Battery pack with gas ignition prevention

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery pack structure including: a pack frame; a connector block installed on the pack frame to be exposed upwardly; a module array including a plurality of battery modules arranged along the width direction on a first width direction side of the connector block; and blocking members arranged in the width direction together with the plurality of battery modules, and partitioning the module array into a plurality of unit module arrays each including one or more battery modules, wherein each of the blocking members includes a partition part interposed between any one pair of adjacent unit module arrays to partition same, and a pair of blocking parts extending from the partition part in the first width direction.

Description

Gas ignition-prevented battery pack

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0164436 filed November 18, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the document of said Korean patent application are incorporated herein as part of this specification.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery pack structure in which gas ignition during thermal runaway is prevented, wherein a module array comprising a plurality of battery modules is accommodated within a pack frame.

[0003] Secondary batteries, which offer high applicability across product lines and possess electrical characteristics such as high energy density, are widely applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electric driving sources.

[0004] These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for improving eco-friendliness and energy efficiency, as they not only have the primary advantage of being able to drastically reduce the use of fossil fuels but also the advantage of not generating any by-products from the use of energy.

[0005] Currently, widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium-polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of these unit secondary battery cells, or unit battery cells, is approximately 2.5V to 4.5V. Therefore, if a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series or / or parallel to form a battery module, and these are further connected in series and / or parallel to form a battery pack.

[0006] FIG. 1 shows the structure of a battery pack, and FIG. 2 shows the module array of the battery pack of FIG. 1. Referring to these drawings, the battery pack (P) has a structure in which a plurality of battery modules (2) are housed inside a pack frame (1) composed of an upper frame (11), a lower frame (12), and a gasket (13) that seals between the upper frame (11) and the lower frame (12). At this time, the plurality of battery modules (2) are installed so as to be exposed upward on the upper frame (11) and form an array arranged on both sides in the width direction based on a connector block (110) to which the battery modules (2) are electrically connected.

[0007] Meanwhile, if a thermal runaway occurs in any of the above-mentioned battery modules (2) due to a short circuit or the like, there is a risk of a chain reaction of thermal runaway occurring throughout the entire pack due to heat propagation between modules. To prevent this, a heat-resistant blocking member (31) is interposed between the above-mentioned battery modules (2) to prevent heat propagation between modules.

[0008] Nevertheless, if thermal runaway occurs in part or all of the battery module (2), a large amount of flammable gas and electrical sparks are generated. As shown in FIG. 2, the gas is discharged to the front and rear of the battery module (2) and propagates in the width direction through a narrow passage inside the front and rear side walls of the pack frame (1), and the sparks are generated from the terminal part (20) provided at the front end of the battery module (2) and the connector block (110).

[0009] At this time, when the high-temperature gas meets the spark generated on the connector block (110) side and external oxygen, the three elements of a flame are satisfied and ignition occurs. Similarly, when the gas melts the gasket (13) and is discharged to the front and rear of the pack frame (1), it meets the spark generated on the terminal part (20) and external oxygen, and ignition occurs. When a flame is generated by ignition in this way, the speed of thermal runaway becomes much faster compared to heat propagation by simple gas, and the risk of explosion also increases.

[0010] The present invention was conceived against the background of the prior art described above, and aims to provide a structure for a battery pack in which the risk of rapid thermal runaway and explosion caused by ignition is reduced.

[0011] The present invention aims to provide a battery pack structure in which gas is smoothly discharged and there is no risk of ignition, particularly in a battery pack structure in which a plurality of battery modules are arranged in a line or more with respect to each other and / or electrical connections such as connector blocks.

[0012] Another technical objective of the present invention is to provide a battery pack structure that prevents thermal runaway at the pack level from occurring in the first place by preventing heat propagation between modules.

[0013] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to the purposes mentioned above, and other unmentioned purposes and advantages of the present invention may be understood from the following description and will be more clearly understood by the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the purposes and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.

[0014] To solve the above problem, the present invention provides a structure of a battery pack comprising: a pack frame; a connector block installed on the pack frame so as to be exposed upward; a module array including a plurality of battery modules arranged along the width direction on a first width direction side of the connector block; and a blocking member arranged in the width direction together with the plurality of battery modules and dividing the module array into a plurality of unit module arrays, each comprising one or more battery modules.

[0015] Each of the blocking members according to the present invention is characterized by comprising a partitioning portion interposed between any pair of adjacent unit module arrays to partition the space between them, and a pair of blocking portions extending from the partitioning portion in the first width direction.

[0016] According to the present invention, the blocking member guides the gas discharged from the battery module so that it does not flow toward the connector block, while allowing the gas to be discharged from the front and rear of the pack frame without exposing a spark, thereby preventing the three elements of flame from being satisfied on the connector block side and / or the front and rear sides of the pack frame, and preventing the risk of rapid thermal runaway and explosion caused by ignition.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the pack frame may include: a connection portion on which the connector block is installed; a first receiving portion connected to the first width direction side of the connection portion; and a second receiving portion connected to the first width direction side of the connection portion. More specifically, the pack frame may have a shape in which the first receiving portion and the second receiving portion are approximately left-right symmetric or point-symmetric with respect to the connection portion.

[0018] At this time, the module array may include: a first module array accommodated in the first receiving portion and disposed on the first width direction side of the connector block; and a second module array accommodated in the second receiving portion and disposed on the second width direction side of the connector block. In other words, the plurality of battery modules according to one embodiment may be arranged to form approximate left-right symmetry or point symmetry with respect to the connector block.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the pack frame may include: an upper frame covering the upper side of the first module array and having the connector block installed thereon; and a lower frame covering the lower side of the first module array. In this case, the upper frame and the lower frame may face each other along a single closed curve and be sealed. According to the present embodiment, if a thermal runaway occurs in the battery module and gas is discharged inside the pack frame, the seal between the upper frame and the lower frame may be released due to the high temperature and pressure of the gas, and the gas may be discharged to the outside through the space between the upper frame and the lower frame.

[0020] Specifically, a gasket may be interposed and sealed between the upper frame and the lower frame. The gasket may be made of a thermoplastic synthetic resin material and may melt due to the high temperature of the gas; in this case, as described above, the gas may be discharged horizontally outward through the space between the upper frame and the lower frame.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the battery module may include a terminal portion exposed at least at one end of the front and rear portions intersecting the width direction. When the terminal portion is installed at the front and / or rear portions of the battery module as described above, it is easy to electrically connect the battery modules arranged in the width direction to each other. However, since the portion where the terminal portion is provided is inevitably a portion prone to the discharge of gas generated inside the battery module, in this case, if gas is generated due to thermal runaway in the battery module, the gas is discharged to the front and / or rear of the battery module.

[0022] According to one embodiment, each of the unit module arrays, excluding the one closest to the connector block, may include as many or more battery modules as other unit module arrays adjacent to it in the second width direction. That is, when the unit module array includes the nth unit module array (n is 1 or more) from the first unit module array, the number of battery modules constituting any m+1th unit module array (m is 1 or more) among them is equal to or greater than the number of battery modules constituting the mth unit module array. This is because the risk of thermal runaway and the risk of heat propagation to other modules are lower for modules that are farther from the connector block.

[0023] Of course, alternatively, the number of battery modules included in each of the unit module arrays, excluding the one closest to the connector block, may be configured to be the same. In this case, the length of the blocking member can be formed to be the same regardless of which unit module array the blocking member is positioned to surround, which is advantageous in terms of component commonality.

[0024] According to one embodiment, it is preferable that the blocking member be positioned to avoid the front and rear of the first unit module array closest to the connector block among the plurality of unit module arrays. If the front and rear of the first unit module array are blocked by the blocking member, there is a risk that gas discharged from the first unit module array in the front and rear directions may be guided upward or in the second width direction and flow toward the connector block. In actual experiments, it was confirmed that the risk of ignition and the rate of thermal runaway progression are significantly lower when the gas generated from the first unit module array is discharged toward the front and rear of the pack frame compared to when it is discharged toward the connector block.

[0025] According to one embodiment, it is preferable that the plurality of blocking members be spaced apart from each other in the width direction by a predetermined distance or more. Accordingly, gas discharged from each of the unit module arrays and induced to flow in the first width direction can be discharged to the front and rear sides of the pack frame through the space between the blocking members arranged at appropriate intervals. In this way, if the gas is not properly discharged in the horizontal direction, there is a risk that the gas will be discharged upward and flow in a random direction, including the direction of the connector block and other unwanted directions.

[0026] It is preferable that the above pair of blocking members be spaced apart from the battery module by a predetermined distance in the front and rear directions. Accordingly, a passage is provided through which gas discharged from the battery module in the front and rear directions can flow in the first width direction, and this passage can serve to prevent the gas from flowing in unintended directions, such as upward.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the front-rear spacing between the pair of blocking members may gradually increase as the blocking member moves further away from the connector block. Accordingly, the gas discharged from the battery module can be guided to flow more smoothly in the first width direction without generating vortices.

[0028] The present invention also provides a vehicle comprising the battery pack. The battery pack may be embedded in the vehicle as a power source. The vehicle may include an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, etc.

[0029] The present invention can provide a structure for a battery pack in which the risk of rapid thermal runaway and explosion caused by ignition is reduced by preventing the three elements of flame from being satisfied in the connector block portion and / or the sealing portion of the pack frame by the blocking member.

[0030] The present invention can provide a battery pack structure in which gas is smoothly discharged and there is no risk of ignition, particularly in a battery pack structure in which a plurality of battery modules are arranged in a line or more with respect to each other and / or electrical connections such as connector blocks.

[0031] Another advantage of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention is that it can prevent heat propagation between modules, thereby preventing thermal runaway at the pack level from occurring in the first place.

[0032] In addition to the above, the present invention may have various other effects, which are described in each embodiment, or effects that can be easily inferred by a person skilled in the art, etc., will be omitted.

[0033] Figure 1 shows the structure of a battery pack, and Figure 2 shows a module array of the battery pack of Figure 1.

[0034] Figure 3 shows the structure of a battery pack according to the first embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 4 shows the configuration of a module array according to the first embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 5 shows the spark and gas discharge paths in a module array according to the first embodiment.

[0037] FIG. 6 shows the configuration of a module array according to a second embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 7 shows the spark and gas exhaust paths in a module array according to the second embodiment.

[0039] FIG. 8 shows a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0041] 1: Pack frame 11: Upper frame 110: Connector block 12: Lower frame 121: First receiving portion 122: Second receiving portion 123: Connection portion 13: Gasket 2: Battery module 20: Terminal portion 31: (First) Blocking member 311: Partition portion 321: Blocking portion 32: Second blocking member 321: Partition portion 322: Blocking portion A1: (First) Module array A2: Second Module array UA: Unit module array A11: First Unit module array A12: Second Unit module array A13: Third Unit module array P: Battery pack V: Vehicle

[0042] The aforementioned objectives, features, and advantages are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to easily implement the technical concept of the present invention. In describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of known technologies related to the present invention are omitted if it is determined that such descriptions would unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar components.

[0043] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, it goes without saying that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless specifically stated otherwise, the first component may also be the second component.

[0044] Throughout the specification, unless specifically stated otherwise, each component may be singular or plural.

[0045] In the following, the statement that any configuration is placed on the "upper (or lower)" of a component or on the "upper (or lower)" of a component may mean not only that any configuration is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of said component, but also that another configuration may be interposed between said component and any configuration placed on (or below) said component.

[0046] In addition, where it is stated that one component is "connected," "combined," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while the components may be directly connected or connected to each other, another component may be "interposed" between each component, or each component may be "connected," "combined," or "connected" through another component.

[0047] Singular expressions used in this specification include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "composed of" or "comprising" should not be interpreted as necessarily including all of the various components or steps described in the specification, and should be interpreted as meaning that some of the components or steps may be omitted or additional components or steps may be included.

[0048] Throughout the specification, "A and / or B" means A, B, or A and B unless specifically stated otherwise, and "C to D" means C or more and D or less unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0049] Throughout this specification, the term "width direction" refers to any horizontal direction in which battery modules are arranged, and the first and second width directions are opposite directions parallel to the width direction. In this case, the term "front-back direction" is defined as a horizontal direction intersecting the width direction. Meanwhile, the expression "horizontal direction" refers to a direction placed on a plane intersecting any height direction or vertical direction, regardless of any absolute orientation such as the direction of gravity. Furthermore, when the expression "front-back" is used in this specification, it basically means front and / or rear.

[0050] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] FIG. 3 shows the structure of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring thereto, a battery pack (P) according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a pack frame (1); a module array (A1, A2) including a plurality of battery modules (2) arranged along the width direction and accommodated in the pack frame (1); and a blocking member (31) arranged in the width direction together with the plurality of battery modules (2).

[0052] The above pack frame (1) may include: a connection portion (123) on which the connector block (110) is installed; a first receiving portion (121) connected to the first width direction side of the connection portion (123); and a second receiving portion (122) connected to the first width direction side of the connection portion (123). More specifically, the pack frame (1) may have a shape in which the first receiving portion (121) and the second receiving portion (122) are approximately left-right symmetric or point-symmetric with respect to the connection portion (123).

[0053] According to one embodiment, the pack frame (1) may include: an upper frame (11) covering the upper side of the first module array (A1) and having the connector block (110) installed thereon; and a lower frame (12) covering the lower side of the first module array (A1). In this case, the first receiving portion (121), the second receiving portion (122), and the connecting portion (123) may be provided in the lower frame (12). Alternatively, the first receiving portion (121), the second receiving portion (122), and the connecting portion (123) may be a portion and / or space defined by the upper frame (11) and / or the lower frame (12).

[0054] At this time, the module arrays (A1, A2) may include: a first module array (A1) which is received in the first receiving portion (121) and disposed on the first width direction side of the connector block (110); and a second module array (A2) which is received in the second receiving portion (122) and disposed on the second width direction side of the connector block (110). In other words, the plurality of battery modules (2) according to one embodiment may be arranged to form approximate left-right symmetry or point symmetry with respect to the connector block (110).

[0055] According to one embodiment, the module array (A1, A2) may include a terminal portion (20) exposed at least at one end of the front and rear portions intersecting the width direction of each of the battery modules (2). The terminal portion (20) serves to connect the battery modules (2) to each other and / or to the outside by being electrically connected to each other and / or to the connector block (110).

[0056] When the terminal portion (20) is installed at the front and / or rear end of the battery module (2) as described above, it is easy to electrically connect the battery modules (2) arranged in the width direction to each other. However, since the area where the terminal portion (20) is provided is inevitably a part where gas generated inside the battery module (2) is likely to be discharged, in this case, if gas is generated due to thermal runaway in the battery module (2), the gas is discharged to the front and / or rear of the battery module (2).

[0057] According to the present embodiment, the upper frame (11) and the lower frame (12) may face each other and be sealed along a single closed curve. When thermal runaway occurs in the battery module (2) and gas is discharged inside the pack frame (1), the seal between the upper frame (11) and the lower frame (12) may be released due to the high temperature and pressure of the gas, and the gas may be discharged to the outside through the space between the upper frame (11) and the lower frame (12).

[0058] Specifically, a gasket (13) may be interposed between the upper frame (11) and the lower frame (12) to seal them. The gasket (13) may be made of a thermoplastic synthetic resin material and may melt due to the high temperature of the gas. In this case, as described above, the gas may be discharged horizontally outward through the space between the upper frame (11) and the lower frame (12).

[0059] Hereinafter, for convenience, the first module array (A1) will be referred to as "the module array (A1)" without further limitation. The second module array (A2) may have a structure corresponding to the structure of "the module array (A1)" described below, or a left-right symmetrical or point-symmetrical structure, but it is not necessary to do so.

[0060] FIG. 4 shows the configuration of a module array according to a first embodiment. Referring to the figure, the module array (A1) according to the first embodiment includes a first unit module array (A11) and a second unit module array (A12). The first unit module array (A11) may be configured to include one battery module (2) by being positioned adjacent to the first width direction side of the connector block (110), and the second unit module array (A12) may be configured to include two battery modules (2) by being positioned adjacent to the first width direction side of the first unit module array (A11).

[0061] The reason the number of constituent modules of the second unit module array (A12) is set to be greater than the number of constituent modules of the first unit module array (A11) is that the further one moves from the center of the connector block (110) and the battery pack, the lower the risk of thermal runaway occurring or heat propagating to other modules, and the higher the possibility of receiving heat due to high-temperature gas.

[0062] According to the present embodiment, only one blocking member (31) is provided, and the single blocking member (31) is configured to block the front and rear of the second unit module array (A12) and to partition the space between the second unit module array (A12) and the first unit module array (A11). That is, the blocking member (31) is positioned to avoid the front and rear of the first unit module array (A11). Accordingly, gas discharged from the first unit module array (A11) closest to the connector block (110) is discharged upward and flows toward the connector block (110), thereby preventing it from reacting with sparks generated in the connector block (110) and igniting. In actual experiments, it was confirmed that the risk of ignition and the speed of thermal runaway progression were significantly lower when the gas generated from the first unit module array (A11) was discharged toward the front and rear of the pack frame (1) compared to when it was discharged toward the connector block (110).

[0063] The blocking portion (312) of the above-mentioned blocking member (31) is spaced apart from the battery module (2) constituting the second unit module array (A12) by a predetermined distance (G0) in the front and rear directions. Accordingly, a passage is provided through which gas discharged from the second unit module array (A12) in the front and rear directions can flow in the first width direction.

[0064] FIG. 5 illustrates the discharge path of sparks and gas in a module array according to the first embodiment. Referring to this, when thermal runaway occurs in the battery pack (P) according to the present embodiment, the gas generated from the first unit module array (A11) is discharged directly forward and backward, and after melting the gasket (13) at a high temperature, it is discharged between the upper frame (11) and the lower frame (12). At this time, since the gas generated from the first unit module array (A11) is discharged forward and backward rather than upward where the connector block (110) is installed and in the second width direction, ignition does not occur on the side of the connector block (110) because the flammable material is not sufficient despite the generation of sparks and contact with external oxygen.

[0065] The gas generated from the second unit module array (A12) flows along the passage inside the blocking member (31) in the first width direction and is discharged forward and backward, melts the gasket (13) at a high temperature, and is discharged between the upper frame (11) and the lower frame (12). At this time, the spark generated from the terminal part (20) is blocked by the blocking part (312) of the blocking member (31) and does not come into contact with external oxygen. Accordingly, at the front and rear sides of the pack frame (1), the gas and external oxygen come into contact with each other, but since the spark does not reach them and energy exceeding the ignition point is not supplied, ignition does not occur.

[0066] Meanwhile, according to the present embodiment, the partition (311) of the blocking member (31) prevents direct heat propagation between the first unit module array (A11) and the second unit module array (A12), thereby suppressing the occurrence of sequential heat runaway in pack units.

[0067] The second embodiment to be described below is an extended embodiment that generalizes or extends the configuration of the first embodiment to the case of a battery pack including a larger number of modules.

[0068] FIG. 6 shows the configuration of a module array according to a second embodiment. Referring to the figure, the module array (A1) according to a first embodiment includes a first unit module array (A11), a second unit module array (A12), and a third unit module array (A13). The first unit module array (A11) may be configured to include one battery module (2) by being positioned adjacent to the first width direction side of the connector block (110), the second unit module array (A12) may be configured to include two battery modules (2) by being positioned adjacent to the first width direction side of the first unit module array (A11), and the third unit module array (A13) may be configured to include three battery modules (2) by being positioned adjacent to the first width direction side of the second unit module array (A12).

[0069] To generalize this, in the extended second embodiment, each of the unit module arrays (UA), excluding the one closest to the connector block (110), may include as many or more battery modules (2) as other unit module arrays adjacent to it in the second width direction. That is, when the unit module array (UA) includes the nth unit module array (n is 1 or more) from the first unit module array, the number of battery modules (2) constituting any m+1 unit module array (m is 1 or more) among them is equal to or greater than the number of battery modules (2) constituting the mth unit module array. This is because the further a module is from the connector block (110), the lower the risk of thermal runaway and the lower the risk of heat propagation to other modules.

[0070] Of course, alternatively, the number of battery modules (2) included in each of the unit module arrays (UA), excluding the one closest to the connector block (110), may be configured to be the same. In this case, the length of the blocking member (312) can be formed to be the same regardless of which unit module array the blocking member (31) is positioned to surround, which is advantageous in terms of component commonality.

[0071] According to the present embodiment, only two blocking members (31) are provided, wherein the first blocking member (31) is configured such that its blocking portion (312) blocks the front and rear of the second unit module array (A12) and its partitioning portion (311) partitions the space between the second unit module array (A12) and the first unit module array (A11), and the second blocking member (32) is configured such that its blocking portion (322) blocks the front and rear of the third unit module array (A13) and its partitioning portion (321) partitions the space between the third unit module array (A13) and the second unit module array (A12). That is, the blocking member (31) is positioned to avoid the front and rear of the first unit module array (A11). Accordingly, the gas discharged from the first unit module array (A11) closest to the connector block (110) is discharged upward and flows toward the connector block (110), thereby preventing it from reacting with the spark generated in the connector block (110) and igniting. In actual experiments, it was confirmed that the risk of ignition and the speed of thermal runaway progression were significantly lower when the gas generated from the first unit module array (A11) was discharged toward the front and rear of the pack frame (1) compared to when it was discharged toward the connector block (110).

[0072] According to the present embodiment, the first blocking member (31) and the second blocking member (32) may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance (G) in the width direction. Accordingly, the gas discharged from the second unit module array (A12) may flow forward and backward at a position appropriately separated from the connector block (110) and be discharged outside the pack frame (1) without forming a vortex, flowing backward, or flowing upward.

[0073] To generalize this, it is preferable that the plurality of blocking members (31, 32) be spaced apart from each other in the width direction by a predetermined distance. Accordingly, gas discharged from each of the unit module arrays (UA) and induced to flow in the first width direction can be discharged to the front and rear outside of the pack frame (1) through the space between the blocking members (31, 32) arranged at appropriate intervals. In this way, if the gas is not properly discharged in the horizontal direction, there is a risk that the gas will be discharged upward and flow in a random direction, including the direction of the connector block (110) and other unwanted directions.

[0074] As in the first embodiment, it is preferable that the blocking portions (312, 322) of the blocking members (31, 32) be spaced apart from the unit module array (UA) by a predetermined distance in the front and rear directions. Specifically, the first blocking member (31) may be spaced apart from the battery module (2) constituting the second unit module array (A12) by a predetermined distance (G1) in the front and rear directions, and the second blocking member (32) may be spaced apart from the battery module (2) constituting the third unit module array (A13) by another predetermined distance (G2) in the front and rear directions. Accordingly, a passage is provided through which gas discharged from the second unit module array (A12) and the third unit module array (A13) in the front and rear directions can flow in the first width direction.

[0075] That is, in all blocking members (31, 32), it is preferable that the pair of blocking members (312) be spaced apart from the battery module (2) by a predetermined distance in the front and rear directions. Accordingly, a passage is provided through which gas discharged from the battery module (2) in the front and rear directions can flow in the first width direction, and this passage can serve to prevent the gas from flowing in unintended directions, such as upward.

[0076] At this time, it is preferable that the front-rear spacing between the blocking portions (312) of the first blocking member (31) be equal to or smaller than the front-rear spacing between the blocking portions (322) of the second blocking member (32). In other words, it is preferable that the front-rear spacing (G1) between the blocking portion (312) of the first blocking member (31) and the battery module (2) be equal to or smaller than the front-rear spacing (G2) between the blocking portion (322) of the second blocking member (32) and the battery module (2).

[0077] To generalize this, the front-rear spacing between the pair of blocking members (312, 322) can increase as the blocking members (31, 32) move further away from the connector block (110). Accordingly, the gas discharged from the battery module (2) can be guided to flow more smoothly in the first width direction without generating vortices.

[0078] FIG. 7 illustrates the discharge path of sparks and gas in a module array according to a second embodiment. Referring to this, when thermal runaway occurs in a battery pack (P) according to the present embodiment, the gas generated from the first unit module array (A11) is discharged directly forward and backward, and after melting the gasket (13) at a high temperature, it is discharged between the upper frame (11) and the lower frame (12). At this time, since the gas generated from the first unit module array (A11) is discharged forward and backward rather than upward where the connector block (110) is installed and in the second width direction, ignition does not occur on the side of the connector block (110) because the flammable material is not sufficient despite the generation of sparks and contact with external oxygen.

[0079] The gas generated from the second unit module array (A12) and the third unit module array (A13) flows along the passage inside the blocking member (31, 32) in the first width direction and is discharged forward and backward, melts the gasket (13) at a high temperature, and is discharged between the upper frame (11) and the lower frame (12). At this time, the spark generated from the terminal part (20) is blocked by the blocking part (312, 322) of the blocking member (31, 32) and does not come into contact with external oxygen. Accordingly, at the front and rear sides of the pack frame (1), the gas and external oxygen come into contact with each other, but since the spark does not reach and energy exceeding the ignition point is not supplied, ignition does not occur.

[0080] In addition, at this time, as the end of the blocking portion (312) of the first blocking member (31) is spaced apart from the second blocking member (32) in the width direction and / or the front-rear direction, the gas generated in the second unit module array (A12) can be guided more smoothly in the first width direction and the front-rear direction.

[0081] Meanwhile, according to the present embodiment, the partition portions (311, 322) of the blocking members (31, 32) prevent direct heat propagation between the first unit module array (A11) and the second unit module array (A12) and between the second unit module array (A12) and the third unit module array (A13), thereby suppressing the occurrence of sequential thermal runaway in pack units.

[0082] FIG. 8 shows a vehicle including a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring thereto, the battery pack (P) may be embedded in a vehicle (V) as a power source. The vehicle (V) may include an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, etc.

[0083] The embodiments described above should be understood as exemplary in all respects and not limiting, and the scope of the invention will be defined by the claims set forth below rather than by the detailed description above. Furthermore, the meaning and scope of the claims set forth below, as well as all modifications and variations derived from equivalents thereof, should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the invention.

[0084] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the illustrated drawings, the present invention is not limited by the embodiments and drawings disclosed in this specification, and it is obvious that various modifications can be made by a person skilled in the art within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Furthermore, even if the effects of the configuration according to the present invention were not explicitly described while describing the embodiments of the present invention above, it is natural to acknowledge that the effects predictable by said configuration should also be recognized.

Claims

1. Pack Frame; A connector block installed on the pack frame so as to be exposed upward; A module array comprising a plurality of battery modules arranged along the width direction on the first width direction side of the connector block; and A blocking member arranged in the width direction together with the plurality of battery modules and dividing the module array into a plurality of unit module arrays, each comprising one or more battery modules; A battery pack comprising each of the above blocking members, a partitioning portion interposed between any pair of adjacent unit module arrays to partition the space between them, and a pair of blocking portions extending from the partitioning portion in the first width direction.

2. In claim 1, the pack frame is: A connection part where the above connector block is installed; A first receiving portion connected to the first width direction side of the above connecting portion; and It includes a second receiving portion connected to the first width direction side of the above connecting portion; and The above module array is: A first module array accommodated in the first receiving portion and disposed on the first width direction side of the connector block; and A battery pack comprising: a second module array accommodated in the second receiving portion and disposed on the second width direction side of the connector block.

3. A battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the pack frame comprises: an upper frame covering the upper side of the first module array and having the connector block installed thereon; and a lower frame covering the lower side of the first module array.

4. A battery pack according to claim 3, wherein a gasket is interposed between the upper frame and the lower frame.

5. A battery pack according to claim 1, comprising a terminal portion exposed at least one end portion of the front and rear portions intersecting the width direction of each of the battery modules.

6. A battery pack according to claim 1, wherein each of the unit module arrays, excluding the one closest to the connector block, comprises as many battery modules as or more than other unit module arrays adjacent to it in the second width direction.

7. A battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the number of battery modules included in each of the unit module arrays, excluding the one closest to the connector block, is the same.

8. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the blocking member is disposed to avoid the front and rear of the first unit module array closest to the connector block among the plurality of unit module arrays.

9. A battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of blocking members are spaced apart from each other in the width direction by a predetermined distance or more.

10. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the pair of blocking members are spaced apart from the battery module by a predetermined distance or more in the front and rear directions.

11. A battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the front-rear spacing between the pair of blocking members gradually increases as the blocking member moves further away from the connector block.

12. An automobile comprising a battery pack of any one of claims 1 to 11.

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