Battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery pack comprising: a plurality of battery modules including a plurality of battery cells; a pack case having an accommodation space configured to accommodate the plurality of battery modules; a cover member provided between the battery modules and the pack case and having a through hole through which venting gas discharged from the battery cells passes; and a spacer mounted to the cover member and configured to maintain a gap between the cover member and the pack case.

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. 10-2024-0094381, filed on July 17, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated by reference into this application.

[0003] Secondary batteries, which boast high electrical properties such as high energy density and easy applicability across a wide range of product categories, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electrical power sources. These batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for environmental friendliness and energy efficiency, not only because they can dramatically reduce fossil fuel use, but also because they produce no byproducts from energy use.

[0004] Currently, widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of these unit secondary battery cells, i.e., unit battery cells, is approximately 2.5 V to 4.5 V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery pack. Furthermore, depending on the charge / discharge capacity required for the battery pack, a number of battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be set in various ways depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] Meanwhile, when configuring a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series 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] 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, the high-temperature gases or flames emitted from the battery cells contained within can spread to adjacent battery cells, potentially triggering a chain reaction of battery cell explosions, posing a significant risk.

[0007] In particular, if a thermal event such as thermal runaway occurs within the battery pack, gases may be emitted from the battery cells contained within, and these gases may include flames.

[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] When exposed to a spark and gas, it can react with oxygen, potentially creating flames or developing into fire inside or outside the battery pack. Furthermore, if a flame or fire occurs in a specific battery pack, it can spread to other nearby battery packs or devices equipped with that battery pack, potentially causing a more serious problem.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need for a technology to prevent sparks or flames from spreading in all directions when a thermal runaway occurs in a battery cell, thereby suppressing the occurrence or spread of flames or fire in a battery pack.

[0011] In addition, when thermal runaway of a battery cell occurs, there is a need to develop a structure that can disperse and discharge high-temperature gas generated from the battery cell to prevent heat accumulation inside the battery pack.

[0012] Accordingly, 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 cells when thermal runaway occurs in a battery cell, thereby preventing or suppressing the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells.

[0013] In addition, another problem that the present invention seeks to solve is to provide a vehicle including such a battery pack.

[0014] 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.

[0015] In order to solve the above problem, the present invention provides a battery pack comprising: a plurality of battery modules including a plurality of battery cells; a pack case having a receiving space configured to receive the plurality of battery modules; a cover member provided between the battery modules and the pack case, the cover member having a through hole formed therein to allow venting gas discharged from the battery cells to pass therethrough; and a spacer mounted on the cover member and configured to maintain a gap between the cover member and the pack case.

[0016] The above cover member may be configured to cover the upper portion of the battery module.

[0017] The above pack case may have a plurality of accommodation spaces, and the cover member may be configured to cover at least a portion of the accommodation spaces.

[0018] The above cover member may be provided in multiple numbers and individually provided in at least some of the multiple receiving spaces.

[0019] The pack case may have a cross beam configured to partition the plurality of battery modules, and the cover member may be configured to be seated on the cross beam.

[0020] The above through holes may be provided in multiple numbers and arranged at a predetermined interval.

[0021] The above spacer may be configured to be inserted into at least some of the plurality of through holes.

[0022] The battery module may include a module case configured to group the plurality of battery cells and having a venting hole formed on one side thereof to discharge the venting gas to the outside.

[0023] The above spacer may be provided at a position that is staggered from the above venting hole.

[0024] The spacer may include a first portion provided between the cover member and the pack case.

[0025] The spacer may include a second portion provided between the cover member and the battery cell.

[0026] The above spacer may be configured to be larger than the size of the through hole.

[0027] And, the present invention provides an automobile characterized by including 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 spreading in all directions, thereby ensuring safety and reliability.

[0029] Moreover, according to one aspect of the present invention, by suppressing flame development in a battery pack, pack unit thermal propagation prevention performance can be effectively secured.

[0030] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, a space is secured between the battery cells and the cover member, allowing high-temperature gases or flames to be quickly discharged to the outside of the battery pack, thereby alleviating heat buildup within the battery pack. This effectively prevents or delays the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells.

[0031] In particular, according to one aspect of the present invention, when a battery cell is in an abnormal state, high-temperature gas or flames generated in the battery cell can be dispersed and discharged, thereby suppressing heat from being concentrated in a specific part of the battery pack.

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

[0033] In addition, the present invention may have various other effects, which will be described in each embodiment configuration, or an explanation of effects that can be easily inferred by a person skilled in the art will be omitted.

[0034] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention, and together with the detailed description of the invention described below, serve to further understand the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to matters described in such drawings.

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

[0036] FIG. 2 is an internal perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a part of the Ⅰ-Ⅰ' cross-section of FIG. 1, and illustrates the flow direction of venting gas, etc. when a thermal event occurs in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a comparative example, illustrating a case in which a spacer included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention is not provided.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a cover member included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a cover member included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining the arrangement of a spacer included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining the structure of a spacer included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining the structure of a spacer included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] For example, in an embodiment of the present invention, the X-axis direction shown in the drawing may mean a front-back direction, the Y-axis direction may mean a left-right 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.

[0052]

[0053] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is an internal 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 pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition, Fig. 4 is a drawing showing a portion of the Ⅰ-Ⅰ' cross-section of Fig. 1, and illustrates the flow direction of venting gas and the like when a thermal event occurs in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery module (100), a pack case (200), a cover member (300), and a spacer (400).

[0055] First, the battery module (100) may include a battery cell (110). The battery cell (110) 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, a plurality of battery cells (110) may be electrically connected to each other.

[0056] Meanwhile, the present invention is not limited by the specific type or shape of the battery cell (110), and various battery cells (110) known at the time of filing of the present invention may be employed to construct the battery pack (10) of the present invention. In the present 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 (110).

[0057] A plurality of battery cells (110) may be included in a battery module (100). The plurality of battery cells (110) may be arranged in a parallel manner in the front-back direction (X-axis direction) while standing vertically (Z-axis direction). That is, the battery module (100) may mean an assembly of a plurality of battery cells (110).

[0058] The pack case (200) may be configured to accommodate a battery module (100). The pack case (200) may be formed with a receiving space (S) configured to accommodate the battery module (100). The receiving space (S) is an empty space and may be provided in a shape capable of accommodating the battery module (100) therein.

[0059] At this time, a plurality of receiving spaces (S) may be provided. In addition, a plurality of battery modules (100) may be provided. A plurality of battery modules (100) may be arranged adjacently in at least one direction along a plurality of rows in the receiving spaces (S) inside the pack case (200). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, a plurality of battery modules (100) may be arranged in four rows along the front-back direction (X-axis direction) and in two rows along the left-right direction (Y-axis direction).

[0060] 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 module (100) contained therein.

[0061] The cover member (300) may be provided on the outside of the battery module (100). In particular, it may be provided between the battery module (100) and the pack case (200). The cover member (300) may be configured to allow venting gas discharged from the battery cell (110) to pass through. As a specific example, a through hole (CH) may be formed in the cover member (300). The cover member (300) may be configured in the shape of a perforated plate or mesh, for example. The cover member (300) may have a plurality of through holes (CH) densely formed. At this time, the sizes of the through holes (CH) may all be the same or may differ partially.

[0062] The cover member (300) 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 cover member (300) may be made of a flame-retardant mica material. Alternatively, the cover member (300) may be made of a metal material with rigidity and heat resistance.

[0063] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs in a battery module (100), the venting gas generated by forming the through hole (CH) can be dispersed and discharged in multiple directions (see the solid arrows in FIG. 4). If the venting gas is discharged all at once in one direction, heat may be concentrated, resulting in an explosion or fire. However, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, such a phenomenon can be suppressed. In addition, since the thermal energy per unit area transferred to adjacent battery modules (100) can be reduced, heat propagation between battery modules (100) can be suppressed or delayed.

[0064] In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the flow of venting gas generated when a thermal event occurs in the battery module (100) can be resisted by the cover member (300), thereby reducing the flow rate of the venting gas. Accordingly, the thermal energy per unit time transmitted to adjacent battery modules (100) can be reduced, so that heat transmission between battery modules (100) can be suppressed or delayed.

[0065] Furthermore, the cover member (300) may be configured to suppress flames or sparks, etc., emitted together with the venting gas, from being emitted to the outside of the cover member (300). At this time, it is preferable that the through hole (CH) be limited to a size such that flames or sparks generated from the battery module (100) are not exposed to the outside through the through hole (CH).

[0066] Sparks or flames with strong straight-line propagation may be emitted from the battery cell (100) and hit the internal structure of the pack case (200), causing heat to be concentrated in the pack case (200). However, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the flow direction of the sparks or flames may be bent by the cover member (300) (see dotted arrow in FIG. 4).

[0067] Accordingly, since sparks can be suppressed from being emitted outside the pack case (200), 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 (10) can be guaranteed.

[0068] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, sparks generated in the battery cell (100) can be blocked by the cover member (300), and at the same time, venting gas can be smoothly discharged through the through hole (CH). 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), thereby preventing the internal pressure inside the pack case (200) from increasing, and preventing additional chain fires in other battery cells (100).

[0069] The cover member (300) and the pack case (200) are spaced apart by a predetermined distance, so that venting gas or flames, etc. can move into the spaced apart space. At this time, the spacer (400) may be configured to maintain the distance (D1) between the cover member (300) and the pack case (200). The spacer (400) may be mounted on the cover member (300). The spacer (400) may be provided on the outside of the cover member (300).

[0070]

[0071] Meanwhile, FIG. 5 is a comparative example, illustrating a case in which a spacer included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention is not provided.

[0072] If, as illustrated in the comparative example of FIG. 5, the spacer (400) is not provided, when thermal runaway occurs in the battery module (100), the shape of the pack case (200) may be deformed by the pressure of the gas discharged from the battery cell (110) and / or the high heat of dust or flames. For example, a portion of the upper surface of the pack case (200) may swell upward, and an adjacent portion may, conversely, sink downward. As a result, the gap (D1) between the pack case (200) and the cover member (300) may be reduced in the portion where the upper surface of the pack case (200) sinks downward, so that a path for the venting gas to move may not be secured.

[0073] However, according to one embodiment of the present invention, as the spacer (400) is coupled to the pack case (200), the pack case (200) can be prevented from being bent or deformed by pressure and / or heat such as venting gas.

[0074] Accordingly, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the gap (D1) between the pack case (200) and the cover member (300) can be maintained. As a result, venting gas can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery pack (10), thereby suppressing or preventing thermal runaway between battery modules (100). Accordingly, the safety and reliability of the battery pack (10) can be guaranteed.

[0075] The spacer (400) may be provided as a rigid body. Here, the rigid body is in contrast to an elastic body, and for example, the spacer (400) may be provided with a material such as a metal such as SUS or a reinforced fiber plastic. Accordingly, the mechanical rigidity of the spacer (400) is increased, and since elastic deformation is almost non-existent, the gap (D1) between the pack case (200) and the cover member (300) can be maintained at a constant level even when an impact is applied from the outside.

[0076] In addition, the spacer (400) may be made of a material having fire-resistant and / or heat-resistant properties. For example, the spacer (400) may be made of a material such as flame-retardant plastic or mica. According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the spacer (400) can be prevented from melting or disappearing due to high heat such as a flame. Therefore, even in a situation where a flame occurs, the function of maintaining the gap (D1) between the pack case (200) and the cover member (300) by the spacer (400) is ensured. However, the material of the spacer (400) is not limited thereto.

[0077]

[0078] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a battery module (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a module case (120). The module case (120) may be configured to have an empty space formed therein and accommodate at least some of a plurality of battery cells (110) in the internal space. That is, the module case (120) groups a plurality of battery cells (110) into a plurality of battery modules (100) and may serve as a boundary that physically limits the internal space of each battery module (100).

[0079] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, a module case (120) is provided, but unlike this embodiment, a plurality of battery modules (100) are not provided with a module case (120), so the physical boundary between the plurality of battery cells (110) may not be limited.

[0080] A venting hole (VH) may be formed in the module case (120). The venting hole (VH) may be configured to allow venting gas generated in a battery cell (110) housed inside the module case (120) to be discharged to the outside of the module case (120).

[0081] Specifically, the venting hole (VH) can enable directional venting in a specific direction. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, a venting hole (VH) is formed on the upper surface of the module case (120), and directional venting of the battery module (100) toward the top can be enabled through the venting hole (VH). A plurality of venting holes (VH) can be provided, and can be provided at regular intervals in the horizontal direction (X-axis, Y-axis direction).

[0082] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, in a situation where one of the battery cells (110) undergoes thermal runaway and generates gas, etc., the gas, etc. can be quickly directionally vented in a specific direction from the module case (120).

[0083] Additionally, although not shown in the drawing, the battery module (100) may include a busbar assembly electrically connected to a plurality of battery cells (110) housed therein.

[0084] The cover member (300) may be configured to cover the outer surface where the venting hole (VH) is formed in the module case (120). For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, when the venting hole (VH) is formed in the upper portion of the module case (120), the cover member (300) may be configured to cover the upper portion of the battery module (100). The cover member (300) may be configured to cover the upper surface of the module case (120).

[0085] Referring to FIG. 4, the cover member (300) may be positioned at a predetermined distance from the battery module (100). For example, the cover member (300) may be configured to cover the upper surface of the module case (120) from the outside and may be positioned at a predetermined distance from the upper surface of the module case (120).

[0086] At this time, the venting hole (VH) may be configured to communicate with the through hole (CH) of the cover member (300). Accordingly, the venting gas generated in the battery cell (110) may be discharged to the outside of the battery module (100) through the venting hole (VH) and may move to the outside of the cover member (300) through the through hole (CH).

[0087]

[0088] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a cover member included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] The cover member (300) may be configured to cover at least a portion of the accommodation spaces (S) among the plurality of accommodation spaces (S). That is, the cover member (300) may be configured to cover the upper portions of at least a portion of the plurality of battery modules (100). For example, the cover member (300) may be configured to cover the entirety of the battery modules (100) arranged in one direction. As in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the cover member (300) may be configured in the form of a single plate to cover the entirety of the battery modules (100).

[0090] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the cover member (300) is formed of a single plate, the cover member (300) can reliably separate the receiving space (S) of the pack case (200) in which the battery module (100) is received from the outer space thereof. As a result, it is possible to prevent venting gas, etc. discharged to the outside of the cover member (300) from affecting other adjacent battery modules (100).

[0091]

[0092] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a cover member included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] In another embodiment, a plurality of cover members (300) may be provided. The cover members (300) may be individually provided in at least some of the plurality of receiving spaces (S). For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the cover members (300) may be configured to cover the upper surface of each battery module (100).

[0094] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the cover member (300) is individually provided in the receiving space (S), the cover member (300) can be selectively placed only in the required area, thereby improving safety and enhancing the energy efficiency of the battery pack (10).

[0095]

[0096] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 2, 6 and 7, a pack case (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a base frame (210) and a side frame (220).

[0097] 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 (110) 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 (100) are stably mounted thereon.

[0098] 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 (110) or battery modules (10). More specifically, the plurality of side frames (220) may be provided with a right wall located at the +Y direction side end of the base frame (210), a rear wall located at the +X direction side end, a left wall located at the -Y direction side end, and a front wall located at the -X direction side end, respectively, to form a side surface of the pack case (200).

[0099] The pack lid (240) may be configured to cover the upper portion of a plurality of battery modules (100). The pack lid (240) may be configured to cover the open upper portion of the pack case (200). The pack lid (240) may be coupled to the side frame (220). The pack lid (240) may protect components housed inside the pack case (200), such as the battery module (100), and may prevent exhaust gases discharged from the battery module (100) from being discharged to the outside of the pack case (200), particularly to the upper portion.

[0100] In addition, the pack case (200) may be provided with a venting portion (250). The venting portion (250) may be configured to discharge exhaust generated from the battery module (100) to the outside of the pack case (200). The venting portion (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 portion (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).

[0101] The venting portion (250) may be provided on the side of the pack case (200), i.e., the side frame (220). A plurality of venting portions (250) may be provided. The venting portions (250) may be located on at least some of the unit walls among the multiple unit walls of the side frame (220). In addition, the venting portions (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. 2, a plurality of venting portions (250) may be provided on each of the front wall and the rear wall. In addition, the plurality of venting portions (250) may be provided to be symmetrical to each other with respect to the central axis of the side frame (220).

[0102] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when the battery cell (110) is in an abnormal state, high-temperature gas or the like can be discharged in both directions of the pack case (200), so that it is easy to discharge the gas more quickly to the outside of the pack case (200).

[0103] Meanwhile, the number or location of the venting portion (250) described based on the embodiment of Fig. 2 is merely an example, and it is obvious that the number or location may be changed to various other numbers or locations.

[0104] Additionally, the pack case (200) may be provided with a cross beam (230). The cross beam (230) may be configured to partition between battery modules (100). The cross beam (230) may be provided to protrude upward from the battery modules (100).

[0105] In this case, the cover member (300) may be configured to be mounted on the cross beam (230). Specifically, the cover member (300) may be mounted on the cross beam (230), and the cover member (300) and the cross beam (230) may be coupled to each other and fixed by a connecting member such as a bolt at the upper portion of the cover member (300).

[0106] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, a bonding and fixing configuration between the cover member (300) and the pack case (200) can be achieved with a simple structure. As a result, the assembling efficiency of the battery pack (10) can be improved.

[0107] Moreover, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the cover member (300) can be stably fixed between the cross beam (230) and the pack lead (250), so that the rigidity of the battery pack (10) can be further secured.

[0108] In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the cover member (300) and the battery module (100) can be provided to be spaced apart by a predetermined distance. Accordingly, the cover member (300) can more reliably separate the receiving space (S) of the battery module (100) and its outer space. Accordingly, even if venting gas or flames are emitted from a battery module (100), heat transmission to other adjacent battery modules (100) can be suppressed.

[0109]

[0110] FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] Meanwhile, a plurality of through holes (CH) may be provided. These plurality of through holes (CH) may be arranged at predetermined intervals. A plurality of spacers (400) may be provided. The spacers (400) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other. The spacers (400) may be configured in an island type.

[0112] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the spacer (400) is not provided in a long beam shape but in an island shape, the position of the spacer (400) can be freely set. This increases the degree of design freedom, thereby improving productivity.

[0113] The spacer (400) can be coupled to the through hole (CH). For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the spacer (400) can be configured to be inserted into the through hole (CH). The spacer (400) can be configured to be inserted into at least some of the plurality of through holes (CH).

[0114] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the spacer (400) can be coupled to the cover member (300) with a simple structure, so that assembly efficiency can be improved. In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, there is no need for other coupling structures, such as holes or adhesive members, for coupling the spacer (400) to the cover member (300), so that productivity can be improved.

[0115] Additionally, the cross-sectional area of ​​the spacer (400) may be configured to be smaller than the area of ​​the space between adjacent through holes (CH). Accordingly, the spacer (400) does not shield the through holes (CH), and thus may not prevent venting gas or flames from being discharged through the through holes (CH).

[0116]

[0117] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining the arrangement of a spacer included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0118] The spacer (400) can be placed between the venting holes (VH). That is, the spacer (400) can be provided at a position that is staggered from the venting holes (VH).

[0119] As described above, the venting holes (VH) may be provided in multiple numbers, and may be provided at regular intervals in the horizontal direction (X-axis, Y-axis direction). As in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, the spacer (400) may be provided between adjacent venting holes (VH) among the venting holes (VH) arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (110) (Y-axis direction in FIG. 9). In addition, the spacer (400) may also be provided on the corner side of the module case (120), which is the outer part of the venting holes (VH).

[0120] Additionally, the cross-sectional area of ​​the spacer (400) may be set to be smaller than the area of ​​the space between adjacent venting holes (VH). Accordingly, the spacer (400) may not shield the venting holes (VH), and thus may not prevent venting gas from being discharged through the venting holes (VH).

[0121] Accordingly, as the spacer (400) is provided in a local area of ​​the module case (120), venting gas or the like can move between the spacers (400), as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 9. That is, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, a venting path for the venting gas is secured between the spacers (400), so that thermal runaway propagation between battery modules (100) can be effectively prevented or delayed.

[0122] Meanwhile, the density (fastening density) at which the spacer (400) is fastened to the through hole (CH) of the cover member (300) may be configured differently depending on the position at which the venting hole (VH) is formed. Here, the fastening density may refer to the number of spacers (400) per unit area of ​​the cover member (300) or the area occupied by the spacer (400). The area or number of spacers (400) may be freely adjusted depending on the area or number of venting holes (VH).

[0123]

[0124] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining the structure of a spacer included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0125] The spacer (400) may be configured to limit the distance (D1) between the pack case (200) and the cover member (300). The spacer (400) may be configured to suppress downward movement of the pack case (200). To this end, the spacer (400) may be provided between the cover member (300) and the pack case (200). Specifically, referring to FIG. 10, the spacer (400) may include a first portion (410) provided between the cover member (300) and the pack case (200). That is, the first portion (410) may be provided on the outside of the cover member (300).

[0126] The spacer (400) may be configured to contact the inner surface of the pack case (200). That is, the first portion (410) may be configured to contact the inner surface of the pack lid (240). The upper surface of the first portion (410) may be configured to contact the inner surface of the pack lid (240), and the lower surface of the first portion (410) may be configured to face the outer surface of the cover member (300). That is, the height of the first portion (410) may be configured to be approximately the distance (D1) between the pack lid (240) and the cover member (300).

[0127] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the spacer (400) can be configured to act as a stopper when a thermal event of the battery cell (110) occurs and the pack lead (240) is about to sag downward. That is, since the spacer (400) structurally supports the pack lead (240), the pack lead (240) can be prevented from sagging due to gravity.

[0128] Accordingly, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the distance (D1) between the pack lead (240) and the cover member (300) is maintained, a path can be secured for high-temperature gas or flames generated in the battery cell (110) to be discharged to the outside of the battery pack (10) in the event of an abnormal situation in the battery module (100). As a result, the propagation of thermal runaway inside the battery pack (10) can be effectively prevented or delayed, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of the battery pack (10).

[0129]

[0130] Moreover, the spacer (400) may be configured to limit the distance (D2) between the battery module (100) and the cover member (300). The spacer (400) may be configured to suppress upward movement of the module case (120). To this end, the spacer (400) may be provided between the cover member (300) and the module case (120). Specifically, referring to FIG. 10, the spacer (400) may include a second portion (420) provided between the cover member (300) and the module case (120). That is, the second portion (420) may be provided on the inner side of the cover member (300).

[0131] Specifically, the spacer (400) may be provided and mounted on the upper portion of the battery module (100). That is, the height of the second portion (420) may be provided to be approximately the distance (D2) between the cover member (300) and the battery module (100).

[0132] When a thermal event occurs inside the battery module (100), the upper surface of the module case (120) may expand as the pressure inside the battery module (100) increases. In this case, the space between the upper surface of the module case (120) and the battery cell (110) becomes uneven, and directional venting through the venting hole (VH) may not occur smoothly.

[0133] However, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, since the spacer (400) is provided between the battery module (100) and the cover member (300), the spacer (400) can pressurize and fix the battery module (100) at the upper portion of the battery module (100). As a result, since the battery module (100) can be prevented from expanding upward, the exhaust matter inside the battery module (100) can be smoothly directionally vented to the outside through the venting hole (VH).

[0134] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the spacer (400) structurally supports the cover member (300), the cover member (300) can be prevented from sagging due to gravity. In addition, the module case (120) can be more reliably prevented from lifting. Accordingly, the distance (D2) between the cover member (300) and the battery module (100) can be maintained.

[0135] In particular, the spacers (400) may be provided more densely in a portion of the module case (120) that is prone to lifting. For example, the spacers (400) may be provided in a portion adjacent to the venting hole (VH).

[0136] When venting gas or flames are discharged from the venting hole (VH), there is a high possibility that the portion adjacent to the venting hole (VH) will swell due to the heat of the venting gas or flames. Therefore, as in the above-described embodiment of the present invention, by providing the spacer (400) in the portion adjacent to the venting hole (VH), the module case (120) provided with the venting hole (VH) can be more effectively suppressed from swelled.

[0137] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 10, the area of ​​the first portion (410) and the area of ​​the second portion (420) may be provided to be approximately the same. In addition, the cross-sectional area of ​​the spacer (400) may be configured to be approximately the same as that of the through hole (CH). In this case, the spacer (400) may be fixed to the through hole (CH) by being forcefully fitted into the through hole (CH).

[0138]

[0139] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining the structure of a spacer included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0140] Meanwhile, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, the spacer (400) may be configured to be larger than the size of the through hole (CH). That is, the area projected by the spacer (400) onto the cover member (300) may be configured to be larger than the size of the through hole (CH).

[0141] For example, the first part (410) of the spacer (400) may be configured to have a larger cross-sectional area than the through hole (CH). Additionally, the second part (420) of the spacer (400) may be configured to have a larger cross-sectional area than the through hole (CH).

[0142] When the spacer (400) is coupled to the through hole (CH), there is a risk that the spacer (400) may be separated from the through hole (CH) due to high pressure such as venting gas or flame generated from the battery cell (110). However, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the spacer (400) can be prevented from being separated from the through hole (CH). Accordingly, the space between the battery module (100) and the cover member (300) can be stably secured.

[0143] In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the spacer (400) can further secure a contact area between the pack lead (240) and the battery module (100), the spacer (400) can stably fix the cover member (300) in the space between the pack lead (240) and the battery module (100). Accordingly, the cover member (300) can be prevented from being deformed due to high heat, etc.

[0144] In addition, in this case, the first part (410) and the second part (420) can be respectively moved from the outside of the through hole (CH) toward the through hole (CH) with the through hole (CH) as the center and be fitted together. According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the assemblability of the spacer (400) can be further secured. In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, regardless of the size of the through hole (CH), if the size of the spacer (400) is larger, it can be coupled to the through hole (CH), so that productivity can be improved when manufacturing the battery pack (10).

[0145]

[0146] FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0147] Referring to FIG. 12, a vehicle (30) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle (30) according to the present invention may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle (30) includes a four-wheel vehicle and a two-wheel vehicle. The vehicle (30) operates by receiving power from the battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0148]

[0149] 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

A plurality of battery modules comprising a plurality of battery cells; A pack case in which a receiving space configured to receive the plurality of battery modules is formed; A cover member provided between the battery module and the pack case, wherein a through hole is formed to allow venting gas discharged from the battery cell to pass through; and A battery pack characterized by including a spacer mounted on the cover member and configured to maintain a gap between the cover member and the pack case. In the first paragraph, A battery pack, characterized in that the cover member is configured to cover the upper portion of the battery module. In the first paragraph, The above pack case has multiple storage spaces, A battery pack, characterized in that the cover member is configured to cover at least a portion of the receiving space. In the third paragraph, A battery pack characterized in that the above cover member is provided in multiple numbers and is individually provided in at least some of the multiple receiving spaces. In the first paragraph, The above pack case has a cross beam configured to compartmentalize the plurality of battery modules, A battery pack characterized in that the cover member is configured to be mounted on the cross beam. In the first paragraph, A battery pack characterized in that the above through holes are provided in multiple numbers and arranged at a predetermined interval. In paragraph 6, A battery pack characterized in that the spacer is configured to be inserted into at least some of the plurality of through holes. In the first paragraph, The above battery module A battery pack comprising a module case configured to group the plurality of battery cells and having a venting hole formed on one side thereof to discharge the venting gas to the outside. In paragraph 8, A battery pack characterized in that the spacer is provided at a position that is staggered from the venting hole. In the first paragraph, The above spacer A battery pack characterized by including a first part provided between the cover member and the pack case. In the first paragraph, The above spacer A battery pack characterized by including a second part provided between the cover member and the battery cell. In the first paragraph, A battery pack characterized in that the spacer is configured to be larger than the size of the through hole. A vehicle characterized by comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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