Battery pack
The battery pack design addresses thermal safety issues by injecting cooling fluid directly into specific locations during events, using meltable caps to open injection holes and maintain high pressure, effectively suppressing heat propagation and preventing accidents.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-22
AI Technical Summary
Lithium secondary batteries used in battery packs for electric vehicles and energy storage systems are vulnerable to thermal events, which can lead to chain reactions causing accidents and pose significant safety risks due to the dense packing of cells and modules, necessitating improved thermal safety measures.
A battery pack design with internal flow paths, partition walls, and injection holes that allow direct injection of a cooling fluid into specific locations during thermal events, using caps that melt to open and seal injection holes, maintaining high pressure within the system to suppress heat propagation and act as a fire extinguishing mechanism.
The design enhances thermal safety by suppressing heat propagation and acting as a fire extinguisher, improving cooling efficiency and maintaining high pressure to prevent chain reactions and accidents.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack.
[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0044900 filed on April 2, 2024, and all the contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated into this application.
Background Art
[0003] As the demand for portable electronic products such as notebook computers, video cameras, and mobile phones has rapidly increased, and as the commercialization of robots, electric vehicles, etc. has become full-scale, research on high-performance secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged has been actively conducted.
[0004] Currently, commercially available secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, lithium secondary batteries, etc. Among these, lithium secondary batteries have attracted attention because they can be freely charged and discharged with almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, have a very low self-discharge rate, and have a high energy density.
[0005] Such lithium secondary batteries mainly use a lithium-based oxide and a carbon material as a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material, respectively. A lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate coated with such a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode plate coated with a negative electrode active material are arranged with a separator interposed therebetween, and an exterior material, for example, a battery case, that hermetically stores the electrode assembly together with an electrolytic solution.
[0006] Generally, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into a can-type secondary battery in which an electrode assembly is stored in a metal can and a pouch-type secondary battery in which an electrode assembly is stored in a pouch made of an aluminum laminate sheet according to the shape of the exterior material.
[0007] In recent years, secondary batteries have been widely used not only in small devices such as portable electronic devices, but also in medium and large-scale devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS), for propulsion and energy storage. These secondary batteries are electrically connected and housed together inside a module case to form a single battery module. Furthermore, multiple such battery modules are connected to form a single battery pack.
[0008] However, when multiple secondary batteries (battery cells) or multiple battery modules are densely packed into a small space, they can be vulnerable to thermal events. In particular, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs in one battery cell, high-temperature gases, flames, and heat may be generated. If such gases, flames, and heat are transferred to other battery cells contained within the same battery module, an explosive chain reaction such as thermal propagation can occur. Furthermore, such a chain reaction can not only cause accidents such as fires and explosions in the battery module in question, but can also cause fires and explosions in other battery modules.
[0009] Furthermore, in the case of medium to large battery packs, such as those found in electric vehicles, the risk of chain reactions is even higher because they contain a large number of battery cells and battery modules in an attempt to increase output and / or capacity. Moreover, in the case of battery packs installed in electric vehicles, there may be users such as drivers in the vicinity. Therefore, if a thermal event occurring in a particular battery cell or module cannot be properly controlled and a chain reaction occurs, it could lead to not only significant property damage but also loss of life. For this reason, it is necessary to improve the thermal safety of battery packs by properly controlling thermal events generated in battery cells and modules. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]
[0010] The present invention aims to solve the problems described above and other problems.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack with improved safety when a thermal event occurs.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to directly inject a cooling fluid into the battery module when a thermal event occurs.
[0013] Another object of the present invention is to inject a cooling fluid to each of the locations where a thermal event occurs when it occurs at multiple locations.
[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack that can maintain a high pressure during the injection of a cooling fluid. [Means for solving the problem]
[0015] To achieve the above objective, a battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention includes a base plate having a flow path inside, a plurality of battery cells located on the base plate, and a partition wall provided on the upper surface of the base plate and having an internal space communicating with the flow path.
[0016] Furthermore, the partition wall may include an injection hole that connects the internal space to the outside, and a cap that closes the injection hole.
[0017] Furthermore, multiple injection holes may be provided, and these multiple injection holes may be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the partition wall.
[0018] Furthermore, the cap may be provided with screw threads on its outer surface.
[0019] The partition wall may further include a first sealing member positioned around the periphery of the injection hole.
[0020] Further, the cap may be configured to open the injection hole when a thermal event occurs in the plurality of battery cells.
[0021] Further, the base plate may further include a port provided on an upper surface thereof and communicating with the flow path.
[0022] Further, the port may be inserted into the internal space of the partition wall.
[0023] Further, the base plate may further include a second seal member disposed at a periphery of the port.
[0024] Further, the port may have a thread on an outer peripheral surface.
[0025] Further, the battery pack may further include a fastening member that penetrates the base plate and is inserted into the partition wall.
[0026] Further, the internal space of the partition wall may include a first sub-flow path extending along a vertical direction, and a second sub-flow path communicating with the first sub-flow path and extending along a longitudinal direction of the partition wall.
[0027] Further, the internal space of the partition wall may further include a third sub-flow path communicating with the second sub-flow path and extending along a vertical direction.
[0028] Further, the internal space of the partition wall may include a fourth sub-flow path extending along a longitudinal direction of the partition wall, and a fifth sub-flow path communicating with the fourth sub-flow path and extending along a vertical direction.
[0029] Further, the battery pack may further include a module case provided on an upper surface of the base plate and providing a space inside, and the plurality of battery cells may be accommodated inside the module case.
[0030] An automobile according to another aspect of the present invention includes a battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]
[0031] According to one aspect of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery pack can be improved.
[0032] According to one aspect of the present invention, heat propagation can be suppressed.
[0033] The following drawings accompanying this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and are intended to facilitate a better understanding of the technical concept of the invention, along with the detailed description of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be construed as being limited solely to what is shown in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0034] [Figure 1] This figure shows a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This diagram shows a portion of the battery pack components separated from each other. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the battery module of the battery pack in Figure 2, separated from its original components. [Figure 4] This diagram shows a partial configuration of the battery pack shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] This figure shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' in Figure 4. [Figure 6] This diagram shows a partial configuration of the battery pack shown in Figure 1. [Figure 7] This figure shows the configuration of Figure 6 when it is assembled. [Figure 8] This figure shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line B-B' in Figure 7. [Figure 9] This figure shows the deformed form of Figure 8. [Figure 10] This diagram shows a partial configuration of the battery pack shown in Figure 1. [Figure 11]This figure shows the configuration of Figure 10 when it is assembled. [Figure 12] This figure shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line C-C' in Figure 11. [Figure 13] This figure shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line D-D' in Figure 1. [Figure 14] This is a magnified view of section E in Figure 13. [Figure 15] This figure shows a magnified view of section E in Figure 13 when a thermal event occurs. [Figure 16] This is a magnified view of section F in Figure 13. [Figure 17] This figure shows a magnified view of section F in Figure 13 when a thermal event occurs. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0035] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and in the claims shall not be interpreted in a manner limited to their general and dictionary meanings, but in accordance with the principle that inventors themselves may appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe their invention, and shall be interpreted in a manner and concept corresponding to the technical idea of the present invention.
[0036] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the drawings represent only one of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the invention. It should be understood that there are various equivalents and modifications that can substitute for them at the time of this application.
[0037] Figure 1 shows a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 shows a partial configuration of the battery pack in Figure 1 separated, and Figure 3 shows the battery modules 200, 201, 202, 203, and 204 of the battery pack in Figure 2 separated.
[0038] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a base plate 110 and a plurality of battery cells 220.
[0039] The base plate 110 may be rectangular in shape. The base plate 110 may be flat in shape. The base plate 110 may form the exterior of the battery pack. The base plate 110 may provide the internal space 410 of the battery pack.
[0040] Multiple battery modules 200, 201, 202, 203, and 204 may be provided. The battery modules 200, 201, 202, 203, and 204 may be installed, fastened, coupled, fixed, or attached to the upper surface of the base plate 110.
[0041] Multiple battery modules 200, 201, 202, 203, and 204 may be provided. Each battery module 200, 201, 202, 203, and 204 may include a module case 210, a battery cell 220, an end cover 230, and a heat conduction member 240. The module case 210 may be rectangular parallelepiped. The module case 210 may have an open left and right side. The module case 210 may form the external appearance of the battery modules 200, 201, 202, 203, and 204. The module case 210 may provide internal space.
[0042] The battery cell 220 can be housed inside the module case 210. Multiple battery cells 220 may be provided. In this case, the battery cell 220 may represent a secondary battery. The battery cell 220 may also be pouch-type. Multiple battery cells 220 may be stacked or arranged along the front-to-back direction.
[0043] The heat conduction member 240 may be located between the multiple battery cells 220 and the module case 210. The heat conduction member 240 may be located below the multiple battery cells 220. The heat conduction member 240 may be made of resin. The heat conduction member 240 may also fix the multiple battery cells 220 to the module case 210. The heat conduction member 240 may also transfer heat generated from the multiple battery cells 220 to the module case 210.
[0044] The end covers 230 may be provided in pairs. Each pair of end covers 230 may be coupled, fastened, fixed, or attached to the left and right sides of the module case 210, respectively. The end covers 230 may form the appearance of the battery modules 200, 201, 202, 203, and 204.
[0045] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a side wall 120 and a pack cover 150.
[0046] The side walls 120 can be installed, fastened, joined, fixed, or attached to the upper surface of the base plate 110. Four side walls 120 may be provided. The side walls 120 may be arranged along the periphery of the base plate 110. The side walls 120 may form the exterior of the battery pack. The side walls 120 may provide internal space.
[0047] Battery modules 200, 201, 202, 203, and 204 may be surrounded by side walls 120.
[0048] The pack cover 150 may be rectangular or flat. The pack cover 150 may form the exterior of the battery pack. The pack cover 150 may cover the internal space of the battery pack. The pack cover 150 may be installed, fastened, joined, fixed, or attached to the side wall 120. The pack cover 150 may also cover the top surfaces of the battery modules 200, 201, 202, 203, and 204.
[0049] Figure 4 shows a partial configuration of the battery pack in Figure 1, and Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' in Figure 4.
[0050] Referring to Figures 1 to 5, a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may include partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, and 404.
[0051] The base plate 110 may have a flow path 111 inside. In this case, the flow path 111 may also be referred to as the base flow path 111. In this case, the base plate 110 may also be referred to as the heat sink 110.
[0052] Multiple partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, and 404 may be provided. Partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, and 404 may be installed, fastened, fixed, joined, or attached to the upper surface of the base plate 110. Partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, and 404 may partition the internal space 410 of the battery pack. Battery modules 200, 201, 202, 203, and 204 may be located in the spaces partitioned by partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, and 404, respectively. In addition, partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, and 404 may face at least one side of the battery modules 200, 201, 202, 203, and 204.
[0053] The partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, and 404 may have an internal space 410. The internal space 410 of the partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, and 404 may communicate with the base flow path 111. The internal space 410 may also be referred to as a fire extinguishing tank 410 or a fire extinguishing flow path 410.
[0054] The cooling fluid e can flow through the base channel 111. The cooling fluid e can also flow into and be stored in the internal spaces 410 of the partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, and 404. The cooling fluid e may also be referred to as a cooling liquid e, cooling gas e, fire extinguishing fluid e, or fire extinguishing member e. For example, the cooling fluid e may be insulating oil.
[0055] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery pack can be improved. When a thermal event occurs in the battery modules 200, 201, 202, 203, 204 or the battery cell 220, the cooling fluid e stored in the internal space 410 of the partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, 404 is supplied, sprayed, or injected into the battery modules 200, 201, 202, 203, 204 or the battery cell 220. This can suppress or block heat propagation. Furthermore, the cooling efficiency of the battery pack can be improved. In addition, the cooling fluid e can function as a fire extinguishing member.
[0056] Referring to Figures 1 to 5, a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a second port 114 and a central wall 300.
[0057] The second port 114 may be provided on the base plate 110. The second port 114 may be provided in pairs. The cooling fluid e may flow into the base channel 111 through the second port 114 or out of the base channel 111.
[0058] The central wall 300 can be installed, fastened, fixed, joined, or attached to the upper surface of the base plate 110. The central wall 300 can partition the internal space 410 of the battery pack. Multiple partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, and 404 can be arranged in the space partitioned by the central wall 300.
[0059] Referring to Figures 1 to 5, a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a fastening member 160. The fastening member 160 may penetrate the base plate 110. The fastening member 160 may also be inserted into the partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, and 404. The fastening member 160 can fasten the base plate 110 to the partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, and 404. Multiple fastening members 160 may be provided. Multiple fastening members 160 may be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, and 404. The fastening member 160 may also be fastened to locations in the partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, and 404 where an internal space 410 is not formed.
[0060] According to this configuration of the present invention, the rigidity of the battery pack can be improved.
[0061] Figure 6 shows a partial configuration of the battery pack in Figure 1, Figure 7 shows the configuration of Figure 6 when combined, Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line B-B' in Figure 7, and Figure 9 shows a modified form of Figure 8.
[0062] Referring to Figures 6 to 9, the partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, and 404 of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may include injection holes 420 and caps 430. The injection holes 420 can connect the internal space 410 of the partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, and 404 to the outside of the partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, and 404. Multiple injection holes 420 may be provided. Multiple injection holes 420 may be located along the longitudinal direction of the partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, and 404. The injection holes 420 may be formed on the front or rear surface of the partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, and 404. The first partition wall 401 may have multiple injection holes 420 on its rear surface. The second partition wall 402, the third partition wall 403, and the fourth partition wall 404 may each have a plurality of injection holes 420 on their front and rear surfaces, respectively.
[0063] The cap 430 can block the injection hole 420. A cap 430 may be provided for each injection hole 420. The cap 430 can seal the injection hole 420.
[0064] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery pack can be improved. When a thermal event occurs in the battery modules 200, 201, 202, 203, 204 or the battery cell 220, the cooling fluid e stored in the internal space 410 of the partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, 404 is supplied, sprayed, or injected into the battery modules 200, 201, 202, 203, 204 or the battery cell 220 through the injection hole 420. In addition, the cap 430 can seal the injection hole 420 before the occurrence of a thermal event.
[0065] Referring to Figures 6 to 9, a cap 430 of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to open an injection hole 420 when a thermal event occurs. When a thermal event occurs in a plurality of battery cells 220 or battery modules 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, vent gas, flame, or flammable particles may be discharged. The cap 430 may be made of a material that can be melted at low temperatures. For example, the cap 430 may include an alloy material having a melting point of 60°C to 100°C. Alternatively, the cap 430 may include a thermoplastic material having a melting point of 60°C to 100°C.
[0066] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery pack can be improved. When a thermal event occurs in battery modules 200, 201, 202, 203, 204 or battery cell 220, the cap 430 melts or breaks, and the injection hole 420 opens. This causes cooling fluid e to be injected through the injection hole 420 into the battery cell 220 or battery modules 200, 201, 202, 203, 204 where the thermal event occurred. Depending on the nature of the thermal event, multiple caps 430 may melt, and cooling fluid e may be injected through multiple injection holes 420.
[0067] Referring to Figures 6 to 9, the multiple injection holes 420 of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may be located along the longitudinal direction of the partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, and 404. The multiple injection holes 420 may also be arranged along the height direction of the partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, and 404. Furthermore, each injection hole 420 may be provided with a cap 430.
[0068] According to this configuration of the present invention, the thermal safety of the battery pack can be improved. By arranging multiple injection holes 420 at various positions, the cap 430 in the area where a thermal event occurs melts, and cooling fluid e is injected into that area, thereby improving the fire extinguishing effect.
[0069] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the cap 430 of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first cap 431 or a second cap 432. The term "cap 430" can be used to refer collectively to the first cap 431 and the second cap 432. The first cap 431 may have threads on its outer circumference. The injection hole 420 may also have threads on its periphery. The threads of the first cap 431 and the threads of the injection hole 420 can interlock.
[0070] According to this configuration of the present invention, the coupling between the cap 430 and the partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, and 404 can be improved. This improves the sealing performance of the first cap 431.
[0071] Referring to Figure 8, a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first sealing member 433. The first sealing member 433 may be positioned around the periphery of the injection hole 420. The first sealing member 433 may be made of an elastic material. The first sealing member 433 may also be ring-shaped.
[0072] According to this configuration of the present invention, the sealing performance of the first cap 431 can be improved.
[0073] Referring to Figure 9, the second cap 432 of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may have a diameter D2 that is larger than the diameter D1 of the injection hole 420. In this case, the second cap 432 may include an elastic material. The second cap 432 may be fitted into the injection hole 420.
[0074] According to this configuration of the present invention, the sealing performance of the second cap 432 can be improved.
[0075] Figure 10 shows a partial configuration of the battery pack in Figure 1, Figure 11 shows the configuration of Figure 10 when combined, and Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line C-C' in Figure 11.
[0076] Referring to Figures 10 to 12, the base plate 110 of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a first port 112 provided on its upper surface and communicating with the base flow path 111.
[0077] The first port 112 may be formed integrally with the base plate 110. Multiple first ports 112 may be provided. Multiple first ports 112 may be provided in a one-to-one correspondence with each partition wall 400, 401, 402, 403, 404. The first port 112 may be connected to the partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, 404 or to the inlet hole 410a.
[0078] According to this configuration of the present invention, the coupling between the base plate 110 and the partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, and 404 can be improved. This improves the connection between the base flow path 111 and the internal space 410.
[0079] Referring to Figures 10 to 12, the first port 112 of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may be inserted into the internal space 410 of the partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, and 404. Alternatively, the first port 112 may be inserted into the inlet hole 410a of the partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, and 404.
[0080] According to this configuration of the present invention, the coupling between the base plate 110 and the partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, and 404 can be improved. This improves the connection between the base flow path 111 and the internal space 410.
[0081] Referring to Figures 10 to 12, the first port 112 of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may have threads on its outer surface. The inlet hole 410a may also have threads on its periphery. The threads of the first port 112 and the threads of the inlet hole 410a can interlock.
[0082] According to this configuration of the present invention, the coupling between the base plate 110 and the partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, and 404 can be improved. This improves the sealing between the first port 112 and the inlet hole 410a.
[0083] Referring to Figures 10 to 12, a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a second sealing member 113. The second sealing member 113 may be positioned around the periphery of the inlet hole 410a or around the periphery of the first port 112. The second sealing member 113 may be made of an elastic material. The second sealing member 113 may also be ring-shaped.
[0084] According to this configuration of the present invention, the sealing performance between the first port 112 and the inlet hole 410a can be improved.
[0085] Referring to Figures 10 to 12, the internal space 410 of the partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, and 404 of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first sub-channel 411 and a second sub-channel 412. The first sub-channel 411 may communicate with the inlet hole 410a. The first sub-channel 411 may extend in the vertical direction, along the height direction of the partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, and 404, or along the Z-axis direction. The second sub-channel 412 may also communicate with the first sub-channel 411. The second sub-channel 412 may extend from the upper end of the first sub-channel 411. The second sub-channel 412 may extend in the left-right direction, along the longitudinal direction of the partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, and 404, or along the Y-axis direction.
[0086] With this configuration of the present invention, the internal space 410 of the partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, and 404 extends in the vertical or horizontal direction, allowing the injection holes 420 to be positioned in various locations. Furthermore, since the internal space 410 of the partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, and 404 is composed of multiple sub-flow channels, the pressure of the cooling fluid e can be maintained at a high level.
[0087] Referring to Figures 10 to 12, the internal space 410 of the partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, and 404 of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a third sub-channel 413. The third sub-channel 413 may communicate with the second sub-channel 412. The third sub-channel 413 may extend from the lower end of the second sub-channel 412. The third sub-channel 413 may extend vertically, along the height direction of the partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, and 404, or along the Z-axis direction.
[0088] With this configuration of the present invention, the internal space 410 of the partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, and 404 extends in the vertical or horizontal direction, allowing the injection holes 420 to be positioned in various locations. Furthermore, since the internal space 410 of the partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, and 404 is composed of multiple sub-flow channels, the pressure of the cooling fluid e can be maintained at a high level.
[0089] Referring to Figures 10 to 12, the internal space 410 of the partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, and 404 of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a fourth subchannel 414 and a fifth subchannel 415. The fourth subchannel 414 may communicate with the third subchannel 413. The fourth subchannel 414 may extend vertically, along the height direction of the partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, and 404, or along the Z-axis direction. The fourth subchannel 414 may extend from the right end of the third subchannel 413.
[0090] The fifth subchannel 415 may communicate with the fourth subchannel 414. The fifth subchannel 415 may extend from the upper end of the fourth subchannel 414. The fifth subchannel 415 may extend in the vertical direction, along the height direction of the partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, 404, or along the Z-axis direction.
[0091] With this configuration of the present invention, the internal space 410 of the partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, and 404 extends in the vertical or horizontal direction, allowing the injection holes 420 to be positioned in various locations. Furthermore, since the internal space 410 of the partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, and 404 is composed of multiple sub-flow channels, the pressure of the cooling fluid e can be maintained at a high level.
[0092] Referring to Figures 10 to 12, the internal space 410 of the partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, and 404 of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured such that the first sub-channels 411 to the fifth sub-channels 415 are repeatedly connected. Furthermore, the openings that connect the internal space 410 of the partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, and 404 to the outside may be configured such that there is only one inlet hole 410a. As a result, the cooling fluid e located in the internal space 410 may not flow.
[0093] With this configuration of the present invention, the internal space 410 of the partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, and 404 extends vertically or horizontally, allowing the injection holes 420 to be positioned in various locations. Furthermore, the pressure of the cooling fluid e located in the internal space 410 of the partition walls 400, 401, 402, 403, and 404 can be maintained at a high level. This allows the cooling fluid e to be quickly discharged when a thermal event occurs.
[0094] Figure 13 shows the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line D-D' in Figure 1, Figure 14 is an enlarged view of section E in Figure 13, and Figure 15 is an enlarged view of section E in Figure 13 when a thermal event occurs.
[0095] Referring to Figures 13 to 15, a first battery module 201 of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may be located between a first partition wall 401 and a second partition wall 402. The first partition wall 401 may include an injection hole 420 and a cap 430 on its rear surface. The second partition wall 402 may include an injection hole 420 and a cap 430 on its front and rear surfaces, respectively. When a thermal event occurs in the first battery module 201, the cap 430 of the first partition wall 401 or the second partition wall 402 may open the injection hole 420. This allows a cooling fluid e located in the internal space 410 to be injected into the first battery module 201.
[0096] Figure 16 is an enlarged view of section F in Figure 13, and Figure 17 is an enlarged view of section F in Figure 13 when a thermal event occurs.
[0097] Referring to Figures 13, 16, and 17, a second battery module 202 of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may be located between a second partition wall 402 and a third partition wall 403. The third partition wall 403 may include injection holes 420 and caps 430 on its front and rear surfaces, respectively. When a thermal event occurs in the second battery module 202, the caps 430 of the second partition wall 402 or the third partition wall 403 may open the injection holes 420. This allows a cooling fluid e located in the internal space 410 to be injected into the second battery module 202.
[0098] Furthermore, a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a variety of components, such as a battery management system (BMS), busbars, relays, current sensors, and other components of a battery pack known at the time of filing the present invention.
[0099] An automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the battery pack according to the present embodiment of the present invention described above. The battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may be applied to automobiles such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles. Furthermore, an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a variety of other components included in the automobile in addition to such a battery pack, such as a vehicle body, motors, and control devices such as an electronic control unit (ECU).
[0100] On the other hand, while terms indicating direction such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used in this specification, these terms are used for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that they can change depending on the position of the object being examined, the position of the observer, etc.
[0101] As described above, the present invention has been explained with limited embodiments and drawings, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited thereto, and that various modifications and variations are possible within the equivalent scope of the technical idea and claims of the present invention by persons with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.
Claims
1. A base plate with a flow path inside, Multiple battery cells located on the base plate, The base plate includes a partition wall provided on the upper surface of the base plate and having an internal space that communicates with the flow path, The aforementioned partition wall is An injection hole that connects the internal space and the outside, Includes a cap that closes the injection hole, A battery pack in which the cap is configured to open the injection holes when a thermal event occurs in the plurality of battery cells.
2. Multiple injection holes are provided, The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of injection holes are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the partition wall.
3. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the cap has screw threads on its outer surface.
4. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the partition wall further includes a first sealing member disposed around the periphery of the injection hole.
5. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the base plate further includes a port provided on its upper surface that communicates with the flow path.
6. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein the port is inserted into the internal space of the partition wall.
7. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein the base plate further includes a second sealing member disposed around the periphery of the port.
8. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein the port has screw threads on its outer surface.
9. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising a fastening member that penetrates the base plate and is inserted into the partition wall.
10. The interior space of the aforementioned partition wall is A first sub-channel extending in the vertical direction, The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising a second sub-channel that communicates with the first sub-channel and extends along the longitudinal direction of the partition wall.
11. The interior space of the aforementioned partition wall is The battery pack according to claim 10, further comprising a third sub-channel that communicates with the second sub-channel and extends in the vertical direction.
12. The interior space of the aforementioned partition wall is A fourth sub-channel extending along the longitudinal direction of the partition wall, The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising a fifth sub-channel that communicates with the fourth sub-channel and extends in the vertical direction.
13. The base plate further includes a module case provided on the upper surface of the base plate and providing space inside, The aforementioned plurality of battery cells are The battery pack according to claim 1, housed inside the module case.
14. An automobile comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 13.
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