Battery pack and vehicle comprising same

Abstract

A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a plurality of battery cells; a pack case accommodating the plurality of battery cells; and a side frame supporting the plurality of battery cells in the pack case, and having a heat transfer prevention unit for preventing a heat transfer toward an adjacent battery cell when a thermal event occurs in at least one battery cell among the plurality of 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 with improved safety and a vehicle including the same.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0012306, filed on January 26, 2024, 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] However, when multiple battery cells are densely packed in a confined space, they can be vulnerable to thermal events. Specifically, if a single battery cell experiences a thermal runaway event, it can generate high-temperature gases, flames, and heat. If these gases, flames, or heat spread to other battery cells within the same battery pack, an explosive chain reaction, such as thermal propagation, can occur. This chain reaction can then trigger an accident, such as a fire or explosion, within the battery pack.

[0007] Moreover, for medium- to large-sized battery packs, such as those used in electric vehicles, the risk of a thermal chain reaction can be even greater due to the inclusion of a large number of battery cells to increase output and / or capacity. Furthermore, battery packs installed in electric vehicles may be surrounded by other users, such as drivers. Therefore, if a thermal event occurring in the battery pack is not properly controlled and a chain reaction occurs, it could result in significant property damage and even human casualties.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need to find a way to provide a battery pack and a vehicle including the same that can prevent heat transfer to adjacent battery cells during a thermal event.

[0009] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack and a vehicle including the same capable of preventing heat transfer toward adjacent battery cells during a thermal event.

[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; a pack case accommodating the plurality of battery cells; and a side frame supporting the plurality of battery cells within the pack case and having a heat transfer prevention member for preventing heat transfer to an adjacent battery cell when a thermal event occurs in at least one battery cell among the plurality of battery cells.

[0012] In addition, preferably, the side frame supports the battery cells without interfering with the venting portion provided at the bottom of the plurality of battery cells, and the heat transfer prevention portion may be provided to protrude from the bottom of the side frame so as to be positioned closer to the bottom of the pack case than the venting portion.

[0013] In addition, preferably, the heat transfer prevention part may be filled with a predetermined filling material.

[0014] Additionally, preferably, the filling material may be a potting resin.

[0015] In addition, preferably, the heat transfer prevention member may be formed to have a predetermined height from the bottom of the side frame.

[0016] Additionally, preferably, the predetermined height may be at least 2.5 mm.

[0017] Additionally, preferably, a venting space may be formed between the pack case and the side frame to guide venting of gas generated during the thermal event.

[0018] Additionally, preferably, the venting space may be provided at the bottom of the heat transfer prevention part.

[0019] Additionally, preferably, the height of the venting space may be at least 5 mm.

[0020] In addition, preferably, the pack case includes a base plate having a plurality of protrusions supporting the bottom of the side frame; and an outer side wall coupled to the base plate and forming a side surface of the pack case, wherein the venting space can be formed between the plurality of protrusions.

[0021] Additionally, preferably, the plurality of protrusions may be formed integrally with the base plate.

[0022] Additionally, preferably, the battery pack may include at least one venting device installed on the outer side wall and communicating with the venting space.

[0023] In addition, preferably, the side frame includes a pair of side walls provided at the outermost portion of the side frame; and a plurality of side structures provided between the pair of side walls and supporting the plurality of battery cells, and the heat transfer prevention member may be provided at the bottom of the pair of side walls and the bottom of the plurality of side structures.

[0024] In addition, preferably, the heat transfer prevention member may be formed to protrude at a predetermined height from the bottom of the pair of side walls and the bottom of the plurality of side structures.

[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 toward adjacent battery cells during a thermal event.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining the cell array structure of the battery pack of FIG. 2.

[0032] Fig. 4 is a drawing for explaining the bottom of the cell array structure of Fig. 3.

[0033] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the main part of the cell array structure of Figure 4.

[0034] Figure 6 is a drawing of the cell array structure of Figure 4 excluding the filling member.

[0035] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of a main part of a battery pack in the width direction according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Fig. 8 is a drawing for explaining the pack case of the battery pack of Fig. 2.

[0037] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a gas discharge path of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Fig. 10 is an enlarged view of part A of the battery pack of Fig. 9.

[0039] Fig. 11 is an enlarged view of part B of the battery pack of Fig. 9.

[0040] Figure 12 is a partially exploded perspective view of the cell array structure of Figure 3.

[0041] Fig. 13 is a drawing for explaining the side structure of the side frame of the cell array structure of Fig. 12.

[0042] Fig. 14 is a drawing for explaining the bottom of the side structure of Fig. 13.

[0043] Fig. 15 is a drawing for explaining the arrangement of battery cells supported on the side structure of Fig. 14.

[0044] FIG. 16 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048]

[0049] 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.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery pack (10) is provided in a vehicle (see FIG. 16, hereinafter) or an energy storage device, and may be provided as an energy source for the vehicle or the energy storage device. The battery pack (10) may be configured to include a plurality of battery cells to increase output and / or capacity, thereby forming a medium- to large-sized battery pack.

[0051] Hereinafter, the battery pack (10) according to the present embodiment will be examined in more detail with reference to the related drawings below.

[0052] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining the cell array structure of the battery pack of FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining the bottom of the cell array structure of FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the main part of the cell array structure of FIG. 4, FIG. 6 is a drawing of the cell array structure of FIG. 4 excluding the filling member, and FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the main part in the width direction of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 7 and the preceding FIGS. 1 and 2, the battery pack (10) may include a plurality of battery cells (110), a pack case (200), and a side frame (130).

[0054] The plurality of battery cells (110) 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 (110) are provided as a cylindrical secondary battery. The plurality of battery cells (110) may be arranged in a plurality in both the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) and the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the pack case (200) in order to realize a large capacity of the battery pack (10). For example, the plurality of battery cells (110) may be arranged in a matrix form within the pack case (200).

[0055] The pack case (200) can accommodate the plurality of battery cells (110). To this end, the pack case (200) may be provided with a receiving space capable of accommodating the plurality of battery cells (110). In addition to the plurality of battery cells (110), various components constituting the battery pack (10) may be accommodated in the receiving space.

[0056] The side frame (130) can support the plurality of battery cells (110) within the pack case (200). The side frame (130) can, together with the battery cells (110), form a cell array structure (100) to be described later. The cell array structure (100) will be described in more detail in the related description below.

[0057] The side frame (130) may be provided with a heat transfer prevention unit (150) to prevent heat transfer toward an adjacent battery cell (110) when a thermal event occurs in at least one battery cell (110) among the plurality of battery cells (110). When the thermal event occurs, a flame or the like may occur in the battery cell (110) where the event occurred. The heat transfer prevention unit (150) may be configured to block the flame from flowing toward the adjacent surrounding battery cells (110).

[0058] According to one embodiment of the present invention, by blocking the inflow of flame generated in an event cell during a thermal event toward adjacent surrounding battery cells (110) through a heat transmission prevention unit (150) provided in the side frame (130), a thermal chain reaction that may be caused by heat transmission during a thermal event can be effectively prevented.

[0059] The side frame (130) can support the battery cells without interfering with the venting portion (115) provided at the bottom of the plurality of battery cells (110). The venting portion (115) of the plurality of battery cells (110) can be provided at the bottom of the battery cells (115) so that flames or gases generated inside the battery cells (110) can be discharged to the lower portion of the battery cells (110) during a thermal event. The venting portion (115) can be formed at the bottom of the battery cells (110) so as to be melted or broken when a predetermined pressure or a predetermined temperature is exceeded.

[0060] The above heat transfer prevention unit (150) may be provided to protrude from the bottom of the side frame (130) so as to be positioned closer to the bottom of the pack case (200) than the venting unit (115). The heat transfer prevention unit (150) may form a predetermined partition structure at the lower side (-Z-axis direction) of the venting unit (115) of the battery cells (110). Therefore, the heat transfer prevention unit (150) may guide the flame or gas (g, see FIGS. 10 and 11) that has escaped from the venting unit (115) of the event cell during a thermal event of the battery cell (110) to the lower side (-Z-axis direction) of the heat transfer prevention unit (150) while limiting the lateral movement of the flame or gas (g).

[0061] The heat transfer prevention unit (150) may be filled with a predetermined filling member (190). The filling member (190) may be filled in the heat transfer prevention unit (150) at the bottom of the side frame (130) to primarily block flames or gases generated in the event cell during the thermal event, while directing the flame or gas toward the bottom (-Z-axis direction) of the side frame (130).

[0062] The above-mentioned filling member (190) may be provided with a potting resin. The potting resin may be formed by injecting a thin resin material into the plurality of battery cells (110) 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 (110).

[0063] The above-mentioned filling member (190) may include a material having high heat resistance. Accordingly, the filling member (190) can effectively prevent thermal runaway toward adjacent battery cells (110) when a thermal event such as overheating occurs in at least one specific battery cell (110) among the plurality of battery cells (110).

[0064] The above-mentioned filling member (190) may include a material having high flame retardant performance. Accordingly, the filling member (190) can minimize the risk of fire when a thermal event such as overheating occurs in at least one specific battery cell (110) among the plurality of battery cells (110).

[0065] The above-mentioned filling member (190) may include silicone resin. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the filling member (190) may also include other resin materials that can improve the fixing and heat dissipation efficiency of the battery cells (100) in addition to the silicone resin.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the heat dissipation efficiency of a plurality of battery cells (110) can be increased through the filling member (190), thereby further increasing the cooling performance of the battery cells (110).

[0067] The above-mentioned filling member (190) can perform an insulating role to prevent current from flowing to adjacent battery cells (110) when damage or other abnormalities occur in at least one specific battery cell (110) among the plurality of battery cells (110).

[0068] The above-mentioned filling member (190) may include a material having high specific heat performance. Accordingly, the filling member (190) increases the thermal mass, thereby delaying the temperature rise of the battery cells (110) even in situations such as rapid charging and discharging of the battery cells (110), thereby preventing a rapid temperature rise of the battery cells (110).

[0069] The above-mentioned filling member (190) may include a glass bubble. The glass bubble may lower the specific gravity of the filling member (190) and increase the energy density relative to the weight.

[0070] The above-mentioned filling member (190) may be filled not only in the heat transfer prevention member (150) but also between the battery cells (110). According to one embodiment of the present invention, the battery cells (110) may be more stably fixed to the side frame (130) through the filling member (190).

[0071] The filling member (190) can be continuously filled without any gap or space between the battery cells (110) and the heat transfer prevention member (150) in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the battery cells (110). In this way, the filling member (190) according to one embodiment of the present invention is continuously filled without any gap between the battery cells (110) and the heat transfer prevention member (150), thereby realizing even heat distribution without occurrence of heat distribution deviation in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the battery cells (110), thereby significantly improving the cooling performance of the battery pack (10). In addition, the filling member (190) may be continuously filled between the busbar assembly (400) described below, the battery cells (110), and the heat transfer prevention member (150) without any disconnection or separation space between the busbar assembly (400) described below and the battery cells (110).

[0072] The heat transfer prevention unit (150) may be formed to have a predetermined height (h1) from the bottom of the side frame (130). The predetermined height (h1) may be the height from the bottom of the battery cells (110) mounted on the side frame (130) to the lower end of the side frame (130). That is, the heat transfer prevention unit (150) may be formed to be longer downward (in the -Z-axis direction) than the bottom of the battery cells (110) by the predetermined height (h1). The predetermined height (h1) may be a height that can induce the movement of the flame or gas to the lower part of the side frame (130) while limiting the lateral movement of the flame or gas generated during the thermal event, and may be at least 2.5 mm.

[0073] The above-mentioned filling member (190) can be filled within the heat transfer prevention member (150) to the predetermined height (h). Meanwhile, as previously discussed, the filling member (190) can also be filled between the battery cells (110) within the side frame (130) to a height greater than the predetermined height (h).

[0074] Between the pack case (200) and the side frame (130), a venting space (V) can be formed to guide venting of gas (g) generated during the thermal event. The venting space (V), together with the heat transfer prevention unit (150), can guide directional venting of gas (g, see FIGS. 11 and 12) generated during the thermal event in a specific direction.

[0075] The above venting space (V) may be provided at the bottom of the heat transfer prevention unit (150). The above venting space (V) and the heat transfer prevention unit (150) may guide lower venting at the bottom of the battery cells (110).

[0076] The height (h2) of the venting space (V) may be formed higher than the height (h1) of the heat transmission prevention unit (150). Preferably, the height (h2) of the venting space (V) may be at least twice the height (h1) of the heat transmission prevention unit (150). In the present embodiment, the height (h2) of the venting space (V) may be at least 5 mm.

[0077] In the above thermal event, the filling member (190) may be at least partially separated from the heat transfer prevention unit (150) by a flame or gas generated in the event cell. The filling member (190) separated from the heat transfer prevention unit (150) may accumulate in the venting space (V). At this time, if the venting space (V) does not have sufficient space, the venting space (V) may be at least partially blocked by the filling member (190) separated from the heat transfer prevention unit (150). If the venting space (V) is closed, the gas (g) generated in the thermal event may stagnate, increasing the internal pressure within the venting space (V), which may increase the risk of secondary damage such as explosion. For example, if the height (h2) of the venting space (V) is formed to be similar to or lower than the height (h1) of the heat transmission prevention unit (150), there is a high possibility that the venting space (V) may be closed due to the filling member (190) falling off from the heat transmission prevention unit (150). In one embodiment of the present invention, since the height (h2) of the venting space (V) is formed higher than the height (h1) of the heat transmission prevention unit (150), the venting space (V) can be sufficiently secured, thereby effectively preventing the closing of the venting space (V) that may be caused by the filling member (190) falling off from the heat transmission prevention unit (150) during a thermal event. In particular, in one embodiment of the present invention, the height (h2) of the venting space (V) is provided to be at least twice the height (h1) of the heat transmission prevention member (150), so that even if the filling member (190) is laminated on the venting space (V) to the same height (h1) as the heat transmission prevention member (150), a venting path that guides the gas flow within the venting space (V) can be more reliably secured without blocking the venting space (V).

[0078]

[0079] Fig. 8 is a drawing for explaining the pack case of the battery pack of Fig. 2.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 8 and the preceding drawings, the pack case (200) may include a base plate (210) and an outer side wall (230).

[0081] The base plate (210) may be provided with a plurality of protrusions (215) that support the bottom of the side frame (130). The bottom of the side frame (130) may be secured to the plurality of protrusions (215). An adhesive member may be provided to the plurality of protrusions (215) for more stable support and fixation of the side frame (130). A buffer member may also be provided to the plurality of protrusions (215) for more stable support and fixation of the side frame (130). In addition, both the adhesive member and the buffer member may be provided to the plurality of protrusions (215).

[0082] The outer side wall (230) can be combined with the base plate (210). The outer side wall (230) can form a side surface of the pack case (200).

[0083] The above venting space (V) may be formed between the plurality of protrusions (215). Accordingly, the plurality of venting spaces (V) may be provided. The plurality of venting spaces (V) may be provided to have a predetermined length along the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the pack case (200). The plurality of venting spaces (V) may be provided to communicate with a venting device (300) described below while inducing directional venting in a specific direction.

[0084] The plurality of protrusions (215) may be formed integrally with the base plate (210). For example, the plurality of protrusions (215) may be formed integrally through a forming process from the base plate (210). Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the venting space (V) may be formed through the plurality of protrusions (215) formed integrally with the base plate (210) without adding a separate component or the like for forming the venting space (V).

[0085] The above battery pack (10) may include at least one venting device (300).

[0086] The at least one venting device (300) is installed on the outer side wall (230) and can be connected to the venting space (V). The at least one venting device (300) can expel gas (g, see FIGS. 10 and 11) within the venting space (V) out of the pack case (200) during the thermal event.

[0087] The above venting device (300) may be provided in multiple units. The multiple venting devices (300) may be provided on both sides (+Y-axis direction and -Y-axis direction) along the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the outer side wall (230) and on the rear side (+X-axis direction) along the length direction (X-axis direction) of the outer side wall (230).

[0088]

[0089] Hereinafter, the gas discharge path during a thermal event of the battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be examined in more detail.

[0090] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a gas discharge path of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of part A of the battery pack of FIG. 9, and FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of part B of the battery pack of FIG. 9.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 11, in the battery pack (10), a thermal event may occur in a specific battery cell (110). In the battery cell (110) where the event occurs, a flame or gas (g) may be generated through the venting portion (115, see FIG. 7) at the bottom. The heat transfer prevention unit (150) may block the movement of the flame or gas (g) toward the side of the event cell while forcing the movement of the flame or gas (g) toward the bottom of the event cell. In addition, the filling member (170) filled in the heat transfer prevention unit (150) may primarily block and weaken the flame or gas (g). Thereafter, the gas (g) may flow in the venting space (V) provided at the bottom of the heat transfer prevention unit (150) and be quickly discharged out of the venting device (300).

[0092] In this way, according to one embodiment of the present invention, when the thermal event occurs, flames can be effectively prevented from entering the battery cells (110) around the event cell through the heat transfer prevention member (150) and the filling member (190), and gas (g) can be quickly discharged to the outside of the pack case (200) through the venting space (V). Therefore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, when the thermal event occurs, heat transfer can be effectively prevented, thereby minimizing secondary damage that may cause fire or explosion.

[0093]

[0094] Hereinafter, other components of the cell array structure (100) and the battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be examined in more detail.

[0095] FIG. 12 is a partially exploded perspective view of the cell array structure of FIG. 3, FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining a side structure of a side frame of the cell array structure of FIG. 12, FIG. 14 is a drawing for explaining a bottom part of the side structure of FIG. 13, and FIG. 15 is a drawing for explaining the arrangement of battery cells supported on the side structure of FIG. 14.

[0096] Referring to FIGS. 12 to 15 and FIGS. 1 to 3, the battery pack (10) may include the cell array structure (100). The cell array structure (100) may include the battery cells (110) and the side frame (130).

[0097] The above side frame (130) may include a pair of side walls (132) and a plurality of side structures (135).

[0098] The pair of side walls (132) may be provided on each of the outermost sides of the side frame (130). The pair of side walls (132) are each formed to a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the battery pack (10) and may accommodate the plurality of battery cells (110).

[0099] The above pair of side walls (132) can be coupled to the outer side wall (230) of the pack case (200). Therefore, the cell array structure (100) can be more stably fixed within the pack case (200) when accommodated within the pack case (200).

[0100] The plurality of side structures (135) may be provided between a pair of side walls (132). Each of the plurality of side structures (135) may support the plurality of battery cells (110).

[0101] The above plurality of side structures (135) are formed to a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the battery pack (10) and can accommodate the plurality of battery cells (110) while supporting the battery cells (110) on both sides in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery pack (10).

[0102] The heat transfer prevention unit (150) may be provided on the bottom of the pair of side walls (132) and the bottom of the plurality of side structures (135). The heat transfer prevention unit (150) may be formed integrally on the bottom of the pair of side walls (132) and the plurality of side structures (135).

[0103] The above heat transfer prevention member (150) can be formed to protrude at a predetermined height (h1) from the bottom of the pair of side walls (132) and the bottom of the plurality of side structures (132).

[0104] A cell mounting portion (155) may be formed on the upper portion of the heat transfer prevention portion (150). The cell mounting portion (155) may support the bottom edges of the battery cells (110) when the battery cells (110) are accommodated in the pair of side walls (132) and the plurality of side structures (135). Here, the cell mounting portion (155) may be provided so as not to interfere with the venting portion (115) of the battery cells (110). The cell mounting portion (155) may have a predetermined width that can support only the bottom edges of the battery cells (110) while exposing the venting portion (115) to the bottom of the heat transfer prevention portion (150). In one embodiment of the present invention, when the battery cells (110) are accommodated within the pair of side walls (132) and the plurality of side structures (135), the battery cells (110) can be more stably supported without causing interference with the venting portion (115) of the battery cells (110) through the cell mounting portion (155) of the heat transfer prevention portion (150).

[0105] The above cell array structure (100) may include a cooling tube (190).

[0106] The cooling tube (190) is for cooling a plurality of battery cells (110) and may be formed to a predetermined length along the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the battery pack (10). The cooling tube (190) is arranged between the plurality of battery cells (110) and may be provided to contact the outer surfaces of the plurality of battery cells (110) facing each other so as to increase cooling performance. A cooling channel for the flow of a cooling medium may be provided in the cooling tube (190).

[0107] The above cooling tube (190) may be provided in multiple numbers. The plurality of cooling tubes (190) may be arranged at a predetermined distance from each other in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery pack (10). The plurality of cooling tubes (190) may be connected to each other through a cooling pipe or the like so as to be in communication with each other, and may be connected to an external cooling device or the like for the flow of the cooling medium.

[0108]

[0109] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2 above, the battery pack (10) may include a busbar assembly (400).

[0110] The busbar assembly (400) is provided on the upper side of the cell array structure (100) and can be electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells (110). In the present embodiment, both the positive and negative electrodes of the battery cells (110) can be provided on the upper side of the cell array structure (100). Therefore, the electrical connection between the busbar assembly (400) and the battery cells (110) can be implemented on the upper side of the cell array structure (100).

[0111] The above battery pack (10) may include a pack cover (500).

[0112] The pack cover (500) may cover the upper side of the cell array structure (100). The pack cover (500) is coupled to the pack case (200), and specifically, may be bolted to the outer side wall (230) using a bolting member or the like. The pack cover (500) may be provided with a guide opening that can guide the connection with the cooling pipe assembly and external devices of the electric unit, which will be described later.

[0113] The above battery pack (10) may include a cooling pipe assembly.

[0114] The above cooling pipe assembly is for supplying the cooling medium to the cooling tubes (190) of the cell array structure (100) and for sending the cooling medium circulating through the cooling tubes (190) to the outside of the pack case (200), and can connect the plurality of cooling tubes (190) and the external cooling device.

[0115] The cooling medium may be provided as a cooling fluid capable of circulating through the cooling tubes (190) while cooling the battery cells (110). For example, the cooling medium may be provided as a cooling water. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the cooling medium may of course be provided as any other cooling fluid capable of circulating through the cooling tubes (190) while cooling the battery cells (110).

[0116] The above battery pack (10) may include a full-range unit.

[0117] The above-mentioned electric unit is provided within the pack case (200) and may include electric components such as a BMS that controls the cell array structure (100) of the battery pack (10). The above-mentioned electric unit may further include components such as a current sensor, a fuse, and a service plug.

[0118]

[0119] FIG. 16 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 16, a vehicle (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include at least one battery pack (10) according to the present invention. In addition to the battery pack (10), the vehicle (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include various other components included in the vehicle. For example, the vehicle (1) 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., in addition to the battery pack (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0121] In addition, it goes without saying that the battery pack (10) 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 (1).

[0122] According to various embodiments as described above, a battery pack (10) and a vehicle (1) including the same can be provided that can prevent heat transfer toward adjacent battery cells (110) during a thermal event.

[0123]

[0124] 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, Multiple battery cells; A pack case accommodating the plurality of battery cells; and A side frame that supports the plurality of battery cells within the pack case and has a heat transfer prevention unit to prevent heat transfer to an adjacent battery cell when a thermal event occurs in at least one of the plurality of battery cells. A battery pack comprising:

2. In paragraph 1, The above side frame, Supporting the battery cells without interfering with the venting portion provided at the bottom of the plurality of battery cells, The above heat transfer prevention part is, A battery pack characterized in that the side frame is arranged to protrude from the bottom so as to be positioned closer to the bottom of the pack case than the venting portion.

3. In paragraph 1, In the above heat transfer prevention part, A battery pack characterized in that a predetermined filling material is filled.

4. In paragraph 3, The above filling material is, A battery pack characterized by being a potting resin.

5. In paragraph 1, The above heat transfer prevention part is, A battery pack characterized in that it is formed to have a predetermined height from the bottom of the above side frame.

6. In paragraph 5, The above height is, Battery pack characterized by at least 2.5 mm 7. In paragraph 1, Between the above pack case and the side frame, A battery pack characterized in that a venting space is formed to guide venting of gas generated during the above thermal event.

8. In paragraph 7, The above venting space is, A battery pack characterized in that it is provided at the bottom of the above heat transfer prevention part.

9. In paragraph 7, The height of the above venting space is, A battery pack characterized by being at least 5 mm.

10. In paragraph 7, The above pack case is, a base plate having a plurality of protrusions supporting the bottom of the side frame; and It is combined with the above base plate and includes an outer side wall forming the side of the pack case, The above venting space is, A battery pack characterized in that it is formed between the plurality of protrusions.

11. In paragraph 10, The above multiple protrusions are, A battery pack characterized in that it is formed integrally with the above base plate.

12. In paragraph 10, At least one venting device installed on the outer side wall and communicating with the venting space A battery pack comprising:

13. In paragraph 1, The above side frame, A pair of side walls provided on the outermost side of the above side frame; and It comprises a plurality of side structures provided between a pair of side walls and supporting the plurality of battery cells, The above heat transfer prevention part is, A battery pack characterized in that it is provided on the lower portion of the pair of side walls and the lower portion of the plurality of side structures.

14. In paragraph 13, The above heat transfer prevention part is, A battery pack characterized in that it is formed to protrude at a predetermined height from the bottom of the pair of side walls and the bottom of the plurality of side structures.

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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