Battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery pack comprising: a plurality of battery cells; and a pack case which accommodates the plurality of battery cells, and which includes a venting part for discharging, to the outside, gas generated in the battery cells and a blocking part inwardly protruding from the inner side surface so as to suppress sparks, discharged from the battery cells, from going toward the venting part.

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. 10-2024-0106266, 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] Secondary batteries, which boast high electrical properties such as high energy density and easy applicability across a wide range of product categories, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electrical power sources. These batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for environmental friendliness and energy efficiency, not only because they can dramatically reduce fossil fuel use, but also because they produce no byproducts from energy use.

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

[0005] Meanwhile, when configuring a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel, a common method is to first construct a battery module containing at least one battery cell, and then use this at least one battery module to add other components to form a battery pack or battery rack. Furthermore, recently, battery packs in the cell-to-pack form, where multiple battery cells are housed directly in a pack housing or other device without modularization, have also been manufactured.

[0006] If a thermal event, such as thermal runaway, occurs within a battery pack, gasses may be emitted from the battery cells contained within, potentially containing flames. Furthermore, when gasses are typically emitted from a battery cell, fragments of electrode plates or active material within the battery cell may be ejected to the outside in a heated state. These high-temperature particles may manifest in the form of sparks.

[0007] In conventional battery packs, when an abnormality occurs in a specific battery cell or battery module, high-temperature gases are often discharged through vents provided in the pack case. If a spark is exposed to the outside of the pack case along with the gases, the gases may react with oxygen outside the battery pack, potentially creating flames or developing into fires outside the battery pack. Furthermore, if a flame or fire occurs outside a specific battery pack, the fire may spread to adjacent battery packs or devices equipped with the battery pack, potentially causing even more serious problems.

[0008] Therefore, there is a growing need for a technology to prevent sparks or flames from being exposed to the outside of the battery pack through the venting portion, thereby suppressing the occurrence or spread of flames or fire outside the battery pack.

[0009] Accordingly, the present invention is intended to solve the problems described above, and provides a battery pack and a vehicle including the same that can ensure safety and reliability in the event of an abnormality in a battery cell or battery module.

[0010] 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.

[0011] In order to solve the above problem, the present invention provides a battery pack comprising: a pack case configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells; a venting portion configured to discharge gases generated from the battery cells to the outside; and a blocking portion provided on an inner surface thereof to protrude inwardly and to suppress sparks discharged from the battery cells from reaching the venting portion.

[0012] The above blocking member may be provided between the plurality of battery cells and the venting member.

[0013] The pack case may include a base frame on which the plurality of battery cells are mounted, and a side frame extending upward from the base frame and having the venting portion, and the blocking portion may be configured to face the side frame having the venting portion.

[0014] The pack case is configured to cover the upper portion of the plurality of battery cells and may include a pack lead having the blocking portion provided on the inner surface.

[0015] The module case may further include a plurality of battery cells accommodated in an internal space and having a venting hole formed on the upper side to communicate with the internal space.

[0016] The above blocking portion may be configured to cover the upper portion of the venting portion.

[0017] The above blocking portion may be configured to extend in one direction.

[0018] The above blocking members may be provided in multiple numbers and spaced apart along one direction.

[0019] The above blocking portion may have a main cover configured to face the venting portion.

[0020] The above blocking portion may have a lower cover configured to be bent in a direction away from the venting portion at the lower end of the main cover.

[0021] The above lower cover may be configured to slope downward.

[0022] The above blocking portion may have side covers configured to be bent in a direction away from the venting portion on both sides of the main cover.

[0023] The above blocking portion may have a protrusion configured such that at least a portion of the main cover protrudes in a direction away from the venting portion.

[0024] The above blocking member may have a plurality of through holes formed by penetrating at least a portion of the main cover.

[0025] And, the automobile according to the present invention may include a battery pack according to the present invention.

[0026] According to one aspect of the present invention, sparks generated in an abnormal state of a battery cell can be prevented from being exposed to the outside of the pack case, thereby ensuring safety and reliability.

[0027] Moreover, according to one aspect of the present invention, by suppressing flame development outside the battery pack, the performance of preventing thermal propagation per pack can be effectively secured.

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

[0029] In particular, for electric vehicles, by inhibiting or delaying the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells or battery modules, sufficient time can be secured for occupants to escape or drive.

[0030] Additionally, according to one aspect of the present invention, venting gas generated in an abnormal state of a battery cell can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the pack case.

[0031] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, when a specific battery cell or battery module within a battery pack experiences an abnormal condition, high-temperature gases generated from the battery cell can be quickly discharged outside the pack case. Accordingly, other battery cells or battery modules can be protected from thermal damage to the greatest extent possible, thereby preventing further chain reactions.

[0032] In addition, the present invention may have various other effects, which will be described in each embodiment configuration, or the description of effects that can be easily inferred by those skilled in the art will be omitted.

[0033] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention, and together with the detailed description of the invention described below, serve to further understand the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to matters described in such drawings.

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

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

[0036] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the direction in which sparks are emitted within a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 3 may be a drawing showing the cross-section taken along line I-I' of FIG. 1.

[0037] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a pack lead having a blocking portion in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack to which a blocking member is applied according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 6 is a front view of a blocking unit included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of a pack lead having a blocking portion in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a blocking unit included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating a blocking unit included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a blocking unit included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating a blocking unit included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating a blocking unit included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings. Based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best explain his or her invention, they should be interpreted in a way that aligns with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0048] Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0049] Furthermore, the present invention includes various embodiments. For each embodiment, redundant descriptions of substantially identical or similar components will be omitted, and the differences will be described.

[0050] Meanwhile, in the present invention, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back may be used, but it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms are only for convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the location of the target object or the location of the observer.

[0051] For example, in an embodiment of the present invention, the X-axis direction shown in the drawing may mean a left-right direction, the Y-axis direction may mean a front-back direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction on a horizontal plane (XY plane), and the Z-axis direction may mean an up-down direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0052]

[0053] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. Additionally, FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the direction in which sparks are emitted from within a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 3 may be a drawing showing the cross-section taken along line I-I' of FIG. 1.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell (100) and a pack case (200).

[0055] First, referring mainly to FIG. 2, the battery cell (100) may be included in multiple numbers. Although not shown in the drawing, the multiple battery cells (100) may include an electrode assembly, a cell case that accommodates the electrode assembly, and an electrode lead that is connected to the electrode assembly and extends outward from the cell case to function as an electrode terminal. In this case, the multiple battery cells (100) may be electrically connected to each other.

[0056] The above battery cell (100) may be a pouch-type secondary battery. The cell case of such a pouch-type secondary battery may be configured in the form of a pouch in which a metal layer made of aluminum is interposed between polymer layers.

[0057] A plurality of battery cells (100) can be arranged in a parallel manner in the front-back direction (Y-axis direction) while standing vertically (Z-axis direction), as illustrated in FIG. 2. At this time, each battery cell (100) can have its sealing portion facing left-right (X-axis direction) and upward (+Z-axis direction), and its storage portion facing forward-backward (Y-axis direction).

[0058] Meanwhile, the present invention is not limited by the specific type or shape of the battery cell (100), and various battery cells (100) known at the time of filing of the present invention may be employed to construct the battery pack (1) of the present invention. In this embodiment, a pouch-type secondary battery having a high energy density and easy stacking is targeted as shown in the drawing, but it goes without saying that a cylindrical or square secondary battery may be applied as the battery cell (100).

[0059] The pack case (200) may be configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells (100). That is, the pack case (200) may provide a space for accommodating a plurality of battery cells (100). The pack case (200) may be made of a material that can ensure mechanical rigidity, such as a metal such as steel or SUS, or a plastic, or may include such a material, in order to safely protect the battery cells (100) accommodated therein.

[0060] Additionally, the pack case (200) may be provided with a venting portion (210). The venting portion (210) may be configured to discharge gas generated from the battery cells (100) housed inside to the outside of the pack case (200). The venting portion (210) may be provided in the form of a hole penetrating between the inside and the outside of the pack case (200).

[0061] Alternatively, the venting unit (210) may be configured to be mountable in a hole of the pack case (200) and may be provided in the form of a venting device that operates when venting gas is generated inside the pack case (200).

[0062] For example, the venting unit (210) may be provided with a venting valve or implemented as such a venting valve. In this case, a mounting hole may be formed in the side frame (202) so that the venting unit (210) can be mounted in the mounting hole. In the case where the venting unit (210) is provided with a venting valve or implemented in the form of such a venting valve, when the internal pressure of the pack case (200) increases, the venting valve may be configured to open to discharge the venting gas to the outside of the pack case (200).

[0063] Meanwhile, the pack case (200) may be provided with a blocking member (220). The blocking member (220) may be configured to prevent sparks emitted from the battery cell (100) from reaching the venting member (210). The blocking member (220) may be provided in a path from the battery cell (100) to the venting member (210). The blocking member (220) may be configured to completely block sparks from passing through the blocking member (220).

[0064] The blocking member (220) may be provided on the inside of the pack case (200). The blocking member (220) may be configured to protrude inward from the inner surface of the pack case (200). The blocking member (220) may be provided as a separate member from the pack case (200). In this case, the blocking member (220) may be connected to the pack case (200) by bolting, welding, adhesive, or the like. Alternatively, it may be provided as an integral part with the pack case (200).

[0065] The barrier (220) may be made of a material that includes a material with low thermal conductivity and excellent heat resistance and / or fire resistance. For example, the barrier (220) may be made of a flame-retardant mica material. Alternatively, the barrier (220) may be composed of a metal material with rigidity and heat resistance. The barrier (220) may be made of the same material as the pack case (200). The barrier (220) may be coated with a heat-resistant and / or fire-resistant material.

[0066] Sparks or flames with strong straight-line propagation may be emitted from the battery cell (100) and may collide with the internal structure of the pack case (200) and move to the venting portion (210). However, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the sparks may be blocked from being emitted to the outside of the pack case (200) through the venting portion (210) by the blocking portion (220). Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the sparks from reacting with oxygen outside the pack case (200) and generating flames. Therefore, according to the above-described aspect of the present invention, the safety and reliability of the battery pack (1) may be guaranteed.

[0067]

[0068] Referring to FIG. 3, a blocking portion (220) may be provided between a plurality of battery cells (100) and a venting portion (210). That is, the blocking portion (220) may be provided on the inside of the pack case (200), particularly on the inside of the venting portion (210). Specifically, venting gas and / or sparks generated from the battery cells (100) may move to the venting portion (210). That is, a venting path through which the venting gas and / or sparks flow may be formed between the plurality of battery cells (100) and the venting portion (210). At this time, the blocking portion (220) may be provided to cross the venting path. In other words, the blocking portion (220) may be provided on the venting path and configured to suppress the movement of sparks, etc.

[0069] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the spark emitted from the battery cell (100) is blocked in advance before reaching the venting portion (210) of the pack case (200), the spark is prevented from being discharged to the outside, thereby more effectively suppressing the occurrence of flames outside the pack case (200).

[0070]

[0071] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 2, a pack case (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a base frame (201) and a side frame (202).

[0072] The above base frame (201) may form the lower surface of the pack case (200) and may be provided in a square plate shape. In addition, the base frame (201) may be configured so that a plurality of battery cells (100) are mounted on the upper surface. Furthermore, the base frame (201) may be provided with a flat upper surface so that a plurality of battery cells (100) are stably mounted.

[0073] The side frame (202) may extend upward from each corner of the base frame (201). The side frame (202) may be provided with a plurality of unit walls to surround a plurality of battery cells (100). More specifically, the side frame (202) may include a rear wall located at the +Y direction side end of the base frame (201), a right wall located at the -X direction side end, a front wall located at the -Y direction side end, and a left wall located at the +X direction side end to form a side of the pack case (200).

[0074] The venting portion (210) may be provided on the side of the pack case (200), i.e., the side frame (202). A plurality of venting portions (210) may be provided. In particular, the venting portions (210) may be located on at least some of the unit walls of the side frame (202). In addition, the venting portions (210) may be separately formed on two or more unit walls, or two or more may be formed on one unit wall. For example, referring to FIG. 2, a plurality of venting portions (210) may be provided on each of the front wall and the rear wall. In this case, the plurality of venting portions (210) may be provided to be symmetrical to each other with respect to the center of the side frame (202).

[0075] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when the battery cell (100) is in an abnormal state, high-temperature gas or the like can be discharged in both directions of the pack case (200), so it is easy to discharge the gas more quickly to the outside of the pack case (200).

[0076] Meanwhile, the number or location of the venting portion (210) described based on the embodiment of Fig. 2 is merely an example, and it is obvious that the number or location may be changed to various other numbers or locations.

[0077] The blocking portion (220) may be configured to face the side frame (202) in which the venting portion (210) is formed. At this time, at least a portion of the blocking portion (220) may be provided to be spaced apart from the side frame (202) by a predetermined distance.

[0078] At this time, if the battery cell (100) is located on the venting pass toward the venting portion (210), the gap between the blocking portion (220) and the side frame (202) is irrelevant.

[0079] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the venting gas can move through the gap between the blocking portion (220) and the side frame (202) and be smoothly discharged to the outside through the venting portion (210).

[0080]

[0081] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a pack lead having a blocking portion in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] Referring primarily to FIG. 4, the pack case (200) may further include a pack lid (203). The pack lid (203) may be configured to cover the upper portions of the plurality of battery cells (100). The pack lid (203) may be provided to be coupled to the upper portion of the side frame (202) to form the upper surface of the pack case (200).

[0083] The pack lid (203) can protect components housed inside, such as battery cells (100), and prevent venting gases and / or sparks discharged from the battery cells (100) from being discharged to the outside, particularly the upper part, of the pack case (200). In particular, the pack lid (203) can guide venting gases and sparks, etc., from the internal space of the pack case (200) toward the venting portion (210).

[0084] The blocking portion (220) may be provided above the venting portion (210). For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the blocking portion (220) may be provided on the pack lid (203). In particular, the blocking portion (220) may be provided in a form coupled to the lower surface of the pack lid (203). In this case, the blocking portion (220) may be fixed by being bolted to the pack lid (203). Alternatively, the blocking portion (220) may be manufactured integrally with the pack lid (203).

[0085] High-temperature venting gas can move along the inner surface of the pack lid (203) toward the venting portion (210) and be discharged to the outside. At this time, as in the above-described embodiment, if the blocking portion (220) is positioned above the venting portion (210), the venting gas can have its flow direction bent by the blocking portion (220) before being discharged to the venting portion (210). In addition, during this process, sparks and the like that were directed toward the venting portion (210) together with the venting gas can be suppressed from being discharged to the outside by the blocking portion (220).

[0086] In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the blocking part (220) is manufactured in a form that is pre-attached to the pack lead (203), when the pack lead (203) is attached to the side frame (202), the blocking part (220) can be automatically installed between the battery cell (100) and the venting part (210). Accordingly, the process of separately attaching the blocking part (220) to the side frame (202) can be omitted. Therefore, the time and cost for manufacturing the battery pack (1) can be reduced, and productivity can be improved.

[0087] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the pack case (200) may further include a cross beam (204). The cross beam (204) may be provided to partition between a plurality of battery cells (100). For example, the cross beam (204) may be formed in the form of a partition wall that extends long in the left-right direction, and may be interposed between battery cells (100) that are adjacently arranged in the front-rear direction. In addition, the cross beam (204) may be formed in the form of a partition wall that extends long in the front-rear direction, and may be interposed between battery cells (100) that are adjacently arranged in the left-right direction.

[0088] A cross beam (204) may be provided between a plurality of battery cells (100) and a side frame (202) provided with a venting portion (210). At this time, a blocking portion (220) may be provided between the cross beam (204) and the side frame (202) provided with the venting portion (210). That is, the blocking portion (220) may be provided between the cross beam (204) and the venting portion (210).

[0089] Additionally, the cross beam (204) may be provided to be spaced apart from the pack lead (203) by a predetermined distance. That is, the cross beam (204) may be configured to be spaced apart by a predetermined distance without at least a portion of the upper portion contacting the lower surface of the pack lead (203).

[0090] According to this embodiment configuration, heat or flame can be prevented from directly flowing between battery cells (100) whose storage spaces are separated by the cross beam (204). In addition, according to the embodiment configuration, due to the space between the cross beam (204) and the pack lead (203), gas or sparks generated from the battery cells (100) can be further induced to move upward in the internal space of the pack case (200).

[0091] For example, as shown by the dotted arrow in Fig. 3, gas or sparks may move to the space between the cross beam (204) and the pack lead (203) and be reflected on the pack lead (203) or flow along the lower surface of the pack lead (203) toward the venting portion (210) and be reflected inward by the blocking portion (220) provided in the pack lead (203).

[0092]

[0093] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 2, a plurality of battery cells (100) may be modularized into one or more battery modules (10). That is, a battery pack (1) according to the present invention may include one or more battery modules (10). In addition, a plurality of battery cells (100) may be included as components of one or more battery modules (10). In this case, multiple battery cells (100) included within a battery module (10) may be electrically connected to each other.

[0094] Moreover, a plurality of battery modules (10) may be provided inside the pack case (200). That is, the battery pack according to the present invention (1) includes a plurality of battery modules (10), and a plurality of battery cells (100) included in the battery pack (1) may be divided and included in a plurality of battery modules (10).

[0095] In particular, the battery pack (1) according to the present invention may include a module case (11). The module case (11) may be configured to have an empty space formed therein so as to accommodate at least some of a plurality of battery cells (100) in the internal space. In particular, the module case (11) may be included in each battery module (10), grouping a plurality of battery cells (100) into several battery modules (10), and may serve as a boundary that physically limits the internal space of each battery module (10).

[0096] Additionally, although not shown in the drawing, the battery module (10) may include a busbar assembly and / or module terminals electrically connected to a plurality of battery cells (100) housed therein.

[0097] The battery module (10) may include a venting hole (H). The venting hole (H) may be configured to allow gas generated from a battery cell (100) housed inside the module case (11) to be discharged to the outside of the module case (11).

[0098] Specifically, a venting hole (H) may be provided in the module case (11) to enable directional venting in a specific direction. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the venting hole (H) may be provided in the upper portion of the module case (11). With this embodiment, venting gas and / or sparks may be induced to be discharged toward the upper portion of the battery module (10).

[0099] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, as indicated by the dotted arrow in FIG. 3, venting gas or sparks, etc. can be guided to the upper side of the pack case (200). Therefore, when venting gas or sparks, etc. move along the upper inner surface of the pack case (200) toward the venting portion (210), the flow can be more reliably blocked by the blocking portion (220) provided in the pack lid (203). Accordingly, sparks can be more effectively suppressed from being discharged to the outside of the pack case (200).

[0100]

[0101] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack to which a blocking part is applied according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a front view of a blocking part included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] The blocking portion (220) may be configured to cover at least a portion of the venting portion (210). In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the blocking portion (220) may be configured to cover a portion of the venting portion (210), as illustrated in FIG. 5 and the like. That is, the blocking portion (220) may be positioned inside the venting portion (210) to cover the inside of the venting portion (210), but may have a structure that covers only a portion of the venting portion (210) rather than the entire portion.

[0103] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, a spark generated in a battery cell (100) can be blocked by the blocking unit (220), and at the same time, the venting gas can be smoothly discharged through the venting unit (210) beyond the blocking unit (220). Accordingly, when an abnormal situation occurs in the battery cell (100), the venting gas is quickly discharged to the outside of the pack case (200) through the venting unit (210), thereby preventing the internal pressure inside the pack case (200) from increasing and preventing additional chain fires of other battery cells (100).

[0104] In particular, according to one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the blocking portion (220) may be configured to cover the upper portion of the venting portion (210). That is, as illustrated in FIG. 6, when the blocking portion (220) is viewed from the front, the blocking portion (220) may be configured to cover the upper portion of the venting portion (210). At this time, regardless of the gap between the blocking portion (220) and the venting portion (210), the length of the blocking portion (220) may be provided so as to cover the upper portion of the venting portion (210).

[0105] Specifically, the venting gas or sparks discharged from the battery cell (100) are at high temperature and may have a strong tendency to flow upward. Therefore, as in the above embodiment, when the blocking member (220) is configured to cover the upper portion of the venting member (210), the sparks with a strong straight-line tendency are guaranteed to collide with the blocking member (220), thereby more reliably suppressing the external discharge of the sparks. At the same time, the venting gas can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the pack case (200) through the lower portion of the venting member (210) that is exposed and not covered by the blocking member (220) due to internal pressure.

[0106] In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when high-temperature gas, etc. is discharged to the outside of the pack case (200) in a situation such as thermal runaway, the discharged gas may not be directed upward. In particular, in a case where a passenger is positioned above the battery pack (10), such as in an electric vehicle, if upward discharge of gas, flame, etc. is suppressed, the safety of the passenger can be further improved. That is, according to the embodiment of the present invention, by ensuring that directional venting is performed downward of the battery pack (10), the safety of users, etc. positioned above, such as the passenger, can be improved.

[0107]

[0108] Fig. 7 is a bottom perspective view of a pack lead having a blocking portion in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. The shape and structure of the blocking portion (220) will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 7.

[0109] The blocking portion (220) may be provided in a plate shape. As the blocking portion (220) is manufactured in a plate shape, the blocking portion (220) may be configured to face parallel to the venting portion (210) or the side frame (202).

[0110] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the blocking portion (220) can more easily block sparks directed toward the venting portion (210). In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the energy density of the battery pack (1) can be improved by reducing the volume and weight of the blocking portion (220).

[0111] More specifically, the blocking portion (220) may be configured to extend in a long direction. The long direction may be the direction in which the venting portion (210) is arranged. For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the blocking portion (220) may be configured to extend in a long direction in the left-right direction (X-axis direction).

[0112] In addition, a plurality of blocking parts (220) may be provided. The plurality of blocking parts (220) may be spaced apart from each other along one direction. For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the blocking parts (220) may be provided for every two venting parts (210) and may be spaced apart from each other along the left-right direction (X-axis direction). The plurality of blocking parts (220) may be provided to be symmetrical to each other with respect to the center of the side frame (202).

[0113] Meanwhile, the number or location of the blocking unit (220) described based on the embodiment of Fig. 7 is merely an example, and it is obvious that the number or location may be changed to various other numbers or locations.

[0114] Referring to Fig. 7, the blocking portion (220) may be provided with a main cover (221). The main cover (221) may be provided to face the venting portion (210). In addition, the main cover (221) may be provided in a plate shape erected vertically and may be provided to face the side frame (202) in parallel.

[0115]

[0116] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a blocking unit included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0117] Referring to Fig. 8, the blocking portion (220) may be provided with a lower cover (222). The lower cover (222) may be configured to extend inwardly from the lower portion of the main cover (221) in a bent form. That is, the lower cover (222) may be configured to be bent in a direction away from the venting portion (210) in the main cover (221). The lower cover (222) may be configured in a plate shape parallel to the base frame (201).

[0118] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, sparks that strike the main cover (221) and are reflected downward can be guided toward the inside of the pack case (200). Accordingly, the sparks can be more reliably blocked from heading back toward the venting portion (210), thereby more effectively suppressing the sparks from being discharged outside the pack case (200).

[0119]

[0120] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating a blocking unit included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0121] Moreover, the lower cover (222) may be configured in a diagonal shape. For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, the lower cover (222) may be configured in a shape that slopes downward. Specifically, the lower cover (222) may be configured to be bent in a shape that gets closer to the base frame (201) as it goes in the inward direction (the -Y-axis direction of FIG. 9). That is, the lower cover (222) may be provided to form an obtuse angle with the main cover (221).

[0122] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, sparks that hit the main cover (221) and are reflected downward can be guided toward the inside of the pack case (200), but can be suppressed from heading toward the battery cell (100).

[0123]

[0124] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a blocking unit included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0125] Referring to Fig. 10, the blocking portion (220) may be provided with a side cover (223). The side cover (223) may be provided to extend from at least one side of the main cover (221). The side cover (223) may be extended so as to be bent in a direction away from the venting portion (210) on both sides of the main cover (221). For example, the side cover (223) may be configured in a form bent inwardly (in the -Y-axis direction) at both ends in the left-right direction (in the X-axis direction) of the main cover (221).

[0126] The side cover (223) may be configured to face the side frame (202) that is not provided with the venting portion (210). The side cover (223) may be provided parallel to the side frame (202), or may be configured in an inclined shape to form an obtuse angle with the main cover (221).

[0127] Moreover, the side cover (223) may be arranged to move sparks, etc., moving in the outward direction of the pack case (200) toward the venting portion (210) toward the inward direction of the pack case (200).

[0128] For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 10, the side cover (223) may be configured to bend or change the flow direction of sparks moving in the X-axis direction toward the venting portion (210) by the side cover (223).

[0129] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the blocking unit (220) can block sparks reflected from the main cover (221) from heading toward the side of the main cover (221). That is, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the blocking unit (220) can more effectively block sparks or flames from being discharged to the outside of the pack case (200) by converting the flow direction of sparks from the inside of the pack case (200) toward the venting unit (210) to the inside.

[0130]

[0131] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating a blocking unit included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0132] As shown in Fig. 11, the blocking portion (220) may have a protrusion (224).

[0133] The protrusion (224) may be configured in a form in which at least a portion of the main cover (221) protrudes. The protrusion (224) may be provided to protrude in a direction away from the venting portion (210) on the inner surface of the main cover (221), i.e., in the inner direction of the pack case (200). For example, referring to the exemplary configuration of FIG. 11, the protrusion (224) may have a form in which it protrudes inwardly (in the -Y-axis direction) from the inner surface of the main cover (221).

[0134] Additionally, a plurality of protrusions (224) may be provided. The plurality of protrusions (224) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the horizontal and / or vertical directions.

[0135] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, sparks or flames emitted from the battery cell (100) are reflected by the protrusions (224), thereby further suppressing the flow of sparks or flames with strong straight-line propagation. Furthermore, in this case, particles of sparks or flames can be captured by grooves or the like formed between the protrusions (224). Accordingly, sparks or flames can be more effectively prevented from being emitted to the outside of the pack case (200).

[0136]

[0137] FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating a blocking unit included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0138] The blocking member (220) may be configured to allow venting gas discharged from the battery cell (100) to pass through. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the blocking member (220) may have a through hole (225). That is, the blocking member (220) may be configured in the form of a perforated plate or mesh.

[0139] A through hole (225) may be formed in the main cover (221). The through hole (225) may be formed by penetrating at least a portion of the main cover (225). A plurality of through holes (225) may be provided. These plurality of through holes (225) may be densely formed in the main cover (220). At this time, the sizes of the plurality of through holes (225) may all be the same, or may differ partially.

[0140] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the through hole (225) is formed in the blocking portion (220), the venting gas generated when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell (100) can be dispersed and discharged in multiple directions. If the venting gas is discharged all at once in one direction, heat may be concentrated, resulting in an explosion or fire. However, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, such a phenomenon can be suppressed.

[0141] In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the flow of venting gas generated when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell (100) can be resisted by the blocking portion (220), thereby reducing the flow rate of the venting gas.

[0142] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the blocking member (220) can be configured to suppress flames or sparks emitted together with the venting gas from being emitted to the outside of the blocking member (220). At this time, it is preferable that the through hole (225) be limited to a size such that flames or sparks generated from the battery cell (100) are not exposed to the outside through the through hole (225).

[0143] That is, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a spark generated in a battery cell (100) can be blocked by a blocking member (220), and at the same time, venting gas can be smoothly discharged through a through hole (225). Accordingly, when an abnormal situation occurs in the battery cell (100), the venting gas is quickly discharged to the outside of the pack case (200), thereby preventing the internal pressure inside the pack case (200) from increasing, and preventing additional chain fires in other battery cells (100).

[0144]

[0145] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0146] Referring to FIG. 13, a vehicle (3) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs (1) according to the above-described embodiments. The vehicle (3) according to the present invention may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle (3) includes a four-wheeled vehicle and a two-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle (3) may operate by receiving power from a battery pack (1) or a battery module (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0147]

[0148] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention as claimed in the claims. Furthermore, such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical idea or prospect of the present invention.

Claims

1. Multiple battery cells; and A battery pack characterized by comprising a pack case configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells, a venting portion configured to discharge gas generated from the battery cells to the outside, and a blocking portion provided on an inner surface thereof to protrude inwardly and to suppress sparks discharged from the battery cells from reaching the venting portion.

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

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

4. In paragraph 1, The above pack case is A battery pack comprising a pack lead configured to cover the upper portion of the plurality of battery cells and having the blocking portion provided on the inner surface.

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

6. In paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the above blocking portion is configured to cover the upper portion of the venting portion.

7. In paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the above-mentioned blocking portion is configured in a form that extends long in one direction.

8. In paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the above-mentioned blocking members are provided in multiple numbers and spaced apart along one direction.

9. In paragraph 1, The above blocking part A battery pack characterized by having a main cover configured to face the above-mentioned venting portion.

10. In paragraph 9, The above blocking part A battery pack characterized by having a lower cover configured to be bent in a direction away from the venting portion at the lower end of the main cover.

11. In paragraph 10, A battery pack characterized in that the lower cover is configured in a downwardly slanted shape.

12. In paragraph 9, The above blocking part A battery pack characterized by having side covers configured to be bent in a direction away from the venting portion on both sides of the main cover.

13. In paragraph 9, The above blocking part A battery pack characterized in that at least a portion of the main cover has a protrusion configured to protrude in a direction away from the venting portion.

14. In paragraph 9, The above blocking part A battery pack characterized by having a plurality of through holes formed by penetrating at least a portion of the main cover.

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

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