Exhaust apparatus, battery cell, and battery module including exhaust apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to an exhaust apparatus including: a gas inlet through which a gas is introduced; a gas outlet through which the gas introduced through the gas inlet is discharged to the outside; an alarm device provided on one side of the gas outlet and from which a sound is generated due to the gas discharged to the outside; a connection portion configured to connect the gas inlet and the gas outlet; and a sealing cap located inside the connection portion and automatically discharging the gas to the outside, thereby enabling the gas generated inside a battery cell or module to be automatically discharged to the outside.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 2021-0092129, filed on July 14, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to an exhaust device capable of automatically venting gases generated in a battery cell to the outside, and a battery module including the exhaust device. Background Technology

[0003] With the technological advancements and increasing demand for mobile devices such as smartphones, laptops, and digital cameras, research into rechargeable and dischargeable secondary batteries has been actively ongoing. Furthermore, as an alternative energy source to fossil fuels that contribute to air pollution, secondary batteries have been applied to electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (P-HEVs), and energy storage systems (ESS).

[0004] Currently, widely used rechargeable batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of a single rechargeable battery cell (i.e., a single battery unit) is approximately 2.0V to 5.0V. Therefore, when an output voltage higher than this operating voltage is required, multiple battery cells can be connected in series to form a battery module assembly. Furthermore, depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity, battery module assemblies can be connected in series or parallel to form a battery module. Generally, a battery pack is manufactured using at least one battery module by adding additional components.

[0005] During the use of the battery pack, gas may be generated from the battery cells. The causes of gas generation may include exposure to high temperatures, internal short circuits, overcharging, or reactions between the electrolyte and electrode active materials caused by repeated charge and discharge cycles.

[0006] If the pressure or temperature in the battery cell increases due to the generation of this gas, problems such as damage to the battery casing, internal short circuits, explosions, and fires may occur.

[0007] To prevent these problems, a structure capable of venting gases can be provided for the battery cells, or an venting device can be provided for the battery modules or battery packs, including the battery cells.

[0008] However, most traditional exhaust systems only emphasize the emission of internal gases, so there is a need for a device that can quickly detect whether gas is being generated and automatically discharge the generated gas at the same time. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Technical issues

[0010] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems. The object of the present invention is to provide an exhaust device and a battery module including the exhaust device, the exhaust device being able to automatically exhaust gas according to internal gas pressure or internal temperature and having an alarm device configured to notify the exhaust device.

[0011] Technical solution

[0012] According to the present invention, the exhaust device for achieving the above-mentioned objective is an exhaust device disposed on one side of a battery cell or battery module, configured to exhaust gas from the battery cell or battery module to the outside. The exhaust device includes: an inlet configured to allow gas from the battery cell or battery module to be introduced through the inlet; an outlet configured to allow gas introduced through the inlet to be discharged to the outside through the outlet; an alarm device disposed on one side of the outlet, configured to generate a sound when the gas is discharged to the outside; a connecting portion configured to connect the inlet and the outlet to each other; and a sealing cap located in the connecting portion, configured to automatically discharge gas to the outside, wherein the sealing cap, under normal conditions, blocks the connection between the inlet and the outlet, thereby blocking the discharge of gas and the introduction of external air, and moves within the connecting portion such that the inlet and the outlet are connected to each other under predetermined conditions.

[0013] Furthermore, in the exhaust device according to the invention, when the pressure of the gas in the battery cell or battery module increases to a predetermined level or higher, the sealing cap can move in the connecting portion to connect the inlet and outlet.

[0014] Furthermore, in the exhaust device according to the invention, when gas is generated in the battery cell or the battery module and the internal temperature thus increases to a predetermined level or higher, the sealing cap can be moved in the connecting portion to connect the inlet and outlet to each other.

[0015] Furthermore, in the exhaust device according to the invention, the connecting portion may be made of a heat-shrinkable tube configured to shrink at a predetermined temperature or higher.

[0016] Furthermore, in the exhaust device according to the present invention, the heat shrink tube can be formed of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP).

[0017] Furthermore, in the exhaust device according to the present invention, the heat shrink tube can be formed of silicone.

[0018] Furthermore, in the exhaust device according to the invention, the heat shrink tube can be formed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0019] Furthermore, in the exhaust device according to the invention, the sealing cap includes a main body portion and a recessed portion formed on one side of the main body portion, such that a portion of the main body portion shrinks when the heat shrink tube shrinks.

[0020] Furthermore, in the exhaust device according to the invention, a portion of the heat-shrinkable tube near the air inlet can be heat-shrinkable at a minimum temperature.

[0021] In addition, the battery cell according to the invention has an exhaust device according to the invention.

[0022] In addition, the battery module according to the present invention has an exhaust device according to the present invention.

[0023] Technical effect

[0024] The advantage of the exhaust device according to the invention is that it is provided with a sealing cover configured to open and close automatically according to the gas pressure, thereby automatically venting the gas in the battery cell or battery module when the gas pressure is equal to or greater than a predetermined level, and blocking the introduction of air from the outside when the gas pressure is less than the predetermined level.

[0025] Furthermore, the exhaust device according to the invention has the advantage of providing a sealing cover configured to automatically open and close according to temperature, thereby automatically venting gas when the temperature in the battery cell or battery module is equal to or greater than a predetermined level, and blocking the introduction of air from the outside when the temperature is less than the predetermined level.

[0026] Furthermore, the exhaust device according to the present invention has the advantage of being equipped with an alarm device, thereby allowing for real-time monitoring of gas emissions.

[0027] Furthermore, the advantage of the exhaust device according to the present invention is that: when the exhaust device is applied to a battery cell or battery module, the risk of explosion or damage caused by an increase in internal gas pressure can be reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exhaust device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic view illustrating an exhaust device according to another embodiment of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0030] In this application, it should be understood that the terms "comprising," "having," or "including" specify the presence of the stated features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0031] Furthermore, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to parts that perform similar functions or operations. Where a part is referred to as "connected to another part" in the specification, that part can be directly connected to the other part, and also indirectly connected to the other part via yet another part. Moreover, including an element does not exclude other elements, but rather indicates that such elements may be included, unless otherwise specified.

[0032] Hereinafter, the exhaust device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exhaust device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] When reference Figure 1 When describing the exhaust device 100 according to the present invention, the exhaust device 100 includes an air inlet 110, an air outlet 120, a sealing cap 130, a connecting portion 140, and an alarm device 150.

[0035] The air inlet 110 is a component connected to a battery cell or battery module on one side and serves as a path for introducing gas from its interior into the exhaust device 100, while the air outlet 120 serves as a path for discharging gas introduced from the air inlet 110 to the exterior of the exhaust device 100. Each of the air inlet and outlet can typically be configured in the form of a pipe. However, the invention is not limited to this and various forms capable of introducing and discharging gas can be employed.

[0036] Furthermore, a connecting portion 140 is provided between the air inlet 110 and the air outlet 120 to connect the air inlet and the air outlet to each other, and a protrusion 141 is provided at the lower end of the connecting portion 140, which is configured to space the lower surface of the sealing cap 130 from the bottom surface of the connecting portion 140.

[0037] When describing the positions of the air inlet 110 and air outlet 120 attached to the connecting portion 140, such as Figure 1 As shown, the air inlet 110 is located at the lower end of the connecting portion 140, and the air outlet 120 is located at the middle of the connecting portion 140 in the opposite direction to the air inlet 110.

[0038] Of course, depending on the situation, the air outlet 120 can be set in different positions (such as perpendicular to the air inlet 110, rather than in the opposite direction to the air inlet 110).

[0039] A sealing cap 130, movable within the connecting portion 140, is provided. Under normal conditions, when the gas pressure in the battery cell or module is similar to the external air pressure, the sealing cap 130 is located at the lower end of the connecting portion 140 to block gas flow between the inlet 110 and the outlet 120. Figure 1 As shown in (a) in the figure.

[0040] However, when gas is generated in the battery cell, thereby increasing the gas pressure in the battery cell or battery module, the sealing cap 130 in the connection portion 140 will rise due to the internal gas pressure, such as... Figure 1 As shown in (b) above. When the sealing cap is raised above the connection portion with the outlet 120, the gas introduced from the inlet 110 can be discharged to the outlet 120 through the connection portion 140.

[0041] Subsequently, when the internal gas pressure decreases due to gas discharge, the sealing cap 130 is lowered to the lower end of the connection portion 140 to block gas discharge and the introduction of air from the outside.

[0042] The materials for the air inlet 110, air outlet 120, sealing cap 130, and connecting portion 140 of the exhaust device 100 can be appropriately selected from metals and plastics with high formability and heat resistance.

[0043] In addition, an alarm device 150 is provided at the gas outlet 120, which generates a sound when the gas is discharged to notify the gas discharge.

[0044] Various known devices that produce sound when gas flows can be used as alarm devices 150, and the alarm devices can be suitably located in the gas outlet 120.

[0045] at the same time, Figure 2 This is a schematic view illustrating an exhaust device according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0046] In reference Figure 2 When describing an exhaust device 200 that differs from the exhaust device 100 in shape and working mechanism, the exhaust device 200 includes an air inlet 210, an air outlet 220, a sealing cap 230, a connecting portion 240, and an alarm device 250.

[0047] Here, the functions and positions of the air inlet 210 and the air outlet 220 are the same as those of the air inlet 210 and the air outlet 220. Figure 1 The exhaust device 100 is similar in function and location to the exhaust device 100, so a separate description of it will be omitted.

[0048] The connecting portion 240 has a pipe configuration in which the lower part of the pipe (i.e. the part connected to the air inlet 210) is narrow and gradually widens upward, thereby having a trapezoidal cross section, and thereafter the pipe has a constant width.

[0049] In addition, the connection portion 240 is composed of a heat shrink tube 241, which is configured to shrink at a predetermined temperature or higher.

[0050] Heat shrink tubing 241 is a type of tubing that has the property of shrinking at a predetermined temperature or higher. Heat shrink tubing can be made of a variety of polymer materials that can be appropriately combined or selected to set the shrinkage temperature to a desired range.

[0051] As materials used in the heat shrink tubing 241, various materials such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and silicone can be used alone or in a mixed state.

[0052] Considering its shrinkage temperature, etc., the heat shrink tube 241 formed according to the present invention is preferably formed of a mixture of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), silicone or PET.

[0053] Furthermore, the heat shrink tube 241 is preferably made of a material that shrinks at the lowest temperature in the portion of the connection 240 near the air inlet 210 and at a higher temperature as the distance from the air inlet 210 increases.

[0054] Meanwhile, the sealing cap 230 is located in the connection portion 240 made of heat shrink tubing 241.

[0055] The sealing cap 230 includes a main body portion 231 and a recessed portion 232 formed in the lower surface of the main body portion 231. Preferably, the sealing cap is made of a heat-resistant material that does not shrink even at the temperature at which the heat shrink tube 241 shrinks.

[0056] Preferably, the size of the sealing cap 230 corresponds to the inner diameter of the connecting portion 240, such that the sealing cap is located at a constant width portion of the connecting portion 240 to block the flow of gas between the inlet 210 and the outlet 220.

[0057] In addition, an alarm device 250 capable of using sound to notify of gas emissions is attached to the gas outlet 220.

[0058] When reference Figure 2 When describing the working mechanism of the exhaust device 200 having the above structure, Figure 2(a) shows the normal state where the internal temperature is lower than the shrinkage temperature of the heat shrink tube 241.

[0059] Under normal conditions, the sealing cap 230 in the connection portion 240 is located directly above the narrow portion of the connection portion 240 to block the gas flow between the air inlet 210 and the air outlet 220.

[0060] However, when the temperature in the battery cell or battery module increases due to gas generation, the heat-shrinkable tube 241, made of a material with the lowest shrinkage temperature, begins to shrink from its underside, such as... Figure 2 As shown in (b). Therefore, a portion of the lower surface of the sealing cap 230 in which the recessed portion 232 is formed contracts and is pushed upward to the upper side of the connecting portion 240.

[0061] When this process is performed continuously, the sealing cap 230 rises to the upper end of the connecting portion 240, as... Figure 2 As shown in (c). Therefore, the air inlet 210 and the air outlet 220 are connected to each other to discharge gas.

[0062] As the internal temperature decreases due to gas discharge, the heat shrink tube 241 is relaxed back to its original shape. Therefore, the sealing cap 230 moves downwards to block airflow, as... Figure 2 As shown in (a).

[0063] As described above, the exhaust device 100 or 200 according to the present invention blocks the introduction of air from the outside under normal conditions and automatically discharges internal gas under predetermined conditions, thereby achieving the effect of preventing explosions, fires, etc. caused by gas generation, and the gas emission can be checked by sound using the alarm device 150 or 250.

[0064] In addition to the aforementioned battery cells or battery modules, exhaust devices 100 or 200 can be attached to various battery products such as battery packs, and the number of exhaust devices 100 or 200 to be attached can be selected as needed.

[0065] Furthermore, two exhaust devices 100 and 200 with different operating mechanisms can be attached to a single battery product simultaneously.

[0066] Although the specific details of the invention have been described in detail, those skilled in the art should understand that the detailed description only discloses preferred embodiments of the invention and therefore does not limit the scope of the invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope and technical spirit of the invention, and that such modifications and variations obviously fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0067] (Description of reference numerals in the attached diagram)

[0068] 100, 200: Exhaust equipment

[0069] 110, 210: Air intake

[0070] 120, 220: Air outlet

[0071] 130, 230: Sealing caps

[0072] 231: Main Body

[0073] 232: Depressed portion

[0074] 140, 240: Connecting parts

[0075] 141: Protrusion

[0076] 241: Heat shrink tubing

[0077] 150, 250: Alarm devices

Claims

1. A venting device disposed on one side of a battery cell or battery module, the venting device being configured to vent gas from the battery cell or battery module to the outside, the venting device comprising: An air inlet, configured to allow gas from the battery cell or battery module to be introduced through the air inlet; An outlet, configured to allow the gas introduced through the inlet to be discharged to the outside through the outlet; An alarm device is located on one side of the gas outlet and is configured to produce a sound when the gas is discharged to the outside; A connection portion configured to connect the air inlet and the air outlet to each other; as well as A sealing cap, located in the connecting portion, is configured to automatically release gas to the outside. Under normal conditions, the sealing cap blocks the connection between the air inlet and the air outlet, thereby preventing gas discharge and the introduction of outside air. Furthermore, the sealing cap can move within the connecting portion to allow the air inlet and the air outlet to connect under predetermined conditions. Specifically, when gas is generated in the battery cell or battery module and the internal temperature thus increases to a predetermined level or higher, the sealing cap moves within the connection portion to connect the air inlet and the air outlet. The connecting portion is made of a heat-shrinkable tube configured to shrink at a predetermined temperature or higher.

2. The exhaust device according to claim 1, wherein, When the pressure of the gas in the battery cell or battery module increases to a predetermined level or higher, the sealing cap moves in the connection portion to connect the air inlet and the air outlet to each other.

3. The exhaust device according to claim 1, wherein, The heat shrink tube is formed from a mixture of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP).

4. The exhaust device according to claim 1, wherein, The heat shrink tube is made of silicone.

5. The exhaust device according to claim 1, wherein, The heat shrink tube is formed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

6. The exhaust device according to claim 1, wherein, The sealing cap includes a main body portion and a recessed portion formed in the lower surface of the main body portion, such that a portion of the main body portion contracts when the heat shrink tube contracts.

7. The exhaust device according to claim 1, wherein, The portion of the heat-shrinkable tube near the air inlet heat-shrinks at a minimum temperature.

8. The exhaust device according to claim 1, wherein, The connecting portion has a pipe form configured such that the lower part of the pipe, which is part of the connection to the air inlet, is very narrow, the pipe gradually widens upwards, and then the pipe has a constant width.

9. A battery cell having an exhaust device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A battery module having an exhaust device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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