Battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a plurality of battery assemblies each including a plurality of battery cells and a housing for accommodating the plurality of battery cells; a pack case for accommodating the plurality of battery assemblies; and a cooling plate provided on one side of the battery assembly and filled with a cooling medium. The housing may be provided with: a venting hole formed in one side surface and configured to discharge, to the outside, a venting gas generated from the battery cells; and a cooling hole configured to communicate with the cooling plate.

Description

Battery pack and automobile including the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack and an automobile including the same.

[0002] This application is a priority application for Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0009043 filed on January 21, 2025, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of said application are incorporated into this application by reference.

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

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

[0005] When configuring a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel, it is common practice to first construct a battery module containing at least one battery cell, and then use this at least one battery module to add other components to form a battery pack or battery rack. Alternatively, recently, battery packs in the form of a "Cell-to-Pack," in which multiple battery cells are directly housed in a pack housing without modularization, are also being manufactured.

[0006] However, when multiple battery modules are contained within a battery pack in this manner, it can be vulnerable to thermal chain reactions between the modules. For example, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs within a single battery module, this runaway can propagate to other battery modules. If the propagation of thermal runaway between battery modules is not properly suppressed, an event originating in a specific module can trigger a chain reaction across multiple modules, potentially causing serious problems such as explosions or fires.

[0007] Therefore, in the event that an event such as thermal runaway occurs in a battery pack, there is a need to develop a structure capable of rapidly cooling the battery cells and / or battery modules in the event of thermal runaway in the battery module.

[0008] Therefore, the problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a battery pack capable of rapidly cooling a battery cell and / or a battery module when thermal runaway occurs in the battery module.

[0009] However, the 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.

[0010] To solve the above problem, the present invention provides a battery pack comprising: a plurality of battery assemblies including a plurality of battery cells and a housing that accommodates the plurality of battery cells; a pack case that accommodates the plurality of battery assemblies and a cooling plate provided on one side of the battery assembly and filled with a cooling medium inside, wherein the housing has a venting hole configured to discharge venting gas generated from the battery cells to the outside on one side and a cooling hole configured to communicate with the cooling plate.

[0011] The above venting hole and the above cooling hole may be arranged in staggered positions.

[0012] The above cooling plate may have a cooling channel filled with the cooling medium and a water supply hole configured to discharge the cooling medium from the cooling channel toward the cooling hole.

[0013] The above-mentioned water supply hole may be formed at a position corresponding to the above-mentioned cooling hole.

[0014] The above cooling plate may further include a cover member configured to cover the above water supply hole.

[0015] The above cover member may be configured to open the water supply hole when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell.

[0016] The above cooling plate may have a venting channel formed on its inner surface to allow the venting gas discharged from the venting hole to flow.

[0017] The above venting channel may be configured to face the above venting hole.

[0018] The above pack case may be equipped with a venting device configured to communicate with the above venting channel and to discharge the venting gas to the outside.

[0019] The above housing may be provided with a drain hole on the other side configured to discharge the cooling medium introduced through the cooling hole to the outside.

[0020] The drain hole may be positioned on a surface of the housing facing the cooling hole and the venting hole.

[0021] The above pack case is configured to accommodate the plurality of battery assemblies and may have a base frame having a drain channel formed therein through which the cooling medium discharged from the drain hole flows.

[0022] And, the present invention provides an automobile characterized by including a battery pack according to the present invention.

[0023] According to one aspect of the present invention, when a thermal event such as thermal runaway occurs in a battery pack, the propagation of thermal runaway between battery assemblies can be effectively prevented or delayed by directly introducing a cooling medium to the battery assembly side. This ensures the safety and reliability of the battery pack.

[0024] In addition, according to the above aspect of the present invention, the cooling medium directly cools the battery cell, thereby ensuring efficient cooling performance of the battery pack.

[0025] In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, a cooling medium introduced into the battery assembly can be properly discharged to prevent a short circuit from occurring in a normal battery cell and / or battery module.

[0026] Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present invention, since venting gas generated in a battery cell can be rapidly discharged to the outside of the battery pack, safe venting performance of the battery pack can be ensured.

[0027] In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, the movement of fluids such as venting gas toward adjacent battery cells and / or battery modules during venting can be minimized.

[0028] In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, events such as fire or explosion caused by thermal runaway phenomena in a battery pack including a plurality of battery modules or a device equipped with them can be prevented or delayed.

[0029] 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 those skilled in the art, etc., will be omitted.

[0030] 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.

[0031] FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a battery module included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a top view of the interior of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of a cooling plate included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 6 may be a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' of FIG. 1.

[0037] FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the case where a thermal event occurs in the battery pack of Figure 7.

[0039] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 9 may be a drawing showing the cross-section II-II' of FIG. 1.

[0040] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 10 may be a drawing showing the cross-section along III-III' of FIG. 1.

[0041] FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of a battery module included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 13 is an internal perspective view of a pack case included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention.

[0046] 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.

[0047] In addition, the present invention includes various embodiments. For each embodiment, redundant descriptions of substantially identical or similar configurations are omitted, and the focus is on the differences.

[0048] Meanwhile, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back may be used in the present invention, these terms are used merely for convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the position of the object or the position of the observer, as is obvious to those skilled in the art of the present invention.

[0049] For example, in an embodiment of the present invention, the X-axis direction shown in the drawing may mean the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction may mean the front-back direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction on the horizontal plane (XY plane), and the Z-axis direction may mean the up-down direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0050]

[0051] FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a battery module included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a top view of the interior of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery assembly (100), a pack case (200), and a cooling plate (300).

[0053] First, referring primarily to FIG. 2, a plurality of battery cells (110) may be included. Although not shown in the drawing, these plurality of battery cells (110) may include an electrode assembly, a cell case that accommodates the electrode assembly, and an electrode lead that is connected to the electrode assembly and extends outward from the cell case to function as an electrode terminal. At this time, the plurality of battery cells (110) may be electrically connected to each other.

[0054] A plurality of battery cells (110) can be stacked in at least one direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of battery cells (110) can be arranged side by side in the front-back direction (X-axis direction) while standing upright in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

[0055] Meanwhile, the present invention is not limited by the specific type or shape of such battery cell (110), and various battery cells (110) known at the time of filing the present invention may be employed to constitute the battery pack (1) of the present invention. In this embodiment, a pouch-type secondary battery with high energy density and easy stacking is used as shown in the drawing, but it is understood that cylindrical or prismatic secondary batteries may also be applied as battery cells (110).

[0056] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3, a plurality of battery cells (110) may be grouped into one or more battery assemblies (100). That is, the battery pack (1) according to the present invention includes a plurality of battery assemblies (100), and a plurality of battery cells (110) included in the battery pack (1) may be divided and included in a plurality of battery assemblies (100). At this time, the multiple battery cells (110) included within the battery assembly (100) may be electrically connected to each other.

[0057] A battery assembly (100) may include a housing (120). The housing (120) may be configured to accommodate a battery cell (110) in the internal space by forming an empty space inside. That is, the housing (120) may group a plurality of battery cells (110) into multiple battery assemblies (100) and serve as a boundary that physically limits the internal space of each battery assembly (100).

[0058] The housing (120) may be made of a metal material having rigidity and heat resistance to physically or chemically protect the housed battery cell (110).

[0059] Additionally, the battery assembly (100) may include a busbar assembly and / or module terminals electrically connected to a plurality of battery cells (110).

[0060] The above pack case (200) may be configured to accommodate a plurality of battery assemblies (100). The pack case (200) may be provided in a box shape including a plurality of frames.

[0061] The pack case (200) may be made of a material capable of ensuring mechanical strength, such as steel or SUS metal or plastic, or may include such a material, in order to safely protect the battery cell (110) housed inside.

[0062] The cooling plate (300) may be provided on the inside of the pack case (200). The cooling plate (300) may be configured to cool the battery assembly (100). The cooling plate (300) may be configured to be filled with a cooling medium inside.

[0063] A cooling plate (300) may be provided on one side of the battery assembly (100). For example, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the cooling plate (300) may be provided on the upper part of the battery assembly (100).

[0064] When thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell (110), high-temperature discharges such as venting gas have a strong tendency to move upward and can move toward the upper side of the pack case (200). Accordingly, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, as the cooling plate (300) is provided on the upper part of the battery assembly (100), venting gas or flames can be cooled by the cooling medium inside the cooling plate (300). That is, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, the heat of the discharged venting gas, etc. can be efficiently controlled.

[0065] The cooling plate (300) can be configured to be in contact with the housing (120) of the battery assembly (100). By doing so, heat from the battery assembly (100) can be transferred by the cooling medium inside the cooling plate (300), thereby ensuring the cooling performance of the battery assembly (100).

[0066] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the housing (120) may be provided with a venting hole (VH) and a cooling hole (CH). The venting hole (VH) and the cooling hole (CH) may be formed by penetrating one side of the housing (120).

[0067] The venting hole (VH) may be configured to discharge the venting gas generated from the battery cell (110) to the outside of the housing (120). The battery assembly (100) may be capable of directional venting in one direction through the venting hole (VH).

[0068] Multiple venting holes (VH) may be provided. Multiple venting holes (VH) may be provided at regular intervals from each other in the horizontal direction.

[0069] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, high-temperature gas or flames generated in the battery cell (110) in the event of an abnormal situation of the battery cell (110) can be rapidly discharged to the outside of the battery assembly (100), thereby effectively preventing or delaying the propagation of thermal runaway between the battery cells (110).

[0070] The cooling hole (CH) can be configured to communicate with the cooling plate (300). The cooling hole (CH) can be configured to allow the cooling medium inside the cooling plate (300) to flow into the housing (120).

[0071] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, when a thermal event such as thermal runaway occurs in a battery assembly (100), a cooling medium can be directly introduced into the interior of the housing (120), so that the propagation of thermal runaway within the battery assembly (100) or the propagation of thermal runaway between battery assemblies (100) can be effectively prevented or delayed. As a result, the safety and reliability of the battery pack (1) can be guaranteed.

[0072] In addition, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, since the cooling medium can directly cool the battery cell (110) inside the housing (120), efficient cooling performance of the battery assembly (100) to the battery pack (1) can be secured.

[0073] In particular, the venting hole (VH) and the cooling hole (CH) may be positioned on the same side of the housing (120). For instance, the venting hole (VH) and the cooling hole (CH) may be provided on the upper surface of the housing (120). Furthermore, the venting hole (VH) and the cooling hole (CH) may be configured to face the cooling plate (300). That is, when a thermal event occurs in the battery assembly (100), the venting gas discharged through the venting hole (VH) may be configured to face the cooling plate (300). The contact area between the venting gas and the cooling plate (300) can be maximized.

[0074] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, as the path through which venting gas, etc. is discharged from the battery assembly (100) and the path through which it is cooled by a cooling medium are provided on the same side, the heat of the venting gas or flame, etc. vented by the cooling medium of the cooling plate (300) can be rapidly cooled. As a result, the heat of the venting gas, etc. discharged can be controlled more efficiently, thereby ensuring the cooling performance of the battery pack (1).

[0075] More specifically, when a thermal event such as thermal runaway occurs in the battery assembly (100), a cooling medium can be directly introduced into the interior of the housing (120) through the cooling hole (CH), and at the same time, a venting gas can be discharged to the outside of the housing (120) through the venting hole (VH).

[0076] At this time, the venting hole (VH) and the cooling hole (CH) may be positioned at staggered positions. For example, the venting hole (VH) may be provided on the outermost side of the upper surface of the housing (120), and the cooling hole (CH) may be provided on the central side of the upper surface of the housing (120).

[0077] Accordingly, the cooling area (see dashed box in FIG. 4) and the venting path (see bold arrow in FIG. 4) can be provided parallel to each other. That is, the venting path can be arranged parallel to the cooling area. For example, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the cooling area and the venting path can extend along the stacking direction of the battery cell (110).

[0078] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, venting and cooling of the battery assembly (100) are applied on the same side of the housing (120), but the venting path (see bold arrow in FIG. 4) and the cooling area (see dotted box in FIG. 4) can be separated. By doing so, both the venting performance and the cooling performance of the battery pack (1) can be improved.

[0079]

[0080] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the pack case (200) may include a base frame (210) and a plurality of side frames (220).

[0081] The base frame (210) can be configured to accommodate a plurality of battery assemblies (100). The base frame (210) can form the lower surface of the pack case (200) and can be provided in the shape of a square plate. Additionally, the base frame (210) can be provided with a flat upper surface so that the battery assembly (100) can be stably seated.

[0082] A plurality of side frames (220) may be provided extending upward from each corner of the base frame (210). A plurality of side frames (220) may be provided to surround the battery assembly (100). More specifically, the plurality of side frames (220) may each be provided as a right wall located at the +X direction side end of the base frame (210), a rear wall located at the +Y direction side end, a left wall located at the -X direction side end, and a front wall located at the -Y direction side end to form the sides of the pack case (200).

[0083] Additionally, the pack case (200) may include a cross beam (230). The cross beam (230) may be configured to partition the internal space of the pack case (200). The cross beam (230) may be configured to partition a plurality of battery assemblies (100). The cross beam (230) may be configured to extend along the left-right direction and / or the front-back direction of the pack case (200).

[0084] A plurality of cross beams (230) may be provided. The cross beams (230) may be provided to connect side frames (220) facing each other among a plurality of side frames (220). For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of battery assemblies (100) may be partitioned and arranged in 4 rows and 2 columns by the cross beams (230).

[0085] Meanwhile, the pack case (200) may further include a cover frame (240). The cover frame (240) may be configured to cover the upper part of the battery assembly (100). The cover frame (240) may be provided to form the upper surface of the pack case (200). The cover frame (240) may be coupled to the side frame (220). Alternatively, the cover frame (240) may be provided integrated with the side frame (220).

[0086]

[0087] FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of a cooling plate included in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 6 may be a drawing showing the cross-section along I-I' of FIG. 1.

[0088] With further reference to FIGS. 5 and FIGS. 6, a structure for cooling a battery assembly (100) of a battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0089] Specifically, the cooling plate (300) may be provided with a cooling channel (C). The cooling channel (C) may be configured to be filled with a cooling medium inside. The cooling channel (C) may refer to a passage configured to allow a cooling medium, such as cooling water, to flow.

[0090] A cooling channel (C) may be formed in the internal space of the cooling plate (300). For example, a hollow may be formed inside the cooling plate (300) so that a cooling medium can flow into the hollow. Alternatively, the cooling channel (C) may be configured in the form of a pipe in the internal space of the cooling plate (300).

[0091] Additionally, the cooling plate (300) may be provided with a water supply hole (310). The water supply hole (310) may be configured to discharge a cooling medium inside the cooling plate (300) toward the battery assembly (100). The water supply hole (310) may be configured to communicate with a cooling channel (C). The water supply hole (310) may be configured to communicate with a cooling hole (CH).

[0092] The water supply hole (310) may be configured to communicate with the internal space of the cooling channel (C) and the housing (120). The water supply hole (310) may be configured to discharge a cooling medium from the cooling channel (C) to the cooling hole (CH).

[0093] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, when a thermal event such as thermal runaway occurs in the battery assembly (100), the cooling medium within the cooling channel (C) can be introduced into the interior of the housing (120) through the water supply hole (310) and the cooling hole (CH). That is, the cooling medium of the cooling plate (300) can directly cool the battery cell (110). By doing so, efficient cooling performance of the battery pack (1) can be secured.

[0094] In particular, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, the temperature of the battery cell (110) can be rapidly reduced by the cooling medium at the beginning of a thermal event, so that heat propagation between the battery cell (110) or the battery assembly (100) can be delayed or prevented. By doing so, the safety and reliability of the battery pack (1) can be ensured.

[0095] A water supply hole (310) may be provided on the inner surface (300a) of the cooling plate (300). The water supply hole (310) may be configured to face one side of the housing (120) in which the cooling hole (CH) is provided. Multiple water supply holes (310) may be provided. Multiple water supply holes (310) may be spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction. Additionally, the water supply holes (310) may be arranged along the extension direction of the cooling channel (C).

[0096] In particular, the water supply hole (310) may be formed at a position corresponding to the cooling hole (CH). Accordingly, the water supply hole (310) may be configured to communicate directly with the cooling hole (CH). Additionally, the water supply hole (310) may be provided in a number corresponding to the cooling hole (CH). Furthermore, the size of the water supply hole (310) may be configured to be approximately the same as the size of the cooling hole (CH).

[0097] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the cooling medium discharged from the cooling plate (300) through the water supply hole (310) can be directly introduced into the interior of the housing (120) through the cooling hole (CH). As a result, the battery assembly (100) can be cooled more quickly.

[0098] Meanwhile, the structure of the water supply hole (310) can be configured independently of the structure and arrangement shape of the cooling channel (C).

[0099]

[0100] FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack of FIG. 7 when a thermal event occurs.

[0101] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the cooling plate (300) may further include a cover member (320). The cover member (320) may be configured to cover the water supply hole (310). The cover member (320) may be configured to prevent the cooling medium inside the cooling plate (300) from being discharged to the outside in the normal state of the battery pack (1).

[0102] The cover member (320) can be attached to the inner surface (300a) of the cooling plate (300). Multiple cover members (320) may be provided. Multiple cover members (320) may be provided for each of the multiple water supply holes (310).

[0103] The cover member (320) may be configured to open the water supply hole (310) when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell (110). The cover member (320) may be configured with a thin thickness. For example, the cover member (320) may be composed of a polymer film material such as PP or PE. The cover member (320) may be configured with a minimum thickness of 0.05 / 0.1 / 0.2 mm depending on the material.

[0104] For example, the cover member (320) may rupture when thermal runaway occurs. Alternatively, the cover member (320) may be configured to melt when thermal runaway occurs. The cover member (320) may melt due to the heat of a high-temperature discharge such as venting gas or flame. For example, the melting point of the cover member (320) may be about 100 to 200°C. Accordingly, when a thermal event occurs in the battery assembly (100), the cover member (320) provided in the water supply hole (310) corresponding to the battery assembly (100) may melt, and a cooling medium may be introduced through the water supply hole (310).

[0105] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell, the cooling medium inside the cooling plate (300) can be configured to flow into the battery assembly (100) through the water supply hole (310) (see dotted arrow in FIG. 8).

[0106] Additionally, the water supply hole (310) provided on the side of the battery assembly (100) where a thermal event occurs may be configured to be opened only. Accordingly, in a normal state, the cover member (320) remains in a state of covering the water supply hole (310), thereby preventing the discharge of the cooling medium. However, if a thermal event occurs in which venting gas or flames are generated in some battery assemblies (100), at least a part of the cover member (320) may be opened to open at least a part of the water supply hole (310).

[0107]

[0108] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 9 may be a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' of FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 10 may be a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III' of FIG. 1.

[0109] Referring to FIGS. 9 and FIGS. 10, a structure for venting high-temperature discharges, such as venting gas, to the outside of the pack case (200) will be described in detail.

[0110] A venting channel (V) may be formed in the cooling plate (300). The venting channel (V) may refer to a passage through which venting gas, etc. flows. The venting channel (V) may be configured to allow venting gas discharged from the battery assembly (100) to flow in. The venting channel (V) may be configured to allow venting gas discharged from the venting hole (VH) to flow.

[0111] The venting channel (V) may be configured in a recessed form in part of the cooling plate (300). The venting channel (V) may be formed on the inner surface (300a) of the cooling plate (300).

[0112] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, venting gas or flame generated in a battery cell (110) inside a housing (120) can be introduced into a venting channel (V) provided on the inner surface (300a) of a cooling plate (300) (see bold arrows in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10). In this way, when a thermal event occurs in a battery cell (110) and high-temperature gas or flame is generated, the battery pack (1) according to the present invention can discharge the venting gas in a specific direction rather than in all directions.

[0113] Accordingly, high-temperature gas or flames can be quickly discharged to the outside of the battery pack (1) through the venting channel (V), thereby ensuring safe venting performance of the battery pack (1).

[0114] In particular, referring to FIG. 10, the venting channel (V) may be configured to face the venting hole (VH). For example, the venting channel (V) may be provided on both the left and right sides of the housing (120).

[0115] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, venting gas or flames generated in the battery cell (110) inside the housing (120) can be directly introduced into the venting channel (V) provided at the bottom. Accordingly, venting gas generated in the battery assembly (100) can be rapidly discharged to the outside of the battery pack (1), thereby further ensuring safe venting performance of the battery pack (1).

[0116] More specifically, the venting channel (V) may be configured in a shape that is recessed inward from the inner surface (300a) of the cooling plate (300). A plurality of grooves are formed in the cooling plate (300), and the venting channel (V) may be defined as a space formed by these grooves. At this time, the grooves may be configured to extend long in at least one direction.

[0117] The venting channel (V) can be configured to extend along the stacking direction of the battery cell (110). The venting channel (V) can be configured in a straight shape. Additionally, the venting channel (V) can be provided in multiple numbers. These multiple venting channels (V) can be arranged along the length direction of the battery cell (110). Additionally, the multiple venting channels (V) can be arranged parallel to each other.

[0118] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the venting gas flowing in a venting channel (V) that extends along one direction is prevented from spreading in all directions and can move quickly to the outside along the extension direction of the venting channel (V).

[0119] In addition, generally when gas is ejected from the battery cell (110), pieces of electrode plates or active materials inside the battery cell (110) may be ejected to the outside while heated to a high temperature, and such high-temperature particles may appear in the form of a spark. The battery pack (1) according to the present invention prevents high-temperature particles from being ejected from the battery cell (110) from immediately and easily escaping to the outside of the battery pack (1), and allows them to escape after their temperature is sufficiently lowered while moving through the venting channel (V), thereby preventing them from acting as an ignition source outside the battery pack (1).

[0120] These venting channels (V) can be formed as the cooling plate (300) is extruded. As the cooling plate (300) is extruded, the venting channels (V) can be formed by extending in one direction (Y-axis direction) along the extrusion direction of the cooling plate (300).

[0121] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, since the venting channel (V) is integrally provided with the cooling plate (300), the process of joining another structure to the cooling plate (300) is unnecessary, and since there are no defects in the joining part, the possibility of the venting gas escaping from the venting channel (V) can be further reduced.

[0122] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, a venting channel (V) may be provided on at least one side of the cooling plate (300). Thus, the venting gas inside the venting channel (V) may be configured to come into contact with the cooling plate (300).

[0123] Additionally, the venting channel (V) and the cooling channel (C) may be provided side by side. The venting channel (V) may extend along one direction, and the cooling channel (C) may extend along the same direction in which the venting channel (V) extends.

[0124] For example, the cooling channel (C) may be arranged to overlap horizontally with the venting channel (V). The cooling channel (C) may be provided between adjacent venting channels (V). Additionally, the cooling channel (C) may be arranged to overlap vertically with the venting channel (V).

[0125] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, venting gas or flames generated in the battery assembly (100) can be rapidly moved to the venting channel (V) (see bold arrow in FIG. 10) and simultaneously cooled by a cooling medium in the cooling channel (C). That is, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, the heat of the venting gas, etc. being discharged can be controlled more efficiently. By doing so, the cooling performance of the battery pack (1) can be secured.

[0126]

[0127] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 2, FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 9, the pack case (200) may include a venting device (250).

[0128] The venting device (250) may be configured to discharge gas generated in the battery cell (110) to the outside of the pack case (200). The venting device (250) may be configured to open by the pressure of the venting gas and discharge the venting gas to the outside of the pack case (200) when the internal pressure rises due to the generation of venting gas inside the pack case (200).

[0129] The venting device (250) may be configured to open and close according to the internal pressure inside the pack case (200). Alternatively, the venting device (250) may be configured in the form of a hole. Meanwhile, the present invention is not limited by the specific type or form of such venting device (250), and various venting devices (250) known at the time of filing the present invention may be employed to constitute the battery pack (1) of the present invention.

[0130] Specifically, the venting device (250) may be provided on the side of the pack case (200), that is, on the side frame (220). Multiple venting devices (250) may be provided. The venting device (250) may be provided on at least one of the multiple side frames (220). The venting device (250) may be formed separately on each of two or more side frames (220), or two or more may be formed on a single side frame (220).

[0131] Meanwhile, the number or location of the venting device (250) described based on the embodiment of FIG. 4 is merely an example, and it is obvious that it can be changed to various other numbers or locations.

[0132] The venting device (250) may be configured to communicate with the venting channel (V). Thus, the venting gas of the venting channel (V) may be configured to be discharged to the outside of the pack case (200) through the venting device (250). In particular, the venting channel (V) may be configured to extend long toward the venting device (250).

[0133] Specifically, the venting gas can be introduced into the venting channel (V) of the cooling plate (300) through the venting hole (VH) located at the top of the battery cell (110). Then, the venting gas flowing through the venting channel (V) can be discharged to the outside of the pack case (200) through a venting device (250) communicating with the venting channel (V).

[0134] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the venting gas of the venting channel (V) can move to the venting device (250) and be rapidly discharged to the outside of the pack case (200). By doing so, safe venting performance of the battery pack (1) can be ensured.

[0135]

[0136] FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of a battery module included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0137] Meanwhile, when a cooling medium flows into the interior of the housing (120) through the water supply hole (310) and the cooling hole (CH), if the cooling medium accumulates inside the housing (120), a short circuit may occur in the battery cell (110).

[0138] To solve these problems, a battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to discharge a cooling medium introduced into the housing (120) to the outside of the housing (120). For example, as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the housing (120) may be provided with a drain hole (DH). The drain hole (DH) may be configured to discharge a cooling medium introduced through a cooling hole (CH) to the outside of the housing (120).

[0139] Multiple drain holes (DH) may be provided. Multiple drain holes (DH) may be spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals. Multiple drain holes (DH) may be arranged along the stacking direction of the battery cell (110). The drain holes (DH) may be provided in the central part of the housing (120).

[0140] A drain hole (DH) may be provided on the other side of the housing (120). For example, the drain hole (DH) may be provided on the lower surface of the housing (120). Thus, the cooling medium accumulated on the lower side of the housing (120) due to gravity can be discharged to the outside through the drain hole (DH).

[0141] As in the above embodiment of the present invention, the cooling medium can be properly discharged to the outside of the housing (120) through the drain hole (DH) so that a short circuit in the battery cell (110) can be prevented or suppressed.

[0142] The drain hole (DH) may be positioned on a surface facing the cooling hole (CH) and the venting hole (VH) in the housing (120). For example, the cooling hole (CH) and the venting hole (VH) may be provided on the upper surface of the housing (120), and the drain hole (DH) may be provided on the lower surface of the housing (120).

[0143] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the cooling medium introduced from the cooling hole (CH) can naturally flow toward the drain hole (DH) by gravity. As a result, the cooling medium inside the housing (120) can be discharged to the outside of the housing (120) through the drain hole (DH) without any residue, thereby more effectively preventing or suppressing the occurrence of a short circuit in the battery cell (110).

[0144]

[0145] FIG. 13 is an internal perspective view of a pack case included in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0146] Referring to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13, a battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may have a drain channel (DP) formed therein. The drain channel (DP) may be configured to allow a cooling medium discharged from a drain hole (DH) to flow through. The drain channel (DP) may be configured to communicate with the drain hole (DH).

[0147] For example, a drain channel (DP) may be formed on the inner side of the base frame (210). The drain channel (DP) may be configured in the form of a groove formed in the base frame (210). The drain channel (DP) may be configured to extend along the placement direction of the drain hole (DH).

[0148] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, as the cooling medium flows in the drain channel (DP), the cooling medium discharged to the outside of the housing (120) through the drain hole (DH) can be prevented from affecting other battery assemblies (100), etc. By doing so, a short circuit in a normal battery assembly (100) can be prevented.

[0149] Furthermore, a battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured such that a cooling medium discharged to the outside of the housing (120) through a drain hole (DH) is discharged to the outside of the pack case (200). For example, a battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be provided with a pipe configured to communicate the drain hole (DH) and the outside of the pack case (200).

[0150] Alternatively, the drain channel (DP) may be configured to discharge a cooling medium to the outside of the pack case (200). The drain channel (DP) may be configured to extend along the stacking direction of a plurality of battery assemblies (100). The drain channel (DP) may be configured to be open at both ends of the pack case (200).

[0151] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the cooling medium discharged to the outside of the housing (120) through the drain hole (DH) can be prevented from accumulating inside the pack case (200). As a result, a short circuit in the normal battery assembly (100) can be prevented more effectively.

[0152]

[0153] FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0154] Referring to FIG. 14, a vehicle (V) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle (V) according to the present invention may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle (V) may include a four-wheeled vehicle and a two-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle (V) may operate by receiving power from a battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0155]

[0156] Although the present invention has been described above by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims described below by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs.

Claims

1. A plurality of battery assemblies comprising a plurality of battery cells and a housing for accommodating the plurality of battery cells; A pack case accommodating the above plurality of battery assemblies and It includes a cooling plate provided on one side of the above battery assembly and filled with a cooling medium inside, The above housing is A battery pack characterized by having a venting hole configured to discharge venting gas generated from the battery cell to the outside on one side and a cooling hole configured to communicate with the cooling plate.

2. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the venting holes and the cooling holes are positioned at staggered positions.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above cooling plate is A cooling channel filled with the above-mentioned cooling medium, and A battery pack characterized by having a water supply hole configured to discharge the cooling medium from the cooling channel toward the cooling hole.

4. In Paragraph 3, A battery pack characterized in that the above-mentioned water injection hole is formed at a position corresponding to the above-mentioned cooling hole.

5. In Paragraph 3, The above cooling plate is A battery pack characterized by further including a cover member configured to cover the above-mentioned water supply hole.

6. In Paragraph 5, A battery pack characterized in that the above-described cover member is configured to open the above-described water supply hole when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above cooling plate is A battery pack characterized by having a venting channel formed on the inner surface configured to allow the venting gas discharged from the venting hole to flow.

8. In Paragraph 7, A battery pack characterized in that the venting channel is configured to face the venting hole.

9. In Paragraph 7, The above pack case is A battery pack characterized by having a venting device that communicates with the venting channel and is configured to discharge the venting gas to the outside.

10. In Paragraph 1, The above housing is A battery pack characterized by having a drain hole on the other side configured to discharge the cooling medium introduced through the cooling hole to the outside.

11. In Paragraph 10, A battery pack characterized in that the drain hole is disposed on a surface facing the cooling hole and the venting hole in the housing.

12. In Paragraph 10, The above pack case is A battery pack characterized by having a base frame configured to accommodate the plurality of battery assemblies and having a drain channel formed therein configured to allow the cooling medium discharged from the drain hole to flow.

13. An automobile characterized by including a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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