Battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

Disclosed are a battery pack and a vehicle including same. A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a plurality of battery cells; and a pack case accommodating the plurality of battery cells and having pack venting parts through which a flame or gas is vented, wherein cell venting parts are formed in the battery cells, and the cell venting parts of the battery cells and the pack venting parts of the pack case communicate with each other.

Description

Battery pack and vehicle including same

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0127393, filed on September 22, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0103983, filed on August 5, 2024, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery pack and a vehicle including the same, and more particularly, to a battery pack and a vehicle including the same, wherein flames or gases generated from battery cells provided in the battery pack can be discharged in a preset direction.

[0003] Generally, secondary batteries refer to batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged, such as lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. A battery cell, the most basic type of secondary battery, can provide an output voltage of approximately 2.5 V to 4.2 V.

[0004] Recently, as these battery cells are applied to devices that require high output voltage and large charging capacity, such as electric vehicles and Energy Storage Systems (ESS), battery modules composed of multiple battery cells connected in series, parallel, or a combination of series and parallel, and battery packs composed of these battery modules connected again in series, parallel, or a combination of series and parallel, are widely used.

[0005] Lithium secondary batteries are currently in the spotlight due to their advantages such as high operating voltage and significantly higher energy density. However, because they use organic electrolytes, there is a problem that lithium secondary batteries can cause overcurrent and overheating when overcharged, which in severe cases can cause fire due to explosion or ignition.

[0006] That is, if a flame occurs in at least one of the battery cells inside the case of a battery module provided in a battery pack, the flame may spread to other battery modules if it leaks out of the case of the battery module, and a dangerous situation may occur for the user.

[0007] For example, if a battery module or battery pack is installed in an electric vehicle and a flame occurs in the battery cell and the flame leaks out, there is a problem that the driver of the electric vehicle may be burned or put in a dangerous situation.

[0008] Alternatively, if a flame originating from a random battery module spreads to a neighboring battery module, the resulting chain reaction of flames can damage, burn out, or explode the battery module or battery pack, potentially compromising the stability of the battery module or battery pack. Furthermore, gas is also generated from the battery cells within the battery module, and if this gas is released in an undesirable direction, it can also cause various problems.

[0009] Therefore, directional venting, which controls the direction of discharge of high-temperature gases or flames generated from each battery cell in a preset direction, is becoming important.

[0010] However, in the case of conventional battery cells, flames or gases are emitted from an unexpected sealing portion rather than a preset portion, causing flames or gases to move in an undesirable direction, which causes stability problems not only for the battery cell but also for the battery module and battery pack.

[0011] Accordingly, the technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to provide a battery pack and a vehicle including the same that allows flames or gases generated by ignition in a battery cell to be discharged in a preset direction (directional venting).

[0012] In addition, the present invention provides a battery pack and a vehicle including the same that can prevent serial thermal runaway and improve the stability of battery cells through directional venting of flames or gases.

[0013] In addition, the present invention provides a battery pack and a vehicle including the same that can reduce the overall weight and volume of the battery pack and increase the energy density.

[0014] In addition, the present invention provides a battery pack and a vehicle including the same that can facilitate handling and installation of battery cells built into the battery pack.

[0015] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0016] According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery pack may be provided, comprising: a plurality of battery cells; and a pack case in which the plurality of battery cells are accommodated and in which a pack venting portion for venting flames or gases is formed, wherein the cell venting portion is formed on the battery cells themselves, and the cell venting portions of the battery cells and the pack venting portions of the pack case are in communication.

[0017] In one embodiment, the pack venting portion may be formed at the bottom of the pack case.

[0018] In one embodiment, the pack case may be formed with a directional venting channel that is connected to the pack venting portion and provides a path for discharging the flame or the gas to the outside of the pack case.

[0019] In one embodiment, the directional venting channel may be formed lower than the pack venting portion.

[0020] In one embodiment, the pack case includes a lower frame, and a cooling channel may be formed in the lower frame to cool the battery cells as well as the flame or gas discharged through the pack venting portion.

[0021] In one embodiment, the cooling channel may be formed inside the lower frame.

[0022] In one embodiment, the cooling path may be formed in a direction intersecting the direction in which the plurality of battery cells are arranged.

[0023] In one embodiment, the cooling channel may be formed on at least one of both sides of the pack venting portion.

[0024] In one embodiment, the lower frame includes a main body and a lower plate coupled to the main body, and includes at least one baffle member for forming the cooling channel, wherein the cooling channel can be formed between the baffle member and the lower plate.

[0025] In one embodiment, the battery module includes a plurality of battery modules in which the plurality of battery cells are stored, and a module venting portion is formed in the battery module, and the cell venting portion of the battery cell, the module venting portion of the battery module, and the pack venting portion of the pack case can all be connected to each other.

[0026] In one embodiment, the battery module includes a module case in which the plurality of battery cells are housed and the module venting portion for venting flames or gases is formed, and when the cell venting portion of the battery cell is broken, the cell venting portion and the module venting portion of the module case and the pack venting portion of the pack case can communicate.

[0027] In one embodiment, the module venting portion may be formed at the bottom of the module case.

[0028] In one embodiment, the lower portion of the module case has an area where thermal resin is applied and an area where thermal resin is not applied, and the module venting portion can be formed in the area where thermal resin is not applied.

[0029] In one embodiment, the module case includes a lower case and a side case, and at least one of the side cases can be formed by bending from the lower case.

[0030] In one embodiment, the module case may include a U-shaped case.

[0031] In one embodiment, the module case includes an upper case, and an upper venting prevention member may be arranged on the lower side of the upper case to prevent flames or gases from venting upward.

[0032] In one embodiment, the upper venting prevention member may be a compression pad disposed between the upper case and the battery cell.

[0033] In one embodiment, the upper venting prevention member may be made of silicone.

[0034] In one embodiment, the upper venting prevention member may be a thermal resin applied to the battery cell.

[0035] In one embodiment, the module case includes a side case, and a side venting prevention member may be arranged on the inside of the side case to prevent flames or gases from venting to the side.

[0036] In one embodiment, the side venting prevention member may be arranged on the terrace portion of the plurality of battery cells.

[0037] In one embodiment, the side venting prevention member may be made of silicone.

[0038] In one embodiment, the battery cell is a pouch-type battery cell, and the pouch-type battery cell includes an electrode assembly having a first electrode plate having a first polarity, a second electrode plate having a second polarity, and a separator interposed between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate; an electrode lead connected to the electrode assembly; and a cell case that accommodates the electrode assembly, supports the electrode lead, and has a sealing portion and a non-sealing portion formed therein, wherein the cell venting portion can be formed in the non-sealing portion of the cell case.

[0039] In one embodiment, the cell venting portion may include a through hole formed in the non-sealing portion of the cell case; and a thin film bonded to the non-sealing portion to block the through hole.

[0040] In one embodiment, the thin film of the cell venting portion may be formed thinner than the thickness of the non-sealing portion of the cell case.

[0041] In one embodiment, the thin film of the cell venting portion may be formed of a material having a lower melting point than the non-sealing portion of the cell case.

[0042] In one embodiment, the thin film may be formed of a metallic material.

[0043] In one embodiment, the thin film can be joined to the non-sealing portion by welding or bonding.

[0044] In one embodiment, the cell venting portion may be formed with a line-shaped groove or notch portion.

[0045] In one embodiment, the groove or notch portion may include a center line formed in the central portion; a first end line extending from one end of the center line; and a second end line extending from the other end of the center line.

[0046] In one embodiment, the cell venting portion may be ruptured by the flame or the gas before the sealing portion.

[0047] In one embodiment, the non-sealing portion may be provided in multiple numbers, and the cell venting portion may be formed in the non-sealing portion having the narrowest area among the multiple non-sealing portions.

[0048] In one embodiment, the cell case may further include a cell cover that wraps around and supports the cell case to reinforce the rigidity of the cell case.

[0049] In one embodiment, an opening is formed on the lower side of the cell cover, and the cell venting portion may be positioned so as to face downward corresponding to the opening.

[0050] In one embodiment, the cell cover comprises: a first cover portion covering one side of the cell case; a second cover portion covering the other side of the cell case; and

[0051] A third cover part connecting the first cover part and the second cover part and covering the upper side of the cell case is included, and the opening part can be formed on the opposite side of the third cover part.

[0052] In one embodiment, the cell cover may be configured to support an upright state of the cell case.

[0053] Meanwhile, according to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle including at least one battery pack as described above can be provided.

[0054] Embodiments of the present invention have the effect of allowing flames or gases generated by ignition in a battery cell to be discharged in a preset direction (directional venting).

[0055] Alternatively, it may have the effect of preventing cascading thermal runaway through directional venting of flames or gases and improving the stability of battery cells.

[0056] Alternatively, it may have the effect of reducing the overall weight and volume of the battery pack and increasing the energy density.

[0057] Alternatively, it has the effect of facilitating handling and mounting of battery cells built into a battery pack.

[0058] However, the effects that can be obtained through the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and other technical effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0059] 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.

[0060] FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a pack case in a battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with the upper frame omitted.

[0062] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of part A of Figure 2.

[0063] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X' of Figure 1.

[0064] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of part B of Figure 4.

[0065] Figure 6 is a drawing showing a cell venting part in Figure 5 being broken and flame or gas being emitted.

[0066] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the bottom surface of a battery module according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of part C of Figure 7.

[0068] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a lower case and a side case in a battery module according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] FIG. 11 is a drawing of a battery cell according to the first embodiment of the present invention with the pouch unfolded.

[0071] Figure 12 is a drawing showing a thin film bonded to a through hole formed in a pouch in Figure 11.

[0072] Figure 13 is a drawing showing the pouch folded in the direction of the arrow in Figure 12.

[0073] Figure 14 is a drawing showing a view taken along the direction of arrow D in Figure 13.

[0074] Figure 15 is a perspective view from above showing a plurality of battery cells stacked according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Fig. 16 is a drawing showing a notch formed in a thin film according to a modified embodiment of Fig. 14.

[0076] Fig. 17 is a perspective view from below of a battery cell of Fig. 16 stacked in multiple pieces.

[0077] Fig. 18 is an exploded perspective view of a battery cell and a cell cover according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] Figure 19 is a perspective view of the cell cover in Figure 18 coupled to the battery cell.

[0079] FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing the bottom of a battery pack according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, with the lower plate separated.

[0080] Figure 21 is a view taken along line E of Figure 20.

[0081] Figure 22 is a side cross-sectional view of Figure 20.

[0082] Figure 23 shows a battery module according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, with the upper case separated.

[0083] Fig. 24 shows the upper venting prevention member separated from Fig. 23.

[0084] FIG. 25 is a battery module according to another modified embodiment of the present invention, in which the side case of the battery module is separated.

[0085] Figure 26 illustrates a side venting prevention member in Figure 25 being placed on the terrace portion of the battery cell.

[0086] Figure 27 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Y-Y' of Figure 27.

[0088] Figure 29 is an enlarged view of part F of Figure 28.

[0089] Figure 30 is a drawing showing a cell venting section in Figure 29 being broken and flame or gas being emitted.

[0090] FIG. 31 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle including a battery pack according to each embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted with meanings and concepts that conform to the technical idea of ​​the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the term to best explain his or her own invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and various equivalents and modifications may exist as of the time of this application.

[0092] In the drawings, the sizes of each component or specific parts of that component are exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for convenience and clarity of explanation. Therefore, the size of each component does not entirely reflect its actual size. If a detailed description of a related known function or configuration is deemed to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, such description will be omitted.

[0093] The term 'joint' or 'connection' as used herein includes not only cases where one member is directly joined or directly connected to another member, but also cases where one member is indirectly joined or indirectly connected to another member through a connecting member.

[0094] The present invention may be implemented independently of the following embodiments. Furthermore, the present invention may be implemented by combining two or more of the following embodiments. Each of the following embodiments may be implemented independently and may also be freely combined with one another.

[0095] FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a pack case in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, with the upper frame omitted, FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of part A of FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X' of FIG. 1, FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of part B of FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a state in which a cell venting part in FIG. 5 is broken and flames or gas are discharged.

[0096] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4 together, a battery pack (30) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a plurality of battery cells (10), a plurality of battery modules (20), and a pack case (310).

[0097] In one embodiment, the battery cell (10) may be accommodated in a module case (210) of a battery module (20), and the module case (210) in which the battery cell (10) is accommodated may be accommodated in a pack case (310) to form a battery pack (30). In another embodiment, the battery cell (10) may be directly accommodated in a pack case (310) of a battery pack (30), which will be described later.

[0098] A plurality of battery modules (20) are provided and arranged in various ways. For example, as shown in Fig. 1, they may be arranged in horizontal and vertical directions, but are not limited thereto.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 4, a plurality of battery cells (10) are stacked on each battery module (20). The stacking of the plurality of battery cells (10) can be performed in various ways. As will be described in detail later, the battery cells (10) may be stacked on the module case (210) with only the battery cells without a cell cover (150), or the battery cells may be stacked on the module case (210) with a cell cover (150, see FIG. 18) combined with the cell cells.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 5, a module venting portion (216) may be formed in the battery module (20), and the module venting portion (216) of the battery module (20) may be configured to communicate with the pack venting portion (316) formed in the pack case (310). A cell venting portion (136) may be formed in the battery cell (10), and as in FIG. 6, when the cell venting portion (136) of the battery cell (10) is broken by flame or gas, the cell venting portion (136) may be configured to communicate with the module venting portion (216) of the module case (210). The module venting portion (216) may be formed as an opening. And, the pack venting portion (316) may also be formed as an opening. That is, referring to FIG. 6, when the cell venting portion (136) of the battery cell (10) is broken, the cell venting portion (136), the module venting portion (216) of the battery module (20), and the pack venting portion (316) of the pack case (310) can all be connected, whereby flames or gases generated from the battery cell (10) can be discharged to the outside of the pack case (310) through the cell venting portion (136), the module venting portion (216), and the pack venting portion (316). That is, this enables directional venting in which flames or gases generated by ignition in the battery cell are discharged in a preset direction. In addition, there is an effect of preventing serial thermal runaway and improving the stability of the battery cell through directional venting of flames or gases.

[0101] A specific and detailed description of the battery module (20) will be described later.

[0102] Referring to Fig. 1, a plurality of battery modules (20) are stored in a pack case (310). The pack case (310) may be configured to include, for example, a lower frame (311), a side frame (312), an inner frame (313), a bulkhead frame (314), and an upper frame (315).

[0103] The lower frame (311) is configured to accommodate a plurality of battery modules (20). The lower frame (311) may be formed in a square plate shape, but is not limited thereto. The lower frame (311) forms the bottom of the pack case (310).

[0104] The side frame (312) may be configured to extend upward from the edge of the lower frame (311). The side frame (312) defines the height of the pack case (310) and forms a preset space between it and the lower frame (311). In addition, a plurality of battery modules (20) are mounted in the space between the side frame (312) and the lower frame (311). The side frame (312) may include a long-side side frame (312a) having a relatively long length and a short-side side frame (312b) having a relatively short length. However, in another embodiment, all of the side frames (312) may be formed to have the same length.

[0105] The inner frame (313) extends upward from within the lower frame (311) and is coupled to the side frame (312). One or more inner frames (313) may be provided, and a plurality of battery modules (20) may be arranged to face each other or face the same direction with respect to the inner frame (313). The inner frame (313) is arranged in the same direction as the short-side side frame (312b).

[0106] The bulkhead frame (314) is connected to the inner frame (313). Here, the bulkhead frame (314) is arranged in the same direction as the long side frame (312a). In addition, the bulkhead frame (314) is interposed between a plurality of battery modules (20). In Fig. 1, one bulkhead frame (314) is arranged between two adjacent battery modules (20), but this is not limited thereto.

[0107] The upper frame (315) is connected to the side frame (312). The upper frame (315) may have a rectangular plate shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0108] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a pack venting portion (316) through which flames or gases are vented is formed in the pack case (310). The number of pack venting portions (316) formed in the pack case (310) may vary, and may be formed in a number corresponding to the number of battery cells (10), but is not limited thereto.

[0109] The pack venting portion (316) may be formed at the lower portion of the pack case (310), for example, at the lower frame (311). In this way, when the pack venting portion (316) is formed at the lower frame (311), lower venting is possible, and the risk of burns to the driver of the electric vehicle may be reduced. For example, when the battery pack (30) is installed in an electric vehicle, if a flame occurs in the battery cell (10) provided inside the battery pack (30) and the flame leaks out, the driver of the electric vehicle may be burned or face a dangerous situation.

[0110] The battery pack (30) according to the first embodiment of the present invention can protect the driver from flames because it is capable of lower venting through the pack venting portion (316) formed in the lower frame (311) even if flames or gas are generated in the battery cell (10).

[0111] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, for the aforementioned lower venting, a directional venting channel (317) may be formed in the pack case (310) to provide a path for discharging flames or gases to the outside of the pack case (310) by communicating with the pack venting portion (316). Here, the directional venting channel (317) may be formed lower than the pack venting portion (316).

[0112] Referring to FIG. 6, a flame or gas generated from a battery cell (10) can rupture the cell venting portion (136) of the cell case (130), move downward through the module venting portion (216) of the module case (210) and the pack venting portion (316) of the pack case (310), and then be completely discharged to the outside of the pack case (310) through the directional venting channel (317) connected to the pack venting portion (316) (see arrows in FIG. 6).

[0113] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the bottom surface of a battery module according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of portion C of FIG. 7, FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a lower case and a side case in a battery module according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 9, a battery module (20) according to the first embodiment of the present invention is configured to include a plurality of battery cells (10) and a module case (210).

[0115] A plurality of battery cells (10) can be stacked on top of each other. The battery cells (10) can have various structures, and furthermore, the plurality of battery cells (10) can be stacked in various ways.

[0116] A cell venting portion (136, see FIG. 8) may be formed in the battery cell (10) itself, and the cell venting portion (136) of the battery cell (10) may be positioned at a position corresponding to the module venting portion (216) formed in the module case (210) (see FIGS. 7 and 8) so as to be configured to communicate with the module venting portion (216) when the cell venting portion (136) is broken. That is, as described above, when the cell venting portion (136) of the battery cell (10) is broken, the cell venting portion (136), the module venting portion (216) of the battery module (20), and the pack venting portion (316) of the pack case (310) can all be connected, thereby allowing flames or gases generated from the battery cell (10) to be discharged to the outside of the pack case (310) through the cell venting portion (136), the module venting portion (216), and the pack venting portion (316). That is, thereby enabling directional venting in which flames or gases generated by ignition in the battery cell are discharged in a preset direction.

[0117] A specific and detailed description of the battery cell (10) will be described later.

[0118] Referring to Fig. 9, a plurality of battery cells (10) are stacked and stored in a module case (210).

[0119] The module case (210) surrounds a plurality of battery cells (10), thereby protecting the battery cells (10) from external vibrations or shocks.

[0120] The module case (210) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of a stacked body in which a plurality of battery cells (10) are stacked. For example, if the stacked body in which a plurality of battery cells (10) are stacked is formed in a hexahedral shape, the module case (210) may also be formed in a hexahedral shape corresponding thereto. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0121] The module case (210) may include an upper case (213), a lower case (211), and a side case (212). Referring to FIG. 9, side cases (212) are formed at each end of the lower case (211) on both sides. Here, the side cases (212) may be formed by bending from the lower case (211). In this case, the lower case (211) and the side cases (212) may be manufactured as an integral part. When the module case (210) is manufactured as an integral part, the joining process is simplified and simplified. In addition, when the side cases (212) are formed by bending from the lower case (211), they may be formed in an approximately U-shape. However, it is not necessarily required to be a U-shape, and may include a shape similar to a U-shape. In this case, the module case (210) includes a U-shaped side case (212) and a lower case (211), and may also include an upper case (213). However, the side case (212) and the lower case (211) of the module case (210) may be formed separately and joined by welding or the like.

[0122] The module case (210) can be manufactured, for example, by bending a metal plate. However, the material of the module case (210) is not limited to metal.

[0123] Referring to Fig. 7, a module venting portion (216) through which flame or gas is vented may be formed in the module case (210). Here, the module venting portion (216) may be formed in the lower portion of the module case (210), for example, in the lower case (211). As described above, the module venting portion (216) may be connected to both the cell venting portion (136) that is broken by flame or gas and the pack venting portion (316).

[0124] Referring to Fig. 10, a lower portion of a module case (210), for example, a lower case (211), may have an area where thermal resin (220) is applied and an area where it is not applied. The thermal resin (220) is bonded to a cooling plate or the like to transfer heat generated from the battery cell (10). Here, the module venting portion (216) may be formed in the area where the thermal resin (220) is not applied. That is, so that the module venting portion (216) and the thermal resin (220) do not interfere with each other, for example, an area where the thermal resin (220) is not applied may be formed in the center of the lower case (211), and the module venting portion (216) may be formed in the area where the thermal resin (220) is not applied. In this state, when the battery cell (10) is mounted on the lower case (211) as in FIG. 9, the cell venting portion (136) of the battery cell (10) can be positioned at the position of the module venting portion (216) formed in the lower case (211) of the module case (210) as in FIG. 8. Here, the module venting portion (216) can be formed to be larger than the cell venting portion (136). In addition, the portion of the battery cell (10) where the cell venting portion (136) is not formed comes into contact with the thermal resin (220).

[0125] FIG. 11 is a drawing of a battery cell according to the first embodiment of the present invention in an unfolded state of a pouch, FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a state in which a thin film is bonded to a through hole formed in the pouch in FIG. 11, FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a state in which the pouch in FIG. 12 is folded in the direction of an arrow, FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a state viewed along the direction of arrow D in FIG. 13, and FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a state in which a plurality of battery cells according to the first embodiment of the present invention are provided and stacked as viewed from above.

[0126] The battery cell (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include various types of battery cells (10). For example, the battery cell (10) may include at least one of a pouch-type battery cell, a cylindrical battery cell, and a square battery cell. However, for convenience of explanation, the following description will focus on the case where the battery cell (10) is a pouch-type battery cell.

[0127] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the battery cell (10) includes an electrode assembly (110), an electrode lead (120), and a cell case (130).

[0128] The electrode assembly (110) may include a first electrode plate having a first polarity, a second electrode plate having a second polarity, and a separator interposed between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate. For example, the first electrode plate may be a positive electrode plate coated with a positive active material or a negative electrode plate coated with a negative active material, and the second electrode plate may correspond to an electrode plate having a polarity opposite to that of the first electrode plate. That is, if the first electrode plate is a positive electrode plate, the second electrode plate may be a negative electrode plate, and if the first electrode plate is a negative electrode plate, the second electrode plate may be a positive electrode plate. The electrode assembly (110) may be housed in a battery case in a state in which a plurality of positive and negative electrode plates are stacked.

[0129] The electrode assembly (110) may have a structure in which a plurality of unit cells arranged in the order of first electrode plate-separator-second electrode plate or bi-cells arranged in the order of first electrode plate-separator-second electrode plate-separator-first electrode plate-separator-second electrode plate are stacked according to the battery capacity.

[0130] The electrode plates of the electrode assembly (110) can be formed as a structure in which an active material slurry is applied to a current collector made of aluminum (Al) or copper (Cu). The slurry can be formed by stirring a granular active material, auxiliary conductor, binder, plasticizer, etc. with a solvent added thereto. In addition, each electrode plate may have a non-coated portion on which the slurry is not applied.

[0131] The positive electrode plate may be formed by including a positive electrode current collector made of a metal sheet with excellent conductivity, such as aluminum (Al) foil, and a positive electrode active material layer coated on at least one surface thereof. In addition, the positive electrode plate may include a positive electrode tab made of a metal material, such as aluminum (Al), at one end thereof. The positive electrode tab may extend and protrude from one end of the positive electrode plate, be welded to one end of the positive electrode plate, or be bonded using a conductive adhesive.

[0132] The cathode active material may be a chalcogenide compound that allows lithium ions to be intercalated / deintercalated, for example, LiCoO2, LiMn2O4, LiNiO2, LiNi 1-x Co x O2(0 <x<1), LiMnO2등의 복합 금속 산화물들을 사용하여 형성될 수 있다.

[0133] The negative electrode plate may be formed by including a negative electrode current collector made of a conductive metal plate, for example, copper (Cu) foil, and a negative electrode active material layer coated on at least one surface thereof. In addition, the negative electrode plate may include a negative electrode tab formed of a metal material, for example, copper (Cu) or nickel (Ni), at one end thereof. The negative electrode tab may extend and protrude from one end of the negative electrode plate, or may be welded to one end of the positive electrode plate, or may be bonded using a conductive adhesive.

[0134] The negative electrode active material may also be formed of a material such as a carbon (C) series material, a terrace portion (170) (Si), tin (Sn), tin oxide, a tin alloy composite, a transition metal oxide, lithium metal nitride, or lithium metal oxide so that lithium ions can be absorbed / deabsorbed.

[0135] The separator is interposed between the positive and negative plates to prevent short circuits that may occur between the positive and negative plates, and only allows the movement of lithium ions due to the separator.

[0136] The separation membrane may be a porous polymer film, for example, a porous polymer film made of a polyolefin polymer such as an ethylene homopolymer, a propylene homopolymer, an ethylene / butene copolymer, an ethylene / hexene copolymer, an ethylene / methacrylate copolymer, etc., which may be used alone or in a laminated manner.

[0137] The separator may be a conventional porous nonwoven fabric, such as a nonwoven fabric made of high-melting-point glass fiber, polyethylene terephthalate fiber, etc.

[0138] At least one surface of the membrane may include a coating layer of inorganic particles. Furthermore, the membrane itself may be formed of a coating layer of inorganic particles. The particles constituting the coating layer may have a structure in which they are bound to a binder such that an interstitial volume exists between adjacent particles.

[0139] The electrode lead (120) is electrically connected to the electrode assembly (110). The electrode lead (120) is a type of terminal that is exposed to the outside and connected to an external device, and may be made of a conductive material. The electrode lead (120) may include a positive electrode lead and a negative electrode lead.

[0140] The positive electrode lead and the negative electrode lead may be positioned in opposite directions with respect to the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (10), or the positive electrode lead and the negative electrode lead may be positioned in the same direction with respect to the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (10).

[0141] For convenience of explanation, the following description focuses on the case where the electrode lead (120) is connected to both sides of the length direction of the electrode assembly (110).

[0142] The cell case (130) accommodates an electrode assembly (110) therein. That is, the cell case (130) may include a receiving space for accommodating the electrode assembly (110) therein. At this time, the cell case (130) accommodates an electrolyte therein, and the electrode assembly (110) may be accommodated therein in a form in which the electrode assembly (110) is impregnated with the electrolyte.

[0143] The cell case (130) may be made of a metal material such as aluminum (Al), but the material of the cell case (130) is not limited thereto. For convenience of explanation, the following description focuses on a case where the cell case (130) is made of aluminum.

[0144] The cell case (130) may be configured to support the electrode lead (120). At this time, the electrode lead (120) may protrude a preset length outside the cell case (130).

[0145] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 13, the cell case (130) is folded (see arrows in FIG. 12) in a state where an electrode assembly (110) is housed inside one cell case (130) (see FIG. 11), and can then be manufactured through three-sided sealing (see FIG. 13). In this way, when the cell case (130) is three-sidedly sealed, a sealing portion (131) and a non-sealing portion (132, see FIG. 14) are formed in the cell case (130). The sealing portion (131) prevents, for example, an electrolyte inside the cell case (130) from leaking out, and also prevents gases generated during charging and discharging of battery cells from leaking out of the cell case.

[0146] Referring to Fig. 14, a cell venting portion (136) for venting flame or gas is formed in a non-sealing portion (132) of a cell case (130).

[0147] Referring again to FIGS. 11 and 12, the cell venting portion (136) may include a through hole (137) and a thin film (138).

[0148] Referring to Fig. 11, a through hole (137) is formed in a non-sealing portion (132) of a cell case (130). The through hole (137) may have various shapes, for example, a square shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0149] Referring to Fig. 13, a plurality of sealing portions (131) may be provided. In Fig. 13, since it is formed as a three-sided seal, three sealing portions (131) are provided along the end portion, i.e., the edge, of the cell case (130).

[0150] Referring to Fig. 13, a plurality of non-sealing portions (132) may be provided. For example, a non-sealing portion (132a) is formed at a portion where the cell case (130) is bent, and a non-sealing portion (132b) is formed at the widest surface of the pouch. Here, the cell venting portion (136) may be formed in the non-sealing portion (132a) having the narrowest area among the plurality of non-sealing portions (132a, 132b) (see non-sealing portion (132) in Fig. 14).

[0151] Referring to FIG. 12, a thin film (138) may be bonded to a non-sealing portion (132) to block a through hole (137). The thin film (138) may be formed of various materials, for example, may be formed of a metal material. In this case, the thin film (138) may be bonded to the non-sealing portion (132) by welding or bonding.

[0152] The cell venting portion (136) may be configured to be ruptured before the sealing portion (131) by flame or gas.

[0153] In one embodiment, the thin film (138) of the cell venting portion (136) may be formed thinner than the thickness of the non-sealing portion (132) of the cell case (130). In this way, if the thin film (138) is formed thinner than the cell case (130), when gas is generated inside the battery cell (10) and the internal pressure increases, rupture in the thin film (138) portion may be facilitated, thereby allowing the gas to be easily discharged to the outside of the cell case (130).

[0154] As a modified embodiment of the above embodiment, the thin film (138) of the cell venting portion (136) may be formed of a material having a lower melting point than the non-sealing portion (132) of the cell case (130). In this way, when the thin film (138) is formed of a material having a lower melting point than the cell case (130), when a flame occurs inside the battery cell (10) and the temperature increases, the thin film (138) portion may easily melt and rupture, allowing the flame to be easily discharged to the outside of the cell case (130).

[0155] Referring to Fig. 15, the battery cell (10) may be stacked with only the battery cell without the cell cover (150). In this case, a tape (160) may be attached to the upper side of the battery cell (10). The tape (160) may be attached to the protruding end of the pouch formed after sealing the cell case (130) by bending the protruding end.

[0156] Fig. 16 is a drawing showing a notch formed in a thin film according to a modified embodiment of Fig. 14, and Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a plurality of battery cells of Fig. 16 stacked and viewed from below.

[0157] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, a line-shaped groove or notch (140) may be formed in the cell venting portion (136). In this way, when a groove or notch (140) is formed in the cell venting portion (136), there is an effect that the cell venting portion (136) becomes more easily ruptured by flame or gas.

[0158] The home portion or notch portion (140) may be formed in various shapes, and may include, for example, a center line (141), a first end line (142), and a second end line (145). The following description will focus on a case where a line-shaped notch portion (140) is formed. In addition, the home portion is replaced with a description of the notch portion (140).

[0159] A center line (141) is formed in the center portion. The size of the notch portion (140) can be appropriately adjusted depending on the size, capacity, etc. of the battery cell (10). The first end line (142) of the notch portion (140) can be formed to extend from one end of the center line (141), and the second end line (145) of the notch portion (140) can be formed to extend from the other end of the center line (141).

[0160] The first end line (142) may be configured to include a first direction line (143) extending in a first direction from one end of the center line (141) and a second direction line (144) extending in a second direction from one end of the center line (141), but is not limited thereto. When the first direction line (143) and the second direction line (144) are formed, there is an effect that the breakage can be made easier than when only the center line (141) is formed.

[0161] As shown in Fig. 16, the first direction line (143) and the second direction line (144) may be formed symmetrically to each other, but are not limited thereto.

[0162] The second end line (145) may be configured to include, but is not limited to, a third direction line (146) extending in a third direction from the other end of the center line (141) and a fourth direction line (147) extending in a fourth direction from the other end of the center line (141). When the third direction line (146) and the fourth direction line (147) are formed, the first direction line (143) and the second direction line (144) have the effect of being more easily broken than when only the center line (141) is formed.

[0163] As shown in Fig. 16, the third direction line (146) and the fourth direction line (147) may be formed symmetrically to each other, but are not limited thereto. Meanwhile, the first end line (142) and the second end line (145) may also be formed symmetrically to each other, but are not limited thereto.

[0164] Referring to FIG. 17, the battery cell (10) according to FIG. 16 can be stacked only with the battery cell without the cell cover (150).

[0165] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a battery cell and a cell cover separated according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the cell cover coupled to the battery cell in FIG. 18.

[0166] Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, a cell cover (150) may be provided to wrap and support a battery cell (10) to reinforce the rigidity of a cell case (130). That is, the cell cover (150) may be configured to partially wrap a battery cell (10) so that at least one side of the wrapped battery cell (10) is exposed to the outside.

[0167] An opening (154) may be formed on the lower side of the cell cover (150). For example, referring to FIG. 19, since the opening (154) is formed on the lower side of the cell cover (150), when the cell cover (150) is coupled to the battery cell (10), the lower side of the battery cell (10) is exposed to the outside, and is arranged to surround the side and upper side of the battery cell (10).

[0168] Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, the cell cover (150) may be configured to include a first cover portion (151), a second cover portion (152), and a third cover portion (153).

[0169] The first cover portion (151) may be configured to cover one side of the battery cell (10). The first cover portion (151) may be configured to extend downward from one end of the third cover portion (153). In addition, the first cover portion (151) may be configured to surround a wide surface of the battery cell accommodated therein.

[0170] The second cover part (152) may be configured to cover the other side of the cell case (130). The second cover part (152) may be positioned horizontally apart from the first cover part (151). In addition, the second cover part (152) may be configured to extend downward from the other end of the third cover part (153). In addition, the second cover part (152) may be configured to cover a wide surface of the battery cell accommodated therein.

[0171] The third cover part (153) connects the first cover part (151) and the second cover part (152) and covers the upper side of the cell case (130). In addition, the opening part (154) can be formed on the opposite side of the third cover part (153).

[0172] The cell venting portion (136) may be positioned so as to face downward in correspondence with the opening portion (154), and in this case, the cell venting portion (136) may be exposed downward through the opening portion (154) of the cell cover (150). In addition, the cell cover (150) may be configured so that the cell venting portion (136) of the wrapped battery cell (10) is exposed toward the bottom surface of the battery module (20) or the battery pack (30).

[0173] The cell cover (150) may be configured to support the erected state of the battery cell (10). That is, the cell cover (150) may be configured to surround one or more battery cells (10) and maintain the erected state, i.e., the standing state, of the surrounded battery cells (10).

[0174] The cell cover (150) may be configured to wrap a variety of battery cells (10) together. For example, the cell cover (150) may be configured to wrap one battery cell (10) together, or may be configured to wrap two or more battery cells (10) together.

[0175] The cell cover (150) may be mounted on the module case (210) of the battery module (20), or may be directly mounted on the pack case (310) of the battery pack (30). Here, when the cell cover (150) is mounted on the module case (210), the cell cover (150) maintains the upright position of the battery cell (10) as described above. This has the effect of facilitating the handling and mounting of the battery cells built into the battery module (20).

[0176] When the cell cover (150) is directly mounted on the pack case (310), the battery cell (10) can be maintained in an upright position, thereby facilitating the handling and mounting of the battery cells built into the battery pack (30). In addition, since the module case (210) is removed, more battery cells (10) can be stored in the pack case (310) in the space occupied by the module case (210), thereby increasing the energy density. In addition, since the module case (210) is removed, there is also the effect of reducing the overall weight and volume of the battery pack (30).

[0177] Since the battery cells (10) can be in direct contact with the pack case (310), heat emitted from each battery cell (10) can be directly transferred to the pack case (310), thereby improving cooling performance. In other words, the cooling performance of the battery pack (30) can be more effectively secured.

[0178] Referring to Fig. 19, the cell cover (150) may be formed in an approximately n-shape. At this time, the front, rear, and lower sides of the cell cover (150) may be open. However, the shape of the cell cover (150) is not limited to an approximately n-shape. The cell cover (150) may be formed in various shapes, for example, the cell cover (150) may be formed in an 'ㅁ' shape, a 'U' shape, an 'O' shape, etc.

[0179] The cell cover (150) may be made of a metal material. In particular, the cell cover (150) may be made of a steel material, for example, stainless steel (SUS). In this case, stainless steel has excellent mechanical strength and rigidity and a higher melting point than aluminum, so that even if a flame occurs in any battery cell (10), the cell cover (150) can be more effectively prevented from melting due to the flame, etc. In other words, not only can damage or breakage of the battery cell (10) be more effectively prevented, but handling of the battery cell (10) can also become easier. However, the material of the cell cover (150) is not limited thereto.

[0180] The cell cover (150) may be at least partially bonded to the battery cell (10). In addition, a thermal resin (not shown) may be interposed between the battery cell (10) and the pack case (310), or between the cell cover (150) and the pack case (310). In addition, a thermal resin (not shown) may also be interposed between the battery cell (10) and the module case (210), or between the cell cover (150) and the module case (210).

[0181] FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate an embodiment in which a groove or notch (140) is formed in the cell venting portion (136). However, as in FIG. 14, the cell cover (150) may also be applied to a battery cell (10) of an embodiment in which a groove or notch (140) is not formed in the cell venting portion (136). In this case, the content regarding the cell cover (150) is common to the content in which a groove or notch (140) is formed in the cell venting portion (136).

[0182] FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing the bottom of a battery pack according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, with the lower plate separated; FIG. 21 is a view taken along line E of FIG. 20; and FIG. 22 is a side cross-sectional view of FIG. 20.

[0183] Referring to FIGS. 20 to 22, the pack case (310) includes a lower frame (311), and a cooling passage (320) may be formed in the lower frame (311). The cooling passage (320) formed in the lower frame (311) may cool not only the battery cell (10) but also the flame or gas discharged through the pack venting portion (316).

[0184] The lower frame (311) may include a main body (318) and a lower plate (319) coupled to the main body (318). The cooling passage (320) may be formed at various locations of the lower frame (311), for example, may be formed inside the lower frame (311). Referring to FIG. 22, when the main body (318) and the lower plate (319) are coupled, the cooling passage (320) may be formed in the space between the main body (318) and the lower plate (319).

[0185] Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21 together, the cooling channel (320) may be formed in a direction intersecting the direction in which the plurality of battery cells (10) are arranged (in FIG. 20, the battery cells (10) arranged inside the battery module (20)). For example, the cooling channel (320) may be formed in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the plurality of battery cells (10) are arranged (in FIG. 20, the battery cells (10) arranged inside the battery module (20)).

[0186] The battery cell (10) can be cooled by forming a cooling conduit (320) in a direction intersecting the direction in which the battery cell (10) is arranged at the bottom of the battery cell (10). A coolant such as air, water, or cooling oil can flow through the cooling conduit (320). The coolant may be various and is not limited thereto.

[0187] The cooling channel (320) may be formed adjacent to at least one of the two sides of the pack venting portion (316). As shown in FIG. 21, the cooling channel (320) may be formed on both sides of the pack venting portion (316). Alternatively, in another embodiment, the cooling channel (320) may be formed on only one side of the pack venting portion (316). In this way, when formed adjacent to at least one of the two sides of the pack venting portion (316), the flame or gas flowing out through the pack venting portion (316) may be cooled by the refrigerant flowing through the cooling channel (320). In addition, flame propagation and thermal runaway may be prevented thereby.

[0188] The cooling channel (320) can be formed in various ways, and for example, can be formed by a bulkhead member (330). One or more bulkhead members (330) can be provided to form the cooling channel (320). The cooling channel (320) can be formed in the space between the bulkhead member (330) and the lower plate (319).

[0189] Fig. 23 shows a battery module according to a modified embodiment of the present invention with the upper case separated, and Fig. 24 shows the upper venting prevention member separated from Fig. 23.

[0190] Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, the module case (210) may include an upper case (213). An upper venting prevention member (218) may be placed on the lower side of the upper case (213) to prevent flames or gases from venting upward.

[0191] The battery pack (30) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be configured to discharge flame or gas through a pack venting portion (316) formed at the lower portion of the pack case (310) and a module venting portion (326) formed at the lower portion of the module case (210). To this end, it is advantageous to prevent flame or gas from moving in another direction, for example, toward the upper portion of the module case (210) or the pack case (310). In this way, an upper venting prevention member (218) may be arranged at the lower portion of the upper case (213) of the module case (210) to prevent flame or gas from venting upward, thereby allowing flame or gas to move downward when a thermal event occurs.

[0192] The upper venting prevention member (218) may be various, and may be, for example, various types of compression pads placed between the upper case (213) and the battery cell (10). The compression pad may be configured to pressurize the battery cell (10).

[0193] The upper venting prevention member (218) can be made of various materials, for example, it can be made of silicone, but is not limited thereto.

[0194] The upper venting prevention member (218) may be a thermal resin applied to the battery cell (10). In the case of thermal resin, there is an advantage in that it can adhere more closely to the battery cell (10).

[0195] FIG. 25 illustrates a battery module according to another modified embodiment of the present invention, in which the side case of the battery module is separated, and FIG. 26 illustrates a side venting prevention member in FIG. 25 being arranged on the terrace portion of the battery cell (10).

[0196] Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, the module case (210) may include a side case (212). A side venting prevention member (217) may be placed on the inside of the side case (212) to prevent flames or gases from venting to the side.

[0197] For the same reason as the upper venting prevention member (218) described above, it is advantageous to prevent the flame or gas from moving to the side of the module case (210) or the pack case (310) in order to discharge the flame or gas through the pack venting portion (316) formed at the bottom of the pack case (310) and the module venting portion (326) formed at the bottom of the module case (210). In this way, a side venting prevention member (217) may be arranged on the inside of the side case (212) of the module case (210) in order to prevent the flame or gas from venting to the side, thereby allowing the flame or gas to move downward when a thermal event occurs.

[0198] The side venting prevention member (217) can be placed in various locations, and for example, referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, it can be placed on the terrace portion (170) of a plurality of battery cells (10).

[0199] The side venting prevention member (217) can be made of various materials having insulating and fire-resistant properties, and for example, can be made of silicone, but the material of the side venting prevention member (217) is not limited thereto.

[0200] FIG. 27 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Y-Y' of FIG. 27, FIG. 29 is an enlarged view of part F of FIG. 28, and FIG. 30 is a drawing illustrating a state in which a cell venting part in FIG. 29 is broken and flames or gas are discharged.

[0201] Referring to FIG. 27, a battery pack (30) according to the second embodiment may be configured to include a plurality of battery cells (10) and a pack case (310).

[0202] In the first embodiment, the battery pack (30) includes a battery module (20), but in the second embodiment, the battery module (20) is removed and the battery cell (10) is directly stored in the battery pack (30), which is different from the first embodiment. However, the common parts described in the first embodiment are also applicable to the second embodiment. In addition, the parts described in the second embodiment that are applicable to the first embodiment can be applied to the first embodiment.

[0203] Referring to FIGS. 27 and 28, the battery cell (10) can be directly stored in the pack case (310) of the battery pack (30). In this way, the battery cell (10) can be stored in the space previously occupied by the module case (210) of the battery module (20) within the battery pack (30), thereby increasing space efficiency and improving battery capacity. The module case (210) can also be removed, thereby reducing weight and volume.

[0204] A cell cover (150, see FIG. 18) may be provided to support the battery cell (10) so that the battery cell (10) can be directly stored in the pack case (310). However, the cell cover (150) is optional, and the battery cell (10) may be directly stored in the pack case (310) without the cell cover (150). A specific description of the cell cover (150) is replaced with the description given above.

[0205] Referring to FIG. 29, a cell venting portion (136) is formed in the battery cell (10) itself, and the cell venting portion (136) of the battery cell (10) and the pack venting portion (316) of the pack case (310) can be connected. A detailed description of the cell venting portion (136) of the battery cell (10) is replaced with the description described above.

[0206] As shown in FIG. 30, when the cell venting portion (136) of the battery cell (10) is broken by flame or gas, the cell venting portion (136) may be configured to communicate with the pack venting portion (316). The pack venting portion (316) may be formed as an opening. That is, referring to FIG. 30, when the cell venting portion (136) of the battery cell (10) is broken, the cell venting portion (136) and the pack venting portion (316) of the pack case (310) may be in communication, whereby flame or gas generated from the battery cell (10) may be discharged to the outside of the pack case (310) through the cell venting portion (136) and the pack venting portion (316). That is, this enables directional venting in which flame or gas generated by ignition in the battery cell (10) is discharged in a preset direction. In addition, there is an effect of preventing serial thermal runaway through directional venting of flame or gas and improving the stability of the battery cell (10).

[0207] FIG. 31 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle including a battery pack according to each embodiment of the present invention.

[0208] Referring to FIG. 31, a vehicle (40) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs (30) according to each of the embodiments described above. In addition, the vehicle (40) may include one or more battery cells (10) or battery modules (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0209] The above-mentioned automobile (40) includes various automobiles that are designed to use electricity, such as electric automobiles or hybrid automobiles.

[0210] In this specification, when terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, and right are used, these terms are only for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms may vary depending on the location of the target object or the location of the observer.

[0211] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and variations are possible by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims to be described below. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed above should be considered from an illustrative rather than a restrictive perspective. In other words, the true scope of the technical spirit of the present invention is set forth in the claims, and all differences within the scope of equivalents thereof should be construed as being included in the present invention.

[0212] The present invention relates to a battery pack and an automobile including the same, and is particularly applicable to industries related to secondary batteries.

Claims

1. Multiple battery cells; and A pack case in which the plurality of battery cells are stored and a pack venting section for venting flames or gases is formed, A battery pack characterized in that a cell venting portion is formed in the battery cell itself, and the cell venting portion of the battery cell and the pack venting portion of the pack case are connected.

2. In paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the pack venting portion is formed at the lower portion of the pack case.

3. In paragraph 2, A battery pack characterized in that the pack case has a directional venting channel formed therein that is connected to the pack venting section and provides a path for discharging the flame or the gas to the outside of the pack case.

4. In paragraph 3, A battery pack characterized in that the directional venting channel is formed lower than the pack venting portion.

5. In paragraph 1, The above pack case includes a lower frame, A battery pack characterized in that a cooling path is formed in the lower frame to cool not only the battery cells but also the flame or gas discharged through the pack venting portion.

6. In paragraph 5, A battery pack characterized in that the cooling channel is formed inside the lower frame.

7. In paragraph 5, A battery pack characterized in that the cooling path is formed in a direction intersecting the direction in which the plurality of battery cells are arranged.

8. In paragraph 5, A battery pack characterized in that the cooling path is formed on at least one of both sides of the pack venting portion.

9. In paragraph 5, The above lower frame includes a main body and a lower plate coupled to the main body, At least one baffle member for forming the cooling passage is included, A battery pack characterized in that the cooling channel is formed between the bulkhead member and the lower plate.

10. In paragraph 1, It includes a plurality of battery modules in which the plurality of battery cells are stored, A module venting portion is formed in the above battery module, A battery pack characterized in that the cell venting portion of the battery cell, the module venting portion of the battery module, and the pack venting portion of the pack case are all connected.

11. In paragraph 10, The battery module includes a module case in which the plurality of battery cells are stored and a module venting section for venting flames or gases is formed. A battery pack characterized in that when the cell venting portion of the battery cell is broken, the cell venting portion, the module venting portion of the module case, and the pack venting portion of the pack case are connected.

12. In paragraph 11, A battery pack characterized in that the module venting portion is formed at the lower portion of the module case.

13. In paragraph 12, At the bottom of the above module case, there is an area where thermal resin is applied and an area where it is not applied. A battery pack characterized in that the above module venting portion is formed in an uncoated area of ​​the thermal resin.

14. In paragraph 11, The above module case includes a lower case and a side case, A battery pack, characterized in that at least one of the side cases is formed by bending from the lower case.

15. In paragraph 14, A battery pack characterized in that the above module case includes a U-shaped case.

16. In paragraph 11, The above module case includes an upper case, A battery pack characterized in that an upper venting prevention member is arranged on the lower side of the upper case to prevent flames or gases from venting upward.

17. In paragraph 16, A battery pack characterized in that the upper venting prevention member is a compression pad placed between the upper case and the battery cell.

18. In paragraph 17, A battery pack characterized in that the upper venting prevention member is made of silicone.

19. In paragraph 16, A battery pack characterized in that the upper venting prevention member is a thermal resin applied to the battery cell.

20. In paragraph 11, The above module case includes a side case, A battery pack characterized in that a side venting prevention member is arranged on the inside of the side case to prevent flames or gases from venting to the side.

21. In paragraph 20, A battery pack characterized in that the side venting prevention member is arranged on the terrace portion of the plurality of battery cells.

22. In paragraph 21, A battery pack characterized in that the above-mentioned side venting prevention member is made of silicone.

23. In paragraph 1, The above battery cell is a pouch-type battery cell, The above pouch-type battery cell, An electrode assembly comprising a first electrode plate having a first polarity, a second electrode plate having a second polarity, and a separator interposed between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate; an electrode lead connected to the electrode assembly; and The electrode assembly is accommodated, the electrode lead is supported, and a cell case is formed with a sealing portion and a non-sealing portion, A battery pack characterized in that the cell venting portion is formed in the non-sealing portion of the cell case.

24. In paragraph 23, The above cell venting part, a through hole formed in the non-sealing portion of the cell case; and A battery pack characterized by including a thin film bonded to the non-sealing portion to block the through hole.

25. In paragraph 24, A battery pack characterized in that the thin film of the cell venting portion is formed thinner than the thickness of the non-sealing portion of the cell case.

26. In paragraph 24, A battery pack characterized in that the thin film of the cell venting portion is formed of a material having a lower melting point than the non-sealing portion of the cell case.

27. In paragraph 24, A battery pack characterized in that the above thin film is formed of a metal material.

28. In paragraph 27, A battery pack characterized in that the above thin film is joined to the non-sealing portion by welding or bonding.

29. In paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the cell venting portion has a line-shaped groove or notch formed therein.

30. In paragraph 29, The above home or notch portion, A center line formed in the central part; A first end line extending from one end of the above center line; and A battery pack characterized by including a second end line extending from the other end of the center line.

31. In paragraph 23, A battery pack characterized in that the cell venting portion is ruptured before the sealing portion by the flame or the gas.

32. In paragraph 23, The above non-sealing portion is provided in multiples, A battery pack characterized in that the cell venting portion is formed in the non-sealing portion having the narrowest area among the plurality of non-sealing portions.

33. In paragraph 23, A battery pack characterized in that it further includes a cell cover that wraps and supports the cell case to reinforce the rigidity of the cell case.

34. In paragraph 33, A battery pack characterized in that an opening is formed on the lower side of the cell cover, and the cell venting portion is positioned so as to face downward corresponding to the opening.

35. In paragraph 34, The above cell cover is, A first cover portion covering one side of the above cell case; A second cover part covering the other side of the cell case; and A third cover part connecting the first cover part and the second cover part and covering the upper side of the cell case, A battery pack characterized in that the opening is formed on the opposite side of the third cover portion.

36. In paragraph 33, A battery pack characterized in that the cell cover is configured to support the standing state of the cell case.

37. A vehicle comprising at least one battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 36.

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