side frame extending upward from the base frame and having the venting device mounted thereon, A battery pack case characterized in that a mounting hole is formed in the side frame so that at least a part of the venting device is inserted.

18. In paragraph 16, A battery pack case characterized in that the protective cover has an induction channel that can block sparks emitted from the battery cell and simultaneously guide the sparks toward the inside of the battery pack case.

Images