Battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery pack including: multiple battery cells; a pack housing of which at least one side surface is opened to accommodate the multiple battery cells; and a pack cover for covering the opened one side surface of the pack housing and provided with an expansion member configured to expand when the temperature in the inner space thereof is equal to or higher than a reference value.

Description

Battery pack and vehicle including same

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

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0190479, filed on December 22, 2023, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated by reference into this application.

[0003] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0184030, filed on December 11, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] Secondary batteries, which boast high electrical properties such as high energy density and easy applicability across a wide range of product categories, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electrical power sources. These batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for environmental friendliness and energy efficiency, not only because they can dramatically reduce fossil fuel use, but also because they produce no byproducts from energy use.

[0005] Commonly used secondary battery types today include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. When high output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery module or battery pack. Furthermore, to increase charge / discharge capacity, multiple battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery module or battery pack.

[0006] When connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel to form a battery pack, it's common to first construct a battery module containing at least one battery cell, and then use this at least one battery module to add other components to form a battery pack or battery rack. Recently, battery packs in the cell-to-pack form, where multiple battery cells are housed directly in a pack housing or other device, without modularization, have also been manufactured.

[0007] In conventional battery packs, if heat continues to accumulate within the battery module or battery pack due to battery cell abnormalities or misuse, the heat can rapidly spread between the cells (thermal propagation). This can lead to simultaneous ignition of multiple battery cells, making it difficult to extinguish the thermal event. Furthermore, the damage can be exacerbated by an explosion of the battery module or battery pack.

[0008] In particular, conventional battery packs have a problem in that when thermal runaway occurs internally, the upper part of the battery pack becomes heated, acting as an ignition source (heat source), and reacts with the combustible gas and oxygen discharged to the outside to generate a flame, which causes the upper part of the battery pack to ignite when the three elements of fuel, oxygen, and heat source are met.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need to develop a structure that can effectively prevent fire from occurring in a battery pack or a device including the same by removing the heat source and preventing the upper portion of the battery pack from heating.

[0010] Accordingly, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery pack having an improved structure that can effectively and quickly prevent ignition in a battery pack or a device including the same.

[0011] However, the 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.

[0012] To solve the above problem, the present invention provides a battery pack comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a pack housing having at least one open side for accommodating the plurality of battery cells; and a pack cover covering the open side of the pack housing and having an expandable member configured to expand when a temperature in an internal space exceeds a reference value.

[0013] The pack housing may have an open upper surface, and the pack cover may be configured to cover the open upper surface of the pack housing.

[0014] The pack cover includes a first cover provided on the outside of the plurality of battery cells and a second cover provided on the outside of the first cover, and the expansion member may be provided between the first cover and the second cover.

[0015] The above pack cover may be configured such that the gap between the first cover and the second cover increases as the expansion member expands.

[0016] The above expansion member may be configured to contact both the first cover and the second cover.

[0017] The above-mentioned expansion member may be configured in a sheet shape.

[0018] The above expansion member may be provided in multiple pieces and arranged to be spaced apart from each other.

[0019] The above expansion members may each be configured to extend lengthwise in one direction.

[0020] The above expansion member may be configured to have different expansion rates depending on its location.

[0021] At least some of the plurality of expansion members may be configured such that the expansion rate increases from the distal end to the central end of the pack cover.

[0022] And, the present invention provides an automobile characterized by including a battery pack according to the present invention.

[0023] According to one aspect of the present invention, the safety and reliability of a battery pack can be ensured by suppressing ignition at the upper portion of the battery pack in the event of an abnormal condition of the battery cell.

[0024] In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, events resulting from thermal runaway, such as fire or explosion, in a device equipped with a battery pack can be prevented or delayed.

[0025] In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, the structural rigidity of the battery pack can be secured as the pack cover is provided with a double structure.

[0026] In addition, the present invention may have various other effects, which will be described in each embodiment configuration, or an explanation of effects that can be easily inferred by a person skilled in the art will be omitted.

[0027] 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.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, Fig. 3 may be a drawing illustrating cross-section I-I' of Fig. 1.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example in which an expandable member included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention is expanded.

[0032] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a pack cover included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a pack cover included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a pack cover included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 8 is a top view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing one embodiment of a pack cover shape when the expansion member is expanded in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing another embodiment of a pack cover shape when the expansion member is expanded in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0041] Furthermore, the present invention includes various embodiments. For each embodiment, redundant descriptions of substantially identical or similar components will be omitted, and the differences will be described.

[0042] Meanwhile, in the present invention, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back may be used, but it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms are only for convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the location of the target object or the location of the observer.

[0043] For example, in an embodiment of the present invention, the X-axis direction shown in the drawing may mean a left-right direction, the Y-axis direction may mean a front-back direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction on a horizontal plane (XY plane), and the Z-axis direction may mean an up-down direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0044]

[0045] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 3 may be a view illustrating a cross-section taken along line I-I' of FIG. 1. In addition, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example in which an expandable member included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention is expanded.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell (100), a pack housing (200), and a pack cover (300).

[0047] First, referring primarily to FIG. 2, a plurality of battery cells (100) may be included. In addition, although not shown in the drawing, the plurality of battery cells (100) may include an electrode assembly, a cell case accommodating the electrode assembly, and electrode leads connected to the electrode assembly and extending outward from the cell case to function as electrode terminals. In this case, the plurality of battery cells (100) may be electrically connected to each other.

[0048] The battery cell (100) may be a pouch-type secondary battery. The cell case of such a pouch-type secondary battery may be configured in a pouch shape in which a metal layer made of aluminum is interposed between polymer layers.

[0049] A plurality of battery cells (100) can be arranged in a vertical direction (Z-axis direction) and in a parallel manner in the front-back direction (Y-axis direction), as shown in FIG. 2.

[0050] Meanwhile, the present invention is not limited by the specific type or shape of the battery cell (100), and various battery cells (100) known at the time of filing of the present invention may be employed to construct the battery pack (1) of the present invention. In this embodiment, a pouch-type secondary battery having a high energy density and easy stacking is targeted as shown in the drawing, but it goes without saying that a cylindrical or square secondary battery may be applied as the battery cell (100).

[0051] The pack housing (200) may be configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells (100). The pack housing (200) may be formed with a plurality of accommodation spaces configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells (100) in a divided manner. The accommodation spaces may be empty spaces and may be provided in a shape capable of accommodating a predetermined number of divided battery cells (100) therein. The pack housing (200) may be configured to have at least one side open.

[0052] The pack housing (200) may be made of a material that can ensure mechanical strength, such as metal or plastic, such as steel or SUS, or may include such a material, in order to safely protect the battery cells (100) housed therein.

[0053] The pack cover (300) may be configured to cover one open side of the pack housing (200). The pack cover (300) may be provided so as to be connectable to the pack housing (200), as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, or may be provided integrally with the pack housing (200). The pack cover (300) may be made of a material that can ensure mechanical rigidity, such as a metal such as steel or SUS, or a plastic, or may include such a material.

[0054] In particular, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the pack cover (300) may be provided with an expandable member (E) in its internal space. The expandable member (E) may be configured to expand when the temperature is above a reference value. The reference value may be set to a temperature at which a thermal event, such as thermal runaway, occurs in the battery pack (1). Alternatively, the reference value may be set to a temperature at which a fire starts to occur inside or outside the battery pack (1). For example, the reference value may be approximately 600 degrees.

[0055] Accordingly, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, when the battery pack (1) is in a normal state, the internal space of the pack cover (300) does not expand, thereby minimizing the height of the battery pack (1). On the other hand, when a specific event occurs in the battery pack (1) and the temperature exceeds a reference value, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the expansion member (E) expands, thereby increasing the volume of the internal space of the pack cover (300). In this case, a vacuum-like air layer is secured within the pack cover (300), thereby improving the insulation performance of the pack cover (300).

[0056] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs in the battery pack (1), the expansion member (E) inside the pack cover (300) expands, thereby preventing the pack cover (300) from being heated and acting as an ignition source. Accordingly, by removing the heat source among the elements that generate flames, the occurrence of a fire in the pack cover (300) can be suppressed. Accordingly, the safety and reliability of the battery pack (1) can be guaranteed.

[0057]

[0058] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 2, at least one of the plurality of battery cells (100) may be modularized into a plurality of battery modules (10). The battery modules (10) may be configured to accommodate at least some of the plurality of battery cells (100) in their respective internal spaces. That is, the battery pack (1) according to the present invention includes a plurality of battery modules (10), and the plurality of battery cells (100) included in the battery pack (1) may be divided and included in the plurality of battery modules (10). At this time, the plurality of battery cells (100) included in the battery modules (10) may be electrically connected to each other.

[0059] A plurality of battery modules (10) may be arranged adjacently in the front-back direction and / or left-right direction along a plurality of rows. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a plurality of battery modules (10) may be arranged in four rows along the front-back direction (X-axis direction) and in two rows along the left-right direction (Y-axis direction).

[0060] Additionally, although not shown in the drawing, the battery module (10) may include a venting hole configured to allow gas generated from the battery cell (100) to be discharged to the outside and / or a busbar assembly and / or module terminal electrically connected to a plurality of battery cells (100) housed therein.

[0061]

[0062] Additionally, referring primarily to FIG. 2, the pack housing (200) may include a plurality of plates. For example, the pack housing (200) may be configured in a box shape with an open top, and may be configured to cover the lower surfaces and side surfaces of a plurality of battery cells (100). That is, the pack cover (300) may be provided on the upper portion of the battery cells (100) and configured to cover the open upper surface of the pack housing (200).

[0063] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the upper portion of the pack cover (300) can be prevented from igniting and fire from spreading to the outside of the battery pack (1). As a result, fire can be effectively prevented from occurring in a device including the battery pack (1).

[0064] Meanwhile, although the drawing of this specification illustrates an embodiment in which a pack cover (300) is provided on the upper side of a plurality of battery cells (100), the pack cover (300) may also be provided on the lower or side side of a plurality of battery cells (100).

[0065] The pack housing (200) may further include a cross beam configured to partition a plurality of battery cells (100) or a plurality of battery modules (10).

[0066] The pack housing (200) may include a venting device (210). The venting device (210) may be configured to discharge gas generated from battery cells (100) housed therein to the outside of the pack housing (200). When venting gas is generated inside the pack housing (200) and the internal pressure increases, the venting device (210) may be configured to open due to the pressure of the venting gas and discharge the venting gas to the outside of the pack housing (200).

[0067] For example, the venting device (210) may be configured to open and close depending on the internal pressure within the pack housing (200). Alternatively, the venting device (210) may be configured in the form of a hole. Meanwhile, the present invention is not limited by the specific type or shape of the venting device (210), and various venting devices (210) known at the time of filing of the present invention may be employed to configure the battery pack (1) of the present invention.

[0068] Meanwhile, the number or location of the venting device (210) described based on the embodiment of FIG. 2 is merely an example, and it is obvious that the number or location may be changed to various other numbers or locations.

[0069]

[0070] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a pack cover included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 5, the pack cover (300) may be provided with a double structure. Specifically, the pack cover (300) may include a first cover (310) and a second cover (320). The first cover (310) and the second cover (320) may be configured to be arranged in an inward direction from the outward direction. For example, the first cover (310) and the second cover (320) may be configured to be arranged in a vertical direction. The first cover (310) may be provided on the outer side of the plurality of battery cells (100). The second cover (320) may be provided on the outer side of the first cover (310). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the first cover (310) may be provided on the upper side of the plurality of battery cells (100), and the second cover (320) may be provided on the upper side of the first cover (310).

[0072] At this time, the expansion member (E) may be provided between the first cover (310) and the second cover (320). That is, the pack cover (300) may be configured as a sandwich structure in which the expansion member (E) is provided between two covers.

[0073] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the pack cover (300) is configured with a sandwich structure, an air layer can be more easily formed in the internal space of the pack cover (300) when the expansion member (E) is expanded. In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the pack cover (300) is provided with a double structure, the structural rigidity of the battery pack (1) can be secured.

[0074]

[0075] Meanwhile, referring back to FIG. 4, the pack cover (300) may be configured such that the gap between the first cover (310) and the second cover (320) increases at least partially as the expandable member (E) expands. The first cover (310) and the second cover (320) may be configured such that they move vertically away from their original positions as the expandable member (E) expands.

[0076] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs in the battery pack (1), as the distance between the first cover (310) and the second cover (320) increases, an air layer can be secured between the first cover (310) and the second cover (320). In particular, the second cover (320) located at the outermost side can be heated and a fire can be prevented or suppressed from occurring. Accordingly, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent a fire from occurring at the outermost side of the battery pack (1) and spreading to a device including the battery pack (1).

[0077]

[0078] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a pack cover included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] The expandable member (E) may be configured to be in contact with both the first cover (310) and the second cover (320). For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the first cover (310) and the second cover (320) may be configured to be spaced apart from each other, and the expandable member (E) may be provided in the space therebetween. Specifically, the lower end of the expandable member (E) may be configured to be seated on the first cover (310), and the upper end of the expandable member (E) may be configured to be in contact with the second cover (320). Even if the expandable member (E) is expanded by heat, the first cover (310) and the second cover (320) may be configured to still remain in contact with the expandable member (E).

[0080] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the height of the battery pack (1) can be minimized by minimizing the distance between the first cover (310) and the second cover (320) in the normal state of the battery pack (1). As a result, the energy density of the battery pack (1) can be improved.

[0081]

[0082] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a pack cover included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] In another embodiment, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the first cover (310) and the second cover (320) may be configured to contact each other. At this time, a receiving groove (330) may be formed in the pack cover (300). The receiving groove (330) may be configured such that at least one of the first cover (310) and the second cover (320) is sunken inward. For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the expansion member (E) may be configured to be seated in the first cover (310) and received in the receiving groove (330) formed in the second cover (320). Although FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment in which the receiving groove (330) is formed in the second cover (320), the receiving groove (330) may be formed in the first cover (310) or in both the first cover (310) and the second cover (320).

[0084] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the height of the battery pack (1) can be further reduced by minimizing the thickness of the pack cover (300) in the normal state of the battery pack (1). As a result, the energy density of the battery pack (1) can be further improved.

[0085] In addition, the receiving groove (330) may be configured to receive the expandable member (E). The receiving groove (330) may be configured to restrict the expandable member (E) from moving in a horizontal direction. According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when the expandable member (E) is expanded by heat, the expandable member (E) can be prevented from being separated from the first cover (310) and / or the second cover (320). Accordingly, the expandable member (E) is maintained in contact with the first cover (310) and / or the second cover (320), thereby more reliably separating the first cover (310) and the second cover (320).

[0086]

[0087] Meanwhile, the expansion member (E) may be configured in a sheet shape. Although the thickness of the expansion member (E) is exaggerated in the drawing, it is preferable that the expansion member (E) be configured in a very thin sheet shape. In addition, the thickness of the expansion member (E) may be configured to be very thin compared to the first cover (310) and the second cover (320). For example, the expansion member (E) may be configured as a tape, paint, a very thin pad, etc. In this case, it is more preferable in terms of the insulation performance of the pack cover (300) to be configured in a band shape to cover a part of the pack cover (300) rather than to be configured to cover the entire pack cover (300).

[0088]

[0089] FIG. 8 is a top view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] Referring to Fig. 8, a plurality of expansion members (E) may be provided. The plurality of expansion members (E) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other. The plurality of expansion members (E) may be arranged along the stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells (100). Accordingly, when the expansion members (E) are expanded by heat, a vacuum air layer is formed between the expansion members (E), thereby preventing the pack cover (300) from being heated.

[0091] The plurality of expandable members (E) may be configured to extend longitudinally along one direction. The said one direction may be a direction orthogonal to the horizontal direction and the arrangement direction of the plurality of expandable members (E). The plurality of expandable members (E) may be arranged parallel to each other.

[0092] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when the expandable member (E) is expanded by heat, the space between the expandable members (E) can be configured to have a constant volume. Accordingly, by providing air layers within the pack cover (300) at constant intervals, insulation performance can be evenly secured within the pack cover (300), thereby preventing any specific part from being heated.

[0093]

[0094] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing one embodiment of a pack cover shape when the expansion member is expanded in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] Meanwhile, when a plurality of expandable members (E) are provided, the plurality of expandable members (E) may be configured to have different expansion rates depending on their positions. Here, the expansion rate may be a value expressed as a percentage (%), which is the value obtained by dividing the volume of the expandable member (E) after the expandable member (E) has expanded at a specific temperature by the volume before the expandable member (E) has expanded. The expansion rate of the expandable member (E) may be provided differently by varying the composition ratio or material of the expandable member (E) depending on the position of the expandable member (E).

[0096] For example, the expansion member (E) may be configured to have a different expansion rate from the distal end to the central end of the pack cover (300). Accordingly, when the temperature reaches a reference value, the expanded volume or length of each expansion member (E) may be provided differently depending on the position of the expansion member (E). Accordingly, when the expansion member (E) is expanded, the gap between the first cover (310) and the second cover (320) may be provided differently depending on the position of the pack cover (300).

[0097] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the expansion ratio of the expandable member (E) can be configured differently for each location depending on the location where the pack cover (300) is easily heated, the location of the venting portion of the battery cell (100) or the battery module (10), etc., so that the location of the air layer formed inside the pack cover (300) can be designed differently. The expansion ratio of the expandable member (E) can be designed through experiments.

[0098] As one embodiment, at least some of the plurality of expandable members (E) may be configured such that the expansion rate increases from the distal end to the central end of the pack cover (300). Since the expansion rate of the expandable members (E) increases from the distal end to the central end of the pack cover (300), when the expandable members (E) expand, the central portions of the first cover (310) and / or the second cover (320) may be configured to have a vertically convex shape. For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in 9, when the expandable members (E) expand, the central portion of the second cover (320) may be deformed into an outwardly convex shape.

[0099] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when the expandable member (E) expands, only the central portion of the second cover (320) is deformed outward, thereby preventing the distal portions of the first cover (310) and the second cover (320) from being separated. Accordingly, even if the expandable member (E) expands inside the pack cover (300), the bonding force of the pack cover (300) is maintained, thereby preventing various components inside the battery pack (1) from being damaged. Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the structural stability of the battery pack (1) can be secured.

[0100]

[0101] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing another embodiment of a pack cover shape when the expansion member is expanded in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] Unlike the above embodiment, when the expandable member (E) expands due to heat, the first cover (310) may be deformed into a convex shape toward the inside of the battery pack (1), as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10. In this case, as the expandable member (E) expands, it can effectively fill the space formed between the first cover (310) and the battery cell (100) or battery module (10).

[0103] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, even if a thermal event occurs in the battery pack (1) and the expansion member (E) expands, the overall shape of the battery pack (1) is maintained, and a fire can be prevented from occurring in the upper part of the battery pack (1).

[0104] In addition, when the battery pack (1) is installed in a device such as an automobile, there are many cases where a large amount of space cannot be secured outside the battery pack (1). According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, even if the space outside the battery pack (1) is not sufficient, space is secured for the expansion member (E) to expand, thereby ensuring the efficiency of the battery pack (1) while also ensuring the insulation performance of the pack cover (300).

[0105] Meanwhile, for this purpose, the second cover (320) may be configured to include a material having greater rigidity than the first cover (310). The second cover (320) may be configured to include a material that does not deform even when the expansion member (E) expands.

[0106] In particular, the second cover (320) may be provided on the outermost side of the battery pack (1) and exposed to the outside. As in the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the second cover (320) is provided with a material having high structural rigidity, the structural stability of the battery pack (1) can be further secured. As a result, the internal components of the battery pack (1) can be protected even when various shocks such as thermal events or vibrations are applied.

[0107]

[0108] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 11, a vehicle (V) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle (V) according to the present invention may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle (V) includes a four-wheel vehicle and a two-wheel vehicle. The vehicle (V) may operate by receiving power from a battery pack (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] The above vehicle (V) is equipped with a battery pack (1) including a pack cover (300) having an expansion member (E) configured to expand when the temperature in the internal space reaches a reference value, thereby preventing or delaying an event due to a thermal runaway phenomenon, such as a fire or explosion, in the battery pack (1) or the vehicle (V).

[0111]

[0112] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations can be made within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims to be described below by a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains.

Claims

1. Multiple battery cells; A pack housing having at least one open side for accommodating the plurality of battery cells; and A battery pack characterized by including a pack cover covering an open side of the pack housing and having an expansion member configured to expand when a temperature in an internal space exceeds a reference value.

2. In paragraph 1, The above pack housing has an open upper surface, A battery pack, characterized in that the pack cover is configured to cover the open upper surface of the pack housing.

3. In paragraph 1, The above pack cover A first cover provided on the outside of the above plurality of battery cells, Including a second cover provided on the outside of the first cover, A battery pack, characterized in that the expansion member is provided between the first cover and the second cover.

4. In paragraph 3, A battery pack, characterized in that the pack cover is configured such that the gap between the first cover and the second cover increases as the expansion member expands.

5. In paragraph 3, A battery pack, characterized in that the expansion member is configured to contact both the first cover and the second cover.

6. In paragraph 1, A battery pack, characterized in that the above-mentioned expansion member is configured in a sheet shape.

7. In paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the above expansion members are provided in multiple pieces and arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other.

8. In paragraph 7, A battery pack, characterized in that each of the above expansion members is configured to extend lengthwise along one direction.

9. In paragraph 7, A battery pack, wherein the expansion member has a different expansion rate depending on its location.

10. In paragraph 9, A battery pack, characterized in that at least some of the plurality of expansion members are configured such that the expansion rate increases from the distal end of the pack cover to the central end.

11. A vehicle comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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