Battery pack and vehicle comprising same

Abstract

A battery pack according to the present invention comprises: a cell array structure having a plurality of battery cells; and a pack case having an accommodation space for accommodating the cell array structure, and having a bottom plate disposed below the cell array structure, wherein the cell array structure has a base member which includes a foam material, has a predetermined volume, and covers and supports the lower portion of the cell array structure, and the base member is spaced apart from the bottom plate in at least a partial region to form a venting space.

Description

Battery pack and automobile including the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack and an automobile including the same, and more specifically, to a battery pack capable of securing structural rigidity and stability and effectively preventing heat transfer phenomena, and an automobile including the same.

[0002] This application is a priority claim application for Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0194412 filed on December 23, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the specification of said application are incorporated into this application by reference.

[0003] Recently, as the demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, video cameras, and mobile phones has increased rapidly, and the development of electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots, and satellites has accelerated, research on high-performance secondary batteries capable of repeated charging and discharging is actively underway.

[0004] Currently commercialized rechargeable batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium-ion batteries. Among these, lithium-ion batteries are gaining attention for their advantages, such as the ability to freely charge and discharge with almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based batteries, a very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0005] These lithium-ion secondary batteries primarily use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as the positive and negative active materials, respectively. Additionally, the lithium-ion secondary battery comprises an electrode assembly in which a positive plate and a negative plate, each coated with the positive and negative active materials, are arranged with a separator in between, and an outer casing that seals and encloses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0006] Meanwhile, lithium-ion rechargeable batteries can be classified according to the shape of the battery case into pouch-type rechargeable batteries, in which the electrode assembly is embedded in an aluminum laminate sheet pouch, and can-type rechargeable batteries, in which the electrode assembly is embedded in a metal can. Furthermore, can-type rechargeable batteries can be further classified into cylindrical batteries and prismatic batteries depending on the shape of the metal can. These lithium-ion rechargeable batteries are utilized as battery modules or battery packs, which are assembled into a dense structure by overlapping or stacking multiple battery cells—either directly or mounted in cartridges—and electrically connected to provide high voltage and high current.

[0007] Recently, research and development on battery packs consisting of a single module or cell assembly with enhanced structural rigidity achieved by standing multiple cylindrical battery cells upright and densely packed, and a pack frame surrounding it, has been active. In particular, there is a trend toward increasing the surface area of ​​the single module or cell assembly to enhance energy capacity.

[0008] Battery packs comprising such single modules or cell assemblies may be subject to risks such as malfunction or ignition due to external or internal impact, and in the event of ignition, thermal transfer phenomena such as chain ignition may occur. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a battery pack that can effectively prevent thermal transfer phenomena while ensuring structural rigidity and stability to withstand sufficient impact.

[0009] The present invention was conceived in consideration of the technical background described above, and has one objective of providing a battery pack capable of securing structural rigidity and stability and an automobile including the same.

[0010] In addition, another objective is to provide a battery pack capable of effectively preventing heat transfer phenomena when a thermal event occurs, and a vehicle including the same.

[0011] 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.

[0012] A battery pack according to the present invention comprises: a cell array structure having a plurality of battery cells; and a pack case having a bottom plate disposed on the lower side of the cell array structure and having a receiving space formed to accommodate the cell array structure, wherein the cell array structure has a base member having a predetermined volume that covers and supports the lower part of the cell array structure and includes a foamed material, and the base member is spaced apart from the bottom plate in at least a portion area to form a venting space.

[0013] The above base member may include a foamed foam material containing at least one of silicone and urethane.

[0014] The above base member may be provided in a flat form with the same thickness at each location.

[0015] The above base member may be provided in a form where the thickness at least two locations is different.

[0016] At least a portion of the base member may be formed concavely or convexly toward the bottom plate.

[0017] The above base member may be formed such that the thickness of the thinnest part is 1 mm or more and the thickness of the thickest part is 8 mm or less.

[0018] The above base member can be formed by injecting an insert material containing a foamed foam material into a mold member disposed at the bottom of the cell array structure, and then, after the insert material is cured, peeling the mold member from the cell array structure.

[0019] The above base member can cover and support all of the battery cells provided in the cell array structure.

[0020] The battery cell is provided with a venting portion disposed at the bottom and configured to break when internal pressure rises, and the base member can cover the venting portion.

[0021] The cell array structure may further comprise a sheet member that covers and supports the lower part of the base member and guides the formation of the base member.

[0022] The above sheet member may include at least one of polycarbonate and mica materials.

[0023] The automobile according to the present invention includes at least one battery pack according to the present invention.

[0024] According to the present invention, a battery pack capable of securing structural rigidity and stability and an automobile including the same can be provided.

[0025] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a battery pack capable of effectively preventing heat transfer phenomena when a thermal event occurs and an automobile including the same can be provided.

[0026] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a battery pack capable of effective venting and an automobile including the same can be provided.

[0027] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a battery pack and an automobile including the same can be provided in which the backflow of venting gas can be reliably prevented.

[0028] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a battery pack with improved quality and a vehicle including the same can be provided.

[0029] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a battery pack with improved productivity and an automobile including the same can be provided.

[0030] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a lightweight battery pack and an automobile including the same can be provided.

[0031] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a battery pack with improved energy density and a vehicle including the same can be provided.

[0032] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a battery pack that can ensure the safety of the occupant and a vehicle including the same can be provided.

[0033] 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.

[0034] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention provided below; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a disassembled battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a cell array structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a cell array structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 5 is a side cross-sectional view showing the AA' section of Figure 1.

[0040] FIGS. 6 and 7 are side cross-sectional views showing an enlarged portion of a battery pack according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 8 is a drawing showing the state in which insert material is injected into a mold member.

[0042] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the state in which a base member is formed by peeling off the mold member after the insert material injected into the mold member has hardened.

[0043] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of a battery pack according to another variation of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] 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, and 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.

[0047] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely some of the most preferred embodiments of the invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the invention, and that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0048]

[0049] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention in an exploded view, FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a cell array structure according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the cell array structure according to one embodiment of the present invention in an exploded view, and FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view showing the AA' cross-section of FIG. 1.

[0050] Hereinafter, a battery pack (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. A battery pack (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a cell array structure (100) and a pack case (200). The cell array structure (100) may have a base member (300).

[0051] The battery pack (10) may be a three-dimensional structure having a predetermined length and width or a predetermined width and length in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, respectively, and a predetermined height in the Z-axis direction. This battery pack (10) may have a structure suitable for mounting on the vehicle body.

[0052] The cell array structure (100) may be provided with a plurality of battery cells (110). The battery cells (110) are secondary batteries and may be provided as cylindrical secondary batteries, pouch-type secondary batteries, or prismatic secondary batteries. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, the plurality of battery cells (110) are described as being provided as cylindrical secondary batteries, but it is not limited thereto, and pouch-type secondary batteries or prismatic secondary batteries may be applied as battery cells (110).

[0053] In a cell array structure (100), a plurality of battery cells (110) may be arranged in a horizontal direction parallel to the XY plane and perpendicular to the Z-axis direction. The cell array structure (100) may have a predetermined length, width, and height in the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction, respectively. The cell array structure (100) may be understood as a single assembly or structure in which a plurality of battery cells (110) are arranged as described above.

[0054] A battery pack (10) including a cell array structure (100) can be provided in a so-called Cell to Pack structure without including a separate module case, thereby increasing space efficiency and improving energy density. The cell array structure (100) can be configured to be large in area by increasing the number of battery cells (110) arranged.

[0055] The pack case (200) may be configured to accommodate a cell array structure (100). A receiving space (S) for accommodating the cell array structure (100) may be formed inside the pack case (200). At least one cell array structure (100) may be accommodated in the receiving space (S). The pack case (200) may form the overall shape of the battery pack (10).

[0056] The pack case (200) may be provided with a bottom plate (210). The bottom plate (210) may be positioned on the lower side (e.g., the -Z direction side) of the cell array structure (100). The bottom plate (210) may form the bottom of the receiving space (S) inside the pack case (200).

[0057] The bottom plate (210) may be made of a rigid material. For example, the bottom plate (210) may be made of a metal material such as steel / SUS or aluminum. The bottom plate (210) may be provided in the form of a roughly thin metal plate.

[0058] The cell array structure (100) may be provided with a base member (300). The base member (300) may be positioned on the lower side of the cell array structure (100).

[0059] The base member (300) can cover the lower part of the cell array structure (100). The base member (300) can cover the lower part of a plurality of battery cells (110) at the lower part of the cell array structure (100).

[0060] The base member (300) can support the lower part of the cell array structure (100). The base member (300) can support the lower part of a plurality of battery cells (110) from the lower part of the cell array structure (100) upward (e.g., in the +Z direction).

[0061] The base member (300) may include a foamed material. The foamed material applied in the present invention may have low density and high hardness properties. In addition, the foamed material may be provided with strong thermal insulation, heat resistance, and fire resistance. In addition, the foamed material may be provided to absorb or mitigate impact. In addition, the foamed material may be provided to be easy to mold.

[0062] The base member (300) may have a predetermined volume. Here, having a volume is understood to mean that the thickness of the base member (300) is identifiable when viewed with the naked eye, so that the base member (300) can be recognized as a volume body. The base member (300) may have a predetermined length and width in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, respectively. The base member (300) may have a predetermined thickness in the Z-axis direction.

[0063] A venting space (VS) may be provided in the battery pack (10). The venting space (VS) may be a space through which venting gas flows. When a thermal event occurs in at least one battery cell (110) inside the battery pack (10), high-temperature gas, flames and / or discharges, etc. may be discharged from the battery cell (110), and such high-temperature gas, flames and / or discharges, etc. may be collectively referred to as venting gas.

[0064] The base member (300) may be spaced apart from the bottom plate (210) in at least some area to form a venting space (VS). The base member (300) and the bottom plate (210) may be spaced apart vertically along the Z-axis direction in at least some area to form a venting space (VS) between them.

[0065] The base member (300) can form one side of the venting space (VS), and the bottom plate (210) can form the other side of the venting space (VS).

[0066] The battery pack (10) according to the present invention can secure structural rigidity and stability as configured above. Specifically, the cell array structure (100) to the battery cell (110) can be strongly and stably supported by the base member (300), and even if an impact occurs outside or inside the battery pack (10), such impact can be effectively absorbed or cushioned by the base member (300), thereby effectively securing the structural rigidity and stability of the battery pack (10).

[0067] In addition, the battery pack (10) according to the present invention can effectively prevent heat transfer phenomena when a thermal event occurs. Specifically, when venting gas is discharged due to a thermal event in a battery cell (110) of a cell array structure (100), a part of the base member (300) corresponding to the battery cell (110) may be broken, and thus the venting gas can be discharged immediately into the venting space (VS) formed by the base member (300) and the bottom plate (210), thereby enabling rapid and effective venting.

[0068] In addition, the venting gas discharged into the venting space (VS) is blocked by the base member (300), thereby ensuring that it is reliably prevented from flowing back into a battery cell (110) other than the corresponding battery cell (110), so that the other battery cell (110) can be effectively protected and the heat transfer phenomenon can be effectively prevented.

[0069] Additionally, the base member (300) may include a foam material that is easy to mold, so that the quality of the battery pack (10) can be improved and the productivity of the battery pack (10) can also be improved.

[0070] In addition, the base member (300) may include a foam material, so that the battery pack (10) can be made lighter and the energy density of the battery pack (10) can be improved.

[0071] In addition, in the case of a vehicle equipped with a battery pack (10), a passenger, such as a driver, is generally positioned above the battery cells (110). If venting gas is discharged to the upper side of the battery cells (110) when the aforementioned thermal event occurs, it may pose a significant risk to the safety of the passenger. Therefore, as in the present invention, when a venting space (VS) is formed between the base member (300) and the bottom plate (210), which is the lower side of the cell array structure (100) equipped with battery cells (110), high-temperature venting gas can be guided to the lower side opposite the passenger when a thermal event occurs, thereby ensuring the safety of the passenger.

[0072]

[0073] The base member (300) may include a foamed foam material containing at least one of silicone and urethane.

[0074] When the base member (300) is provided as described above, there is an advantage that the foam material can be provided with low density and high hardness. In addition, when molding the base member (300), there is also an advantage that the insert material (IS) described later can be provided with low viscosity.

[0075] The base member (300) may be provided, for example, as a polyurethane (PU) foam material. The polyurethane foam material is a material that has high hardness and low density, can be provided with low viscosity before curing, and has excellent thermal insulation performance and heat / fire resistance performance. Therefore, when the base member (300) is provided as a polyurethane foam material, the base member (300) can be provided as significantly light and strong, the moldability of the base member (300) can be improved, and the heat transfer phenomenon of the battery pack (10) can be prevented more reliably.

[0076]

[0077] The base member (300) may be provided in a flat form. That is, the base member (300) may be provided in a form where the thickness is the same at each position. Specifically, the base member (300) may be provided such that the thickness in the Z-axis direction is the same at any two positions in the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction (see FIG. 5).

[0078] When the base member (300) is provided in a flat form as described above, the height of the venting space (VS) can also be provided approximately consistently at each location, so that differences in the degree of venting at each location can be prevented.

[0079] In addition, when the base member (300) is provided as described above, when assembling the cell array structure (100) into the pack case (200), the occurrence of assembly defects can be effectively prevented, thereby further improving the productivity of the battery pack (10).

[0080]

[0081] The base member (300) can cover and support all battery cells (110) provided in the cell array structure (100). Specifically, one base member (300) can be provided in a size and shape capable of covering and supporting all battery cells (110) provided in the cell array structure (100).

[0082] When the base member (300) is configured as described above, the phenomenon of heat transfer between any two or more battery cells (110) in any one cell array structure (100) can be reliably prevented.

[0083]

[0084] FIGS. 6 and 7 are side cross-sectional views showing an enlarged portion of a battery pack according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] Hereinafter, a battery pack (10) according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 6 and FIGS. 7.

[0086] In a battery pack (10) according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention, the base member (300) may be provided with a thickness at least two different locations. For example, the thickness at one location of the base member (300) may be formed to be thicker or thinner than the thickness at another location.

[0087] As described above, the base member (300) can be easily molded as it includes a foamed material, and thus can be easily and efficiently manufactured in various forms with different thicknesses depending on the location. If the base member (300) can be manufactured in various forms in this way, the venting space (VS) formed by the base member (300) and the bottom plate (210) can also be formed in various corresponding forms, so the venting space (VS) can be easily and efficiently manufactured in various forms.

[0088]

[0089] The base member (300) may be formed to be concave (see FIG. 6) or convex (see FIG. 7) toward the bottom plate (210).

[0090] The base member (300) may be formed in a concave shape toward the bottom plate (210), at least a portion thereof. The base member (300) may have at least one concave portion (310) formed concavely toward the bottom plate (210), as shown in FIG. 6.

[0091] The bottom plate (210) may have at least one protrusion (211). The protrusion (211) may protrude toward the cell array structure (100) or the base member (300). The protrusion (211) may protrude upward. The protrusion (211) may be formed to extend long enough to have a predetermined length in a direction perpendicular to the direction of protrusion. For example, the protrusion (211) may extend long along the X-axis or Y-axis direction. The protrusion (211) may protrude to the base member (300). The protrusion (211) may support the base member (300) upward.

[0092] The base member (300) may be formed concavely, for example, in a part that does not correspond to the protrusion (211). That is, the concave part (310) may be provided at a position that does not correspond to the protrusion (211).

[0093] When the base member (300) is formed concavely as described above, there is an advantage that the venting space (VS) is expanded, allowing for a larger volume of venting space (VS) to be secured.

[0094]

[0095] The base member (300) may be formed in a convex shape toward the bottom plate (210), at least a portion thereof. The base member (300) may have at least one convex portion (320) formed convexly toward the bottom plate (210), as shown in FIG. 7.

[0096] The base member (300) may be formed convexly, for example, at a portion corresponding to the protrusion (211). That is, the convex portion (320) may be provided at a position corresponding to the protrusion (211).

[0097] When the base member (300) is formed convexly as described above, when an impact is applied to the battery pack (10), the impact transmitted to the cell array structure (100) can be cushioned more effectively, thereby further improving the structural rigidity and stability of the battery pack (10).

[0098]

[0099] Meanwhile, it is also possible to combine the examples of FIGS. 6 and FIGS. 7. That is, the base member (300) may be formed such that at least a part of it is concave and another part is convex. For example, the part not corresponding to the protrusion (211) may be formed concavely, and the part corresponding to the protrusion (211) may be formed convexly. When the base member (300) is configured in this way, the venting space (VS) is expanded, and at the same time, the structural rigidity and stability of the battery pack (10) can also be improved.

[0100]

[0101] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the base member (300) may be formed such that the thickness of the thinnest part is 1 mm or more and the thickness of the thickest part is 8 mm or less.

[0102] For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the base member (300) is provided in a flat form, the base member (300) can be formed with a thickness of 1 mm to 8 mm, and all positions can be formed equally.

[0103] For example, as in FIG. 6 or FIG. 7, when the base member (300) is provided with different thicknesses at two different locations, the thickness of the thinnest part of the base member (300) may be 1 mm or more, and the thickness of the thickest part of the base member (300) may be 8 mm or less.

[0104] If the thickness of the thinnest part of the base member (300) is formed to be less than 1 mm, the cell array structure (100) or battery cell (110) may not be strongly supported in the corresponding part of the base member (300), and the effect of preventing backflow of venting gas may also be reduced.

[0105] If the thickness of the thickest part of the base member (300) exceeds 8mm, the corresponding part of the base member (300) may be difficult to break, making it difficult to easily discharge the venting gas, and the energy density of the battery pack (10) may be lowered as it takes up a lot of space.

[0106]

[0107] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing the state in which an insert material is injected into a mold member, and FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the state in which a base member is formed by peeling off the mold member after the insert material injected into the mold member has hardened.

[0108] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, a case in which a base member (300) is formed through a mold member (400) in a battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0109] The base member (300) can be formed through a mold member (400). The mold member (400) can be configured in a form capable of forming the base member (300) of the intended shape, and, for example, can be provided in a combined form of intaglio and / or relief.

[0110] The process of forming the base member (300) can be described in detail as follows. First, a mold member (400) is placed at the bottom of a cell array structure (100) that is not equipped with a base member (300), and an insert material (IS) can be injected into the mold member (400). The insert material (IS) may contain a foamed foam material and may be provided in a liquid form. Then, after the injected insert material (IS) is cured, the mold member (400) is peeled off from the cell array structure (100), thereby forming a base member (300) of the intended shape.

[0111] The mold member (400) may be, for example, a silicone mold. The silicone mold may be easy to peel off.

[0112] The insert material (IS) may contain, for example, at least one of silicone and urethane, or in particular, a polyurethane material, and in this case, the insert material (IS) may be provided with low viscosity, thereby improving the moldability of the base member (300).

[0113] When the base member (300) is manufactured through the mold member (400), the base member (300) can be easily and accurately manufactured in various shapes, thereby improving the productivity and quality of the battery pack (10).

[0114] In addition, as the base member (300) can be manufactured in an optimal shape, the structural rigidity and stability of the battery pack (10) can be maximized. Also, when the base member (300) is manufactured in an optimal shape, the venting space (VS) can also be formed in an optimal shape, thereby maximizing the venting performance and heat transfer prevention effect of the battery pack (10).

[0115]

[0116] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of a battery pack according to another variation of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0117] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 10, a battery pack (10) according to another variation of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. In the battery pack (10) according to another variation of an embodiment of the present invention, the battery cell (110) may have a venting portion (111).

[0118] The venting portion (111) may be positioned at the bottom of the battery cell (110). That is, the venting portion (111) may be positioned in a part of the battery cell (110) close to the base member (300) or the venting space (VS).

[0119] The venting section (111) may be configured to break when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell (110) and the internal pressure of the battery cell (110) rises abnormally. When the venting section (111) breaks, it can open the interior of the battery cell (110), thereby allowing the venting gas inside the battery cell (110) to be easily discharged to the outside of the battery cell (110). The venting section (111) may be formed, for example, by notching at the bottom of the battery cell (110).

[0120] The base member (300) can cover the venting section (111). The base member (300) can be positioned below the venting section (111) to cover the venting section (111). Accordingly, the base member (300) can be positioned between the venting section (111) and the venting space (VS).

[0121] When the battery cell (110) and the base member (300) are configured as described above, the venting of the battery cell (110) can be effectively guided and discharged downward by the venting part (111), thereby enabling faster and more effective venting. Accordingly, the effect of preventing heat transfer of the battery pack (10) can be further enhanced.

[0122] Meanwhile, the base member (300) may be formed with at least a portion concave toward the bottom plate (210) or with a relatively thin thickness in the area corresponding to the venting portion (111), and in this case, the venting space (VS) in the area adjacent to the venting portion (111) may be expanded.

[0123]

[0124] FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0125] Referring to FIG. 11, in a battery pack (10) according to another embodiment of the present invention, the cell array structure (100) may further comprise a sheet member (500).

[0126] The sheet member (500) can cover and support the lower part of the base member (300). The sheet member (500) can be placed at the lower part of the base member (300). The sheet member (500) can be placed at the lowest part of the cell array structure (100).

[0127] The sheet member (500) can support the base member (300) upward. When the battery pack (10) is in a normal state, the sheet member (500) can support the base member (300) upward, and the battery cells (110) of the cell array structure (100) can be additionally protected by the sheet member (500) along with the base member (300).

[0128] The sheet member (500) may be provided in the form of a thin sheet. The sheet member (500) may be formed thin enough to be broken when venting of the battery cell (110) occurs due to a thermal event. Accordingly, when venting occurs in a battery cell (110) and the internal pressure increases, each part of the base member (300) and the sheet member (500) corresponding to the battery cell (110) is broken, so that the battery cell (110) and the venting space (VS) can communicate with each other.

[0129] The sheet member (500) can guide the formation of the base member (300). That is, the sheet member (500) can perform a function similar to the aforementioned mold member (400). Specifically, the sheet member (500) is placed at the bottom of the cell array structure (100), and the base member (300) can be formed when an insert material (IS) containing a foamed foam material is injected or applied to the sheet member (500) and then cured. At this time, unlike the mold member (400), the sheet member (500) may not be peeled off from the base member (300). The sheet member (500) may be particularly advantageous for forming the base member (300) in a flat shape.

[0130]

[0131] The sheet member (500) may include at least one of polycarbonate (PC) and mica. The polycarbonate material may be impact-resistant, lightweight, and have high fire resistance and insulation properties. The mica material may have strong heat resistance and fire resistance, as well as excellent insulation and non-flammability. The sheet member (500) may include both polycarbonate and mica materials.

[0132]

[0133] Meanwhile, referring again to FIGS. 1 to 4, the pack case (200) may be provided with a side wall portion (220). The side wall portion (220) surrounds the bottom plate (210), and a receiving space (S) may be formed inside the side wall portion (220) and the bottom plate (210). The pack case (200) may be provided with a pack lid (230). The pack lid (230) may cover the receiving space (S). The pack lid (230) may be attached to the top of the side wall portion (220).

[0134] In one embodiment of the present invention, another battery pack (10) may further include at least one venting device (600). The venting device (600) may be configured to communicate with the venting space (VS) and the outside of the battery pack (10). The venting device (600) may be configured to allow venting gas to be discharged to the outside. The venting device (600) may be in the form of a simple hole penetrating the pack case (200), or alternatively, it may be configured to be closed under normal conditions and open only when a change occurs in pressure or temperature inside the pack case (200). The venting device (600) may be provided on the side wall portion (220). The venting device (600) may be provided in multiple units.

[0135] The cell array structure (100) may be equipped with a cooling unit (120). The cooling unit (120) may be configured to contact each side of a plurality of battery cells (110) to cool the battery cells (110), and may be provided with a passage for a cooling medium inside. The plurality of battery cells (110) may be arranged to form a row in one direction (e.g., the X-axis direction), and the cooling unit (120) may be placed between two adjacent rows of battery cells (110) and may extend long along said one direction.

[0136] The cell array structure (100) may be provided with side frames (130, 140). The side frames (130, 140) may accommodate and support a plurality of battery cells (110) and a cooling unit (120). The side frames (130, 140) may be extended along the aforementioned direction. The side frames (130, 140) may be extended along the X-axis direction, for example.

[0137] The side frame (130, 140) may include a side structure (130) and a side wall (140). The side structure (130) may be positioned between two rows of battery cells (110) to accommodate and support the battery cells (110) and the cooling unit (120) on both sides. The side wall (140) may be positioned at the outermost edge of the side frame (130, 140) and may accommodate and support the battery cells (110) and the cooling unit (120) on one side.

[0138]

[0139] Meanwhile, the battery pack (10) according to the present invention may further include various devices for controlling the charging and discharging of battery cells (100) (e.g., the BMS described above), current sensors, fuses, etc.

[0140]

[0141] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0142] Referring to FIG. 12 below, the battery pack (10) according to the present invention can be applied to a vehicle (V), such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. That is, the vehicle (V) according to the present invention may include the battery pack (10) according to the present invention. The battery pack (10) may be installed in the vehicle body frame or trunk space under the vehicle seat. Furthermore, the vehicle (V) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include various other components included in the vehicle in addition to the battery pack (10). For example, the vehicle (V) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include, in addition to the battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle body, a motor, a control device such as an ECU (electronic control unit), etc.

[0143] In addition, it is obvious that the battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may also be provided in other devices, mechanisms, and facilities, such as an energy storage system using a secondary battery, in addition to a vehicle (V).

[0144]

[0145] In this specification, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back have been used; however, 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.

[0146] As described above, although the present invention has been explained 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.

[0147] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0148] 10: Battery pack

[0149] 100 : Cell array structure

[0150] 110: Battery cell

[0151] 111 : Venting section

[0152] 120 : Cooling unit

[0153] 130 : Side structure

[0154] 140 : Side wall

[0155] 200 : Pack case

[0156] 210: Bottom Plate

[0157] 211 : Protrusion

[0158] 220 : Sidewall

[0159] 230 : Pack Lead

[0160] 300 : Base member

[0161] 310 : Concave part

[0162] 320: Convex part

[0163] 400 : Mold member

[0164] 500 : Sheet member

[0165] 600 : Venting device

[0166] S: Accommodation space

[0167] VS : Venting space

[0168] IS: Insert material

[0169] V : Car

Claims

1. A cell array structure having a plurality of battery cells; and It includes a pack case having a receiving space formed to accommodate the cell array structure and a bottom plate disposed on the lower side of the cell array structure, The above cell array structure is, A base member having a predetermined volume, which covers and supports the lower part of the cell array structure and includes a foamed material, and The above base member is, A battery pack characterized by being spaced apart from the bottom plate in at least some area to form a venting space.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above base member is, A battery pack characterized by comprising a foamed foam material containing at least one of silicone and urethane.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above base member is, A battery pack characterized by being provided in a flat form with uniform thickness at each location.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above base member is, A battery pack characterized by having thicknesses of different shapes at least two locations.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above base member is, A battery pack characterized in that at least a portion is formed concavely or convexly toward the bottom plate.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above base member is, A battery pack characterized by having a thickness of 1 mm or more at the thinnest part and a thickness of 8 mm or less at the thickest part.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above base member is, A battery pack characterized by being formed by injecting an insert material containing a foamed material into a mold member disposed at the bottom of the cell array structure, after which the insert material hardens, and then peeling the mold member from the cell array structure.

8. In Paragraph 1, The above base member is, A battery pack characterized by covering and supporting all of the battery cells provided in the cell array structure.

9. In Paragraph 1, The above battery cell is, It is equipped with a venting part positioned at the bottom and configured to break when internal pressure rises, and The above base member is, A battery pack characterized by covering the above-mentioned venting portion.

10. In Paragraph 1, The above cell array structure is, A battery pack characterized by further comprising a sheet member that covers and supports the lower part of the base member and guides the formation of the base member.

11. In Paragraph 10, The above sheet member is, A battery pack characterized by including at least one of polycarbonate and mica materials.

12. An automobile characterized by including at least one battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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