Battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

Disclosed are a battery pack and a vehicle including same. The battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a plurality of battery modules in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a pack case housing the plurality of battery modules and provided with vents; and protective cover members coupled to the parts of the pack case where the vents are located to protect same.

Description

Battery pack and vehicle including same

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0027391, filed on February 26, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery pack and a vehicle including the same, and more particularly, to a battery pack capable of protecting a venting portion and facilitating the discharge of venting gas, and a vehicle including the same.

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

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

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

[0006] Various types of secondary batteries include battery modules in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked and inserted into a module case that is equipped with a module case that can protect the battery cells, and battery packs including a plurality of battery modules.

[0007] Here, if a flame occurs in at least one of the battery cells inside the module case of the battery module and venting gas is generated, the internal pressure of the battery module rapidly increases, and the flame may spread to other neighboring battery modules due to an explosion of the battery module, causing a chain reaction of fire.

[0008] Alternatively, if a flame originating from a random battery module spreads to a neighboring battery module, the resulting chain reaction of flames can damage, burn out, or explode the battery module or battery pack, potentially compromising the stability of the battery module or battery pack. Furthermore, venting gases are generated from the battery cells within the battery module, and if these venting gases are released in undesirable directions, they can also cause various problems.

[0009] To solve these problems, a venting portion may be formed in the pack case of the battery pack, particularly to smoothly discharge venting gases.

[0010] However, since the venting part of a conventional battery pack is exposed to the outside, there is a problem that when a thermal event occurs and high-temperature particles are generated by a flame, the high-temperature particles move to the venting part and damage the venting part.

[0011] Accordingly, the technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to provide a battery pack capable of protecting a venting part from high-temperature particles generated by a flame, and an automobile including the same.

[0012] In addition, it is to provide a battery pack and a vehicle including the same that can smoothly discharge venting gas by allowing venting gas to pass through but not allowing high-temperature particles to pass through.

[0013] In addition, the present invention provides a battery pack and a vehicle including the same that can prevent pressure build-up inside the battery pack and thereby prevent thermal runaway.

[0014] 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.

[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery pack may be provided, comprising: a plurality of battery modules in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a pack case in which the plurality of battery modules are accommodated and in which a venting portion is formed; and a protective cover member coupled to the pack case at a portion where the venting portion is located to protect the venting portion, and in which a gas movement hole through which a venting gas moves is formed.

[0016] In one embodiment, the venting portion may include a venting hole through which venting gas generated from the battery cell is discharged; and a venting valve that closes the venting hole and opens when the internal pressure of the pack case exceeds a preset value.

[0017] In one embodiment, the protective cover member may be formed to cover at least a portion of the venting portion.

[0018] In one embodiment, the protective cover member includes an upper cover portion positioned at the top; a side cover portion coupled to the upper cover portion and positioned at the side; and a front cover portion coupled to the upper cover portion and the side cover portion, and the gas movement hole may be formed in at least one of the upper cover portion, the side cover portion, and the front cover portion.

[0019] In one embodiment, the front cover portion includes a plurality of load portions, and each of the plurality of load portions is coupled to the side cover portion at an angle so that the gas movement hole can be formed between the plurality of load portions.

[0020] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of load sections may have a lower side coupled to an end of the side cover section and an upper side coupled to the inside of the side cover section.

[0021] In one embodiment, the gas movement hole may be formed between one of the plurality of load sections and an adjacent load section so that the venting gas moves upward along the gas movement hole.

[0022] In one embodiment, each load section among the plurality of load sections may have an upper side coupled to an end of the side cover section and a lower side coupled to the inside of the side cover section.

[0023] In one embodiment, the gas movement hole may be formed between one of the plurality of load sections and an adjacent load section so that the venting gas moves downward along the gas movement hole.

[0024] In one embodiment, the inclination angles of the plurality of load sections can all be formed to be the same.

[0025] In one embodiment, the inclination angles of the plurality of load sections may be formed to be at least one different.

[0026] In one embodiment, a fastening joint may be formed on the upper cover portion so that the protective cover member can be coupled to the pack case.

[0027] In one embodiment, the protective cover member may further include a lower cover portion positioned at the bottom so as to be coupled to the lower portions of the side cover portion and the front cover portion.

[0028] In one embodiment, a gas movement hole through which a venting gas moves may be formed in the cover portion.

[0029] Meanwhile, according to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle including at least one battery pack as described above can be provided.

[0030] Embodiments of the present invention have the effect of protecting a venting part from high-temperature particles generated by a flame.

[0031] In addition, high-temperature particles cannot pass through, but venting gas can pass through, so there is an effect of smoothly discharging the venting gas.

[0032] Additionally, it has the effect of preventing pressure build-up inside the battery pack, thereby preventing thermal runaway.

[0033] However, the effects that can be obtained through the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and other technical effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0034] 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.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a protective cover member protecting a venting portion formed in a pack case of a battery pack according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and the battery module is omitted from the drawing.

[0037] Figure 3 is a drawing showing the protective cover member separated from Figure 2.

[0038] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the venting hole of the venting section in Figure 3.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a protective cover member in a battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a front view of a protective cover member in a battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of Figure 5.

[0042] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a protective cover member in a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of Figure 8.

[0044] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a protective cover member in a battery pack according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a protective cover member in a battery pack according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a protective cover member in a battery pack according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle including a battery pack according to each embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted with meanings and concepts that conform to the technical idea of ​​the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the term to best explain his or her own invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and various equivalents and modifications may exist as of the time of this application.

[0049] In the drawings, the sizes of each component or specific parts of that component are exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for convenience and clarity of explanation. Therefore, the size of each component does not entirely reflect its actual size. If a detailed description of a related known function or configuration is deemed to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, such description will be omitted.

[0050] The term 'joint' or 'connection' as used herein includes not only cases where one member is directly joined or directly connected to another member, but also cases where one member is indirectly joined or indirectly connected to another member through a connecting member.

[0051] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a view showing a protective cover member protecting a venting portion formed in a pack case of a battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with the battery module not shown, FIG. 3 is a view showing the protective cover member separated from FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a venting hole of the venting portion in FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a protective cover member in a battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a front view of a protective cover member in a battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of FIG. 5.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 together, a battery pack (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a plurality of battery modules (100), a pack case (200), and a protective cover member (300).

[0053] Each battery module (100) is configured with a plurality of battery cells (110, see FIG. 1), and a plurality of battery modules (100) are arranged in various ways. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the battery modules (100) may be arranged in horizontal and vertical directions, but are not limited thereto.

[0054] A battery module (100) may have a plurality of battery cells (110) and a module case (120).

[0055] A plurality of battery cells (110) can be stacked on top of each other. The battery cells (110) can have various structures, and furthermore, the plurality of battery cells (110) can be stacked in various ways.

[0056] The battery cell (110) may have a structure in which a plurality of unit cells arranged in the order of positive plate-separator-negative plate or bi-cells arranged in the order of positive plate-separator-negative plate-separator-positive plate-separator-negative plate are stacked according to the battery capacity.

[0057] The battery cell (110) may be equipped with an electrode lead. The electrode lead is a type of terminal that is exposed to the outside and connected to an external device, and may be made of a conductive material. The electrode lead may include a positive electrode lead and a negative electrode lead.

[0058] The positive electrode lead and the negative electrode lead may be positioned in opposite directions with respect to the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (110), or the positive electrode lead and the negative electrode lead may be positioned in the same direction with respect to the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (110).

[0059] A battery cell (110) may be provided with a plurality of cartridges (not shown) for storing the battery cell (110). Each cartridge (not shown) may be manufactured by injection molding plastic, and a plurality of cartridges (not shown) having a storage portion capable of storing the battery cell (110) may be stacked. A cartridge assembly in which a plurality of cartridges (not shown) are stacked may be provided with a connector element or a terminal element.

[0060] The connector element may include various types of electrical connection components or connecting members for connection to, for example, a BMS (Battery Management System, not shown) that can provide data on the voltage or temperature of the battery cell (110).

[0061] In addition, the terminal element is a main terminal connected to the battery cell (110) and includes a positive terminal and a negative terminal. The terminal element is provided with a terminal bolt so that it can be electrically connected to the outside. Meanwhile, the battery cell (110) may have various shapes.

[0062] A plurality of battery cells (110) are stacked and stored in a module case (120). The module case (120) surrounds the plurality of battery cells (110), thereby protecting the battery cells (110) from external vibrations or shocks.

[0063] The module case (120) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of a stacked body in which a plurality of battery cells (110) are stacked. For example, if the stacked body in which a plurality of battery cells (110) are stacked is formed in a hexahedral shape, the module case (120) may also be formed in a hexahedral shape corresponding thereto. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Here, the module case (120) may include an upper module case, a lower module case, and a side module case.

[0064] In addition, the module case (120) can be manufactured by, for example, bending a metal plate, whereby the module case (120) can be manufactured as an integral part. When the module case (120) is manufactured as an integral part, the joining process is simplified and simplified. Alternatively, the module case (120) can be provided in a detachable form and joined by welding or the like. However, the material of the module case (120) is not limited to a metal material.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 1, a plurality of battery modules (100) are stored in a pack case (200). In FIG. 1, a battery module (100) including a pouch-shaped battery cell (110) is stored in the pack case (200), but the present invention is not limited thereto, and a battery module (100) including a square battery cell or a battery module (100) including a cylindrical battery cell may also be stored inside the pack case (200) of the battery pack (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] And, referring to FIG. 3, a venting portion (260) is formed in the pack case (200). The venting portion (260) allows venting gas generated from a battery cell (110) to be discharged to the outside of the battery pack (10). For example, if a flame occurs in any battery cell (110), venting gas may be generated. The venting gas generated in this way may be discharged to the outside of the pack case (200) through the venting portion (260).

[0067] The venting portion (260) may include a venting hole (261) and a venting valve (262). Referring to FIG. 4, the venting hole (261) is a hole through which venting gas generated from the battery cell (110) is discharged, and may be formed in the pack case (200), for example, the side frame (220), but is not limited thereto.

[0068] And, referring to FIG. 3, a venting valve (262) may be installed in the venting hole (261). The venting valve (262) may be configured in various ways. For example, the venting valve (262) may be configured to close the venting hole (261) and open when the internal pressure of the pack case (200) exceeds a preset value.

[0069] That is, the venting valve (262) normally blocks the venting hole (261), but when the venting gas leaks from the battery cell (110) and the internal pressure of the pack case (200) exceeds a preset value or range, the venting valve (262) opens and the venting gas is discharged from the pack case (200) through the venting hole (261).

[0070] In the battery pack (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the venting portion (260) is protected from flames or high-temperature particles by a protective cover member (300), which will be described in detail later.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 1, the pack case (200) may be configured to include, for example, a lower frame (210), a side frame (220), an inner frame (230), a bulkhead frame (240), and an upper frame (250).

[0072] The lower frame (210) is configured to accommodate a plurality of battery modules (100). The lower frame (210) may be formed in a square plate shape, but is not limited thereto. The lower frame (210) forms the bottom of the pack case (200).

[0073] The side frame (220) may be configured to extend upward from the edge of the lower frame (210). The side frame (220) defines the height of the pack case (200) and forms a preset space between it and the lower frame (210). In addition, a plurality of battery modules (100) are mounted in the space between the side frame (220) and the lower frame (210). The side frame (220) may include a long side frame having a relatively long length and a short side frame having a relatively short length. Alternatively, the lengths of the side frames (220) may all be the same.

[0074] The inner frame (230) extends upward from within the lower frame (210) and is connected to the side frame (220). One or more inner frames (230) may be provided, and a plurality of battery modules (100) may be arranged to face each other based on the inner frame (230).

[0075] The bulkhead frame (240) is coupled to the inner frame (230). In addition, the bulkhead frame (240) is interposed between a plurality of battery modules (100). In FIG. 1, one bulkhead frame (240) is positioned between two adjacent battery modules (100), but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0076] The upper frame (250) can be connected to the side frame (220) when positioned at the top. The method of connecting the upper frame (250) can be various, for example, it can be connected by a fastening member such as a bolt, or it can be connected by welding, or it can be connected by another connecting method.

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 together, the protective cover member (300) is coupled to the pack case (200) at the portion where the venting portion (260) is located to protect the venting portion (260).

[0078] Here, referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, a gas movement hole (350, see FIG. 7) through which venting gas moves is formed in the protective cover member (300).

[0079] That is, the venting gas generated from the battery cell (110) can move to the venting part (260) through the gas movement hole (350) of the protective cover member (300) and be discharged through the venting hole (261) of the venting part (260), but the flame generated from the battery cell (110) and the high-temperature particles generated by the flame are blocked by the protective cover member (300) and cannot move to the venting part (260), thereby protecting the venting part (260) from the flame or the high-temperature particles.

[0080] The protective cover member (300) may be formed to cover at least a portion of the venting portion (260). That is, the portion of the protective cover member (300) that covers the venting portion (260) may vary as needed.

[0081] And, referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 7 together, the protective cover member (300) may be configured to include a top cover portion (310), a side cover portion (320), and a front cover portion (330).

[0082] The upper cover part (310) is located at the top and is connected to the side cover part (320). In addition, the side cover part (320) is located at the side and is connected to the upper cover part (310) and also to the front cover part (330). The front cover part (330) is located at the front and is connected to the upper cover part (310) and the side cover part (320).

[0083] Here, the protective cover member (300) may further include a lower cover portion (340), but this will be described in the fifth embodiment below. That is, in the first embodiment, the protective cover member (300) includes a top cover portion (310), a side cover portion (320), and a front cover portion (330), and does not include a lower cover portion (340). That is, since the lower portion of the protective cover member (300) is open, the venting gas can move to the venting portion (260) through the lower cover portion (340).

[0084] In addition, the gas movement hole (350) can be formed in at least one of the upper cover part (310), the side cover part (320), and the front cover part (330). The case where the gas movement hole (350) is formed in the side cover part (320) and the upper cover part (310) will be described in the third and fourth embodiments below, respectively, and the case where the gas movement hole (350) is formed in the front cover part (330) will be described in the first embodiment.

[0085] That is, referring to Fig. 7, the lower cover portion (340) is not formed on the protective cover member (300), and further, the gas movement hole (350) is formed only on the front cover portion (330).

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the front cover portion (330) may include a plurality of load portions (370a, 370b). Here, each of the plurality of load portions (370a, 370b) may be formed to be inclined and may be coupled to the side cover portion (320). In addition, a gas movement hole (350) is formed between the plurality of load portions (370a, 370b) formed to be inclined.

[0087] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 7 together, each load portion (370) among the plurality of load portions (370a, 370b) may have its lower side coupled to the end of the side cover portion (320) (see X in FIGS. 5 and 7) and its upper side coupled to the inside of the side cover portion (320) (see Y in FIGS. 5 and 7). In addition, a gap is formed between the plurality of load portions (370a, 370b), so that a gas movement hole (350) may be formed between one load portion (370a) among the plurality of load portions (370a, 370b) and an adjacent load portion (370b).

[0088] And, by this structure, each of the plurality of load sections (370a, 370b) is formed to slope upward as it goes toward the venting section (260), and thereby, the venting gas moves upward along the gas movement hole (350) as it goes toward the venting section (260).

[0089] Referring to FIG. 7, since a plurality of load sections (370a, 370b) are spaced apart from each other at preset intervals and are formed to slope upward toward the venting section (260), the venting gas can move along the plurality of load sections (370a, 370b) to the venting section (260) and be discharged to the outside of the pack case (200), but high-temperature particles generated from the flame cannot move to the venting section (260) because they collide with the plurality of load sections (370a, 370b) and are blocked.

[0090] That is, due to the structure and function as described above, high-temperature particles cannot pass through the protective cover member (300), but the venting gas can pass through the gas movement holes (350) between the plurality of load sections (370a, 370b) and be discharged smoothly, so that not only can the venting section (260) be protected from high-temperature particles generated by the flame, but also venting of the venting gas becomes easy.

[0091] In addition, since the venting gas is smoothly discharged while protecting the venting part (260), there is an effect of preventing pressure increase inside the battery pack (10) due to the venting gas, thereby preventing thermal runaway phenomenon.

[0092] Here, as in FIG. 7, the inclination angles of the plurality of load sections (370a, 370b) may all be formed to be the same. Alternatively, in a modified embodiment, although not shown in the drawing, the inclination angles of at least one of the plurality of load sections (370a, 370b) may be formed to be different.

[0093] And, referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a fastening joint (360) may be formed on the upper cover portion (310) so that the protective cover member (300) can be fastened to the pack case (200). A fastening member such as a bolt may be fastened to the fastening joint (360), thereby allowing the protective cover member (300) to be fastened to the pack case (200).

[0094] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a protective cover member in a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of FIG. 8.

[0095] The second embodiment of the present invention differs from the first embodiment in the direction of inclination of the plurality of load sections (370c, 370d) of the front cover section (330). However, the common content of the second embodiment and the portion described in the first embodiment are replaced with the description of the first embodiment described above. In addition, the portions described in the second embodiment that are applicable to the first embodiment can also be applied to the first embodiment.

[0096] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the front cover portion (330) may include a plurality of load portions (370c, 370d). Here, each of the plurality of load portions (370c, 370d) may be formed to be inclined and may be coupled to the side cover portion (320). In addition, a gas movement hole (350) is formed between the plurality of load portions (370c, 370d) formed to be inclined.

[0097] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9 together, each load portion (370) among the plurality of load portions (370c, 370d) may have an upper side coupled to an end of a side cover portion (320) (see Y' of FIGS. 8 and 9) and a lower side coupled to an inner side of the side cover portion (320) (see X' of FIGS. 8 and 9). In addition, a gap is formed between the plurality of load portions (370c, 370d), so that a gas movement hole (350) may be formed between one load portion (370c) among the plurality of load portions (370c, 370d) and an adjacent load portion (370d).

[0098] And, by this structure, each of the plurality of load sections (370c, 370d) is formed to slope downward as it goes toward the venting section (260), and thereby, the venting gas moves downward along the gas movement hole (350) as it goes toward the venting section (260).

[0099] Referring to FIG. 9, since a plurality of load sections (370c, 370d) are spaced apart from each other at preset intervals and are formed to slope downward toward the venting section (260), the venting gas can move along the plurality of load sections (370c, 370d) to the venting section (260) and be discharged to the outside of the pack case (200), but high-temperature particles generated from the flame cannot move to the venting section (260) because they collide with the plurality of load sections (370c, 370d) and are blocked.

[0100] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a protective cover member in a battery pack according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] The third embodiment of the present invention differs from the first and second embodiments in that a gas movement hole (350) is formed in the side cover portion (320). However, any content common to the portion described in the first or second embodiment is replaced with the description of the first or second embodiment described above. In addition, any portion described in the third embodiment that is applicable to the first or second embodiment may be applied to the first or second embodiment.

[0102] Referring to Fig. 10, a gas movement hole (350) is formed in the side cover part (320). Here, the gas movement hole (350) formed in the side cover part (320) may be formed to slope upward toward the venting part (260), or may be formed to slope downward toward the venting part (260).

[0103] And, as in Fig. 10, the gas movement hole (350) may be formed in both the front cover part (330) and the side cover part (320), but the gas movement hole (350) may be formed only in the side cover part (320).

[0104] Alternatively, the gas movement hole (350) may be formed in both of the pair of side cover parts (320), or the gas movement hole (350) may be formed in only one of the pair of side cover parts (320).

[0105] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a protective cover member in a battery pack according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] The fourth embodiment of the present invention differs from the first to third embodiments in that a gas movement hole (350) is formed in the upper cover portion (310). However, any content common to the part described in any one of the first to third embodiments is replaced with the description of any one of the first to third embodiments described above. In addition, any part of the part described in the fourth embodiment that is applicable to any one of the first to third embodiments may be applied to any one of the first to third embodiments.

[0107] Referring to Fig. 11, a gas movement hole (350) is formed in the upper cover part (310). Here, the gas movement hole (350) formed in the upper cover part (310) may be formed to be inclined to the right toward the venting part (260), or may be formed to be inclined to the left toward the venting part (260). In addition, the gas movement hole (350) formed in the upper cover part (310) may be formed to be inclined not only to the right or left, but also inward or outward.

[0108] And, as in Fig. 11, the gas movement hole (350) may be formed in both the front cover part (330) and the upper cover part (310), but the gas movement hole (350) may be formed only in the upper cover part (310).

[0109] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a protective cover member in a battery pack according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] The fifth embodiment of the present invention is different from the first to fourth embodiments in that the protective cover member (300) includes a lower cover portion (340) and a gas movement hole (350) is formed in the lower cover portion (340). However, the common content described in any one of the first to fourth embodiments is replaced with the description of any one of the first to fourth embodiments described above. In addition, the content applicable to any one of the first to fourth embodiments among the parts described in the fifth embodiment can be applied to any one of the first to fourth embodiments.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 12, the protective cover member (300) may further include a lower cover member (340) positioned at the bottom so as to be coupled to the lower portions of the side cover member (320) and the front cover member (330).

[0112] The lower cover part (340) blocks high-temperature particles rising from the lower surface. Most high-temperature particles move beyond the inner frame (230), the bulkhead frame (240), etc., and thus enter the venting part (260) through the front, upper, and side surfaces of the venting part (260). However, as needed or depending on the model of the battery pack, high-temperature particles may also enter the venting part (260) from the lower side of the venting part (260), and therefore, the lower cover part (340) may be formed on the protective cover member (300).

[0113] Here, the gas movement hole (350) may not be formed in the lower cover part (340). Alternatively, as in FIG. 12, the gas movement hole (350) through which gas moves may be formed in the lower cover part (340). In the case where the gas movement hole (350) is formed in the lower cover part (340), the gas movement hole (350) formed in the lower cover part (340) may be formed to be inclined to the right toward the venting part (260), or may be formed to be inclined to the left toward the venting part (260). In addition, the gas movement hole (350) formed in the upper cover part (310) may be formed to be inclined not only to the right or left, but also to the inside or outside.

[0114] And, as shown in Fig. 12, the gas movement hole (350) may be formed in both the front cover part (330) and the lower cover part (340), but the gas movement hole (350) may be formed only in the lower cover part (340).

[0115] FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle including a battery pack according to each embodiment of the present invention.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 13, a vehicle (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs (10) according to each of the embodiments described above. Here, the vehicle (20) includes various types of vehicles that are designed to use electricity, such as electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles.

[0117] In this specification, when terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, and right are used, these terms are only for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms may vary depending on the location of the target object or the location of the observer.

[0118] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may make various modifications and variations within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims to be described below. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed above should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. In other words, the true scope of the technical spirit of the present invention is set forth in the claims, and all differences within the scope of equivalents thereof should be construed as being included in the present invention.

[0119] The present invention relates to a battery pack and an automobile including the same, and is particularly applicable to industries related to secondary batteries.

Claims

1. Multiple battery modules in which multiple battery cells are stacked; A pack case in which the plurality of battery modules are stored and a venting portion is formed; and A battery pack comprising a protective cover member that is coupled to the pack case at a portion where the venting part is located to protect the venting part and has a gas movement hole formed therein through which venting gas moves.

2. In paragraph 1, The above venting part, A venting hole through which venting gas generated from the battery cell is discharged; and A battery pack characterized by including a venting valve that closes the venting hole and opens when the internal pressure of the pack case exceeds a preset value.

3. In paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the protective cover member is formed to cover at least a portion of the venting portion.

4. In paragraph 3, The above protective cover member, The upper surface cover portion located at the top; A side cover part coupled to the upper cover part and positioned on the side; and It includes a front cover part that is connected to the upper cover part and the side cover part, A battery pack characterized in that the gas movement hole is formed in at least one of the upper cover part, the side cover part, and the front cover part.

5. In paragraph 4, The above front cover portion includes a plurality of load portions, A battery pack characterized in that each of the plurality of load sections is joined to the side cover section at an angle so that the gas movement hole is formed between the plurality of load sections.

6. In paragraph 5, A battery pack, characterized in that each load section among the plurality of load sections is connected at the lower end to the end of the side cover section and at the upper end to the inner side of the side cover section.

7. In paragraph 6, A battery pack characterized in that the gas movement hole is formed between one of the plurality of load sections and an adjacent load section so that the venting gas moves upward along the gas movement hole.

8. In paragraph 5, A battery pack, characterized in that each load section among the plurality of load sections is connected at an upper end to an end of the side cover section and at a lower end to an inner side of the side cover section.

9. In paragraph 8, A battery pack characterized in that the gas movement hole is formed between one of the plurality of load sections and an adjacent load section so that the venting gas moves downward along the gas movement hole.

10. In paragraph 5, A battery pack characterized in that the inclination angles of the plurality of load sections are all formed identically.

11. In paragraph 5, A battery pack characterized in that at least one of the plurality of load sections has a different inclination angle.

12. In paragraph 4, A battery pack characterized in that a fastening joint is formed on the upper cover portion so that the protective cover member can be coupled to the pack case.

13. In paragraph 4, A battery pack characterized in that the above protective cover member further includes a lower cover portion positioned at the bottom so as to be coupled to the lower portion of the side cover portion and the front cover portion.

14. In paragraph 13, A battery pack characterized in that a gas movement hole through which venting gas moves is formed in the cover portion above.

15. A vehicle comprising at least one battery pack according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 14.

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