Battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

A battery pack according to the present invention may include: a plurality of battery modules; a pack case including a pack tray having an inner space capable of accommodating the plurality of battery modules and a wall portion surrounding the inner space, and a pack cover that covers an upper portion of the pack tray; and cartridge-type fireproof partition walls that partition the inner space, are disposed between the battery modules, and are provided to be assembled with and disassembled from one of the pack tray and the pack cover.

Description

Battery pack and automobile including the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack, and more specifically, to a battery pack capable of suppressing or delaying the phenomenon of thermal runaway between battery modules in the event of a fire in the battery pack.

[0002] This application is a priority application for Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0146810 filed on October 24, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of said application are incorporated into this application by reference.

[0003] Secondary batteries, which possess electrical characteristics such as high energy density and high applicability across product groups, are widely applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electric sources. These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for enhancing eco-friendliness and energy efficiency, not only for the primary advantage of drastically reducing the use of fossil fuels but also because they generate no by-products from energy use.

[0004] Currently, widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium-polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. When a high output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery module or battery pack. Additionally, to increase charge / discharge capacity, multiple battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery module or battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery module or battery pack can be varied depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] Generally, the operating voltage of a single secondary battery is approximately 2.5V to 4.5V. Therefore, for example, in the case of an electric vehicle, a battery module is formed by connecting multiple secondary batteries in series and / or in parallel, and a battery pack is formed by connecting multiple battery modules in series and / or in parallel, and this is used as an energy source.

[0006] Meanwhile, recent battery packs have very low energy density because a large number of battery modules are intensively packed into the limited internal space of a pack case. These battery packs are criticized for having low fire safety, as a fire in one of the modules can cause heat to propagate and rapidly lead to a chain reaction of ignition in adjacent modules.

[0007] Accordingly, in the industry, devising measures to delay or suppress the propagation of thermal energy between battery modules within a battery pack is emerging as an important task to prepare for battery module ignition issues when designing battery packs.

[0008] The present invention was conceived against the background described above and has one objective of providing a battery pack capable of suppressing or delaying the propagation of thermal energy to adjacent battery modules in the event of a fire in a battery module.

[0009] In addition, the present invention has the objective of applying a fireproof partition that can be assembled and disassembled inside a pack case, thereby allowing battery modules and the fireproof partition to be variably arranged as needed and enabling more efficient use of the internal space of the battery pack.

[0010] The technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0011] According to the present invention, a battery pack may be provided comprising: a plurality of battery modules; a pack case including a pack tray having an internal space capable of accommodating the plurality of battery modules and a wall portion surrounding the internal space, and a pack cover covering the upper portion of the pack tray; and a cartridge-type fireproof partition that partitions the internal space and is disposed between the battery modules, and is configured to be assembled and disassembled with one of the pack tray and the pack cover.

[0012] The above cartridge-type fireproof partition includes a coupling projection at least at one of its upper and lower surfaces, and at least one of the pack tray and the pack cover may have a coupling groove provided to be insertably coupled with the coupling projection.

[0013] The above cartridge-type fireproof partition may include an air layer inside.

[0014] The above cartridge-type fireproof partition may include a rigid rim member provided in the form of a frame with a hollow center; and a fireproof member made of a fireproof material and coupled to one side and the other side of the rigid frame member so as to form the air layer.

[0015] The above rigid rim member may be made of at least one material selected from steel, reinforced ceramic, and titanium.

[0016] The above refractory member may be made of at least one material selected from polyvinyl chloride, silicone, mica, and aerogel.

[0017] The above coupling projection includes a first projection protruding upward from the upper surface of the cartridge-type fireproof partition, and the coupling groove may include a first coupling groove formed by being recessed into the inner surface of the pack cover so that at least a portion of the first projection is forcibly fitted.

[0018] The cartridge-type refractory partition may include a plurality of first protrusions provided at predetermined intervals along the length direction of the upper surface of the cartridge-type refractory partition, and a venting gas passage portion which is an empty space formed between adjacent first protrusions.

[0019] The above wall section may include a partition assembly provided to allow the cartridge-type fireproof partition to be slidably coupled along the vertical direction.

[0020] The above bulkhead assembly includes a pair of guide blocks that protrude from the side of the wall portion, extend in the vertical direction, and are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, and the cartridge-type refractory bulkhead may further include an insertion projection provided at least at one end and arranged to be fitted along the vertical direction between the pair of guide blocks.

[0021] The above bulkhead assembly includes an insertion guide groove formed by being recessed to a predetermined depth on the side of the wall portion and extending in the vertical direction, and the cartridge-type refractory bulkhead may further include an insertion projection provided at least at one end and arranged to be fitted into the insertion guide groove along the vertical direction.

[0022] The above bulkhead assembly includes an insertion guide projection formed protruding from the side of the wall portion and extending in the vertical direction, and the cartridge-type refractory bulkhead may include an insertion groove provided at least at one end and arranged to be fitted along the vertical direction of the insertion guide projection.

[0023] The above wall section may include an outer wall section disposed along the outer edge of the pack tray; and a cross beam disposed inside the pack tray and having both ends connected to the outer wall section.

[0024] The above cartridge-type fireproof partition may be configured such that its upper and lower ends are respectively fitted and fixed to the pack cover and the pack tray to a predetermined depth, and its left and right ends are slidably coupled and fixed to the wall portion.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present invention, an automobile comprising the battery pack described above may be provided.

[0026] According to the present invention, a battery pack can be provided that can suppress or delay the propagation of thermal energy to adjacent battery modules in the event of a fire in a battery module.

[0027] In addition, according to the present invention, a fireproof partition that can be assembled and disassembled is applied inside the pack case, so the battery modules and the fireproof partition can be variably arranged as needed, and the internal space of the battery pack can be used more efficiently.

[0028] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the battery pack of Figure 1.

[0031] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the pack tray of Fig. 1.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a cartridge-type fireproof partition according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge-type fireproof partition of Fig. 4.

[0034] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge-type refractory bulkhead of Figure 4.

[0035] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a part of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 8 is a partial enlarged view of Figure 7.

[0037] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a cartridge-type fireproof partition according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 10 is a partial cutaway perspective view of a battery pack with the cartridge-type fireproof partition of FIG. 9 applied.

[0039] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing the assembly structure between a cartridge-type fireproof partition and a pack case according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing the assembly structure between a cartridge-type fireproof partition and a pack case according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing the assembly structure between a cartridge-type fireproof partition and a pack case according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing the assembly structure between a cartridge-type fireproof partition and a pack case according to the 6th embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 15 is a schematic drawing illustrating a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention. Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely one preferred embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical spirit of the present invention; therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications capable of replacing them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0045] In addition, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions may obscure the essence of the invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0046] Since embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the invention to those skilled in the art, the shapes and sizes of the components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted for clearer explanation. Accordingly, the size or proportion of each component does not entirely reflect the actual size or proportion.

[0047] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the battery pack of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the pack tray of FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a cartridge-type fireproof partition according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge-type fireproof partition of FIG. 4.

[0048] Referring to these drawings, a battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of battery modules (100), a pack case (200) having an internal space capable of accommodating the plurality of battery modules (100), and a cartridge-type fireproof partition (300) that partitions the internal space within the pack case (200) and is disposed between the battery modules (100).

[0049] The battery module (100) may include a plurality of battery cells (110) and a module case that accommodates the battery cells (110). Here, the battery cell (110) refers to a secondary battery including an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a battery case, and is not limited to any type of secondary battery, such as a pouch-type, cylindrical-type, or prismatic-type secondary battery. The module case has an internal space capable of accommodating the battery cells (110) and may be made of a metal material, such as steel, or a non-metal material with high rigidity to protect the battery cells (110) from external impacts.

[0050] The battery module (100) may be configured to have at least one venting hole (not shown) on at least one side of the module case, and to discharge gas or the like to the outside of the module case through the venting hole when the battery cells (110) ignite, so as not to cause the internal pressure to rise rapidly.

[0051] The above pack case (200) may be configured to have a wall portion (212) that surrounds the internal space of the pack case (200) and to accommodate the plurality of battery modules (100) in the internal space. For example, the pack case (200) may be configured to include a pack tray (210) and a pack cover (220), as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0052] The above pack tray (210) may be provided in the form of a box with an open top, and the above pack cover (220) may be provided to cover the open top of the above pack tray (210).

[0053] Specifically, referring to FIG. 3, the pack tray (210) may include a bottom plate (211) on which the plurality of battery modules (100) are seated, and a wall portion (212) that is erected on the bottom plate (211) so as to form an internal space in the pack tray (210).

[0054] The above wall section (212) may include an outer wall (212a) arranged along the outer edge of the floor plate (211) and a cross beam (212b) arranged inside the pack tray (210) with both ends connected to the outer wall (212a).

[0055] In the present embodiment, the wall portion (212) may include a cross beam (212b) that extends across the floor plate (211) and is connected to the outer wall (212a). For example, the cross beam (212b) may be configured to pass through the center of the floor plate and extend in the horizontal direction (X-direction), with both ends connected to the outer wall (212a) to divide the internal space of the pack tray (210). Such a pack tray (210) has an internal space enclosed by the floor plate (211), the outer wall (212a), and the cross beam (212b).

[0056] The above battery modules (100) can be divided into two groups and placed on the left side (-Y direction) and the right side (+Y direction) of the cross beam (212b). For convenience of explanation, the battery modules (100) placed on the left side of the cross beam (212b) will be referred to as the first group battery modules (100), and the battery modules (100) placed on the right side of the cross beam (212b) will be referred to as the second group battery modules (100).

[0057] The cross beam (212b) can serve to support the outer wall (212a), thereby increasing the structural rigidity of the pack tray (210). Accordingly, deformation such as twisting of the pack tray (210) can be suppressed even under external impact. Additionally, the cross beam (212b) can partition the first group battery module (100) and the second group battery module (100) to block or delay the propagation of heat to the other group battery module (100) in the event of a fire in one group battery module (100).

[0058] The above pack tray (210) may further include a gas outlet (201). One or more gas outlets (201) may be provided on at least one side of the outer wall (212a).

[0059] A metal mesh may be attached to the gas outlet (201). Gas generated when the battery module (100) ignites may be discharged to the outside of the pack case (200) through the gas outlet (201). At this time, flames, sparks, and other discharges may be prevented from leaking out of the pack case (200) by the metal mesh. Although not shown, a valve unit that opens and closes according to the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the pack case (200) may be mounted on the gas outlet.

[0060] For example, as shown in FIG. 3, two gas outlets (201) may be provided at the front (+X direction) and rear (-X direction) of the outer wall (212a), respectively. Of the two gas outlets (201) provided at the front of the outer wall (212a), one may be provided on the left side (-Y direction) of the cross beam (212b) and the other one may be provided on the right side (+Y direction) of the cross beam (212b). Two gas outlets (201) provided at the rear of the outer wall (212a) may also be provided one each on the left side and right side of the cross beam (212b). Gas outlets located on the left side of the cross beam (212b) can be used to discharge gas generated when the first group battery module (100) ignites to the outside of the pack case (200), and gas outlets located on the right side of the cross beam (212b) can be used to discharge gas generated when the second group battery module (100) ignites to the outside of the pack case (200).

[0061] The above pack cover (220) may be provided in the form of a plate or cover that can cover the open top of the pack tray (210), for example, by being bolted to the top of the outer wall (212a) of the pack tray (210). Although not shown, a sealing gasket may be placed on the top of the outer wall (212a), and the edge of the pack cover (220) may be seated on the sealing gasket so that the airtightness of the pack case (200) may be increased.

[0062] Meanwhile, a battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a cartridge-type fireproof partition (300) that partitions the internal space of the pack case (200) and is configured to be assembled and disassembled with one of the pack tray (210) and the pack cover (220). The cartridge-type fireproof partition (300) may be disposed between the battery modules (100) so that the battery modules (100) are isolated from each other inside the pack case (200).

[0063] The above cartridge-type fireproof partition (300) is made of a fireproof material and serves to block or delay the propagation of thermal energy between adjacent battery modules (100) in the event of a fire in the battery pack (10).

[0064] A cartridge-type fireproof partition (300) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an air layer (301) inside.

[0065] More specifically, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the cartridge-type fireproof partition (300) may include a rigid rim member (310) made of a rigid material and provided in the form of a frame with a hollow center, and a fireproof member (320) made of a fireproof material and coupled to one side and the other side of the rigid rim member (310). As shown in FIG. 6, the cartridge-type fireproof partition (300) has an air layer (301) inside.

[0066] The rigid edge member (310) may include at least one of steel, reinforced ceramic, or titanium as a rigid material. The fire-resistant member (320) may be made of a material with excellent fire resistance, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with an additional fire-retardant added, or silicone-coated Siltex. As another example, the fire-resistant member (320) may be composed of at least one of aerogel, mica, or silicon.

[0067] The above fire-resistant member (320) may be configured to have an area capable of covering the rigid edge member (310) and to be joined to the rigid edge member (310) by means such as adhesive, bolting, or riveting.

[0068] The cartridge-type fireproof partition (300) is formed with a composite insulation structure including the fireproof member (320) and the air layer (301), so that the insulation performance and fireproof performance can be further enhanced. In addition, the cartridge-type fireproof partition (300) can maintain a constant shape without deformation by means of a rigid edge member (310) made of a rigid material.

[0069] The cartridge-type fireproof partition (300) may be configured to be fitted together with the pack tray (210) and / or the pack cover (220). To this end, the cartridge-type fireproof partition (300) is provided with a coupling projection (330) at least one of its upper and lower surfaces, and at least one of the pack tray (210) and the pack cover (220) is provided with a coupling groove (230) that is fitted together with the coupling projection (330).

[0070] Specifically, referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, the coupling projection (330) according to the present embodiment includes a first projection (330a) protruding upward from the upper surface of the cartridge-type refractory partition (300) and a second projection (330b) protruding downward from the lower surface of the cartridge-type refractory partition (300). The first projection (330a) may be configured to extend continuously from one end to the other end along the longitudinal direction (Y-direction) of the upper surface of the cartridge-type refractory partition (300). The second projection (330b) may be configured to extend continuously from one end to the other end along the longitudinal direction (Y-direction) of the lower surface of the cartridge-type refractory partition (300), similar to the first projection (330a).

[0071] And as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the coupling groove (230) includes a first coupling groove (230a) formed by being recessed into the inner surface of the pack cover (220) so that at least a portion of the first projection (330a) is forcibly fitted, and a second coupling groove (230b) formed by being recessed into the bottom plate (211) forming the bottom surface of the pack tray (210) so that at least a portion of the second projection (330b) is forcibly fitted.

[0072] The above coupling grooves (230) may be provided in the pack tray (210) and the pack cover (220) in a number corresponding one-to-one with the coupling protrusions (330) of the cartridge-type fireproof partitions (300).

[0073] According to the above configuration, after assembling the cartridge-type fireproof partitions (300) into the pack tray (210), the battery modules (100) can be mounted in the partitioned internal space of the pack tray (210). Then, the first protrusions (330a) of the cartridge-type fireproof partitions (300) and the first coupling groove (230a) of the pack cover (220) can be fitted together to assemble them. In this case, the upper and lower ends of the cartridge-type fireproof partitions (300) can be stably fixed to the pack cover (220) and the pack tray (210), respectively.

[0074] Meanwhile, in the above-described embodiment, the coupling projection (330) is configured to include the first projection (330a) and the second projection (330b), and the coupling groove (230) is configured to include the first coupling groove (230a) and the second coupling groove (230b); however, the scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to such an embodiment. For instance, unlike the present embodiment, the coupling projection (330) may be configured to consist of only one of the first projection (330a) and the second projection (330b), and the coupling groove (230) may be configured to consist of only one of the first coupling groove (230a) and the second coupling groove (230b).

[0075] As described above, the cartridge-type fireproof partition (300) according to the present invention is configured to be assembled and disassembled from the pack case (200). Therefore, the cartridge-type fireproof partition (300) is very easy to add to or remove from the pack case (200) as needed.

[0076] For example, by assembling or adding cartridge-type fireproof partitions (300) in the pack case (200), various volumes of partition spaces can be secured inside the pack case (200). Accordingly, according to the configuration of the present invention, not only battery modules (100) of the same size but also battery modules (100) of different sizes can be accommodated in different partition spaces.

[0077] In addition, the cartridge-type fireproof partition (300) has the advantage of being able to be separated from the pack case (200) for repair or replacement with a new one when it is damaged or has a durability issue.

[0078] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a cartridge-type fireproof partition (300A) according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a partial cutaway perspective view of a battery pack (10) to which the cartridge-type fireproof partition (300A) of FIG. 9 is applied.

[0079] Reference numbers identical to those in previous drawings indicate identical components. Duplicate descriptions of identical components will be omitted, and the explanation will focus on the differences from the previously described embodiments.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 9, the cartridge-type fireproof partition (300A) according to the second embodiment includes a plurality of first protrusions (330a) provided at predetermined intervals along the length direction (Y direction) of the upper surface of the cartridge-type fireproof partition (300), and a gas venting passage (340) which is an empty space formed between the first protrusions (330a) adjacent to each other.

[0081] The first projection (330a) according to the second embodiment includes an upper part (331) that is inserted into the coupling groove (230) of the pack cover (220) and a lower part (332) that is not inserted into the coupling groove (230) of the pack cover (220). For example, as shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of first projections (330a) according to the second embodiment may be fitted into the coupling grooves (230) of the pack cover (220) that are arranged to correspond one-to-one with them. At this time, only the upper part (331) of the first projection (330a) is inserted into the coupling groove (230) of the pack cover (220), and the lower part (332) of the first projection (330a) is configured not to be inserted into the coupling groove (230) of the pack cover (220). According to the configuration of the cartridge-type fireproof partition (300A) and pack cover (220) according to this second embodiment, for example, gas generated when a battery module (100) ignites can pass through the cartridge-type fireproof partition (300) through the venting gas passage (340) as indicated by G in FIG. 10, and can move to the gas outlet provided in the outer wall (212a) of the pack case (200) and be discharged to the outside of the pack case (200).

[0082] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing the assembly structure between a cartridge-type fireproof partition (300B) and a pack case (200) according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] The cartridge-type fireproof partition (300B) according to the third embodiment can be configured to be slidably coupled to the pack tray (210) along the vertical direction, as shown in FIG. 11. To this end, the wall portion (212) of the pack tray (210) according to the third embodiment includes a partition assembly portion (213) as a means to accurately and easily install the cartridge-type fireproof partition (300) at a designated location and to provide structural stability.

[0084] The above bulkhead assembly (213) may include a pair of guide blocks (213a, 213b) that protrude from the side of the wall section (212), extend in the vertical direction, and are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. The pair of guide blocks (213a, 213b) may be formed integrally with the wall section (212). Alternatively, the pair of guide blocks (213a, 213b) may be configured to be detachably attached to the wall section (212). For example, the pair of guide blocks (213a, 213b) may be configured to be connected to and disconnected from the wall section (212) by bolting or snap-fit.

[0085] The above pair of guide blocks (213a, 213b) may each be provided on one side outer wall (212a) and on one side of the cross beam (212b) facing the outer wall (212a). Additionally, the above pair of guide blocks (213a, 213b) may each be provided on the other side of the cross beam (212b) and on the other side outer wall (212a) facing the other side of the cross beam (212b).

[0086] The cartridge-type fireproof partition (300B) may further include an insertion projection (350) provided at least at one end and arranged to be fitted along the vertical direction between the pair of guide blocks (213a, 213b). For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the cartridge-type fireproof partition (300B) may have a first projection (330a) on its upper surface and a second projection (330b) on its lower surface, and may further include an insertion projection (350) formed continuously in the vertical direction on its left end and right end.

[0087] Accordingly, the cartridge-type fireproof partition (300B) according to the third embodiment can be fixed by fitting its upper and lower ends to the pack cover (220) and the pack tray (210), respectively, to a predetermined depth, and its left and right ends can be fixed by slidingly fitting to the wall portion (212).

[0088] In the third embodiment, a pair of guide blocks (213a, 213b) are installed at regular intervals, but they may be configured differently from the present embodiment. For example, the spacing between the pair of guide blocks (213a, 213b) may be determined according to the width of the battery module (100) to be stored in the pack tray (210). That is, the spacing between the pair of guide blocks (213a, 213b) may be narrower or wider than the spacing shown in FIG. 3 (spacing along the X-direction).

[0089] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing the assembly structure between a cartridge-type fireproof partition (300B) and a pack case (200) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] Reference numbers identical to those in previous drawings indicate identical components. Duplicate descriptions of identical components will be omitted, and the explanation will focus on the differences from the previously described embodiments.

[0091] The partition assembly (213) according to the fourth embodiment includes an insertion guide groove (213c) formed by being recessed to a predetermined depth on the side of the wall portion (212) and extending in the vertical direction. The cartridge-type refractory partition (300) includes an insertion projection (350) provided at least at one end and arranged to be fitted into the insertion guide groove (213c) along the vertical direction.

[0092] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, the cartridge-type fireproof partition (300B) may have a first projection (330a) on its upper surface and a second projection (330b) on its lower surface, and may have insertion projections (350) formed continuously in the vertical direction on its left and right ends.

[0093] In the cartridge-type fireproof partition (300B) according to this fourth embodiment, the first projection (330a) is inserted into the first coupling groove (230a) of the pack cover (220), the second projection (330b) is inserted into the second coupling groove (230b) of the pack tray (210), and the insertion projection (350) of the right end of the left end can be inserted into the insertion guide groove (213c) formed in the outer wall (212a) and the cross beam (212b).

[0094] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing the assembly structure between a cartridge-type fireproof partition (300C) and a pack case (200) according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] Reference numbers identical to those in previous drawings indicate identical components. Duplicate descriptions of identical components will be omitted, and the explanation will focus on the differences from the previously described embodiments.

[0096] The bulkhead assembly (213) according to the fifth embodiment includes an insertion guide projection (213d) that is formed protruding from the side of the wall portion (212) and extends in the vertical direction. The cartridge-type refractory bulkhead (300) includes an insertion groove (360) provided at least at one end and arranged to be fitted into the insertion guide projection (213d) along the vertical direction.

[0097] More specifically, the cartridge-type fireproof partition (300C) may have a first projection (330a) on its upper surface and a second projection (330b) on its lower surface, as shown in FIG. 12, and may have an insertion groove (360) formed continuously in the vertical direction on its left and right ends.

[0098] In the cartridge-type fireproof partition (300C) according to this fifth embodiment, the first projection (330a) is inserted into the first coupling groove (230a) of the pack cover (220), the second projection (330b) is inserted into the second coupling groove (230b) of the pack tray (210), and the insertion groove (360) of the right end of the left end can be inserted into the insertion guide projection (213d) formed in the outer wall (212a) and the cross beam (212b).

[0099] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing the assembly structure between a cartridge-type fireproof partition (300D) and a pack case (200) according to the 6th embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] Reference numbers identical to those in previous drawings indicate identical components. Duplicate descriptions of identical components will be omitted, and the explanation will focus on the differences from the previously described embodiments.

[0101] The partition assembly (213) according to the sixth embodiment includes an insertion guide groove (213c) that is formed by being recessed on the side of the wall portion (212) and extends in the vertical direction, as in the fourth embodiment described above.

[0102] The cartridge-type fireproof partition (300D) according to the sixth embodiment includes, as in the second embodiment described above, a plurality of first protrusions (330a) provided at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction (Y-direction) of the upper surface of the cartridge-type fireproof partition (300), and a gas venting passage (340), which is an empty space formed between adjacent first protrusions (330a). Additionally, the cartridge-type fireproof partition (300D) according to the sixth embodiment further includes, as in the fourth embodiment described above, an insertion protrusion (350) provided to be fitted along the vertical direction into an insertion guide groove (213c) provided in the wall portion (212) at the left end and right end, respectively.

[0103] As described above, according to the present invention, a battery pack (10) can be provided that can suppress or delay the propagation of thermal energy to adjacent battery modules (100) in the event of a fire in a battery module (100). Furthermore, according to the present invention, by using a cartridge-type fireproof partition (300) that can be assembled and disassembled inside a pack case (200), the internal space of the pack case (200) can be utilized more efficiently, and maintenance and repair are easy.

[0104] Next, an automobile according to the present invention will be briefly described with reference to FIG. 15.

[0105] FIG. 15 is a schematic drawing illustrating a vehicle including a battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] The automobile (1) according to the present invention may be configured to include the battery pack (10), ECU (Electronic Control Unit, 20), inverter (30), and motor (40) described above according to one embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the automobile (1) may be an electric vehicle.

[0107] The battery pack (10) can be used as an electric energy source to drive the vehicle (1) by providing driving force to the motor (40). The battery pack (10) can be charged or discharged by an inverter (30) depending on the operation of the motor (40) and / or an internal combustion engine (not shown). The battery pack (10) can be charged by a regenerative charging device combined with a brake. The battery pack (10) can be electrically connected to the motor (40) of the vehicle (1) through the inverter (30).

[0108] The ECU (20) is an electronic control device that controls the state of the vehicle (1). For example, it determines torque information based on information such as the accelerator, brake, and speed, and controls the output of the motor (40) to match the torque information. In addition, the ECU (20) sends a control signal to the inverter (30) so that the battery pack (10) can be charged or discharged based on state information such as SOC and SOH of the battery pack (10) received from the BMS. The inverter (30) causes the battery pack (10) to be charged or discharged based on the control signal from the ECU (20). The motor (40) drives the vehicle (1) using the electrical energy of the battery pack (10) based on the control information (e.g., torque information) transmitted from the ECU (20).

[0109] Although the present invention has been described above by 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 spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims described below by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs.

[0110] In addition, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, and right have been used in this specification, these terms are used merely for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that they may vary depending on the location of the object or the position of the observer.

Claims

1. Multiple battery modules; A pack case comprising a pack tray having an internal space capable of accommodating the plurality of battery modules and a wall portion surrounding the internal space, and a pack cover covering the upper portion of the pack tray; and A battery pack characterized by including a cartridge-type fireproof partition that partitions the internal space and is disposed between the battery modules, and is configured to be assembled and disassembled with one of the pack tray and the pack cover.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above cartridge-type refractory partition is, It includes a connecting projection at least on one of its upper and lower surfaces, and A battery pack characterized in that at least one of the pack tray and the pack cover has a coupling groove provided to be insertably coupled with the coupling projection.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above cartridge-type fireproof partition is a battery pack characterized by including an air layer inside.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above cartridge-type refractory partition is, A rigid rim member provided in the form of a frame with a hollow center; and A battery pack characterized by including a fire-resistant member made of a fire-resistant material and coupled to one side and the other side of the rigid frame member so as to form the air layer.

5. In Paragraph 4, A battery pack characterized in that the above-mentioned rigid rim member is made of at least one material selected from steel, reinforced ceramic, and titanium.

6. In Paragraph 4, A battery pack characterized in that the above-mentioned refractory member is made of at least one material selected from polyvinyl chloride, silicone, mica, and aerogel.

7. In Paragraph 2, The above connecting projection is, It includes a first projection protruding upward from the upper surface of the cartridge-type fireproof partition, and The above coupling groove is, A battery pack characterized by including a first coupling groove formed by recessing on the inner surface of the pack cover so that at least a portion of the first projection is forcibly fitted.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above cartridge-type refractory partition is, A battery pack characterized by including a plurality of first protrusions provided at predetermined intervals along the length direction of the upper surface of the cartridge-type fireproof partition, and a venting gas passage portion which is an empty space formed between the first protrusions adjacent to each other.

9. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized by the above wall portion including a partition assembly provided to allow the cartridge-type fireproof partition to be slidably coupled along the vertical direction.

10. In Paragraph 9, The above bulkhead assembly is, It includes a pair of guide blocks that protrude from the side of the above wall portion, extend in the vertical direction, and are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. A battery pack characterized in that the cartridge-type fireproof partition is provided at least at one end and further includes an insertion projection arranged to be fitted along the vertical direction between the pair of guide blocks.

11. In Paragraph 9, The above bulkhead assembly is, It includes an insertion guide groove formed by being recessed to a predetermined depth on the side of the above wall portion and extending in the vertical direction, A battery pack characterized in that the cartridge-type fireproof partition further includes an insertion projection provided at least at one end and arranged to be fitted into the insertion guide groove along the vertical direction.

12. In Paragraph 9, The above bulkhead assembly is, It includes an insertion guide projection formed protruding from the side of the above wall portion and extending in the vertical direction, A battery pack characterized in that the cartridge-type fireproof partition is provided at least at one end and includes an insertion groove arranged to be fitted along the vertical direction of the insertion guide projection.

13. In Paragraph 1, The above wall section is, An outer wall positioned along the outer edge of the above-mentioned pack tray; and A battery pack characterized by including a cross beam disposed inside the pack tray and having both ends connected to the outer wall.

14. In Paragraph 1, The above cartridge-type refractory partition is, A battery pack characterized by having its top and bottom ends respectively fitted and fixed to the pack cover and pack tray to a predetermined depth, and its left and right ends fitted and fixed to the wall portion.

15. An automobile characterized by including a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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