Gas discharge device and battery module and battery pack comprising the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a gas discharge device and a battery module and a battery pack including the same, in which a larger flow rate of gas can be discharged even when using an exhaust disc having the same area by continuously reducing the cross-sectional area of a flow path in a gas discharge direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gas emission device for discharging gases inside a battery module or battery pack, and a battery pack including the gas emission device.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0024304, filed on February 23, 2021, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0021766, filed on February 18, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] Battery packs used in electric vehicles and the like have a structure in which multiple battery modules (each battery module includes multiple secondary batteries) are connected in series or parallel to achieve high output. Furthermore, the secondary batteries can be repeatedly charged and discharged through electrochemical reactions between components including positive and negative current collectors, separators, active materials, electrolytes, etc.

[0004] Secondary batteries can generate gas from within them during repeated charging and discharging; this gas is called venting gas. For example, when an overcurrent flows, the temperature of the secondary batteries inside the battery pack rises rapidly. This rapid temperature increase may cause the electrolyte to decompose, producing gas. When gas is generated from the secondary batteries inside the battery pack, the gas may be collected inside the battery pack, potentially causing an explosion, or the gas may be introduced into the interior of a vehicle through cooling pipes or similar means. Therefore, a venting device is installed within the battery pack to reduce the pressure inside by releasing the gas to the outside.

[0005] Typically, venting devices have the following structure: a venting disc, which can rupture under internal pressure, is inserted between the inlet for incoming gas and the outlet for outgoing gas inside the battery pack. However, because conventional venting devices have a simple cylindrical structure connecting the gas inlet and outlet, the pressure between the inlet and outlet is not high, thus limiting the flow rate of the gas that can be vented.

[0006] [Existing Technical Documents]

[0007] [Patent Literature]

[0008] Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2018-0039986 Summary of the Invention

[0009] Technical issues

[0010] The purpose of this invention is to provide a gas emission device and a battery module and battery pack including the gas emission device, which can emit a large flow rate per hour even when using an exhaust disc with the same area.

[0011] Technical solution

[0012] The present invention relates to a gas emission device comprising: a first support having a through hole formed in its central portion; a second support having a through hole formed in its central portion communicating with the first support and the second support being fastened to the first support; and an exhaust disc fastened between the first support and the second support to block the through hole and configured to rupture upon application of a predetermined pressure, wherein a gas emission flow path is formed in the through hole formed in the first support and the second support, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the gas emission flow path decreases continuously or gradually in the gas emission direction.

[0013] In a specific example, the gas emission device according to the invention includes an emission guiding member inserted into a through hole in the first support and the second support and having a gas emission flow path formed in its central portion, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the gas emission flow path may decrease continuously or gradually in the gas emission direction.

[0014] In this case, the emission guiding member may include: a first emission guiding member inserted into a through hole formed in the first support; and a second emission guiding member inserted into a through hole formed in the second support, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the gas emission flow path formed by the first emission guiding member and the second emission guiding member may decrease continuously or gradually in the gas emission direction.

[0015] In one example, the gas emission flow path may have a truncated conical shape.

[0016] In another example, the gas emission flow path may have a truncated conical shape with an inclined surface that is concave or convex as its cross-sectional area decreases continuously.

[0017] In one specific example, a straight flow path with a constant cross-sectional area is formed on the outlet side of the gas emission flow path, following a flow path with a truncated conical shape whose inclined surface is concave or convex.

[0018] As another example, in the gas emission flow path, as the cross-sectional area of ​​the gas emission flow path continuously decreases, flow paths with a truncated cone shape and an inclined surface with a convex surface can be continuously formed on its inner wall.

[0019] As another example, in the gas emission flow path, as the cross-sectional area of ​​the gas emission flow path continuously decreases, a flow path with a truncated cone shape and an inclined surface with a concave surface are continuously formed on its inner wall.

[0020] In one specific example, protrusions with threaded, embossed, or straight patterns can be formed on the inner wall of the gas emission flow path.

[0021] In one example, a fastening portion for securing the emission guide member to the first and second supports may protrude from the outer surface of the emission guide member; and a fastening hole for bolting to the first and second supports is formed in the fastening portion.

[0022] In another example, the first bracket and the second bracket are fastened to the discharge guide member by means of threaded fastening.

[0023] Furthermore, the exhaust disc may include: an outer peripheral portion that is fastened to the first bracket and the second bracket; and an inner peripheral portion that is integrally formed with the outer peripheral portion to block the through hole and rupture upon application of a predetermined pressure, wherein a notch may be formed in the inner peripheral portion to rupture upon application of the predetermined pressure.

[0024] In addition, the present invention provides a battery module including the gas emission device described above.

[0025] The battery module may include: a plurality of secondary batteries; and a module frame on which the secondary batteries are mounted, wherein the gas emission device described above may be fastened to one side of the module frame.

[0026] In one example, the gas emission device can be fastened such that either the first or second bracket is in contact with the module frame.

[0027] In another example, the gas emission device can be fastened such that the first support of the gas emission device is in contact with the inner surface of the module frame, and the second support of the gas emission device is in contact with the outer surface of the module frame.

[0028] In addition, the present invention provides a battery pack including the gas emission device described above.

[0029] The battery pack may include: at least one battery module, the at least one battery module including a plurality of secondary batteries; and a battery pack housing, the battery pack housing including a tray and a battery pack cover, the battery module being mounted on the tray and the battery pack cover covering the battery module, wherein the gas emission device as described above can be fastened to one side of the battery pack housing.

[0030] In one example, the gas emission device can be fastened such that either the first bracket or the second bracket of the gas emission device is in contact with the battery pack housing.

[0031] In another example, the gas emission device can be fastened such that the first bracket of the gas emission device contacts the inner surface of the battery pack housing and the second bracket of the gas emission device contacts the outer surface of the battery pack housing.

[0032] Beneficial effects

[0033] According to the gas emission device and battery module or battery pack including the gas emission device according to the invention, even when using an exhaust disc with the same area, a larger flow rate can be discharged per hour, thereby improving the safety of the battery module and battery pack. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a gas emission device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a perspective view illustrating the form in which the bracket and exhaust disc are secured in a gas emission device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the shape of a gas emission device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the shape of the emission guide component.

[0038] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view illustrating the shape of a gas emission device according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0039] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view illustrating the shape of a gas emission device according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0040] Figure 7A cross-sectional view illustrating the shape of a gas emission device according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0041] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view illustrating the shape of a gas emission device according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0042] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the form in which the support and discharge guide member are fastened according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the form in which the support and discharge guide member are fastened according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the shape of the exhaust disc according to the present invention.

[0045] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection structure of a gas emission device in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection structure of a gas emission device in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their common or dictionary meanings, but rather as being based on the inventors' appropriate definitions of terms and concepts to best describe the principles of the invention and are interpreted as consistent with the technical scope of the invention.

[0048] It should be understood that the terms "comprising," "including," "containing," and / or "comprising" as used in this specification indicate the presence of the stated feature, integral, step, operation, element, component, and / or combination thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. Furthermore, when a layer, film, region, or plate is referred to as "formed on" another element, this includes cases where the layer, film, region, or plate is formed directly on the other element, as well as cases where other layers, films, regions, or plates are formed on the other element with another element present in between. Conversely, when a layer, film, region, or plate is referred to as "formed below" another element, this includes cases where the layer, film, region, or plate is formed directly below the other element, as well as cases where other layers, films, regions, or plates are formed below the other element with another element present in between. Additionally, in this invention, when an element is referred to as being "located on" another element, this includes cases where the element is disposed above the other element and cases where the element is disposed below the other element.

[0049] The present invention will be described in detail below.

[0050] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a gas emission device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 This is a perspective view illustrating the form in which the bracket and exhaust disc are secured in a gas emission device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The gas emission device 100 according to the present invention includes: a first support 110 having a through hole formed in its central portion; a second support 120 having a through hole communicating with the first support 110 formed in its central portion, and the second support 120 being fastened to the first support 110; and an exhaust plate 130 fastened between the first support 110 and the second support 120 to block the through hole, and the exhaust plate 130 being configured to rupture when a predetermined pressure is applied, wherein a gas emission flow path is formed in the through hole formed in the first support 110 and the second support 120, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the gas emission flow path decreases continuously or gradually in the gas emission direction.

[0052] Typically, multiple battery modules are installed in a battery pack, with multiple secondary batteries embedded within each module. When these secondary batteries are repeatedly charged and discharged, gas is generated due to the decomposition of electrolytes and other substances. The heat generated during the charging and discharging process promotes gas production and causes the gas to expand, thereby increasing the pressure inside the battery module or battery pack. If this process continues, the battery module or battery pack may explode, or the gas inside the battery module or battery pack may be introduced into the vehicle's interior through pipes or the like. Therefore, an exhaust system is attached, in which an exhaust disc ruptures to release the gas when the gas pressure reaches a predetermined value or higher.

[0053] This type of gas is typically a compressible fluid whose volume changes relative to pressure. When air flows at high speed, pressure and density increase in certain regions, and the volume of air decreases. However, in the process of venting gas as described above, the venting rate is low, thus resulting in incompressible flow, where the volume change with pressure is negligible. In incompressible flow, the total pressure on the fluid is constant, and the fluid pressure and velocity are inversely proportional. That is, when the fluid pressure increases, the velocity decreases, and when the fluid pressure decreases, the velocity increases.

[0054] As mentioned above, since conventional exhaust devices have a simple cylindrical structure with gas inlet and outlet connections, the pressure between the inlet and outlet is not high, and therefore the flow rate of the gas that can be discharged is limited.

[0055] In contrast, when the cross-sectional area of ​​the gas discharge flow path continuously or gradually decreases in the gas discharge direction, as in this invention, the internal pressure increases because the air velocity decreases at the inlet with a large cross-sectional area, and decreases because the air velocity increases at the outlet with a small cross-sectional area. Therefore, the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet further increases locally, and a larger amount of gas can be discharged even when using an exhaust disc with the same area. Thus, when the internal pressure caused by gas generated inside the battery module or battery pack exceeds a reference value, the safety of the battery module or battery pack can be improved by rapidly discharging the gas.

[0056] The structure of the gas emission device according to the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0057] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the shape of a gas emission device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the shape of the emission guide component. Figure 5 A cross-sectional view illustrating the shape of a gas emission device according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0058] Reference Figure 3 or Figure 4 Together Figure 1 and Figure 2 The gas emission device 100 according to the invention includes supports 110 and 120 for securing the exhaust disc 130 and emitting gas. The exhaust disc 130 can be secured between the two supports 110 and 120, and each of the supports 110 and 120 has a through hole formed in its central portion to form a gas emission flow path. In the invention, of the two supports 110 and 120, the support on the side of introducing gas relative to the gas emission direction is defined as the first support 110, and the support on the side of emitting gas is defined as the second support 120. The through hole formed in the central portion of the second support 120 communicates with the through hole formed in the central portion of the first support 110 to serve as a gas emission flow path. The exhaust disc and the emission guide member, which will be described below, are both secured to the first support 110 and the second support 120, and can be formed with fastening holes (not illustrated) into which bolts 150 for securing the gas emission device 100 to a battery module or battery pack can be inserted.

[0059] The venting disc 130 can be secured between the first bracket 110 and the second bracket 120 to block the through hole, and can be configured to rupture when a predetermined pressure is applied.

[0060] Furthermore, the gas emission flow path is formed in the through holes formed in the first support 110 and the second support 120. Specifically, the gas emission device 100 according to the invention includes an emission guide member 140 (which is inserted into the through holes of the first support 110 and the second support 120) and has a gas emission flow path 141 formed in its central portion. The gas emission flow path formed in the through holes can be formed by the emission guide member 140, and in this case, the cross-sectional area of ​​the gas emission flow path 141 formed in the emission guide member 140 decreases continuously or gradually in the gas emission direction.

[0061] That is, in this invention, the shape of the gas discharge flow path formed in the supports 110 and 120 can be formed by shaping the through-hole itself, but a separate discharge guide member 140 can be inserted into the supports 110 and 120 to form the gas discharge flow path as described above. The discharge guide member 140 has a detachable / attachable or replaceable structure. In this invention, by using separate discharge guide members 140 for the supports 110 and 120, gas can be discharged smoothly, components can be easily replaced, and the shape of the flow path can be easily changed.

[0062] In this invention, to improve gas emission efficiency, the cross-sectional area can be varied while maximizing the length of the gas emission flow path. Since the exhaust disk 130 is disposed between the first support 110 and the second support 120, the emission guide member 140 can also be inserted into the through-holes formed in the first support 110 and the second support 120. Specifically, the emission guide member 140 includes a first emission guide member 140a inserted into the through-hole formed in the first support 110 and a second emission guide member 140b inserted into the through-hole formed in the second support 120. Here, the cross-sectional area of ​​the gas emission flow path 141 formed by the first emission guide member 140a and the second emission guide member 140b decreases continuously or gradually in the gas emission direction. That is, there is no step difference between the first emission guide member 141a and the second emission guide member 140b, and the gas emission flow path 141 forms a continuous surface. Therefore, the movement of gas introduced into the supports 110 and 120 is not obstructed, and the gas can be smoothly emitted.

[0063] In addition, such as Figure 4As illustrated, the gas emission flow path 141 formed by the emission guide member 140 can be designed, for example, to have a circular shape. In this case, the gas emission flow path 141 formed by the emission guide member 140 can have a truncated conical shape. (See also...) Figure 3 and Figure 4 The inlet 142 and outlet 143 of the gas discharge flow path 141 in the discharge guiding member 140 are both circular in shape, and have a lower surface and an upper surface forming a truncated cone shape. That is, the inner wall 144 of the discharge guiding member 140 has the following structure: the cross-sectional area continuously decreases from the inlet of the introduced gas towards the outlet of the discharged gas, thereby forming an inclined surface. When... Figure 3 and Figure 4 When the cross-sectional profile of the inner wall 144 of the gas emission flow path 141 is formed as a straight inclined surface, the rate of reduction of the cross-sectional area is constant throughout the entire gas emission flow path.

[0064] This straight cross-sectional profile is simple and therefore easy to manufacture. However, when the profile is connected to other components such as pipes, angled sections can be formed on the walls of the flow path, potentially creating sections of unstable flow. Furthermore, since the rate of reduction in cross-sectional area is constant, for example, when unstable gas is introduced at the inlet of the flow path, the flow instability cannot be resolved and is likely to persist until the outlet. In other words, a disadvantage of flow paths with a constant rate of reduction in cross-sectional area is that the degrees of freedom for adjusting the flow instability within the corresponding flow path are reduced.

[0065] On the other hand, when the rate of reduction of cross-sectional area changes along the flow path, it has the advantage of being able to regulate and manage the aforementioned flow instabilities within the flow path. Figures 5 to 8 An implementation method for the gas emission flow path is illustrated.

[0066] Reference Figure 5 (a) The gas discharge flow path 141 formed by the discharge guide member 140 has a truncated cone shape with an inclined surface formed on the inner wall 144 of the gas discharge flow path that is concave and curved as its cross-sectional area decreases toward the outlet 143.

[0067] Here, the concave-bending shape of the inclined surface refers to the shape in which the inclined surface is concave towards the outside of the gas discharge flow path in the vertical cross-section of the flow path. In this case, the rate of reduction of the cross-sectional area is small near the inlet 142 where the gas is introduced and increases towards the outlet 143 where the gas is discharged. Since the gas discharge flow path 141 with the cross-sectional profile of the concave-bending shape described above has a shape in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path decreases rapidly on the outlet 143 side, the pressure difference (pressure differential) between the inlet 142 and the outlet 143 of the flow path can be increased. That is, compared with the inclined surface having a straight... Figure 3 and Figure 4 Compared to the gas emission flow path 141 of the previous embodiment, the flow path of this embodiment can achieve a larger pressure difference between the inlet and outlet. This means that even when the length of the flow path is shortened, the desired pressure difference can be easily obtained. Therefore, according to this embodiment, when achieving a pressure difference greater than that of the previous embodiment... Figure 3 and Figure 4 When the gas discharge flow path 141 on the straight inclined surface has the same pressure difference, the gas discharge device can be configured to have a higher pressure difference than the gas discharge flow path 141 on the straight inclined surface. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The implementation method has a short flow path length.

[0068] Additionally, refer to Figure 5 (b) The gas discharge flow path 141 formed by the discharge guide member 140 has a truncated cone shape with an inclined surface formed on the inner wall 144 that convexly bends as its cross-sectional area decreases toward the outlet 143.

[0069] Here, the convex curvature of the inclined surface refers to the shape in which the inclined surface protrudes towards the center of the flow path in the vertical cross-section of the flow path. In this case, the rate of reduction of the cross-sectional area is large near the inlet 142 where the gas is introduced and decreases towards the outlet 143 where the gas is discharged. Figure 5 The gas emission flow path 141 with a convex curved cross-sectional profile (b) also has a larger cross-sectional area reduction rate than the gas emission flow path with a straight inclined surface, similar to Figure 5 The flow path of (a). Therefore, since a large pressure difference can be achieved between the inlet and outlet, the gas emission device can be configured with a shorter flow path. In particular, in Figure 5 In the gas discharge flow path 141 of (b), the flow path on the outlet 143 side has a shape with a relatively gently decreasing cross-sectional area compared to a flow path with a straight, inclined surface. Because the changes in physical quantities within the flow path are gradual, a flow path with this shape has the advantage of achieving high flow stability.

[0070] Furthermore, as mentioned above, in order to achieve both the effects of increasing the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet and improving flow stability, the cross-sectional profile of the gas emission flow path 141 can be configured as a combination of curves and straight lines, such as... Figure 6 exemplified in .

[0071] Reference Figure 6 (a) A straight flow path 146 with a constant cross-sectional area is formed on one side of the outlet 143 of the gas discharge flow path 141, following the truncated conical flow path whose inclined surface is recessed. In this embodiment, in the concave truncated conical flow path of the gas discharge flow path 141, a larger pressure difference can be achieved due to the reduced cross-sectional area, and in the straight flow path 146 on the outlet side, the exhaust gas can be stably discharged by designing the slope of the inner wall to be parallel to the gas flow direction.

[0072] Reference Figure 6 (b) A straight flow path 146 with a constant cross-sectional area is formed on one side of the outlet 143 of the gas discharge flow path, following the truncated conical flow path protruding from the inclined surface of the gas discharge flow path 141. As described above, in this embodiment, due to the reduced cross-sectional area in the truncated conical flow path of the gas discharge flow path 141, a larger pressure difference can be achieved, and in the straight flow path 146 on the outlet side, the discharge gas can be stably discharged by designing the slope of the inner wall to be parallel to the gas flow direction.

[0073] In particular, Figure 6 The gas emission device 100 with emission guiding member 140 in the embodiment has the following structure: as the curvature or cross-sectional area of ​​the gas emission flow path 141 continuously decreases, the gas is finally emitted through a flow path parallel to the gas flow direction. Therefore, even if the flow of gas introduced into the inlet 142 of the flow path is initially unstable, the gas flow instability can be resolved while the gas passes through the corresponding flow path, so that the gas can flow stably at the outlet 143.

[0074] exist Figure 6 In one embodiment, the gas discharge flow path 141 formed on the inner wall of the first discharge guide member 140a (which is inserted into a through hole formed in the first support 110) may have an inclined surface in the shape of a concave truncated cone (see [link]). Figure 6 (a) or a convex truncated cone-shaped inclined surface (see (a)) Figure 6(b)). Furthermore, the gas discharge flow path 141 formed on the inner wall of the second discharge guide member 140b can be a complex type of flow path, including both an inclined surface with a concave truncated cone shape or a convex truncated cone shape and a straight flow path 146 connected thereto.

[0075] Furthermore, to achieve both the effects of increasing the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet and increasing flow stability, the gas emission flow path 141 can be configured to combine curves with different curvatures, such as... Figure 7 and Figure 8 exemplified in .

[0076] exist Figure 7 In (a), a schematic cross-sectional profile of the following complex flow path is illustrated: a gas emission flow path forming a continuously decreasing overall cross-sectional area, and a flow path 144A with a truncated cone shape and a truncated cone shape with a convex inclined surface continuously formed. Figure 7 In (b), a gas emission device 100 with a cross-sectional profile having a complex flow path is disclosed.

[0077] Figure 7 The flow path is the same as in the above embodiment, except that the cross-sectional area continuously decreases from the inlet 142 of the gas discharge flow path 141 toward the outlet 143. Therefore, compared with a conventional gas discharge device that does not reduce the cross-sectional area, the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet is locally increased, so a larger amount of gas can be discharged even when using an exhaust disc with the same area.

[0078] In addition to the effects mentioned above, due to Figure 7 The gas discharge flow path 141 has continuously formed concave and convex inclined surfaces, thus the rate of reduction in cross-sectional area can be further increased. Therefore, based on the same flow path, the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet can be further increased. Thus, the gas discharge flow rate can be further improved. Furthermore, since the outlet 143 has a flow path with a relatively gentle convex inclined surface, the gas flow stability can be improved.

[0079] Figure 7 The dashed line in (a) indicates the boundary line where the shape of the inclined surface changes, and the boundary line can be the boundary between the first support 110 and the second support 120, or it can be part of the area where the exhaust disc 130 is mounted, as shown in Figure (a). Figure 7As illustrated in (b). However, the location of the boundary line is not limited to this; for example, one of the supports 110 and 120 may have a flow path containing an inclined surface (which includes the boundary line), and the other support may have a flow path containing an inclined surface with a single curvature. That is, although not illustrated, the gas discharge flow path may also be formed such that one of the two supports includes all flow path portions with varying curvatures.

[0080] exist Figure 8 In (a), a schematic cross-sectional profile of the following complex flow path is illustrated: a gas discharge flow path 141 forming a gas discharge flow path 141 with a continuously decreasing cross-sectional area, and a flow path 144B with a truncated cone shape and a truncated cone shape with a convex inclined surface and a flow path 144A with a truncated cone shape and a concave inclined surface. Figure 8 In (b), a gas emission device with a cross-sectional profile having a complex flow path is disclosed. That is, Figure 8 Gas emission devices include those with... Figure 7 The gas emission flow path is arranged in the opposite direction to the gas emission flow path.

[0081] because Figure 8 The cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path also decreases continuously from the inlet 142 of the gas discharge flow path toward the outlet 143, so the pressure difference between the inlet and the outlet increases locally, thus allowing a larger amount of gas to be discharged even when using exhaust discs with the same area.

[0082] In addition, due to Figure 8 The gas discharge flow path 141 has continuously formed convex and concave inclined surfaces, thus increasing the rate of reduction of cross-sectional area, and therefore further increasing the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet based on the same flow path. Therefore, the gas discharge flow rate can be further improved. Furthermore, since the gas discharge flow path 141 has a flow path with a relatively gentle overall inclined surface, the gas flow stability can be further improved.

[0083] Figure 8 The dashed line in (a) indicates the boundary line where the shape of the inclined surface changes, and the boundary line can be the boundary between the first support 110 and the second support 120, or it can be part of the area where the exhaust disc 130 is mounted, as shown in Figure (a). Figure 8As illustrated in (b). However, the location of the boundary line is not limited to this; for example, one of the supports 110 and 120 may have a flow path containing an inclined surface (which includes the boundary line), and the other support may have a flow path containing an inclined surface with a single curvature. That is, although not illustrated, the gas discharge flow path may also be formed such that one of the two supports includes all flow path portions with varying curvatures.

[0084] Figure 7 and Figure 8 The exhaust device includes a complex flow path with inclined surfaces having varying curvatures. Therefore, for example, even when the initial flow stability of the gas is reduced, the flow stability at the outlet can be improved by adjusting the curvature as the gas passes through the flow path. Simultaneously, the pressure difference between the inlet 142 and the outlet 143 can be increased by changing the curvature of the flow path. Figure 7 Complex flow paths can be examples of situations where a good balance between pressure differentials and flow stability is considered, while Figure 8 Complex flow paths can serve as an example for further consideration of flow stability. In any case, there is an excellent advantage in terms of the degree of freedom for regulating flow instability, since the gas flow can be adjusted within the corresponding flow path.

[0085] In addition to the above, the shape of the flow path formed in the emission guiding component can be designed in various forms according to the safety standards of the battery pack.

[0086] Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet 143 of the gas emission flow path 141 can be appropriately selected based on the structure of the battery module and battery pack and the safety conditions to be achieved, but it can be within the range of 40% to 80% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet 142. Specifically, the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet can be within the range of 50% to 70% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet, and more specifically, within the range of 55% to 65%. When the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet is less than 40% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet, the outlet is too narrow. On the other hand, when the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet exceeds 80% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet, the difference in cross-sectional area between the inlet and outlet is excessively reduced, and the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet decreases, thus reducing the efficiency of gas emission.

[0087] Furthermore, a pattern (not shown) for assisting gas emission can be formed on the inner wall 144 of the gas emission flow path 141. For example, the pattern can have the shape of a protrusion containing threads, embossing, or a straight pattern parallel to the gas emission direction. Specifically, the pattern can be formed as a threaded protrusion surrounding the interior of the flow path along its inner wall. This pattern can facilitate gas emission.

[0088] Furthermore, because the emission guiding components are secured to the support, stable gas emission can be promoted even during gas emission.

[0089] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the form in which the support and discharge guide member are fastened according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the form in which the support and discharge guide member are fastened according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] In the example, brackets 110 and 120, as well as the discharge guide member 140, can be fastened with bolts. In this case, as... Figure 9 As illustrated, a fastening portion 145 for securing the exhaust guide member 140 to the brackets 110 and 120 protrudes from the outer surface of the exhaust guide member 140. Since the exhaust guide member 140 is to be inserted into a through-hole in the brackets 110 and 120, the cross-section of the exhaust guide member 140 has a shape corresponding to the shape of the through-hole, and the fastening portion 145 has a plate-like protrusion shape that protrudes along its outer periphery in a shape similar to the outer periphery of the exhaust disc 130. In this invention, the exhaust guide member 140 includes a first exhaust guide member 140a and a second exhaust guide member 140b, and the fastening portion 145 may be formed in both the first exhaust guide member 140a and the second exhaust guide member 140b. Fastening holes (not illustrated) for bolting to the brackets 110 and 120 are formed in the fastening portion 145, and the fastening holes formed in the fastening portion 145 are formed at the same locations as the fastening holes formed in the brackets 110 and 120, and are secured by bolt insertion.

[0091] Furthermore, the location forming the fastening portion 145 can be appropriately designed. For example, such as... Figure 9 As illustrated, the fastening portions 145 formed in the first exhaust guide member 140a and the second exhaust guide member 140b can be configured to be disposed between the first bracket 110 and the exhaust disk 130, and between the second bracket 120 and the exhaust disk 130, respectively. However, the location of the fastening portions is not limited thereto, and for example, the fastening portions 145 can be configured such that the brackets 110 and 120 contact surfaces opposite to the surfaces that contact the exhaust disk 130.

[0092] In another example, the first bracket 110 and the second bracket 120 can be threaded onto the discharge guide member 140. In this case, as... Figure 10As illustrated, threads for threaded fastening can be formed on the inner walls of the first bracket 110 and the second bracket 120, as well as on the outer surface of the discharge guide member 140. Therefore, the first bracket 110 and the second bracket 120 can be fastened to the discharge guide member 140 in the same manner as nuts and bolts. In this invention, the discharge guide member 140 includes a first discharge guide member 140a and a second discharge guide member 140b, and threads can be formed on both the first discharge guide member 140a and the second discharge guide member 140b. In this way, when the discharge guide member 140 is threadedly fastened to the brackets 110 and 120, it is not necessary to insert separate bolts. Therefore, the structure of the components and the fastening method can be simplified, and the discharge guide member 140 can be securely fixed to the brackets 110 and 120.

[0093] In addition, refer to Figure 11 The exhaust disc 130 includes an outer peripheral portion 131 fastened to a first bracket 110 and a second bracket 120, and an inner peripheral portion 132 integrally formed with the outer peripheral portion 131, which blocks the through hole and breaks when a predetermined pressure is applied.

[0094] The outer peripheral portion 131 is used to fix the brackets 110 and 120 and the exhaust disc 130, and has one surface that contacts the first bracket 110 and another surface that contacts the second bracket 120. The outer peripheral portion 131 may include bolt through holes 133 in the circumferential direction, and the first bracket 110, the outer peripheral portion 131, and the second bracket 120 can be integrally connected by bolt fastening. When the exhaust guide member has a structure forming a fastening portion, the exhaust guide member can be connected to the brackets and the exhaust disc.

[0095] The inner circumferential portion 132 of the disc is made of a metal or plastic material that can break when a predetermined pressure is applied. For example, the inner circumferential portion 132 can be formed of a thin metal or plastic material such as copper, aluminum, or stainless steel. The inner circumferential portion 132 can be appropriately selected according to the pressure conditions at which it breaks, and the scope of the invention is not limited thereto.

[0096] The inner circumferential portion 132 prevents moisture or foreign matter from seeping into the battery module or battery pack under normal conditions by blocking the through-holes formed in the first support 110 and the second support 120. However, when a large amount of gas is generated from the battery module or battery pack, the internal pressure of the battery module or battery pack increases, and this pressure acts as a force that causes the inner circumferential portion 132 to rupture. In this case, because the internal pressure of the battery module or battery pack is higher than the external atmospheric pressure, the gas inside the battery module or battery pack can be discharged to the outside of the battery module or battery pack due to negative pressure.

[0097] A notch 134 is formed in the inner circumferential portion 132 of the disk to rupture upon application of a predetermined pressure. The notch 134 is formed by partially cutting from the surface of the exhaust disk 130 in the thickness direction. The notch 134 can be designed to have shapes such as cross-shaped, circular, quadrilateral, U-shaped, elliptical, arc-shaped, etc., and the cross-section of the notch 134 can have shapes such as trapezoidal, V-shaped, quadrilateral, arc-shaped, etc. The shape of the notch 134 formed in the inner circumferential portion 132 of the disk is not limited to these, and the notch 134 can have one of various shapes. For example, the notch 134 can have a shape such as... Figure 2 The X-shape is illustrated in the diagram. In this case, even if the inner circumferential portion 132 of the disc breaks, the broken pieces of the inner circumferential portion 132 can still be attached to the outer circumferential portion 131 of the disc without being completely separated. When the broken pieces of the inner circumferential portion of the disc are completely separated from the exhaust disc and fall off, it is difficult to remove these pieces and other components may be damaged.

[0098] Additionally, a gasket (not shown) may be inserted between the first support 110 and the exhaust disk 130 and / or between the second support 120 and the exhaust disk 130. The gasket may be configured to have a shape corresponding to the outer peripheral portion 131 of the disk, i.e., annular or ring-shaped. The gasket is configured to increase the airtightness between the first support 110 and the exhaust disk 130 or between the second support 120 and the exhaust disk 130, and to prevent damage to the outer peripheral portion 131 of the disk. For example, the gasket may be formed of an elastic rubber material or the like.

[0099] In addition, the present invention provides a battery module including the gas emission device described above.

[0100] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection structure of a gas emission device in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection structure of a gas emission device in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] Reference Figure 12 and Figure 13 The battery module 200 according to the present invention includes a plurality of secondary batteries (not shown) and a module frame 210 on which the secondary batteries are mounted, and has a structure in which the gas emission device 100 as described above is fastened to one side of the module frame 210.

[0102] Specifically, the secondary battery has a shape in which an electrode assembly (in which a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator are alternately stacked) and an electrolyte are mounted together in a cell housing. Since the configuration of the secondary battery is clear to those skilled in the art, a more detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0103] In one example, the gas emission device 100 can be fastened to the module frame 210 in a state of contact with the first support 110 or the second support 120, such as Figure 12 As illustrated in the example. In this case, such as... Figure 12 As illustrated in (a), the first support 110 contacts and is fastened to the outer surface of the module frame 210, or as... Figure 12 As illustrated in (b), the second bracket 120 contacts and is fastened to the inner surface of the module frame 210. In this specification, the inner surface of the module frame 210 refers to the surface facing the internal space of the module frame 210 where the secondary battery is mounted, and the outer surface refers to the surface exposed to the outside of the module frame 210. In the module frame 210, holes corresponding to the fastening holes formed in the fastening portions (not shown) of the first bracket 110, the second bracket 120, and the discharge guide member 140, as well as bolt through holes in the exhaust disk 130, can be formed. Therefore, the first bracket 110, the exhaust disk 130, the discharge guide member 140, and the second bracket 120 can be fixed to the module frame 210 in one bolt fastening. Furthermore, holes of a size corresponding to the through holes formed in the brackets 110 and 120 can be formed in the module frame 210, or inlets for the gas discharge flow path 141 can be formed, thus allowing the discharge of gas generated in the module.

[0104] In another example, in battery module 200, gas emission device 100 can be fastened to module frame 210 in a state where it is inserted between first bracket 110 and second bracket 120. Specifically, as Figure 13 As illustrated, the gas emission device 100 can be fastened to the module frame 210 in a state where the first support 110 contacts the inner surface of the module frame 210 and the second support 120 contacts the outer surface of the module frame 210. In this case, the position of the exhaust disc 130 is not particularly restricted, and the exhaust disc 130 can be inserted between and fastened to the first support 110 and the module frame 210, or inserted between and fastened to the second support 120 and the module frame 210. When the fastening portion is formed in the emission guide member, the exhaust disc is disposed between the fastening portion and the module frame.

[0105] In addition, the battery module 200 may also include a sealing member (not shown) for sealing the gap between the module frame 210 and the outer periphery of the gas emission device 100. The sealing member may include a rubber ring or silicone resin and may be installed in the gap between the gas emission device and the module frame to seal the battery module.

[0106] In addition, the present invention provides a battery pack including the gas emission device described above.

[0107] The battery pack according to the present invention includes a battery module containing a plurality of secondary batteries and a battery pack housing, the battery pack housing including a tray on which the battery module is mounted and a battery pack cover covering the battery module, wherein the gas emission device as described above can be fastened to one side of the battery pack housing.

[0108] In this case, the gas emission device can be fastened to the battery pack housing in the same manner as described above.

[0109] In one example, the gas emission device can be fastened to the battery pack housing in a state of contact with the first bracket. In this case, the first bracket can be fastened to the battery pack housing in a state of contact with the surface opposite to the surface in contact with the exhaust disc. In the battery pack housing, holes corresponding to the fastening holes formed in the fastening portions of the first bracket, the second bracket, the exhaust disc, and the emission guide member can be formed, so that the first bracket, the exhaust disc, the emission guide member, and the second bracket can be fixed to the battery pack housing at once by bolts. Furthermore, holes of a size corresponding to the through holes formed in the brackets can be formed in the battery pack housing, so that the holes can serve as paths for venting gas generated in the module.

[0110] In another example, the gas venting device can be fastened to the battery pack housing in a state where it is inserted between the first and second supports. Specifically, the gas venting device can be fastened to the battery pack housing in a state where the first support is in contact with the inner surface of the battery pack housing and the second support is in contact with the outer surface of the battery pack housing. In this case, the position of the venting disc is not particularly limited, and the venting disc can be inserted between and fastened to the first support and the battery pack housing, or inserted between and fastened to the second support and the battery pack housing. When the fastening portion is formed in the venting guide member, the venting disc is disposed between the fastening portion and the battery pack housing.

[0111] Similarly, the battery pack may include a sealing member for sealing the gap between the battery pack housing and the outer periphery of the gas venting device. Specifically, the sealing member may include a rubber ring or silicone resin and may be installed in the gap between the gas venting device and the battery pack housing to seal the battery pack. That is, with the battery pack according to the invention internally sealed, when the internal pressure exceeds a reference value, the venting disc may rupture and the gas inside the battery pack may be released to the outside, and because the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path continuously or gradually decreases in the gas venting direction, a relatively large amount of gas can be released.

[0112] While the invention has been specifically described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings should be considered descriptive only and not for limiting purposes. The scope of the invention is not limited by the detailed description thereof, but is defined by the appended claims and includes all equivalents falling within the scope of the appended claims.

[0113] Furthermore, in this specification, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used, and it should be clear that these terms are for convenience of description only and may vary depending on the position of the object or the observer.

[0114] (See attached image labels)

[0115] 100: Gas emission device

[0116] 110: First stent

[0117] 120: Second stent

[0118] 130: Exhaust disc

[0119] 131: External Weekly Section

[0120] 132: Weekly Session

[0121] 133: Bolt through hole

[0122] 134: Notch

[0123] 140: Emission guiding components

[0124] 141: Gas emission flow path

[0125] 142: Entrance

[0126] 143: Exports

[0127] 144: Inner wall

[0128] 144A: Flow path with concave inclined surface

[0129] 144B: Flow path with convex inclined surface

[0130] 146: Straight flow path

[0131] 145: Fastening parts

[0132] 150: Bolt

[0133] 200: Battery Module

[0134] 210: Module Framework

Claims

1. A gas discharge device, comprising: a first holder having a through-hole formed in a central portion thereof; a second holder having a through-hole formed in a central portion thereof in communication with the first holder, and being fastened to the first holder; and a discharge disc fastened between the first holder and the second holder to block the through-holes, and being configured to be broken when a predetermined pressure is applied, wherein a gas discharge flow path is formed in the through-holes formed in the first holder and the second holder, and a cross-sectional area of the gas discharge flow path continuously or gradually decreases in a gas discharge direction, and wherein the gas discharge flow path has a frustoconical shape of a concave or convex inclined surface curved continuously on an inner wall thereof. 2.The gas discharge device according to claim 1, further comprising a discharge guide member inserted into the through-holes of the first holder and the second holder and having a gas discharge flow path formed in a central portion thereof, the cross-sectional area of the gas discharge flow path continuously or gradually decreasing in the gas discharge direction. wherein the discharge guide member comprising:

3. The gas exhaust apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a first discharge guide member inserted into the through-hole formed in the first holder; and a second discharge guide member inserted into the through-hole formed in the second holder, wherein the cross-sectional area of the gas discharge flow path formed by the first discharge guide member and the second discharge guide member continuously or gradually decreases in the gas discharge direction. the gas discharge flow path having a frustoconical shape of a concave or convex inclined surface curved continuously on an inner wall thereof as the cross-sectional area thereof continuously decreases.

4. The gas exhaust apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the concave inclined surface refers to the inclined surface being recessed toward an outer side of the gas discharge flow path in a vertical cross-section of the flow path, and the convex inclined surface refers to the inclined surface being projected toward a center of the flow path in a vertical cross-section of the flow path.

5. The gas exhaust apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a straight flow path having a constant cross-sectional area is formed following the frustoconical shape of the concave or convex inclined surface curved flow path on an outlet side of the gas discharge flow path.

6. The gas exhaust apparatus according to claim 4, wherein in the gas discharge flow path, a flow path of the frustoconical shape of the concave inclined surface curved continuously on an inner wall thereof and a flow path of the frustoconical shape of the convex inclined surface curved are continuously formed as the cross-sectional area of the gas discharge flow path continuously decreases.

7. The gas exhaust apparatus according to claim 2, wherein in the gas discharge flow path, a flow path of the frustoconical shape of the convex inclined surface curved continuously on an inner wall thereof and a flow path of the frustoconical shape of the concave inclined surface curved are continuously formed as the cross-sectional area of the gas discharge flow path continuously decreases.

8. The gas exhaust apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a cross-sectional area of an outlet of the gas discharge flow path is 40% to 80% of a cross-sectional area of an inlet of the gas discharge flow path.

9. The gas exhaust apparatus according to claim 1, wherein ​ 10. The gas exhaust apparatus according to claim 2, wherein A protrusion having a thread, embossment, or linear pattern is formed on an inner wall of the gas discharge flow path.

11. The gas discharge device of claim 2, wherein: A fastening portion for fastening the discharge guide member to the first bracket and the second bracket protrudes from an outer surface of the discharge guide member; and A fastening hole for bolt fastening with the first bracket and the second bracket is formed in the fastening portion.

12. The gas exhaust apparatus according to claim 2, wherein The first bracket and the second bracket are fastened to the discharge guide member in a thread-fastened manner.

13. The gas exhaust apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The exhaust disc includes: a disc outer peripheral portion fastened to the first bracket and the second bracket; and a disc inner peripheral portion integrally formed as one body with the disc outer peripheral portion, the disc inner peripheral portion shielding the through hole and breaking when a predetermined pressure is applied, wherein a notch is formed in the disc inner peripheral portion to break when the predetermined pressure is applied.

14. A battery module, the battery module comprising: a plurality of secondary batteries; and a module frame on which the secondary batteries are mounted, wherein the gas discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 13 is fastened to one side of the module frame.

15. The battery module of claim 14, wherein, The gas discharge device is fastened in a state in which the first bracket or the second bracket is in contact with the module frame.

16. The battery module of claim 14, wherein, The gas discharge device is fastened in a state in which the first bracket of the gas discharge device is in contact with an inner surface of the module frame and the second bracket of the gas discharge device is in contact with an outer surface of the module frame.

17. The battery module of claim 14, further comprising a sealing member configured to seal a gap between the module frame and an outer periphery of the gas discharge device.

18. A battery pack, the battery pack comprising: at least one battery module including a plurality of secondary batteries; and a battery pack case including a tray on which the battery module is mounted and a battery pack cover covering the battery module, wherein the gas discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 13 is fastened to one side of the battery pack case.

19. The battery pack of claim 18, wherein, The gas discharge device is fastened in a state in which the first bracket of the gas discharge device or the second bracket of the gas discharge device is in contact with the battery pack case.

20. The battery pack of claim 18, wherein, The gas discharge device is fastened in a state in which the first bracket of the gas discharge device is in contact with an inner surface of the battery pack case and the second bracket of the gas discharge device is in contact with an outer surface of the battery pack case.

21. The battery pack of claim 18, further comprising a sealing member configured to seal a gap between the battery pack case and an outer periphery of the gas discharge device.

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