Battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery pack comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a pack case configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells; and a cover member provided in a space between the plurality of battery cells and the pack case, extending along a horizontal direction, and configured to block the movement of venting gas generated by the battery cells.

Description

Battery pack and vehicle including same

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack and a vehicle including the same.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0066701, filed on May 22, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated herein by reference.

[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] Commonly used secondary batteries 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 pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in a battery module or pack can vary depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] Meanwhile, since battery cells undergo chemical reactions during charging and discharging, their performance can deteriorate if used in environments above their optimal temperature. Furthermore, if thermal control fails to maintain optimal temperatures, there's a constant risk of unexpected fire or explosion. Therefore, if a thermal event, such as thermal runaway, occurs within a battery pack containing multiple battery modules, the high-temperature gases or flames emitted from the battery cells could spread to adjacent battery modules, potentially triggering a chain reaction of battery module explosions, posing a significant risk.

[0006] Therefore, when a thermal runaway occurs in a battery module, there is a need to develop a structure that can quickly discharge high-temperature gases or flames generated inside the battery module to the outside, thereby relieving heat accumulation inside the battery module.

[0007] In addition, there is a need to develop a structure that can prevent emitted gas or flames from flowing into the interior of adjacent battery modules when thermal runaway occurs in a battery module.

[0008] Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery pack with improved safety and reliability by minimizing the thermal energy received by adjacent battery modules when thermal runaway occurs in a battery module, thereby preventing or suppressing the propagation of thermal runaway between battery modules.

[0009] In addition, another problem that the present invention seeks to solve is to provide a vehicle including such a battery pack.

[0010] 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.

[0011] To solve the above problem, the present invention provides a battery pack comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a pack case configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells; and a cover member provided in a space between the plurality of battery cells and the pack case, extending in a horizontal direction, and configured to block movement of venting gas generated from the battery cells.

[0012] The module case may further include a plurality of module cases configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells by grouping them, and having a venting hole formed on at least one side thereof so that a venting gas is discharged to the outside.

[0013] Some of the above plurality of module cases may be arranged so that the front surfaces where the module terminals are provided face each other, and the venting hole may be formed on the rear side of the module cases.

[0014] The above cover member may be configured to wrap around the upper portion of the rear side of the module case.

[0015] The above pack case may have a cross beam provided between the plurality of battery cells, and the cover member may be configured to cover an upper portion of the cross beam.

[0016] The cross beam may be provided at a lower height than the battery cell, and the cover member may be configured such that at least a portion thereof protrudes toward the cross beam.

[0017] The above cover member may be configured to be in close contact with the cross beam.

[0018] The above cover member may be configured to cover the cross beam and the upper portion of the battery cell together.

[0019] The above cover member may be configured such that the cross beam is inserted therein.

[0020] The above cover member may be composed of one sheet covering the plurality of battery cells.

[0021] The above pack case may have a base frame configured to accommodate the battery cell, and a side frame configured to extend upward from a corner of the base frame, and the cover member may be configured to be spaced apart from the side frame by a predetermined distance.

[0022] The above pack case may have a venting device configured to communicate with the space between the cover member and the side frame.

[0023] And, the present invention provides an automobile characterized by including a battery pack according to the present invention.

[0024] According to one aspect of the present invention, when thermal runaway occurs in a battery module, the thermal energy received by adjacent battery modules can be minimized. This prevents or suppresses the propagation of thermal runaway between battery modules, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of the battery pack.

[0025] In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, high-temperature gas or flames, etc. can be quickly discharged to the outside of the battery pack, so that heat accumulation inside the battery pack can be eliminated.

[0026] In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, when thermal runaway occurs in a battery module, it is possible to prevent high-temperature gas or flames discharged outside the battery module from flowing back into the interior of another battery module.

[0027] In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, events resulting from thermal runaway of a battery pack or a device equipped with a battery pack, such as fire or explosion, can be prevented or delayed.

[0028] In addition, the present invention may have various other effects, which will be described in each embodiment configuration, or the description of effects that can be easily inferred by those skilled in the art will be omitted.

[0029] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention, and together with the detailed description of the invention described below, serve to further understand the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to matters described in such drawings.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

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

[0032] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the inside of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, Fig. 4 may be a drawing illustrating cross-section I-I' of Fig. 1.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a battery module included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of a cover member included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack to which a cover member according to another embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0039] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack to which a cover member is applied according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is a drawing for explaining the direction of venting gas discharge during thermal runaway of a battery module.

[0042] FIG. 13 is a drawing of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above, and is a drawing for explaining the direction of venting gas discharge during thermal runaway of a battery module.

[0043] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack to which a cover member is applied according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack 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. 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050]

[0051] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the inside of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition, FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 4 may be a drawing showing a cross-section taken along line I-I' of FIG. 1.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a battery pack (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell (100), a pack case (200), and a cover member (300).

[0053] First, referring primarily to FIG. 2, a plurality of battery cells (100) may be included. In addition, the plurality of battery cells (100) may include an electrode assembly, a cell case that accommodates the electrode assembly, and an electrode lead that is connected to the electrode assembly and extends outward from the cell case to function as an electrode terminal. In this case, the plurality of battery cells (100) may be electrically connected to each other.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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 (20) 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).

[0056] A plurality of battery cells (100) can be arranged in a parallel manner in the front-back direction (X-axis direction) while standing in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

[0057] The above pack case (200) may be configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells (100). The pack case (200) may be formed with a plurality of accommodation spaces (S) configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells in a divided manner. The accommodation spaces (S) are empty spaces and may be provided in a shape capable of accommodating a certain number of divided battery cells (100) therein. Specifically, the accommodation spaces (S) may be configured in a shape capable of accommodating battery cells (100) therein by being partitioned by a cross beam (230) described below.

[0058] The pack case (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) contained therein.

[0059] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the cover member (300) may be provided in a space between a plurality of battery cells (100) and a pack case (200). For example, the cover member (300) may be placed on top of the battery cells (100). In particular, the cover member (300) may be configured to fill the space between the plurality of battery cells (100) and the pack case (200). The cover member (300) may be configured to extend in a horizontal direction.

[0060] This cover member (300) may be configured to block the movement of venting gas generated from the battery cells (100). The cover member (300) may be interposed between the upper portions of the battery cells (100). Accordingly, the venting gas generated from the battery cells (100) may be prevented from moving in the space between the plurality of battery cells (100) and the pack case (200).

[0061] The cover member (300) may be made of a material with excellent heat resistance and / or fire resistance, such as mica. Alternatively, the cover member (300) may be made of a material with compressibility, such as silicone or polyurethane.

[0062] When a thermal event occurs in a battery cell (100), venting gas or flames, etc. may move toward other battery cells (100) through the space between the battery cell (100) and the pack case (200), thereby causing thermal runaway to propagate. However, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when thermal runaway occurs in a battery cell (100), venting gas or the like is suppressed from moving toward other battery cells (100), thereby minimizing the thermal energy received by adjacent battery cells (100). As a result, propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells (100) is prevented or suppressed, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of the battery pack (20).

[0063] In addition, the cover member (300) may be configured to guide venting gas or flames, etc., to the outer space of the battery cell (100). That is, the cover member (300) may be configured to separate the accommodating space (S) of the battery cell (100) within the pack case (200) from another space within the pack case (200). Accordingly, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, venting gas or flames, etc., generated in the battery cell (100), may flow only on the outer side of the battery cell (100).

[0064] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, even if a thermal event occurs, the battery cell (100) and the space through which venting gas or flames flow are separated by the cover member (300), thereby minimizing direct thermal damage to the battery cell (100). In addition, the exhaust gas discharged into the outer space of the cover member (300) can be prevented from flowing back into other battery cells (100). As a result, heat transfer to other battery cells (100) can be minimized, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of the battery pack (20).

[0065] In particular, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the cover member (300) blocks the movement of sparks or electrode discharge, thereby preventing electrode discharge or dust from accumulating in other battery cells (100). Accordingly, the temperature of the battery cell (100) can be prevented from continuously rising due to the heat island effect.

[0066] In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, by blocking substances such as sparks or electrode discharges that may be ignition factors from coming into contact with oxygen outside the pack case (200), a fire can be prevented from occurring inside the pack case (200).

[0067]

[0068] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 2, a pack case (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a base frame (210) and a side frame (220).

[0069] The base frame (210) may form the lower surface of the pack case (200) and may be provided in a square plate shape. In addition, the base frame (210) may be configured such that a plurality of battery cells (100) are mounted on the upper surface. Furthermore, the base frame (210) may be provided with a flat upper surface so that a plurality of battery modules (10) are stably mounted thereon.

[0070] The side frame (220) may extend upward from each corner of the base frame (210). The side frame (220) may be provided with a plurality of unit walls to surround a plurality of battery cells (100) or battery modules (10). More specifically, the plurality of side frames (220) may be provided with a right wall located at the -X direction side end of the base frame (210), a rear wall located at the +Y direction side end, a left wall located at the +X direction side end, and a front wall located at the -Y direction side end, respectively, to form a side surface of the pack case (200).

[0071] In addition, the pack case (200) may include a cross beam (230). The cross beam (230) may be provided between a plurality of battery cells (100). A plurality of cross beams (230) may be provided. The cross beam (230) may be configured to partition a plurality of receiving spaces (S). That is, the cross beam (230) may be configured to partition between battery cells (100) provided in receiving spaces (S) arranged in a plurality of rows and columns. The cross beam (230) may be provided to connect side frames (220) that face each other among a plurality of side frames (220). Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the receiving spaces (S) may be partitioned into four rows and two columns by the cross beams (230).

[0072] Meanwhile, the pack case (200) may further include a pack lead (240) coupled to the upper portion of the side frame (220). The pack lead (240) may be configured to form the upper surface of the pack case (200). The pack lead (240) may be configured to cover the upper portion of the battery cell (100).

[0073]

[0074] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a battery module included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a plurality of battery cells (100) may be modularized into one or more battery modules (10). That is, a battery pack (20) according to the present invention includes a plurality of battery modules (10), and a plurality of battery cells (100) included in the battery pack (20) may be divided and included in a plurality of battery modules (10). At this time, a plurality of battery cells (100) included in a battery module (10) may be electrically connected to each other.

[0076] A plurality of battery modules (10) may be individually provided in each accommodation space (S) of a pack case (200). The plurality of battery modules (10) may be separated into sections by cross beams (230). In particular, the battery pack (20) according to the present invention may include a module case (11). The module case (11) may be configured to have an empty space formed therein and accommodate at least some of the plurality of battery cells (100) in the internal space. In particular, the module case (11) may be configured to accommodate the battery cells (100) provided in each accommodation space (S). That is, the module case (11) may be included in each accommodation space (S), group the plurality of battery cells (100) into several battery modules (10), and may serve as a boundary that physically limits the internal space of each battery module (10).

[0077] The battery module (10) may include a busbar assembly electrically connected to a plurality of battery cells (100) accommodated therein. In addition, the battery module (10) may include a module terminal (12) configured to be electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells (100). The module terminal (12) may include a positive terminal and a negative terminal. The module terminal (12) may be configured to be electrically or communicatively connected to a control device such as a BMS provided in the pack case (200). The module terminal (12) may be configured such that at least a portion thereof is exposed to the outside of the module case (11).

[0078] The module terminal (12) may be provided on the side from which the electrode leads of the battery cell (100) are drawn out. For example, the module terminal (12) may be provided on the front side of the module case (11).

[0079] The battery module (10) may include a venting hole (H). The venting hole (H) may be configured to allow gas generated from a battery cell (100) housed inside the module case (11) to be discharged to the outside of the module case (11). That is, the venting hole (H) may be provided in the module case (11) to enable directional venting in a specific direction.

[0080] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 2, a plurality of battery modules (10) may be arranged so that their module terminals (12) face each other inside the pack case (200). For example, some of the plurality of module cases (11) may be arranged so that their front surfaces face each other.

[0081] At this time, the venting hole (H) may be formed on the opposite side of the side where the module terminal (12) is provided. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the module terminal (12) may be provided on the front side (-Y-axis direction in FIGS. 5 and 6) of the module case (11), and the venting hole (H) may be formed on the rear side (+Y-axis direction in FIGS. 5 and 6) of the module case (11).

[0082] At this time, the cover member (300) may be configured to guide venting gas, etc. discharged when thermal runaway of the battery module (10) occurs, toward the rear side of the battery module (10). According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the venting gas, etc. discharged from the venting hole (H) can be minimized from flowing toward the module terminal (12).

[0083]

[0084] Hereinafter, the cover member (300) will be described in more detail with further reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0085] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of a cover member included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 7, the cover member (300) may be configured to cover the upper portion of the cross beam (230). That is, the cover member (300) may be configured to cover the upper side in the space between adjacent battery cells (100) or battery modules (10).

[0087] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since adjacent receiving spaces (S) can be reliably separated by the cover member (300), even if a thermal event occurs in any battery module (10), venting gas or flames can be prevented from moving beyond the cross beam (230) to the adjacent battery module (10). Accordingly, heat propagation between battery modules (10) can be prevented.

[0088] As a more specific example, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the cross beam (230) may be provided at a lower height than the battery cell (100). In this case, the cover member (300) may be configured such that at least a portion thereof protrudes toward the cross beam (230). That is, the cover member (300) may be configured such that at least a portion thereof is interposed between the battery modules (10).

[0089] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the cover member (300) is provided on the upper portion of the space between the battery modules (10), so that the cover member (300) more reliably separates the battery modules (10), thereby suppressing heat transfer by the cross beam (230) made of a metal material such as aluminum.

[0090] In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since a gap where the cross beam (230) and the cover member (300) face each other is provided on the lower side, leakage of venting gas or flames, etc. through the gap between the cross beam (230) and the cover member (300) can be prevented. Accordingly, heat transmission between battery modules (10) can be prevented more effectively.

[0091] Meanwhile, when the pack lead (240) and the cross beam (230) are bolted together, the cover member (300) can be bolted together with the cross beam (230). According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the assembling ability of the battery pack (20) can be improved.

[0092] In addition, the cover member (300) may be configured to be in contact with the cross beam (230). That is, the protruding portion of the cover member (300) may be configured to be in contact with the upper portion of the cross beam (230). In particular, the cover member (300) may be configured to be in close contact with the cross beam (230) by being made of a compressible material such as silicone. Accordingly, the cover member (300) may be configured to be in close contact with the cross beam (230), the battery module (10), and the pack case (200).

[0093] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the cover member (300) can more reliably partition the space between the battery modules (10). As a result, even if venting gas or flames are emitted from a battery module (10), heat transmission to other adjacent battery modules (10) can be suppressed.

[0094] Moreover, the cover member (300) may be configured to cover both the cross beam (230) and the upper portion of the battery cell (100). The cover member (300) may be configured to cover not only the upper portion of the cross beam (230) but also the upper portion of the battery module (10).

[0095] The cover member (300) may be configured to cover the upper portions of at least some of the plurality of battery modules (10). For example, the cover member (300) may be configured to cover the upper portions of each of the battery modules (10). Alternatively, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the cover member (300) may be configured as a single sheet that covers the plurality of battery cells (100). That is, the cover member (300) may be configured to cover the entire upper portions of the plurality of battery modules (10) arranged in a horizontal direction. In this case, the upper surface of the cover member (300) may be configured to be flat.

[0096] Moreover, the cover member (300) may be configured to be in close contact with the upper surface of the module case (11). The cover member (300) may be configured to completely fill the space between the battery module (10) and the cross beam (230) and the pack case (200).

[0097] More specifically, referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the cover member (300) may include a main body (310) and a protrusion (320). The main body (310) may be interposed on the upper portion of the battery module (10). The main body (310) may be configured in a square plate shape. In addition, the protrusion (320) may protrude downward from the main body (310) and be interposed on the upper portion of the cross beam (230). The protrusion (320) may be configured to correspond to the shape and position of the cross beam (230). Accordingly, the protrusion (320) may be configured to extend long in the front-back direction or the left-right direction.

[0098] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the cover member (300) is composed of a single sheet, the venting gas generated from the battery cell (100) can be completely blocked from moving in the space where the battery module (10) is provided. In particular, since the cover member (300) completely covers the battery module (10), the area of ​​the battery module (10) affected by flame and / or dust, etc., can be minimized.

[0099] In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the sheet-shaped cover member (300) is configured to fill the space between the battery module (10) and the pack case (200), the possibility of the cover member (300) being structurally deformed by heat can be minimized.

[0100] Moreover, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the cover member (300) can reliably separate the space in which the battery module (10) is accommodated from the external space within the pack case (200). This makes it possible to prevent exhaust gases discharged to the outside of the cover member (300) from affecting the battery module (10).

[0101]

[0102] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack to which a cover member according to another embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0103] In another embodiment, the cover member (300) and the cross beam (230) may be configured to be mutually coupled. More specifically, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, the cover member (300) may be configured such that the cross beam (230) is inserted therein. The upper end of the cross beam (230) may be configured to be inserted into the protrusion (320) of the cover member (300). That is, the cover member (300) may be configured in a form that surrounds the end of the cross beam (230). Accordingly, the fixing force between the cover member (300) and the cross beam (230) may be improved.

[0104] More specifically, referring to FIG. 9, the cover member (300) may be provided with a groove (G) formed by at least a portion being sunken inward. The cross beam (230) may be provided by being inserted into this groove (G). Accordingly, the upper end of the cross beam (230) may be provided in close contact with the groove (G) without a gap.

[0105] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the cross beam (230) can be inserted into the cover member (300) and supported from both sides, the fixing force between the cross beam (230) and the cover member (300) can be further improved. In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the sealing force between the end portion of the cross beam (230) and the cover member (300) can be stably secured. Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment, the partition between the plurality of battery modules (10) can be more reliably separated, and the heat transmission prevention performance between the battery modules (10) can be further improved.

[0106]

[0107] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack to which a cover member is applied according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] As another embodiment, a hollow space may be formed in the cover member (300). More specifically, the upper surface of the cover member (300) may be configured to be partially spaced apart from the pack case (200). In this case, the cover member (300) may be configured to only partially fill the space between the battery cell (100) and the pack case (200). For example, the main body (310) of the cover member (300) may be configured such that a portion of the upper surface is recessed inward.

[0109] Accordingly, as illustrated in part A of FIG. 10, the upper surface of the cover member (300) may be configured in a form in which a portion protrudes upward. In particular, the upper protruding structure of the cover member (300) may be provided on the upper side of the cross beam (230). In addition, the upper protruding structure of the cover member (300) may be provided on the corner side of the battery module (10), particularly on the corner of the battery module (10) located at the outermost side inside the pack case (200).

[0110] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since an air layer is formed in the cover member (300), the thermal insulation of the cover member (300) can be improved. In addition, since an empty space is provided on the side of the cover member (300) provided on the upper part of the battery module (10), when the upper surface of the module case (11) expands outward due to heat, the main body (310) of the cover member (300) can expand correspondingly.

[0111] In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the upper protrusion structure of the cover member (300) is provided, when the upper surface of the module case (11) expands, the cover member (300) can be minimized from being lifted off the module case (11). Accordingly, excessive expansion of the upper surface of the module case (11) can be suppressed.

[0112]

[0113] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 13, the direction in which venting gas moves when thermal runaway occurs in a battery module (10) in a battery pack (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0114] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. In addition, Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is a drawing for explaining the direction of venting gas discharge during thermal runaway of a battery module. In addition, Fig. 13 is a top view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is a drawing for explaining the direction of venting gas discharge during thermal runaway of a battery module.

[0115] Meanwhile, the cover member (300) may be configured to be spaced apart from the side frame (220) by a predetermined distance. In particular, the end of the cover member (300) may be configured to be spaced apart from the side frame (220) located on both sides in the front-rear direction of the pack case (200), i.e., on the rear side (+X-axis or -X-axis direction in FIG. 13) of the battery module (10). The cover member (300) may be configured not to cover the end of the cross beam (230) on the side frame (220). Venting gas or the like may be configured to be movable between the cover member (300) and the side frame (220).

[0116] The cover member (300) may be configured to guide venting gas, etc., inside the battery pack (20) into the space between the side frame (220) and the cover member (300). Accordingly, the venting gas, etc., may move to both front and rear directions of the pack case (200).

[0117] Specifically, when thermal runaway occurs in the battery module (10), as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 12, venting gas and the like can be discharged through the venting hole (H) provided on the rear side of the battery module (10) and move toward the upper side of the battery module (10). Thereafter, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 13, the venting gas and the like can move into the space between the cover member (300) and the cross beam (230).

[0118] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, a venting path for venting gas or the like can be secured within the battery pack (20). In addition, by guiding the venting path in the battery pack (20) to a specific path rather than dispersing it in multiple directions, unintended damage to other components can be prevented.

[0119] In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, by guiding the movement of venting gas and the like toward the upper side of the battery module (10), the movement of the venting gas and the like can be prevented from flowing into the venting hole (H) of the adjacent battery module (10).

[0120] Moreover, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when a plurality of battery modules (10) are arranged so that the module terminals (12) face each other, venting gas or flames, etc. can be more effectively suppressed from heading toward the module terminals (12).

[0121] In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the battery module (10) can be positioned as close as possible to the side frame (220), thereby maximizing the volume of the battery module (10). As a result, the energy efficiency of the battery module (10) and the battery pack (20) can be maximized.

[0122] Meanwhile, the pack case (200) may be equipped with a venting device (250). The venting device (250) may be configured to discharge venting gas or flames generated in the battery module (10) to the outside of the pack case (200). The venting device (250) may be provided in the form of a hole penetrating between the inside and the outside of the pack case (200). Alternatively, the venting device (250) may be configured to be mountable in the hole of the pack case (200) and may be provided in the form of a venting device that is activated when exhaust is generated inside the pack case (200).

[0123] The venting device (250) may be provided on the side of the pack case (200), i.e., on the side frame (220). A plurality of venting devices (250) may be provided. The venting devices (250) may be located on at least some of the unit walls of the side frame (220). In addition, the venting devices (250) may be separately formed on two or more unit walls, or two or more may be formed on one unit wall. For example, referring to FIG. 13, a plurality of venting devices (250) may be provided on each of the front wall and the rear wall. In addition, the plurality of venting devices (250) may be provided to be symmetrical to each other with respect to the central axis of the side frame (220).

[0124] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when the battery cell (100) is in an abnormal state, high-temperature gas or the like can be discharged in both directions of the pack case (200), so it is easy to discharge the gas more quickly to the outside of the pack case (200).

[0125] Meanwhile, the number or location of the venting device (250) described based on the embodiment of Fig. 13 is merely an example, and it is obvious that the number or location may be changed to various other numbers or locations.

[0126] The venting device (250) may be configured to communicate with the space between the cover member (300) and the side frame (220). At this time, the cover member (300) may be configured to guide venting gas or flames, etc. discharged from the battery module (10) to the venting device (250). That is, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 13, the venting gas, etc. discharged to the rear side of the battery module (10) through the venting hole (H) may move to the space between the cover member (300) and the side frame (220) and then move toward the venting device (250).

[0127] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the venting direction of the battery module (10) and the movement direction within the venting path within the battery pack (20) can be configured to be interconnected. Accordingly, when a thermal event occurs in the battery module (10), the cover member (300) guides venting gas or flames, etc., toward the venting device (250), thereby allowing them to be more quickly discharged to the outside of the pack case (200). As a result, the internal pressure within the pack case (200) can be prevented from increasing.

[0128] In addition, during the process of venting gas or flames moving to the venting device (250), the venting gas or flames can be minimized from moving toward other battery modules (10) or module terminals (12). This prevents additional chain ignition of other battery modules (10).

[0129]

[0130] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack to which a cover member is applied according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0131] As another embodiment, the end of the cover member (300) may be configured to be bent to wrap around a portion of the module case (11). For example, as shown in part B of FIG. 14, the end of the cover member (300) may be configured to wrap around the upper side of the rear surface (+X-axis direction in FIG. 14) of the module case (11).

[0132] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent venting gas, etc. discharged from the venting hole (H) provided on the rear side of the battery module (10) from flowing into the gap between the module case (11) and the cover member (300). Accordingly, the movement of venting gas, flames, dust, etc. into the space between the upper surface of the module case (11) and the upper surface of the pack case (200) can be more effectively suppressed.

[0133]

[0134] FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0135] Referring to FIG. 15, a vehicle (V) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs (20) 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 (20) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0136]

[0137] 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 are possible 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 having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

Claims

1. Multiple battery cells; A pack case configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells; and A battery pack characterized by including a cover member provided in a space between the plurality of battery cells and the pack case, extending in a horizontal direction, and configured to block the movement of venting gas generated from the battery cells.

2. In paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that it further comprises a plurality of module cases configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells by grouping them, and having a venting hole formed on at least one side thereof so that a venting gas is discharged to the outside.

3. In paragraph 2, Some of the above multiple module cases are arranged so that the front surfaces where the module terminals are provided face each other, A battery pack characterized in that the venting hole is formed on the rear side of the module case.

4. In paragraph 2, A battery pack, characterized in that the cover member is configured to wrap around the upper part of the rear side of the module case.

5. In paragraph 1, The above pack case has a cross beam provided between the plurality of battery cells, A battery pack, characterized in that the cover member is configured to cover the upper portion of the cross beam.

6. In paragraph 5, The above cross beam is provided at a lower height than the above battery cell, A battery pack, characterized in that at least a portion of the cover member is configured to protrude toward the cross beam.

7. In paragraph 5, A battery pack characterized in that the cover member is configured to be in close contact with the cross beam.

8. In paragraph 5, A battery pack characterized in that the cover member is configured to cover the cross beam and the upper portion of the battery cell together.

9. In paragraph 5, A battery pack characterized in that the cover member is configured such that the cross beam is inserted therein.

10. In paragraph 1, A battery pack, characterized in that the cover member is composed of a single sheet covering the plurality of battery cells.

11. In paragraph 1, The above pack case is A base frame configured to accommodate the above battery cells, It has a side frame configured to extend upward from the corner of the above base frame, A battery pack characterized in that the cover member is configured to be spaced apart from the side frame by a predetermined distance.

12. In paragraph 11, The above pack case is A battery pack characterized by having a venting device configured to communicate with the space between the cover member and the side frame.

13. A vehicle comprising a battery pack according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 12.

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