Battery pack

Abstract

A battery pack is disclosed. The battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a case having an open upper surface and providing an inner space; a plurality of battery cells accommodated in the inner space and extending in the left-right direction; partition walls dividing the inner space; spacers provided at the upper ends of the partition walls; and a pack cover covering the upper surface of the case and coupled to the spacers.

Description

battery pack

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0119904, filed September 8, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0109873, filed August 16, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] As demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, video cameras, and mobile phones rapidly increases and the commercialization of robots and electric vehicles becomes more widespread, research into high-performance secondary batteries capable of repeated charging and discharging is actively underway.

[0004] Currently commercialized secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries. Among these, lithium secondary batteries are receiving attention for their advantages of being able to charge and discharge freely, having a very low self-discharge rate, and having a high energy density, as they have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries.

[0005] These lithium secondary batteries primarily use lithium oxide and carbon materials as the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively. Lithium secondary batteries comprise an electrode assembly comprising positive and negative plates coated with the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively, with a separator interposed between them, and an outer case, i.e., a battery case, that seals and encloses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0006] In general, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into can-type secondary batteries in which the electrode assembly is built into a metal can and pouch-type secondary batteries in which the electrode assembly is built into a pouch of an aluminum laminate sheet, depending on the shape of the outer packaging material.

[0007] Recently, secondary batteries have been widely used for power and energy storage, not only in small devices like portable electronic devices but also in medium- to large-sized devices like electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS). Multiple secondary batteries can be electrically connected and housed within a module case to form a single battery module. Furthermore, multiple such battery modules can be connected to form a single battery pack.

[0008] However, when multiple secondary batteries (battery cells) or battery modules are densely packed in a confined space, they can be vulnerable to thermal events. Specifically, if a thermal runaway event occurs in a single battery cell, high-temperature gases, flames, and heat can be generated. If these gases, flames, or heat are transferred to other battery cells within the same battery module, an explosive chain reaction, such as thermal propagation, can occur. This chain reaction can not only cause a fire or explosion in the battery module in question, but can also trigger fires or explosions in other battery modules.

[0009] Moreover, for medium- to large-sized battery packs, such as those used in electric vehicles, the risk of thermal chain reactions can be even greater due to the inclusion of a large number of battery cells and battery modules to increase output and / or capacity. Furthermore, battery packs installed in electric vehicles may be surrounded by users, such as drivers. Therefore, if a thermal event occurring in a specific battery cell or module is not properly controlled and a chain reaction occurs, it can result in significant property damage and even human casualties. Therefore, it is necessary to appropriately control thermal events occurring in battery cells or modules to improve the thermal safety of battery packs.

[0010] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and other problems.

[0011] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a battery pack with improved electrical safety when a thermal event occurs.

[0012] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a battery pack including a structure capable of quickly discharging venting gases, ignitable particles, flames, etc. when a thermal event occurs.

[0013] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a battery pack that is easy to control venting when a thermal event occurs.

[0014] In order to achieve the above-described purpose, a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a case having an open upper surface and providing an internal space; a plurality of battery cells accommodated in the internal space and extending in the left and right directions; a partition wall dividing the internal space; a spacer provided on an upper end of the partition wall; and a pack cover covering the upper surface of the case and coupled to the spacer.

[0015] Additionally, the pack cover may be configured to move outward when a thermal event occurs from the plurality of battery cells.

[0016] Additionally, the battery pack may be configured such that a gap between the pack cover and the partition wall expands when a thermal event occurs from the plurality of battery cells.

[0017] Additionally, the battery pack may further include a module case that accommodates the plurality of battery cells.

[0018] Additionally, the module case may have a venting hole on the upper surface.

[0019] Additionally, the partition wall may include a first partition wall extending in the left-right direction.

[0020] In addition, the module case further includes a pair of end covers provided on the left and right sides, respectively, and the spacer can be positioned between the pair of end covers.

[0021] In addition, the venting holes may be provided in plurality, and the spacer may include a first spacer provided in the first partition wall and positioned to the left or right of the plurality of venting holes.

[0022] Additionally, the height of the first partition wall may be configured to be less than or equal to the height of the module case.

[0023] Additionally, the partition wall may include a second partition wall extending in the front-rear direction, and the spacer may include a second spacer provided on the second partition wall.

[0024] Additionally, the height of the second partition wall may be configured to be less than or equal to the height of the module case.

[0025] Additionally, the partition wall and the spacer may be formed integrally.

[0026] Additionally, the battery pack may further include a fastening member that fastens the pack cover and the spacer.

[0027] Additionally, the pack cover may be coupled with the spacer and may have a fastening hole extending in the left and right directions.

[0028] Additionally, the battery pack may further include a venting device provided in the case.

[0029] A vehicle according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a battery pack of the present invention.

[0030] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the thermal safety of a battery pack can be improved.

[0031] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, venting control of a battery pack can be facilitated.

[0032] 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.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the battery pack of Fig. 1 in isolation.

[0035] Figure 3 is a drawing showing the battery module of Figure 2.

[0036] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the battery module of Fig. 3 in isolation.

[0037] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the battery pack of Fig. 1 in isolation.

[0038] Figure 6 is an enlarged view of Figure 5.

[0039] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a partial configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Fig. 8 is a drawing showing a part of a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line C-C' of Fig. 1.

[0041] Figure 9 is a drawing showing part D of Figure 8.

[0042] Fig. 10 is a drawing showing part D of Fig. 8 when a thermal event occurs.

[0043] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a partial configuration of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Fig. 12 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of Fig. 8.

[0045] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a partition wall of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a part of a configuration of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing the battery pack of FIG. 14 when a thermal event occurs.

[0048] Fig. 16 is a drawing showing a part of a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' of Fig. 1.

[0049] Figure 17 is a drawing showing part E of Figure 16.

[0050] Fig. 18 is a drawing showing part E of Fig. 16 when a thermal event occurs.

[0051] Fig. 19 is a drawing showing a part of a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line B-B' of Fig. 1.

[0052] Figure 20 is a drawing showing part F of Figure 19.

[0053] FIG. 21 is a drawing showing a plan view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 22 is a drawing showing the battery pack of Figure 21 when a thermal event occurs.

[0055] FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention when a thermal event occurs.

[0056] 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.

[0057] Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention, and it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0058] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a partial configuration of the battery pack of FIG. 1 in isolation. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a case (100), a battery cell (220), a partition wall (300), a spacer (400), and a pack cover (500).

[0059] The case (100) may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The case (100) may have an open top. The case (100) may provide a space inside. The case (100) may include a base plate (110) and a side wall (120). The base plate (110) may have a rectangular shape. The side wall (120) may be fastened, joined, or fixed to the top surface of the base plate (110). The side wall (120) may extend along the perimeter of the base plate (110).

[0060] A plurality of battery cells (220, see FIGS. 16 to 18) may be provided. The battery cells (220) may refer to secondary batteries. The battery cells (220) may have a pouch shape. In addition, the battery cells (220) may be accommodated in a space provided by the case (100). The battery cells (220) may extend left-right or in the Y-axis direction. The plurality of battery cells (220) may be arranged, stacked, or aligned in the front-back direction or in the X-axis direction.

[0061] A partition wall (300) can divide an internal space. The partition wall (300) can divide the internal space into multiple spaces, and multiple battery cells (220) can be accommodated in the spaces divided by the partition wall (300).

[0062] A spacer (400) may be provided at the top of the partition wall (300). A plurality of spacers (400) may be provided.

[0063] The pack cover (500) may have a rectangular shape. The pack cover (500) may have a plate shape. The pack cover (500) may be coupled to an opening of the case (100). The pack cover (500) may cover the upper surface of the case (100). The pack cover (500) may be coupled to a spacer (400). In addition, the pack cover (500) may be coupled, fixed, or fastened to a side wall (120).

[0064] A space may be formed between the partition wall (300) and the pack cover (500) due to the spacer (400). When a thermal event occurs, venting gas (g), ignitable particles, or flames discharged from the battery cell (220) may flow through the space between the partition wall (300) and the pack cover (500) and be discharged to the outside of the battery pack.

[0065] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a battery module (200) of FIG. 2. Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a battery module (200). A plurality of battery modules (200) may be provided. The battery module (200) may include a module case (210). The module case (210) may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The module case (210) may provide a space therein. Each battery module (200) may include a plurality of battery cells (220). The plurality of battery cells (220) may be accommodated inside the module case (210). The battery module (200) may be accommodated in a space defined by a partition wall (300).

[0066] The battery pack can improve the output of the battery pack by including a plurality of battery modules (200). In addition, by monitoring the status of the battery cells (220) in each battery module (200), the management efficiency of the battery pack can be improved.

[0067] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a module case (210) of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may have a venting hole (211) on its upper surface. A plurality of venting holes (211) may be provided.

[0068] When a thermal event occurs, venting gas (g), ignitable particles, or flames discharged from the battery cell (220) can be discharged upward or in the Z-axis direction through the venting hole (211) of the module case (210). In addition, the venting gas (g), ignitable particles, or flames can flow through the space between the partition wall (300) and the pack cover (500) and be discharged to the outside of the battery pack.

[0069] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a partial configuration of the battery module of FIG. 3 in isolation. Referring to FIG. 4, the module case (210) may include a top plate, a bottom plate, and a pair of side plates. The module case (210) may have a shape with an open left side. The module case (210) may have a shape with an open right side. The module case (210) may have a venting hole (211) in the top plate. The venting hole (211) may connect the inside and the outside of the module case (210).

[0070] A plurality of battery cells (220) may be stacked in the front-back direction or the X-axis direction. At this time, the battery cell (220) may mean a secondary battery. The battery cell (220) may include a receiving portion (221) having an electrode assembly, a first sealing portion (222) protruding to the left and right sides of the receiving portion (221), and a second sealing portion (223) protruding upward from the receiving portion (221). In addition, the battery cell (220) may include an electrode lead (224) protruding to the left and right sides of the first sealing portion (222), respectively. In particular, the battery cell (220) may be a pouch-type secondary battery. Each battery cell (220) may extend along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. The electrode lead (121) may protrude to the left and right sides of each battery cell (220).

[0071] The pad (250) may be placed between a plurality of battery cells (220). The pad (250) may be placed between at least some of the battery cells (220) and / or on the periphery of the laminate. The pad (250) may include an elastic material to enable swelling absorption of the battery cells (220). For example, the pad (250) may be composed of a foam material such as polyurethane. Alternatively, the pad (250) may include a material capable of blocking heat or flames. For example, the pad (250) may include an insulating or fire-retardant material such as silicone or mica.

[0072] The busbar frame assembly (230) may be provided on the left side of the plurality of battery cells (220). The busbar frame assembly (230) may be provided on the right side of the plurality of battery cells (220). The busbar frame assembly (230) may be electrically connected to the electrode leads (121) of the plurality of battery cells (220).

[0073] The end cover (240) can be coupled to the left side of the module case (210). The end cover (240) can be coupled to the right side of the module case (210). The end cover (240) can cover the internal space of the module case (210). The end cover (240) can have a square shape. The end cover (240) can form the exterior of the battery module (200).

[0074] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a portion of the battery pack of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a portion of the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a view showing a portion of a cross-sectional configuration taken along the section line C-C' of FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a view showing portion D of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a view showing portion D of FIG. 8 when a thermal event occurs.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 10, a partition wall (300) of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first partition wall (310). The first partition wall (310) may extend in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. A plurality of first partition walls (310) may be provided. The plurality of first partition walls (310) may be arranged, aligned, or positioned along the front-back direction or the X-axis direction. A battery module (200) may be positioned between adjacent first partition walls (310) and between the first partition wall (310) and the side wall (120).

[0076] The first partition wall (310) can improve the rigidity of the battery pack. In addition, the plurality of first partition walls (310) can stably support the battery module (200) and the pack cover (500).

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 10, a pack cover (500) of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to move outward when a thermal event occurs from a plurality of battery cells (220). Alternatively, the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured such that a gap between the pack cover (500) and the partition wall (300) expands when a thermal event occurs from a plurality of battery cells (220).

[0078] When a thermal event occurs from multiple battery cells (220), venting gas (g), ignitable particles, or flames may be discharged upward through the venting holes (211) and push the pack cover (500) outward. This may cause the gap between the pack cover (500) and the partition wall (300) to expand.

[0079] When a thermal event occurs, the pack cover (500) may protrude or deform outward, thereby expanding the space through which venting gas (g), ignitable particles, or flames flow. Consequently, the venting gas (g), ignitable particles, or flames may flow through the space between the partition wall (300) and the pack cover (500) and be quickly discharged to the outside of the battery pack.

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 10, a spacer (400) of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first spacer (410) provided on a first partition wall (310). A plurality of first spacers (410) may be provided. One first partition wall (310) may include a pair of first spacers (410).

[0081] Additionally, the venting holes (211) may be provided in multiple numbers. A pair of first spacers (410) may be positioned to the left or right of the plurality of venting holes (211). Alternatively, the plurality of venting holes (211) may be positioned or distributed between the pair of first spacers (410). When a thermal event occurs, the pack cover (500) between the pair of first spacers (410) may protrude, expand, or deform outward.

[0082] The first spacer (410) may be positioned to the left of the venting hole (211) located at the far left. The first spacer (410) may be positioned to the left of the venting hole (211) located at the far left by a distance D3.

[0083] The first spacer (410) may be positioned to the right of the venting hole (211) located at the far right. The first spacer (410) may be positioned to the right of the venting hole (211) located at the far right by a distance D1.

[0084] Since a plurality of venting holes (211) are positioned between a pair of first spacers (410), the joint portion of the first spacer (410) and the pack cover (500) may not obstruct the discharge of venting gas (g), ignitable particles, or flames. As a result, the pressure of the venting gas (g), ignitable particles, or flames can easily push the pack cover (500) outward.

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 10, the first spacer (410) may be positioned to the right of the left end cover (240). The first spacer (410) may be positioned to the right of the left end cover (240) by a distance D4.

[0086] The first spacer (410) may be positioned to the left of the right end cover (240). The first spacer (410) may be positioned to the left of the right end cover (240) by a distance D2.

[0087] The first spacer (410) can be positioned between a pair of end covers (240).

[0088] The first spacer (410) can facilitate movement of the pack cover (500) without obstructing the flow of venting gas (g).

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 10, a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a fastening member (S) that fastens the pack cover (500) and the spacer (400).

[0090] The fastening member (S) can fasten, join or fix the pack cover (500), spacer (400) and partition wall (300). The fastening member (S) can penetrate the fastening hole (501) of the pack cover (500).

[0091] In addition, the fastening member (S) can fasten, combine, or fix the side wall (120) and the first partition wall (310). In addition, the fastening member (S) can fasten, combine, or fix the base plate (110) and the first partition wall (310).

[0092] The spacer (400) can support the pack cover (500) while allowing deformation of the pack cover (500).

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 10, the partition wall (300) and spacer (400) of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention can be configured as one piece.

[0094] Since the partition wall (300) and the spacer (400) are formed as one piece, the rigidity of the battery pack can be improved. Since the partition wall (300) and the spacer (400) are formed as one piece, the assembling ability of the battery pack can be improved.

[0095] Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating a partial configuration of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention in isolation. Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating a modified embodiment of Fig. 8. Referring to Figs. 11 and 12, the fastening holes (501a, 501b) of the pack cover (500) according to the modified embodiment of the present invention can be extended in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction.

[0096] The fastening member (S) may be fastened to the right end of the left fastening hole (501a). When a thermal event occurs, the pack cover (500) may be deformed, protruded, or expanded outward, and the left fastening hole (501a) may move. As a result, the fastening member (S) may be positioned at the left end of the left fastening hole (501a).

[0097] Additionally, the fastening member (S) may be fastened to the left end of the right fastening hole (501b). When a thermal event occurs, the pack cover (500) may be deformed, protruded, or expanded outward, and the right fastening hole (501b) may move. As a result, the fastening member (S) may be positioned at the right end of the right fastening hole (501b).

[0098] The fastening holes (501a, 501b) can provide a fluid margin to allow the pack cover (500) to easily deform, protrude, or expand. This can improve the thermal safety of the battery pack.

[0099] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a partition wall (300) of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the battery pack of FIG. 14 when a thermal event occurs.

[0100] Referring to FIGS. 13 to 15, a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention may include an auxiliary wall (330). FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate the pack cover (500) without the latter. The auxiliary wall (330) may be provided between a pair of first spacers (410). The auxiliary wall (330) may cover a space between the pair of first spacers (410). The auxiliary wall (330) may have both side ends connected to the pair of first spacers (410). The portion where the auxiliary wall (330) and the first spacer (410) are connected may be configured to have a structure that is easily broken. When a thermal event occurs, the auxiliary wall (330) may be separated from the first spacer (410) by the ejection pressure of venting gas (g), ignitable particles, or flames.

[0101] The auxiliary wall (330) can block heat transfer by covering the space between the first spacers (410) under normal operating conditions. However, in cases where rapid heat dissipation is required, such as when a thermal event occurs, the auxiliary wall can be easily separated, thereby easily discharging venting gas (g), ignitable particles, or flames to the outside of the battery pack.

[0102] Fig. 16 is a drawing showing a part of a cross-sectional configuration taken along the cutting line A-A' of Fig. 1. Fig. 17 is a drawing showing part E of Fig. 16. Fig. 18 is a drawing showing part E of Fig. 16 when a thermal event occurs.

[0103] Referring to FIGS. 16 to 18, the height of the first partition wall (310) of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to be less than or equal to the height of the module case (210).

[0104] Since the height of the first partition wall (310) is configured to be lower than or equal to the height of the module case (210), the flow of venting gas (g), ignitable particles, or flames can be facilitated through the space between the pack cover (500) and the first partition wall (310).

[0105] Fig. 19 is a drawing showing a part of a cross-sectional configuration taken along the cutting line B-B' of Fig. 1. Fig. 20 is a drawing showing part F of Fig. 19.

[0106] Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, a partition wall (300) of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a second partition wall (320). The second partition wall (320) may extend in the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction. A plurality of second partition walls (320) may be positioned between the first partition walls (310). In addition, the second partition walls (320) may be positioned between a plurality of battery modules (200).

[0107] Additionally, the spacer (400) of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a second spacer (420) provided on the second partition wall (320). A plurality of second spacers (420) may be provided.

[0108] The second partition wall (320) can improve the rigidity of the battery pack. In addition, the second partition wall (320) can stably support the battery module (200) and the pack cover (500).

[0109] Venting gas (g), ignitable particles, or flames may flow into the space between the second partition wall (320) and the pack cover (500). This may improve the thermal safety of the battery pack.

[0110] Referring to FIGS. 9, 10, 19 and 20, the height of the second partition wall (320) of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to be less than or equal to the height of the module case (210).

[0111] Since the height of the second partition wall (320) is configured to be lower than or equal to the height of the module case (210), the flow of venting gas (g), ignitable particles, or flames can be facilitated through the space between the pack cover (500) and the second partition wall (320).

[0112] FIG. 21 is a plan view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating the battery pack of FIG. 21 when a thermal event occurs. FIG. 23 is a perspective view illustrating the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention when a thermal event occurs. FIGS. 21 to 23 are illustrated without the pack cover (500).

[0113] Referring to FIGS. 21 to 23, the first spacer (410) of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may be provided on the outside of the area (VA) in which a plurality of venting holes (211) are formed. For example, the first spacer (410) may be provided on the left or right side of the area (VA) in which a plurality of venting holes (211) are formed. This may facilitate expansion, deformation, or protrusion of the pack cover (500).

[0114] When a thermal event occurs, venting gas (g), ignitable particles or flames may flow in the forward / backward direction or in the X-direction.

[0115] Referring to FIGS. 21 to 23, a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a venting device (600) provided in a case (100). A plurality of venting devices (600) may be provided. For example, the venting devices (600) may be valves that open and close depending on internal pressure. The venting devices (600) may be provided in the front side wall (120) and the rear side wall (120).

[0116] When a thermal event occurs, venting gas (g), ignitable particles or flames can flow in the forward / backward direction or in the X-axis direction and be discharged to the outside of the battery pack through the venting device (600).

[0117] In addition, the battery pack according to the present invention may further include various components, for example, components of a battery pack known at the time of filing of the present invention, such as a BMS, a bus bar, a relay, a current sensor, etc.

[0118] A vehicle according to the present invention may include the battery pack according to the present invention described above. The battery pack according to the present invention may be applied to vehicles such as electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles. Furthermore, in addition to the battery pack, the vehicle according to the present invention may further include various other components included in the vehicle, such as a body, a motor, and control devices such as an electronic control unit (ECU).

[0119] Meanwhile, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used in this specification, 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.

[0120] As described above, although the present invention has been described by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and variations are possible by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the equivalent scope of the patent claims to be described below.

Claims

1. A case with an open top surface and an internal space; A plurality of battery cells accommodated in the internal space and extending in the left and right directions; Partition wall dividing the above internal space; A spacer provided on the top of the above partition wall; and, A battery pack comprising a pack cover covering the upper surface of the case and coupled to the spacer.

2. In paragraph 1, The above pack cover is, A battery pack configured to move outward when a thermal event occurs from the plurality of battery cells.

3. In paragraph 1, When a thermal event occurs from the above plurality of battery cells, A battery pack configured such that the gap between the pack cover and the partition wall is expanded.

4. In paragraph 1, A battery pack further comprising a module case accommodating the plurality of battery cells.

5. In paragraph 4, The above module case is, A battery pack having a venting hole on the upper surface.

6. In paragraph 5, The above partition wall is, A battery pack comprising a first partition wall extending in the left-right direction.

7. In paragraph 5, Further comprising a pair of end covers provided on the left and right sides of the above module case, respectively; The above spacer, A battery pack positioned between the pair of end covers.

8. In paragraph 6, The above venting holes are provided in multiples, The above spacer, A battery pack comprising a first spacer provided on the first partition wall and positioned to the left or right of the plurality of venting holes.

9. In paragraph 6, The height of the above first partition wall is, A battery pack configured to have a height less than or equal to the height of the above module case.

10. In paragraph 1, The above partition wall is, Includes a second partition wall extending in the forward and backward direction, The above spacer, A battery pack including a second spacer provided on the second partition wall.

11. In paragraph 10, The height of the above second partition wall is, A battery pack configured to have a height less than or equal to the height of the above module case.

12. In paragraph 1, A battery pack in which the above partition wall and the above spacer are formed as one piece.

13. In paragraph 1, A battery pack further comprising a fastening member that fastens the pack cover and the spacer.

14. In paragraph 1, The above pack cover is, A battery pack having a fastening hole that is connected to the above spacer and extends in the left and right directions.

15. In paragraph 1, A battery pack further comprising a venting device provided in the above case.

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

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