Battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

The present invention can provide a battery pack comprising a plurality of cell assemblies and a barrier unit disposed between the plurality of cell assemblies, wherein the barrier unit includes a heat insulating member, and a rigid member provided on at least one side of the heat insulating member and formed such that at least a portion of an end part thereof is bent.

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. 10-2024-0106362, filed on August 8, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated by reference into this application.

[0003]

[0004] Secondary batteries, which have high applicability according to product group and electrical characteristics such as high energy density, are widely used in portable devices as well as electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) driven by electrical power sources.

[0005] These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for environmental friendliness and energy efficiency, not only because they have the primary advantage of drastically reducing the use of fossil fuels, but also because they produce no byproducts from energy use.

[0006] 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.

[0007] Meanwhile, since battery cells undergo chemical reactions during charging and discharging, their performance can deteriorate if used in environments above optimal temperatures. Furthermore, if thermal control fails to maintain optimal temperatures, there's a constant risk of unexpected fire or explosion. Furthermore, battery packs are structured to house these cells tightly within the module frame. Therefore, if a thermal event occurs in a single battery cell, the resulting high-temperature gases and flames can spread to adjacent cells, potentially triggering a chain reaction of battery cell explosions, making them extremely dangerous.

[0008] In particular, when a battery module contains multiple battery cells, the high-temperature gases, flames, sparks, etc. generated during a thermal runaway in a specific battery cell are highly likely to erupt toward the front and rear of the battery cells where the electrode leads of the battery module are located. This can cause thermal damage to components located at both ends of the battery module, such as end plates or adjacent components of the busbar frame, and may even lead to structural collapse.

[0009] Therefore, battery packs have typically attempted to compartmentalize or isolate battery modules or cell assemblies by interposing thermal barriers, such as aerogel or silicone, between them. However, these thermal barriers are vulnerable to flame and have low rigidity, making them susceptible to damage if a cell assembly explodes. Furthermore, the shape of the thermal barrier can be deformed by strong pressure, such as swelling of the cell assembly or venting gas or flame, making it difficult to prevent physical damage between cell assemblies.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need to develop a structure that can suppress and delay heat propagation so that even if a thermal event occurs in some cell assemblies within a battery pack, gases or flames are prevented from being transferred to other cell assemblies within the battery pack and causing thermal runaway by more reliably separating the cell assemblies.

[0011]

[0012] Accordingly, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery pack in which the cell assemblies are clearly separated into compartments so that thermal runaway propagation between the cell assemblies can be effectively prevented or delayed.

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

[0014] However, the problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0015]

[0016] To solve the above problem, the present invention can provide a battery pack including a plurality of cell assemblies and a barrier unit disposed between adjacent cell assemblies, wherein the barrier unit includes an insulating member and a rigid member provided on at least one side of the insulating member and configured such that at least a portion of a distal end is bent.

[0017] The melting point of the above rigid member may be higher than the melting point of the above insulating member.

[0018] The rigid member may include a body portion configured to face the cell assembly, and at least one bend portion configured to extend from the body portion and bend in a direction approaching the cell assembly.

[0019] The above-mentioned bending portion may be provided in multiple numbers, and the multiple bending portions may be configured to extend in different directions from the body portion.

[0020] The above-mentioned bending portion may include an upper bending portion extending upward from the body portion, and a rear bending portion extending backward from the body portion.

[0021] The pack case may further include a plurality of cell assemblies configured to accommodate the plurality of cell assemblies, and the bending portion may be configured to contact an inner surface of the pack case.

[0022] The above cell assembly includes a plurality of battery cells and a module case configured to accommodate the battery cells, and at least one venting hole configured to discharge venting gas generated from the battery cells to the outside may be formed on the rear surface of the module case.

[0023] The above rigid member includes a left rigid member and a right rigid member provided on both sides of the above insulating member, and the end portions of the left rigid member and the right rigid member can be configured to be bent in different directions.

[0024] The left rigid member, the insulating member, and the right rigid member of the above barrier unit can be configured to be stacked in a horizontal direction while standing vertically.

[0025] And, the present invention provides an automobile including a battery pack according to the present invention.

[0026]

[0027] According to one aspect of the present invention, by reliably separating cell assemblies within a battery pack, movement of high-temperature gas or flames in the space between the cell assemblies and the pack case can be suppressed.

[0028] In addition, according to the above aspect of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs in some cell assemblies within a battery pack, it is possible to prevent gas or flames from colliding with the pack case or the like and being re-introduced.

[0029] Therefore, according to the above aspect of the present invention, even if a thermal event occurs in some cell assemblies within a battery pack, the transfer of gases, flames, etc. to other cell assemblies within the battery pack and causing thermal runaway can be effectively prevented or delayed. This ensures the safety and reliability of the battery pack.

[0030] In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, events resulting from thermal runaway in a vehicle including a plurality of battery packs, such as fire or explosion, can be prevented or delayed.

[0031] 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.

[0032]

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

[0035] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the upper frame separated from a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention with the upper frame separated.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a cell assembly and barrier unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing each component of a cell assembly and a barrier unit separately according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a rigid member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 7 is a plan view showing an unfolded bent portion of a rigid member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 8 is a plan view showing an unfolded bent portion of a rigid member according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a rigid member according to one embodiment of the present invention taken along the cross-sectional line of FIG. 6.

[0044] Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing each component of a barrier unit according to another embodiment of the present invention in isolation.

[0045] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing each component of a barrier unit according to another embodiment of the present invention in isolation.

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

[0048] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention from FIG. 14.

[0049] FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050]

[0051] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings. Based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best explain his or her invention, they should be interpreted in a way that aligns with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0052] Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0053] Furthermore, the present invention includes various embodiments. For each embodiment, redundant descriptions of substantially identical or similar components will be omitted, and the differences will be described.

[0054] Additionally, to facilitate understanding of the invention, the attached drawings are not drawn to scale and some components may have exaggerated dimensions. Furthermore, identical components may be assigned the same reference numbers in different embodiments.

[0055] Although terms like "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise specified, a "first" component may also be a "second" component.

[0056] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0057] Hereinafter, the phrase "any configuration is placed on (or below)" a component or "on (or below)" a component may mean that any configuration is placed in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of said component, and that other configurations may be interposed between said component and any configuration placed on (or below) said component.

[0058] Additionally, when it is described that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly connected or connected to one another, but that other components may also be "interposed" between the components, or that each component may be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" through another component.

[0059] As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "consisting of" or "comprising" should not necessarily be construed to include all of the components or steps described in the specification, and should be construed to mean that some of the components or steps may not be included, or that additional components or steps may be included.

[0060] Throughout the specification, when reference is made to “A and / or B,” this may mean A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0061] Meanwhile, in this specification, unless otherwise specified, the X-axis direction in which a plurality of battery cells (110) are stacked is referred to as the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction, which is a horizontal direction orthogonal to the cell stacking direction, is referred to as the front-back direction, and the Z-axis direction orthogonal to the XY plane is referred to as the up-down direction (vertical direction). Furthermore, in the case of pouch-type cells, the Y-axis direction may also be referred to as the length direction of the cell. In addition, the left-right direction, the front-back direction, and the up-down direction may also be expressed as the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction, respectively.

[0062] Meanwhile, in this specification, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back may be 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 position, arrangement, rotation, and position of the object being targeted, or the position of the observer.

[0063] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an upper frame (210) separated from a battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a plan view showing an upper frame (210) separated from a battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a cell assembly (100), a pack case (200), and a barrier unit (300).

[0065] Referring to FIG. 2, the cell assembly (100) may include a battery cell (110) and a module case (120). In this case, according to one embodiment, the cell assembly (100) may be defined as a battery module.

[0066] The battery cell (110) may be of various types. For example, the battery cell (110) may include at least one of a pouch-type battery cell, a cylindrical battery cell, and a square battery cell. However, for convenience of explanation, the following description focuses on the case where the battery cell (110) is a pouch-type battery cell.

[0067] A plurality of battery cells (110) may be provided. The plurality of battery cells (110) may be stacked on top of each other. The battery cells (110) may have various structures, and furthermore, the plurality of battery cells (110) may be stacked in various ways.

[0068] The battery cell (110) may have a structure in which a plurality of unit cells arranged in the order of positive plate-separator-negative plate or bi-cells arranged in the order of positive plate-separator-negative plate-separator-positive plate-separator-negative plate are stacked according to the battery capacity.

[0069] The battery cell (110) may be equipped with an electrode lead (not shown). The electrode lead is a type of terminal that is exposed to the outside and connected to an external device, and may be made of a conductive material. The electrode lead may include a positive electrode lead and a negative electrode lead.

[0070] The positive electrode lead and the negative electrode lead may be positioned in opposite directions with respect to the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery cell (110), or the positive electrode lead and the negative electrode lead may be positioned in the same direction with respect to the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (110).

[0071] The battery cell (110) may be accommodated in a module case (120), and the module case (120) containing the battery cell (110) may be accommodated in a pack case (200) to form a battery pack (10). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the module case (120) may be removed to reduce the weight and volume of the module case (120), in which case the battery cell (110) may be directly accommodated in the pack case (200) of the battery pack (10).

[0072] According to this method, more battery cells (110) can be stored in the space previously occupied by the module case (120) of the cell assembly (100) within the battery pack (10), thereby increasing space efficiency and improving battery capacity.

[0073] Here, a cell cover (not shown) may be provided to support the battery cell (110) so that the battery cell (110) can be directly stored in the pack case (200). The cell cover may have various shapes, and for example, may be configured in an 'n' shape, a 'u' shape, or a 'ㄷ' shape surrounding three sides of at least one battery cell (110). However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0074] However, for the convenience of explanation, the following description will focus on a case in which a module case (120) is provided and a battery cell (110) is housed in the module case (120). In other words, the description will focus on an embodiment in which a cell assembly (100) is housed in a battery pack (10).

[0075] A plurality of battery cells (110) can be stacked and stored in a module case (120). The module case (120) surrounds the plurality of battery cells (110), thereby protecting the battery cells (110) from external vibrations or shocks.

[0076] The module case (120) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the cell assembly (100) in which a plurality of battery cells (110) are stacked. For example, if the cell assembly (100) in which a plurality of battery cells (110) are stacked is formed in a hexahedral shape, the module case (120) may also be formed in a hexahedral shape corresponding thereto. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Here, the module case (120) may include an upper (+Z-axis direction) module case, a lower (-Z-axis direction) module case, a left-side (-X-axis direction) module case, a right-side (+X-axis direction) module case, a front (+Y-axis direction) module case, and a rear (-Y-axis direction) module case (121). Here, at least some of them may be formed integrally.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the rear module case (121) may include at least one venting hole (122). At least one venting hole (122) may be formed on the rear surface of the module case (120) (e.g., the rear module case (121)) to discharge venting gas generated in the battery cell (110) to the outside of the cell assembly (100).

[0078] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, when thermal runaway occurs in the cell assembly (100), gas or flame generated inside the cell assembly (100) can be discharged to the outside of the cell assembly (100) through the venting hole (122). Specifically, directional venting can be induced toward the rear (-Y-axis direction) side of the cell assembly (100).

[0079] In addition, the module case (120) can be manufactured by, for example, bending a metal plate, whereby the module case (120) can be manufactured as an upper module case, a lower module case, a left module case, a right module case, a front module case, and a rear module case (121) as an integral part. When the module case (120) is manufactured as an integral part, the joining process can be simplified and simplified. Alternatively, the upper module case, the lower module case, the left module case, the right module case, the front module case, and the rear module case (121) of the module case (120) can be provided as separate parts and joined by welding or the like. However, the material of the module case (120) is not limited to a metal material.

[0080] The pack case (200) may be configured to accommodate a plurality of cell assemblies (100). Referring to FIG. 2, a plurality of cell assemblies (100) may be accommodated in the pack case (200). In FIG. 2, a plurality of battery cells (110) may be accommodated in a module case (120), and a plurality of cell assemblies (100) may be accommodated in the pack case (200).

[0081] The pack case (200) may be configured to include, for example, an upper frame (210), a side frame (220), a bulkhead frame (230), and a lower frame (240).

[0082] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the upper frame (210) can be coupled to the side frame (220). In a modified embodiment, the upper frame (210) can be formed integrally with the side frame (220), but is not limited thereto. The upper frame (210) can be formed in various shapes, and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, can be formed in a folded shape so as to form a step in the Z-axis direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0083] The side frame (220) may be configured to extend upward from the edge of the lower frame (240). The side frame (220) may define the height of the pack case (200) and may form a preset space between it and the lower frame (240). In addition, a plurality of cell assemblies (100) may be installed in the space between the side frame (220) and the lower frame (240).

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the bulkhead frame (230) is coupled to the lower frame (240). In addition, the bulkhead frame (230) may be provided in multiple numbers, and at least one cell assembly (100) may be arranged between the bulkhead frames (230). That is, the bulkhead frame (230) may be interposed between the cell assemblies (100). However, depending on the embodiment, the bulkhead frame (230) may not be provided.

[0085] The lower frame (240) may be configured to accommodate a plurality of cell assemblies (100). The lower frame (240) may be formed in a square plate shape, but is not limited thereto. The lower frame (240) may form the bottom of the pack case (200).

[0086] In addition, the battery pack (10) according to the present embodiment may include, for example, a control module configured to control charging and discharging of pouch-type battery cells (110). This control module may include, for example, a battery management system (BMS) and a battery disconnect unit, and may be housed inside a pack case (200) together with the battery cells (110).

[0087] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a barrier unit (300) may be disposed between a plurality of adjacent cell assemblies (100). The barrier unit (300) may be disposed between side surfaces (e.g., left side, right side) of the plurality of cell assemblies (100). The barrier unit (300) may be disposed to face the side surface of the cell assembly (100). The barrier unit (300) may be in direct contact with the side surface of the cell assembly (100).

[0088] In particular, at least one barrier unit (300) may be included in one battery pack (10). A plurality of barrier units (300) may be provided along one direction (X-axis direction and / or Y-axis direction) in which a plurality of cell assemblies (100) are arranged. The barrier unit (300) may be provided in a form in which it is arranged for at least one or more cell assemblies (100).

[0089] In particular, the barrier unit (300) may be configured to partition between a plurality of cell assemblies (100). The barrier unit (300) may be configured to group a plurality of cell assemblies (100). For example, a barrier unit (300) may be arranged for every two cell assemblies (100), so as to group two cell assemblies (100).

[0090] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the barrier unit (300) can prevent and / or delay thermal transfer between adjacent cell assemblies (100). Even if a thermal event occurs in an adjacent cell assembly (100), the barrier unit (300) can suppress and / or delay the movement of venting gas, flames, and / or particles to another adjacent cell assembly (100). In other words, thermal runaway propagation between cell assemblies (100) can be effectively prevented or delayed. Accordingly, the safety and reliability of the battery pack (10) can be guaranteed.

[0091] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a cell assembly (100) and a barrier unit (300) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing each component of the cell assembly (100) and the barrier unit (300) according to one embodiment of the present invention in isolation. Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a rigid member (320) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 is a plan view showing a folded portion of a rigid member (320) according to one embodiment of the present invention in an unfolded manner. Fig. 8 is a plan view showing a folded portion of a rigid member (320) according to another embodiment of the present invention in an unfolded manner.

[0092] More specifically, the barrier unit (300) may include an insulating member (310) and a rigid member (320). The insulating member (310) may be provided between a plurality of cell assemblies (100). The insulating member (310) may be configured to block heat generated when a thermal event occurs inside the battery pack (10). For example, the insulating member (310) may be provided as an insulating pad having a thickness thinner than the battery cells (110). In addition, the insulating pad may include a compressive pad shape, for example, a material such as silicone or aerogel.

[0093] The shape and / or size of the insulating member (310) may be substantially the same as the shape and / or size of one side (left side, right side) of the cell assembly (100). For example, the shape of the insulating member (310) may be a plate or board shape having a height smaller than the width and length. However, the shape of the insulating member (310) is not limited by the above embodiment and may be designed in various ways.

[0094] The rigid member (320) can protect the adjacent cell assembly (100) from physical damage and impact due to the ignition pressure and swelling of the trigger cell assembly (100).

[0095] The rigid member (320) may be disposed adjacent to the insulating member (310). The rigid member (320) may be provided on at least one side of the insulating member (310). That is, the rigid member (320) may be disposed between the cell assembly (100) and the insulating member (310). One side of the rigid member (320) may be disposed to directly face one side of the insulating member (310). The rigid member (320) may be provided on only one side of the insulating member (310) or may be provided on both sides.

[0096] The rigid member (320) may be in contact with the insulating member (310). For example, an adhesive member (not shown) such as an adhesive tape may be included between the rigid member (320) and the insulating member (310). For example, a bonding member for bonding different materials may be included between the rigid member (320) and the insulating member (310).

[0097] The rigid member (320) may be configured to protect the insulating member (310) from the outside of the insulating member (310). The rigid member (320) may include a material having high structural rigidity. Accordingly, even if a thermal event occurs, the structure of the barrier unit (300) can be maintained, and physical damage to the adjacent cell assembly (100) can be prevented and / or delayed. As a result, high-temperature electrode discharge or flames generated by the thermal event can be structurally restricted from moving to the adjacent cell assembly (100).

[0098] Additionally, the rigid member (320) may be formed of a material having superior heat resistance and / or fire resistance compared to the insulating member (310). The rigid member (320) having high structural rigidity and thermal conductivity can suppress thermal / physical damage to the adjacent cell assembly (100). Thermal damage refers to damage to the adjacent cell assembly (100) due to heat conduction or convection. Physical damage refers to damage to the adjacent cell assembly (100) due to electrode discharge or flame.

[0099] The rigid member (320) may be made of a material having a higher melting point than the insulating member (310). The melting point of the rigid member (320) may be, for example, approximately 1400 degrees or higher. For example, the rigid member (320) may include a stainless steel (SUS) material. Accordingly, the rigid member (320) can maintain its structure even under high heat and high pressure, thereby preventing the insulating member (310) from being damaged or broken, thereby maintaining its insulating performance. For example, even if an aerogel with good insulating performance is applied to the insulating member (310), the aerogel will carbonize and disappear if directly exposed to flame. A rigid member (320) having a high melting point can prevent the insulating member (310) from being exposed to flame, thereby preventing the flame from affecting the insulating member (310), and assisting the insulating member (310) to exhibit a pure insulating effect.

[0100] The rigid member (320) may include a material with high thermal conductivity. Therefore, even if a thermal event occurs, heat can be quickly dispersed across the entire area of ​​the rigid member (320). As a result, the temperature deviation between different parts of the rigid member (320) is reduced, and heat conducted to adjacent cell assemblies (100) is also dispersed, thereby preventing local thermal damage to the cell assembly (100). This is because, while an increase in the temperature of the cell assembly (100) can cause thermal damage, a temperature deviation can also have a negative effect on the cell assembly (100).

[0101] In addition, even if a thermal event occurs in an adjacent cell assembly (100), the conduction of heat to another cell assembly (100) or the occurrence of thermal convection can be suppressed or delayed. Furthermore, the insulating member (310), which is relatively vulnerable to heat, can be protected so that the insulating member (310) does not lose its function due to heat.

[0102] The rigid member (320) may be configured such that at least a portion of the distal end is bendable. Specifically, the rigid member (320) may include a body portion (321) and a bend portion (322). The body portion (321) may be configured to face the cell assembly (100).

[0103] Referring to FIG. 5, the shape and / or size of the body portion (321) may be substantially the same as the shape and / or size of one side (left side, right side) of the facing cell assembly (100).

[0104] The body part (321) may be a plate-shaped member erected in a vertical direction (Z-axis direction). It may be a plate-shaped member covering the facing portion between the cell assemblies (100) along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the cell assemblies (100).

[0105] The bending portion (322) may be a portion that extends from the body portion (321) and is bent at an angle specified from the body portion (321) (the bending angle (θ) in FIG. 9).

[0106] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, it can be configured to suppress the movement of venting gas or flame, etc., between adjacent cell assemblies (100). Referring to the bold arrows illustrated in FIG. 4, even if a thermal event occurs in a cell assembly (100, right cell assembly (100b) located in the +X-axis direction in FIG. 4) provided on one side of the rigid member (320), the venting gas or flame, etc. can be configured to suppress the movement of the venting gas or flame, etc., beyond the bent portion (322) of the rigid member (320) to the adjacent cell assembly (100, left cell assembly (100a) located in the -X-axis direction in FIG. 4). In addition, the bent portion (322) can be configured to guide the venting gas or flame, etc., to move only toward the cell assembly (100) provided on one side of the rigid member (320).

[0107] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the cell assemblies (100) can be reliably separated into compartments by the bent shape of the rigid member (320). In particular, the bent portion (322) can suppress high-temperature venting gas or flames from being transferred to other adjacent cell assemblies (100) along the stacking direction (X-axis direction) of the cell assemblies (100) when a thermal event occurs in one cell assembly (100) (see the bold X arrow in FIG. 4). Accordingly, since thermal runaway propagation between cell assemblies (100) can be effectively prevented or delayed, the safety and reliability of the battery pack (10) can be guaranteed.

[0108] The bending portion (322) may be configured to bend in a direction approaching the cell assembly (100). The bending portion (322) may extend from the edge of the body portion (321) and may be bent in a direction toward the adjacent cell assembly (100). In other words, the bending portion (322) may be configured to bend in a direction away from the insulating member (310).

[0109] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to further prevent venting gas or flames from passing over the rigid member (320) and heading toward the adjacent cell assembly (100). In addition, by preventing venting gas or flames from heading toward the insulating member (310), it is possible to further suppress damage or breakage of the insulating member (310).

[0110] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the bend portion (322) may be configured in multiple pieces. The multiple bend portions (322) may extend in different directions from the body portion (321). For example, the bend portion (322) may extend upward (in the +Z-axis direction) and / or backward (in the -Y-axis direction) from the body portion (321). That is, the bend portion (322) may include an upper bend portion (322a) extending upward from the body portion (321), and a rear bend portion (322b) extending backward from the body portion (321).

[0111] At least a portion of an edge (323) of the body portion (321) may be a boundary surface between the folded portion (322) and the body portion (321). The body portion (321) may include a first edge (323a) facing upward (+Z-axis direction), a second edge (323b) facing backward (-Y-axis direction), a third edge (323c) facing forward (+Y-axis direction), and a fourth edge (323d) facing downward (-Z-axis direction).

[0112] The upper bend portion (322a) may extend upward from the first edge (323a) of the body portion (321). The rear bend portion (322b) may extend backward from the second edge (323b) of the body portion (321).

[0113] Venting gas or sparks discharged through the venting hole (122) of the cell assembly (100) are directionally vented toward the rear. According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the rear bending portion (322b) can suppress the venting gas or flame vented toward the rear from heading toward the adjacent cell assembly (100).

[0114] In addition, the venting gas or sparks discharged from the cell assembly (100) may have a strong tendency to flow upward due to their high temperature. According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the upper bending portion (322a) ensures that the flames or sparks with a strong straight-line tendency collide with the upper bending portion (322a), thereby bending the flow direction of the venting gas or the like. Therefore, according to the above embodiment configuration of the present invention, the movement of the venting gas or the like to the adjacent cell assembly (100) can be more reliably suppressed.

[0115] In this way, according to the present invention, in a cell assembly (100) vented to the rear, the rear bending portion (322b) prevents damage that may be inflicted to the adjacent cell assemblies (100) on the left and right through the collapsed portion by high-temperature discharged substances and flames generated by an event occurring by collapsing the rear portion of the cell assembly (100). In addition, the upper bending portion (322a) suppresses the path by which high-temperature gas discharged from the rear of the cell assembly (100) that serves as a trigger directly moves to the upper portion of the adjacent cell assembly (100).

[0116] Referring to FIG. 8, the bending portion (322) may further include a front bending portion (322c). The front bending portion (322c) may be a portion extending in the front direction (+Y-axis direction) from the body portion (321). The front bending portion (322c) may be a portion that is bent and extends in the front direction from the third edge (323c) of the body portion (321).

[0117] When a thermal event occurs in a cell assembly (100), even if directional venting is induced toward the rear, the vented gas, etc. vented toward the rear may move upward and ultimately may not be prevented from moving toward the front. According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the vented vented gas, etc. can be prevented from moving from the front side to the adjacent cell assembly (100).

[0118] In this way, the rigid member (320) is formed with a plurality of bends (322) (e.g., an upper bend (322a), a rear bend (322b), and a front bend (322c)), and all of the plurality of bends (322) can be bent in a direction approaching the cell assembly (100). Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the upper bend (322a) is described as a reference, but this can be equally applied to the rear bend (322b) and the front bend (322c).

[0119] Meanwhile, considering the convenience of assembly or assembly tolerance, the insulating member (310) may be configured to be spaced apart from the inner surface of the pack case (200) by a predetermined distance. At this time, the rigid member (320) may be provided to extend further in the vertical direction than the insulating member (310). That is, the vertical height of the rigid member (320) may be provided to be longer than the vertical height of the insulating member (310).

[0120] In this case, if a thermal event occurs in one cell assembly (100), there is a concern that venting gas or flames, etc. may be transferred to another adjacent cell assembly (100) through a certain gap formed between the insulating member (310) and the pack case (200). Accordingly, a gap is formed between the insulating member (310) and the pack case (200), and there is a possibility that venting gas, etc. may be transferred to another adjacent cell assembly (100) through the gap. Accordingly, according to the present invention, the bent portion (322) of the rigid member (320) may be configured to be in contact with the pack case (200). This will be described below.

[0121] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0122] Referring to the portion indicated by B in FIG. 9, the end of the bending portion (322) may be in direct contact with the inner surface of the pack case (200). That is, the bending portion (322) of the rigid member (320) may be configured to be supported on the inner surface of the pack case (200). The bending portion (322) may be arranged in a space (S) between the pack case (200) and the cell assembly (100).

[0123] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since there is no or minimal gap between the rigid member (320) and the pack case (200), adjacent cell assemblies (100) can be reliably separated from each other. As a result, thermal runaway propagation to other adjacent cell assemblies (100) can be prevented.

[0124] In addition, if a rigid member (320) with a left / right / upper folded shape is applied, the folded portion is pressed by the pack case (200) to enable complete contact even with less consideration given to the deviation due to the size of the rigid member (320), which is also advantageous for assembly. In addition, due to the complete contact, the rigid member (320) functions as a partition wall that completely separates the neighboring cell assemblies (100) within the pack case (200). Therefore, both the movement of the high-temperature discharged material generated from the cell assembly (100) that serves as the trigger toward the rear and top and the external reverse inflow can be structurally restricted, thereby suppressing the influence on the neighboring cell assemblies (100).

[0125] In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the bending portion (322) is supported by the pack case (200), the rigid member (320) can be prevented from being pushed toward the adjacent cell assembly (100) by high pressure such as venting gas or flame. Accordingly, even if a thermal event occurs, the possibility of the rigid member (320) being deformed by high temperature and high pressure venting gas or flame, and the venting gas or flame being transferred to another cell assembly (100) can be minimized.

[0126] Moreover, the bending portion (322) can guide venting gas or flames, etc., from going beyond the cell assembly (100) to the adjacent cell assembly (100).

[0127] In this way, the rigid member (320) having the bending portion (322) can structurally limit high-temperature electrode discharge or flames generated from the cell assembly (100) that serves as a trigger, thereby suppressing their influence on the adjacent cell assembly (100). In addition, after an event occurs, the path along which the high-temperature gas moving toward the upper part of the cell assembly (100) moves directly toward the upper part of the adjacent cell assembly (100) can be limited.

[0128] When the battery pack (10) is viewed from the front or rear, the bending portion (322) may be configured in a diagonal shape. For example, the bending portion (322) may be configured to be inclined upward. As in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, the bending angle (θ) formed by the body portion (321) of the rigid member (320) and the bending portion (322) may be configured as an obtuse angle. For example, the bending angle (θ) may be greater than 90 degrees and less than or equal to 180 degrees. Accordingly, the bending portion (322) may be interposed on the upper portion of the cell assembly (100) provided on one side of the rigid member (320). The bending angle (θ) may be determined by the length (L1) of the bending portion (322) and the distance (G) between the inner surface of the pack case (200) and the cell assembly (100). At this time, the length (L1) of the bending portion (322) may be substantially equal to or longer than the distance (G) between the inner surface of the pack case (200) and the cell assembly (100).

[0129] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, a separation space (S) can be formed between the pack case (200) and the cell assembly (100). Generally, venting gas or flames, etc., move through the separation space (S), but by arranging the bending portion (322) in the separation space (S), they can be restricted from moving to the adjacent cell assembly (100).

[0130] If the rigid member (320) is not bent and is manufactured in a flat plate shape, a tolerance is likely to occur between the size of the rigid member (320) and the size of the pack case (200). In this case, it may be difficult for the rigid member (320) to completely separate the separation space (S) and completely block venting gas or flames generated by a thermal event. According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the end portion of the rigid member (320) is bent, and the bent portion (322) is made to be in contact with the inner surface of the pack case (200), thereby facilitating assembly and manufacturing, and more effectively blocking flames and the like.

[0131] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a rigid member (320) according to one embodiment of the present invention, taken along the cross-sectional line of FIG. 6.

[0132] A portion of the edge of the body portion (321) (e.g., the first edge (323a), the second edge (323b)) may be thinner or have a lower density than the surrounding area, and thus may be easier to bend than the surrounding area.

[0133] The rigid member (320) can be manufactured by forming a single plate. The rigid member (320) can be formed by bending a portion of a single plate. For example, referring to the portion indicated by A in FIG. 10, the edges of the body portion (321) in a single plate (e.g., the first edge (323a), the second edge (323b)) can be slightly cut. That is, only a portion of the thickness of the edge can be cut to form the edge thinner than the surrounding area.

[0134] At this time, for example, when the rigid member (320) is bent to the left, the sheath can be formed on the right surface of the rigid member (320). Also, when the rigid member (320) is bent to the right, the sheath can be formed on the left surface of the rigid member (320). However, the manufacturing method of the rigid member (320) is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be designed in various ways.

[0135] Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing each component of a barrier unit (300) according to another embodiment of the present invention in isolation. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a battery pack (10) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0136] A rigid member (320) may be provided on both sides of the insulating member (310). The rigid member (320) may include a left rigid member (320a) and a right rigid member (320b).

[0137] The barrier unit (300) may be positioned between the left cell assembly (100a) positioned on the left side of the barrier unit (300) and the right cell assembly (100b) positioned on the right side of the barrier unit (300). At this time, the left rigid member (320a) may be positioned between the left cell assembly (100a) and the insulating member (310). In addition, the right rigid member (320b) may be positioned between the right cell assembly (100b) and the insulating member (310).

[0138] In other words, the left rigid member (320a), the insulating member (310), and the right rigid member (320b) may be sequentially arranged in that order. That is, it may be like a sandwich structure in which the insulating member (310) is centered and the rigid members (320) are arranged on both sides. The left rigid member (320a), the insulating member (310), and the right rigid member (320b) of the barrier unit (300) may be configured to be stacked in a horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) while standing vertically.

[0139] The distal ends of the left rigid member (320a) and the right rigid member (320b) may be bent in different directions. The bent portions (322) (distal ends) of the left rigid member (320a) and the right rigid member (320b) provided on both sides of the insulating member (310) may be configured to be bent in a direction away from the insulating member (310). The bent portions (322) of the rigid member (320) may be configured to face the facing cell assembly (100). Furthermore, referring to FIG. 12, the left rigid member (320a) and the right rigid member (320b) may be configured to be symmetrical with respect to the insulating member (310).

[0140] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, each cell assembly (100) can be reliably compartmentalized by the rigid members (320) provided on both sides of the cell assembly (100). Accordingly, even if a thermal event occurs in the cell assembly (100), high-temperature venting gas or flames, etc., can be further suppressed from moving along the stacking direction of the cell assembly (100) in the space (S) between the cell assembly (100) and the pack case (200). The bending direction of each rigid member (320) is configured toward the cell assembly (100) closer to each rigid member (320), so that the cell assembly (100) can perform its function regardless of which cell assembly (100) ignites.

[0141] Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, thermal runaway between cell assemblies (100) within a battery pack (10) can be effectively prevented or delayed. That is, the rigid members (320) provided on both sides of the cell assemblies (100) can protect the insulating members (310), maximize the insulating performance of the insulating members (310), and simultaneously block the movement of venting gases or flames.

[0142] According to one embodiment, the left rigid member (320a), the insulating member (310), and the right rigid member (320b) of the barrier unit (300) are joined and / or fixed to each other by an adhesive or the like, so that they can be assembled between the left cell assembly (100a) and the right cell assembly (100b) as one unit.

[0143] Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing each component of a barrier unit (300) according to another embodiment of the present invention in isolation. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a battery pack (10) according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a battery pack (10) according to another embodiment of the present invention different from Fig. 14.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the insulating member (310) may include a left insulating member (310a) and a right insulating member (310b). That is, the barrier unit (300) may be arranged in the following order: a left rigid member (320a), a left insulating member (310a), a right insulating member (310b), and a right rigid member (320b).

[0145] The left rigid member (320a) and the left insulating member (310a) may be attached to the right side of the left cell assembly (100a). The right rigid member (320b) and the right insulating member (310b) may be attached to the left side of the right cell assembly (100b). In this way, the rigid member (320) and the insulating member (310) may be coupled and / or attached to the side surfaces of adjacent battery modules, respectively.

[0146] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the assembly of the rigid member (320) and the insulating member (310) is assembled as one unit with the cell assembly (100), the process of attaching the barrier unit (300) between the cell assembly (100) can be omitted, and thus assembly and placement can be facilitated.

[0147] Referring to Fig. 14, the left insulation member (310a) and the right insulation member (310b) may be arranged to face each other. According to one embodiment, when a partition frame (230) is arranged between adjacent cell assemblies (100), the left insulation member (310a) and the right insulation member (310b) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other with the partition frame (230) therebetween. That is, the partition frame (230) may be arranged between the left insulation member (310a) and the right insulation member (310b). The barrier unit (300) may be arranged to be separated on both sides based on the partition frame (230).

[0148] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, a separation distance is created between the barrier units (300) separated on both sides based on the bulkhead frame (230), so that movement of venting gas or flame, etc. can be more effectively delayed and / or blocked when a thermal event occurs.

[0149] Referring to Fig. 15, the left insulation member (310a) and the right insulation member (310b) may be in direct contact and / or face each other. This embodiment may be applied when a partition frame (230) is not provided between the cell assemblies (100). In this case, the barrier unit (300) may simultaneously perform the function of the partition frame (230).

[0150] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the bulkhead frame (230) can be omitted between the cell assemblies (100), and the barrier unit (300) can be placed in place of the bulkhead frame (230). In this case, the energy density of the battery pack (10) can be increased, and the weight of the battery pack (10) can be reduced.

[0151] FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle (V) including a battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0152] Referring to FIG. 16, a vehicle (V) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a battery pack (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle (V) according to the present invention may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle (V) includes a four-wheel vehicle and a two-wheel vehicle. The vehicle (V) may operate by receiving power from the battery pack (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

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

Claims

1. Multiple cell assemblies; and A barrier unit disposed between the adjacent plurality of cell assemblies; The above barrier unit Insulating material; and A battery pack comprising a rigid member provided on at least one side of the insulating member and configured such that at least a portion of the end portion is bent.

2. In paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the melting point of the rigid member is higher than the melting point of the insulating member.

3. In paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the rigid member includes a body portion configured to face the cell assembly face-to-face, and at least one bend portion extending from the body portion and configured to bend in a direction approaching the cell assembly.

4. In paragraph 3, The above bending part is provided in multiple pieces, A battery pack characterized in that the plurality of bending portions are configured to extend in different directions from the body portion.

5. In paragraph 3, The above bending part an upper bend extending upward from the above body portion; and A battery pack characterized by including a rear bending portion extending in a rearward direction from the above body portion.

6. In paragraph 3, Further comprising a pack case configured to accommodate the plurality of cell assemblies; A battery pack characterized in that the above-mentioned bending portion is configured to contact the inner surface of the pack case.

7. In paragraph 1, The above cell assembly comprises a plurality of battery cells and a module case configured to accommodate the battery cells, A battery pack characterized in that at least one venting hole is formed on the rear surface of the module case to discharge venting gas generated from the battery cell to the outside.

8. In paragraph 1, The above rigid member includes a left rigid member and a right rigid member provided on both sides of the above insulating member, A battery pack characterized in that the end portions of the left rigid member and the right rigid member are configured to be bent in different directions.

9. In paragraph 8, A battery pack characterized in that the left rigid member, the insulating member, and the right rigid member of the above barrier unit are configured to be stacked in a horizontal direction while standing vertically.

10. A vehicle comprising a battery pack according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 9.

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