Battery pack and device including the same

Abstract

A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a battery pack frame in which a plurality of battery modules are attached; at least one discharge portion on one side surface of the battery pack frame; a first filtration part located between the battery module closest to the discharge part among the plurality of battery modules and the pack frame; and a second filtration part located on one side surface of the pack frame at a position corresponding to the discharge part, in which substances generated from the battery modules can move through the first filtration part, the second filtration part, and the discharge part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0157566 filed on November 22, 2022, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0160495 filed on November 20, 2023, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a battery pack and a device including the same, and more particularly, to a battery pack that prevents structural collapse of the battery pack and also prevents generation of external fire and a device including the same. Background Art

[0004] Secondary batteries, which are easily applicable to various product groups and have electrical characteristics such as high energy density, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles or hybrid electric vehicles driven by electric drive sources, energy storage systems, etc. Such secondary batteries have attracted attention as a new type of environmentally friendly energy for improving energy efficiency because their main advantages are that the use of fossil fuels is significantly reduced and byproducts are not generated at all due to the use of energy.

[0005] Currently commercialized secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries and lithium secondary batteries. Among these batteries, lithium secondary batteries have attracted much attention because of their advantages (for example, they show almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, so they can be charged and discharged freely, and have very low self-discharge rate and high energy density).

[0006] Generally, lithium secondary batteries may be classified into cylindrical or square secondary batteries in which an electrode assembly is embedded in a metal can, and pouch-type secondary batteries in which an electrode assembly is embedded in a pouch made of an aluminum laminate based on the shape of an external material.

[0007] Recently, as the demand for large-capacity secondary battery structures (including the use of secondary batteries as energy storage) continues to grow, the demand for battery packs of large and medium-sized module structures as components of battery modules in which multiple secondary batteries are connected in series or in parallel is also growing. In such a battery module, multiple battery cells are connected in series or in parallel to each other to form a battery cell stack, thereby increasing capacity and output. In addition, multiple battery modules can be installed together with various control and protection systems such as BMS (battery management system) and cooling system to form a battery pack.

[0008] In particular, the battery pack is configured to have a structure in which a plurality of battery modules are combined. Therefore, in the event that overvoltage, overcurrent, or overheating is applied to some of the battery modules, the safety and operating efficiency of the battery pack are of serious concern. In particular, the capacity of the battery pack tends to be gradually increased to improve the mileage, and as the energy inside the battery pack increases accordingly, it is necessary to design a structure that meets the enhanced safety standards and ensures the safety of the vehicle and the driver.

[0009] In particular, in order to prevent thermal runaway within a battery pack and heat propagation between battery cells in advance, recently, as gas and flame generated in some battery cells are effectively discharged through a discharge device, there is an increasing demand for developing a battery pack capable of minimizing damage.

[0010] Furthermore, if gas or flame occurs in some battery modules, some battery cells in the battery modules may eject particles (i.e., substances inside the battery cells) at high pressure, and these particles may generate external flames when discharged to the outside of the battery pack, while blocking the exhaust device for exhausting gas and flame inside the battery pack. Therefore, there is an increasing need to develop a battery pack that can prevent such particles from clogging the exhaust device for exhausting gas and flame, and also prevent the generation of external flames due to the particles. Summary of the invention

[0011] Technical issues

[0012] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a battery pack and a device including the battery pack, which not only prevents particles of substances inside battery cells that are discharged when gas or flame is generated in some battery modules from clogging the discharge device of the battery pack, but also prevents structural collapse due to increased internal pressure of the battery pack, while minimizing the discharge of these particles to the outside of the battery pack, thereby preventing the generation of external flames.

[0013] The objects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above objects, and other objects not mentioned herein should be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

[0014] Technical Solution

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery pack is provided, comprising: a battery pack frame on which a plurality of battery modules are mounted; at least one discharge portion located on a side surface of the battery pack frame; a first filter portion located between the battery pack frame and a battery module closest to the discharge portion among the plurality of battery modules; and a second filter portion located at a position corresponding to the discharge portion on a side surface of the battery pack frame, wherein substances generated in the battery modules move through the first filter portion, the second filter portion and the discharge portion.

[0016] An area of ​​the first filter portion may be greater than a sum of areas of the at least one discharge portion.

[0017] An area of ​​the first filter portion may be greater than a sum of areas of the second filter portions.

[0018] The battery pack also includes: at least one electrical part, which is located between the battery pack frame and a battery module among the multiple battery modules that is closest to the discharge part, wherein the first filter part extends along a side surface of the battery pack frame and may have a structure that avoids the at least one electrical part.

[0019] The first filter portion may have a streamlined or zigzag pattern.

[0020] The first filter part includes at least one closed part spaced apart from each other, and substances generated in the battery module may move while avoiding the closed part.

[0021] The battery pack frame includes a lower battery pack frame and an upper battery pack frame located above the battery module, and a plurality of battery modules are mounted on the lower battery pack frame, wherein the lower battery pack frame may include a bottom portion contacting a lower surface of the battery module and a frame portion contacting at least one side surface of the battery module.

[0022] The frame part may include a side surface frame extending from an edge of the bottom portion toward the upper portion, and an inner frame located within the side surface frame.

[0023] The plurality of battery modules may be partitioned from each other by the side surface frame and the internal frame.

[0024] The inner frame may include a horizontal beam extending in a longitudinal direction of the lower frame and at least two vertical beams extending in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal beam.

[0025] The first filtering portion may replace a vertical beam closest to the discharge portion among the at least two vertical beams.

[0026] The first filter portion may be located between the discharge portion and a vertical beam closest to the discharge portion among the at least two vertical beams.

[0027] The first filter part may be in contact with a position corresponding to the discharge part at an inner surface of the side surface frame.

[0028] The battery pack may include a flow path portion between the first filter portion and the battery module closest to the discharge portion.

[0029] The flow path portion may replace the vertical beam closest to the discharge portion.

[0030] The flow path portion may include at least one partition wall portion.

[0031] The flow path portion includes a first partition wall portion and a second partition wall portion, and the first partition wall portion and the second partition wall portion may each extend in the same direction from an inner surface of the side surface frame.

[0032] The first partition wall portion and the second partition wall portion may be spaced apart from each other on different inner surfaces of the side surface frame.

[0033] Substances generated from the battery module may move to a space where the first partition wall portion and the inner surface of the side surface frame are spaced apart from each other and a space where the second partition wall portion and the inner surface of the side surface frame are spaced apart from each other.

[0034] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a device is provided, which includes the battery pack.

[0035] Beneficial Effects

[0036] According to an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a battery pack and a device including the battery pack, the battery pack including a first filter and a second filter. Particles of material inside the battery cell that are discharged when gas or flames are generated in some battery modules can be filtered through the first filter and the second filter. Therefore, the battery pack of the present disclosure and the device including the battery pack not only minimize the possibility of particles clogging the discharge device of the battery pack, but also minimize the discharge of particles to the outside of the battery pack and prevent the generation of external flames, while preventing structural collapse caused by increasing the pressure inside the battery pack.

[0037] Effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described effects, and additional other effects not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the specification and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Figure 1is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A view of an upper surface frame of a battery pack with its upper battery pack frame removed.

[0040] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the first filter unit.

[0041] Figure 4 and Figure 5 is a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 1 different, Figure 4 and Figure 5 Each of them is a schematic diagram showing an upper surface of a battery pack including a first filter part having a streamlined structure in a state where a battery pack frame thereon is removed.

[0042] Figure 6 is a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 1 different, Figure 6 1 is a schematic diagram showing an upper surface of a battery pack including a first filter portion formed with a sealing portion in a state where a battery pack frame thereon is removed.

[0043] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the first filter unit.

[0044] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 is a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 1 different, Figure 8 and Fig. 9 Each of them is a schematic diagram showing an upper surface of a battery pack in which a first filter part is in contact with one side surface of a pack frame in a state where the pack frame thereon is removed.

[0045] Fig.10 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the installation Figure 1 A perspective view of a battery module on a battery pack.

[0046] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 An exploded perspective view of a battery module.

[0047] Fig.12 is a diagram showing an installation according to another embodiment Figure 1 A perspective view of a battery module on a battery pack.

[0048] Fig.13is a view showing an upper surface of a battery pack according to a comparative example of the present disclosure in a state in which an upper pack frame is removed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the embodiments. The present disclosure can be modified in various different ways and is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0050] For clarity, description of parts that are not related to the specification will be omitted, and the same reference numerals will be used throughout the specification to denote the same or similar elements.

[0051] In addition, in the drawings, for the convenience of description, the size and thickness of each element are arbitrarily shown, and the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to those sizes and thicknesses shown in the drawings. In the drawings, for the sake of clarity, the thickness of layers, regions, etc. is exaggerated. In the drawings, for the convenience of description, the thickness of components and regions is exaggerated.

[0052] Furthermore, throughout the specification, when a portion is referred to as “including” or “comprising” a certain component, unless otherwise specified, it means that the portion may also include other components without excluding the other components.

[0053] Furthermore, throughout the specification, when referred to as a “plane”, it means that the target portion is viewed from the upper side, and when referred to as a “cross section”, it means that the target portion is viewed from the cross-sectional side cut vertically.

[0054] Now, a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0055] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A view of an upper surface frame of a battery pack with its upper battery pack frame removed.

[0056] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 A battery pack 1000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: battery pack frames 1100 and 1200 on which a plurality of battery modules 100 are mounted; at least one discharge portion 1300 located on one side surface of the battery pack frames 1100 and 1200; a first filter portion 1400 located between the battery pack frames 1100 and 1200 and a battery module closest to the discharge portion 1300 among the plurality of battery modules 100; and a second filter portion 1500 located at a position corresponding to the discharge portion 1300 at one side surface of the battery pack frames 1100 and 1200.

[0057] The pack frames 1100 and 1200 include a lower pack frame 1100 on which a plurality of battery modules 100 are mounted and an upper pack frame 1200 located above the battery modules 100. Herein, the lower pack frame 1100 and the upper pack frame 1200 may be coupled to each other by a method such as welding to seal the interior of the battery pack 1000.

[0058] The lower battery pack frame 1100 may include a bottom 1110 in contact with the lower surface of the battery module 100 and frame portions 1130, 1150, and 1170 in contact with at least one side surface of the battery module. Herein, the bottom 1110 and the frame portions 1130, 1150, and 1170 may be integrated with each other, or may be fixed to each other by a separate fastening method such as welding or bonding.

[0059] In this article, the frame parts 1130, 1150 and 1170 can be made of insulating members. In one example, the frame parts 1130, 1150 and 1170 can be composed of an aluminum extrusion structure. In another example, the frame parts 1130, 1150 and 1170 are made of dissimilar metal bonding materials such as clad metal, or can be a structure containing insulating materials such as aerogel or EPP (expanded polypropylene) foam. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the frame parts 1130, 1150 and 1170 can be used without restriction as long as they are made of insulating materials with a specified rigidity.

[0060] The frame part 1130 , 1150 , and 1170 may include a side surface frame 1130 extending from an edge of the bottom 1110 toward an upper portion and inner frames 1150 and 1170 located inside the side surface frame 1130 .

[0061] Herein, the plurality of battery modules 100 may be separated from each other by the side surface frame 1130 and the internal frame 1150. More specifically, the plurality of battery modules 100 may be positioned away from each other by the side surface frame 1130 and the internal frames 1150 and 1170.

[0062] In addition, the inner frames 1150 and 1170 may include a horizontal beam 1150 extending in the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the lower frame 1100, and at least two vertical beams 1170 extending in a direction (y-axis direction) perpendicular to the horizontal beam 1150. In one example, the vertical beam 1170 includes a pair of first and second vertical beams, and the horizontal beam 1150 is interposed therebetween so that the first and second vertical beams can be attached to the horizontal beam 1150, respectively. Herein, the horizontal beam 1150 and the at least two vertical beams 1170 may be integrated with each other, or may be fixed to each other by a separate fastening method such as welding or bonding.

[0063] More specifically, the lengths of the horizontal beam 1150 and the vertical beam 1170 and the interval between the vertical beams 1170 adjacent to each other among at least two vertical beams 1170 may be adjusted according to the size of the battery module 100 .

[0064] Using the above configuration, even if a fire occurs in some battery modules 100, the battery pack 100 according to the present embodiment can effectively prevent heat propagation between adjacent battery modules 100 because multiple battery modules 100 can be positioned away from each other in the area separated by the frame portions 1130, 1150 and 1170.

[0065] Reference Figure 2 , the first filter unit 1400 may replace the vertical beam closest to the discharge unit 1300 among the at least two vertical beams 1170. That is, the battery pack 1000 according to the present embodiment can increase space efficiency within the battery pack 1000 because there is no need to ensure a separate space for installing the first filter unit 1400.

[0066] Therefore, the first filter part 1400 can filter substances generated in the battery module 100 and also space the battery module 100 from the side surface frame 1300 closest to the discharge part 1300 .

[0067] although Figure 2 Although not shown in the figure, the internal frames 1150 and 1170 include at least one exhaust hole (not shown) passing through the outer surface of the internal frames 1150 and 1170, so that the internal frames 1150 and 1170 can be a moving route of the substances generated in the battery module 100. In addition, the substances generated in the battery module 100 discharged from the internal frames 1150 and 1170 pass through the first filter part 1400, the second filter part 1500, and the discharge part 1300, and can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack 1000. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and any route in which the substances generated in the battery module 100 inside the battery pack 1000 can move toward the first filter part 1400, the second filter part 1500, and the discharge part 1300 can be applied to the present embodiment.

[0068] When the pressure inside the battery pack 1000 reaches a prescribed level or more, the discharge portion 1300 may rupture. More specifically, the discharge portion 1300 may include a rupture surface (not shown) such as a rupture disk, which is configured to rupture when the pressure of the inflowing gas exceeds a prescribed pressure. However, the structure of the discharge portion 1300 is not limited thereto, and any configuration that communicates with one side surface of the battery pack frames 1100 and 1200 and allows internal gas to be discharged to the outside may be included in the present embodiment.

[0069] Therefore, in the battery pack 1000 according to the present embodiment, when the gas and / or flame among the substances generated in the battery module 100 are discharged toward the discharge portion 1300, when the pressure inside the battery pack frames 1100 and 1200 reaches above a specified level, the gas and / or flame can be discharged to the outside through the discharge portion 1300.

[0070] Reference Figure 2 , the first filter unit 1400 may be located between the battery pack frames 1100 and 1200 and the battery module closest to the discharge unit 1300 among the plurality of battery modules 100. More specifically, the first filter unit 1400 may extend along a longitudinal direction of one side surface of the battery pack frames 1100 and 1200 between the battery module and the battery pack frames 1100 and 1200 closest to each other. In one example, as Figure 2 As shown, the first filter part 1400 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the vertical beam 1170. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the extending direction of the first filter part 1400 may vary according to the arrangement of the battery module 100 and the frame parts 1130, 1150, and 1170.

[0071] Therefore, in the battery pack 1000 according to the present embodiment, the first filter part 1400 may preliminarily filter substances generated in the battery module 100 that move from the battery module 100 toward one side surface of the pack frames 1100 and 1200 .

[0072] In addition, the second filter part 1500 may be located at a position corresponding to the discharge part 1300 at one side surface of the battery pack frames 1100 and 1200. Figure 2 As shown, the second filter part 1500 may be located between the outer surface of one side of the battery pack frames 1100 and 1200 and the discharge part 1300. In another example, the second filter part 1500 may be located in one side surface of the battery pack frames 1100 and 1200 corresponding to the discharge part 1300. In another example, the second filter part 1500 may be located on the inner surface of one side of the battery pack frames 1100 and 1200 corresponding to the discharge part 1300.

[0073] In addition, the second filter part 1500 may extend along a region corresponding to the discharge part 1300 at one side surface of the battery pack frames 1100 and 1200. Figure 2 As shown, the second filter portion 1500 may extend along an area equal to or larger than that of the discharge portion 1300 .

[0074] Therefore, in the battery pack 1000 according to the present embodiment, the second filter part 1500 may secondarily filter the substances generated in the battery module 100 moving from the first filter part 1400 to the discharge part 1300 .

[0075] In one example, the area of ​​the first filter part 1400 may be greater than the sum of the areas of the at least one discharge part 1300. In another example, the area of ​​the first filter part 1400 may be greater than the sum of the areas of the second filter part 1500.

[0076] Therefore, in the battery pack 1000 according to the present embodiment, even if the amount of particles filtered by the first filter unit 1400 among the substances generated in the battery module 100 is greater than the amount filtered by the second filter unit 1500, the first filter unit 1400 will not be clogged with the particles, and structural collapse due to increased pressure inside the battery pack 1000 is prevented.

[0077] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 , substances generated in the battery module 100 may move through the first filter unit 1400, the second filter unit 1500, and the discharge unit 1300. Herein, the substances generated in the battery module 100 may be at least one of flames, gas, heat, and particles, which are substances generated inside the battery cell when the battery module 100 catches fire. In particular, among the substances generated in the battery module 100, particles that are substances inside the battery cell may be filtered through the first filter unit 1400 and the second filter unit 1500. In other words, among the substances generated in the battery module 100, at least some particles that are substances inside the battery cell do not pass through the first filter unit 1400 and / or the second filter unit 1500.

[0078] More specifically, the substances generated in the battery module 100 may be preliminarily filtered by the first filter unit 1400. Herein, after the substances generated in the battery module 100 pass through the first filter unit 1400, the amount of particles contained in the substances generated in the battery module 100 may be relatively reduced. In addition, the substances generated in the battery module 100 that have passed through the first filter unit 1400 may be secondary filtered by the second filter unit 1500. Herein, after the substances generated in the battery module 100 that have passed through the first filter unit 1400 pass through the second filter unit 1500, the amount of particles contained in the substances generated in the battery module 100 may be relatively further reduced. The battery pack 1000 according to the present embodiment may be configured so that the substances finally discharged to the outside of the battery pack 1000 through the discharge unit 1300 do not contain particles (i.e., substances inside the battery cell), or even if particles are contained, their content may be relatively small compared to other substances.

[0079] Therefore, in the battery pack 1000 according to the present embodiment, particles among the substances generated in the battery module 100 can be effectively filtered through the first filter part 1400 and the second filter part 1500, thereby preventing the particles from clogging the discharge part 1300 and also preventing structural collapse caused by increasing the pressure inside the battery pack 1000.

[0080] Furthermore, the battery pack 1000 according to the present embodiment can minimize the discharge of particles of substances generated in the battery module 100 to the outside of the battery pack through the discharge part 1300 , thereby effectively preventing the generation of external flames.

[0081] Reference Figure 3 , the first filter unit 1400 may include a filter frame 1401 and a filter net 1405. In one example, the first filter unit 1400 may be configured to minimize the area of ​​the filter frame 1401 and maximize the area of ​​the filter net 1405. Therefore, the first filter unit 1400 may have an area that can maximize the filtering effect of the filter net 1405 while maintaining the rigidity of the first filter unit 1400 through the filter frame 1401.

[0082] In one example, the filter frame 1401 may be made of the same material as the frame portions 1110, 1130, 1150, and 1170, or may be made of a material having heat insulating properties and rigidity similar to the frame portions 1110, 1130, 1150, and 1170. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and any material having heat insulating properties and rigidity may be applied to the present embodiment.

[0083] In addition, the filter mesh 1405 may be formed of a mesh structure. In one example, the filter mesh 1405 may be made of one of patterns such as a grid, a circle, or a diamond. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and any pattern capable of filtering particles among substances generated in the battery module 100 may be applied to the present embodiment.

[0084] The second filter unit 1500 includes the same or similar components as the first filter unit 1400, and therefore, most of them can be described similarly to the first filter unit 1400. In this document, the second filter unit 1500 can have the same or different area as the first filter unit 1400. In one example, referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the area of ​​the first filter part 1400 may be greater than the area of ​​the second filter part 1500. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and any area capable of filtering particles generated in the battery module 100 may be applied to the present embodiment.

[0085] In addition, the pattern of the filter mesh 1405 of the first filter unit 1400 may be the same as or different from the pattern of the filter mesh (not shown) of the second filter unit 1500. In one example, the pattern of the filter mesh 1405 of the first filter unit 1400 may be formed to be relatively sparse than the pattern of the filter mesh (not shown) of the second filter unit 1500. In other words, the pattern of the filter mesh (not shown) of the second filter unit 1500 may be formed to be relatively dense than the pattern of the filter mesh 1405 of the first filter unit 1400.

[0086] Therefore, the first filter part 1400 may primarily filter relatively large particles, and the second filter part 1500 may secondarily filter relatively small particles.

[0087] Figure 4 and Figure 5 is a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 1 different, Figure 4 and Figure 5 Each of them is a schematic diagram showing an upper surface of a battery pack including a first filter part having a streamlined structure in a state where a battery pack frame thereon is removed.

[0088] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the battery pack 1000a according to the present embodiment, the first filter unit 1400a may have a streamlined or zigzag shape. That is, the area of ​​the first filter unit 1400a according to the present embodiment may be relatively larger than the area of ​​the first filter unit 1400 ( Figure 2 ). However, the shape of the first filter portion 1400a is not limited thereto, and any shape may be applied to the present embodiment as long as it can be installed while avoiding interference with the internal structure of the pack frames 1100 and 1200 or other components of the battery pack 1000a.

[0089] Reference Figure 5 In the battery pack 1000a according to the present embodiment, at least one electrical part 1900 may be arranged in the internal space of the battery pack 1000. Herein, the electrical part 1900 may be equipped with a BMS (Battery Management System) module that monitors and controls the operation of other electrical components and the battery module 100. However, the arrangement of the electrical part 1900 is not limited to Figure 5 , and can be arranged at an appropriate position in the internal space of the battery pack 1000a as needed.

[0090] More specifically, in the battery pack 1000a of the present embodiment, at least one electrical part 1900 may be located between the battery module closest to the discharge part 1300 among the plurality of battery modules 100 and the battery pack frames 1100 and 1200. At this time, the first filter part 1400a extends along one side surface of the battery pack frames 1100 and 1200 and may have a structure avoiding at least one electrical part. In one example, as Figure 5 As shown, the first filter portion 1900a has a curved structure surrounding the electrical portion 1900, but is Figure 5 Differently, the first filter part 1400 a may be modified according to the shape of the electric part 1900 and applied in various shapes.

[0091] Therefore, in the battery pack 1000a according to the present embodiment, the filtering amount according to the area of ​​the first filter part 1400a is relatively increased, so that the substances generated in the battery module 100 can be more effectively filtered. In addition, the first filter part 1400a can be installed while avoiding interference with the internal structure of the battery pack frames 1100 and 1200 or other components, so that the space efficiency can be improved by utilizing the free space inside the battery pack 1000.

[0092] Figure 6 is a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 1 different, Figure 6 1 is a schematic diagram showing an upper surface of a battery pack including a first filter portion formed with a sealing portion in a state where a battery pack frame thereon is removed. Figure 7 It is shown Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the first filter unit.

[0093] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the battery pack 1000b according to the present embodiment, the first filter unit 1400b includes at least one sealing portion 1450 as well as a filter frame 1401 and a filter mesh 1405, and substances generated in the battery module 100 can move while avoiding the sealing portion 1450. More specifically, as Figure 6 As shown, at least one of the closed portions 1450 in the first filter portion 1400b may be spaced apart from each other. Figure 6 As shown, the closing portion 1450 may be located at a position corresponding to the side surface of the battery module 100. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and in the first filter portion 1400b, any position may be applied to the present embodiment as long as it is a position for controlling the movement of substances generated in the battery module 100 in a desired direction. In one example, the closing portion 1450 may be made of a material that does not allow substances generated in the battery module 100 to pass through.

[0094] Therefore, in the battery pack 1000b according to the present embodiment, the first filter part 1400b can prevent the movement of substances generated in the battery module 100 through the sealing part 1450, thereby controlling the movement of substances generated in the battery module 100 in a desired direction. That is, the sealing part 1450 relatively extends the movement route of the substances generated in the battery module 100, so that the amount of substances generated in the battery module 100 filtered by the first filter part 1400b can be relatively increased.

[0095] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 is a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 1 different, Figure 8 and Fig. 9 Each of them is a schematic diagram showing an upper surface of a battery pack in which a first filter part is in contact with one side surface of a pack frame in a state where the pack frame thereon is removed.

[0096] Reference Figure 8 In the battery pack 1000c according to the present embodiment, the first filter part 1400c may be located between the discharge part 1300 and the vertical beam 1170 closest to the discharge part 1300 among the at least two vertical beams 1170. In one example, the first filter part 1400c may contact a position corresponding to the discharge part at the inner surface of the side frame 1130.

[0097] Therefore, the battery pack 1000 c according to the present embodiment is equipped with the first filter part 1400 c using the free space inside the battery pack 1000 , thereby increasing the space efficiency inside the battery pack 1000 .

[0098] Reference Fig. 9 In the battery pack 1000 d according to the present embodiment, the battery pack 1000 d may include a flow path portion 1600 between the first filter portion 1400 d and the battery module 100 closest to the discharge portion 1300 .

[0099] More specifically, the flow path portion 1600 may replace the vertical beam 1170 closest to the discharge portion 1300. Therefore, the flow path portion 1600 serves as a moving route of substances generated in the battery module 100 and can also separate the battery module 100 from the side surface frame 1300 closest to the discharge portion 1300.

[0100] In addition, the flow path portion 1600 may include at least one partition wall portion 1610 or 1650. In one example, the partition wall portions 1610 and 1650 may be made of the same material as the frame portions 1110, 1130, 1150, and 1170. Figure 6As shown, the flow path portion 1600 may include a first partition wall portion 1610 and a second partition wall portion 1650. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the flow path portion 1600 may be configured such that one of the first partition wall portion 1610 and the second partition wall portion 1650 is omitted, or a partition wall portion is added in addition to the first partition wall portion 1610 and the second partition wall portion 1650.

[0101] More specifically, the first partition wall portion 1610 and the second partition wall portion 1650 each extend from the inner surface of the side surface frame 1130 in the same direction, and the first partition wall portion 1610 and the second partition wall portion 1650 may be spaced apart from each other on different inner surfaces of the side frame 1130. That is, substances generated in the battery module 100 may move to a space in which the first partition wall portion 1610 and the inner surface of the side surface frame 1130 are spaced apart from each other, and to a space in which the second partition wall portion 1650 and the inner surface of the side surface frame 1130 are spaced apart from each other. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first partition wall portion 1610 and the second partition wall portion 1650 have a structure in which at least a portion is opened, so that substances generated in the battery module 100 may move through the opening portion.

[0102] Therefore, in the battery pack 1000d according to the present embodiment, the first partition wall portion 1610 and the second partition wall portion 1650 may form a flow path through which substances generated in the battery module 100 move in the flow path portion 1600. Therefore, in the battery pack 1000d according to the present embodiment, substances generated in the battery module 100 may be partially cooled while passing through the flow path portion 1600, thereby further improving the safety of the battery pack 1000 and also preventing the heat propagation phenomenon.

[0103] Fig.10 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the installation Figure 1 A perspective view of a battery module on a battery pack. Fig.11 yes Fig.10 An exploded perspective view of a battery module.

[0104] Reference Figure 2 , Fig.10 and Fig.11 , a plurality of battery modules 100 included in the battery pack 1000 according to the present embodiment may be mounted on the lower battery pack frame 1100. More specifically, as Figure 2 , Figures 4 to 6 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, a plurality of battery modules 100 may be mounted to regions partitioned by the side surface frame 1130 and the internal frames 1150 and 1170. However, the arrangement direction of the battery modules 100 is not limited thereto and may be appropriately changed as needed.

[0105] In one example, if Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown, the battery module 100 includes a battery cell stack 110 in which a plurality of battery cells 110 are stacked, and module frames 160 and 170 accommodating the battery cell stack 120 .

[0106] The battery cell 110 is preferably a pouch-type battery cell. In one example, the battery cell 110 can be produced by housing an electrode assembly in a pouch-shaped housing of a laminate including a resin layer and an inner layer, and then heat-sealing the sealing portion of the pouch-shaped housing. The battery cell 110 can be formed into a rectangular sheet structure. The battery cell 110 can be configured in multiple quantities, and multiple battery cells 110 are stacked to be electrically connected to each other to form a battery cell stack 120. In this article, the number of battery cells 110 forming the battery cell stack 120 can be adjusted according to the situation.

[0107] The module frames 160 and 170 may include an upper cover 160 and a U-shaped frame 170. In addition, the module frames 160 and 170 include a thermally conductive resin layer 175 between the battery cell stack 120 and a lower portion of the module frames 160 and 170.

[0108] Herein, the U-shaped frame 170 may include a bottom and two side surface portions extending upward from both ends of the bottom. At this time, the bottom may cover the lower surface of the battery cell stack 120, and the side surface portion may cover the side surface of the battery cell stack 120. The upper cover 160 and the U-shaped frame 170 may be connected by welding or the like in a state where the corresponding corners are in contact with each other, thereby forming a structure covering the top, bottom, left and right sides of the battery cell stack 120. To this end, the upper cover 160 and the U-shaped frame 170 may be made of a metal material having a predetermined strength.

[0109] In another example, although Fig.10 and Fig.11 Although not shown, the module frames 160 and 170 may be replaced by a single frame in the form of a metal plate in which the upper and lower surfaces and the two side surfaces are integrated. In another example, the module frames 160 and 170 may be replaced by a shape in which two L-shaped frames are connected. In another example, the module frames 160 and 170 may be replaced by a frame of a 4-plate structure in which an upper surface plate, a lower surface plate, a left plate, and a right plate are connected. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and any frame may be applied to the present embodiment as long as it can protect the internal components of the battery module 100.

[0110] In addition, the battery module 100 further includes a bus bar frame 130 respectively located on the front and rear surfaces of the battery cell stack 120, and an end plate 150 covering the bus bar frame 130. Herein, a bus bar (not shown) electrically connected to the battery cell stack 120 may be located in the bus bar frame 130. Therefore, the end plate 150 may physically protect the battery cell stack 120 and other electrical components from external impact.

[0111] A battery module 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may have Fig.10 and Fig.11 In other words, the battery module 100 may have a structure in which components in the battery module unit are minimized. In one example, the battery module 100 may have a structure in which the module frames 160 and 170 and / or the end plate 150 are omitted.

[0112] Therefore, in the battery pack 1000 according to the present embodiment, at least some components of the battery module 100 are omitted, so that the weight of the battery pack 1000 can be reduced and the space utilization inside the battery pack 1000 can be further increased.

[0113] Reference Fig.12 , a battery module 101 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may be installed inside a battery pack 1000. Herein, the battery module 101 may be described in substantially the same manner as the above-described battery module 100, and only different portions will be described.

[0114] Reference Fig.12 In the battery module 101 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of exhaust holes 160h may be formed in the upper cover 160. Herein, the exhaust holes 160h may be holes that pass through the upper cover 160. More specifically, the plurality of exhaust holes 160h may extend in the longitudinal direction of the upper cover 160 and may be positioned to be spaced apart from each other in the length direction and the width direction of the upper cover 160. However, the shape and arrangement of the plurality of exhaust holes 160h are not limited to Fig.12 , and various shapes and arrangements can be applied to this embodiment.

[0115] Therefore, in the battery module 101 according to the present embodiment, when a cell event such as a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs in the battery module 101, the gas and / or flame generated in the battery module 101 can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery module 101 through the exhaust hole 160h, and Fig.10Compared with the battery module 100 of FIG. 1 , the heat propagation inside and outside the battery module 101 can be relatively delayed. Fig.10 Compared with the battery module 100 of FIG. 1 , since the heat propagation inside and outside the battery module 101 is delayed, there is an advantage that the heat propagation between other adjacent battery modules 101 can also be effectively delayed.

[0116] Fig.13 is a view showing an upper surface of a battery pack according to a comparative example of the present disclosure in a state in which an upper pack frame is removed.

[0117] Reference Fig.13 , and the battery packs 1000, 1000a, 1000b, 1000c, and 1000d ( Figures 1 to 9 ), the battery pack 2000 according to the comparative example has a structure that does not include the first filter parts 1400, 1400a, 1400b, 1400c, and 1400d but includes all other components in the same manner.

[0118] Reference Fig.13 , the battery pack 2000 according to the comparative example includes the filter part 2500 located at a position corresponding to the discharge part 2300, and thus, some substances generated in the battery module 200 can be filtered. However, in the battery pack 2000 according to the comparative example, compared with the battery packs 1000, 1000a, 1000b, 1000c, and 1000d ( Figures 1 to 9 ), the amount of substances filtered by the filter unit 2500 may be very limited, and there is a problem that substances not filtered by the filter unit 2500 may clog the discharge unit 2300. In addition, if the unfiltered substances clog the discharge unit 2300, the pressure inside the battery pack may increase, and depending on the rigidity of the battery pack frame 2100, the structure of the battery pack 2000 may collapse.

[0119] On the other hand, refer to Figures 1 to 9 According to the present embodiment, the battery pack 1000 includes the first filter unit 1400 and the second filter unit 1500, and thus, can effectively filter substances generated in the battery module. That is, unlike the comparative example, the battery pack 1000 according to the present embodiment has the advantage that it can not only minimize the possibility of particles clogging the discharge device of the battery pack, but also minimize the possibility of particles being discharged to the outside of the battery pack, while preventing structural collapse caused by increasing the pressure inside the battery pack, thereby preventing the generation of external flames.

[0120] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a device including the above-mentioned battery pack can be provided. Such a device can be applied to vehicle devices such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrid electric vehicles, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and can be applied to various devices capable of using a battery module and a battery pack including the battery module, which also falls within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0121] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the following examples. However, these examples are only for illustrative purposes, and the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0122] <Example>

[0123] A battery pack is manufactured, wherein Fig.12 The battery modules shown are arranged in a 2×4 arrangement within the battery pack frame. The battery pack is manufactured as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, two drains are located on one side surface of the pack frame, a first filter is located between the drain and a battery module closest to the pack frame, and a second filter is located at a position corresponding to the drain at one side surface of the pack frame.

[0124] <Comparative Example>

[0125] like Fig.12 As shown, the battery pack of the comparative example is manufactured in the same manner as the battery pack of the example, except that Fig. 9 The battery modules shown are arranged in a 2×4 arrangement within the battery pack frame, and the first filter portion is omitted.

[0126] <Experimental Example - Confirmation of Maximum Pressure and Flame Exposure Time Point inside Battery Pack>

[0127] In each of the examples and comparative examples, one battery module at the same position among eight battery modules is designated as a trigger module, which is a module that intentionally causes a thermal runaway (TR) phenomenon in the battery module, and an adjacent module refers to a module adjacent to the trigger module.

[0128] In each example and comparative example, the thermal runaway time, heat propagation time and heat propagation speed of the trigger module and the adjacent module were measured respectively, and the heat propagation time, maximum pressure and flame exposure time point between the modules of the battery pack were measured respectively. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

[0129] [Table 1]

[0130]

[0131] Referring to Table 1, it can be confirmed that in the case of the example, the time for the trigger module to have thermal runaway is 105s, and the heat propagation time and speed between the battery cells in the trigger module are 426s and 4.9Ah / s. In contrast, it can be confirmed that in the case of the comparative example, the time for the trigger module to have thermal runaway is 101s, and the heat propagation time and speed between the battery cells in the trigger module are 153s and 13.7Ah / s.

[0132] That is, with the trigger module as a reference, it can be confirmed that the battery module included in the example has a delayed response to the heat propagation within the battery module compared to the battery module included in the comparative example. Through this difference, it can be confirmed that unlike the comparative example, the example allows the gas and / or flame inside the battery module to be smoothly discharged to the outside through the exhaust hole formed in the upper cover of the battery module, and therefore, the example allows the response to the heat propagation within the battery module to be relatively delayed compared to the comparative example.

[0133] Referring to Table 1, it can be confirmed that the time when thermal runaway occurs in the adjacent modules of the example is 3589s, and the heat propagation time and speed between the battery cells in the adjacent modules are 26s and 80.6Ah / s. In this article, it can be confirmed that in the case of the example, the heat propagation time from the trigger module to the adjacent module (i.e., the heat propagation time between modules) is 3484s (3589s-105s). In contrast, it can be confirmed that the time when thermal runaway occurs in the adjacent modules of the comparative example is 101s, and the heat propagation time and speed between the battery cells in the adjacent modules are 49s and 49.9Ah / s. In this article, it can be confirmed that in the case of the comparative example, the heat propagation time from the trigger module to the adjacent module (i.e., the heat propagation time between modules) is 0s (101s-101s).

[0134] That is, with the trigger module as the reference, the example shows that the heat propagation time between the modules is 3484s (=58min), and the response to the heat propagation between the battery modules is effectively delayed. In contrast, the comparative example shows that the heat propagation time between the modules is 0s, and the heat propagation reaction between the battery modules occurs immediately. In particular, the example shows that since the gas and / or flame in the trigger module is smoothly discharged to the outside of the module, the response to the heat propagation of the trigger module is also relatively delayed, and the heat propagation response to the adjacent module is also low. In contrast, the comparative example shows that the gas and / or flame in the trigger module is not discharged to the outside of the module, so the heat propagation response of the trigger module is carried out quickly, and the heat propagation response to the adjacent module also occurs immediately.

[0135] Referring to Table 1, it can be confirmed that at the time point of triggering module thermal runaway, the maximum pressure inside the battery pack of the example is 0.025 bar, and at the time point of thermal runaway of the adjacent module is 1.20 bar, and the flame exposure time is 3596 s (= 59.9 min). In contrast, the comparative example shows that the maximum pressure inside the battery pack is 1.28 bar, and the flame exposure time is 106 s.

[0136] That is, unlike the comparative example, since the battery pack of the example also includes a first filter unit and a second filter unit, particles among the substances generated in the battery module where thermal runaway occurs are removed, and the gas and / or flame inside the battery pack is smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery pack, so that the maximum pressure inside the battery pack is relatively low compared to the comparative example. In addition, in the battery pack of the example, the maximum pressure is maintained at 0.025 bar to 1.20 bar until the heat propagates from the triggering module to the adjacent module (at the point of thermal runaway of the adjacent module), and it can be confirmed that the maximum pressure inside the battery pack remains relatively low for a relatively long time, thereby delaying the collapse of the battery pack structure, and it can also be confirmed that the time point of flame exposure is also effectively delayed.

[0137] In contrast, it can be confirmed that the battery pack of the comparative example does not include a first filter section, so that among the substances generated in the battery module where thermal runaway occurs, particles block the discharge section, and thus the gas and / or flame cannot be discharged smoothly. That is, it can be confirmed that only by forming a second filter section at a position corresponding to the discharge section as in the battery pack of the comparative example, the particles inside the battery pack are not sufficiently removed. In addition, in the battery pack of the comparative example, the maximum pressure inside the battery pack becomes relatively high (1.28 bar) in a relatively short period of time, so that the possibility that the battery pack structure will collapse is high, and the flame exposure time is also short.

[0138] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and those skilled in the art may make various modifications and improvements using the basic concept of the present disclosure, which are defined in the appended claims and also fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0139] 100: Battery module

[0140] 110: Battery cells

[0141] 120: Battery cell stack

[0142] 130: Busbar frame

[0143] 150: End plate

[0144] 160: On the board

[0145] 170: Module Framework

[0146] 1000: Battery Pack

[0147] 1100: Lower battery pack frame

[0148] 1200: Upper battery pack frame

[0149] 1300: Emissions Department

[0150] 1400: First filter

[0151] 1401: Filter Framework

[0152] 1405: Filter

[0153] 1450: Enclosed

[0154] 1500: Second filter

[0155] 1600: Partition wall

Claims

1. A battery pack, comprising: A battery pack frame, on which a plurality of battery modules are mounted; at least one discharge portion, the at least one discharge portion being located on one side surface of the battery pack frame; a first filter portion, the first filter portion being located between the battery pack frame and a battery module closest to the discharge portion among the plurality of battery modules; as well as a second filter portion located at a position corresponding to the discharge portion at one side surface of the battery pack frame, Wherein, substances generated in the battery module move through the first filter part, the second filter part, and the discharge part.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: An area of ​​the first filter portion is greater than a sum of areas of the at least one discharge portion.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The area of ​​the first filter part is greater than the sum of the areas of the second filter parts.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising: at least one electrical portion, the at least one electrical portion being located between the battery pack frame and a battery module closest to the discharge portion among the plurality of battery modules, The first filter portion extends along a side surface of the battery pack frame and has a structure avoiding the at least one electrical portion.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein: The first filter portion has a streamlined or zigzag pattern.

6. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The first filter portion includes at least one closed portion spaced apart from each other, and Substances generated in the battery module move while avoiding the sealing portion.

7. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The battery pack frame includes a lower battery pack frame and an upper battery pack frame located above the battery module, and a plurality of battery modules are mounted on the lower battery pack frame. The lower battery pack frame includes a bottom portion contacting a lower surface of the battery module and a frame portion contacting at least one side surface of the battery module.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein: The frame portion includes a side surface frame extending from an edge of the bottom portion toward the upper portion and an inner frame located within the side surface frame.

9. The battery pack according to claim 8, wherein: The plurality of battery modules are partitioned from one another by the side surface frame and the internal frame.

10. The battery pack according to claim 8, wherein: The inner frame includes a horizontal beam extending in a longitudinal direction of the lower frame and at least two vertical beams extending in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal beam.

11. The battery pack according to claim 10, wherein: The first filtering portion replaces a vertical beam closest to the discharge portion among the at least two vertical beams.

12. The battery pack according to claim 10, wherein: The first filter portion is located between the discharge portion and a vertical beam closest to the discharge portion among the at least two vertical beams.

13. The battery pack according to claim 12, wherein: The first filter part contacts a position corresponding to the discharge part at an inner surface of the side surface frame.

14. The battery pack according to claim 12, wherein: The battery pack includes a flow path portion between the first filter portion and the battery module closest to the discharge portion.

15. The battery pack according to claim 14, wherein: The flow path portion replaces the vertical beam closest to the discharge portion.

16. The battery pack according to claim 15, wherein: The flow path portion includes at least one partition wall portion.

17. The battery pack according to claim 15, wherein: The flow path portion includes a first partition wall portion and a second partition wall portion, and The first partition wall portion and the second partition wall portion each extend in the same direction from an inner surface of the side surface frame.

18. The battery pack according to claim 17, wherein: The first partition wall portion and the second partition wall portion are spaced apart from each other on different inner surfaces of the inner surface of the side surface frame.

19. The battery pack according to claim 18, wherein: Substances generated from the battery module move to a space where the first partition wall portion and the inner surface of the side surface frame are spaced apart from each other and a space where the second partition wall portion and the inner surface of the side surface frame are spaced apart from each other.

20. A device comprising the battery pack according to claim 1.

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