Battery pack and vehicle comprising same

Abstract

A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a plurality of battery cells each having a venting part; and a pack frame accommodating the plurality of battery cells, and having a venting guide parts at portions corresponding to the venting parts of the battery cells.

Description

Battery pack and vehicle including same

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack and a vehicle including the same, and more particularly, to a battery pack having improved thermal safety and a vehicle including the same.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0129707, filed on September 26, 2023, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated by reference into this application.

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

[0004] Currently, widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of these unit secondary battery cells, i.e., unit battery cells, is approximately 2.5 V to 4.5 V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery pack. Furthermore, depending on the charge / discharge capacity required for the battery pack, a number of battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be set in various ways depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] Meanwhile, when configuring a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series / parallel, it is common to first configure a battery module including at least one battery cell, and then configure the battery pack by adding other components using this at least one battery module.

[0006] Conventional battery packs typically include a plurality of battery cells and a pack frame housing the cells. To ensure energy density and capacity, these cells are relatively densely packed within the pack case. In this structure, if a thermal event occurs in a specific battery cell, such as gas or flames emitted due to overheating, there is a relatively high risk of heat transmission to adjacent battery cells if the gas or flames are not quickly vented.

[0007] Therefore, it is necessary to find a way to prevent heat transfer to adjacent battery cells during a thermal event in a battery cell.

[0008] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack and a vehicle including the same capable of preventing heat transfer to adjacent battery cells during a thermal event of a battery cell.

[0009] In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack and an automobile including the same, which can simplify the manufacturing process and reduce the manufacturing cost.

[0010] 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.

[0011] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a battery pack comprising: a plurality of battery cells having venting portions; and a pack frame that accommodates the plurality of battery cells and has venting guide portions provided at portions corresponding to the venting portions of the plurality of battery cells.

[0012] In addition, preferably, the venting guide portion may be formed with a thickness thinner than other portions of the pack frame so that it can be broken or melted at a predetermined pressure or a predetermined temperature or higher.

[0013] In addition, preferably, the venting portion may be provided at the bottom of the plurality of battery cells, and the venting guide portion may be provided at the bottom of the pack frame.

[0014] Additionally, preferably, the venting guide portion may have a thickness thinner than the thickness of the bottom portion of the pack frame.

[0015] In addition, preferably, the venting guide portion may be provided in a number corresponding to the number of the plurality of battery cells.

[0016] Additionally, preferably, the pack frame may be provided as an integral plastic frame.

[0017] Additionally, preferably, the venting guide portion may be formed integrally with the pack frame.

[0018] Additionally, preferably, the venting guide portion may be provided in a notch shape at the bottom of the pack frame.

[0019] In addition, preferably, the battery pack includes a plurality of cooling tubes arranged at a predetermined length between the plurality of battery cells and spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, and the pack frame may be provided with a plurality of tube supports that support the plurality of cooling tubes.

[0020] Additionally, preferably, the venting guide portion may be provided between the plurality of tube supports.

[0021] In addition, preferably, the plurality of tube supports may be formed to a predetermined length along the longitudinal direction of the cooling tube and may have a groove shape having a predetermined depth.

[0022] In addition, preferably, the ends of the plurality of cooling tubes are provided with cooling medium inlets and outlets that are connected to cooling lines outside the battery pack and supply cooling medium into the inside of the cooling tubes and discharge the cooling medium inside the cooling tubes to the outside, and the ends of the plurality of cooling tubes can be exposed to the outside of the pack frame.

[0023] Additionally, preferably, at least one flange portion may be integrally formed on at least one edge of the pack frame.

[0024] In addition, preferably, the flange portion is provided in a plurality, and the plurality of flange portions may be provided to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance along both sides of the pack frame.

[0025] And, the present invention provides a vehicle, characterized in that it includes at least one battery pack according to the above-described embodiments.

[0026] According to various embodiments as described above, a battery pack and a vehicle including the same can be provided that can prevent heat transfer to an adjacent battery cell during a thermal event of the battery cell.

[0027] In addition, according to various embodiments as described above, a battery pack and a vehicle including the same can be provided that can simplify the manufacturing process and reduce the manufacturing cost.

[0028] In addition, various additional effects can be achieved through various embodiments of the present invention. These various effects of the present invention will be described in detail in each embodiment, or descriptions of effects easily understandable to those skilled in the art will be omitted.

[0029] 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.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining a battery cell of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a battery cell of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the upper structure of a battery cell of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the lower structure of a battery cell of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a battery cell of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a pack frame of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 9 is a plan view of a pack frame of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 10 is a side view of a pack frame of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining a pack frame according to another embodiment of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining gas emission from a battery cell during a thermal event of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIGS. 14 to 16 are drawings for explaining a manufacturing process of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 17 is a drawing for explaining a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 18 is a drawing for explaining gas emission from a battery cell during a thermal event of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 19 is a drawing for explaining a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 20 is a drawing for explaining gas emission from a battery cell during a thermal event of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 21 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings. Based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best explain his or her invention, they should be interpreted in a way that aligns with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0050] Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention, and it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of this application.

[0051] Meanwhile, in this specification, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back may be used, but 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.

[0052]

[0053] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery pack (1) may include a plurality of battery cells (100) and a pack frame (200).

[0055] The above-described plurality of battery cells (100) may be provided as a secondary battery, such as a cylindrical secondary battery, a pouch-shaped secondary battery, or a square secondary battery. Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, the description will be limited to the case where the plurality of battery cells (100) are provided as a cylindrical secondary battery.

[0056] The plurality of battery cells (100) may be provided with a venting portion (31, see FIG. 7). The venting portion (31) may guide gases or flames generated in an abnormal situation, such as overheating, to be discharged to the outside of the battery cell (100). Gases or flames generated inside the battery cell (100) in an abnormal situation may escape to the outside of the battery cell (100) through the venting portion (31). The venting portion (31) will be described in more detail in the related description below.

[0057] The pack frame (200) can accommodate the plurality of battery cells (100). The pack frame (200) can be provided with a venting guide part (230) at a portion corresponding to the venting part (31) of the plurality of battery cells (100). The venting guide part (230) can guide gas or flames, etc., coming out of the venting part (31) to be discharged outside the pack frame (200).

[0058] In the battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, when the battery cell (100) is in an abnormal state, gas or flame coming out of the venting portion (31) of the battery cell (100) can be more quickly and rapidly discharged to the outside of the pack frame (200) through the venting guide portion (230) provided in a portion corresponding to the venting portion (31).

[0059] Accordingly, the battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention can guide more smooth and rapid venting of gas or flames generated from the battery cell (100) in the above-described abnormal situation, thereby effectively preventing the risk of thermal runaway that may occur toward adjacent battery cells (100).

[0060]

[0061] Below, the battery cell (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be examined in more detail.

[0062] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining a battery cell of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a battery cell of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the upper structure of a battery cell of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the lower structure of a battery cell of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a battery cell of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 7, the battery cell (100) includes an electrode assembly (10), a battery can (20), a cap plate (30), and a first electrode terminal (40). In addition to the above-described components, the battery cell (100) may further include an insulating gasket (50) and / or an upper current collecting plate (60) and / or an insulating plate (70) and / or a lower current collecting plate (80) and / or a sealing gasket (90).

[0064] The electrode assembly (10) includes 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. The first electrode plate is a positive electrode plate or a negative electrode plate, and the second electrode plate corresponds to an electrode plate having a polarity opposite to that of the first electrode plate.

[0065] The electrode assembly (10) may have, for example, a jelly-roll shape. That is, the electrode assembly (10) may be manufactured by sequentially stacking a first electrode plate, a separator, and a second electrode plate at least once, and winding the laminated body around a winding center (C). In this case, a separator may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the electrode assembly (10) for insulation from the battery can (20).

[0066] The first electrode plate includes a first electrode current collector and a first electrode active material applied to one or both surfaces of the first electrode current collector. A non-coated portion on which the first electrode active material is not applied exists at one end of the first electrode current collector in the width direction (in the direction parallel to the Z-axis). The non-coated portion functions as a first electrode tab. The first electrode tab (11) is provided at an upper portion in the height direction (in the direction parallel to the Z-axis) of the electrode assembly (10) accommodated in the battery can (20).

[0067] The second electrode plate includes a second electrode current collector and a second electrode active material applied to one or both surfaces of the second electrode current collector. On the other end of the second electrode current collector in the width direction (in the direction parallel to the Z-axis), there is a non-coated portion on which the second electrode active material is not applied. The non-coated portion functions as a second electrode tab (12). The second electrode tab (12) is provided at the lower portion in the height direction (in the direction parallel to the Z-axis) of the electrode assembly (10) accommodated in the battery can (20).

[0068] The battery can (20) is a cylindrical container with an opening formed at the bottom, and is made of a conductive metal material. The side surface and the top surface of the battery can (20) are formed integrally. The top surface of the battery can (20) has a substantially flat shape. The battery can (20) accommodates an electrode assembly (10) through the opening formed at the bottom, and also accommodates an electrolyte.

[0069] The above battery can (20) is electrically connected to the second electrode tab (12) of the electrode assembly (10). Therefore, the battery can (20) has the same polarity as the second electrode tab (12).

[0070] The battery can (20) may have a beading portion (21) and a crimping portion (22) formed at the bottom thereof. The beading portion (21) is formed at the bottom of the electrode assembly (10). The beading portion (21) is formed by pressing the outer circumference of the battery can (20). The beading portion (21) prevents the electrode assembly (10) having a size corresponding to the width of the battery can (20) from coming out through the opening formed at the bottom of the battery can (20), and may function as a support portion on which the cap plate (30) is mounted.

[0071] The crimping portion (22) is formed at the lower portion of the beading portion (21). The crimping portion (22) has an extended and bent shape so as to surround the outer circumference of the cap plate (30) positioned below the beading portion (21) and a portion of the lower surface of the cap plate (30).

[0072] The cap plate (30) is a component made of a conductive metal material and covers an opening formed at the bottom of the battery can (20). That is, the cap plate (30) forms the lower surface of the battery cell (100). The cap plate (30) is placed on a beading portion (21) formed on the battery can (20) and is fixed by a crimping portion (22). A sealing gasket (90) may be interposed between the cap plate (30) and the crimping portion (22) of the battery can (20) to ensure sealing of the battery can (20).

[0073] The cap plate (30) may further include a venting portion (31) formed to prevent an increase in internal pressure due to gas generated inside the battery can (20). The venting portion (31) corresponds to a region of the cap plate (30) that has a thinner thickness than the surrounding region. The venting portion (31) is structurally weaker than the surrounding region. Therefore, when an abnormality occurs in the battery cell (100) and the internal pressure increases above a certain level, the venting portion (31) is broken, causing the gas generated inside the battery can (20) to be discharged.

[0074] A hole may be formed in advance on the upper surface of the battery can (20) before arranging the first electrode terminal (40) and the insulating gasket (50). However, this is not limited thereto, and the hole may be formed in other ways. For example, the hole may be formed while the first electrode terminal (40) is inserted, holes of different diameters may be formed in advance, or the upper surface may be notched or notched in advance so that the first electrode terminal (40) may be inserted. In other words, the hole may be expanded to a desired size, or a small hole may be made by drilling a notch and then expanded to a desired size. In addition, it is of course possible to use other methods for forming the hole.

[0075] A battery cell (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention has a structure in which both a positive terminal and a negative terminal are present at the upper portion, which makes the upper portion more complex than the lower portion. Accordingly, a venting portion (31) may be formed on the cap plate (30) forming the lower surface of the battery cell (100) to facilitate the discharge of gases generated within the battery can (20).

[0076] The above venting portion (31) may be formed continuously in a circular shape on the cap plate (30). However, this is not limited thereto, and the above venting portion (31) may be formed discontinuously in a circular shape on the cap plate (30), or may be formed in a straight line or other shape.

[0077] The first electrode terminal (40) is made of a conductive metal material and passes through the upper surface of the battery can (20) and is electrically connected to the first electrode tab (11) of the electrode assembly (10). Therefore, the first electrode terminal (40) has a first polarity. The first electrode terminal (40) is electrically insulated from the battery can (20) which has a second polarity.

[0078] The first electrode terminal (40) includes an exposed terminal portion (41) and an inserted terminal portion (42). The exposed terminal portion (41) is exposed to the outside of the battery can (20). The exposed terminal portion (41) is located at the center of the upper surface of the battery can (20). The inserted terminal portion (42) penetrates the center of the upper surface of the battery can (20) and is electrically connected to the first electrode tab (11). The inserted terminal portion (42) can be riveted onto the inner surface of the battery can (20).

[0079] The upper surface of the battery can (20) and the first electrode terminal (40) have opposite polarities and face the same direction. In addition, a step may be formed between the first electrode terminal (40) and the upper surface of the battery can (20). Specifically, when the entire upper surface of the battery can (20) has a flat shape or a shape that protrudes upward from its center, the exposed terminal portion (41) of the first electrode terminal (40) may protrude upward more than the upper surface of the battery can (20). Conversely, when the upper surface of the battery can (20) has a shape that is concave downward from its center, i.e., in the direction toward the electrode assembly (10), the upper surface of the battery can (20) may protrude upward more than the exposed terminal portion (41) of the first electrode terminal (40).

[0080] The above insulating gasket (50) is interposed between the battery can (20) and the first electrode terminal (40) to prevent the battery can (20) and the first electrode terminal (40) having opposite polarities from coming into contact with each other. This allows the upper surface of the battery can (20) having a roughly flat shape to function as the second electrode terminal of the battery cell (100).

[0081] The insulating gasket (50) includes an exposed portion (51) and an inserted portion (52). The exposed portion (51) is interposed between the exposed terminal portion (41) of the first electrode terminal (40) and the battery can (20). The inserted portion (52) is interposed between the inserted terminal portion (42) of the first electrode terminal (40) and the battery can (20). The insulating gasket (50) may be made of, for example, a resin material having insulating properties.

[0082] In the case where the insulating gasket (50) is made of a resin material, the insulating gasket (50) can be joined to the battery can (20) and the first electrode terminal (40), for example, by thermal fusion. In this case, the sealing properties at the joining interface between the insulating gasket (50) and the first electrode terminal (40) and the joining interface between the insulating gasket (50) and the battery can (20) can be strengthened.

[0083] The entire area of ​​the upper surface of the battery can (20), excluding the area occupied by the first electrode terminal (40) and the insulating gasket (50), corresponds to a second electrode terminal (20a) having the opposite polarity to the first electrode terminal (40).

[0084] A battery cell (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided with a first electrode terminal (40) having a first polarity on one side in the longitudinal direction (parallel to the Z-axis) and a second electrode terminal (20a) having a second polarity and being electrically insulated from the first electrode terminal (40). That is, in the battery cell (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, since a pair of electrode terminals (40, 20a) are positioned in the same direction, when a plurality of battery cells (100) are electrically connected, it is possible to place electrical connection components such as the bus bar assembly (200) below only on one side of the battery cells (100). This can lead to simplification of the structure of the battery pack (1) and improvement of energy density.

[0085]

[0086] Below, the pack frame (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be examined in more detail.

[0087] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a pack frame of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a plan view of a pack frame of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a side view of a pack frame of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, the pack frame (200) may include a frame body (210) and the venting guide portion (230).

[0089] The above frame body (210) may have a receiving space of a predetermined size capable of accommodating the battery cells (100). The venting guide portion (230) may be provided on the frame body (210).

[0090] The venting guide portion (230) may be formed with a thickness thinner than other portions of the frame body (210) of the pack frame (200) so that it can be broken or melted at a predetermined pressure or a predetermined temperature or higher. For example, the venting guide portion (230) may be provided in a notch shape at the bottom of the frame body (210) of the pack frame (200).

[0091] Meanwhile, as previously discussed, the venting portion (230) is provided at the bottom (-Z-axis direction) of the plurality of battery cells (100), and the venting guide portion (230) may be provided at the bottom of the frame body (210) of the pack frame (200). Here, the venting guide portion (230) may have a thickness thinner than the thickness of the bottom of the frame body (210) of the pack frame (200).

[0092] The above venting guide portions (230) may be provided in a number corresponding to the number of the plurality of battery cells (100). Accordingly, the above venting guide portions (230) may cover all of the venting portions (31) of each battery cell (100).

[0093] The above pack frame (200) may be provided as an integral plastic frame. The venting guide portion (230) may be formed integrally with the frame body (210) of the pack frame (200). That is, the venting guide portion (230) may be formed as a single body with the frame body (210).

[0094] The venting guide part (230) may be formed to be recessed to a predetermined depth from the bottom surface of the frame body (210). Accordingly, the venting guide part (230) may have a predetermined guide space (S) in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the pack frame (200). The guide space (S) may be formed to face the venting part (31) of the battery cell (100). The guide space (S) may guide directional venting of gas or flames escaping from the venting part (31).

[0095] Meanwhile, a cell support member (215) that supports the lower edge of the battery cells (100) may be formed in the frame body (210). The cell support member (215) may be provided in multiple numbers corresponding to the number of battery cells (100). The cell support member (215) may be formed to have a predetermined depth from the lower surface of the frame body (210).

[0096] The above cell support member (215) can support the lower edge of the battery cells (100). To this end, the width of the cell support member (215) can be formed to correspond to the outer diameter of the lower edge of the battery cells (100).

[0097] The venting guide portion (230) may be recessed from the cell support portion (215) to a predetermined depth to form the guide space (S). The venting guide portion (230) may have a width smaller than the bottom edge of the battery cells (100). In addition, the venting guide portion (230) may have a predetermined width that can expose the venting portion (31) of the battery cells (100) on the guide space (S).

[0098]

[0099] Referring again to FIG. 2 and FIGS. 8 to 10 above, the battery pack (1) may include a plurality of cooling tubes (300).

[0100] The plurality of cooling tubes (300) are for cooling the plurality of battery cells (100), and are arranged at a predetermined length between the plurality of battery cells (100) and can be arranged at a predetermined distance from each other.

[0101] At the end of the plurality of cooling tubes (300), a cooling medium inlet / outlet (350) may be provided, which is connected to an external cooling line of the battery pack (1) and supplies a cooling medium into the cooling tube (300) and discharges the cooling medium inside the cooling tube (300) to the outside.

[0102] The ends of the plurality of cooling tubes (300) may be exposed to the outside of the pack frame. Therefore, a simpler and easier connection between the cooling medium inlet / outlet (350) provided at the ends of the plurality of cooling tubes (300) and the external cooling line may be possible.

[0103] Let us take a closer look at the pack frame (200) above.

[0104] The pack frame (200) may include a flange portion (270). The flange portion (270) is provided on at least one edge of the pack frame (200) to guide the connection between the battery pack (1) and a vehicle (V) described below or the connection between the battery packs (1). Specifically, the flange portion (270) may be provided on at least one edge of the frame body (210) of the pack frame (200). The flange portion (270) may be formed integrally with the frame body (210) of the pack frame (200). Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the flange portion (270) may be provided as a single body on the pack frame (200) rather than as a separate member.

[0105] The above flange portion (270) may be provided in multiple pieces. The multiple flange portions (270) may be provided to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance along both sides of the pack frame (200).

[0106] The above pack frame (200) may include a tube slit (290). The tube slit (290) may be provided on one side of the frame body (210) to guide the ends (350) of the plurality of cooling tubes (300) to be directed out of the pack frame (200).

[0107] The above tube slit (290) may be provided in the form of a groove that is formed to a predetermined length along the height direction (Z-axis direction) of one side surface of the frame body (210). The tube slit (290) may be provided in a number corresponding to the number of the plurality of cooling tubes (300), and may be arranged at a predetermined distance from each other.

[0108]

[0109] Looking again at the battery pack (1), the battery pack (1) may include a filling member (400).

[0110] The above-mentioned filling member (400) can be filled within the pack frame (200). The above-mentioned filling member (400) can more stably fix the plurality of battery cells (100) and increase the heat dissipation efficiency of the plurality of battery cells (100), thereby further increasing the cooling performance of the battery cells (100).

[0111] The above-described filling member (400) may be formed of a potting resin. The potting resin may be formed by injecting a thin resin material into the plurality of battery cells (100) and hardening the resin material. Here, the injection of the resin material may be performed at a room temperature of approximately 15 to 25 degrees Celsius to prevent thermal damage to the plurality of battery cells (100).

[0112] Specifically, the filling member (400) may be formed of silicone resin. However, this is not limited thereto, and it is of course possible for the filling member (400) to be formed of other resin materials that can improve the fixing and heat dissipation efficiency of the battery cells (100) in addition to the silicone resin.

[0113] More specifically, the filling member (400) covers the portion of the battery cells (100) that does not come into contact with the cooling tube (300), thereby guiding the thermal balance of the battery cells (100), thereby preventing cooling deviation of the battery cells (100), and thus preventing local deterioration of the battery cells (100). Through such prevention of local deterioration of the battery cells (100), the safety of the battery cells (100) can also be significantly improved.

[0114] In addition, the filling member (400) can perform an insulating role to prevent current from flowing toward adjacent battery cells (100) when damage or other abnormalities occur in at least one specific battery cell (100) among the plurality of battery cells (100).

[0115] In addition, the filling member (400) may include a material having high specific heat performance. Accordingly, the filling member (400) increases the thermal mass, thereby delaying the temperature rise of the battery cells (100) even in situations such as rapid charging and discharging of the battery cells (100), thereby preventing a rapid temperature rise of the battery cells (100).

[0116] Additionally, the filling member (400) may include a glass bubble. The glass bubble may lower the specific gravity of the filling member (400) and increase the energy density relative to the weight.

[0117] In addition, the filling member (400) may include a material having high heat resistance. Accordingly, the filling member (400) can effectively prevent thermal runaway toward adjacent battery cells when a thermal event such as overheating occurs in at least one specific battery cell (100) among the plurality of battery cells (100).

[0118] In addition, the filling member (400) may include a material having high flame retardant performance. Accordingly, the filling member (400) can minimize the risk of fire when a thermal event such as overheating occurs in at least one specific battery cell (100) among the plurality of battery cells (100).

[0119]

[0120] Below, a pack frame (205) according to another embodiment of the battery pack (1) will be examined.

[0121] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining a pack frame according to another embodiment of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 11 and the preceding FIG. 2, the pack frame (205) may include a plurality of tube supports (250).

[0123] The above-described plurality of tube supports (250) are provided at the bottom of the pack frame (205) and can support the above-described plurality of cooling tubes (300). The above-described venting guide part (230) can be provided between the above-described plurality of tube supports (250).

[0124] The above plurality of tube supports (250) are formed to a predetermined length along the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the cooling tube (300) and may have a groove shape with a predetermined depth in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the pack frame (205).

[0125] In this way, in the present embodiment, the cooling tubes (300) can be more stably fixed and supported within the pack frame (205) through the plurality of tube support members (250) provided in the pack frame (205).

[0126]

[0127] Hereinafter, a heat transfer prevention structure and mechanism for preventing heat transfer to an adjacent battery cell (100) due to thermal runaway when a thermal event situation occurs in the battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be examined in more detail.

[0128] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining gas emission from a battery cell during a thermal event of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0129] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, an abnormal situation such as a thermal event due to overheating, etc., may occur in at least one specific battery cell (100) among the battery cells (100) of the battery pack (1). At this time, gas (G) or flames, etc., may be generated inside the battery cell (100) where the thermal event occurred. If the gas (G), etc., is not quickly discharged, a greater risk such as an explosion of the battery cell (100) may occur. In the present embodiment, the gas (G) may be quickly discharged to the bottom of the battery cell (100) due to the fracture or melting of the venting portion (31).

[0130] And, in the case of the battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, depending on the pressure or temperature of the discharged gas (G), the venting guide part (130) positioned facing the venting part (31) may also be broken or melted, thereby quickly discharging the gas (G), etc., to the outside of the lower portion of the pack frame (200).

[0131] At this time, the guide space (S) of the venting guide portion (130) can guide more effectively directional venting by more reliably guiding gas, etc., coming out of the bottom of the battery cell (100) in a specific direction of the pack frame (200), in the case of the present embodiment, in the downward direction (-Z-axis direction).

[0132]

[0133] Hereinafter, the manufacturing process of the battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0134] FIGS. 14 to 16 are drawings for explaining a manufacturing process of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0135] Referring to FIG. 14, a manufacturer or the like can place the cooling tubes (300) between the plurality of battery cells (100). Thereafter, the manufacturer or the like can bond the plurality of battery cells (100) and the plurality of cooling tubes (300) to each other using an adhesive or the like.

[0136] Referring to FIG. 15, the manufacturer, etc., can mount the plurality of battery cells (100) and the plurality of cooling tubes (300) within the pack frame (200) so that they are accommodated within the pack frame (200). At this time, the venting portion (31, see FIG. 12) provided at the bottom of the plurality of battery cells (100) can be placed on the guide space (S, see FIG. 12) of the venting guide portion (130).

[0137] Referring to FIG. 16, the manufacturer, etc., can inject the filling material (400) into the pack frame (200) through the filling material injection device (I). This injection of the filling material (400) can be performed after electrical connection through the busbar assembly on the upper side of the battery cells (100).

[0138] The battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention can simplify the manufacturing process by reducing the number of manufacturing parts used during the manufacturing process through application of the pack frame (200) having the integrated frame structure, and can also reduce the manufacturing cost, thereby securing cost competitiveness.

[0139]

[0140] Below, battery packs according to various embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0141] FIG. 17 is a drawing for explaining a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 18 is a drawing for explaining gas emission from a battery cell during a thermal event of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0142] Since the battery pack (2) according to the present embodiment is similar to the battery pack (1) of the previous embodiment, duplicate descriptions of components that are substantially the same or similar to those of the previous embodiment will be omitted, and the following will focus on differences from the previous embodiment.

[0143] Referring to FIG. 17, the pack frame (500) of the battery pack (2) may include a first frame (510), a second frame (530), a directional venting guide path (550), and a venting valve (570).

[0144] The first frame (510) can accommodate the battery cells (100). As in the previous embodiment, a cell support member (512) and a venting guide member (515) can be formed at the bottom of the first frame (510). The filling member (400) can be filled into the first frame (510).

[0145] The second frame (530) may be provided at the bottom of the first frame (510). The second frame (530) may be formed integrally with the first frame (510) or may be connected as a separate member.

[0146] The directional venting guide passage (550) is formed between the first frame (510) and the second frame (530), and may be provided on the lower side (-Z-axis direction) of the venting guide parts (515). The directional venting guide passage (550) may be formed to have a predetermined length in a specific direction.

[0147] The venting valve (570) is provided in the second frame (530) and may be positioned to face the directional venting guide passage (550). The venting valve (570) may be provided to allow gas (G) or the like within the directional venting guide passage (550) to be discharged outside the second frame (530).

[0148] Referring to Fig. 18, when an abnormal situation such as a thermal event occurs in a battery cell (100) of the battery pack (2), gas (G) or the like within the battery cell (100) can be guided into the directional venting guide path (550) through the venting portion (31) at the bottom of the specific battery cell (100) and the venting guide portion (515) at the bottom of the venting portion (31). Thereafter, the gas (G) or the like can flow along the directional venting guide path (550) and escape through the venting valve (615) to the outside of the second frame (530).

[0149] In the case of the battery pack (2) according to the embodiment of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs and gas (G) or the like is discharged from a plurality of battery cells (100), the gas (G) or the like that has escaped from the battery cells (100) can be guided in a specific direction through the directional venting guide path (550) provided at the bottom of the venting guide parts (130) of the battery pack (2) and collectively discharged toward the venting valve (570).

[0150]

[0151] FIG. 19 is a drawing for explaining a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 20 is a drawing for explaining gas emission from a battery cell during a thermal event of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0152] Since the battery pack (3) according to the present embodiment is similar to the battery pack (1) of the previous embodiment, duplicate descriptions of components that are substantially the same or similar to those of the previous embodiment will be omitted, and the following will focus on differences from the previous embodiment.

[0153] Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, the pack frame (600) of the battery pack (3) may include a first frame (610), a second frame (630), a directional venting guide path (650), a venting valve (670), and a fire extinguishing unit (690).

[0154] In the first frame (610), a cell support portion (612) and a venting guide portion (615) may be formed. The cell support portion (612) and the venting guide portion (615) are substantially the same as or similar to the cell support portion (512) and the venting guide portion (515) of the previous embodiment, and therefore, a duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

[0155] The second frame (630), the directional venting guide passage (650), and the venting valve (670) are substantially the same as or similar to the first frame (510), the second frame (530), the directional venting guide passage (550), and the venting valve (570) of the previous embodiment, and therefore, a duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

[0156] The above-mentioned fire extinguishing unit (690) may be provided within the directional venting guide path (550). The above-mentioned fire extinguishing unit (690) may be provided in multiple numbers, and may spray a fire extinguishing agent within the directional venting guide path (550) when the thermal event occurs.

[0157] Therefore, in the battery pack (3) according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to suppress fire, etc. together with the venting guide for gas (G) etc. during the thermal event.

[0158]

[0159] FIG. 21 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0160] Referring to FIG. 21, a vehicle (V) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include at least one battery pack (1, 2, 3) according to an embodiment of the present invention described above. In addition to the battery pack (1, 2, 3), the vehicle (V) according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include various other components included in the vehicle. For example, in addition to the battery pack (1, 2, 3) according to an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle (V) according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a body, a motor, a control device such as an ECU (electronic control unit), etc.

[0161] In addition, it goes without saying that the battery pack (1, 2, 3) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be installed in other devices, apparatuses, and facilities, such as an energy storage system using a secondary battery, in addition to the automobile (V).

[0162]

[0163] According to various embodiments as described above, a battery pack (1, 2, 3) and a vehicle (V) including the same can be provided that can prevent heat transfer toward an adjacent battery cell (100) during a thermal event of the battery cell (100).

[0164] In addition, according to various embodiments as described above, a battery pack (1, 2, 3) and a vehicle (V) including the same can be provided that can simplify the manufacturing process and reduce the manufacturing cost.

[0165]

[0166] 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. In the battery pack, A plurality of battery cells having a venting portion; and A pack frame that accommodates the plurality of battery cells and has a venting guide portion provided in a portion corresponding to the venting portions of the plurality of battery cells. A battery pack comprising:

2. In paragraph 1, The above venting guide part, A battery pack characterized in that it is formed with a thickness thinner than other parts of the pack frame so that it can be broken or melted at a predetermined pressure or a predetermined temperature or higher.

3. In paragraph 1, The above venting part, It is provided at the bottom of the above plurality of battery cells, The above venting guide part, A battery pack characterized in that it is provided at the bottom of the above pack frame.

4. In paragraph 1, The above venting guide part, A battery pack characterized in that it has a thickness thinner than the bottom thickness of the pack frame.

5. In paragraph 1, The above venting guide part, A battery pack characterized in that it is provided in a number corresponding to the number of the above-mentioned plurality of battery cells.

6. In paragraph 1, The above pack frame is, A battery pack characterized by being provided with an integral plastic frame.

7. In paragraph 1, The above venting guide part, A battery pack characterized in that it is formed integrally with the above pack frame.

8. In paragraph 1, The above venting guide part, A battery pack characterized in that the lower part of the pack frame is provided with a notch shape.

9. In paragraph 1, A plurality of cooling tubes are arranged at a predetermined length between the plurality of battery cells and are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance, In the above pack frame, A battery pack characterized in that it comprises a plurality of tube supports that support the plurality of cooling tubes.

10. In paragraph 9, The above venting guide part, A battery pack characterized in that it is provided between the plurality of tube supports.

11. In paragraph 9, The above multiple tube supports, A battery pack characterized by having a groove shape formed along the longitudinal direction of the cooling tube to a predetermined length and having a predetermined depth.

12. In paragraph 9, At the ends of the above plurality of cooling tubes, It is connected to the cooling line outside the battery pack, and has a cooling medium inlet / outlet for supplying a cooling medium inside the cooling tube and for discharging the cooling medium inside the cooling tube to the outside. The ends of the above plurality of cooling tubes are, A battery pack characterized in that it is exposed to the outside of the pack frame.

13. In paragraph 1, At least one side edge of the above pack frame, A battery pack characterized in that at least one flange portion is formed integrally.

14. In paragraph 13, The above flange portion, It is prepared in multiple pieces, The above multiple flange portions, A battery pack characterized in that it is arranged to be spaced apart at a predetermined distance along both sides of the pack frame.

15. In automobiles, A vehicle characterized by comprising at least one battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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