Battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery pack comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a pack case which is configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells and has, on at least one side surface thereof, a venting device configured to discharge, to the outside, venting gas generated from the battery cells; and a cover member which at least partially covers the venting device, has a plurality of through-holes configured to allow the venting gas to pass therethrough, and is configured such that the areas of the plurality of through-holes at least partially change.

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. 10-2024-0097948, filed on July 24, 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] If a thermal event, such as thermal runaway, occurs within a battery pack, gasses may be emitted from the battery cells contained within, potentially containing flames. Furthermore, when gasses are typically emitted from a battery cell, fragments of electrode plates or active material within the battery cell may be ejected to the outside in a heated state. These high-temperature particles may manifest in the form of sparks.

[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] If a spark is exposed to the outside of the pack case along with gas, it may react with oxygen outside the battery pack, potentially creating a flame or developing a fire outside the 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 more serious problem.

[0009] 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.

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] In order to solve the above problem, a battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention may include: a pack case configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells and having a venting device provided on at least one side thereof to discharge venting gas generated from the battery cells to the outside; and a cover member configured to at least partially cover the venting device, and having a plurality of through holes formed therein configured to allow the venting gas to pass therethrough, and having an area of ​​the plurality of through holes at least partially changed.

[0013] The cover member may be configured to suppress sparks generated from the battery cell from reaching the venting device.

[0014] The above cover member may be configured such that the area of ​​the plurality of through holes increases due to the pressure of the venting gas.

[0015] The above cover member may be configured to be stretchable by the pressure of the venting gas.

[0016] The above cover member may be configured to be elongated and protrude at least partially toward the venting device.

[0017] The above cover member may be provided between the plurality of battery cells and the venting device.

[0018] 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 device, and the cover member may be configured to face the side frame having the venting device.

[0019] The above cover member may have an elongated portion configured to form the plurality of through holes, and a fixing portion configured to fix the elongated portion.

[0020] The above-mentioned extension part may be configured in a mesh form.

[0021] The above cover member may be configured such that the density of the plurality of through holes varies at least partially gradually.

[0022] The above cover member may be configured such that the density of the plurality of through holes increases at least partially from the bottom to the top.

[0023] In addition, a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a module case that accommodates the plurality of battery cells in an internal space and has a venting hole formed on an upper side to communicate with the internal space.

[0024] The pack case has a pack lead configured to cover the upper portion of the plurality of battery cells, and the cover member can be configured to be connectable with the pack lead.

[0025] At least one side of the above cover member may be configured to be bent toward the inner side of the pack case.

[0026] And, the automobile according to the present invention may include a battery pack according to the present invention.

[0027] 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 quickly discharged outside the pack case. Accordingly, other battery cells or battery modules can be minimized from thermal damage, thereby preventing further chain reactions.

[0028] In addition, 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] This can prevent or delay events such as fire or explosion due to thermal runaway of a battery pack containing multiple battery modules or a device equipped with them.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a cover member included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Fig. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, Fig. 4 may be a drawing showing the cross-section I-I' of Fig. 1.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a state in which a cover member included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention is extended.

[0039] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which a cover member included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention is extended.

[0040] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a cover member included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a cover member included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention in an extended state.

[0042] FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of a cover member included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention in an extended state.

[0043] FIG. 10 is a front view of a cover member included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 11 is a front view showing a cover member included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention in an extended state.

[0045] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing the direction in which venting gas and sparks are discharged inside a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Fig. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. For example, Fig. 13 may be a drawing showing the cross-section I-I' of Fig. 1.

[0047] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack viewed from above according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[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 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054]

[0055] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a cover member included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition, FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 4 may be a drawing showing a cross-section taken along line I-I' of FIG. 1.

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell (100), a pack case (200), and a cover member (300).

[0057] First, referring mainly to FIG. 2, the battery cell (100) may be included in multiple numbers. Although not shown in the drawing, the multiple battery cells (100) may include an electrode assembly, a cell case that accommodates the electrode assembly, and an electrode lead that is connected to the electrode assembly and extends outward from the cell case to function as an electrode terminal. In this case, the multiple battery cells (100) may be electrically connected to each other.

[0058] The above battery cell (100) may be a pouch-type secondary battery. The cell case of such a pouch-type secondary battery may be configured in the form of a pouch in which a metal layer made of aluminum is interposed between polymer layers.

[0059] 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 up-down (Z-axis direction), and its storage portion facing forward-backward (Y-axis direction).

[0060] 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).

[0061] The pack case (200) may be configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells (100). That is, the pack case (200) may provide a space for accommodating a plurality of battery cells (100).

[0062] 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.

[0063] Additionally, the pack case (200) may be equipped with a venting device (V). The venting device (V) may be configured to discharge gas generated from the battery cells (100) housed therein to the outside of the pack case (200). The venting device (V) may be equipped on at least one side of the pack case (200).

[0064] The venting device (V) may be provided in the form of a hole penetrating between the inside and the outside of the pack case (200). Alternatively, the venting device (V) 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).

[0065] For example, the venting device (V) may be provided with a venting valve or implemented with such a venting valve. In this case, a mounting hole may be formed on at least one side of the pack case (200) so that the venting device (V) can be configured to be mounted in the mounting hole. In the case where the venting device (V) is provided with a venting valve or 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).

[0066] Referring to FIG. 3, the cover member (300) may be configured to at least partially cover the venting device (V). As an example, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the cover member (300) may have a structure that covers the entire portion of the venting device (V).

[0067] Additionally, referring to FIG. 4, the cover member (300) can be configured to suppress sparks generated from the battery cell (100) from moving toward the venting device (V).

[0068] Sparks or flames with strong straight-line propagation may be emitted from the battery cell (100) and may collide with the internal structure of the pack case (200) and move to the venting device (V). However, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the sparks can be suppressed from being emitted to the outside of the pack case (200) by the cover member (300) (see the dotted arrow in FIG. 4). Accordingly, the sparks and oxygen reacting to generate flames outside the pack case (200) can be suppressed.

[0069] 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 metal material with rigidity and heat resistance, such as SUS.

[0070] Additionally, the cover member (300) may be configured to allow venting gas to pass through. More specifically, the cover member (300) may be formed with a through hole (H). The through hole (H) may be provided in multiple numbers. The through hole (H) may be configured to allow venting gas to pass through. Referring to the thick solid arrows illustrated in FIG. 4, the venting gas may be discharged from the inside of the pack case (200) toward the venting device (V) through these multiple through holes (H).

[0071] That is, the cover member (300) may be configured to filter sparks or flames and allow venting gas to pass through. In this case, sparks generated from the battery cell (100) may be blocked by the cover member (300), and at the same time, venting gas may be smoothly discharged through the plurality of through holes (H).

[0072] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when a specific battery cell (100) inside the battery pack (1) experiences an abnormality, high-temperature venting gas, etc. generated from the battery cell (100) can be quickly discharged to the outside of the pack case (200) through the through-hole (H). Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, depending on the amount of the venting gas, etc. in the through-hole (H), other battery cells (100) can be prevented from receiving thermal damage to the greatest extent possible, thereby preventing additional chain reactions. Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the safety and reliability of the battery pack (1) can be guaranteed.

[0073]

[0074] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a state in which a cover member included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention is extended, and FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which a cover member included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention is extended.

[0075] Furthermore, referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the cover member (300) may be configured such that the area of ​​a plurality of through holes (H) at least partially changes. The area of ​​the through holes (H) may be configured such that the area changes as the venting gas or the like passes through the through holes (H). The area of ​​the through holes (H) may be configured such that it varies depending on the amount of the venting gas or the like passing through. For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the area of ​​at least some of the plurality of through holes (H) may change as the venting gas passes through the through holes (H).

[0076] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the area of ​​the through hole (H) can be changed, the area of ​​the through hole (H) can be adjusted according to the internal pressure of the pack case (200). Accordingly, when the internal pressure of the pack case (200) increases, a larger amount of venting gas can be discharged to the outside.

[0077] In this way, 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 device (V), thereby preventing the internal pressure inside the pack case (200) from increasing and preventing additional chain fires in other battery cells (100).

[0078] In particular, the cover member (300) can be configured so that the area of ​​a plurality of through holes (H) increases due to the pressure of the venting gas.

[0079] As described above, the cover member (300) may be configured to filter sparks or flames and allow venting gas to pass through. In this case, sparks larger than the through hole (H) may be blocked by the cover member (300), but sparks similar in size to the through hole (H) may block the through hole (H). In this case, some of the multiple through holes (H) may be blocked, increasing the internal pressure of the pack case (200).

[0080] However, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the area of ​​the through hole (H) is configured to increase, the risk of a spark blocking the through hole (H) can be minimized. Accordingly, since the venting gas can be discharged more smoothly through the through hole (H), when an abnormal situation occurs in the battery cell (100), the venting gas can be quickly discharged to the outside of the pack case (200) through the venting device (V), thereby preventing the internal pressure inside the pack case (200) from increasing and preventing additional chain ignition of other battery cells (100).

[0081]

[0082] More specifically, referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the cover member (300) may be configured to be stretchable by the pressure of the venting gas. That is, the cover member (300) may be configured such that the pressure of the venting gas pushes the cover member (300) outward.

[0083] The cover member (300) may include an extensible material. The cover member (300) may be configured to have elasticity. The cover member (300) may be configured to have flexibility. In this case, the elongation of the cover member (300) may be designed taking into consideration the shape of the pack case (200) or the venting device (V).

[0084] The cover member (300) may be configured to extend outwardly. For example, the cover member (300) may be configured to extend and protrude at least partially toward the venting device (V).

[0085] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the cover member (300) is configured to be stretchable, the area of ​​the through hole (H) can naturally increase.

[0086]

[0087] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 2, a pack case (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a base frame (210) and a side frame (220).

[0088] The above base frame (210) 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 (210) may be configured so that a plurality of battery cells (100) are mounted on the upper surface. Furthermore, the base frame (210) may be provided with a flat upper surface so that a plurality of battery cells (100) or module cases (11) are stably mounted.

[0089] The side frame (220) may extend upward from each corner of the base frame (210). The side frame (220) may be provided with a plurality of unit walls to surround a plurality of battery cells (100) or battery modules (10). More specifically, the side frame (220) may include a rear wall located at the +Y direction side end of the base frame (210), 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).

[0090] The venting device (V) may be provided on the side of the pack case (200), i.e., on the side frame (220). At this time, the cover member (300) may be provided so as to be positioned on the side of the side frame (220) and to at least partially cover the venting device (V).

[0091] The venting device (V) and the cover member (300) may each be provided in multiple numbers. In particular, the venting device (V) may be positioned on at least some of the unit walls among the multiple unit walls of the side frame (220). In addition, the venting device (V) 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, the venting device (V) may be provided in multiple numbers on each of the front wall and the rear wall.

[0092] At this time, a corresponding cover member (300) may be installed for each of one or more venting devices (V). For example, as illustrated in the exemplary configuration of FIG. 2, four venting devices (V) are formed on each of the front wall and the rear wall, and a cover member (300) is provided for each venting device (V), so that a total of eight cover members (300) may be included in the battery pack. Each of the plurality of venting devices (V) and the cover member (300) may be provided to be symmetrical to each other with respect to the center of the side frame (220).

[0093] 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).

[0094] Meanwhile, the number and positions of the venting devices (V) and the cover members (300) described based on the embodiment of FIG. 2 are merely examples, and may be changed to various other numbers or positions. For example, in FIG. 2, the venting devices (V) and the cover members (300) are provided on the X-axis direction extending walls of the side frame (220), 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.

[0095] The pack case (200) may further include a pack lid (230). The pack lid (230) may be configured to cover the upper portions of the plurality of battery cells (100). To this end, the pack lid (230) may be provided to be coupled to the upper portion of the side frame (220) to form the upper surface of the pack case (200).

[0096] The pack lid (230) 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 pack lid (230) can guide venting gases and sparks from the internal space of the pack case (200) toward the venting device (V).

[0097] Additionally, the pack case (200) may further include a cross beam (240). The cross beam (240) may be provided to partition between a plurality of battery cells (100) or battery modules (10). The cross beam (240) may be provided between a plurality of battery cells (100) and a side frame (220) on which a venting device (V) is provided.

[0098] For example, the cross beam (240) may be formed in the form of a partition wall that extends long 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 (240) may be formed in the form of a partition wall that extends long in the front-rear direction and may be interposed between battery modules (10) that are adjacently arranged in the left-right direction.

[0099]

[0100] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, a cover member (300) may be provided between a plurality of battery cells (100) and a venting device (V). That is, the cover member (300) may be provided on the inside of the venting device (V). In addition, the cover member (300) may be provided on the inside of the pack case (200).

[0101] Specifically, the venting gas and / or spark generated from the battery cell (100) can move to the venting device (V). That is, a venting path through which the venting gas and / or spark flows can be formed between the plurality of battery cells (100) and the venting device (V). At this time, the cover member (300) can be provided to cross the venting path. In other words, the cover member (300) can be provided in the venting path and configured to suppress the movement of sparks and the like.

[0102] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the spark emitted from the battery cell (100) is preemptively blocked before reaching the venting device (V) of the pack case (200), the spark is prevented from being discharged externally, thereby more effectively suppressing the occurrence of flames outside the pack case (200).

[0103] The cover member (300) may be provided to face the venting device (V). In particular, the cover member (300) may be configured to face the side frame (220) on which the venting device (V) is provided. For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the cover member (300) may be provided in a plate shape that is vertically erected and may be provided to face the side frame (220) in parallel.

[0104] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the venting gas can move to the cover member (300) positioned to face the venting device (V) and be smoothly discharged to the venting device (V) through the through hole (H).

[0105] Meanwhile, the cover member (300) may be provided to be spaced apart from the side frame (220) and the venting device (V) by a predetermined distance to secure volume when extended. At this time, the distance between the cover member (300) and the side frame (220) may be a distance that prevents sparks or particles from entering. Furthermore, the cover member (300) may further be provided with a side cover that can cover the space between the cover member (300) and the side frame (220) on at least one of the four sides.

[0106] The cover member (300) can be coupled to the side frame (220) so as to face the venting device (V). For example, the cover member (300) can be coupled to the side frame (220) by a fastening member such as a bolt.

[0107] When the cover member (300) is extended toward the venting device (V), the cover member (300) may move or be deformed toward the venting device (V) due to the pressure of the venting gas. However, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the cover member (300) is coupled to the side frame (220), the cover member (300) can be suppressed from moving or being deformed due to the pressure of the venting gas or flame. Accordingly, since the cover member (300) and the side frame (220) can be stably coupled, the spark blocking and venting gas discharge functions of the cover member (300) can be stably secured.

[0108] Alternatively, unlike the above embodiment, the cover member (300) may be provided integrally with the venting device (V). In this case, the venting device (V) can be mounted on the pack case (200) without the need to separately attach the cover member (300), thereby ensuring assembly efficiency.

[0109]

[0110] Fig. 7 is a front perspective view of a cover member included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. In addition, Fig. 8 is a front perspective view of a cover member included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention in an extended state, and Fig. 9 is a rear perspective view of a cover member included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention in an extended state.

[0111] The cover member (300) may be provided in a plate shape. As the cover member (300) is manufactured in a plate shape, the cover member (300) may be configured to face parallel to the venting device (V) or the side frame (220). According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the cover member (300) can more easily cover the venting device (V).

[0112] More specifically, the cover member (300) may include an elongated portion (310) and a fixed portion (320). The elongated portion (310) may be formed of a material that can be elongated. In addition, the elongated portion (310) may be formed of a material having excellent fire resistance and heat resistance. For example, the elongated portion (310) may include a metal material such as SUS. The thickness of the elongated portion (310) may be formed to be approximately 0.5 t.

[0113] Additionally, the extension member (310) may be configured to allow the passage of venting gas. The extension member (310) may be configured to form a plurality of through holes (H). In this case, the through holes (H) may be configured to have a size capable of filtering sparks or flames discharged to the outside of the pack case (200). For example, the through holes (H) may be configured to have a width of approximately 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

[0114] The shape of the through hole (H) can be configured in various ways. For example, the through hole (H) can be configured in a circular or polygonal shape. The through hole (H) can be configured in a honeycomb shape.

[0115] For example, the extension unit (310) may be configured in a mesh form. That is, the extension unit (310) may be configured in a form in which a number of wires are woven together like a net. Such an extension unit (310) may capture sparks, flames, etc., and delay or block their release to the outside.

[0116] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, not only can exposure of sparks or flames to the outside of the pack case (200) be minimized, but venting gas can also be quickly discharged. Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the mesh member (310) forms an insulating air layer, thereby delaying or blocking the propagation of heat.

[0117] Moreover, as in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 8, the elongation portion (310) can be elongated by the pressure of the venting gas in a situation where the internal pressure of the pack case (200) increases, such as when a spark is blocked in the through hole (H). Accordingly, the elongation portion (310) can be elongated, thereby increasing the area of ​​the through hole (H).

[0118] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when the internal pressure of the pack case (200) increases, the venting gas can be quickly and smoothly discharged to the outside due to the increased area of ​​the through hole (H). Accordingly, the internal pressure of the pack case (200) can be reduced, thereby delaying or suppressing thermal runaway.

[0119] The fixed part (320) may be configured to fix the elongated part (310). The fixed part (320) may be configured to fix the corner of the elongated part (310). For example, the fixed part (320) may be configured in a frame shape.

[0120] Additionally, the fixing member (320) may be formed of a rigid body. The fixing member (320) may be formed of a material with excellent fire resistance and heat resistance. For example, the fixing member (320) may include a metal material such as SUS. The thickness of the fixing member (320) may be formed to be 1 ton or more.

[0121] Accordingly, the fixed part (320) is prevented from being damaged by heat such as venting gas or flame, and the elongated part (310) can be stably fixed to maintain the shape of the elongated part (310).

[0122] Meanwhile, the cover member (300) may be configured as a composite structure. For example, the fixing member (320) may be provided on both sides of the extension member (310) in the front and rear directions, so that the cover member (300) may be configured as a triple structure.

[0123] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the fixed part (320) can fix the elongated part (310) on both sides, structural stability can be secured when the elongated part (310) is elongated by the pressure of the venting gas.

[0124]

[0125] FIG. 10 is a front view of a cover member included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a front view of a cover member included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention in an extended state.

[0126] The cover member (300) may be configured such that the density of the plurality of through holes (H) is at least partially gradually varied. That is, the cover member (300) may be configured such that the areas of the plurality of through holes (H) are at least partially differentiated. For example, the area of ​​the through holes (H) may be large in the portion of the cover member (300) facing the venting device (V), and the area of ​​the through holes (H) may be small in the remaining portion. In this case, the density or area of ​​the through holes (H) may be configured to be radially differentiated.

[0127] In particular, the cover member (300) may be configured such that the density of the plurality of through holes (H) increases at least partially from the bottom to the top. That is, the cover member (300) may be configured such that the area of ​​the plurality of through holes (H) decreases at least partially from the bottom to the top.

[0128] For example, as in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the cover member (300) may be configured such that the density of the plurality of through holes (H) in the upper portion is greater than the density of the plurality of through holes (H) in the lower portion. That is, the size of the plurality of through holes (H) in the upper portion may be configured to be smaller than the size of the plurality of through holes (H) in the lower portion. Accordingly, the cover member (300) may be configured to cover the upper portion side of the venting device (V) more densely.

[0129] Specifically, sparks emitted 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 area of ​​the through hole (H) provided in the upper portion of the cover member (300) is configured to be smaller than the area of ​​the through hole (H) provided in the lower portion, sparks with a strong straight-line tendency are guaranteed to collide with the cover member (300), thereby more reliably suppressing external discharge of the sparks. At the same time, the venting gas can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the pack case (200) through the through hole (H) with a relatively large area due to internal pressure.

[0130]

[0131] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing the direction in which venting gas and sparks are discharged inside a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0132] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 2 and 12, 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.

[0133] 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).

[0134] 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).

[0135] 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.

[0136] The above battery module (10) may include a venting hole (12). The venting hole (12) 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).

[0137] Specifically, the venting hole (12) may be provided in the module case (11) to enable directional venting in a specific direction. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the venting hole (12) may be provided in the upper portion of the module case (11). With this configuration, the venting gas and / or sparks may be induced to be discharged toward the upper portion of the battery module.

[0138] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, as indicated by the dotted arrow in FIG. 12, venting gas or sparks, etc. can be guided to the upper side of the pack case (200). Therefore, when the venting gas or sparks, etc. move along the upper inner surface of the pack case (200) toward the venting device (V), the flow can be more reliably blocked by the cover member (300) that more densely covers the upper part of the venting device (V), as in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. Therefore, the sparks can be more effectively suppressed from being discharged to the outside of the pack case (200).

[0139] Additionally, the cross beam (240) may be provided to be spaced apart from the pack lead (230) by a predetermined distance. That is, the cross beam (240) 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 pack lead (230).

[0140] According to this embodiment configuration, heat or flame can be prevented from directly flowing between battery cells (100) or battery modules (10) whose storage spaces are separated by the cross beam (240). In addition, according to the embodiment configuration, due to the separation space between the cross beam (240) and the pack lead (230), gas or sparks generated from the battery cells (100) can be further induced to move upward in the internal space of the pack case.

[0141] For example, as shown in the part indicated by the dotted arrow in Fig. 12, gas or sparks may move to the space between the cross beam (240) and the pack lead (230) and be reflected on the pack lead (230) or flow along the lower surface of the pack lead (230) toward the venting device (V) and reach the cover member (300) covering the upper portion of the venting device (V). According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the cover member (300) can more reliably block sparks emitted from the battery cell (100).

[0142]

[0143] Fig. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. For example, Fig. 13 may be a drawing showing the cross-section I-I' of Fig. 1.

[0144] Referring to FIG. 13, the cover member (300) may be configured to be coupled with the pack lid (230). At this time, the cover member (300) may be fixed by being bolted to the pack lid (230). Alternatively, the cover member (300) may be manufactured integrally with the pack lid (230).

[0145] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the cover member (300) is manufactured in a form in which it is pre-attached to the pack lead (230), when the pack lead (230) is attached to the side frame (220), the cover member (300) can be automatically installed on the venting device (V) side of the side frame (220). Accordingly, the process of separately attaching the cover member (300) to the side frame (220) can be omitted. Therefore, the time and cost for manufacturing the battery pack (1) can be reduced, and productivity can be improved.

[0146] More specifically, the cover member (300) may be provided with a lead coupling portion (330). The lead coupling portion (330) may be provided to extend from the fixing portion (320). Specifically, the lead coupling portion (330) may be configured to extend in a horizontal direction from the upper end of the fixing portion (320) so as to be in direct contact with the pack lid (230). That is, the lead coupling portion (330) may be configured to form a right angle with the fixing portion (320). The lead coupling portion (330) may be provided in a plate shape and may be coupled to the pack lid (230). The lead coupling portion (330) may be fixed by being bolted to the pack lid (230).

[0147] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, a bonding and fixing configuration between the cover member (300) and the pack lid (230) can be achieved with a simple structure. In addition, in this case, assembly of the battery pack becomes easier, the internal space occupied by the cover member (300) of the pack case (200) is minimized, and the effect of blocking sparks and the like for the venting device (V) can be more stably achieved.

[0148]

[0149] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack viewed from above according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0150] At least one side of the cover member (300) may be configured to be bent toward the inner side of the pack case (200). For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14, the cover member (300) may have a bent portion (340).

[0151] The bending portion (340) may be provided to extend from at least one side of the fixing portion (320). According to one embodiment of the present invention, the bending portion (340) may extend from both sides of the fixing portion (320) to be bent toward the side frame (220). For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14, the bending portion (340) may be configured to be bent from both ends in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) of the fixing portion (320) toward the rear side (+Y-axis direction). The bending portion (340) may be configured to block the side surface of the venting device (V).

[0152] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the cover member (300) can block sparks not only toward the front of the venting device (V) but also toward the side, thereby more effectively blocking sparks from being discharged to the outside of the pack case (200).

[0153] Also, referring to FIG. 14, the bending portion (340) may be provided so that the end is in contact with the side frame (220). That is, the gap between the fixed portion (320) and the inner surface of the side frame (220) may be provided to be equal to the length by which the bending portion (340) extends from the fixed portion (320).

[0154] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to reliably block sparks from being emitted through the gap between the fixed part (320) and the side frame (220).

[0155] In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the cover member (300) can be reliably supported on the side frame (220) by the bending portion (340), rigidity can be secured when an impact occurs on the pack case (200). In addition, the spaced gap between the fixing portion (320) and the inner surface of the side frame (220) can be maintained. In addition, in this case, the angle between the fixing portion (320) and the side frame (220) can be maintained constant without deformation. Therefore, the venting gas can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the pack case (200) through the venting device (V), and the blocking effect of sparks, etc. by the cover member (300) can also be stably secured.

[0156]

[0157] FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0158] 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.

[0159]

[0160] 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; A pack case configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells and having a venting device provided on at least one side thereof to discharge venting gas generated from the battery cells to the outside; and A battery pack characterized by comprising a cover member that at least partially covers the venting device, has a plurality of through holes formed therein configured to allow the venting gas to pass through, and is configured such that the areas of the plurality of through holes are at least partially varied.

2. In paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the cover member is configured to suppress sparks generated from the battery cell from heading toward the venting device.

3. In paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the cover member is configured such that the area of ​​the plurality of through holes increases due to the pressure of the venting gas.

4. In paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the cover member is configured to be stretchable by the pressure of the venting gas.

5. In paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the cover member is configured to be elongated and at least partially protrude toward the venting device.

6. In paragraph 1, A battery pack, characterized in that the cover member is provided between the plurality of battery cells and the venting device.

7. In paragraph 1, The above pack case is A base frame on which the above plurality of battery cells are mounted, A side frame extending upward from the base frame and having the venting device provided thereon, A battery pack characterized in that the cover member is configured to face the side frame in which the venting device is provided.

8. In paragraph 1, The above cover member An extension section configured to form the above-mentioned plurality of through holes, A battery pack characterized by having a fixing member configured to fix the above-mentioned extension member.

9. In paragraph 8, A battery pack characterized in that the above-mentioned extension part is configured in a mesh shape.

10. In paragraph 1, The above cover member A battery pack characterized in that the density of the plurality of through holes is configured to vary gradually at least partially.

11. In paragraph 1, The above cover member A battery pack characterized in that the density of the plurality of through holes increases at least partially from the bottom to the top.

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

13. In paragraph 1, The above pack case is A pack lead configured to cover the upper portion of the plurality of battery cells is provided, A battery pack characterized in that the cover member is configured to be connectable with the pack lead.

14. In paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that at least one side of the cover member is configured to be bent toward the inner side of the pack case.

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

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