Battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

A battery pack according to the present invention comprises: a battery assembly having a plurality of battery cells; a pack case having an accommodation space in which the battery assembly is accommodated; at least one first venting hole provided on a first side of the battery assembly; a venting space disposed on a first side of the first venting hole and provided in the pack case; and at least one opening / closing member disposed to correspond to the first venting hole and opened to allow the first venting hole and the venting space to communicate with each other if an internal pressure greater than or equal to a predetermined level is formed.

Description

Battery pack and vehicle including same

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack and a vehicle including the same, and more particularly, to a battery pack capable of completely and smoothly discharging venting gas while preventing the reverse inflow of the venting gas, thereby effectively suppressing or preventing heat propagation, and a vehicle including the same.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0096927, filed on July 23, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated herein by reference.

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

[0004] Commonly used secondary batteries today include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. When high output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery module or battery pack. Furthermore, to increase charge / discharge capacity, multiple battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery module or pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in a battery module or pack can vary depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] When connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel to form a battery pack, it's common 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. 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] However, when a battery pack contains multiple battery cells, the pack may be vulnerable to thermal chain reactions between battery cells or battery modules. For example, if a thermal event, such as thermal runaway, occurs in a single battery cell, this thermal event can propagate to other battery cells or battery modules. If this thermal runaway propagation is not properly controlled, a thermal event occurring in a specific battery cell can trigger a chain reaction in other battery cells or battery modules, potentially resulting in major problems such as explosions or fires.

[0007] In conventional battery packs, when a thermal event occurs in a battery cell, high-temperature discharges, such as high-temperature gases, flames, and solid discharges, can be discharged upward and / or inwardly from the pack case. In such conventional battery packs, it was difficult for the high-temperature discharges to be completely and smoothly discharged to the outside, and the high-temperature discharges could flow back into the battery cells or battery modules, potentially accelerating heat transfer.

[0008] Therefore, even if a thermal event occurs in a battery cell, there is an urgent need to develop a structure that can completely and smoothly discharge high-temperature discharge to the outside, while preventing the high-temperature discharge from flowing back into the same or another battery cell or battery module, thereby effectively suppressing or delaying heat propagation.

[0009] The present invention was created in consideration of the above-described problems, and its primary purpose is to provide a battery pack and a vehicle including the same that can effectively prevent discharged venting gas from being reversely introduced.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack and a vehicle including the same, wherein venting gas can be directed only in a specific direction.

[0011] In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack and a vehicle including the same, in which a thermal event can be effectively suppressed.

[0012] In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack and a vehicle including the same that can effectively prevent the propagation of a thermal event.

[0013] In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack and a vehicle including the same, which can appropriately design and change the size of the internal pressure of the venting gas that can open the opening member.

[0014] Another objective is to provide a battery pack and a vehicle including the same that can minimize internal damage.

[0015] Another objective is to provide a battery pack with improved productivity and assembly and a vehicle including the same.

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

[0017] A battery pack according to the present invention comprises: a battery assembly having a plurality of battery cells; a pack case having a receiving space for accommodating the battery assembly; at least one first venting hole provided on a first side of the battery assembly; a venting space disposed on a first side of the first venting hole and provided in the pack case; and at least one opening / closing member that opens to communicate the first venting hole and the venting space with each other when an internal pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined size is formed, and is disposed corresponding to the first venting hole.

[0018] The above opening / closing member can be closed to block the first venting hole and the venting space from each other when an internal pressure lower than a predetermined size is formed.

[0019] The above opening / closing member can be placed in close contact with the first venting hole side by elastic restoring force when an internal pressure less than a predetermined size is formed.

[0020] The above opening / closing member may include an opening / closing cap that is movably arranged; a guide pin that guides movement of the opening / closing cap; and an elastic member that is fixed to the guide pin and presses the opening / closing cap.

[0021] The above opening / closing cap may include a material having rigidity and fire resistance properties.

[0022] The battery pack according to the present invention further includes a bottom plate disposed between the battery assembly and the pack case, and having a second venting hole formed therein corresponding to the first venting hole, and the opening / closing member can be coupled to a first side of the bottom plate at a position corresponding to the second venting hole.

[0023] The above bottom plate may include a material having rigidity and fire resistance properties.

[0024] The above first side may be in a downward direction.

[0025] It further includes a mounting block disposed between the battery assembly and the pack case, and the mounting block can form the venting space by spacing the battery assembly and the pack case apart.

[0026] The battery pack according to the present invention may further include a cooling member that is disposed on the second side of the battery assembly and cools the battery assembly, the second side being opposite to the first side.

[0027] The above second side may be in the upper direction.

[0028] The above pack case has a side wall portion surrounding the receiving space, and a first venting channel communicating with the venting space can be formed in the side wall portion.

[0029] The above pack case has a partition frame that divides the receiving space, and a second venting channel that is connected to the venting space can be formed in the partition frame.

[0030] The above pack case may be equipped with a venting device that connects the venting space and the outside.

[0031] The pack case has a partition frame that divides the receiving space, and the battery pack according to the present invention may further include a plurality of battery assemblies being received in the receiving space, a connecting bus bar that electrically connects one of the battery assemblies to another of the battery assemblies across the partition frame, and a sealing member that seals the connecting bus bar.

[0032] A vehicle according to the present invention comprises at least one battery pack according to the present invention.

[0033] According to the present invention, a battery pack and a vehicle including the same can be provided, which can effectively prevent discharged venting gas from being reversely introduced by an opening / closing member.

[0034] In addition, a battery pack and a vehicle including the same can be provided in which venting gas can be induced only in a specific direction by a first venting hole and an opening / closing member.

[0035] In addition, a battery pack and a vehicle including the same can be provided in which a thermal event can be effectively suppressed by an opening / closing member.

[0036] In addition, a battery pack and a vehicle including the same can be provided that can effectively prevent a thermal event from being propagated by an opening / closing member.

[0037] In addition, a battery pack and a vehicle including the same can be provided in which the opening / closing member has an elastic member to more effectively prevent reverse inflow of venting gas.

[0038] In addition, a battery pack and a vehicle including the same can be provided in which the opening / closing member has an elastic member, so that the size of the internal pressure of the venting gas that can open the opening / closing member can be appropriately designed and changed.

[0039] In addition, a battery pack and a vehicle including the same can be provided that can minimize internal damage by means of an opening / closing member.

[0040] In addition, a battery pack and a vehicle including the same can be provided with improved productivity and assembly by means of a bottom plate.

[0041] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0042] 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.

[0043] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an exploded view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Fig. 3 is a side cross-sectional view showing a part of section ⅠⅠ' of Fig. 1.

[0046] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of part A of Figure 3 enlarged and viewed from a different direction than Figure 3.

[0047] Fig. 5 is a side cross-sectional view showing the opening / closing member in Fig. 4 in an open state.

[0048] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a battery cell of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] FIG. 7 is a bottom view showing an opening / closing member arranged on a bottom plate of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a pack case of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Fig. 9 is a side cross-sectional view showing another part of the ⅠⅠ' section of Fig. 1.

[0052] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of section ⅡⅡ' of Fig. 1.

[0053] Figure 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of part B of Figure 3.

[0054] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] 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 conforms to the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0056] Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only some of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention, and it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of this application.

[0057] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view showing a part of section ⅠⅠ' of FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of section A of FIG. 3 and viewed from a different direction from FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view showing an open state of an opening / closing member in FIG. 4.

[0058] Hereinafter, a battery pack (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. A battery pack (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a battery assembly (10), a pack case (200), a first venting hole (VH1), a venting space (VS), and an opening / closing member (300).

[0059] The battery assembly (10) may include a plurality of battery cells (100). The battery assembly (10) may have a predetermined length, width, and height in the X, Y, and Z directions, respectively. In the battery assembly (10), the plurality of battery cells (100) may be arranged in a stacked manner. For example, the plurality of battery cells (100) may be stacked along the width direction or the Y-axis direction of the battery assembly (10) while standing vertically (in the Z-axis direction). When the plurality of battery cells (100) are arranged in this manner, it may be easy to control the discharge direction of the venting gas (VG) described later to one side.

[0060] The pack case (200) may be configured to accommodate a battery assembly (10). A receiving space (S) for accommodating the battery assembly (10) may be formed in the pack case (200). A plurality of battery assemblies (10) may be accommodated in the pack case (200).

[0061] A first venting hole (VH1) may be provided on a first side (D1) of the battery assembly (10). At least one first venting hole (VH1) may be provided. Here, the first side (D1) may be understood as, for example, in the downward or -Z direction. The first venting hole (VH1) may be a hole through which a venting gas (VG) may pass. When a thermal event occurs in a battery cell (100) of the battery assembly (10), high-temperature gas, flame, solid discharge, etc. may be discharged from the battery cell (100), and such high-temperature gas, flame, solid discharge, etc. may be collectively referred to as venting gas (VG). A first venting hole (VH1) may be provided on the first side (D1) of the battery assembly (10), so that when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell (100), venting gas (VG) may be discharged from the battery cell (100) or the battery assembly (10) toward the first side (D1).

[0062] Meanwhile, the opposite side of the first side (D1) may be the second side (D2). The second side (D2) may be, for example, in the upward or +Z direction.

[0063] A venting space (VS) may be arranged on a first side (D1) of the first venting hole (VH1). The venting space (VS) may be provided in the pack case (200). The venting space (VS) may be understood as a space in which venting gas (VG) flows. The venting space (VS) may be arranged on a first side (D1) of the battery assembly (10). In this case, the first venting hole (VH1) may be arranged between the battery assembly (10) and the venting space (VS).

[0064] The opening / closing member (300) may be arranged to correspond to the first venting hole (VH1). The opening / closing member (300) may be provided in a number and position corresponding to the first venting hole (VH1). The opening / closing member (300) may be provided to cover the first venting hole (VH1). The opening / closing member (300) may be arranged, for example, on the first side (D1) of the first venting hole (VH1), as illustrated in the drawing. The opening / closing member (300) may also be arranged, for example, on the second side (D2) (opposite to the first side (D1)) of the first venting hole (VH1), unlike as illustrated in the drawing (a detailed description of the second side (D2) will be described later).

[0065] The opening / closing member (300) can be opened when an internal pressure greater than a predetermined size is formed. Here, the internal pressure can be understood as an internal pressure formed by a venting gas (VG). When the opening / closing member (300) is opened, the opening / closing member (300) can connect the first venting hole (VH1) and the venting space (VS) to each other. That is, when the opening / closing member (300) is opened due to the internal pressure, the venting gas (VG) can be discharged from the battery assembly (10) through the first venting hole (VH1) and into the venting space (VS).

[0066] In conventional battery packs, if a thermal event occurs in a battery cell (or battery assembly) and venting gas is released, the venting gas can be reversed and re-introduced into the same or another battery cell (or battery assembly). This can exacerbate the thermal event in the battery cell or propagate it to other battery cells or battery assemblies.

[0067] However, the battery pack (1) according to the present invention can discharge venting gas (VG) generated by a thermal event in a battery cell (100) only toward the first side (D1) and not the second side (D2) by the first venting hole (VH1) provided on the first side (D1). In addition, the discharged venting gas (VG) can be prevented from flowing back into the same or another battery cell (100) (or battery assembly (10)). Therefore, there is a remarkable effect that a thermal event in a battery cell (100) can be effectively suppressed, and the thermal event can also be effectively prevented from propagating to another battery cell (100) or battery assembly (10).

[0068]

[0069] The opening / closing member (300) can be closed to block the first venting hole (VH1) and the venting space (VS) from each other when an internal pressure greater than a predetermined level is not formed. In this case, the opening / closing member (300) can be maintained in a closed state without being opened, so that the first venting hole (VH1) and the venting space (VS) can be isolated from each other.

[0070] When the opening / closing member (300) is configured as described above, the opening / closing member (300) can be opened under conditions where sufficient internal pressure is formed by the venting gas (VG), and otherwise, the opening / closing member (300) can be maintained in a closed state, so that the smooth discharge of the venting gas (VG) and the prevention of reverse inflow of the venting gas (VG) can be more effectively achieved.

[0071]

[0072] The opening / closing member (300) can be placed in close contact with the first venting hole (VH1) by elastic restoring force when an internal pressure less than a predetermined size is formed. The opening / closing member (300) can be opened by elastic deformation when the internal pressure due to the venting gas (VG) is formed to a size large enough to open the opening / closing member (300), and can be placed in close contact with the first venting hole (VH1) by elastic restoring force when the internal pressure due to the venting gas (VG) is not formed to a size large enough to open the opening / closing member (300).

[0073] When the opening / closing member (300) is configured as described above, the opening / closing member (300) can be strongly pressed against the first venting hole (VH1) until the internal pressure due to the venting gas (VG) becomes large enough to open the opening / closing member (300), so that the effect of preventing reverse inflow of the venting gas (VG) by the opening / closing member (300) can be further improved.

[0074]

[0075] The opening / closing member (300) may include an opening / closing cap (310), a guide pin (330), and an elastic member (320).

[0076] The opening / closing cap (310) can be arranged to be movable. The opening / closing cap (310) can move in the first side (D1) direction or the second side (D2) direction. The opening / closing cap (310) can move, for example, in the up / down direction or the Z-axis direction. The opening / closing cap (310) can be arranged to cover the first venting hole (VH1). The opening / closing cap (310) can be arranged on the first side (D1) of the first venting hole (VH1). The opening / closing cap (310) can be opened by moving toward the first side (D1) when an internal pressure greater than or equal to a predetermined level is formed. As the opening / closing member (300) is opened, the opening / closing member (300) can be opened. Meanwhile, the opening / closing cap (310) can remain closed without being opened when an internal pressure greater than or equal to a predetermined level is not formed. In this case, the opening / closing cap (310) can be in close contact with the first venting hole (VH1). As the opening / closing cap (310) is closed, the opening / closing member (300) can be closed.

[0077] The guide pin (330) can guide the movement of the opening / closing cap (310). The guide pin (330) can extend toward the first side (D1) and the second side (D2). The guide pin (330) can extend, for example, along the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction. The movement direction of the opening / closing cap (310) and the extension direction of the guide pin (330) can be identical. At least one guide pin (330) can be arranged on one opening / closing member (300). The guide pin (330) can be arranged around the edge of the first venting hole (VH1). The guide pin (330) can penetrate the opening / closing cap (310). A stopper (331) can be provided at one end of the guide pin (330), which can be provided in a flat or protruding shape to limit the movement of the opening / closing cap (310).

[0078] The elastic member (320) can be fixed to the guide pin (330). The guide pin (330) can penetrate the elastic member (320). One end of the elastic member (320) can be supported by the stopper (331) of the guide pin (330). The stopper (331) can support one end of the elastic member (320) in the second side (D2) or upward direction (+Z direction). The other end of the elastic member (320) can press the opening / closing cap (310). The elastic member (320) can be arranged between the stopper (331) of the guide pin (330) and the opening / closing cap (310). The elastic member (320) can press the opening / closing cap (310) in the second side (D2) or upward direction (+Z direction).

[0079] The elastic member (320) may be positioned in a compressed state between the stopper (331) of the guide pin (330) and the opening / closing cap (310). The opening / closing cap (310) may be pressed toward the second side (D2) by the restoring force of the compressed elastic member (320). When a thermal event occurs in the battery cell (100) and the internal pressure of the venting gas (VG) is formed in the first venting hole (VH1), when the product of the area of ​​the opening / closing cap (310) exposed to the venting gas (VG) in the first venting hole (VH1) and the internal pressure of the venting gas (VG) is greater than the restoring force of the compressed elastic member (320), the opening / closing cap (310) may be opened. That is, when the force due to the internal pressure of the venting gas (VG) is greater than the force due to the compressed elastic member (320), the opening / closing cap (310) can be opened (the influence of the weight of the opening / closing cap (310) or the elastic member (320) may also be considered, but a detailed description thereof is omitted.) On the other hand, when the internal pressure of the venting gas (VG) is not large enough to allow the opening / closing cap (310) to be opened, the elastic member (320) pushes the opening / closing cap (310) toward the second side (D2), so that the opening / closing cap (310) can be brought into close contact with the first venting hole (VH1).

[0080] Accordingly, when the opening / closing member (300) has the above-described configurations, the present invention can open the first venting hole (VH1) only when an internal pressure greater than a predetermined size is formed by the venting gas (VG), and can strongly close the first venting hole (VH1) otherwise, thereby more effectively preventing the venting gas (VG) from flowing back into the same or different battery cell (100) (or battery assembly (10)). In addition, the present invention has an advantage in that the size of the internal pressure of the venting gas (VG) at which the opening / closing member (300) can be opened can be appropriately designed and changed by applying an elastic member (320) having a different elastic modulus or changing the compression length of the elastic member (320).

[0081]

[0082] Meanwhile, the elastic member (320) may be provided as a spring having elasticity. For example, the elastic member (320) may be provided as a coil spring, or may be provided as a spring of another form, such as a plate spring.

[0083]

[0084] The opening / closing cap (310) may include a material having rigidity and fire resistance. For example, the opening / closing cap (310) may include a mica material having fire resistance. For example, the opening / closing cap (310) may include a rigid mica material having sufficient rigidity in addition to fire resistance.

[0085] In this way, when the opening / closing cap (310) includes a material having rigidity and fire resistance properties, there is an advantage in that the opening / closing cap (310) can maintain its shape without melting or breaking even when directly exposed to high temperature and high pressure venting gas (VG) in the first venting hole (VH1).

[0086]

[0087] The first side (D1) described above may be in the downward direction. The downward direction may be, for example, the -Z direction. When the first side (D1) is in the downward direction, the first venting hole (VH1) may be provided on the lower side of the battery assembly (10), and the venting space (VS) may be arranged on the lower side of the first venting hole (VH1).

[0088] In the case of a vehicle equipped with a battery pack (1), passengers such as a driver are generally positioned above the battery cells (100). If, when the aforementioned thermal event occurs, venting gas (VG) is discharged to the upper side of the battery cells (100), this may pose a significant risk to the safety of the passengers. Therefore, in the case of the present invention, when a first venting hole (VH1) is provided at the lower side of the battery cell (100) or the battery assembly (10) and a venting space (VS) is arranged at the lower side of the first venting hole (VH1), the venting gas (VG) can be guided to the lower side opposite to the passengers.

[0089]

[0090] Meanwhile, the battery assembly (10) may also include an assembly housing (11). The assembly housing (11) may accommodate a plurality of battery cells (100). The assembly housing (11) may form the overall outer shape of the battery assembly (10). The first venting hole (VH1) may be formed, for example, on the first side (D1) of the assembly housing (11).

[0091] Meanwhile, a plurality of battery cells (100) may be stacked along the width direction or Y-axis direction of the assembly housing (11), and a barrier (12) may be placed between any two battery cells (100). The barrier (12) may include an elastic material capable of absorbing swelling, and may include a material capable of blocking heat or flame.

[0092]

[0093] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a battery cell of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 6, a battery cell (100) that can be applied to a battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0095] The battery cell (100) according to the present invention may have a cell case (110). An electrode assembly in which a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator are laminated may be accommodated inside the cell case (110). The cell case (110) may have a receiving portion (111), a sealing portion (112), and a folding portion (113). The electrode assembly may be accommodated in the receiving portion (111). The sealing portion (112) is a portion in which at least a portion of the edge of the receiving portion (111) is sealed. For example, when the receiving portion (111) has a substantially rectangular shape, the sealing portion (112) may be provided on three of the four side portions of the edge of the receiving portion (111), and may not be provided on the lower portion (-Z direction portion). The folding portion (113) is a portion where a part of the sealing portion (112) is folded, and may be provided, for example, on the upper portion (+Z direction portion) of the storage portion (111). The battery cell (100) may be provided with an electrode lead (120). The electrode lead (120) may protrude toward both sides (for example, +X direction and / or -X direction) of the battery cell (100). The electrode lead (120) may be electrically connected to the electrode assembly, and may be configured to protrude toward both sides of the battery cell (100).

[0096]

[0097] FIG. 7 is a bottom view showing an opening / closing member arranged on a bottom plate of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 and 7, the bottom plate (400) of the battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0099] The battery pack (1) according to the present invention may further include a bottom plate (400). The bottom plate (400) may be disposed between the battery assembly (10) and the pack case (200). The bottom plate (400) may be disposed on a first side (D1) of the battery assembly (10). The bottom plate (400) may be disposed on a second side (D2) of the venting space (VS). The bottom plate (400) may form a venting space (VS) together with the bottom portion (210) of the pack case (200) described below.

[0100] A second venting hole (VH2) may be formed in the bottom plate (400). The second venting hole (VH2) may correspond to the first venting hole (VH1). For example, the second venting hole (VH2) may be provided in a number and position corresponding to the first venting hole (VH1). The second venting hole (VH2) may be provided in a shape identical to or substantially similar to that of the first venting hole (VH1). The second venting hole (VH2) may be formed to have a smaller size than the first venting hole (VH1). The second venting hole (VH2) and the first venting hole (VH1) may each have a predetermined length and width, and at least one of the length and width of the second venting hole (VH2) may be formed to be smaller than at least one of the length and width of the first venting hole (VH1).

[0101] The opening / closing member (300) can be coupled to a position corresponding to the second venting hole (VH2) on the first side (D1) of the bottom plate (400). When the internal pressure of the venting gas (VG) is not formed to a size large enough to open the opening / closing member (300), the opening / closing member (300) can be pressed against the first side (D1) of the bottom plate (400) to pressurize the bottom plate (400). Conversely, when the internal pressure of the venting gas (VG) is formed to a size large enough to open the opening / closing member (300), the opening / closing member (300) can move from the bottom plate (400) toward the first side (D1) to be separated from the bottom plate (400), and the venting gas (VG) can pass through the first venting hole (VH1) and the second venting hole (VH2) to move to the venting space (VS).

[0102] When the battery according to the present invention further includes the bottom plate (400) as described above, by additionally arranging the bottom plate (400) to which the opening / closing member (300) is coupled between the battery assembly (10) and the pack case (200), the opening / closing member (300) can be easily applied to the battery pack (1), thereby improving the productivity and assembling ability of the battery pack (1). In addition, the venting space (VS) can be formed more reliably and closely by the bottom plate (400).

[0103]

[0104] The bottom plate (400) may include a material having rigidity and refractory properties. For example, the bottom plate (400) may include a mica material having refractory properties. For example, the bottom plate (400) may include a rigid mica material having sufficient rigidity in addition to refractory properties.

[0105] In this way, when the bottom plate (400) includes a material having rigidity and refractory properties, there is an advantage in that the bottom plate (400) can maintain its shape without melting or breaking even when exposed to high temperature and high pressure venting gas (VG).

[0106]

[0107] FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a pack case of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 8, a mounting block (500) of a battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0109] A battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a mounting block (500) disposed between the battery assembly (10) and the pack case (200). The mounting block (500) may be disposed on a first side (D1) of the battery assembly (10). The mounting block (500) may be disposed, for example, on the lower side or in the -Z direction of the battery assembly (10). The mounting block (500) may be disposed at a position corresponding to an edge of the battery assembly (10). The mounting block (500) may be disposed, for example, on a bottom portion (210) of the pack case (200) described below, at a position corresponding to each corner of the battery assembly (10).

[0110] The mounting block (500) can support the battery assembly (10) toward the second side (D2). For example, the mounting block (500) can support the battery assembly (10) in the upward or +Z direction. The mounting block (500) can separate the battery assembly (10) and the pack case (200). For example, by the mounting block (500), the battery assembly (10) and the pack case (200) can be separated from each other in the upward or Z-axis direction.

[0111] The mounting block (500) can form a venting space (VS) by separating the battery assembly (10) and the pack case (200). Therefore, when the battery pack (1) according to the present invention further includes the mounting block (500), there is an advantage in that the venting space (VS) can be formed more easily and reliably.

[0112]

[0113] Hereinafter, referring again to FIG. 3, the cooling member (600) of the battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0114] The battery pack (1) according to the present invention may further include a cooling member (600). The cooling member (600) may be arranged on the second side (D2) of the battery assembly (10). As described above, the second side (D2) may be the opposite side of the first side (D1). The cooling member (600) may be configured to cool the battery assembly (10).

[0115] When the cooling member (600) is placed on the second side (D2) of the battery assembly (10), the venting gas (VG) discharged from the battery cell (100) can be prevented from moving to the second side (D2) of the battery assembly (10).

[0116] In the case where a cooling member (600) is further included to be disposed on the second side (D2) of the battery assembly (10) as described above, the venting gas (VG) is discharged more smoothly to the first side (D1) rather than the second side (D2) of the battery assembly (10), and at the same time, cooling of the battery assembly (10) can be performed on the second side (D2) of the battery assembly (10), so that thermal events occurring in the battery cell (100) can be prevented and suppressed more effectively.

[0117] Meanwhile, the cooling member (600) may have at least one cooling channel (610). A cooling medium may flow through the cooling channel (610).

[0118]

[0119] The second side (D2) described above may be in the upward direction. The upward direction may be, for example, the +Z direction. When the second side (D2) is in the upward direction, the cooling member (600) may be provided on the upper side of the battery assembly (10).

[0120] In the case of a conventional battery pack (1), venting gas (VG) could be discharged upward. In this case, there was a possibility that the venting gas (VG) could flow into another battery assembly (10) or battery cell (100). In addition, a component such as a pack cover (240) described below could be placed on the upper side of the pack case (200). If the venting gas (VG) was discharged upward, there was a possibility that the component such as the pack cover (240) would melt or be damaged.

[0121] However, when the second side (D2) is in the upward direction, the venting gas (VG) discharged from the battery cell (100) is prevented from moving upwardly of the battery assembly (10), so that the venting gas (VG) can be discharged more smoothly toward the lower side rather than the upper side of the battery assembly (10). As a result, the possibility of the venting gas (VG) flowing into other places is reduced, and the possibility of parts such as the pack cover (240) melting or being damaged can also be reduced.

[0122]

[0123] Fig. 9 is a side cross-sectional view showing another part of the same cross-section of Fig. 1, and Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the 'cross-section' of Fig. 1.

[0124] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, a battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0125] The pack case (200) may have a side wall portion (220). The side wall portion (220) may surround the receiving space (S) of the pack case (200). The side wall portion (220) may be disposed at an edge of the pack case (200). Accordingly, the battery assembly (10) may be disposed on the inside of the side wall portion (220) in the pack case (200). A first venting channel (VC1) may be formed in the side wall portion (220). The first venting channel (VC1) may be formed inside the side wall portion (220). A venting gas (VG) may flow in the first venting channel (VC1). The first venting channel (VC1) may be communicated with the venting space (VS).

[0126] As described above, when the first venting channel (VC1) is formed in the side wall portion (220), the venting gas (VG) can flow through the venting space (VS) to the first venting channel (VC1). The battery assembly (10) can be arranged on the inside of the side wall portion (220), and the side wall portion (220) can be arranged on the outside of the battery assembly (10). Therefore, when the first venting channel (VC1) is formed in the side wall portion (220), the venting gas (VG) can flow on the outside of the battery assembly (10).

[0127]

[0128] The pack case (200) may have a partition frame (230). The partition frame (230) may partition the inside of the receiving space (S) of the pack case (200). The partition frame (230) may be disposed on the inside of an edge of the pack case (200). The partition frame (230) may be disposed on the inside of the side wall portion (220). A battery assembly (10) may be disposed between the side wall portion (220) and the partition frame (230) or between two adjacent partition frames (230). A second venting channel (VC2) may be formed in the partition frame (230). The second venting channel (VC2) may be formed inside the partition frame (230). A venting gas (VG) may flow in the second venting channel (VC2). The second venting channel (VC2) may be communicated with the venting space (VS).

[0129] As described above, when a second venting channel (VC2) is formed in the partition frame (230), the venting gas (VG) can flow through the venting space (VS) to the second venting channel (VC2). The battery assembly (10) can be arranged between the side wall portion (220) and the partition frame (230) or between two adjacent partition frames (230), and the partition frame (230) can be arranged on the outside of the battery assembly (10). Therefore, when the second venting channel (VC2) is formed in the partition frame (230), the venting gas (VG) can flow on the outside of the battery assembly (10).

[0130]

[0131] The pack case (200) may be equipped with a venting device (250). The venting device (250) may communicate the venting space (VS) with the outside. The venting device (250) may be configured to allow venting gas (VG) to be discharged to the outside. The venting device (250) may be in the form of a simple hole penetrating the pack case (200). Alternatively, the venting device (250) may be configured to be completely open, or may be configured to be closed in a normal state without being completely open, and to be opened when a change in pressure or temperature, etc., occurs inside the pack case (200).

[0132] A venting device (250) may be provided on the side wall portion (220). A plurality of venting devices (250) may be provided. The venting device (250) may be in communication with the first venting channel (VC1). The venting device (250) may be in communication with the second venting channel (VC2).

[0133] In this way, when the pack case (200) further includes a venting device (250), there is an advantage in that the venting gas (VG) flowing in the venting space (VS) can be discharged more smoothly to the outside of the pack case (200).

[0134]

[0135] Meanwhile, the pack case (200) may further include a bottom portion (210) and a pack cover (240). The bottom portion (210) may form the bottom of the pack case (200). The bottom portion (210) may form the bottom of the receiving space (S). The side wall portion (220) may surround the bottom portion (210) and form the receiving space (S) together with the bottom portion (210). The pack cover (240) may be arranged to cover the receiving space (S). The pack cover (240) may be coupled to the side wall portion (220) or the partition frame (230).

[0136]

[0137] Figure 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of part B of Figure 3.

[0138] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 11, a connection bus bar (15) of a battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0139] The battery pack (1) may further include a connecting bus bar (15). When a plurality of battery assemblies (10) are accommodated inside the pack case (200), the connecting bus bar (15) may electrically connect one battery assembly (10) to another battery assembly (10). For example, the connecting bus bar (15) may electrically connect a negative terminal (13) of one battery assembly (10) to a positive terminal (14) of another battery assembly (10).

[0140] At this time, the connecting bus bar (15) may be arranged to cross the partition frame (230) arranged between two battery assemblies (10). The connecting bus bar (15) may be sealed by a sealing member (16). The sealing member (16) may be arranged, for example, between the connecting bus bar (15) and the partition frame (230). The sealing member (16) may be arranged, for example, between the connecting bus bar (15) and the pack cover (240).

[0141] The sealing member (16) may include a fire-resistant material capable of blocking heat or flames. The sealing member (16) may include a rubber material or foam material for sealing.

[0142] When the connecting bus bar (15) connects two battery assemblies (10) to each other, a gap may be formed between the two battery assemblies (10). However, when the sealing member (16) is included as described above, the sealing member (16) can seal the gap. In this case, the venting gas (VG) can be prevented from flowing in from one battery assembly (10) to the other battery assembly (10) or in the opposite direction through the connecting bus bar (15).

[0143]

[0144] Preferred examples of a battery pack (1) according to the present invention have been described above. The technical concept of the present invention is not limited to these examples, and may also include combinations of any two or more of these.

[0145]

[0146] Meanwhile, the battery pack (1) according to the present invention may further include various devices for controlling charging and discharging of battery cells (100), such as a BMS (Battery Management System), a current sensor, a fuse, etc., although not shown.

[0147]

[0148] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0149] Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 12, the battery pack (1) according to the present invention can be applied to a vehicle (V) such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. That is, the vehicle (V) according to the present invention can include the battery pack (1) according to the present invention. The battery pack (1) can be installed in a body frame or a trunk space under a vehicle seat. In addition to the battery pack (1), the vehicle (V) according to an embodiment of the present invention can further include various other components included in the vehicle. For example, the vehicle (V) according to an embodiment of the present invention can further include a body, a motor, a control device such as an ECU (electronic control unit), etc., in addition to the battery pack (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0150] In addition, it goes without saying that the battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be equipped in other devices, apparatuses, and facilities, such as an energy storage system using a secondary battery, in addition to a vehicle (V).

[0151]

[0152] In this specification, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used, but these terms are only for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms may vary depending on the location of the target object or the location of the observer.

[0153] As described above, although the present invention has been described by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and variations are possible by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the equivalent scope of the patent claims to be described below.

[0154] [Explanation of symbols]

[0155] 1: Battery pack

[0156] 10: Battery assembly

[0157] 11: Assembly housing

[0158] 12: Barrier

[0159] 13: Negative terminal

[0160] 14: Positive terminal

[0161] 15: Connection bus bar

[0162] 16: Sealing member

[0163] 100: Battery Cell

[0164] 110: Cell Case

[0165] 111: Storage compartment

[0166] 112: Sealing part

[0167] 113: Folding part

[0168] 120: Electrode lead

[0169] 200: Pack Case

[0170] 210: Bottom

[0171] 220: Side wall

[0172] 230: Partition frame

[0173] 240: Pack Cover

[0174] 250: Venting Device

[0175] 300: Opening and closing member

[0176] 310: Opening cap

[0177] 320: Elastic member

[0178] 330: Guide pin

[0179] 331: Stopper

[0180] 400: Bottom Plate

[0181] 500: Mounting block

[0182] 600: Cooling element

[0183] 610: Cooling channel

[0184] D1: First side

[0185] D2: Second side

[0186] S: Reception space

[0187] VG: Venting gas

[0188] VH1: Venting Hall 1

[0189] VH2: Venting Hall 2

[0190] VS: Venting space

[0191] VC1: First Venting Channel

[0192] VC2: Second Venting Channel

[0193] V: Car

Claims

1. A battery assembly comprising a plurality of battery cells; A pack case having a receiving space formed to receive the above battery assembly; At least one first venting hole provided on the first side of the battery assembly; A venting space arranged on the first side of the first venting hole and provided in the pack case; and A battery pack characterized in that it includes at least one opening / closing member that is opened to communicate the first venting hole and the venting space with each other when an internal pressure greater than a predetermined size is formed, and is arranged corresponding to the first venting hole.

2. In paragraph 1, The above opening and closing member is, A battery pack characterized in that when an internal pressure lower than a predetermined size is formed, the first venting hole and the venting space are closed to block each other.

3. In paragraph 2, The above opening and closing member is, A battery pack characterized in that, when an internal pressure less than a predetermined size is formed, the battery pack is placed in close contact with the first venting hole by elastic restoring force.

4. In paragraph 1, The above opening and closing member is, A movable opening cap; A guide pin that guides the movement of the above opening / closing cap; and A battery pack characterized by having an elastic member fixed to the above guide pin and pressurizing the opening / closing cap.

5. In paragraph 4, The above opening and closing cap is, A battery pack characterized by including a material having rigidity and fire resistance properties.

6. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a bottom plate disposed between the battery assembly and the pack case, and having a second venting hole formed corresponding to the first venting hole; The above opening and closing member is, A battery pack characterized in that it is coupled to a position corresponding to the second venting hole on the first side of the bottom plate.

7. In paragraph 6, The above bottom plate, A battery pack characterized by including a material having rigidity and fire resistance properties.

8. In paragraph 1, The above first side, A battery pack characterized by a downward orientation.

9. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a mounting block disposed between the battery assembly and the pack case, The above mounting block is, A battery pack characterized in that the battery assembly and the pack case are separated to form the venting space.

10. In paragraph 1, The direction opposite to the first side is the second side, A battery pack characterized in that it further includes a cooling member disposed on the second side of the battery assembly and cooling the battery assembly.

11. In paragraph 10, The second side above, A battery pack characterized by an upward orientation.

12. In paragraph 1, The above pack case is, It has a side wall portion surrounding the above-mentioned receiving space, In the above side wall, A battery pack characterized in that a first venting channel is formed that is connected to the above venting space.

13. In paragraph 1, The above pack case is, Equipped with a partition frame that divides the above-mentioned accommodation space, In the above partition frame, A battery pack characterized in that a second venting channel is formed that is connected to the above venting space.

14. In paragraph 1, The above pack case is, A battery pack characterized by having a venting device that connects the venting space and the outside with each other.

15. In paragraph 1, The above pack case is, Equipped with a partition frame that divides the above-mentioned accommodation space, A plurality of the above battery assemblies are accommodated in the above accommodation space, A connecting bus bar across the partition frame electrically connecting one of the battery assemblies to another of the battery assemblies; and A battery pack characterized in that it further includes a sealing member that seals the above-mentioned connecting bus bar.

16. A vehicle characterized by including at least one battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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