Battery pack and vehicle comprising same

Abstract

A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a module comprising a plurality of battery cells and a module housing accommodating the battery cells in the interior space and comprising at least one ventilation hole; a pack housing accommodating at least one battery module; a pack lid covering the top of the pack housing; and at least one expansion block, provided between the module housing and pack lid, which expands in volume when heated.

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 claim application for Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0040637 filed on March 28, 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, as they possess not only the primary advantage of drastically reducing the use of fossil fuels but also the advantage of generating no by-products from energy use.

[0004] Currently, widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium-polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of these unit secondary battery cells, or unit battery cells, is approximately 2.5V to 4.5V. Therefore, if a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery pack. Additionally, depending on the charge / discharge capacity required for the battery pack, multiple battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery pack. Accordingly, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be varied depending on the required output voltage and / or charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] Meanwhile, batteries can fail due to a heat-generating process known as thermal runaway. Thermal runaway in batteries can be caused by manufacturing defects, improper handling or misuse of the battery, or factors that increase the battery's temperature or expose it to high temperatures from external sources. High temperatures cause an increase in the battery's reaction rate, which in turn further increases the battery's temperature. As a result of this runaway process, the battery releases a large amount of heat into the surrounding area. Following thermal runaway, carbonized byproducts (particles) and / or high-temperature gases penetrate the battery cell pouch. Therefore, there is a need for research on means to prevent battery pack ignition by controlling the thermal flow of high-temperature gases and particles.

[0006] The present invention has one objective of smoothly discharging high-temperature gases and / or flames and / or particles generated by thermal events to the outside of a battery module.

[0007] In addition, the present invention has another objective of effectively lowering the temperature of a battery pack when a thermal event occurs.

[0008] Furthermore, another objective of the present invention is to improve the stability of a battery pack by delaying the heat propagation of the battery pack.

[0009] However, 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 a person skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0010] A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-described problem comprises: a battery module including a plurality of battery cells and a module housing that accommodates the plurality of battery cells in an internal space and includes at least one venting hole; a pack housing that accommodates at least one battery module; a pack lid that covers the upper part of the pack housing; and at least one expansion block provided between the module housing and the pack lid and configured to expand in volume when heated.

[0011] In one aspect of the present invention, the expansion block may be configured to absorb heat.

[0012] In another aspect of the present invention, the expansion block may include vermiculite.

[0013] In another aspect of the present invention, the expansion block may be provided in multiple numbers.

[0014] In one aspect of the present invention, the expansion block may be attached to the outer surface of the upper plate of the module housing.

[0015] In another aspect of the present invention, the expansion block may be attached to the inner surface of the pack lid.

[0016] In another aspect of the present invention, the module housing includes a plurality of venting holes, and the expansion block may be positioned between the plurality of venting holes.

[0017] In one aspect of the present invention, the expansion block may be positioned along the edge of the upper plate of the module housing.

[0018] Preferably, the expansion block can be configured to expand in the vertical direction.

[0019] In one aspect of the present invention, the expansion block may be configured to widen the distance between the module housing and the pack lid when heated.

[0020] In another aspect of the present invention, the height of the expansion block before expansion may be configured to be less than or equal to the shortest distance between the module housing and the pack lead.

[0021] In another aspect of the present invention, the maximum expansion height of the expansion block may be configured to be greater than the shortest distance between the module housing and the pack lead.

[0022] In one aspect of the present invention, the maximum expansion height of the expansion block may be configured to be at least 10 times the height before expansion.

[0023] In addition, the present invention provides a vehicle comprising at least one battery pack according to the above-described embodiment.

[0024] According to the present invention, high-temperature gas and / or flame and / or particles generated by a thermal event can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery module.

[0025] In addition, according to the present invention, the temperature of the battery pack can be effectively lowered when a thermal event occurs.

[0026] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the stability of the battery pack can be improved by delaying the heat propagation of the battery pack.

[0027] However, the effects obtainable through the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned technical effects will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0028] 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.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a drawing for illustrating a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 is a drawing for explaining a battery module included in the battery pack of Figure 1.

[0031] Figure 3 is a drawing for explaining the battery cells included in the battery module of Figure 2.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a drawing for illustrating an expansion block according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a drawing for illustrating a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 5 seen from the front.

[0035] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the process of an expansion block expanding due to a thermal event in the battery pack of Figure 4.

[0036] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the state in which the expansion block is maximally expanded by a thermal event in the battery pack of Figure 4.

[0037] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the expansion process of an expansion block according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 10 is a drawing for illustrating a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention. Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely some of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical spirit of the present invention; therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications capable of replacing them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0040] Additionally, to aid in understanding the invention, the attached drawings are not drawn to actual scale, and the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated. Furthermore, the same reference numerals may be assigned to identical components in different embodiments.

[0041] The statement that two subjects of comparison are identical means that they are 'substantially identical.' Therefore, substantial identity may include deviations considered low in the industry, for example, deviations within 5%. Additionally, the statement that a parameter is uniform in a given area may mean that it is uniform from an average perspective.

[0042] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, it goes without saying that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless specifically stated otherwise, the first component may also be the second component.

[0043] Throughout the specification, unless specifically stated otherwise, each component may be singular or plural.

[0044] The fact that any configuration is placed on the "upper (or lower)" of a component or on the "upper (or lower)" of a component may mean not only that any configuration is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of said component, but also that another configuration may be interposed between said component and any configuration placed on (or below) said component.

[0045] In addition, where it is stated that one component is "connected," "combined," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while the components may be directly connected or connected to each other, another component may be "interposed" between each component, or each component may be "connected," "combined," or "connected" through another component.

[0046] Throughout the specification, "A and / or B" means A, B, or A and B unless specifically stated otherwise, and "C to D" means C or more and D or less unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0047]

[0048] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 1, a battery pack (1) according to the present invention includes a battery module (10), a pack housing (20), a pack lid (30), and an expansion block (40).

[0050] Referring to FIG. 1, the battery pack (1) according to the present invention may include at least one battery module (10) according to the present invention as described above. The battery pack (1) according to the present invention may include a pack housing (20) capable of accommodating the at least one battery module (10).

[0051] Meanwhile, the battery pack (1) may include a pack lid (30) that covers the upper part of the pack housing (20). The pack lid (30) may be positioned at a predetermined distance from the upper plate (230) of the battery module (10) housed inside the battery pack (1) to facilitate the smooth discharge of venting gas and / or flame.

[0052] In addition, various other components other than this battery module (10), such as a BMS, a pack case, a relay, a current sensor, etc., which are known at the time of filing of the present invention, may be further included.

[0053]

[0054] In one aspect of the present invention, the battery pack (1) includes at least one expansion block (40). Preferably, the battery pack (1) may include a plurality of expansion blocks (40). That is, in a battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the expansion blocks (40) may be provided in a plurality.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 1, the expansion block (40) may be provided between the module housing (200) and the pack lid (30). Specifically, the expansion block (40) may be attached to the outer surface of the upper plate (230) of the module housing (200). Meanwhile, the expansion block (40) may be attached to the inner surface of the pack lid (30). The expansion block (40) may be configured to expand in volume when heated. Preferably, the expansion block (40) may be configured to absorb heat. That is, the expansion block (40) may expand in volume while absorbing heat.

[0056] The above expansion block (40) may include an inorganic material having the property of expanding at high temperatures. For example, the above expansion block (40) may include vermiculite.

[0057] In another aspect, the expansion block (40) may include a flame-retardant material or a heat-resistant material.

[0058] According to the configuration of the present invention, the distance between the pack lead (30) of the battery pack (1) and the upper plate (230) of the battery module (10) is appropriately secured, allowing the flame inside the battery module (10) to be smoothly discharged. Additionally, when a thermal event occurs in some battery cells (100) included in the battery module (10), the adjacent expansion block (40) expands in volume due to heat, thereby widening the gap between the module housing (200) and the pack lead (30). Accordingly, the flame and / or venting gas generated by the thermal event can be smoothly discharged through the gap between the module housing (200) and the pack lead (30). That is, according to the present invention, the time of heat propagation within the battery module (10) can be delayed. Accordingly, smooth venting can be induced, thereby obtaining a thermal runaway delay effect. In other words, according to the present invention, the time of heat propagation within the battery module (10) can be delayed.

[0059]

[0060] FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining a battery module (10) included in the battery pack (1) of FIG. 1.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 2, the battery module (10) includes a plurality of battery cells (100) and a module housing (200).

[0062] A plurality of battery cells (100) may be stacked in at least one direction. More specifically, a plurality of battery cells (100) may be arranged in a horizontal direction. A plurality of battery cells (100) may be configured to be arranged side by side in the left and right directions while standing upright in the vertical direction. Below, each of the battery cells (100) will be examined in more detail.

[0063]

[0064] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining a battery cell (100) included in the battery module (10) of FIG. 2.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 3, the battery cell (100) may be a secondary battery, for example, a pouch-type battery cell (100). However, this does not limit the type of the battery cell (100), and other types of battery cells (100), such as cylindrical cells or prismatic cells, may also be used in the battery module (10) of the present invention.

[0066] Hereinafter, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the battery cell (100) is described as a pouch-type cell. Referring to FIG. 3, the battery cell (100) may include an electrode assembly (110), a receiving portion (130) that accommodates the electrode assembly (110), a sealing portion (150) formed around the receiving portion (130), and a pair of electrode leads (170) that are connected to the electrode assembly (110) and extend outward from the sealing portion (150).

[0067] The above pair of electrode leads (170) are coupled to an electrode tab (not shown) provided in the electrode assembly (110) and can be drawn out to the outside of the sealing portion (150) through the sealing portion (150). The above pair of electrode leads (170) may have a shape that extends along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (100). The above pair of electrode leads (170) may be drawn out in the same direction or opposite directions to each other.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 3, the battery cell (100) may be configured to vent gas through an upper sealing portion (150). The sealing portion (150) may be provided with a venting portion formed to prevent an increase in internal pressure caused by gas generated inside the battery cell (100). The venting portion is formed in a part of the sealing portion (150) and corresponds to an area that is structurally weaker than the surrounding area so that it can easily break when internal pressure is applied. The venting portion may be, for example, an area where the sealing is formed weaker than the surrounding area. In this case, the venting portion may be formed on one of the two corners of the sealing portion (150). In particular, the venting portion may be formed on the upper corner of the two corners of the sealing portion (150).

[0069] According to this structure, gas generated inside the battery cell (100) can be discharged to the outside of the battery cell (100) through a venting portion formed at the top of the battery cell (100). Accordingly, the gas can be discharged to the outside of the battery module (10) through a venting hole (230H) of an upper plate (230) located at the top side of the battery cell (100). That is, according to this structure, high-temperature gas and flames inside the module can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery module (10).

[0070]

[0071] In one aspect of the present invention, the module housing (200) can accommodate a plurality of battery cells (100) in its internal space. Referring to FIG. 2, the module housing (200) has an empty space formed inside, so that a plurality of battery cells (100) can be accommodated in its internal space. The module housing (200) may include at least one venting hole (230H).

[0072] Referring again to FIG. 2, the module housing (200) may include a base plate (210), a side plate (220), and a top plate (230). The base plate (210) may be configured to have a roughly plate-shaped structure forming the bottom of the module housing (200). The side plate (220) may be configured in a plate shape extending vertically upward from the edge of the base plate (210). The top plate (230) may be configured to have a roughly plate-shaped structure covering the top of the side plate (220).

[0073] For example, the module housing (200) may be composed of a U-shaped frame formed to surround the lower, left, and right sides of a plurality of battery cells (100) and an upper plate (230) that is seated on the upper part of the U-shaped frame. In this case, the U-shaped frame may be composed of a base plate (210) and a side plate (220).

[0074]

[0075] In another aspect of the present invention, the upper plate (230) may include at least one venting hole (230H). Preferably, the upper plate (230) may include a plurality of venting holes (230H). For example, referring to FIG. 2, the plurality of venting holes (230H) may be arranged in a plurality along the horizontal and vertical directions of the upper plate (230). The venting hole (230H) may be formed in a shape penetrating the module housing (200) in the thickness direction to communicate the internal space and the external space of the module housing (200). Specifically, the venting hole (230H) may be formed in a shape penetrating the upper plate (230) in the thickness direction. The venting hole (230H) may be formed on the upper side of the module housing (200).

[0076] A sealing portion (150) of the battery cell (100), i.e., a venting portion, may be located at the bottom of the venting hole (230H). For example, if the battery cell (100) is a pouch cell, the sealing portion (150) has a shape that is extended in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, when gas is generated in the battery cell (100) and gas is discharged from the sealing portion (150), the gas is discharged to the outside along the sealing portion (150) that is extended in the longitudinal direction. Accordingly, in this case, the shape of the venting hole (230H) may also be configured to have a shape that is extended in the longitudinal direction.

[0077] According to this structure, gas discharged through the upper sealing portion (150) of the battery cell (100) can be discharged to the outside of the battery module (10) through the venting hole (230H) formed on the upper side of the module housing (200). That is, according to this structure, high-temperature gas and flames inside the module can be smoothly discharged.

[0078] In addition, according to this structure, even if a large amount of gas is generated within the battery module (10), the gas can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery module (10) through a plurality of venting holes (230H). Furthermore, according to the structure in which the venting holes (230H) are formed along the sealing portion (150) of the battery cell (100), the gas discharged from the sealing portion (150) of the battery cell (100) can be discharged directly to the outside through the venting holes (230H). That is, the time the venting gas remains within the module housing (200) can be minimized.

[0079]

[0080] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining an expansion block (40) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] Referring to FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 4, the module housing (200) may include a plurality of venting holes (230H). Meanwhile, the expansion block (40) may be positioned between the plurality of venting holes (230H). Specifically, referring to FIG. 4, the space (G) between the module housing (200) and the pack lid (30) may function as a discharge path for high-temperature venting gas and / or flame.

[0082] In one aspect of the present invention, referring to FIG. 4, the expansion block (40) may be configured as a structure having a roughly rectangular shape. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the expansion block (40) may be configured to have a rod shape extending in one direction. However, it goes without saying that the shape of the expansion block (40) is not limited thereto. The expansion block (40) may be configured so as not to block the venting hole (230H). The expansion block (40) may be provided in the area between the venting hole (230H).

[0083] According to this configuration, when a thermal event occurs, the space around the venting hole (230H) can be further expanded by the expansion block (40). Accordingly, high-temperature gases and / or particles can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery module (10) through the expanded space around the venting hole (230H). Accordingly, the temperature of the battery module (10) and the battery pack (1) can be lowered. Consequently, according to the configuration of the present invention, thermal propagation can be delayed.

[0084]

[0085] Preferably, the lateral width of the expansion block (40) may be configured to be smaller than the longitudinal width of the venting hole (230H). Referring to FIG. 2, the expansion block (40) may be configured in a roughly cubic shape. The expansion block (40) may be provided in the area between the venting holes (230H). Specifically, the expansion block (40) may be provided in the area between the venting holes (230H) along the stacking direction of the battery cell (100). Meanwhile, the shape of the venting hole (230H) may be configured to have a shape that is extended in the longitudinal direction.

[0086] Therefore, gas and / or flame discharged from inside to outside the module housing (200) through the venting hole (230H) can move smoothly through the space on both sides of the expansion block (40).

[0087]

[0088] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a battery pack (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 5 seen from the front.

[0089] Since the battery pack (1) according to the present embodiment is similar to the battery pack (1) of the preceding embodiment, redundant descriptions of configurations that are substantially identical or similar to the preceding embodiment are omitted, and the following description focuses on the differences from the preceding embodiment.

[0090] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the expansion block (40) may be arranged along the edge of the upper plate (230) of the module housing (200). That is, referring to FIG. 5, a plurality of expansion blocks (40) may be arranged along the longitudinal direction in the stacking direction regions of the module housing (200).

[0091] According to this configuration, as shown in FIG. 6, the pack lid (30) can be supported by the expansion block (40) over the entire area of ​​the battery module (10). Accordingly, even if expansion occurs only in some of the expansion blocks (40), bending of the pack lid (30) can be minimized. That is, due to the structure in which the expansion block (40) is positioned over the edge area of ​​the battery module (10), the pack lid (30) can maintain a stable shape overall, and accordingly, high-temperature gas and / or flames discharged from within the battery module (10) can be easily discharged to the outside through the space (G) between the pack lid (30) and the upper plate (230) of the module housing (200).

[0092]

[0093] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the process of the expansion block (40) expanding due to a thermal event in the battery pack (1) of FIG. 4, and FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the state in which the expansion block (40) is maximally expanded due to a thermal event in the battery pack (1) of FIG. 4.

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the expansion block (40) may be configured to expand in the vertical direction. That is, the expansion block (40) may be configured to expand in the height direction. Although the expansion block (40) may expand in all directions, it is particularly preferable for it to expand in the vertical direction. This is because if the expansion block (40) expands in the horizontal direction, the space (G) between the pack lid (30) and the upper plate (230) of the module housing (200) cannot be widened. Furthermore, if the expansion block (40) expands in the horizontal direction, there is a possibility that it may block the venting hole (230H). Therefore, it is preferable for the expansion block (40) to expand in the vertical direction.

[0095]

[0096] Preferably, the expansion block (40) may be configured to widen the distance between the module housing (200) and the pack lid (30) when heated. For example, the expansion block (40) may expand gradually. Referring to FIG. 7, the expansion block (40) may be heated by a thermal event occurring in some battery cells (100) and its height may increase gradually. Accordingly, the pack lid (30) located on top of the expansion block (40) may be gradually lifted upward.

[0097] Meanwhile, the height (H1) of the expansion block (40) before expansion can be configured to be less than or equal to the shortest distance between the module housing (200) and the pack lid (30). In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, the height (H1) of the expansion block (40) before expansion can be configured to be equal to the shortest distance between the module housing (200) and the pack lid (30).

[0098] With this configuration, stable support of the pack lead (30) is possible, and at the same time, the space (G) between the pack lead (30) and the upper plate (230) of the module housing (200) can be stably maintained.

[0099] Meanwhile, the maximum expansion height (H3) of the expansion block (40) may be configured to be greater than the shortest distance between the module housing (200) and the pack lead (30). Referring to 8, the maximum expansion height (H3) of the expansion block (40) is configured to be greater than the shortest distance between the module housing (200) and the pack lead (30).

[0100] Referring to FIG. 8, the heated expansion block (40) can reach a maximum thickness. Accordingly, the pack lid (30) can be moved further upward than its original position. That is, the space (G) between the pack lid (30) and the upper plate (230) of the module housing (200) can be expanded.

[0101]

[0102] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining the expansion process of an expansion block (40) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 9, (a) shows the state of the expansion block (40) before expansion. (b) shows the state of the expansion block (40) being heated and expanding. (c) shows the state of the expansion block (40) being maximally expanded. The expansion block (40) has a height of H1 before expansion. During the expansion process, the expansion block (40) has a height of H2. The expansion block (40) has a height of H3 in the state of maximum expansion.

[0104] In one aspect of the present invention, referring to FIG. 9, the maximum expansion height (H3) of the expansion block (40) may be configured to be at least about 10 times the height before expansion (H1). Preferably, the maximum expansion height (H3) of the expansion block (40) may be configured to be about 15 to 20 times the height before expansion (H1).

[0105] Accordingly, venting gas and / or flame can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the module housing (200) through the extended space (G) between the pack lid (30) and the upper plate (230) of the module housing (200).

[0106] Additionally, the expansion block (40) may be configured to expand irreversibly. That is, once the expansion block (40) has been expanded, its volume may not decrease again.

[0107] Accordingly, when a thermal event occurs, the space (G) between the pack lead (30) and the upper plate (230) of the module housing (200) can be prevented from narrowing again.

[0108]

[0109] Referring again to FIG. 4, the battery module (10) may further include at least one barrier (B).

[0110] The barrier (B) may be provided within the module housing (200). In one embodiment of the present invention, the barrier (B) may be configured to support the upper plate (230) upward. The barrier (B) may be arranged in a direction parallel to the battery cell (100). If the battery cell (100) is a pouch cell, the pouch cell may be mounted with a receiving portion having a roughly flat shape in a vertical position from the ground. In this case, the barrier (B) may also be mounted in a direction parallel to the receiving portion of the pouch cell. For example, a plurality of barriers (B) may be provided within the module housing (200), and the plurality of barriers (B) may be provided parallel to each other with a predetermined spacing between them. That is, the barrier (B) may be interposed between adjacent battery cells (100). For example, the barrier (B) may be interposed between at least some of the battery cells (100) among a plurality of battery cells (100) stacked in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the barrier (B) may be provided in multiple numbers and arranged spaced apart from each other in the stacking direction of the battery cells (100). Also, the barrier (B) may be interposed between different battery cells (100). As a more specific example, the barrier (B) may be arranged one per three or four battery cells (100). The barrier (B) may function as a configuration that divides the space within the module housing (200) into multiple sections.

[0111] Meanwhile, the barrier (B) may be configured to block flames. For example, the barrier (B) may be composed of a flame-retardant material or a heat-resistant material to prevent or reduce the transmission of flames between adjacent battery cells (100). For example, the barrier (B) may be made of a metal material such as SUS (stainless steel). Alternatively, the barrier (B) may be made of at least one material among GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic) and CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic). In addition, the barrier (B) may be made of a metal material such as aluminum or an alloy containing such a metal material.

[0112] With such a configuration, effective flame blocking performance can be achieved. That is, by dividing the space within the module housing (200) in this way, the barrier (B) can effectively prevent flame or heat from propagating to other battery cells (100) even if a thermal event occurs in some battery cells (100). In addition, in this case, the structural strength of the blocking member is improved, which may be advantageous for reducing the manufacturing cost or weight of the battery module (10). Furthermore, the barrier (B) may employ various flame blocking materials known at the time of filing the present invention, such as ceramic materials.

[0113] According to this configuration of the present invention, when a thermal event such as thermal runaway intensifies and flames occur, the propagation of flames between cells can be prevented. Therefore, the spread of fire to the entire battery module (10) due to flame propagation between battery cells (100) can be suppressed or the speed of such spread can be delayed.

[0114]

[0115] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle (V) including a battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 10, the automobile (V) according to the present invention may include at least one battery pack (1) according to the present invention.

[0117] The battery module (10) according to the present invention may be applied to a vehicle (V), such as an electric vehicle (V) or a hybrid vehicle (V). That is, the vehicle (V) according to the present invention may include the battery module (10) according to the present invention or the battery pack (1) according to the present invention. In addition, the vehicle (V) according to the present invention may further include various other components included in the vehicle (V) in addition to the battery module (10) or the battery pack (1). For example, the vehicle (V) according to the present invention may further include, in addition to the battery module (10) according to the present invention, a vehicle body, a motor, a control device such as an ECU (electronic control unit), etc.

[0118]

[0119] According to the various embodiments described above, the safety of the battery pack (1) and the vehicle (V) can be improved. That is, according to one aspect of the present invention, high-temperature gas and flames in the area within the module where the thermal event occurred can be smoothly discharged in a thermal event situation. Accordingly, by controlling the chain reaction of the thermal event of the battery module (10), the safety of the battery module (10), the battery pack (1), and the vehicle (V) can be improved. Accordingly, according to the various embodiments described above, a battery pack (1) with improved safety and a vehicle (V) including the same can be provided.

[0120]

[0121] Meanwhile, although terms indicating direction such as up and down have been used in this specification, these terms are used merely for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to a person skilled in the art that they may vary depending on the location of the object or the position of the observer.

[0122] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to 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.

[0123]

[0124] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0125] V Car

[0126] 1 battery pack

[0127] 10 battery modules

[0128] 20 Pack Housing

[0129] 30-pack lead

[0130] 40 Expansion Blocks

[0131]

[0132] 100 battery cells

[0133] 110 electrode assembly

[0134] 130 reception units

[0135] 150 sealing part

[0136] 170 electrode leads

[0137]

[0138] 200 module housing

[0139] 210 Base Plate

[0140] 220 side plate

[0141] 230 upper plate

[0142] 230H Venting Hole

[0143] B barrier

Claims

1. A battery module comprising a plurality of battery cells and a module housing that accommodates the plurality of battery cells in an internal space and includes at least one venting hole; A pack housing that accommodates at least one of the above battery modules; A pack lid covering the upper part of the above pack housing; At least one expansion block provided between the module housing and the pack lid, configured to expand in volume when heated A battery pack including 2. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the above-mentioned expansion block is configured to absorb heat.

3. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized by the above-mentioned expansion block containing vermiculite.

4. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized by having multiple expansion blocks.

5. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the above-described expansion block is attached to the outer surface of the upper plate of the module housing.

6. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the above-mentioned expansion block is attached to the inner surface of the pack lid.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above module housing includes a plurality of venting holes, and A battery pack characterized in that the above-mentioned expansion block is positioned between a plurality of venting holes.

8. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the expansion block is positioned along the edge of the upper plate of the module housing.

9. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized by the above-mentioned expansion block being configured to expand in the vertical direction.

10. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the above-described expansion block is configured to widen the distance between the module housing and the pack lead when heated.

11. In Paragraph 1, The height of the above expansion block before expansion is, A battery pack characterized by being configured to be smaller than or equal to the shortest distance between the module housing and the pack lead.

12. In Paragraph 1, The maximum expansion height of the above expansion block is, A battery pack characterized by being configured to be greater than the shortest distance between the module housing and the pack lead.

13. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized by the fact that the maximum expansion height of the above-mentioned expansion block is configured to be at least 10 times the height before expansion.

14. An automobile characterized by comprising at least one battery pack described in any one of claims 1 to 13.

Images