Battery pack

Abstract

The technical idea of the present invention relates to a battery pack comprising: multiple cell assemblies each including multiple battery cells; a pack housing providing multiple accommodation spaces for accommodating the multiple cell assemblies; a partition frame disposed between the multiple cell assemblies and including a venting channel; multiple damping structures disposed in the venting channel of the partition frame; a top cover covering the multiple accommodation spaces of the pack housing; and a pack lid covering the top cover and spaced apart from the top cover with a venting space interposed therebetween, wherein the multiple accommodation spaces of the pack housing communicate with the venting space through the venting channel of the partition frame.

Description

battery pack

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack. The application claims the benefit of Korean application No. 10-2024-0163082, filed on November 15, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. Secondary batteries are widely used as energy sources for various wireless devices such as handsets, laptops, and cordless vacuum cleaners. Recently, as the manufacturing cost per unit capacity of secondary batteries has decreased dramatically due to improved energy density and economies of scale, and as the driving range of BEVs (battery electric vehicles) has increased to a level equivalent to that of fuel vehicles, the primary use of secondary batteries is shifting from mobile devices to mobility.

[0003] As rechargeable batteries are increasingly used in mobility, demands for their safety are rising. Given that accidents such as fires involving rechargeable batteries in mobility applications can endanger the lives of drivers, research into technologies to enhance battery safety is indispensable.

[0004] The problem that the technical concept of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a battery pack.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned problem, the technical concept of the present invention comprises: a plurality of cell assemblies each including a plurality of battery cells; a pack housing providing a plurality of receiving spaces for accommodating the plurality of cell assemblies; a separating frame disposed between the plurality of cell assemblies and including a venting channel; a plurality of damping structures disposed within the venting channel of the separating frame; a top cover covering the plurality of receiving spaces of the pack housing; and a pack lid covering the top cover and spaced apart from the top cover with the venting space in between; wherein the plurality of receiving spaces of the pack housing communicate with the venting spaces through the venting channel of the separating frame.

[0006] In exemplary embodiments, the separation frame comprises: a first outer wall facing one of the plurality of cell assemblies; and a second outer wall facing the other of the plurality of cell assemblies and spaced apart from the first outer wall with the venting channel in between; and the plurality of damping structures comprises a first damping structure connected to the first outer wall of the separation frame and a second damping structure connected to the second outer wall of the separation frame.

[0007] In exemplary embodiments, the first damping structure is characterized by extending upwardly at an angle from one end connected to the first outer wall of the separation frame to the other end, and the second damping structure is characterized by extending upwardly at an angle from one end connected to the second outer wall of the separation frame to the other end.

[0008] In exemplary embodiments, the top cover includes a communication hole that communicates the venting channel of the separation frame to the venting space, and the top cover is positioned on the separation frame such that the communication hole of the top cover overlaps the outlet of the venting channel of the separation frame.

[0009] In exemplary embodiments, one of the plurality of inlets of the venting channel of the separation frame is characterized by facing the side of a corresponding cell assembly among the plurality of cell assemblies.

[0010] In exemplary embodiments, any one of the plurality of cell assemblies further comprises a cell housing that accommodates the plurality of battery cells and has a venting hole on the side facing the separation frame.

[0011] The venting hole of the cell housing is characterized by facing one of the plurality of inlets of the venting channel of the separation frame.

[0012] In exemplary embodiments, the pack housing comprises a base frame that supports the plurality of cell assemblies, and the base frame comprises a connecting channel that connects at least one of the plurality of receiving spaces to the venting channel of the separation frame.

[0013] In exemplary embodiments, the inlet of the connection channel is characterized by facing the bottom of a corresponding cell assembly among the plurality of cell assemblies.

[0014] In exemplary embodiments, any one of the plurality of cell assemblies further comprises a cell housing that accommodates the plurality of battery cells and has a venting hole in the bottom facing the base frame; wherein the venting hole of the cell housing communicates with the connection channel.

[0015] In exemplary embodiments, the venting channel of the separation frame comprises a plurality of sub-channels separated from one another, and each of the plurality of sub-channels communicates with a corresponding receiving space among the plurality of receiving spaces of the pack housing.

[0016] In exemplary embodiments, the top cover is characterized by comprising metal.

[0017] In exemplary embodiments, the top cover is characterized by comprising at least one of a heat-resistant material and a refractory material.

[0018] In exemplary embodiments, the pack housing further comprises a venting device mounted thereon, the pack housing further comprises an internal channel communicating with the venting space, and the venting device is configured to discharge gas from the internal channel of the pack housing to the outside.

[0019] To solve the above-mentioned problem, the technical concept of the present invention comprises a pack frame having a plurality of cell assemblies mounted thereon, comprising: a pack housing providing a plurality of receiving spaces; a separation frame coupled to the pack housing to separate the plurality of receiving spaces of the pack housing from one another and including a venting channel; a plurality of damping structures disposed within the venting channel of the separation frame; a top cover covering the plurality of receiving spaces of the pack housing; and a pack lid covering the top cover and spaced apart from the top cover with a venting space in between; wherein the top cover includes a communication hole superimposed on the outlet of the venting channel of the separation frame, and the plurality of receiving spaces of the pack housing communicate with the venting spaces through the venting channel of the separation frame and the communication hole of the top cover.

[0020] In exemplary embodiments, the venting channel of the separation frame comprises a plurality of sub-channels separated from one another, and each of the plurality of sub-channels communicates with a corresponding receiving space among the plurality of receiving spaces of the pack housing.

[0021] According to the battery pack of exemplary embodiments, high-temperature gas generated from a cell assembly where a thermal event has occurred can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack through a path including a venting channel provided by a separation frame. As the high-temperature gas generated from the cell assembly where a thermal event has occurred flows along the venting channel of the separation frame, the thermal energy of the high-temperature gas can be reduced and flame discharge can be deposited within the separation frame, thereby preventing and suppressing heat transfer between cell assemblies.

[0022] According to exemplary embodiments, a battery pack may include a top cover that separates the receiving spaces containing a plurality of cell assemblies from the path through which high-temperature gas generated from a cell assembly where a thermal event has occurred is discharged. Since the high-temperature gas generated from a cell assembly where a thermal event has occurred is discharged to the outside of the battery pack, the flow of the high-temperature gas to a normal cell assembly can be blocked, thereby preventing and suppressing heat transfer between cell assemblies.

[0023] The effects obtainable from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure belong from the following description. That is, unintended effects resulting from the implementation of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a separation frame according to exemplary embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the pack lead and top cover removed in a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the pack lead removed in a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a separation frame according to exemplary embodiments.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an electric vehicle equipped with a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0031] 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. Instead, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best describe his invention, they should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0032] Therefore, 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; thus, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035]

[0036] (1st embodiment)

[0037] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery pack (10) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a separation frame (130) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the battery pack (10) according to exemplary embodiments with the pack lid (160) and top cover (150) removed. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the battery pack (10) according to exemplary embodiments with the pack lid (160) removed.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the battery pack (10) may include a pack frame (100) and a plurality of cell assemblies (200) mounted on the pack frame (100).

[0039] Each of the plurality of cell assemblies (200) may include a plurality of battery cells (210) and a cell housing (230).

[0040] Each individual battery cell (210) may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a cell case. The electrode assembly embedded in the cell case may include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive and negative electrodes. Depending on the assembly form, the electrode assembly may be either a jelly-roll type or a stack type. A jelly-roll type electrode assembly may include a wound structure of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between them. A stack type electrode assembly may include a plurality of positive electrodes, a plurality of negative electrodes, and a plurality of separators interposed between them, which are stacked sequentially. The positive electrode may include a positive current collector and a positive active material. The negative electrode may include a negative current collector and a negative active material.

[0041] The individual battery cells (210) may correspond to pouch-type battery cells, cylindrical battery cells, or prismatic battery cells. The electrode assembly of a pouch-type battery cell is embedded in a pouch case containing an aluminum laminate sheet. The electrode assembly of a cylindrical battery cell is embedded in a cylindrical metal can. The electrode assembly of a prismatic battery cell is embedded in a prismatic metal can.

[0042] A plurality of battery cells (210) provided in a cell assembly (200) may be connected in series and / or in parallel. For example, a plurality of battery cells (210) may be connected in series with each other. For example, a plurality of battery cells (210) may be connected in parallel with each other. For example, when a set of two or more battery cells (210) connected in parallel is defined as a bank, one bank consisting of two or more battery cells (210) connected in parallel with each other and another bank consisting of two or more battery cells (210) connected in parallel with each other may be connected in series.

[0043] In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of battery cells (210) provided in a cell assembly (200) may be arranged in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction), and individual battery cells (210) may be extended in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). An electrode lead (211) may be provided on at least one of the two sides along the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) of an individual battery cell (210). The electrode leads (211) of adjacent battery cells (210) among the plurality of battery cells (210) may be electrically and physically connected to each other.

[0044] Each cell assembly (200) may include a busbar frame (221) and a plurality of busbars (223) mounted on the busbar frame (221). The busbar frame (221) may be connected to at least one of the two sides along a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) of the plurality of battery cells (210). The busbar frame (221) may include slits into which electrode leads (211) of the plurality of battery cells (210) are inserted. Each of the busbars (223) may be coupled to at least one of the electrode leads (211) of the plurality of battery cells (210). For example, at least one of the busbars (223) may be coupled to the electrode leads (211) of neighboring battery cells (210) to electrically connect the neighboring battery cells (210).

[0045] The cell housing (230) can accommodate a plurality of battery cells (210). The cell housing (230) may include a bottom plate that supports the plurality of battery cells (210) and faces the bottom surfaces of the plurality of battery cells (210), a side plate coupled to the perimeter of the bottom plate to surround the plurality of battery cells (210), and a top plate coupled to the side plate to cover the plurality of battery cells (210).

[0046] The cell housing (230) may include a venting hole (241) for discharging high-temperature gas generated from the battery cell (210) in a specific direction. In exemplary embodiments, the cell assembly (200) may have a side venting structure for discharging high-temperature gas generated from the battery cell (210) laterally, and in the cell assembly (200) with the side venting structure, the cell housing (230) may have a venting hole (241) on the side. In exemplary embodiments, the cell assembly (200) may have a downward venting structure for discharging high-temperature gas generated from the battery cell (210) downward, and in the cell assembly (200) with the downward venting structure, the cell housing (230) may have a venting hole (241) on the bottom.

[0047] The pack frame (100) may include a pack housing (110), a separation frame (130), a plurality of damping structures (140), a top cover (150), a pack lid (160), and a venting device (170).

[0048] The pack housing (110) may provide a plurality of receiving spaces (191) for accommodating a plurality of cell assemblies (200). Each of the plurality of cell assemblies (200) may be accommodated in one of the corresponding receiving spaces (191) of the pack housing (110). The pack housing (110) may include a base frame (111) and a side frame (112).

[0049] A base frame (111) can support a plurality of cell assemblies (200). The base frame (111) may have a flat plate shape extending approximately in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of cell assemblies (200) may be arranged on the base frame (111) in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction).

[0050] The side frame (112) can be attached to the base frame (111). The side frame (112) can be extended along the perimeter of the base frame (111). It can be extended along the perimeter of the base frame (111) to surround a plurality of cell assemblies (200). When viewed in a plane, the side frame (112) can have the shape of a square ring that is continuously extended along the perimeter of the base frame (111).

[0051] The venting device (170) may be mounted on the pack housing (110). The venting device (170) may be mounted on the base frame (111) or the side frame (112). The venting device (170) may be configured to allow or block gas discharge depending on the level of gas pressure applied to the venting device (170). In exemplary embodiments, the venting device (170) may include a rupture disk, a relief valve, or a combination thereof.

[0052] In exemplary embodiments, the venting device (170) may be mounted on the side frame (112) and configured to allow or block gas discharge depending on the level of gas pressure within the internal channel (119) of the side frame (112). The venting device (170) may include a valve body configured to open or close the internal passage, having an internal passage extending between an inlet facing the internal channel (119) of the side frame (112) and an outlet exposed to the outside of the battery pack (10). In exemplary embodiments, the venting device (170) may be a relief valve having an internal passage communicating with the internal channel (119) of the side frame (112). When the gas pressure within the internal channel (119) of the side frame (112) is below a reference pressure, the venting device (170) may close the internal passage to block gas flow through the venting device (170). When the pressure of the gas within the internal channel (119) of the side frame (112) exceeds the reference pressure, the venting device (170) can open the internal passage to release the gas within the internal channel (119) of the side frame (112) to the outside of the battery pack (10). When the pressure of the gas within the internal channel (119) of the side frame (112) is reduced to below the reference pressure through the gas discharge of the venting device (170), the venting device (170) can close the internal passage to block the flow of gas through the venting device (170).

[0053] The separation frame (130) can be coupled to the base frame (111). The separation frame (130) can separate or partition a plurality of receiving spaces (191) of the pack housing (110). The separation frame (130) may include a portion extending in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) on the base frame (111) and a portion extending in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) on the base frame (111). The separation frame (130) may be placed between a plurality of cell assemblies (200). The plurality of cell assemblies (200) may be spaced apart from each other in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) and / or a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) with the separation frame (130) in between. Among the plurality of cell assemblies (200), two cell assemblies (200) adjacent in the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) may be spaced apart with a separation frame (130) in between. Among the plurality of cell assemblies (200), two cell assemblies (200) adjacent in the first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) may be spaced apart with a separation frame (130) in between.

[0054] The top cover (150) can cover a plurality of cell assemblies (200). The top cover (150) may have a flat plate shape extending in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). The top cover (150) may be coupled to a separation frame (130). For example, the top cover (150) may be seated on the upper surface of the separation frame (130) and may be fastened to the separation frame (130) by a fastening member such as a bolt.

[0055] In exemplary embodiments, the top cover (150) may include a heat-resistant material, a fire-resistant material and / or an insulating material. In exemplary embodiments, the top cover (150) may include at least one of a high-heat-resistant resin, glass fiber, fiber reinforced plastic, compressed fiber, and fiber fire-resistant insulating material.

[0056] In exemplary embodiments, the top cover (150) may comprise a metal with a high melting point. In exemplary embodiments, the top cover (150) may comprise at least one of aluminum, steel, and stainless steel.

[0057] In exemplary embodiments, the top cover (150) may have a multilayer structure. For example, the top cover (150) may have a multilayer structure comprising a first layer comprising a heat-resistant material, a fire-resistant material and / or an insulating material, and a second layer comprising a metal.

[0058] The pack lid (160) can be coupled to the pack housing (110) to cover a plurality of cell assemblies (200) and a top cover (150). The pack lid (160) can be fastened to the top of the side frame (112). The pack lid (160) may have a flat plate shape extending in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction).

[0059] The pack lid (160) may be spaced vertically (e.g., in the Z-axis direction) from the top cover (150), and a venting space (195) may be provided between the pack lid (160) and the top cover (150). The venting space (195) may be part of the internal space of the pack frame (100). The venting space (195) may communicate with an internal channel (119) provided within the side frame (112). The top cover (150) may cover a plurality of receiving spaces (191) of the pack housing (110) and may separate the plurality of receiving spaces (191) of the pack housing (110) from the venting space (195). The top cover (150) may block the direct flow of gas between the venting space (195) and the plurality of receiving spaces (191) of the pack housing (110).

[0060] The separation frame (130) may include a venting channel (131) for communicating a plurality of receiving spaces (191) of the pack housing (110) with a venting space (195) provided between the top cover (150) and the pack lid (160). The venting channel (131) may include a plurality of inlets (132a, 132b) communicating with the plurality of receiving spaces (191) of the pack housing (110) and an outlet (133) communicating with the venting space (195). When viewed in cross-section, the venting channel (131) may extend in a vertical direction (e.g., in the Z-axis direction), and the plurality of inlets (132a, 132b) of the venting channel (131) may be located at the bottom of the venting channel (131), and the outlet (133) of the venting channel (131) may be located at the top of the venting channel (131). A plurality of inlets (132a, 132b) of the venting channel (131) may each face the side of a corresponding cell assembly (200) among a plurality of cell assemblies (200). An outlet (133) of the venting channel (131) may be provided on the upper surface of the separation frame (130). When high-temperature gas is generated in the cell assemblies (200), the high-temperature gas is introduced into the venting channel (131) through the plurality of inlets (132a, 132b) of the venting channel (131) and may flow upward within the venting channel (131) from the plurality of inlets (132a, 132b) of the venting channel (131) to the outlet (133) of the venting channel (131).

[0061] The separation frame (130) may include a first outer wall (134) and a second outer wall (135) that define a venting channel (131). The first outer wall (134) may face one of the plurality of cell assemblies (200), and the second outer wall (135) may face the other of the plurality of cell assemblies (200). The first outer wall (134) and the second outer wall (135) may each extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) and a vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction), and the first outer wall (134) and the second outer wall (135) may be spaced apart in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). The venting channel (131) of the separation frame (130) may include an inlet (132a) provided in the first outer wall (134) and an inlet (132b) provided in the second outer wall (135).

[0062] In exemplary embodiments, the separation frame (130) may further include an internal partition (136) provided within the venting channel (131). The internal partition (136) may be positioned at the bottom of the separation frame (130) and may be located between the first outer wall (134) and the second outer wall (135). The internal partition (136) may extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction). The internal partition (136) may be positioned in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) between the inlet (132a) of the venting channel (131) provided in the first outer wall (134) and the inlet (132b) of the venting channel (131) provided in the second outer wall (135). The inner partition (136) can block gas flowing through the inlet (132a) of the venting channel (131) provided in the first outer wall (134) from flowing to the inlet (132b) of the venting channel (131) provided in the second outer wall (135), and can block gas flowing through the inlet (132b) of the venting channel (131) provided in the second outer wall (135) from flowing to the inlet (132a) of the venting channel (131) provided in the first outer wall (134).

[0063] A plurality of damping structures (140) may be disposed within the venting channel (131) of the separation frame (130). A plurality of damping structures (140) may be connected to the first outer wall (134) and / or the second outer wall (135). A plurality of damping structures (140) may be disposed within the venting channel (131) of the separation frame (130) to form a zigzag or meandering gas flow path within the venting channel (131). Since a plurality of damping structures (140) acting as resistors to the gas flow are disposed within the venting channel (131), the thermal energy of the high-temperature gas may be reduced as the high-temperature gas flows along the venting channel (131). Additionally, sparks generated by the ignition of the battery cell (210) may be removed within the separation frame (130), and flame discharge may be deposited within the separation frame (130). Accordingly, sparks or flames are discharged to the venting space (195) or outside the battery pack (10), thereby preventing and suppressing chain ignition from occurring inside and outside the battery pack (10).

[0064] A plurality of damping structures (140) may include at least one first damping structure (141) connected to a first outer wall (134) and at least one second damping structure (142) connected to a second outer wall (135). The plurality of damping structures (140) may be arranged in a vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction), and the first damping structure (141) and the second damping structure (142) may be arranged alternately in a vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction). The first damping structure (141) may be extended upwardly at an angle from one end connected to the first outer wall (134) of the separation frame (130) to the other end, and the second damping structure (142) may be extended upwardly at an angle from one end connected to the second outer wall (135) of the separation frame (130) to the other end. A groove (139) in which discharge (DM) can be deposited can be formed between the first damping structure (141) and the first outer wall (134), and a groove (139) in which discharge (DM) can be deposited can be formed between the second damping structure (142) and the second outer wall (135).

[0065] The top cover (150) may include a communication hole (151) that communicates the venting channel (131) of the separation frame (130) to the venting space (195). The top cover (150) may be placed on the separation frame (130) such that the communication hole (151) overlaps and communicates with the outlet (133) of the venting channel (131). The communication hole (151) of the top cover (150) is a through hole that penetrates the top cover (150) in a vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) and may overlap with the outlet (133) of the venting channel (131) in a vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction).

[0066] In exemplary embodiments, the cell housing (230) may include a venting hole (241) provided on the side facing the separation frame (130). When ignition of the battery cell (210) occurs within the cell housing (230), the high-temperature gas generated from the battery cell (210) may be discharged to the outside of the cell assembly (200) through the venting hole (241) of the cell housing (230).

[0067] In exemplary embodiments, a venting hole (241) provided on the side of the cell housing (230) may face one of the inlets (132a, 132b) of the venting channel (131) of the separation frame (130). For example, the venting hole (241) of the cell housing (230) may be aligned in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) to a corresponding one of the inlets (132a, 132b) of the venting channel (131) of the separation frame (130). When the venting hole (241) of the cell housing (230) faces one of the inlets (132a, 132b) of the venting channel (131), a significant amount of high-temperature gas discharged through the venting hole (241) of the cell housing (230) may be rapidly introduced into the venting channel (131).

[0068] When a thermal event, such as the ignition of a battery cell (210), occurs in any one of the multiple cell assemblies (200), high-temperature gas is discharged from the cell assembly (200) where the thermal event occurred. The high-temperature gas discharged from the cell assembly (200) where the thermal event occurred can reach the venting device (170) by passing through the venting channel (131) of the separation frame (130), the venting space (195), and the internal channel (119) of the side frame (112) in sequence, and can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack (10) through the venting device (170). More specifically, high-temperature gas emitted from a cell assembly (200) where a thermal event occurred can reach a venting device (170) through a path (A1) leading to the venting hole (241) of the cell housing (230) and the inlet of the venting channel (131), a winding path (A2) provided within the venting channel (131), a path (A3) passing through the outlet (133) of the venting channel (131) and the communication hole (151) of the top cover (150) in sequence, and a path (A4) flowing from the venting space (195) through the hole of the side frame (112) to the internal channel (119) of the side frame (112), and can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack (10) through the venting device (170). Since the top cover (150) covers the plurality of receiving spaces (191) of the pack housing (110), it is possible to block the gas flow from the venting space (195) toward the plurality of receiving spaces (191) in which the plurality of cell assemblies (200) are received.

[0069] According to the battery pack (10) according to exemplary embodiments, high-temperature gas generated from a cell assembly (200) where a thermal event occurred can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack (10) through a path including a venting channel (131) provided by a separation frame (130). As the high-temperature gas generated from the cell assembly (200) where a thermal event occurred flows along the venting channel (131) of the separation frame (130), the thermal energy of the high-temperature gas can be reduced and flame discharge can be deposited within the separation frame (130), thereby preventing and suppressing heat transfer between cell assemblies (200).

[0070] According to exemplary embodiments, the battery pack (10) may include a top cover (150) that separates the receiving spaces (191) in which a plurality of cell assemblies (200) are accommodated from the path through which high-temperature gas generated from the cell assembly (200) where a thermal event occurred is discharged. In the process of the high-temperature gas generated from the cell assembly (200) where a thermal event occurred being discharged to the outside of the battery pack (10), the flow of the high-temperature gas to the normal cell assembly (200) can be blocked, thereby preventing and suppressing heat transfer between the cell assemblies (200).

[0071]

[0072] (2nd Example)

[0073] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a separation frame (130A) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 5 together with FIG. 1, the venting channel (131A) of the separation frame (130A) may include a plurality of sub-channels (1311, 1313) separated from one another. For example, an internal partition (136A) may be provided within the venting channel (131A) of the separation frame (130A), and the venting channel (131A) of the separation frame (130A) may be separated into a plurality of sub-channels (1311, 1313) by the internal partition (136A). Gas flow between the plurality of sub-channels (1311, 1313) may be blocked by the internal partition (136A). Each of the plurality of sub-channels (1311, 1313) may be connected to a corresponding receiving space (191) among the plurality of receiving spaces (191) of the pack housing (110).

[0075] A plurality of damping structures (140A) may be provided in each of the plurality of sub-channels (1311, 1313) of the separation frame (130A). The plurality of damping structures (140A) may include at least one damping structure (143) connected to the first outer wall (134), at least one damping structure (144) connected to the side of the inner partition (136A) facing the first outer wall (134), at least one damping structure (145) connected to the second outer wall (135), and at least one damping structure (146) connected to the side of the inner partition (136A) facing the second outer wall (135).

[0076] When a thermal event, such as the ignition of a battery cell (210), occurs in any one of the multiple cell assemblies (200), the high-temperature gas from the cell assembly (200) where the thermal event occurred can be discharged into the venting space (195) through one of the multiple sub-channels (1311, 1313) of the separation frame (130A). Since the multiple sub-channels (1311, 1313) of the separation frame (130A) are separated from each other, the high-temperature gas can be blocked from flowing to the normal cell assembly (200) through the venting channel (131A) of the separation frame (130A) during the process of discharging the high-temperature gas from the cell assembly (200) where the thermal event occurred through one of the multiple sub-channels (1311, 1313).

[0077]

[0078] (3rd Example)

[0079] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery pack (10A) according to exemplary embodiments. Hereinafter, the battery pack (10A) shown in FIG. 6 will be described with a focus on the differences from the battery pack (10) described with reference to FIG. 1 to 4.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 6, in the pack frame (100A) of the battery pack (10A), the base frame (111A) may include a connecting channel (118) that connects at least one of the plurality of receiving spaces (191) to the venting channel (131) of the separation frame (130A). The connecting channel (118) may include an inlet communicating with the plurality of receiving spaces (191) and an outlet communicating with the inlet of the venting channel (131).

[0081] In exemplary embodiments, the inlet of the connection channel (118) may face the bottom of the cell assembly (200A). The cell housing (230) may include a venting hole (243) provided on the bottom facing the base frame (111A). The venting hole (243) of the cell housing (230) may communicate with the inlet of the connection channel (118) and may be aligned vertically (e.g., in the Z-axis direction) to the inlet of the connection channel (118).

[0082] High-temperature gas emitted from a cell assembly (200A) in which a thermal event occurred can reach a venting device (170) by passing through the connection channel (118) of the base frame (111A), the venting channel (131) of the separation frame (130A), the venting space (195), and the internal channel (119) of the side frame (112) in sequence, and can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack (10A) through the venting device (170). More specifically, high-temperature gas emitted from a cell assembly (200A) in which a thermal event occurred can reach a venting device (170) through a path (A1') that passes sequentially through a venting hole (243) of a cell housing (230) and a connecting channel (118) of a base frame (111A), a winding path (A2) provided within a venting channel (131), a path (A3) that passes sequentially through an outlet (133) of a venting channel (131) and a communication hole (151) of a top cover (150), and a path (A4) that flows from a venting space (195) through a hole of a side frame (112) to an internal channel (119) of a side frame (112), and can be discharged to the outside of a battery pack (10A) through the venting device (170).

[0083] In exemplary embodiments, the base frame (111A) may include a plurality of connection channels (118). Each of the plurality of connection channels (118) may communicate a corresponding receiving space (191) among a plurality of receiving spaces (191) to a venting channel (131) of the separation frame (130A). Alternatively, each of the plurality of connection channels (118) may communicate to a venting hole (243) of a cell housing (230) of a corresponding cell assembly (200A) among a plurality of cell assemblies (200A), and may transmit gas generated from the corresponding cell assembly (200A) to the venting channel (131) of the separation frame (130A).

[0084] In exemplary embodiments, the venting channel (131) of the separation frame (130A) may include a plurality of sub-channels (1311, 1313) separated from each other. Each of the plurality of sub-channels (1311, 1313) may communicate with a corresponding connection channel (118) among a plurality of connection channels (118).

[0085]

[0086] (Fourth Example)

[0087] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an electric vehicle (1000) equipped with a battery pack (1100) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0088] In FIG. 7, for the sake of simplicity, only the vehicle frame (1200) forming the lower frame of the vehicle, the battery pack (1100) mounted on the vehicle frame (1200), and the driving wheels are shown. The battery pack (1100) may correspond to any one of the battery packs (10, 10A) described above. According to exemplary embodiments, when a thermal event such as ignition and / or thermal runaway of a battery cell occurs in the battery pack (1100), the heat transfer between cell assemblies within the battery pack (1100) can be suppressed and delayed, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the electric vehicle (1000) including the battery pack (1100).

[0089]

[0090] The present invention has been described in more detail above through drawings and embodiments. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments described in this specification are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all technical concepts of the present invention; therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

Claims

1. Multiple cell assemblies, each comprising multiple battery cells; A pack housing providing a plurality of receiving spaces for accommodating the plurality of cell assemblies; A separation frame disposed between the plurality of cell assemblies and including a venting channel; A plurality of damping structures disposed within the venting channel of the above-mentioned separation frame; A top cover covering the plurality of receiving spaces of the above-mentioned pack housing; and A pack lid covering the top cover and spaced apart from the top cover with a venting space in between; Includes, A battery pack characterized in that the plurality of receiving spaces of the pack housing communicate with the venting spaces through the venting channels of the separation frame.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above separation frame is, A first outer wall facing any one of the plurality of cell assemblies; and A second outer wall facing the other of the plurality of cell assemblies and spaced apart from the first outer wall with the venting channel in between; Includes, A battery pack characterized in that the plurality of damping structures include a first damping structure connected to the first outer wall of the separation frame and a second damping structure connected to the second outer wall of the separation frame.

3. In Paragraph 2, The first damping structure is extended upwardly inclined from one end connected to the first outer wall of the separation frame to the other end, and A battery pack characterized in that the second damping structure is extended upwardly inclined from one end connected to the second outer wall of the separation frame to the other end.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above top cover includes a communication hole that connects the venting channel of the above separation frame to the venting space, and A battery pack characterized in that the top cover is positioned on the separation frame such that the communication hole of the top cover overlaps with the outlet of the venting channel of the separation frame.

5. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that one of the plurality of inlets of the venting channels of the separation frame faces the side of a corresponding cell assembly among the plurality of cell assemblies.

6. In Paragraph 5, One of the above plurality of cell assemblies is, A cell housing that accommodates the plurality of battery cells and has a venting hole on the side facing the separation frame; Includes more, A battery pack characterized in that the venting hole of the cell housing faces one of the plurality of inlets of the venting channel of the separation frame.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above pack housing includes a base frame that supports the plurality of cell assemblies, and A battery pack characterized in that the base frame includes a connection channel connecting at least one of the plurality of receiving spaces to the venting channel of the separation frame.

8. In Paragraph 7, A battery pack characterized in that the inlet of the above-mentioned connection channel faces the bottom of a corresponding cell assembly among the above-mentioned plurality of cell assemblies.

9. In Paragraph 7, One of the above plurality of cell assemblies is, A cell housing that accommodates the plurality of battery cells and has a venting hole in the bottom facing the base frame; Includes more, A battery pack characterized in that the venting hole of the cell housing communicates with the connection channel.

10. In Paragraph 1, The venting channel of the above-mentioned separation frame includes a plurality of sub-channels separated from each other, and A battery pack characterized in that each of the above plurality of sub-channels communicates with a corresponding receiving space among the above plurality of receiving spaces of the pack housing.

11. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the top cover includes metal.

12. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the top cover comprises at least one of a heat-resistant material and a fire-resistant material.

13. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a venting device mounted on the above pack housing, and The above pack housing further includes an internal channel communicating with the venting space, and A battery pack characterized by the above-described venting device being configured to discharge gas from the internal channel of the pack housing to the outside.

14. As a pack frame equipped with multiple cell assemblies, Pack housing providing multiple accommodation spaces; A separation frame including a venting channel, coupled to the pack housing to separate the plurality of receiving spaces of the pack housing from one another; A plurality of damping structures disposed within the venting channel of the above-mentioned separation frame; A top cover covering the plurality of receiving spaces of the above-mentioned pack housing; and A pack lid covering the top cover and spaced apart from the top cover with a venting space in between; Includes, The above top cover includes a communication hole superimposed on the outlet of the venting channel of the above separation frame, and A pack frame characterized in that the plurality of receiving spaces of the pack housing communicate with the venting spaces through the venting channel of the separation frame and the communication hole of the top cover.

15. In Paragraph 14, The venting channel of the above-mentioned separation frame includes a plurality of sub-channels separated from each other, and A pack frame characterized in that each of the above plurality of sub-channels communicates with a corresponding receiving space among the above plurality of receiving spaces of the pack housing.

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