Battery pack and vehicle comprising battery pack

Abstract

A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a plurality of battery cells; and a pack case having a plurality of frames so as to accommodate the plurality of battery cells in the inner space thereof, wherein the pack case can include: a venting portion for discharging, to the outside, venting gas generated from the battery cells; and a trap portion protruding inward from the venting portion so as to suppress sparks contained in the venting gas from moving to the venting portion.

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. 10-2024-0069296, filed on May 28, 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] 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 or parallel, a common method is to first construct a battery module containing at least one battery cell, and then use this at least one battery module to add other components to form a battery pack or battery rack. Furthermore, recently, battery packs in the cell-to-pack form, where multiple battery cells are housed directly in a pack housing or other device without modularization, have also been manufactured.

[0006] If a thermal event, such as thermal runaway, occurs within a battery pack, gases may be released from the battery cells contained within, which may include flames.

[0007] In the case of conventional battery packs, in the event of an abnormality in a specific battery cell or battery module, high-temperature gases are often discharged through a venting portion provided in the pack case to discharge high-temperature gases outside the pack case.

[0008] Additionally, when gas is typically emitted from a battery cell, pieces of electrode plates or active material inside the battery cell may be emitted to the outside in a high-temperature state, and these high-temperature particles may appear in the form of sparks.

[0009] At this time, if a spark is exposed to the outside of the pack case through the venting, along with gas, it may react with oxygen outside the battery pack, potentially creating a flame or developing a fire outside the battery pack. Furthermore, if a flame or fire occurs outside a specific battery pack, the fire may spread to other adjacent battery packs or devices equipped with that battery pack, potentially causing a larger problem.

[0010] Therefore, there is a growing need for a technology to prevent sparks or flames from being exposed to the outside of the battery pack through the venting portion, thereby suppressing the occurrence or spread of flames or fire outside the battery pack.

[0011] Accordingly, the present invention is intended to solve the problems described above, and provides a battery pack and a vehicle including the same that can ensure safety and reliability in the event of an abnormality in a battery cell or battery module.

[0012] 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.

[0013] In order to solve the above problem, a battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of battery cells; and a pack case formed of a plurality of frames and configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells in an internal space, wherein the pack case may include a venting portion configured to discharge venting gas generated from the battery cells to the outside, and a trap portion configured to protrude inwardly from the venting portion and to suppress sparks included in the venting gas from moving to the venting portion.

[0014] The above venting portion may have a venting path formed inside at least one of the plurality of frames and configured to allow the venting gas to flow.

[0015] The above venting part may have an inlet hole configured to connect the internal space of the pack case and the venting path, and an exhaust hole configured to discharge venting gas flowing into the venting path through the inlet hole to the outside of the pack case.

[0016] The above inlet hole and the above discharge hole may be provided at positions that are staggered from the inside to the outside of the pack case.

[0017] The pack case may include a base frame on which the plurality of battery cells are mounted, and a side frame extending upward from the base frame and having the venting portion provided thereon.

[0018] The inlet hole is provided on the inner surface of the side frame, the discharge hole is provided on the outer surface of the side frame, and the discharge hole can be configured to be spaced apart from the inlet hole in the extension direction of the side frame.

[0019] The above venting part may be provided inside the venting path and may include a guide member configured to guide the venting gas to the discharge hole.

[0020] The above trap part may be provided on the side of the inlet hole.

[0021] The above trap portion may have a first cover configured to protrude from the outer periphery of the inlet hole toward the inner space.

[0022] The above first cover may be provided on at least one of the upper, left, and right sides of the inlet hole.

[0023] The above trap portion may include a second cover extending from the first cover and bent to face the pack case.

[0024] The above second cover may have side covers provided on the left and right sides of the inlet hole.

[0025] The above second cover may have an upper cover provided on the upper portion of the inlet hole.

[0026] The module case may further include a plurality of battery cells accommodated in a receiving space, and a venting hole formed on the upper side to communicate with the receiving space.

[0027] And, the automobile according to the present invention may include a battery pack according to the present invention.

[0028] According to one aspect of the present invention, sparks generated in an abnormal state of a battery cell can be prevented from being exposed to the outside of the pack case, thereby ensuring safety and reliability.

[0029] Moreover, according to one aspect of the present invention, by suppressing flame development outside the battery pack, the performance of preventing thermal propagation per pack can be effectively secured.

[0030] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, when a specific battery cell or battery module within a battery pack experiences an abnormal condition, high-temperature gases generated from the battery cell can be smoothly discharged outside the pack case. Therefore, other battery cells or battery modules can be minimized from thermal damage, thereby preventing further chain reactions.

[0031] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, the path and time for the discharge of high-temperature venting gases, flames, etc. can be extended. In particular, the straightness of flames or sparks with strong straightness can be reduced, further suppressing their exposure to the exterior of the pack case.

[0032] Thus, according to one aspect of the present invention, events resulting from thermal runaway of a battery pack including a plurality of battery modules or a device equipped with the same, such as fire or explosion, can be prevented or delayed.

[0033] In particular, for electric vehicles, by inhibiting or delaying the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells or battery modules, sufficient time can be secured for occupants to escape or drive.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the inner portion of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 4 may be a drawing showing portion A of FIG. 2.

[0040] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of an outer portion of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 5 may be a drawing showing portion B of FIG. 2.

[0041] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the top. For example, Fig. 6 may be a drawing illustrating cross-section I-I' of Fig. 1.

[0042] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a guide member included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a guide member included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a guide member included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining the structure of a trap section of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the upper side.

[0047] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack viewed from the side according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, Fig. 13 may be a drawing showing the cross-section taken along line II-II' of Fig. 1.

[0049] FIG. 14 is a drawing for explaining the structure of a trap section of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056]

[0057] 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 an exploded perspective view of a battery module included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition, FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of an inner portion of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 4 may be a view showing portion A of FIG. 2.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell (100) and a pack case (200).

[0059] First, referring primarily to FIG. 2, a plurality of battery cells (100) may be included. Although not illustrated in the drawing, the plurality of battery cells (100) may include an electrode assembly, a cell case housing the electrode assembly, and electrode leads connected to the electrode assembly and extending outward from the cell case to function as electrode terminals. In this case, the plurality of battery cells (100) may be electrically connected to each other.

[0060] 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.

[0061] A plurality of battery cells (100) can be arranged in a parallel manner in the front-back direction (Y-axis direction) while standing vertically (Z-axis direction), as illustrated in FIG. 2. At this time, each battery cell (100) can have its sealing portion facing left-right (X-axis direction) and upward (+Z-axis direction), and its storage portion facing forward-backward (Y-axis direction).

[0062] Meanwhile, the present invention is not limited by the specific type or shape of the battery cell (100), and various battery cells (100) known at the time of filing of the present invention may be employed to construct the battery pack (1) of the present invention. In this embodiment, a pouch-type secondary battery having a high energy density and easy stacking is targeted as shown in the drawing, but it goes without saying that a cylindrical or square secondary battery may be applied as the battery cell (100).

[0063] The pack case (200) may be configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells (100). Specifically, the pack case (200) may be formed by a plurality of frames (F). That is, the exterior of the pack case (200) may be formed by a plurality of frames (F). For example, the pack case (200) may be configured in a rectangular parallelepiped shape by being composed of six frames (F). Such a pack case (200) may provide an internal space so that a plurality of battery cells (100) may be accommodated.

[0064] 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.

[0065] In addition, the pack case (200) may be provided with a venting portion (210). The venting portion (210) may be configured to discharge gas generated from the battery cells (100) housed therein to the outside of the pack case (200). The venting portion (210) may be configured to communicate the internal space and the external space of the pack case (200) with each other. The venting portion (210) may be provided on at least one of the plurality of frames (F) of the pack case (200).

[0066] Furthermore, the pack case (200) may be provided with a trap section (220). The trap section (220) may be configured to prevent a spark contained in the venting gas from moving to the venting section (210). The trap section (220) may be configured to block the spark while allowing the venting gas to move to the venting section (210). According to one embodiment of the present invention, the trap section (220) may be configured to completely block the spark from passing through the trap section (220).

[0067] Specifically, the trap part (220) may be provided in the venting part (210). The trap part (220) may be provided in the frame of the pack case (200) in which the venting part (210) is provided. The trap part (220) may be provided on the inside of the frame of the pack case (200), particularly on the inside of the venting part (210). For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the trap part (220) may be provided to protrude inwardly from the venting part (210). According to the above-described exemplary configuration of the present invention, sparks ejected from the battery cell (100) may be blocked in advance before reaching the venting part (210) of the pack case (200).

[0068] This trap section (220) may be made of a material that includes a material with low thermal conductivity and excellent heat resistance and / or fire resistance. For example, the trap section (220) may be made of a flame-retardant mica material. Alternatively, the trap section (220) may be made of a metal material with rigidity and heat resistance.

[0069] Sparks or flames with strong straightness can be discharged from the battery cell (100) and hit the internal structure of the pack case (200) and move to the venting portion (210). However, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the venting gas can have its flow direction bent by the trap portion (220) before being discharged to the venting portion (210). In addition, during this process, sparks or flames that were heading toward the venting portion (210) together with the venting gas can be suppressed from being discharged to the outside by the trap portion (220) (see solid arrows in FIG. 4).

[0070] Accordingly, the generation of flames due to the reaction of sparks and oxygen outside the pack case (200) can be suppressed. Therefore, according to the above aspect of the present invention, the safety and reliability of the battery pack (1) can be guaranteed.

[0071] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a spark generated in a battery cell (100) can be blocked by the trap portion (220), and at the same time, the venting gas can be smoothly discharged to the exposed portion of the venting portion (210) (see the dotted arrow in FIG. 4). Accordingly, when an abnormal situation occurs in the battery cell (100), the venting gas is quickly discharged to the outside of the pack case (200) through the venting portion (210), thereby preventing the internal pressure inside the pack case (200) from increasing and preventing additional chain ignition of other battery cells (100).

[0072]

[0073] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a plurality of battery cells (100) may be modularized into one or more battery modules (10). That is, a battery pack (1) according to the present invention may include one or more battery modules (10). In addition, a plurality of battery cells (100) may be included as components of one or more battery modules (10). In this case, multiple battery cells (100) included within a battery module (10) may be electrically connected to each other.

[0074] Moreover, the battery module (10) may be provided in multiple numbers inside the pack case (200). That is, the battery pack according to the present invention (1) includes multiple battery modules (10), and multiple battery cells (100) included in the battery pack (1) may be divided and included in multiple battery modules (10).

[0075] In particular, the battery pack (1) 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 so as to accommodate at least some of a plurality of battery cells (100) in the internal space. In particular, the module case (11) may be included in each battery module (10), grouping a 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).

[0076] Additionally, although not shown in the drawing, the battery module (10) may include a busbar assembly and / or module terminal electrically connected to a plurality of battery cells (100) housed therein.

[0077] The above 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). Specifically, the venting hole (H) may be provided in the module case (11) to enable directional venting in a specific direction.

[0078]

[0079] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of an outer portion of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 5 may be a drawing showing portion B of FIG. 2.

[0080] Referring further to FIG. 5, the structure of the venting portion (210) will be described in more detail. The venting portion (210) may be provided with a venting path (P). The venting path (P) may be formed inside at least one of a plurality of frames (F). For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the venting path (P) may be formed in a frame (F) forming a side surface of the pack case (200). The venting path (P) may be formed by extrusion molding of the frame (F) of the pack case (200). This venting path (P) may be configured to allow venting gas to flow.

[0081] In addition, the venting portion (210) may be provided with an inlet hole (211) and an outlet hole (212). The inlet hole (211) and the outlet hole (212) may be formed together in at least one of a plurality of frames (F). The inlet hole (211) may be configured to communicate the internal space of the pack case (200) with the venting path (P). The inlet hole (211) may be provided on the inside of the frame (F) of the pack case (200).

[0082] The discharge hole (212) may be configured to discharge the venting gas flowing into the venting path (P) through the inlet hole (211) to the outside of the pack case (200). The discharge hole (212) may be provided on the outside of the frame (F) of the pack case (200).

[0083] Meanwhile, the exhaust hole (212) may be provided in the form of a hole penetrating between the inside and the outside of the pack case (200), as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5. Alternatively, unlike the above embodiment, the exhaust hole (212) 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 operates when venting gas is generated inside the pack case (200).

[0084] For example, the discharge hole (212) may be provided with a venting valve or may be implemented as such a venting valve. In this case, a mounting hole may be formed in the frame (F) of the pack case (200) so that the venting valve can be installed in the mounting hole. In the case where the discharge hole (212) is implemented in the form of such a venting valve, when the internal pressure of the pack case (200) increases, the venting valve may be configured to open and discharge the venting gas to the outside of the pack case (200).

[0085] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the inlet hole (211) and the discharge hole (212) can be configured to be connected to each other. That is, the inlet hole (211) and the discharge hole (212) can be connected to each other by a venting path (P). Accordingly, the venting gas generated in the internal space of the pack case (200) can be introduced into the venting path (P) through the inlet hole (211) and discharged to the outside of the pack case (200) through the discharge hole (212).

[0086] Accordingly, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, high-temperature gases generated from the battery cell (100) can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the pack case (200) through the venting portion (210). Accordingly, it is possible to prevent additional chain fires by minimizing the thermal damage to other battery cells (100).

[0087] Moreover, the inlet hole (211) and the discharge hole (212) may be provided to be horizontally spaced apart from each other. In particular, the inlet hole (211) and the discharge hole (212) may be provided at positions that are staggered from the inside to the outside of the pack case (200). Accordingly, the path along which the venting gas moves can be bent at least once. In other words, the venting gas can be prevented from being directly discharged from the inlet hole (211) to the discharge hole (212).

[0088] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the straightness of flames or sparks with strong straightness can be reduced, and exposure to the outside of the pack case (200) can be further suppressed. Accordingly, flames can be prevented from developing outside the pack case (200).

[0089] In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the venting filament (P) can be configured to extend long along the extension direction of the frame (F) of the pack case (200). As a result, the discharge path and time of high-temperature venting gas or flames, etc. can be extended, so that the heat of the venting gas can be discharged to the outside in a cooled state.

[0090]

[0091] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the top. For example, Fig. 6 may be a drawing illustrating cross-section I-I' of Fig. 1.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 6 together with FIG. 2, the frame (F) of the pack case (200) may include a base frame (201) and a side frame (202).

[0093] The above base frame (201) may form the lower surface of the pack case (200) and may be provided in the shape of a square plate. In addition, the base frame (201) may be configured so that a plurality of battery cells (100) are mounted on the upper surface. Furthermore, the base frame (201) may be provided with a flat upper surface so that a plurality of battery cells (100) or a module case (11) are stably mounted.

[0094] The side frame (202) may extend upward from each corner of the base frame (201). The side frame (202) may be provided with a plurality of unit walls to surround a plurality of battery cells (100) or battery modules (10). More specifically, the side frame (202) may include a rear wall located at the +Y direction side end of the base frame (201), a right wall located at the +X direction side end, a front wall located at the -Y direction side end, and a left wall located at the -X direction side end to form a side of the pack case (200).

[0095] At this time, the venting part (210) may be provided on the side of the pack case (200), i.e., the side frame (202). The trap part (220) may also be provided on the side frame (202).

[0096] The venting portion (210) and the trap portion (220) may each be provided in multiple numbers. In particular, the venting portion (210) may be located in at least some of the unit walls among the multiple unit walls of the side frame (202). In addition, the venting portion (210) may be separately formed in two or more unit walls, or two or more may be formed in one unit wall. For example, referring to FIG. 2, the venting portion (210) may be provided in multiple numbers in each of the front wall and the rear wall.

[0097] At this time, a corresponding trap part (220) may be installed for each venting part (210). For example, as illustrated in the exemplary configuration of FIG. 2, four venting parts (210) are formed on each of the front wall and the rear wall, and a separate trap part (220) is provided for each venting part (210), so that a total of eight trap parts (220) may be included in the battery pack (1). Each of the plurality of venting parts (210) and trap parts (220) may be provided to be symmetrical to each other with respect to the center of the side frame (202).

[0098] 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).

[0099] Meanwhile, the number and locations of the venting portions (210) and trap portions (220) described based on the embodiment of FIG. 2 are merely examples, and may be changed to various other numbers or locations. For example, in FIG. 2, the venting portions (210) and trap portions (220) are provided on the X-axis direction extending walls of the side frame (202), i.e., the front wall and the rear wall, but they may also be provided on the Y-axis direction extending walls, i.e., the left wall and the right wall.

[0100] The side frame (202) may be configured with a double structure and may have an inner surface (202a) and an outer surface (202b). At this time, referring to FIG. 6, the inlet hole (211) may be provided on the inner surface (202a) of the side frame (202), and the discharge hole (212) may be provided on the outer surface (202b) of the side frame (202). The discharge hole (212) may be configured to be spaced apart from the inlet hole (211) in the extension direction of the side frame (202). Accordingly, the path along which the venting gas moves may be bent at least once. That is, the venting gas may be prevented from being directly discharged from the inlet hole (211) to the discharge hole (212).

[0101] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the straightness of flames or sparks with strong straightness can be reduced, and exposure to the outside of the pack case (200) can be further suppressed. Accordingly, flames can be prevented from developing outside the pack case (200).

[0102] In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the venting path (P) can be configured to extend long along the extension direction of the frame of the pack case (200). As a result, the discharge path and time of high-temperature venting gas or flames, etc. can be extended, so that the heat of the venting gas can be discharged to the outside in a cooled state.

[0103] Meanwhile, the frame (F) of the pack case (200) may further include an upper frame (203). The upper frame (203) may be configured to cover the upper portions of the plurality of battery cells (100). To this end, the upper frame (203) may be provided to be coupled to the upper portion of the side frame (202) to form the upper surface of the pack case (200).

[0104] The upper frame (203) can protect components housed inside, such as battery cells (100), and prevent venting gases and / or sparks emitted from the battery cells (100) from being emitted to the outside, particularly the upper part, of the pack case (200). In particular, the upper frame (203) can guide venting gases and sparks, etc., from the internal space of the pack case (200) toward the venting portion (210).

[0105] In addition, the frame (F) of the pack case (200) may further include a cross beam (204). The cross beam (204) may be provided to partition between a plurality of battery cells (100) or battery modules (10). The cross beam (204) may be provided between a plurality of battery cells (100) and a side frame (202) in which a venting portion (210) is provided. For example, the cross beam (204) may be formed in the form of a partition wall that is elongated in the left-right direction and may be interposed between battery modules (10) that are adjacently arranged in the front-rear direction. In addition, the cross beam (204) may be formed in the form of a partition wall that is elongated in the front-rear direction and may be interposed between battery modules (10) that are adjacently arranged in the left-right direction.

[0106] Additionally, the cross beam (204) may be provided to be spaced apart from the upper frame (203) by a predetermined distance. That is, the cross beam (204) may be configured to be spaced apart by a predetermined distance without at least a portion of the upper portion contacting the lower surface of the upper frame (203).

[0107] According to this implementation configuration, heat or flame can be prevented from being directly directed between cell assemblies or battery modules (10) whose storage spaces are separated by cross beams (204).

[0108] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a guide member included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0109] Referring to Fig. 7, the venting portion (210) may include a guide member (213). The guide member (213) may be provided inside the venting path (P). The guide member (213) may be configured to guide the venting gas to the discharge hole (212). The guide member (213) may be configured to extend long along the extension direction of the side frame (202). The guide member (213) may be configured in a plate shape that is laid down in a horizontal direction. The guide member (213) may be configured to be parallel to the base frame (201).

[0110] Additionally, a plurality of guide members (213) may be provided. The plurality of guide members (213) may be configured to be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. Venting gas may move in the space between adjacent guide members (213).

[0111] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the venting gas and the like inside the venting path (P) can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery pack (1) by being guided along the guide member (213) to the discharge hole (212). Accordingly, thermal runaway between the battery cells (100) and / or the battery module (10) can be suppressed or prevented.

[0112]

[0113] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a guide member included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] As another embodiment of the present invention, the guide member (213) may be configured in an oblique shape. For example, the guide member (213) may be configured to be inclined toward the base frame (201), as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8. In this case, the guide member (213) may be configured to form an acute angle with the base frame (201).

[0115] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the path of movement of the venting gas inside the venting path (P) can be made longer by the guide member (213), and the venting gas can be guided to move more quickly toward the discharge hole (212).

[0116] Meanwhile, unlike the above embodiment, the guide member (213) may be configured in a form that is bent at least once so that the movement path of the venting gas becomes longer.

[0117]

[0118] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a guide member included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0119] In another embodiment, the guide member (213) may have a distal end configured in a spiral shape. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the distal end of the guide member (213) provided on the discharge hole (212) side may be bent to form a spiral shape. The plurality of guide members (213) may have different spiral shapes. For example, the guide member (213) positioned at the top may have a distal end bent toward the lower side, and the guide member (213) positioned at the bottom may have a distal end bent toward the upper side.

[0120] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the end portion of the guide member (213) is configured in a spiral shape, the venting gas can have a further extended movement path toward the discharge hole (212). Accordingly, since the venting gas is not directly discharged from the venting path (P) to the discharge hole (212), the straightness of the venting gas can be further reduced.

[0121] In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, even if the spark contained in the venting gas is not completely blocked by the trap section (220) outside the venting passage (P), the spark can be separated by the spiral path inside the venting passage (P). As a result, the spark can be more effectively suppressed from being discharged outside the venting section (210).

[0122]

[0123] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining the structure of a trap section of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition, FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above, and FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the side. In addition, FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 13 may be a drawing showing a cross-section taken along line II-II' of FIG. 1.

[0124] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, the structure of the trap portion (220) will be described in more detail. The trap portion (220) may be provided on the side of the inlet hole (211). The trap portion (220) may be provided on the inner surface (202a) of the side frame (202). The trap portion (220) may be provided along the outer periphery of the inlet hole (211). The trap portion (220) may be configured to protrude toward the inner side of the pack case (200) from the side of the inlet hole (211).

[0125] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, sparks contained in the venting gas heading toward the inlet hole (211) can be blocked by the trap section (220). Accordingly, sparks can be prevented from being discharged to the outside of the pack case (200) and reacting with oxygen to generate a flame.

[0126] More specifically, the trap section (220) may be provided with a first cover (221). The first cover (221) may be configured to protrude from the outer periphery of the inlet hole (211) toward the inner space of the pack case (200). The first cover (221) may be configured in a plate shape. A plurality of first covers (221) may be provided. A plurality of first covers (221) may be arranged along the outer periphery of the inlet hole (211).

[0127] In particular, the first cover (221) may be provided on at least one of the upper, left, and right sides of the inlet hole (211). The first cover (221) may be provided with a pair of first side covers (221a) provided on the left and right sides of the inlet hole (211). The pair of first side covers (221a) may be configured in a plate shape that is vertically erected and may be arranged to face each other. The first side cover (221a) may be configured to block the side surface of the inlet hole (211). The first side cover (221a) may be configured to block the venting gas directed toward the inlet hole (211) from both left and right sides of the inlet hole (211).

[0128] Additionally, the first cover (221) may be provided with a first upper cover (221b) provided on the upper portion of the inlet hole (211). The first upper cover (221b) may be configured in a plate shape that is laid down horizontally. The first upper cover (221b) may be configured to block venting gas from the upper portion of the inlet hole (211) toward the inlet hole (211).

[0129] Furthermore, the trap section (220) may be provided with a second cover (222). The second cover (222) may be provided so as to extend from at least one side of the first cover (221). The second cover (222) may be provided so as to be bent so as to face the pack case (200). The second cover (222) may be configured in a plate shape. Since the second cover (222) is manufactured in a plate shape, the second cover (222) may be configured to face the side frame (202) in parallel with the venting section (210) formed therein. At this time, the second cover (222) may be provided so as to be spaced apart from the side frame (202) by a predetermined distance.

[0130] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the venting gas can move through the gap between the second cover (222) and the side frame (202), thereby preventing sparks from being trapped in the space between the second cover (222) and the side frame (202) and heading toward the inlet hole (211). In addition, in this case, the second cover (222) can prevent sparks that are not blocked by the first cover (221) from heading back toward the inlet hole (211).

[0131] The second cover (222) may be extended by being bent toward the side frame (202) from at least one of the upper, left, and right sides of the first cover (221). For example, the second cover (222) may be provided with a second side cover (222a) configured in a form that is bent in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) from both ends in the front-back direction (Y-axis direction) of the first side cover (221a). The second side cover (222a) may be provided in a plate shape that is erected vertically and may be provided to face the side frame (202) in parallel.

[0132] In particular, as illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, the second cover (222) may be provided with a second upper cover (222b) configured in a form that is bent upward from the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction) end of the first upper cover (221b). The second upper cover (222b) may be configured to block venting gas directed toward the upper end of the inlet hole (211).

[0133] Specifically, venting gas or sparks discharged from the battery cell (100) may have a strong tendency to flow upwards due to their high temperature. Therefore, as in the above embodiment, when the first upper cover (221b) and the second upper cover (222b) are configured to cover the upper portion of the inlet hole (211), sparks with a strong straight-line tendency are guaranteed to collide with the first upper cover (221b) and the second upper cover (222b), thereby more reliably suppressing external discharge of the sparks.

[0134] In addition, the high-temperature venting gas can move along the inner surface of the upper frame (203) toward the inlet hole (211) and be discharged to the outside. In addition, due to the space between the cross beam (204) and the upper frame (203), the gas or spark generated from the battery cell (100) can be further induced to move upward from the inner space of the pack case. For example, as shown in the part indicated by the bold arrow in FIG. 13, the venting gas or spark can move to the space between the cross beam (204) and the upper frame (203) and be reflected on the upper frame (203) or flow along the lower surface of the upper frame (203) toward the inlet hole (211) and reach the first upper cover (221b) located at the upper end of the inlet hole (211). As a result, the first upper cover (221b) can more reliably block the spark discharged from the battery cell (100).

[0135] In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the venting gas may collide with the second upper cover (222b) before flowing into the inlet hole (211), thereby causing the flow direction to bend inward. In addition, during this process, sparks and the like that were directed toward the inlet hole (211) together with the venting gas may be trapped in the space between the second upper cover (222b) and the side frame (202), thereby preventing external discharge.

[0136] Meanwhile, in this case, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 13, a venting hole (H) may be provided at the upper portion of the module case (11). With this embodiment, the venting gas and / or sparks may be induced to be discharged to the upper portion of the battery module.

[0137] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, venting gas or sparks, etc. can be further guided to the upper side of the pack case (200). Therefore, when venting gas or sparks, etc. move along the upper inner surface of the pack case (200) toward the inlet hole (211), the flow thereof can be more reliably blocked by the first upper cover (221b) and the second upper cover (222b) covering the upper portion of the inlet hole (211). Accordingly, sparks can be more effectively suppressed from being discharged to the outside of the pack case (200).

[0138]

[0139] FIG. 14 is a drawing for explaining the structure of a trap section of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0140] Referring to FIG. 14, the trap portion (220) may further include an inner bend portion (223).

[0141] The inner bend (223) may be provided to extend from at least one side of the second cover (222). In particular, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14, the inner bend (223) may be provided to extend from the second upper cover (222b) and be bent. The inner bend (223) may extend from the upper end of the second upper cover (222b) in a direction away from the side frame (202), i.e., toward the inside of the pack case (200). Here, the inner bend (223) may be said to be configured in a diagonal shape. That is, the inner bend (223) may be provided to form an obtuse angle with the second upper cover (222b).

[0142] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the inner bending portion (223) can be configured to block sparks from moving beyond the second cover (222) toward the inlet hole (211). As a result, sparks, flames, etc. can be more effectively blocked from being discharged to the outside of the pack case (200).

[0143]

[0144] FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0145] Referring to FIG. 15, a vehicle (3) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs (1) according to the above-described embodiments. The vehicle (3) according to the present invention may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle (3) includes a four-wheeled vehicle and a two-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle (3) may operate by receiving power from a battery pack (1) or a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0146]

[0147] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention as claimed in the claims. Furthermore, such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical idea or prospect of the present invention.

Claims

1. Multiple battery cells; and A pack case is formed of a plurality of frames and configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells in an internal space, A battery pack characterized in that the pack case has a venting portion configured to discharge venting gas generated from the battery cell to the outside and a trap portion configured to protrude inwardly from the venting portion and to suppress sparks included in the venting gas from moving to the venting portion.

2. In paragraph 1, The above venting part A battery pack characterized by having a venting path formed inside at least one of the plurality of frames and configured to allow the venting gas to flow.

3. In paragraph 2, The above venting part An inlet hole configured to connect the internal space of the pack case and the venting duct, A battery pack characterized by having a discharge hole configured to discharge venting gas flowing into the venting path through the inlet hole to the outside of the pack case.

4. In paragraph 3, A battery pack characterized in that the inlet hole and the outlet hole are provided at opposing positions from the inside to the outside of the pack case.

5. In paragraph 3, The above pack case is A base frame on which the above plurality of battery cells are mounted, A battery pack characterized by including a side frame extending upward from the base frame and having the venting portion.

6. In paragraph 5, The above inlet hole is provided on the inner surface of the side frame, The above discharge hole is provided on the outer surface of the side frame, A battery pack characterized in that the discharge hole is configured to be spaced apart from the inlet hole in the extension direction of the side frame.

7. In paragraph 3, The above venting part A battery pack characterized by having a guide member provided inside the venting duct and configured to guide the venting gas to the exhaust hole.

8. In paragraph 3, A battery pack characterized in that the trap section is provided on the side of the inlet hole.

9. In paragraph 8, The above trap section A battery pack characterized by having a first cover configured to protrude from the outer periphery of the inlet hole toward the inner space.

10. In paragraph 9, A battery pack characterized in that the first cover is provided on at least one of the upper, left, and right sides of the inlet hole.

11. In paragraph 9, The above trap section A battery pack characterized by having a second cover extending from the first cover and bent to face the pack case.

12. In paragraph 11, A battery pack characterized in that the second cover is provided on the upper portion of the inlet hole.

13. In paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that it further includes a module case that accommodates the plurality of battery cells in a receiving space and has a venting hole formed on the upper side to communicate with the receiving space.

14. A vehicle characterized by including a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

Images