Battery pack for releasing internal pressure during thermal runaway

Abstract

A battery pack for releasing internal pressure during thermal runaway according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: at least one battery module; and a housing for accommodating the battery module, in which the housing includes: a vent hole through which internal gas is discharged; and a vent band adhered to the housing to cover the vent hole.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery pack, and more particularly, to a battery pack capable of effectively releasing internal pressure during thermal runaway. Background Art

[0002] Unlike primary batteries that cannot be recharged, secondary batteries refer to batteries that can be charged and discharged, and are used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) driven by an electric drive source.

[0003] The types of secondary batteries widely used at present include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of a unit secondary battery cell (i.e., a unit battery cell) is about 2.5V to 4.6V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, a battery pack is formed by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series. In addition, a battery pack can also be formed by connecting a plurality of battery cells in parallel according to the charge / discharge capacity required for the battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be set in various ways according to the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0004] When a battery pack is formed by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series / parallel, a battery module including at least one battery cell (preferably a plurality of battery cells) is generally first configured, and a battery pack is formed by using at least one such battery module and adding other components. In this case, a battery module refers to a component in which a plurality of battery cells are connected in series or in parallel, and a battery pack refers to a component in which a plurality of battery modules are connected in series or in parallel to increase capacity and output.

[0005] Typically, a battery pack for a vehicle has a plurality of battery modules or battery module assemblies arranged on the same plane to maintain structural stability.

[0006] However, in such a battery pack, high energy can flow instantaneously in the case of overcharge or the like, and the chemical activation of the anode material can be greatly increased due to overcharge or short circuit, so the anode material can react quickly with the electrolyte to generate a large amount of gas. As a result, the pressure or temperature inside the battery pack may rise rapidly, which may cause the explosion of the battery pack.

[0007] like Figure 1 As shown, in a conventional battery pack 10, during thermal runaway, gas leaks through the rubber sealing gasket between the upper shell 1 and the lower shell 2, but in this case, the gas cannot be discharged quickly and may cause deformation of the external shell and damage to the seal, which may cause a flame outside the battery pack. Summary of the invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] The present disclosure provides a battery pack capable of quickly releasing internal pressure during thermal runaway.

[0010] Technical Solution

[0011] A battery pack capable of releasing internal pressure during thermal runaway according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: at least one battery module; and a housing that accommodates the battery module, wherein the housing includes: an exhaust hole through which gas is discharged from the interior of the housing; and an exhaust band that is disposed at the housing to cover the exhaust hole.

[0012] In addition, the housing further includes: a lower shell; and an upper shell coupled to the lower shell.

[0013] Furthermore, preferably, the exhaust hole is formed at the upper housing.

[0014] Furthermore, the exhaust hole is formed in plural.

[0015] Furthermore, the venting strip comprises a perforated line.

[0016] Furthermore, the perforated line is provided at the outer side of the exhaust hole.

[0017] Furthermore, the perforated line is formed to surround the exhaust hole.

[0018] Furthermore, the perforated line may be formed in a circular shape.

[0019] Furthermore, the perforated line may be formed in an arc shape.

[0020] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery pack capable of releasing internal pressure during thermal runaway includes: at least one battery module; and a shell that accommodates the battery module, wherein the shell includes: an exhaust hole through which gas is discharged from the interior of the shell; a gas exhaust pipe that is connected to the exhaust hole and extends outward from the shell; and an exhaust belt that is arranged at the end of the gas exhaust pipe.

[0021] Furthermore, the battery pack further includes an expansion portion provided at the end portion of the gas exhaust pipe and extending outward from the end portion of the gas exhaust pipe.

[0022] Furthermore, the exhaust zone may be provided at the expansion portion.

[0023] Furthermore, the exhaust band may include a perforated line, and the perforated line may be provided outside the inner peripheral surface of the gas exhaust pipe at the expansion portion.

[0024] Furthermore, the perforated line may be formed around an inner circumference of the gas discharge pipe.

[0025] Technical Effects

[0026] A battery pack according to the present disclosure may quickly release internal pressure during thermal runaway. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a conventional battery pack.

[0028] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a battery pack according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Detailed view of Section A in .

[0030] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 2 Figure 2 is a cross-section of one side of a battery pack.

[0031] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of a vent band in a battery pack for releasing internal pressure during thermal runaway according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 6 and Figure 7 is an enlarged view of a vent band in a battery pack for releasing internal pressure during thermal runaway according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 8 It shows that the internal gas passes through Figure 6 The exhaust hole in the figure is discharged.

[0034] Fig. 9 It shows that the internal gas passes through Figure 7 The exhaust hole in the figure is discharged.

[0035] Fig.10 and Fig.11 is a diagram showing a battery pack according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] By referring to the embodiments described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the advantages and features of the present disclosure and the methods for realizing them will become apparent. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and can be implemented in various different forms. The present embodiment is provided only to make the disclosure of the present disclosure complete and to fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs, and the present disclosure can be limited by the scope of the claims. It should be noted that in some embodiments, well-known process steps, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies may not be specifically described to avoid ambiguous interpretations of the present disclosure. Throughout the specification, the same figure numerals may refer to the same parts.

[0037] In the accompanying drawings, in order to clearly represent multiple layers and multiple regions, their thicknesses may be shown in proportion. Throughout the specification, the same components may be given the same reference numerals. When describing that a component such as a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is "on" another component, this includes not only the situation that the component is "directly" on another component, but also the situation that there are other components between them. On the contrary, when describing that a component is "directly on" another component, this means that there are no other components between them. In addition, when describing that a component such as a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is "below" another component, this includes not only the situation that the component is "directly" below another component, but also the situation that there are other components between them. On the contrary, when describing that a component is "directly" below another component, this means that there are no other components between them.

[0038] Hereinafter, a battery pack for releasing internal pressure during thermal runaway according to preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 A detailed view of section A in FIG, and Figure 4 It is shown Figure 2 Figure 2 is a cross-section of one side of a battery pack.

[0040] A battery pack 1000 for releasing internal pressure during thermal runaway according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes at least one battery module 500 and a case 50 accommodating the battery module 500 , and the case 50 includes an upper case 100 and a lower case 200 .

[0041] The battery module 500 accommodated in the battery pack 1000 includes a plurality of battery cells (not shown), and each battery cell may be, for example, a pouch-type battery cell. As an example, the battery module 500 may include a plurality of battery cells stacked on top of each other, and each battery cell may be provided with an electrode lead at each of a front end and a rear end, wherein a positive electrode lead is provided at the front end and a negative electrode lead is provided at the rear end. The plurality of battery cells in the battery module 500 may be stacked to be electrically connected to each other.

[0042] The battery cell is not limited to the pouch type battery cell and may be other types of battery cells such as a square battery cell, and a plurality of battery cells may be accommodated in the housing of the battery module 500 .

[0043] The housing 50 is used to accommodate the plurality of battery modules 500 , and the housing 50 may include an upper case 100 and a lower case 200 , and may further include a gasket 400 disposed between the upper case 100 and the lower case 200 .

[0044] A plurality of battery modules 500 may be accommodated in the lower case 200 , and the upper case 100 is coupled to an upper side of the lower case 200 to form an inner space for accommodating the battery modules 500 within the housing 50 .

[0045] The gasket 400 disposed between the upper shell 100 and the lower shell 200 is used to seal between the upper shell 100 and the lower shell 200, and the gasket 400 can be disposed across the entire portion where the upper shell 100 and the lower shell 200 are joined, and can be in the form of a closed loop on a plane. The material of the gasket can be rubber or other materials.

[0046] Furthermore, in the present disclosure, a vent hole 110 is formed in the housing 50. The vent hole 110 is used to discharge gas generated inside the battery pack 1000 during thermal runaway. Figure 2 and Figure 3 An example is shown in which the exhaust hole 110 is formed in the upper case 100 .

[0047] In a battery pack, in the case of overcharge, high energy can flow instantaneously, and the anode material may react quickly with the electrolyte to produce a large amount of gas due to its chemical activation greatly increased by overcharge or short circuit. As a result, the pressure or temperature inside the battery pack may rise rapidly, which may cause the battery pack to explode.

[0048] In the present disclosure, during thermal runaway of the battery pack 1000 , gas generated inside the battery pack 1000 is discharged through the vent hole 110 , thereby preventing deformation of the outer case and sealing damage of the gasket due to an increase in internal pressure. Figure 2 and Figure 3An example is shown in which the exhaust hole 110 is formed in the upper case 100 , but the exhaust hole 110 may be formed in the lower case 200 .

[0049] Figure 2 and Figure 3 Two exhaust holes 110 are shown, however, one or more than two exhaust holes 110 may be formed in the housing 50 .

[0050] In addition, the exhaust tape 300 is attached to the top of the exhaust hole 110. The exhaust tape 300 is attached to the housing 50 or the upper case 100 to cover the exhaust hole 110. The exhaust tape 300 has a larger area than the exhaust hole 110, and is attached to the housing 50 or the upper case 100 by an adhesive applied to the back side of the housing 50 or the upper case 100.

[0051] The vent band 300 generally seals the interior of the outer shell 50 from the outside and prevents foreign matter from entering, and during thermal runaway of the battery pack, when a specific pressure is generated due to an increase in the internal pressure of the battery pack 1000, the vent band 300 may be separated from the outer shell 50 or the upper shell 100 due to loss of adhesion, so that the internal gas is discharged through the vent hole 110.

[0052] In a conventional battery pack, during thermal runaway of the battery pack, gas leaks through the gasket between the upper and lower shells, which does not allow the gas to be discharged quickly, resulting in deformation of the outer shell and damage to the seal of the gasket. However, in the present disclosure, during thermal runaway of the battery pack, when the internal pressure increases due to the gas generated inside the battery pack 1000, the exhaust belt 300 can be separated from the outer shell 50 or the upper shell 100 at a certain pressure or more, so that the internal gas is discharged through the exhaust hole 110, and the internal pressure can be quickly released, and the occurrence of flames outside the battery pack can be prevented by releasing the internal pressure in the initial stage of thermal runaway.

[0053] Next, a battery pack capable of releasing internal pressure during thermal runaway according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Figure 5 is an enlarged view of a vent band in a battery pack for releasing internal pressure during thermal runaway according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a perforated line 310 is formed on the exhaust belt 300 .

[0055] In the present embodiment, the perforated line 310 is formed in a circular shape and is formed to surround the exhaust hole 110 at the outer side of the exhaust hole 110 in the exhaust belt 300. The diameter of the perforated line 310 may be equal to or greater than the diameter of the exhaust hole 110.

[0056] Specifically, the perforated line 310 includes a plurality of perforations 311 spaced apart from each other as shown in the figure, and each perforation 311 has an arc shape forming a part of a circle. Therefore, all the perforations 311 together form a circle.

[0057] In a second embodiment of the present disclosure, the interior of the outer shell 50 is generally sealed from the outside to prevent foreign matter from entering, and when the internal pressure increases due to the gas generated inside the battery pack 1000 during thermal runaway of the battery pack, part or all of the perforation line 310 is cut from the exhaust band 300 at a specific pressure or greater, and the exhaust band 300 can be separated from the outer shell 50 or the upper shell 100, so that the internal gas is discharged through the exhaust hole 110 and the cut part of the perforation line to release the internal pressure.

[0058] Furthermore, in the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the exhaust pressure of the exhaust gas may be adjusted by adjusting the width of each perforation 311 constituting the perforation line 310 and the gap between the perforations 311 .

[0059] Specifically, the standard pressure at which the exhaust gas is discharged may be increased by increasing the gap between the perforations 311 , and the standard pressure at which the exhaust gas is discharged may be decreased by decreasing the gap between the perforations 311 .

[0060] Furthermore, the standard pressure at which the exhaust gas is discharged may be reduced by increasing the width of the perforation 311 , and the standard pressure at which the exhaust gas is discharged may be increased by reducing the width of the perforation 311 .

[0061] Other configurations and effects may be the same as those of the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted here.

[0062] Next, a battery pack for releasing internal pressure during thermal runaway according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Figure 6 and Figure 7 is an enlarged view of a venting band in a battery pack for releasing internal pressure during thermal runaway according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 8 It shows that the internal gas passes through Figure 6 The exhaust holes shown in the figure are discharged, and Fig. 9 It shows that the internal gas passes through Figure 7 The exhaust hole shown in the figure is discharged.

[0063] The third embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that the perforated line 310 of the exhaust belt 300 is formed in an arc shape.

[0064] In the third embodiment, unlike the second embodiment, the perforated line 310 is formed in an arc shape instead of a circular shape, and Figure 6 and Figure 7An example is shown where the perforation line 310 is in a semicircular shape.

[0065] Figure 6 An example is shown in which the perforated line 310 is provided on the lower side of the exhaust hole 110, and Figure 7 An example is shown in which the perforated line 310 is provided on the upper side of the exhaust hole 110 .

[0066] In the third embodiment, when the internal pressure increases due to the gas generated inside the battery pack 1000 during thermal runaway, a portion of the perforated line 310 in the vent tape 300 is cut at a certain pressure or more, and when the perforated line 310 is Figure 6 When the exhaust hole 110 is disposed at the lower side of the exhaust hole 110, the gas passing through the exhaust hole 110 is discharged downward (see Figure 8 ). When the perforated line 310 is Figure 7 When the vent hole 110 is disposed on the upper side thereof, the gas passing through the vent hole 110 is discharged upward (see Fig. 9 ).

[0067] Therefore, in the third embodiment of the present disclosure, the exhaust direction of the exhaust gas can be adjusted by forming the perforated line 310 in an arc shape and changing the formation position of the perforated line 310. It should be noted that the perforated line 310 can be set on the left or right side of the exhaust hole 110. When there are two exhaust holes 110 as shown in the figure, the perforated line 310 for the left exhaust hole 110 is set on the left side (or right side) of the exhaust hole 110, and the perforated line 310 for the right exhaust hole 110 can be set on the right side (or left side) of the exhaust hole 110.

[0068] In addition, Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the figure, the perforation line is shown in the form of a semicircle, but it can be in the form of an arc that is smaller or larger than a semicircle.

[0069] Next, a battery pack for releasing internal pressure during thermal runaway according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Fig.10 and Fig.11 is a diagram showing a battery pack according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0070] The fourth embodiment is different from the previous embodiments in that a gas discharge pipe 150 is provided to communicate with the exhaust hole 110 , and an exhaust belt 300 is provided to cover an end of the gas discharge pipe 150 .

[0071] Specifically, the gas exhaust pipe 150 is connected to the exhaust hole 110 on the outer shell 50 or the upper shell 100 and extends outward by a certain length. One end of the gas exhaust pipe 150 is connected to the exhaust hole 110, and the other end of the gas exhaust pipe 150 is set to protrude outward by a certain length, and an expansion portion 170 is provided at the other end.

[0072] In the present embodiment, the expansion portion 170 is formed in the form of a flat plate, and is provided at the other end of the gas discharge pipe 150 to extend outward from the outer peripheral surface of the gas discharge pipe 150 .

[0073] A communication hole 171 communicating with the gas discharge pipe 150 is formed at the center of the expansion part 170. The diameter of the communication hole 171 may be the same as or greater than the inner diameter of the gas discharge pipe 150.

[0074] The exhaust band 300 is attached to the expansion part 170. The exhaust band 300 is provided on the expansion part 170 to cover the end of the gas exhaust pipe 150 and the communication hole 171.

[0075] In a fourth embodiment, when the internal pressure increases due to gas generated inside the battery pack 1000 during thermal runaway of the battery pack, the gas can be guided to the gas exhaust pipe 150 through the exhaust hole 110, and the gas can apply pressure to the exhaust band 300 provided on the other end of the gas exhaust pipe 150 and the expansion portion 170, so that the exhaust band 300 is separated and the gas is discharged to the outside to release the internal pressure.

[0076] In this embodiment, the gas exhaust pipe 150 can be connected to extend from the outer shell 50 or the upper shell 100 in an upward, downward, left or right direction, and the gas exhaust pipe 150 can extend in a straight line, or can have a curved portion bent in one direction, or can be formed to be bent in one direction.

[0077] As such, in the fourth embodiment, internal gas can be guided and discharged through the gas discharge pipe 150 connected to the exhaust hole 110, and the discharge direction of the gas can be adjusted by adjusting the direction in which the gas discharge pipe 150 extends from the housing 50 or the upper case 100.

[0078] In addition, in the fourth embodiment, the exhaust belt 300 may further include a perforated line 310 as in the second and third embodiments (see Fig.11 ).

[0079] In this case, the perforated line 310 may be provided on the outside of the inner peripheral surface of the gas discharge pipe 150 in the expansion part 170, and the perforated line 310 may be provided in the expansion part 170 to surround the inner periphery (the communication hole 171 or the cross-sectional hole of the moving passage) of the gas discharge pipe 150. In addition, the perforated line 310 may have a circular shape or an arc shape as in the second and third embodiments.

[0080] Other configurations and effects may be the same as those in the aforementioned embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted here.

[0081] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments as described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes and modifications may be made by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs without departing from the concept of the present disclosure.

[0082] Industrial Applicability

[0083] The present disclosure may provide a battery pack capable of quickly releasing internal pressure during thermal runaway.

Claims

1. A battery pack capable of releasing internal pressure during thermal runaway, the battery pack comprising: at least one battery module; as well as a housing accommodating the battery module, Wherein, the housing comprises: an exhaust hole for exhausting gas from the interior of the housing; and An exhaust band is provided at the housing to cover the exhaust hole.

2. The battery pack capable of releasing internal pressure during thermal runaway according to claim 1, wherein: The housing comprises: a lower housing; and An upper housing is coupled to the lower housing.

3. The battery pack capable of releasing internal pressure during thermal runaway according to claim 2, wherein: The exhaust hole is formed at the upper housing.

4. The battery pack capable of releasing internal pressure during thermal runaway according to claim 3, wherein: The exhaust hole is formed in plurality.

5. The battery pack capable of releasing internal pressure during thermal runaway according to claim 1, wherein: The vent strip includes a perforated line.

6. The battery pack capable of releasing internal pressure during thermal runaway according to claim 5, wherein: The perforated line is disposed at an outer side of the exhaust hole.

7. The battery pack capable of releasing internal pressure during thermal runaway according to claim 6, wherein: The perforated line is formed to surround the exhaust hole.

8. The battery pack capable of releasing internal pressure during thermal runaway according to claim 5, wherein: The perforated line is formed in a circular shape.

9. The battery pack capable of releasing internal pressure during thermal runaway according to claim 5, wherein: The perforated line is formed in an arc shape.

10. A battery pack capable of releasing internal pressure during thermal runaway, the battery pack comprising: at least one battery module; as well as a housing accommodating the battery module, Wherein, the housing comprises: an exhaust hole for exhausting gas from the interior of the housing; a gas exhaust pipe communicating with the exhaust hole and extending outward from the housing; and An exhaust belt is provided at an end of the gas exhaust pipe.

11. The battery pack capable of releasing internal pressure during thermal runaway according to claim 10, the battery pack comprising: An expansion portion is provided at the end of the gas discharge pipe and extends outward from the end of the gas discharge pipe.

12. The battery pack capable of releasing internal pressure during thermal runaway according to claim 11, wherein: The exhaust zone is provided at the expansion portion.

13. The battery pack capable of releasing internal pressure during thermal runaway according to claim 12, wherein: The vent strip includes a perforated line.

14. The battery pack capable of releasing internal pressure during thermal runaway according to claim 13, wherein: The perforated line is provided at the expansion portion on the outside of the inner peripheral surface of the gas discharge pipe.

15. The battery pack capable of releasing internal pressure during thermal runaway according to claim 13, wherein: The perforated line is formed around an inner circumference of the gas discharge pipe.

16. The battery pack capable of releasing internal pressure during thermal runaway according to claim 13, wherein: The perforated line is formed in a circular shape.

17. The battery pack capable of releasing internal pressure during thermal runaway according to claim 13, wherein: The perforated line is formed in an arc shape.

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