Battery pack and vehicle including the same

Abstract

The battery pack of the present invention comprises: a battery module; a battery pack case including a battery pack case for accommodating the battery module and a battery pack cover for exposing and closing the battery pack case; and a dew condensate detection sensor for detecting dew condensate by means of an insulation abnormality signal generated inside the battery pack case, in which the dew condensate detection sensor includes a first conductor and a second conductor, the first conductor being electrically connected to the first conductor, and the second conductor being electrically connected to the second conductor. The first conductor and the second conductor are connected by dew condensate that has occurred inside the pack case and generate the insulation abnormality signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0118218, filed on September 19, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0004] The present invention relates to a battery pack having a structure capable of detecting dew condensation generated inside a battery pack case and a vehicle including the battery pack. Background Art

[0005] Generally, chargeable and dischargeable secondary batteries may be classified into pouch types, prismatic types, and cylindrical types according to their structures.

[0006] A pouch-type secondary battery has a structure including an electrode assembly and a pouch accommodating the electrode assembly. A prismatic secondary battery has a structure including an electrode assembly, a can accommodating the electrode assembly, and a top cover coupled to the can opening. A cylindrical secondary battery has a structure including an electrode assembly, a can accommodating the electrode assembly, and a cap assembly coupled to the can opening.

[0007] Electric vehicles (EV) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) are being developed as a solution to air pollution from existing gasoline and diesel vehicles. Electric vehicles (EV) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) use a medium-to-large battery module or a medium-to-large battery pack in which a plurality of secondary batteries are electrically connected as an energy source.

[0008] The battery module has a structure in which a plurality of secondary batteries are connected in series and / or in parallel, and the battery pack has a structure in which one or more battery modules are embedded in a pack case.

[0009] However, a problem with the battery pack is that dew condensation generated inside the battery pack case under a high temperature and high humidity environment or when there is a large temperature difference between the inside and outside of the battery pack case causes corrosion of the battery pack case, and electrolyte leakage occurs due to cracks in the corroded portion of the battery pack case, thereby causing a ground fault. Summary of the invention

[0010] Technical issues

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery pack, wherein the battery pack includes a dew condensation detection sensor, which detects dew condensation generated inside a battery pack case to quickly detect the dew condensation generated inside the battery pack case, thereby preventing danger from occurring at an early stage.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery pack, wherein the battery pack includes a dew condensation removing device, which removes dew condensation generated inside the battery pack case to effectively remove the dew condensation generated inside the battery pack case, thereby preventing danger from occurring at an early stage.

[0013] Technical Solution

[0014] A battery pack of the present invention may include: a battery module; a battery pack casing, wherein the battery pack casing is provided with a battery pack shell and a battery pack cover, wherein the battery module is accommodated in the battery pack shell, and the battery pack cover is configured to expose and close the battery pack shell; and a dew condensation detection sensor, wherein the dew condensation detection sensor is configured to detect dew condensation by an insulation abnormality signal generated inside the battery pack shell, wherein the dew condensation detection sensor includes a first conductor and a second conductor, and the first conductor and the second conductor are connected to each other through the dew condensation generated inside the battery pack shell to generate the insulation abnormality signal.

[0015] The first conductor may include a first body connected to a voltage line of the battery module and a plurality of first terminals protruding from the first body, and the second conductor may include a second body connected to a ground of the battery pack housing and a plurality of second terminals protruding from the second body, wherein the plurality of first terminals and the plurality of second terminals are alternately arranged with each other and are connected to each other through dew condensation to generate the insulation abnormality signal.

[0016] The dew condensation detection sensor may be attached to a surface of the pack cover corresponding to a top surface of the battery module.

[0017] The battery module can be arranged in plurality, and the battery pack housing may include: a partition wall configured to separate a storage space for accommodating the plurality of battery modules; and a support member arranged on the partition wall to support the battery pack cover, and the dew condensation detection sensor may be attached to a surface of the battery pack cover close to the support member.

[0018] A power cutoff device (ie, a manual service switch MSD) is provided inside the battery pack housing, which cuts off power connected to the battery module, and the dew condensation detection sensor may be attached to a surface of the battery pack cover close to the power cutoff device.

[0019] The dew condensation detection sensor may be attached to the battery pack cover using an adhesive or an adhesive film.

[0020] The battery pack may further include a dew condensation removing device configured to circulate air within the battery pack case to remove the dew condensation generated inside the battery pack case.

[0021] The dew condensation removal device may include: an injection pipe and a discharge pipe, which are connected to the inside of the battery pack case; and an air generating part, which is configured to inject air into the battery pack case so as to discharge the air inside the battery pack case through the discharge pipe.

[0022] The dew condensation removing device may include: a valve configured to open and close the injection pipe and the discharge pipe; and a control unit configured to open the valve only when the dew condensation detection sensor generates the insulation abnormality signal and discharge the air inside the battery pack case through the air generating unit.

[0023] The dew condensation removing device may further include a filter configured to filter foreign matter contained in the air passing through the injection pipe.

[0024] Each of the first conductor and the second conductor may be made of copper or aluminum.

[0025] A vehicle of the present invention may include a battery pack, the battery pack including: a battery module; a battery pack housing, the battery pack housing being provided with a battery pack shell accommodating the battery module and a battery pack cover configured to expose and close the battery pack shell; and a dew condensation detection sensor, the dew condensation detection sensor being configured to detect dew condensation by an insulation abnormality signal generated inside the battery pack shell, wherein the dew condensation detection sensor includes a first conductor and a second conductor, the first conductor and the second conductor being connected to each other through dew condensation generated inside the battery pack shell to generate the insulation abnormality signal.

[0026] Beneficial Effects

[0027] The battery pack of the present invention may include a dew condensation detection sensor that detects dew condensation through an insulation abnormality signal generated inside the battery pack case, and the dew condensation detection sensor may include a first conductor and a second conductor connected through the dew condensation to generate the insulation abnormality signal. Due to these features, dew condensation generated inside the battery pack case can be quickly detected, and as a result, danger can be prevented from occurring at an early stage.

[0028] That is, in the battery pack of the present invention, the dew condensation detection sensor can be arranged at a position corresponding to the top surface of the battery module, a position close to the support member supporting the battery pack cover, and a position close to the power cut-off device to quickly detect the dew condensation generated inside the battery pack case.

[0029] In addition, the battery pack of the present invention may be characterized in that it includes a dew condensation removal device for removing dew condensation generated inside the battery pack housing. Due to this feature, the dew condensation generated inside the battery pack housing can be quickly removed, and as a result, safety can be improved by preventing danger from occurring at an early stage. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of .

[0032] Figure 3 It is an example Figure 1 Schematic plan view of a battery pack.

[0033] Figure 4 It is an example Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the supporting structure.

[0034] Figure 5 It is an example Figure 1 A plan view of a dew condensation detection sensor.

[0035] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a dew condensation removing device of a battery pack according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 7 is a side view of a vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in such a manner that a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs can easily perform the technical ideas of the present invention. However, the present invention can be implemented in different forms and should not be understood as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. In the accompanying drawings, any unnecessary content for describing the present invention will be omitted for the sake of clarity, and similar reference numerals in the accompanying drawings represent similar elements.

[0038] [Battery Pack According to First Embodiment of the Invention]

[0039] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to a first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of Figure 3 is a schematic plan view illustrating the position of a dew condensation detection sensor provided in the battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] The battery pack 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention has a structure including the dew condensation detection sensor 30. Due to this structure, dew condensation generated inside the battery pack can be quickly detected, and as a result, danger can be detected or prevented at an early stage.

[0041] That is, Figures 1 to 3 , a battery pack 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a battery module 10, a battery pack case 20 accommodating the battery module 10, and a dew condensation detection sensor 30 that detects dew condensation generated inside the battery pack case 20. Here, the dew condensation detection sensor 30 detects the dew condensation through an insulation abnormality signal generated inside the battery pack.

[0042] Dew condensation refers to a phenomenon in which moisture forms water droplets on the surface of an object when the temperature of air containing moisture drops below the dew point. That is, due to the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the battery pack 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, water droplets are formed inside the battery pack case to generate dew condensation.

[0043] Battery Module

[0044] The battery module 10 has a structure in which a plurality of battery cells are connected in series and / or in parallel. Here, each of the battery cells includes an electrode assembly and a housing for accommodating the electrode assembly, and the electrode assembly has a structure in which electrodes and separators are alternately arranged. The electrodes may be positive and negative electrodes.

[0045] Battery Pack Housing

[0046] The battery case 20 includes: a battery case 21 having an accommodation space in which one or more battery modules 10 (preferably, two or more battery modules 10 ) are accommodated; and a battery cover 22 which exposes and closes the accommodation space of the battery case 21 .

[0047] Here, the accommodation space of the battery pack housing 21 has the following Figure 2 2 and 3. The battery pack cover 22 is illustrated in the structure open upward, and the battery pack cover 22 is coupled to the upper portion of the battery pack case 21 to expose and close the accommodation space.

[0048] The battery pack case 21 is provided with a partition wall 211 that partitions an accommodation space for accommodating a plurality of battery modules 10, and a support member 212 that supports the battery pack cover 22 is provided on the partition wall 211. That is, the support member 212 is used to support the middle portion of the battery pack cover 22 so that the middle portion is not pressed in the direction of the battery pack case 21.

[0049] Figure 4 is a perspective view illustrating a support member provided in the battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] In particular, the support member 212 has vertically penetrating bolt holes, such as Figure 4 That is, the bolt holes serve as passages through which the battery pack case 21 and the battery pack cover 22 are fixed using bolts and nuts.

[0051] The battery pack according to the related art has a problem in that dew condensation is generated inside the pack case 21 under a high temperature and high humidity environment or when there is a large temperature difference between the inside and the outside of the pack case.

[0052] The battery pack 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a dew condensation detection sensor 30 that detects dew condensation generated inside the pack case 21 .

[0053] Dew condensation detection sensor

[0054] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a first embodiment according to the present invention. Figure 1 A plan view of a dew condensation detection sensor.

[0055] like Figure 5 As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the dew condensation detection sensor 30 is used to detect dew condensation generated inside the battery pack housing 20. That is, the dew condensation detection sensor 30 is disposed inside the battery pack housing 21, and generates an insulation abnormality signal by connecting to dew condensation (i.e., water droplets W) generated inside the battery pack housing 21, thereby detecting the occurrence of dew condensation through the insulation abnormality signal.

[0056] For example, the dew condensation detection sensor 30 includes a first conductor 31 and a second conductor 32 which are connected by dew condensation generated inside the battery pack case 21 to generate an insulation abnormality signal.

[0057] The first conductor 31 includes a first body 311 connected to a voltage line of the battery module 10 and a plurality of first terminals 312 protruding from the first body 311 .

[0058] The second conductor 32 includes a second body 321 connected to the ground GND of the pack case 21 and a plurality of second terminals 322 protruding from the second body 321 .

[0059] Here, the plurality of first terminals 312 and the plurality of second terminals 322 are alternately arranged, and the insulation abnormality signal is generated by the dew condensation connection. Figure 5 , water droplets W of dew condensation fall to the first terminal 312 and the second terminal 322, so that the first terminal 312 and the second terminal 322 contact each other, thereby generating an insulation abnormality signal, and the dew condensation detection sensor 30 detects the occurrence of dew condensation through the insulation abnormality signal.

[0060] Each of the first conductor 31 and the second conductor 32 may be made of copper or aluminum.

[0061] The dew condensation detecting sensor 30 having the above-described configuration can quickly detect dew condensation generated inside the battery pack case 20 , and as a result, the occurrence of danger can be detected and prevented at an early stage.

[0062] The first conductor 31 and the second conductor 32 have a structure attached to the surface of the insulating film 33 to prevent the first conductor and the second conductor from accidentally contacting each other.

[0063] The dew condensation detection sensor 30 may be provided at a portion inside the battery pack case 21 where a large amount of dew condensation is generated.

[0064] As a first example, the dew condensation detection sensor 30 may be attached to the inside of the battery pack housing corresponding to the top surface of the battery module 10, preferably to the surface of the battery pack cover 22 corresponding to the top surface of the battery module 10. That is, due to the heat generated from the battery module 10, a large amount of dew condensation is generated on the surface of the battery pack cover 22 corresponding to the top surface of the battery module 10. Therefore, by attaching the dew condensation detection sensor 30 to the surface of the battery pack cover 22 corresponding to the top surface of the battery module 10, the occurrence of dew condensation can be quickly detected.

[0065] As a second example, the dew condensation detection sensor 30 may be attached to the inside of the battery pack case close to the support member 212 provided in the battery pack case 21, preferably to the surface of the battery pack cover 22 close to the support member 212 provided in the battery pack case 21. That is, the support member 212 causes a large amount of dew condensation on the battery pack cover 22 provided with the support member 212 due to the external air introduced through the bolt hole. Therefore, by attaching the dew condensation detection sensor 30 to the surface of the battery pack cover 22 close to the support member 212, dew condensation can be quickly detected.

[0066] As a third example, a power cutoff device (manual maintenance switch (MSD)) that cuts off the power connected to the battery module 10 may be provided inside the battery pack case 21, and the dew condensation detection sensor 30 may be attached to the inside of the battery pack case near the power cutoff device, preferably to the surface of the battery pack cover 22 near the power cutoff device 23. That is, due to the heat generated from the power cutoff device 23, a large amount of dew condensation is generated on the battery pack cover 22. Therefore, by attaching the dew condensation detection sensor 30 to the battery pack cover 22 near the power cutoff device 23, dew condensation can be quickly detected.

[0067] The power cutoff device 23 is a structure for disconnecting a voltage line of the battery module 10 accommodated inside the battery pack case 21 when inspecting the battery pack 1 .

[0068] The dew condensation detection sensor 30 may be attached to the surface of the battery pack cover 22 using an adhesive 34 or an adhesive film.

[0069] The dew condensation detection sensor 30 may be assembled into and coupled to the hole defined in the battery pack cover 22 using a bracket. That is, after the dew condensation detection sensor 30 is coupled to the bracket, a coupling portion provided on the bracket may be assembled into and coupled to the hole defined in the battery pack cover 22.

[0070] Therefore, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the battery pack 1 may include the dew condensation detection sensor 30 to quickly detect dew condensation generated inside the pack case 21 , thereby preventing the occurrence of danger by cutting off power.

[0071] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a dew condensation removing device of a battery pack according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] like Figure 6 As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the battery pack 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention may further include a dew condensation removing device 40 that circulates air within the pack case 21 to remove dew condensation generated in the pack case 21 .

[0073] Dew condensation removal device

[0074] like Figure 1 and Figure 6 As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the dew condensation removing device 40 has a structure for removing dew condensation generated in the battery pack case 21 by circulating air outside and inside the battery pack case 21 .

[0075] That is, the dew condensation removal device 40 includes an injection pipe 41 and a discharge pipe 42, and an air generating portion 43, each of which is connected to the interior of the battery pack housing 21, and the air generating portion 43 injects air into the battery pack housing 21 through the injection pipe 41 to forcibly discharge the air inside the battery pack housing 21 through the discharge pipe 42.

[0076] That is, in the dew condensation removing device 40, when the dew condensation detecting sensor 30 detects that dew condensation is generated inside the battery pack case 21, the air generating part 43 operates to supply air to the injection pipe 41, and thus, the pressure inside the battery pack case 21 is increased by the air supplied through the injection pipe 41 to forcibly discharge the air inside the battery pack case 21 through the discharge pipe 42. Here, the dew condensation generated inside the battery pack case 21 is gradually evaporated to be removed by circulating the air or passing the air through the inside of the battery pack case 21.

[0077] Therefore, the battery pack 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include the dew condensation removing device 40 to quickly remove the dew condensation generated inside the pack case 21 , and as a result, the occurrence of danger may be prevented to improve safety.

[0078] The dew condensation removing device 40 may further include a valve 44 that opens and closes the injection pipe 41 and the discharge pipe 42. The valve 44 may selectively open and close the injection pipe 41 and the discharge pipe 42.

[0079] In addition, the dew condensation removing device 40 may further include a control part 45 for opening the valve 44 and operating the air generating part 43 so that the air inside the battery pack case 21 is supplied or discharged only when the dew condensation detecting sensor 30 generates an insulation abnormality signal. Therefore, if dew condensation is not generated inside the battery pack case 21, the injection pipe 41 and the discharge pipe 42 are closed by the valve 44 to prevent foreign matter from being introduced into the battery pack case 21. In addition, when dew condensation is generated inside the battery pack case 21, the injection pipe 41 and the discharge pipe 42 are opened by the valve 44 so that the air inside the battery pack case 21 circulates.

[0080] The dew condensation removing device 40 may further include a filter 46 to filter foreign matter contained in the air passing through the injection pipe 41. The filter may effectively remove foreign matter contained in the air.

[0081] Therefore, the battery pack 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention may further include a dew condensation removing device 40 to effectively remove dew condensation generated inside the battery pack case 20 .

[0082] Hereinafter, in the description of another embodiment of the present invention, the configurations having the same functions as those of the above-mentioned embodiment have been given the same reference numerals in the drawings, and thus the repeated description will be omitted.

[0083] [Vehicle According to Second Embodiment of the Invention]

[0084] like Figure 7 A vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 2 has a structure including the battery pack 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0085] Here, the battery pack 1 includes a battery module 10, a battery pack case 21 that accommodates the battery module 10 and is exposed and closed by a battery pack cover 22, and a dew condensation detection sensor 30 that detects dew condensation by generating an insulation abnormality signal inside the battery pack case 21, and the dew condensation detection sensor 30 may include a first conductor 31 and a second conductor 32 that generate an insulation abnormality signal through a dew condensation connection.

[0086] Here, the battery pack 1 has the same configuration as the battery pack 1 according to the first embodiment, and thus repeated description is omitted.

[0087] A vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present invention includes an air conditioning device that circulates air in an interior space in which a driver and an assistant ride.

[0088] Here, the air conditioning device may be an air generating portion 43 provided in the battery pack 1. That is, when dew condensation is generated in the battery pack 1, some of the air generated by the air conditioning device is supplied to the inside of the battery pack case 21 of the battery pack 1. Therefore, there is no need to provide a separate air generating portion, thereby improving usage efficiency.

[0089] Therefore, the vehicle according to the second embodiment of the present invention may include the battery pack 1 to improve safety from explosion and fire.

[0090] Therefore, the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the above description and the exemplary embodiments described herein. Various modifications made within the meaning of equivalents of the claims and within the claims will be regarded as within the scope of the present invention.

[0091] [Description of the symbol]

[0092] 1: Battery Pack

[0093] 10: Battery module

[0094] 20: Battery pack housing

[0095] 21: Battery pack housing

[0096] 211: Partition wall

[0097] 212: Supporting member

[0098] 22: Battery pack cover

[0099] 23: Power cut-off device

[0100] 30: Dew condensation detection sensor

[0101] 31: First conductor

[0102] 311: The First Subject

[0103] 312: First terminal

[0104] 32: Second conductor

[0105] 321: Second Subject

[0106] 322: Second terminal

[0107] 33: Insulation film

[0108] 34: Adhesive

[0109] 40: Dew condensation removal device

[0110] 41: Injection pipe

[0111] 42: Discharge pipe

[0112] 43: Air generation unit

[0113] 44: Valve

[0114] 45: Control Department

[0115] 46: Filter

Claims

1. A battery pack, comprising: Battery modules; A battery pack housing, the battery pack housing being provided with a battery pack shell and a battery pack cover, the battery module being accommodated in the battery pack shell, and the battery pack cover being configured to expose and close the battery pack shell; as well as a dew condensation detection sensor configured to detect dew condensation through an insulation abnormality signal generated inside the battery pack case, The dew condensation detection sensor includes a first conductor and a second conductor, and the first conductor and the second conductor are connected to each other through dew condensation generated inside the battery pack case to generate the insulation abnormality signal.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The first conductor includes a first body connected to a voltage line of the battery module and a plurality of first terminals protruding from the first body, and The second conductor includes a second body connected to a ground of the battery pack case and a plurality of second terminals protruding from the second body, The plurality of first terminals and the plurality of second terminals are alternately arranged and connected to each other through dew condensation to generate the insulation abnormality signal.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The dew condensation detection sensor is attached to a surface of the pack cover corresponding to a top surface of the battery module.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The battery module is provided in plurality. The battery pack housing comprises: a partition wall configured to partition an accommodation space for accommodating a plurality of the battery modules; and a supporting member provided on the partition wall to support the battery pack cover, and The dew condensation detection sensor is attached to a surface of the battery pack cover close to the support member.

5. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: A power cut-off device (i.e., a manual maintenance switch MSD) is provided inside the battery pack housing, the power cut-off device cuts off the power connected to the battery module, and The dew condensation detection sensor is attached to a surface of the battery pack cover close to the power cutoff device.

6. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The dew condensation detection sensor is attached to the battery pack cover using an adhesive or an adhesive film.

7. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The battery pack further includes a dew condensation removing device configured to circulate air inside the battery pack case to remove the dew condensation generated inside the battery pack case.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein: The dew condensation removal device comprises: an injection pipe and a discharge pipe connected to the interior of the battery pack case; and An air generating portion is configured to inject air into the pack case so as to discharge the air inside the pack case through the discharge pipe.

9. The battery pack according to claim 8, wherein: The dew condensation removal device also includes: a valve configured to open and close the injection pipe and the discharge pipe; and A control portion configured to open the valve and discharge air inside the battery pack case through the air generating portion only when the dew condensation detecting sensor generates the insulation abnormality signal.

10. The battery pack according to claim 8, wherein: The dew condensation removing device further includes a filter configured to filter foreign matter contained in the air passing through the injection pipe.

11. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein: Each of the first conductor and the second conductor is made of copper or aluminum.

12. A vehicle comprising the battery pack according to claim 1.

Images