Battery pack

Abstract

A battery pack is disclosed. A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may comprise: a case providing a space therein; a battery module located inside the case and comprising a rear-end cover having venting holes; and a venting channel having a body which provides a space therein and which is in communication with the venting holes, and a guide located inside the body and facing the venting holes.

Description

battery pack

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0079882, filed on June 19, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] As demand for portable electronic devices such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and smartwatches increases significantly and electric vehicles become increasingly widespread, research is actively being conducted on the batteries used in these devices, especially secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged.

[0004] Currently commercialized secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries. Among these, lithium secondary batteries are receiving attention for their advantages of being able to charge and discharge freely, having a very low self-discharge rate, and having a high energy density, as they have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries.

[0005] These lithium secondary batteries primarily use lithium oxide and carbon materials as the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively. Lithium secondary batteries comprise an electrode assembly comprising positive and negative plates coated with the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively, with a separator interposed between them, and an outer case, i.e., a battery case, that seals and encloses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0006] In general, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into can-type secondary batteries in which the electrode assembly is built into a metal can and pouch-type secondary batteries in which the electrode assembly is built into a pouch of an aluminum laminate sheet, depending on the shape of the outer packaging material.

[0007] Recently, secondary batteries are widely used for power and energy storage not only in small devices such as portable electronic devices but also in medium- to large-sized devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS). Multiple secondary batteries can be electrically connected and housed within a module case to form a single battery module. Each secondary battery within a battery module can be referred to as a battery cell. Furthermore, multiple such battery modules can be connected to form a single battery pack.

[0008] However, when a battery pack contains multiple battery modules, each of which contains multiple battery cells, it may be vulnerable to a thermal chain reaction between battery modules or between battery cells. For example, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs within a single battery module, the propagation of this thermal runaway to other battery modules or cells must be prevented. If the propagation of thermal runaway between battery modules or cells is not properly prevented, an event occurring in a specific battery module or battery cell may trigger a chain reaction of thermal reactions in other battery modules or cells, potentially causing an explosion or fire, or potentially increasing its scale.

[0009] In particular, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs in a single battery module, gas or flames may be randomly discharged to the outside. If the discharge of gas or flames is not properly controlled, there is a risk that the gas or flames may be discharged toward other battery modules, causing a thermal chain reaction in the other battery modules. In particular, the front side of the battery module may have module terminals, which may be configured to electrically connect to other battery modules or battery packs, such as module bus bars. Therefore, if flames are discharged toward the front side of such a battery module, the module terminals may be damaged within the battery pack, causing an electrical short. Furthermore, since other battery modules may be present at the front side of the battery module, if flames are discharged toward the front side of a specific battery module, the discharged flames may easily spread to other battery modules, potentially causing a fire to spread between battery modules.

[0010] Failure to properly control thermal transfer between battery modules or battery cells can lead to a sudden voltage drop in the battery module or battery pack. This can lead to a sudden shutdown of the device equipped with the battery module or battery pack, resulting in unexpected damage. For example, if a voltage drop in a battery pack occurs suddenly while an electric vehicle is in operation, there is no time to move the vehicle to a safe location.

[0011] Moreover, if thermal propagation between battery modules or cells fails to be properly controlled, resulting in a sudden fire or explosion, there is a high possibility of causing casualties. For example, if thermal runaway occurs in an electric vehicle, if a certain amount of time is not allowed for a full-blown fire to develop, occupants may not be able to escape safely.

[0012] Accordingly, the present invention has been created to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a battery pack having an improved structure so as to appropriately control the emission of flames and the like generated inside a battery module, and an automobile including the same.

[0013] In addition, the present invention may aim to provide a structure capable of preventing the exterior of a battery pack from being damaged when a thermal event occurs.

[0014] Additionally, the present invention may aim to prevent flames or ignitable particles from being emitted to the outside of a battery pack when a thermal event occurs.

[0015] In addition, the present invention may aim to provide a structure capable of suppressing heat transmission between battery modules.

[0016] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0017] In order to achieve the above-described purpose, a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a case providing a space therein; a battery module including a rear end cover positioned inside the case and having a venting hole; and a body providing a space therein and communicating with the venting hole, and a venting channel having a guide positioned inside the body and facing the venting hole.

[0018] Additionally, the guide may extend in an up-down direction and partition the interior of the body.

[0019] Additionally, the body may have: an inlet hole facing the venting hole; and an exhaust hole formed on the upper surface.

[0020] Additionally, the case includes a pack cover covering the upper surface of the battery module, and the discharge hole can face the pack cover.

[0021] Additionally, the guide may be arranged at an angle to the venting hole.

[0022] In addition, the guide is provided in multiple numbers, and the multiple guides can be arranged along the left and right directions.

[0023] In addition, the plurality of guides may divide the space provided by the body into a plurality of venting spaces, and each of the plurality of venting spaces may have an inlet hole facing the rear end cover.

[0024] Additionally, each of the plurality of guides may be arranged at an angle to the rear end cover.

[0025] Additionally, each of the plurality of guides may face a neighboring guide.

[0026] Additionally, the battery module may further include a refractory sheet located on the inner side of the rear end cover and covering the venting hole.

[0027] In addition, the case includes: a base plate on which the battery module is installed; and a side wall installed on the base plate, and the venting channel can be arranged between the rear end cover and the side wall.

[0028] Additionally, the venting channel can be fastened to the rear end cover.

[0029] Additionally, the battery module may further include a power terminal protruding forward.

[0030] A vehicle according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a battery pack of the present invention.

[0031] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, when gas or flame is generated inside a battery module, the discharge of such gas or flame can be appropriately controlled.

[0032] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, damage to the exterior of a battery pack can be prevented even if a thermal event occurs.

[0033] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the electrical safety of a battery pack can be improved.

[0034] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, heat transmission between battery modules can be suppressed when a thermal event occurs.

[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 drawing showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the battery pack of Figure 1.

[0038] Figure 3 is a drawing showing the battery module of Figure 2.

[0039] Figure 4 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the battery module of Figure 3.

[0040] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of part C of Figure 4.

[0041] Figure 6 is a drawing showing the configuration of Figure 5 in a different direction.

[0042] Fig. 7 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of Fig. 6.

[0043] Figures 8 and 9 are drawings showing the venting channel of Figure 2.

[0044] FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are drawings showing the combination of the venting channel and the battery module of FIG. 2.

[0045] Fig. 12 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line B-B' of Fig. 1.

[0046] Figure 13 is a diagram showing changes in the configuration of Figure 12 when a thermal event occurs.

[0047] Fig. 14 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' of Fig. 1.

[0048] Figure 15 is a diagram showing changes in the configuration of Figure 14 when a thermal event occurs.

[0049] 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.

[0050] Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention, and it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0051] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a partial separation of the battery pack of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a battery module (200) of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a partial separation of the battery module (200) of FIG. 3. Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a case (100), a battery module (200), and a venting channel (400).

[0052] The case (100) can provide a space inside. The case (100) can include a base plate (110), a side wall (120), and a pack cover (150). The base plate (110) can have a square shape. The base plate (110) can have a flat shape. The base plate (110) can form the exterior of the battery pack. The base plate (110) can provide an internal space of the battery pack.

[0053] The pack cover (150) may have a square plate shape. The pack cover (150) may have a flat plate shape. The pack cover (150) may form the exterior of the battery pack. The pack cover (150) may cover the internal space of the battery pack.

[0054] The battery module (200) may be located inside the case (100). In addition, the battery module (200) may include a plurality of battery cells (220). In addition, the battery module (200) may include a rear end cover (242). The rear end cover (242) may include a third venting hole (242a). The battery module (200) may be provided in multiple numbers.

[0055] The venting channel (400) may include a body (410) and a guide (420). The body (410) may provide a space therein. In addition, the body (410) may be in communication with the third venting hole (242a). The guide (420) may face the third venting hole (242a). The guide (420) may guide (420) the flow of venting gas (G) discharged from the third venting hole (242a).

[0056] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery pack can be improved. When a thermal event occurs from the battery module (200), venting gas (G) and ignitable particles (F) can be discharged through the third venting hole (242a). At this time, the venting gas (G) and ignitable particles (F) can collide with the guide (420). After colliding with the guide (420), the ignitable particles (F) have reduced energy and can fall downward. As a result, the ignitable particles (F) can be prevented from moving inside the battery pack and transmitting heat. In addition, the venting gas (G) can have reduced energy and move upward after colliding with the guide (420). By reducing the energy of the venting gas (G), the case (100) can be prevented from being damaged by the venting gas (G). Additionally, by moving the venting gas (G) upward, the venting gas (G) can be prevented from flowing into the battery module (200). As a result, the propagation of a thermal event can be suppressed.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a partition wall (300) and a venting device (500). The partition wall (300) may include a first partition wall (310) and a second partition wall (320). A plurality of partition walls (300) may be provided. The partition walls (300) may be installed, fastened, fixed, combined, or attached to the upper surface of the base plate (110). The partition walls (300) may partition the internal space of the battery pack. A battery module (200) or a battery cell (220) may be positioned in the space partitioned by the partition walls (300).

[0058] The venting device (500) may be installed on the side wall (120). For example, the venting device (500) may be installed on the front side wall (120). For example, the venting device (500) may be a gas valve. The venting device (500) may open to discharge gas when the pressure inside the case (100) increases. In addition, the venting device (500) may block external air from flowing into the case (100). The venting device (500) may be provided in multiple numbers.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of battery modules (200). The battery module (200) may include a module case (210), a plurality of battery cells (220), a pad (250), a front busbar frame assembly (231), a rear busbar frame assembly (232), a front insulation cover (261), a rear insulation cover (262), a front end cover (241), and a rear end cover (242).

[0060] The module case (210) may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The module case (210) may provide a space inside. The module case (210) may be provided with a top plate, a bottom plate, and a pair of side plates. In addition, the module case (210) may have an open front and back.

[0061] A battery cell (220) may be accommodated inside a module case (210). A plurality of battery cells (220) may be stacked along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. The battery cell (220) may include a receiving portion (221) having an electrode assembly, a first sealing portion (222) protruding toward the front and rear sides of the receiving portion (221), and a second sealing portion (223) protruding toward the upper side of the receiving portion (221). In addition, the battery cell (220) may include an electrode lead (224) protruding toward the front and rear sides of the first sealing portion (222), respectively. Each battery cell (220) may extend along the front-back direction or the X-axis direction. The electrode lead (224) may protrude toward the front and rear of each battery cell (220).

[0062] The battery cell (220) may refer to a secondary battery. In particular, the battery cell (220) may be a pouch-type secondary battery. However, the shape of the battery cell (220) is not limited to a pouch shape, and may have various shapes, such as a cylindrical shape or a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The battery cell (220) may be provided in multiple numbers.

[0063] The pad (250) may be placed between a plurality of battery cells (220). The pad (250) may be placed between at least some of the battery cells (220) and / or on the periphery of the stack. For example, the pad (250) may be configured to be placed between every four battery cells (220) stacked in the left-right direction.

[0064] These pads (250) may be provided with an elastic material to enable swelling absorption of the battery cells (220). For example, the pads (250) may be composed of a foam material such as polyurethane. Alternatively, the pads (250) may be provided with a material capable of blocking heat or flames. For example, the pads (250) may be provided with an insulating or fire-retardant material such as silicone or mica.

[0065] A front busbar frame assembly (231) may be provided at the front of a plurality of battery cells (220). The front busbar frame assembly (231) may be electrically connected to front-side electrode leads (224) of the plurality of battery cells (220).

[0066] A rear busbar frame assembly (232) may be provided at the rear of a plurality of battery cells (220). The rear busbar frame assembly (232) may be electrically connected to rear-side electrode leads (224) of the plurality of battery cells (220).

[0067] The front end cover (241) can be coupled to the front of the module case (210). The front end cover (241) can cover the front of the module case (210). The front end cover (241) can have a square shape.

[0068] The rear end cover (242) can be coupled to the rear of the module case (210). The rear end cover (242) can cover the rear of the module case (210). The rear end cover (242) can have a square shape.

[0069] The front insulation cover (261) can be positioned between the front end cover (241) and the front busbar frame assembly (231). The front insulation cover (261) can electrically insulate the front busbar frame assembly (231) and the front end cover (241).

[0070] The rear insulation cover (262) may be positioned between the rear end cover (242) and the rear busbar frame assembly (232). The rear insulation cover (262) may electrically insulate the rear busbar frame assembly (232) and the rear end cover (242).

[0071] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of portion C of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a view showing the configuration of FIG. 5 in a different direction. Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, a rear busbar frame assembly (232) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a frame (232a) and a busbar (232b). The busbar (232b) may be installed in the frame (232a). The busbar (232b) may be electrically connected to the rear electrode leads (224) of a plurality of battery cells (220). The busbar (232b) may be provided in plurality. The plurality of busbars (232b) may be arranged along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. In addition, the frame (232a) may be provided with a first venting hole (232c). The first venting hole (232c) may be a through hole. The first venting hole (232c) may face the first sealing portion (222) on the rear side of the battery cell (220). A plurality of first venting holes (232c) may be provided. Some of the plurality of first venting holes (232c) may be arranged between two adjacent bus bars (232b).

[0072] According to this configuration of the present invention, venting gas (G) and flammable particles (F) generated inside the battery module (200) can be discharged to the rear of the battery module (200) through the first venting hole (232c).

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, a battery module (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a power terminal (231a) protruding forward. The power terminal (231a) may be provided on a front busbar frame assembly (231). In addition, the power terminal (231a) may protrude from the front busbar assembly (231). The power terminals (231a) may be provided in pairs. The power terminals (231a) may be exposed to the outside of the battery module (200).

[0074] Additionally, the power terminal (231a) can be electrically connected to the power terminal (231a) of the neighboring battery module (200). The inter-bus bar (600) can electrically connect the neighboring battery modules (200).

[0075] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery pack can be improved. The front side of the battery module (200) can be arranged with major components such as a power terminal (231a), a control terminal, and an inter-bus bar (600). By discharging venting gas (G) and ignitable particles (F) to the rear side of the battery module (200), damage to the front side of the battery module (200) can be minimized. By minimizing damage to the front side of the battery module (200), thermal event propagation to neighboring battery modules (200) can be suppressed.

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, a rear insulating cover (262) of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a second venting hole (262a). The second venting hole (262a) may be a through hole. The second venting hole (262a) may face the rear busbar frame assembly (232) or the first venting hole (232c). In addition, the second venting hole (262a) may be in communication with the first venting hole (232c). A plurality of second venting holes (262a) may be provided. A plurality of second venting holes (262a) may be in communication with a plurality of first venting holes (232c).

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, a battery module (200) of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a fire-resistant sheet (270). The fire-resistant sheet (270) may include a material having high heat resistance or fire resistance. The fire-resistant sheet (270) may be positioned on the inner side of the rear end cover (242). In addition, the fire-resistant sheet (270) may be positioned between the rear end cover (242) and the rear insulating cover (262). In addition, the fire-resistant sheet (270) may be fixed between the rear end cover (242) and the rear insulating cover (262).

[0078] The refractory sheet (270) may be positioned between the third venting hole (242a) and the second venting hole (262a). The refractory sheet (270) may cover a plurality of third venting holes (242a) and a plurality of second venting holes (262a).

[0079] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery pack can be improved. When a thermal event occurs, the internal pressure of the module case (210) may increase due to the venting gas (G) and the ignitable particles (F). As a result, a portion of the refractory sheet (270) may rupture. In addition, due to the rupture of the refractory sheet (270), some of the second venting holes (262a) and some of the third venting holes (242a) may be connected, and the venting gas (G) and the ignitable particles (F) may be discharged. In addition, the unruptured portion of the refractory sheet (270) may still cover the remaining second venting holes (262a) and the remaining third venting holes (242a). As a result, the venting gas (G) and the ignitable particles (F) discharged to the outside of the battery module (200) may be prevented from flowing into the inside of the battery module (200).

[0080] Fig. 7 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of Fig. 6. Referring to Fig. 7, a refractory sheet (270) according to an embodiment of the present invention may have a separation line (271). The separation line (271, score line) may be used as a term including and collectively referring to a perforated line (271), a notching line (271), a cutting line (271), a shredding line (271), a tear line (271), or a separation line (271). The separation line (271) may be configured to be easily separated by pressure applied to the refractory sheet (270).

[0081] FIGS. 8 and 9 are drawings illustrating the venting channel (400) of FIG. 2. Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the guide (420) of the venting channel (400) according to one embodiment of the present invention may extend in the vertical direction or along the Z-axis direction. In addition, the guide (420) may partition the internal space of the body (410).

[0082] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery pack can be improved. Since the guide (420) partitions the internal space of the body (410), venting gas (G) and ignitable particles (F) flowing into one space can be blocked from flowing into another space. This can suppress the propagation of thermal events.

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, a body (410) of a venting channel (400) according to an embodiment of the present invention may have an inlet hole (411) and an outlet hole (412). The inlet hole (411) may face the third venting hole (242a). Alternatively, the inlet hole (411) may be in communication with the third venting hole (242a). The internal space of the body (410) may be in communication with the third venting hole (242a) through the inlet hole (411). The outlet hole (412) may be formed on the upper surface of the body (410).

[0084] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery pack can be improved. The venting gas (G) and ignitable particles (F) introduced into the venting channel (400) through the inlet hole (411) may collide with the interior of the body (410) and the guide (420). At this time, the ignitable particles (F) may lose energy and fall down. On the other hand, the venting gas (G) may be discharged upward or in the +Z-axis direction through the discharge hole (412). As a result, the venting gas (G) and ignitable particles (F) may be prevented from being introduced into other internal spaces of the venting channel (400) or into the battery module (200).

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the guide (420) of the venting channel (400) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be arranged at an angle relative to the third venting hole (242a). In addition, the guide (420) may be arranged at an angle relative to the inlet hole (411). In addition, the guide (420) may be arranged at an angle relative to the XZ plane.

[0086] According to this configuration of the present invention, the venting gas (G) and ignitable particles (F) introduced into the venting channel (400) through the inlet hole (411) can flow along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction after colliding with the inclined guide (420). In addition, the venting gas (G) and ignitable particles (F) can additionally collide with the inside of the body (410). As a result, the energy of the venting gas (G) and ignitable particles (F) can be further reduced. In addition, by changing the flow direction of the venting gas (G) and ignitable particles (F), the venting gas (G) and ignitable particles (F) can be prevented from flowing into the battery module (200).

[0087] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, a plurality of guides (420) of a venting channel (400) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be provided, and the plurality of guides (420) may be arranged along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction.

[0088] A plurality of guides (420) can divide the internal space of the body (410) into multiple sections. At this time, each of the divided spaces can be referred to as a venting space (VS). Each venting space (VS) can have one or more inlet holes (411). In addition, each venting space (VS) can have one or more discharge holes (412).

[0089] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery pack can be improved. Due to the multiple venting spaces (VS), the space through which venting gas (G) and ignitable particles (F) can propagate can be restricted to a smaller extent. This allows for more effective suppression of the propagation of thermal events.

[0090] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, a plurality of guides (420) of a venting channel (400) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be arranged to be inclined relative to the rear end cover (242), respectively. In addition, the plurality of guides (420) may be arranged to be inclined relative to the inlet hole (411), respectively. In addition, the plurality of guides (420) may be arranged to be inclined relative to the third venting hole (242a), respectively. In addition, the plurality of guides (420) may be arranged to be inclined relative to the XZ plane, respectively.

[0091] At this time, each guide (420) can be arranged to be inclined along the same direction.

[0092] According to this configuration of the present invention, the venting gas (G) and ignitable particles (F) introduced into one venting space (VS) through the inlet hole (411) can flow along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction after colliding with the inclined guide (420). In addition, they can collide with the guide (420) of the neighboring venting space (VS). As a result, the energy of the venting gas (G) and ignitable particles (F) can be further reduced, and the venting gas (G) and ignitable particles (F) can be prevented from flowing into the battery module (200).

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, each of the plurality of guides (420) of the venting channel (400) according to one embodiment of the present invention may face a neighboring guide (420). Each venting space (VS) may be surrounded by a body (410) and one or more guides (420).

[0094] FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are drawings showing the combination of the venting channel (400) of FIG. 2 and the battery module (200). Referring to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the venting channel (400) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be fastened, coupled, fixed, or attached to the rear end cover (242). The venting channel (400) may have a fastening portion (430) protruding forward or in the +X-axis direction from the body (410). The fastening portion (430) may be formed integrally with the body (410).

[0095] And the fastening part (430) and the rear end cover (242) can be connected through a fastening member (S).

[0096] According to this configuration of the present invention, the venting channel (400) can be stably coupled to the rear end cover (242). As a result, even if venting gas (G) or flammable particles (F) are discharged, the venting channel (400) can be stably maintained in a state of being coupled to the battery module (200).

[0097] Fig. 12 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration taken along the cutting line B-B' of Fig. 1. Fig. 13 is a drawing showing a change in the configuration of Fig. 12 when a thermal event occurs. Referring to Figs. 12 and 13, a venting channel (400) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be located between the side wall (120) and the battery module (200). In addition, the venting channel (400) may be located between the side wall (120) and the rear venting channel (400).

[0098] According to this configuration of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs, the venting gas (G) and the ignitable particles (F) can move backward or along the -X-axis direction through the first venting hole (232c) and the second venting hole (262a). The venting gas (G) and the ignitable particles (F) can rupture the refractory sheet (270). And the venting gas (G) and the ignitable particles (F) can flow into the venting space (VS) through the ruptured portion of the refractory sheet (270) and the third venting hole (242a). The venting gas (G) and the ignitable particles (F) that flow into the venting space (VS) can collide with one or more guides (420) and the body (410) and their energy can be reduced. This can prevent venting gas (G) and ignitable particles (F) from flowing into the adjacent venting space (VS) or battery module (200). In addition, the unruptured portion of the refractory sheet (270) can more reliably block venting gas (G) and ignitable particles (F) from flowing into the battery module (200).

[0099] Furthermore, according to this configuration of the present invention, the side wall (120) forming the exterior of the battery pack may not be damaged by the venting gas (G) and ignitable particles (F). Therefore, even if a thermal event occurs, the exterior of the battery pack may maintain its stable shape. Consequently, the ignitable particles (F) or flames may not be discharged to the exterior of the battery pack. Furthermore, the venting gas (G), with its energy reduced and its temperature lowered, may be discharged to the exterior of the battery pack through the venting device (500).

[0100] Fig. 14 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration taken along the cutting line A-A' of Fig. 1. Fig. 15 is a drawing showing a change in the configuration of Fig. 14 when a thermal event occurs. Referring to Figs. 14 and 15, the discharge hole (412) of the venting channel (400) according to one embodiment of the present invention may face the pack cover (150).

[0101] According to this configuration of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs, the venting gas (G) with reduced energy in the venting space (VS) can move upward or along the +Z-axis direction through the discharge hole (412). In addition, the venting gas (G) can flow between the battery module (200) and the pack cover (150) and be discharged to the outside of the battery pack through the venting device (500).

[0102] In addition, according to this configuration of the present invention, the pack cover (150) forming the exterior of the battery pack may not be damaged by venting gas (G) and ignitable particles (F). Therefore, even if a thermal event occurs, the exterior of the battery pack can stably maintain its shape.

[0103] In addition, the battery pack according to the present invention may further include various other components in addition to the battery module, such as various battery pack components known at the time of filing of the present invention, such as a BMS, a bus bar, a relay, a current sensor, etc.

[0104] The battery pack according to the present invention can be applied to automobiles such as electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles. Specifically, the automobile according to the present invention may include the battery pack according to the present invention. Furthermore, the automobile according to the present invention may further include various other components, in addition to the battery pack. For example, the automobile according to the present invention may further include a body, a motor, a control device such as an electronic control unit (ECU), and the like.

[0105] As described above, although the present invention has been described by 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 patent claims to be described below by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

Claims

1. A case that provides space inside; A battery module positioned inside the case and including a rear end cover having a venting hole; and A battery pack comprising a body providing a space inside and communicating with the venting hole, and a venting channel having a guide located inside the body and facing the venting hole.

2. In paragraph 1, The above guide is, A battery pack extending in the vertical direction and partitioning the interior of the body.

3. In paragraph 2, The above body: An inlet hole facing the above venting hole; and, A battery pack having a discharge hole formed on the upper surface.

4. In paragraph 3, The above case is, Includes a pack cover covering the upper surface of the above battery module, The above discharge hole is, Battery pack facing the above pack cover.

5. In paragraph 2, The above guide is, A battery pack arranged at an angle with the above venting hole.

6. In paragraph 1, The above guide is provided in multiples, The above multiple guides are, Battery packs arranged along the left and right directions.

7. In paragraph 6, The above multiple guides are, The space provided by the above body is divided into multiple venting spaces, Each of the above plurality of venting spaces, A battery pack having an inlet hole facing the rear end cover.

8. In paragraph 6, Each of the above multiple guides, A battery pack arranged at an angle on the rear end cover.

9. In paragraph 8, Each of the above multiple guides, Battery pack facing the neighboring guide.

10. In paragraph 1, The above battery module: A battery pack further comprising a refractory sheet positioned on the inner side of the rear end cover and covering the venting hole.

11. In paragraph 1, The above case is: A base plate on which the above battery module is installed; and Including a side wall installed on the above base plate, The above venting channel is, A battery pack placed between the rear end cover and the side wall.

12. In paragraph 1, The above venting channel is, A battery pack attached to the above rear end cover.

13. In paragraph 1, The above battery module, A battery pack further comprising a power terminal protruding forward.

14. A vehicle comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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