Battery pack

Abstract

A battery pack is disclosed. The battery pack includes: a pack case; a barrier installed to partition the inside of the pack case into multiple accommodation spaces; battery modules arranged in the multiple accommodation spaces, respectively; first heat insulation members which are arranged in the accommodation spaces to support lower parts of the battery modules and block heat from being transferred to a neighboring battery module through a lower part of the pack case during thermal runaway of the battery modules; and multiple second heat insulation members respectively arranged below the first heat insulation members and provided with heat insulation space parts for blocking heat from being transferred to a neighboring battery module through the lower part of the pack case during thermal runaway of the battery modules.

Description

battery pack

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority from Republic of Korea Patent Application No. 10-2023-0182402, dated December 14, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery pack capable of preventing heat generated during thermal runaway of a battery module from being transmitted to a neighboring battery module through a lower plate of a pack case in which the battery module is placed, and protecting the neighboring battery module even if gas and flames flow back to the neighboring battery module. Such a battery pack can prevent a thermal runaway chain reaction in the neighboring battery module.

[0003] Secondary batteries typically contain a cathode, anode, and an electrolyte, and generate electrical energy through chemical reactions. Their use is steadily increasing due to their ability to be recharged and discharged. Among these secondary batteries, lithium secondary batteries boast a high energy density per unit weight, making them widely used as power sources for electronic communication devices and as power sources for high-power hybrid and electric vehicles.

[0004] In terms of secondary battery form factor, demand is growing for square and pouch-type secondary batteries, which can be applied to products such as mobile phones due to their thin thickness. Regarding secondary battery materials, demand is also growing for lithium secondary batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries and lithium-ion polymer batteries, which boast high energy density, discharge voltage, and output stability.

[0005] Currently, widely used 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 battery cells can range from approximately 2.5 V to 4.2 V. If a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery module, and multiple battery modules are connected to form a battery pack. Furthermore, multiple battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery pack depending on the required charge / discharge capacity of the battery pack. In this way, the number of battery cells and battery modules, as well as the electrical connection structure, of the battery pack can be set in various ways depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0006] Battery cells built into battery modules are structured with a resin separator laminated between the positive and negative electrodes. Polyethylene separators begin to decompose at approximately 130°C, while polypropylene separators begin to decompose at approximately 170°C. The electrolyte decomposes at approximately 200°C, releasing heat.

[0007] Within a battery module containing multiple battery cells, one battery cell may explode due to an external impact, but one battery cell may also explode due to an internal factor of the battery module, such as a rise in temperature.

[0008] During the charging and discharging process of a battery pack, heat generated in the battery module may not be effectively dissipated. In this case, heat buildup occurs in some battery modules, leading to deterioration of the battery cells within the module. This rapid deterioration can lead to thermal runaway. If thermal runaway occurs, the cathode material's structure collapses, generating oxygen, further accelerating heat generation. This can lead to an uncontrolled rise in battery cell temperature.

[0009] In such a thermal runaway situation, the gases and flames from the explosion of a single battery cell are not quickly released to the outside, which can lead to larger problems such as thermal propagation, flames, or high-temperature, high-pressure gases affecting other nearby battery cells, resulting in a chain reaction of explosions. In other words, if one battery cell explodes in a battery module, a chain reaction of explosions can occur in other battery cells within the module. This leads to thermal runaway in the battery module. Therefore, a technology is required to interrupt the thermal runaway chain reaction before the battery cells within the battery module deteriorate to the initiation temperature of thermal runaway.

[0010] Conventionally, in battery packs, thermal resin was placed between the underside of each battery module and the lower plate of the pack case, thereby promoting heat dissipation of the battery module by dissipating heat energy generated from the battery module through the thermal resin and the lower plate. Additionally, heat sinks were sometimes installed on the inner or outer side of the lower plate to enhance the heat dissipation performance of the battery pack.

[0011] In this way, in the past, in order to prevent the phenomenon of thermal runaway, the focus was on developing technology to more quickly dissipate heat energy in the event of ignition or thermal runaway of the battery module.

[0012] However, if thermal runaway occurs in a single battery module among multiple battery modules, heat can rapidly spread to neighboring battery modules through the thermal resin, which has excellent thermal conductivity, and the lower plate of the pack case, potentially accelerating a thermal runaway chain reaction. This increases the risk of fire and explosion in the battery pack.

[0013] Meanwhile, a barrier is installed across the interior of the battery pack case. The barrier divides the interior space of the pack case into multiple accommodating spaces for battery modules. The barrier reinforces the rigidity of the battery pack and functions as a firewall installed between the multiple battery modules, preventing flames from spreading to adjacent battery modules. However, conventional, simple barrier structures have limitations in preventing flames from spreading to adjacent battery modules and do not block heat from spreading.

[0014] Therefore, under the thermal runaway situation described above, research is needed on a means to block heat generated in one battery module from being transferred to an adjacent battery module.

[0015] The background technology of the present invention is disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 2022-0035770 (published on March 22, 2022, title of the invention: Battery pack applying heat diffusion prevention structure between battery modules).

[0016] The present invention has been devised to solve the above-described problems.

[0017] The present invention is derived from the observation that the path through which heat generated by thermal runaway of one battery module is transmitted to another battery module is the cause of thermal runaway of a battery pack.

[0018] The present invention aims to provide a battery pack capable of blocking heat from being transferred to an adjacent battery module through a lower plate of a pack case when a thermal runaway of a battery module occurs.

[0019] The present invention aims to provide a battery pack capable of preventing a thermal runaway chain reaction of adjacent battery modules.

[0020] The present invention aims to provide a battery pack capable of protecting neighboring battery modules even when gas and flames flow back to the neighboring battery modules.

[0021] The technical objectives of the present invention are not limited to the purposes mentioned above. Other objectives and advantages of the present invention not mentioned above can be understood through the following description and will be more clearly understood through the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the objectives and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.

[0022] The conventional battery module heat dissipation structure applied to the lower plate of the pack case of the battery pack to prevent the battery cells within the battery module from deteriorating may rather promote heat propagation in the event of thermal runaway of the battery module.

[0023] The present invention can be applied to a battery pack including a pack case and a plurality of battery modules arranged inside the pack case.

[0024] The battery pack includes a barrier installed inside the pack case. The barrier divides the volume inside the pack case into a plurality of accommodation spaces. The plurality of battery modules are respectively arranged in the plurality of accommodation spaces.

[0025] To solve the above-described problem, the battery pack of the present invention includes a plurality of first insulating members that block heat from being transferred to adjacent battery modules through the lower portion of the pack case when the battery module experiences thermal runaway. The plurality of first insulating members are respectively arranged in the plurality of receiving spaces. The first insulating members are arranged at the lower portion of the battery module to support the lower portion of the battery module.

[0026] In addition, the battery pack of the present invention for solving the above-described problem includes a plurality of second insulating members each positioned below the plurality of first insulating members. Each of the second insulating members has an insulating space that blocks heat from being transferred to an adjacent battery module through the lower portion of the pack case in the event of thermal runaway of the battery module.

[0027] The plurality of second insulating members may be laminated on the lower portion of the plurality of first insulating members.

[0028] The upper surface of the first insulating member may be positioned higher than the bottom surface of the pack case.

[0029] The upper surface of the first insulating member may face the lower surface of the battery module. Preferably, the upper surface of the first insulating member may be in contact with the lower surface of the battery module.

[0030] The lower surface of the above battery module may be positioned higher than the bottom surface of the pack case.

[0031] The lower surface of the above battery module may not be in direct contact with the bottom surface of the pack case.

[0032] Preferably, the first insulating member may be formed wider than the lower surface of the battery module.

[0033] The first insulating member may be included on a heat conduction path from the lower surface of the battery module to the bottom surface of the pack case.

[0034] Preferably, the floor surface of the accommodation space may be formed wider than the first insulating member. Accordingly, at least a portion of the floor surface of the accommodation space may be exposed toward the accommodation space.

[0035] At least a portion of the second insulating member may be embedded in the bottom of the pack case.

[0036] The insulating space of the second insulating member may be placed below the bottom surface of the pack case.

[0037] The plurality of second insulating members may be installed so as to be laterally spaced apart from each other. The barrier may be placed between the second insulating members that are laterally adjacent.

[0038] The above insulation space may be formed wider than the lower surface of the battery module.

[0039] Preferably, the width of the second insulating member can substantially correspond to the width of the first insulating member.

[0040] The second insulating member may further include one or more partition walls that partition the insulating space into a plurality of spaces.

[0041] In some examples, the partition wall may laterally partition the insulated space.

[0042] In some examples, the partition wall may partition the insulated space into a first side and also a second side intersecting the first side.

[0043] In some examples, the partition wall may partition the insulated space laterally and vertically.

[0044] The above partition wall can be erected vertically in the above insulation space to support the above second insulation member.

[0045] In some examples, the partition wall may partition the insulated space section vertically.

[0046] The above battery pack may further include a heat-resistant cover installed to surround the upper side and side wall surfaces of the battery module to protect the battery module from transferred flames.

[0047] Preferably, a barrier insulation space may be formed within the barrier. Accordingly, the barrier can not only shield flames during thermal runaway but also suppress heat transfer.

[0048] The first and second insulating members described above only prevent heat transmission between battery modules and do not hinder heat dissipation of the battery module. The heat dissipation promoting structure of the battery module can be implemented in a structure that does not overlap with the heat diffusion prevention structure between battery modules described above.

[0049] The heat dissipation promoting structure of the above battery module can pass through the bottom surface of the pack case exposed to the receiving space.

[0050] According to the present invention, when a specific battery module experiences thermal runaway, heat transfer to the lower plate of the pack case is blocked by the first insulating member and / or the insulating space, thereby preventing heat from being transferred to the lower plate. Accordingly, a thermal runaway chain reaction can be prevented.

[0051] According to the present invention, by providing the first insulation member and the second insulation member in a laminated form, the thickness of the first insulation member can be made thinner for an equivalent insulation effect compared to a case where only the first insulation member is formed, thereby further securing the rigidity of the laminate of the first insulation member and the second insulation member.

[0052] According to the present invention, since at least a portion of the second insulating member is provided in a form embedded in the lower plate of the pack case, the second insulating member can contribute to improving the rigidity of the lower plate.

[0053] According to the present invention, since a plurality of second insulation members are installed in a separate form, one for each receiving space, the plurality of second insulation members can be physically and thermally isolated from each other, and a heat dissipation structure of the battery module can be constructed through at least a portion of the lower plate of the pack case disposed between adjacent second insulation members. Accordingly, heat dissipation of the battery module can be promoted under normal circumstances, and heat transmission between battery modules can be suppressed under thermal runaway circumstances.

[0054] According to the present invention, since a heat-resistant cover is installed to surround the battery module, the battery module can be protected from gas or flame flowing back through the top hole during thermal runaway.

[0055] According to the present invention, since the partition wall divides the insulating space into a plurality of spaces, the rigidity of the second insulating member can be increased, and the heat transfer inhibition effect can be enhanced by suppressing gas convection within the insulating space.

[0056] In addition to the effects described above, specific effects of the present invention are described below while explaining specific details for carrying out the invention.

[0057] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a first embodiment of a battery pack according to the present invention.

[0058] Figure 2 is a front cross-sectional view of the battery pack of Figure 1.

[0059] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module built into the battery pack of Figure 1 and an insulating member and a heat-resistant cover arranged around the battery module.

[0060] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of part 4 of Figure 2.

[0061] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the insulation member portion of the battery pack of the second embodiment.

[0062] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of section 6-6 of Figure 5.

[0063] Figure 7 is a schematic drawing illustrating a third embodiment of a battery pack according to the present invention.

[0064] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of part 8 of Figure 7.

[0065] Fig. 9 is a partially exploded perspective view showing a cross-sectional structure of the second insulation member of the fourth embodiment.

[0066] Figure 10 is a diagram showing a heat propagation path when a battery module of a battery pack experiences thermal runaway.

[0067] [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 100: Battery pack 110: Pack case 111: Bottom plate 112: Pack lid 113: Receiving space 118: Side plate 120: Barrier 122: Barrier insulation space 130: Battery module 140: First insulation member 150: Second insulation member 151: Insulation space 153,155: Compartment wall 160: Cooling path 170: Heat-resistant cover

[0069] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0070] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in various forms and with various modifications. However, these embodiments are provided to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included within the technical spirit and scope of the present invention, as well as substitutions or additions of the components of one embodiment with those of another embodiment.

[0071] The attached drawings are merely intended to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and should not be construed as limiting the technical ideas disclosed in this specification, but should be understood to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. In the drawings, the components may be expressed in exaggerated sizes or thicknesses for ease of understanding, but the scope of protection of the present invention should not be construed as being limited thereby.

[0072] The terminology used in this specification is only used to describe specific implementations or examples and is not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, the singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the specification, terms such as "comprises" and "consists of" are intended to indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification. In other words, it should be understood that terms such as "comprises" and "consists of" in the specification do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0073] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0074] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "in contact with" another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or in contact with that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "in contact with" another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0075] When a component is referred to as being "above" or "below" another component, it should be understood that it is not only positioned directly above that other component, but that there may also be other components present in between.

[0076] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0077] Hereinafter, a battery pack according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a battery pack (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a pack case (110), a barrier insulation space (122), a battery module (130), a plurality of first insulation members (140), and a plurality of second insulation members (150).

[0079] The pack case (110) includes a lower plate (111), a side plate (118) connected to the periphery of the lower plate (111) and extending in the vertical direction, and a pack lid (112) connected to the upper portion of the side plate (118) and covering an internal space defined by the lower plate (111) and the side plate (118). The lower plate (111) and the pack lid (112) are formed in a square plate shape, and the side plate (118) is formed in a square frame shape to surround the periphery of the lower plate (111) and the pack lid (112). The pack case (110) is formed by including a material with excellent thermal conductivity, such as aluminum, so as to be able to dissipate the thermal energy of the battery module (130).

[0080] Inside the pack case (110), one or more barriers (120) in the form of partitions are installed to divide the internal space into a plurality of accommodation spaces (113) for accommodating battery modules (130). The barriers (120) are installed in a form extending in a first side direction and / or a second side direction intersecting the first side direction so as to cross the interior of the pack case (110), thereby forming a plurality of accommodation spaces (113) arranged in a grid shape. The embodiment is implemented to have three barriers extending in the first side direction and one barrier extending in the second side direction.

[0081] The upper and lower portions of the barrier (120) may be formed in a straight beam shape to support the lower plate (111) and the upper plate (112). In addition, the extended end portions of the barrier (120) support the side plates (112). That is, the barrier (120) divides the internal space into a plurality of accommodation spaces (113) and also reinforces the rigidity of the pack case (110). Accordingly, even if external shock or vibration is transmitted to the pack case (110), the rigidity of the pack case (110) and the barrier (120) can prevent the battery pack (100) from being deformed or collapsed.

[0082] A hollow barrier insulation space (122) is provided inside the above barrier (120). The barrier insulation space (122) increases the insulation performance of the barrier (120). Accordingly, the barrier (120) can block flames and gases from one receiving space (113) from spreading to an adjacent receiving space (113) and suppress heat from one receiving space (113) from being transferred to an adjacent receiving space (113). In other words, the barrier (120) not only reinforces the rigidity of the pack case (110) but also blocks heat from being transferred between adjacent receiving spaces (113).

[0083] A plurality of battery modules (130) are each accommodated in a plurality of accommodation spaces (113) provided in a pack case (110). The battery module (130) includes a plurality of battery cells. In some examples, the battery module (130) may be implemented in the form of a housing that accommodates a plurality of battery cells therein. In some examples, the battery module (130) may be implemented in the form of a battery cell assembly in which a plurality of battery cells are mutually fixed.

[0084] The plurality of battery cells constituting the battery module (130) may include at least one type of cylindrical battery cell, square battery cell, and pouch-type battery cell. In addition, even when including one type of battery cell, battery cells having different specifications, different types of electrodes constituting the battery cell, different shapes of electrode assemblies, and / or different types of electrolyte may be included. In some examples, the battery cell may be in the form of an electrode assembly impregnated with an electrolyte. In some examples, the electrode assembly may be in the form of a negative electrode, a positive electrode, and a separator being laminated or wound.

[0085] The battery module (130) is equipped with terminals of different polarities (see FIG. 3). The terminals may be installed in various locations. The terminals of the battery module (130), although not illustrated, may be electrically connected by being joined to a plurality of bus bars arranged on a bus bar frame. The plurality of bus bars may be connected in series and / or in parallel to a plurality of battery modules (130) to achieve the required capacity and output voltage of the battery pack (100).

[0086] A plurality of first insulating members (140) are installed in the above battery pack (100). The plurality of first insulating members (140) are respectively arranged in the plurality of receiving spaces (113) to support the lower portions of the plurality of battery modules (130). The first insulating members (140) form at least a portion of a heat conduction path between the lower surface of the battery module (130) and the lower plate (111), thereby blocking heat from being transferred to another adjacent battery module (130) through the lower plate (111) of the pack case (110) when the battery module (130) experiences thermal runaway. The first insulating members (140) may be formed in a plate shape to stably support the lower surface of the battery module (130).

[0087] The first insulating member (140) may be composed of an insulating material that maintains a constant temperature for a long time and blocks heat inflow. For example, a glassy insulating material, a mineral insulating material, a metallic insulating material, and a carbonaceous insulating material may be used as the first insulating member (140). For example, glass wool may be used as the glassy insulating material, and asbestos, rock wool, and perlite may be used as the mineral insulating material. Siliceous, alumina, and magnesia materials that can be used as high-temperature refractory insulating materials may be used as the metallic insulating material. Carbonaceous fibers, carbon powder, and the like may be used as the carbonaceous insulating material. In this way, the first insulating member (140) may be manufactured from various insulating materials as long as it effectively blocks heat generated from the battery module (130) from being transferred to the lower plate (111).

[0088] The material of the first insulating member (140) may include one or more of mineral wool, glass wool, ceramic fiber, silica, and perlite, which have a porous fiber structure and excellent insulating performance.

[0089] In addition, a plurality of second insulating members (150) are installed in the battery pack (100). The plurality of second insulating members (150) are each positioned below the plurality of first insulating members (140). The first insulating members (140) and the second insulating members (150) may be provided in a form in which they are stacked vertically.

[0090] The second insulating member (150) has an insulating space (151) that blocks heat from being transferred to the neighboring battery module (130) through the lower plate (111) of the pack case (110) in the event of thermal runaway of the battery module (130). The insulating space (151) separates the first insulating member (140) and the lower plate (111) of the pack case (110) by a predetermined distance.

[0091] The second insulating member (150) is positioned so as to be interposed between the first insulating member (140) and the lower plate (111). Accordingly, the second insulating member (150) forms at least a portion of the heat conduction path between the first insulating member (140) and the lower plate (111), thereby blocking heat from being transferred to another adjacent battery module (130) through the lower plate (111) of the pack case (110) when the battery module (130) experiences thermal runaway.

[0092] The material constituting the second insulating member (150) may be a material corresponding to the material of the first insulating member (140) described above, or may be a different material. The second insulating member (150) may be manufactured from a material having a higher strength than the first insulating member (140). Accordingly, the rigidity that may be weakened due to the insulating space (151) can be reinforced. For example, the second insulating member (150) may be a high-strength synthetic resin material, a metal material, a ceramic material, or a composite material thereof.

[0093] The insulating space (151) can accommodate air. Air has a thermal conductivity of approximately 0.025 W / (m·K). This air has very high insulating performance, but is fluid, so it functions as an insulating material when sealed in the insulating space (151).

[0094] Due to deterioration of the battery cells during charging and discharging or external impact, some battery cells in the battery module (130) may ignite or undergo thermal runaway. This may result in heat propagation to neighboring battery cells within the same battery module (130), causing the battery module (130) to thermally runaway or ignite. In this way, a battery cell or a battery module including the battery cell may thermally runaway or ignite due to internal factors of the battery module (130), such as a temperature rise, or external factors, such as an external impact.

[0095] The heat generated when some battery modules (130) inside the battery pack (100) undergo thermal runaway may be transferred to the outside through a heat transfer path that is conducted toward the lower plate (111) of the battery pack (100) where the battery modules (130) are placed, and a convective heat transfer path that creates a high temperature and high pressure environment by heating the gas in the accommodation space (113) where the battery modules (130) are accommodated in the internal space of the battery pack (100).

[0096] At this time, the phenomenon of heat from the battery module (130) undergoing thermal runaway being conducted to the lower plate (111) is primarily blocked by the first insulating member (140) and secondarily blocked by the insulating space (151) of the second insulating member (150).

[0097] In addition, even if heat is transferred to the lower plate (111) through the insulating members (140, 150), the heat is also blocked from being transmitted to the neighboring battery module (130). That is, in the path through which the heat of the lower plate (111) is transferred to the neighboring battery module (130), the heat transfer is primarily blocked by the insulating space (151) of the second insulating member (150) supporting the lower portion of the neighboring battery module (130), and secondarily blocked by the first insulating member (140).

[0098] Additionally, while heat propagation is blocked in this manner, heat is released to the outside through the lower plate (111) and side plate of the pack case (110) and the pack lid (112) which have excellent thermal conductivity.

[0099] As a result, the high temperature heat generated from a battery module (130) that is subject to thermal runaway or ignition can be blocked from being transferred to a neighboring battery module (130) through the lower plate (111), thereby preventing a thermal runaway chain reaction.

[0100] In this way, the heat can be quickly released to the outside while preventing the heat from spreading to the neighboring battery modules (130) from the battery module (130) that is experiencing thermal runaway by installing a plurality of second insulation members (150) so that the neighboring second insulation members (150) are spaced apart from each other laterally. That is, the second insulation members (150) are installed one by one in each receiving space (113) in a separated state.

[0101] Preferably, the upper surface of the first insulating member (140) may be positioned higher than the bottom surface of the pack case (110), i.e., the upper surface of the lower plate (111). Accordingly, the lower surface of the battery module (130) may be positioned apart from the upper surface of the lower plate (111) by the height of the upper surface of the first insulating member (140). Accordingly, the lower plate (111) may be kept away from the thermal influence of the battery module (130).

[0102] Preferably, the insulating space (151) may be positioned below the bottom surface of the pack case (110), i.e., the upper surface of the lower plate (111). Accordingly, the insulating space (151) may not face the receiving space (113) with the material portion of the second insulating member (150) interposed therebetween. Accordingly, heat transfer between the battery module (130) and the second insulating member (150) may be prevented from occurring through a path other than the first insulating member (140). Additionally, as the height of the insulating space (151) is lowered, the volume of the receiving space (113) is further secured, thereby preventing the space utilization of the battery pack (100) from being reduced due to the insulating space (151).

[0103] More preferably, the upper surface of the second insulating member (150) may be positioned at a height corresponding to the upper surface of the lower plate (111). Accordingly, the second insulating member (150) may contribute to the rigidity of the lower plate (111).

[0104] The above first insulating member (140) and the insulating space (151) can be formed wider than the lower surface of the battery module (130). Accordingly, the thermal separation distance between the side surface of the battery module (130) and the lower plate (111) can be further increased.

[0105] Meanwhile, the battery pack (100) may include a heat-resistant cover (170) that is installed to surround the top and side surfaces of the battery module (130) and protects the battery module (130) from high-temperature and high-pressure gases and flames transferred due to thermal runaway of the adjacent battery module (130). For example, a mica sheet with excellent insulation properties may be used as the heat-resistant cover (170). Of course, at least one of the materials of the first insulation member (140) described above may be used as the material of the heat-resistant cover (170).

[0106] The above heat-resistant cover (170) can protect the battery module (130) from gas or flame flowing back through the top hole of the pack lead (112) when a thermal runaway occurs in the neighboring battery module (130).

[0107] Next, a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Since the second embodiment is identical to the first embodiment except for the structure of the second insulating member, the same components as those of the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0108] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the second insulating member (150) may include one or more partition walls (153) that partition the insulating space (151) into a plurality of spaces. The partition walls (153) may extend in a first or second direction and may be erected vertically to partition the insulating space (151) within the second insulating member (150). As illustrated in FIG. 6, the embodiment is implemented to include five partition walls (153) extending in the first direction and spaced apart from each other in the second direction, and seven partition walls (153) extending in the second direction and spaced apart from each other in the first direction.

[0109] Accordingly, since the insulating space (151) is divided into a plurality of spaces by the partition wall (153), the convection area of ​​the gas within the insulating space (151) can be further restricted, thereby further improving the insulating performance. In addition, since the partition wall extends in the vertical direction, the rigidity of the second insulating member (150) capable of resisting external impact or supporting the weight of the battery module (130) can be further increased. That is, the partition wall (153) restricts the fluidity of air and increases the rigidity of the second insulating member (150).

[0110] The partition wall (153) can be erected vertically in the insulating space (151) to support the second insulating member (150). The partition walls (153) can be arranged in parallel in the width direction or the length direction of the second insulating member (150). In addition, a plurality of partition walls (153) can be arranged at equal intervals. Such partition walls (153) can reduce the possibility of the second insulating member (150) collapsing due to the load of the battery module (130) or external impact. In addition, even if the partition wall (153) is installed in the insulating space (151), the height of the insulating space (151) does not change, so the insulating performance by the insulating space (151) may hardly be deteriorated.

[0111] Next, a battery pack according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Since the third embodiment is identical to the first embodiment except for the structure of the second insulating member, the same components as those of the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0112] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the second insulating member (150) may include a partition wall (155) that divides the insulating space (151) into upper and lower portions. At this time, the partition wall (155) may divide the insulating space (151) into an upper space and a lower space. The number of partition walls (155) may vary depending on the height of the insulating space (151). Since the insulating space (151) is divided in the upper and lower direction, the heat of the battery module (130) can be gradually blocked from being transferred to the lower plate (111) when the battery pack (100) experiences thermal runaway.

[0113] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 7, despite the heat diffusion prevention structure (120, 140, 150, 170) between the battery modules described above, the heat dissipation structure (160) of the battery module (130) may be applied together. The heat dissipation structure may be implemented as a structure that does not overlap with the heat diffusion prevention structure. A cooling path (160) for promoting heat dissipation of the battery module (130) may be connected to a side or bottom surface of the battery module (130) and may extend to the outside through the lower plate (111) of the pack case (110) exposed to the receiving space.

[0114] For example, the heat dissipation structure (160) may be manufactured from a material whose thermal conductivity drops sharply or melts and breaks when the temperature rises above a predetermined temperature. Accordingly, in the event of thermal runaway of the battery module (130), the cooling path (160) may be eliminated.

[0115] Next, a battery pack according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Since the fourth embodiment is identical to the first embodiment except for the structure of the second insulating member, the same components as those of the first embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 9, the second insulation member (150) may include both a partition wall (153) that divides the insulation space (151) within the second insulation member (150) in a form that extends in the first or second side and is erected in the vertical direction, and a partition wall (155) that divides the insulation space (151) into an upper space and a lower space. That is, the second insulation member (150) may include both a vertical partition wall (153) and a horizontal partition wall (155). The effects resulting from the addition of these partition walls (153, 155) have been described in the second and third embodiments.

[0117] Referring to Fig. 10, the operational effects of the battery pack (100) of the embodiment according to the present invention will be described. When thermal runaway occurs in a battery module (130) disposed in a certain receiving space (113) inside the battery pack (100), the path through which heat is conducted from the lower surface of the battery module (130) to the lower plate (111) is gradually blocked by the first insulating member (140) and the second insulating member (150). In addition, the path through which heat generated in the battery module (130) convects is shielded by the barrier (120). In addition, since the barrier (120) has a hollow barrier insulating space (122), heat conduction through the barrier (120) is also blocked.

[0118] In addition, the heat of high temperature gas or flames transmitted to the neighboring receiving space (113) through the space of the pack lead (112) or the space between the pack lead (112) and the barrier (120) is blocked by the heat-resistant cover (170) covering the upper surface and side surface of the neighboring battery module (130), thereby preventing heat from being transmitted to the upper surface and side surface of the neighboring battery module (130).

[0119] In addition, even if some heat is conducted through the lower plate (111), the second insulation member (150) and the first insulation member (140) are present in the heat conduction path of the neighboring battery module (130) and the lower plate (111), so that heat can be prevented from being transmitted to the lower surface of the neighboring battery module (130).

[0120] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings exemplified above, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed herein, and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. Furthermore, even if the operational effects according to the configuration of the present invention have not been explicitly described while describing the embodiments of the present invention, it is natural that the effects predictable by the corresponding configuration should also be acknowledged.

Claims

1. Pack case (110); A barrier (120) installed to divide a plurality of accommodation spaces (113) into the interior of the above pack case; A plurality of battery modules (130) each arranged in the plurality of accommodation spaces (113); A plurality of first insulating members (140) each arranged in the plurality of receiving spaces to support the lower portion of the battery module (130) and blocking heat from being transferred to the neighboring battery module through the lower portion of the pack case (110) when the battery module (130) experiences thermal runaway; and A battery pack comprising a plurality of second insulating members (150) each arranged at the lower portion of the first insulating member (140) and having an insulating space (151) that blocks heat from being transferred to an adjacent battery module through the lower portion of the pack case (110) when the battery module (130) experiences thermal runaway.

2. A battery pack in the first paragraph, wherein the plurality of second insulating members (150) are installed laterally spaced apart from each other with the barrier (120) between them.

3. A battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the upper surface of the first insulating member (140) is positioned higher than the bottom surface of the pack case (110).

4. A battery pack in the first paragraph, wherein the insulating space (150) is positioned below the bottom surface of the pack case (110).

5. In the first paragraph, the first insulating member (140) and the insulating space (151) are formed wider than the lower surface of the battery module (130). Battery pack.

6. A battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the second insulating member (150) includes one or more partition walls (153, 155) that partition the insulating space (151) into a plurality of spaces.

7. In the 6th paragraph, the battery pack, wherein the partition wall (153) is erected vertically in the insulating space to support the second insulating member (150).

8. In the 6th paragraph, the battery pack, wherein the partition wall (155) partitions the insulating space (151) upwardly and downwardly.

9. A battery pack further comprising a heat-resistant cover (170) installed to surround the upper side and side wall surfaces of the battery module (130) and protect the battery module from transferred flames in the first paragraph.

10. A battery pack according to claim 1, wherein a barrier insulation space (122) is formed inside the barrier (120).

Images