Secondary battery and battery pack comprising same

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to providing a secondary battery and a battery pack capable of improving operational convenience and safety of the battery. To this end, the present disclosure provides a secondary battery comprising: an electrode assembly; a case configured to accommodate the electrode assembly; a cover plate coupled to the housing and having a vent hole formed therein; and an exhaust pressure control device including a fracture portion fractured by gas pressure, rotatably mounted on the cover plate, and changing a position facing the exhaust hole by rotation. According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a position of a fracture portion fractured by gas pressure may be changed by rotating an exhaust pressure control device facing an exhaust hole.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a secondary battery and a battery pack including the secondary battery. Background Art

[0002] Generally, as the demand for portable electronic products (such as laptop computers, video cameras, and mobile phones) has rapidly increased, and the commercialization of robots, electric vehicles, etc. has accelerated, battery packs that allow repeated charging and discharging have been actively studied.

[0003] Generally, a battery has a structure including an electrode assembly (not shown) that includes a charging current and a discharging current, and a case that houses the electrode assembly. The electrode assembly is housed inside the case via an opening of the case, and when a cover assembly is coupled to the opening, the opening is sealed.

[0004] To discharge high-pressure gas inside the case to the outside, a safety device that breaks due to gas pressure has been applied to the cover assembly, but it has generally been limited to a structure that can operate only at a certain preset gas pressure. Therefore, it is difficult that the cover assembly has to be separately designed and manufactured according to battery models, production purposes, and application environments, and the problem is that when the battery is applied to an object other than the intended purpose or environment, or when the application environment changes, the safety deteriorates.

[0005] The above information disclosed in the technology forming the background art of the present disclosure is only intended to enhance the understanding of the background art of the present disclosure, and thus may include information that does not constitute related art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure relates to providing a secondary battery and a battery pack that can improve the operational convenience and safety of the battery.

[0007] These and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will be described in the following description of some embodiments of the present disclosure or will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0008] According to one or more embodiments, a secondary battery includes: an electrode assembly; a case configured to house the electrode assembly; a cover plate coupled to the case and having an exhaust hole formed therein; and an exhaust pressure control device including a fracture portion that breaks due to gas pressure, rotatably mounted on the cover plate, and changing a position facing the exhaust hole by rotation.

[0009] The exhaust pressure control device may include: a fracture member having a plurality of fracture portions formed thereon as the fracture portion, and the fracture member being disposed to face the exhaust hole; and a rotation control member mounted on the cover plate and configured to rotatably support the fracture member such that one of the plurality of fracture portions selectively faces the exhaust hole.

[0010] A plurality of fracture portions can be formed by pressing a part of a fracture member to change the thickness or shape of the fracture member.

[0011] The plurality of fracture portions can include: a first fracture portion that fractures under a first gas pressure; and a second fracture portion that is disposed spaced apart from the first fracture portion and fractures under a second gas pressure different from the first gas pressure.

[0012] The first fracture portion can be formed by processing a part of the fracture member to have a first thickness smaller than the thickness of the fracture member, and the second fracture portion can be formed by processing a part of the fracture member to have a second thickness smaller than the first thickness.

[0013] The rotation control member can include: an input member that is mounted on the cover plate and is configured to receive a rotational force at a position spaced apart from the exhaust hole; a rotating body that rotates by receiving the rotational force from the input member; and a belt, a part of which is in contact with the circumference of the rotating body, and another part of which is in contact with the circumference of the fracture member, and the belt is configured to connect the fracture member to the rotating body such that the fracture member rotates together with the rotating body.

[0014] The fracture member can include: a circular main body, on which a plurality of fracture portions are arranged in a circumferential direction; and a plurality of protrusions that are formed on the circumferential portion of the circular main body and are in contact with the belt.

[0015] The fracture member can have a diameter larger than the diameter of the rotating body.

[0016] The input member can include: a first operating member that is mounted to pass through the cover plate and the rotating body, is mounted to be rotatable at a position spaced apart from the exhaust hole, and includes a part that is exposed to the outside of the cover plate in a graspable form; and a second operating member that is coupled to the first operating member by being coupled to an end of the first operating member that passes through the cover plate and the rotating body.

[0017] The first operating member can include: a gripping portion that is disposed on an outer surface of the cover plate; a through portion that extends from the gripping portion toward an inner surface of the cover plate through the cover plate; a rotating body connection portion that is continuously formed with the through portion and is connected to the rotating body such that the rotating body rotates together when the gripping portion rotates; and an anti-separation portion that is continuously formed with the rotating body connection portion and is coupled to the second operating member.

[0018] The secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a gasket that is disposed between the cover plate and the fracture member and is configured to seal between an edge portion of the exhaust hole and an edge portion of the fracture portion.

[0019] The exhaust pressure control device may further include a pressing member, which is mounted on the cover plate and configured to press the breaking member toward the cover plate.

[0020] The pressing member may include: a pressing body including an elastic material; a fixing portion formed on a first portion of the pressing body and fixed to the cover plate; a pressing portion formed on a second portion of the pressing body, contacting the breaking member, and configured to press the breaking member toward the cover plate; a gas through-hole formed to pass through the pressing portion at a position corresponding to the breaking portion and configured to communicate with the exhaust hole when the breaking portion breaks; and an elastic bending portion formed by bending a third portion of the pressing body so that the pressing portion elastically presses the breaking member.

[0021] The secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a pressing gasket disposed between the breaking member and the pressing member and configured to seal between an edge portion of the exhaust hole and an edge portion of the gas through-hole.

[0022] The exhaust pressure control device may include a rotary support device coupled to the cover plate and configured to rotatably support the breaking member.

[0023] The secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an inner cover configured to cover the exhaust pressure control device and mounted on the cover plate.

[0024] The inner cover may include: an inner cover body including an insulating material and coupled to an inner surface of the cover plate; and an opening formed to pass through the inner cover body and configured to open another portion of the exhaust pressure control device.

[0025] The exhaust pressure control device may include: a breaking member having a plurality of breaking portions formed thereon as breaking portions that break due to gas pressure, and the breaking member is disposed to face the exhaust hole; an input member mounted on the cover plate and configured to receive a rotational force at a position spaced apart from the exhaust hole; a rotating body that rotates by receiving the rotational force from the input member; and a belt, a part of which contacts the circumference of the rotating body, and another part of which contacts the circumference of the breaking member, and the belt is configured to connect the breaking member to the rotating body such that the breaking member rotates together with the rotating body.

[0026] The inner cover body may include: a first cover portion configured to cover a circumferential portion of the breaking member and a portion of the belt that contacts the circumferential portion of the breaking member; a second cover portion configured to cover a circumferential portion of the rotating body and another portion of the belt that contacts the circumferential portion of the rotating body; and a third cover portion formed between the first cover portion and the second cover portion and configured to cover yet another portion of the belt disposed between the breaking member and the rotating body.

[0027] The exhaust pressure control device may further include a pressing member that is mounted on the cover plate and configured to press the breaking member toward the cover plate, and the opening may include: a first opening formed at a position corresponding to the breaking member and the pressing member; and a second opening formed at a position corresponding to the input member and the rotating body.

[0028] According to one or more embodiments, a battery pack includes: a housing; and a plurality of secondary batteries disposed in the housing, wherein each of the plurality of secondary batteries includes: an electrode assembly; a case configured to accommodate the electrode assembly; a cover plate coupled to the case and having an exhaust hole formed therein; and an exhaust pressure control device including a breaking portion that breaks due to gas pressure, rotatably mounted on the cover plate, and a position of the exhaust pressure control device facing the exhaust hole is changed by rotation.

[0029] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the position of the breaking portion that breaks due to gas pressure can be changed by rotating the exhaust pressure control device facing the exhaust hole, so that the reference breaking pressure can be selectively changed according to different battery models, production purposes, application environments, etc. Therefore, the operability and safety of the battery can be improved.

[0030] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, when a plurality of breaking portions are formed in the exhaust pressure control device, the fracture toughness can be ensured by adopting different forging ratios so that the breaking portions have different thicknesses and shapes to be distinguished according to positions, and one of the plurality of breaking portions having different fracture toughnesses can be positioned corresponding to the exhaust hole by rotating the exhaust pressure control device. By such adjustment, the reference breaking pressure of the battery can be controlled.

[0031] However, the effects obtainable through the present disclosure are not limited to the above effects, and other technical effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The drawings attached to this specification illustrate some embodiments of the present disclosure and further describe aspects and features of the present disclosure together with the detailed description of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the drawings:

[0033] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 3is a perspective view schematically showing a lid assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 4 is schematically shown from a direction different from that of Figure 3 a perspective view of the lid assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 5 is a bottom view schematically showing a lid assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 6 is Figure 5 an enlarged perspective view of the main part of;

[0039] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of Figure 5 ;

[0040] Figure 8 is Figure 7 an enlarged view of part B of;

[0041] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the main part of the lid assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, shown disassembled;

[0042] Figure 10 is schematically shown from a direction different from that of Figure 9 a perspective view of the main part of the lid assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, shown disassembled;

[0043] Figure 11 is a perspective view schematically showing an exhaust pressure control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 12 is schematically shown from a direction different from that of Figure 11 a perspective view of the exhaust pressure control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 13 is a bottom view schematically showing an exhaust pressure control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the main part of the exhaust pressure control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, shown disassembled;

[0047] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the main part of a fracture member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] Figure 16 is a plan view schematically showing a fracture member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C' of Figure 16 ;

[0050] Figure 18 is Figure 17 an enlarged view of part D of

[0051] Figure 19 is Figure 17 an enlarged view of part E of

[0052] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F-F' of Figure 16 ;

[0053] Figure 21 is Figure 20 an enlarged view of part G of

[0054] Figure 22 is Figure 20 an enlarged view of part H of

[0055] Figure 23 is a bottom view schematically showing an exhaust pressure control device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0056] Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view of the main part schematically showing an exhaust pressure control device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0057] Figure 25 is Figure 24 an enlarged view of part I of

[0058] Figure 26 is a perspective view of the main part schematically showing a fracture member according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0059] Figure 27 is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0060] Here, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. The terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to the common meanings or dictionary meanings, but should be construed as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical concept of the present disclosure based on the principle that the inventor can be his / her own lexicographer to appropriately define the terms.

[0061] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are provided as some example embodiments of the present disclosure, and do not represent all the technical concepts, aspects, and features of the present disclosure. Therefore, it will be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace or modify the embodiments described herein may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0062] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on", "connected to", or "coupled to" another element or layer, the element or layer can be directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other element or layer, or there may also be one or more intervening elements or layers. When an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on", "directly connected to", or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers. For example, when a first element is described as being "coupled" or "connected" to a second element, the first element can be directly coupled or connected to the second element, or the first element can be indirectly coupled or connected to the second element via one or more intervening elements.

[0063] In the drawings, the dimensions of various elements, layers, etc. may be exaggerated for clarity. The same reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any combination and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Further, when describing embodiments of the present disclosure, the use of "may" relates to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure". When expressions such as "at least one of..." and "any one of..." follow a list of elements, they modify the entire list of elements, rather than individual elements in the list. When a phrase such as "at least one of A, B, and C", "at least one of A, B, or C", "at least one of the group consisting of A, B, and C", or "at least one of A, B, and C" is used to denote a list of elements A, B, and C, the phrase can refer to any and all suitable combinations or subsets of A, B, and C, such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. As used herein, the terms "use" and its variants may be considered to be synonymous with the terms "utilize" and its variants, respectively. As used herein, the terms "substantially", "about", and similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent variations in measured or calculated values that would be recognized by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0064] It will be understood that although the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, the first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0065] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "beneath", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another (other) element or feature as shown in the figures. It will be understood that the spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, an element described as "beneath" or "below" another element or feature will then be oriented "above" or "over" the other element or feature. Thus, the term "beneath" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0066] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a" and "an" are also intended to include the plural forms. It will also be understood that when the terms "comprises" and / or its variations and / or "includes" and / or its variations are used in this specification, it is specified that there are the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0067] In addition, any numerical range disclosed and / or described herein is intended to include all sub-ranges of the same numerical precision contained within the stated range. For example, the range "1.0 to 10.0" is intended to include all sub-ranges between the minimum value 1.0 and the maximum value 10.0 (and including the minimum value 1.0 and the maximum value 10.0), that is, having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as, for example, 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limitation described herein is intended to include all numerical lower limits contained therein, and any minimum numerical limitation described in this specification is intended to include all numerical upper limits contained therein. Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification (including the claims) to expressly recite any sub-ranges contained within the ranges expressly recited herein.

[0068] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc. as "the same" may mean that they are "substantially the same". Thus, the phrase "substantially the same" may include cases having a deviation considered low in the art (e.g., a deviation of 5% or less). In addition, when a certain parameter is said to be uniform in a given region, it may mean that it is uniform in terms of the average value.

[0069] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0070] When any element is said to be arranged (or oriented or positioned) "above (or below)" or "on (or beneath)" a component, it may mean that the any element is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the component, and it may also mean that another component may be disposed between the component and any element arranged (or oriented or positioned) above (or beneath) the component.

[0071] In addition, it will be understood that when an element is said to be "coupled", "linked" or "connected" to another element, the elements may be directly "coupled", "linked" or "connected" to each other, or one or more intermediate elements may be present therebetween, and the elements may be "coupled", "linked" or "connected" to the other element through the one or more intermediate elements. In addition, when a portion is said to be "electrically coupled" to another portion, the portion may be directly electrically connected to the other portion, or one or more intermediate portions may be present therebetween such that the portion and the other portion are indirectly electrically connected to each other.

[0072] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise stated, when stating "A and / or B", it means A, B, or A and B. That is, "and / or" includes any combination or all combinations of the recited multiple items. When stating "C to D", unless otherwise specified, it means C or greater and D or less.

[0073] The terms used in this specification are for describing embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0074] When the present disclosure is described with reference to multiple embodiments below, repeated descriptions of components that are the same or corresponding to each other in the multiple embodiments will be omitted. For example, when a component that is the same or corresponding to another component disclosed in one embodiment is also disclosed in another embodiment, the corresponding component will be omitted from the description of the other embodiment, and another component that is different from the other component of one embodiment will be mainly described.

[0075] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the secondary battery BC includes an electrode assembly 1, a case 2, and a cap assembly 3.

[0077] Hereinafter, the case where the secondary battery BC is a lithium ion secondary battery and has a prismatic shape will be described as an example. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the secondary battery BC may be a lithium polymer battery or a cylindrical battery.

[0078] The electrode assembly 1 may include a positive electrode 1a, a negative electrode 1b, and a separator 1c. At least one electrode assembly 1 may be formed.

[0079] Both the positive electrode 1a and the negative electrode 1b may include a coated portion and an uncoated portion. The coated portion is a region where an active material is applied to a current collector formed of a thin metal foil, and the uncoated portion is a region where the active material is not applied to the current collector formed of the thin metal foil.

[0080] The positive electrode 1a and the negative electrode 1b may be wound after placing the separator 1c, which is an insulator, between the positive electrode 1a and the negative electrode 1b. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the electrode assembly 1 may have a structure in which the positive electrode and the negative electrode, both formed of a plurality of sheets, are alternately stacked while the separator is placed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode.

[0081] The case 2 forms the overall external shape of the secondary battery BC and may be formed of a conductive metal such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel. In addition, the case 2 may provide a space in which the electrode assembly 1 is accommodated. In the example, the case 2 may be formed in the form of a box having an empty space inside and an opening 2a formed in the upper side.

[0082] The cover assembly 3 can be coupled to the housing 2 and can seal the housing 2. In an example, the cover assembly 3 can be coupled to the opening 2a of the housing 2 and can form a sealed internal space together with the housing 2.

[0083] The electrode terminals e 1 and e 2 connected to the electrode assembly 1 accommodated in the housing 2 can be drawn out to the outside through the cover assembly 3 and electrically connected to the terminals outside the housing 2.

[0084] Figure 3 is a perspective view schematically showing a cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 4 is a perspective view schematically showing a cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure from a direction different from the direction of Figure 3 .

[0085] Referring to Figures 1 to 4 , the cover assembly 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cover plate 10 and an exhaust pressure control device 20.

[0086] The cover plate 10 has a shape corresponding to the opening 2a of the housing 2 and can be coupled to the opening 2a. An exhaust hole 11 is formed in the cover plate 10, and the exhaust hole 11 forms a path through which the air inside the housing 2 can be discharged. The housing 2 can have a shape with its upper part opened, and the opening 2a can have a rectangular shape. The cover plate 10 has a rectangular plate shape corresponding to the opening 2a and can be tightly coupled to the opening 2a.

[0087] The exhaust pressure control device 20 includes a breaking part 22 (refer to Figure 5 ) that breaks due to gas pressure, is mounted on the cover plate 10 to face the exhaust hole 11, and changes its position facing the exhaust hole 11 by rotation. The exhaust pressure control device 20 can be mounted on the inner surface of the cover plate 10, and the breaking part 22 can be mounted to cover the exhaust hole 11. When the internal pressure of the housing 2 reaches a set pressure, the breaking part 22 can break and the exhaust hole 11 can be opened. In the description of the present disclosure, the term "rotation" refers to a change in orientation while maintaining the mounting position unchanged.

[0088] In a state where the exhaust pressure control device 20 is rotatably mounted on the cover plate 10, the exhaust pressure control device 20 rotates by an operating force applied by hand, a tool, electricity, etc., so that its position facing the exhaust hole 11 changes. A plurality of breaking parts 22 having different breaking strengths can be formed in the exhaust pressure control device 20. When the exhaust pressure control device 20 rotates, one of the plurality of breaking parts 22 can be selectively set to face the exhaust hole 11.

[0089] When describing the technology of the present disclosure, for the sake of convenience of description, based onFigure 1 (That is, the orientation and positional relationship of the components are described based on the state in which the opening 2a of the housing 2 is formed in the upper side and the lid assembly 3 is disposed on the upper portion of the housing 2).

[0090] In a state where the cover plate 10 is horizontally disposed, the exhaust hole 11 may be formed to penetrate the cover plate 10 in the vertical direction. In a state where the cover plate 10 is coupled to the upper portion of the opening of the housing 2, the bottom surface of the cover plate 10 may be the inner surface facing the inside of the housing 2, and the upper surface of the cover plate 10 may be the outer surface exposed to the outside. The exhaust pressure control device 20 may be mounted on the inner surface of the cover plate 10.

[0091] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, by rotating the exhaust pressure control device 20 having a fracture portion 22 that fractures due to gas pressure to change the position of the exhaust pressure control device 20 facing the exhaust hole 11, the reference fracture pressure can be selectively changed according to the model, production purpose, and application environment of the secondary battery BC. Therefore, the safety and operational convenience of the secondary battery BC can be improved.

[0092] More specifically, when a plurality of fracture portions 22 are formed in the exhaust pressure control device 20, the fracture toughness can be differentiated according to the position by adopting different forging ratios to ensure that the fracture portions 22 have different thicknesses and shapes, and one of the plurality of fracture portions 22 having different fracture toughnesses can be positioned corresponding to the exhaust hole 11 by rotating the exhaust pressure control device 20. By such adjustment, the reference fracture pressure of the secondary battery BC can be controlled.

[0093] The lid assembly 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an inner lid 50.

[0094] The inner lid 50 may cover the exhaust pressure control device 20 and may be mounted on the inner surface (bottom surface) side of the cover plate 10. The inner lid 50 may be provided to cover a part or all of the exhaust pressure control device 20. In a state where the inner lid 50 is mounted on the bottom surface side of the cover plate 10, the inner lid 50 may protect the lower portion of the exhaust pressure control device 20 and prevent the exhaust pressure control device 20 from being separated downward.

[0095] The inner lid 50 may be provided to be in contact with the exhaust pressure control device 20. Therefore, the inner lid 50 may support the lower end of the exhaust pressure control device 20 and may prevent the exhaust pressure control device 20 from moving arbitrarily when the secondary battery BC moves or vibrates. When the exhaust pressure control device 20 includes a conductive material such as metal, the inner lid 50 may include an insulating material. Therefore, electrical interference between the exhaust pressure control device 20 and the components inside the housing 2 can be prevented.

[0096] Figure 5 is a bottom view schematically showing a lid assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 6 is Figure 5 an enlarged perspective view of the main part of Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of Figure 5 and Figure 8 is Figure 7 an enlarged view of part B of Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the main part of a lid assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the main part of a lid assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure from a direction different from the direction of Figure 9

[0097] Referring to Figures 5 to 10 , an exhaust pressure control device 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a fracture member 21, a rotation control member 23, and a pressing member 27.

[0098] As a whole, the fracture member 21 may have a flat plate shape and may be disposed below the exhaust hole 11. At least a part of the fracture member 21 may be disposed to cover the exhaust hole 11. A plurality of fracture portions 22 may be formed in the fracture member 21, and one of the plurality of fracture portions 22 may be disposed to face the exhaust hole 11.

[0099] In Figures 5 to 10 , the fracture member 21 is shown as having a circular ring or disk shape, but this is an illustration of an exemplary embodiment, and the present disclosure is not intended to specifically limit the shape or structure of the fracture member 21. The fracture member 21 may have other polygons or other various shapes and is not limited to a specific structure and shape as long as the fracture member 21 is rotatable. The fracture portion 22 may be formed by pressing a part of the fracture member 21 so that the thickness or shape of the fracture portion 22 is changed by a processing method such as forging, pressing, etc.

[0100] The rotation control member 23 is mounted on the cover plate 10 and may rotatably support the fracture member 21. The fracture member 21 may rotate by receiving a rotational force from the rotation control member 23. The position and orientation of the fracture member 21 may be controlled by the rotation control member 23 so that one of the plurality of fracture portions 22 selectively faces the exhaust hole 11.

[0101] ​The pressing member 27 can be installed on the cover plate 10 to press the fracture member 21 toward the cover plate 10. The fracture member 21 can be pressed by the pressing member 27 and be in close contact with the cover plate 10. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the gas inside the housing 2 from leaking toward the exhaust hole 11 through the gap between the fracture member 21 and the cover plate 10, and it is possible to reliably achieve the operation in which the fracture portion 22 fractures when a set pressure is applied.

[0102] Figure 11 is a perspective view schematically showing an exhaust pressure control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 12 is from the same direction as Figure 11 a perspective view schematically showing an exhaust pressure control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure from a direction different from the direction, Figure 13 is a bottom view schematically showing an exhaust pressure control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view of the main part schematically showing an exhaust pressure control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 15 is a perspective view of the main part schematically showing a fracture member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0103] Referring to Figures 11 to 15 , the fracture member 21 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a circular main body 211 and a plurality of protrusions 212.

[0104] The circular main body 211 may have a plate-shaped ring or disk shape. A plurality of fracture portions 22 may be arranged on the circular main body 211 in a circumferential direction. The protrusions 212 may be formed to protrude in a radial direction on the circumferential portion of the circular main body 211. The plurality of protrusions 212 may be irregularly formed along the entire circumferential portion of the circular main body 211.

[0105] Through the plurality of protrusions 212, the fracture member 21 can be in firm contact with the belt 26 provided in the rotation control member 23 and to be described below, and can receive the rotational force more stably through the belt 26. When the rotation control member 23 transmits the rotational force to the fracture member 21 by using a gear member or the like instead of the belt 26, the protrusions 212 may be formed to protrude in the shape of gear teeth. When it is desired to apply the rotational force to the fracture member 21 more directly, the rotational force can be applied by frictionally contacting the protrusions 212 with a finger or a tool, or by inserting a nail or the tip of a tool into the groove between the protrusions 212.

[0106] Referring to Figures 11 to 14 , the rotation control member 23 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an input member 24, a rotating body 25, and a belt 26.

[0107] The input member 24 can be installed to pass through the cover plate 10 at a position spaced apart from the exhaust hole 11. A part of the input member 24 is positioned to protrude from the outer surface (upper surface) of the cover plate 10, and another part thereof is positioned to protrude from the inner surface (bottom surface) of the cover plate 10. The rotational force can be received from the outside of the housing 2 through the part of the input member 24 that protrudes from the outer surface of the cover plate 10, and the rotational force can be transmitted to the inside of the housing 2 through the part of the input member 24 that protrudes from the inner surface of the cover plate 10.

[0108] The rotating body 25 can rotate by receiving the rotational force from the input member 24. The rotating body 25 can have a disk or pulley shape. The rotating body 25 can be integrally connected to the input member 24 and rotate with the same angular displacement as the input member 24. Similar to the fracture member 21, a plurality of protrusions (not shown) can be formed on the circumferential portion of the rotating body 25 that contacts the belt 26.

[0109] The belt 26 can be installed such that a part thereof contacts the circumference of the rotating body 25 and another part thereof contacts the circumference of the fracture member 21. The belt 26 is not limited to a specific structure and shape, and can have various shapes including a chain belt that can be caught by the plurality of protrusions 212, as long as it can transmit the rotational force of the rotating body 25 to the fracture member 21.

[0110] The fracture member 21 can be connected to the rotating body 25 through the belt 26 and can rotate together with the rotating body 25. The fracture member 21 can have a diameter larger than that of the rotating body 25. Therefore, the rotational displacement of the fracture member 21 can be further fine-tuned by an amount corresponding to the diameter ratio of the rotating body 25 and the fracture member 21, and the selected fracture part 22 can be accurately positioned at a desired position.

[0111] Refer to Figures 4 to 7 and Figures 12 to 14 According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the input member 24 can include a first operating member 241 and a second operating member 246.

[0112] The first operating member 241 can be installed to pass through the cover plate 10 and the rotating body 25 at a position spaced apart from the exhaust hole 11. The first operating member 241 can be rotatably installed at a fixed position. The upper part of the first operating member 241 can be provided in a grippable form and exposed to the outside of the cover plate 10.

[0113] The first operating member 241 may be installed to pass through the cover plate 10 and the rotating body 25 from the upper side to the lower side. The second operating member 246 may be coupled to the first operating member 241 by being coupled to the lower portion of the first operating member 241 that has passed through the cover plate 10 and the rotating body 25. The first operating member 241 may have a bolt shape, and the second operating member 246 may have a nut shape that can be threadedly coupled to the first operating member 241.

[0114] Referring Figure 7 , the first operating member 241 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a gripping portion 242, a penetrating portion 243, a rotating body connecting portion 244, and an anti-separation portion 245.

[0115] The gripping portion 242 is disposed on the outer surface of the cover plate 10 and may have a form that can be gripped by a tool or hand. The cross-section of the gripping portion 242 may have a polygonal shape, such as a hexagonal shape. The penetrating portion 243 may pass through the cover plate 10 from the gripping portion 242 and extend toward the inner surface of the cover plate 10. The penetrating portion 243 may have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the gripping portion 242.

[0116] The rotating body connecting portion 244 is continuously formed with the lower portion of the penetrating portion 243 and may be connected to the rotating body 25. The rotating body 25 may be coupled to the circumference of the rotating body connecting portion 244 by a joining method such as bonding, welding, etc. The rotating body 25 may be coupled to the rotating body connecting portion 244 by radially resistance welding a hole portion (not designated by a reference numeral) formed in the rotation center of the rotating body 25 to the circumference of the rotating body connecting portion 244. The rotating body connecting portion 244 may have a cross-sectional shape other than a circular shape, and the rotating body 25 may be provided with a hole portion having a corresponding shape such that the rotating body connecting portion 244 can be inserted and assembled into the rotating body 25. As described above, when the gripping portion 242 rotates while the rotating body 25 is connected to the rotating body connecting portion 244, the rotating body 25 may rotate with the same angular displacement as the input member 24.

[0117] The anti-separation portion 245 is continuously formed with the lower portion of the rotating body connecting portion 244 and may be coupled to the second operating member 246. External threads may be formed on the circumference of the anti-separation portion 245, and the second operating member 246 may have internal threads and may be threadedly coupled to the anti-separation portion 245.

[0118] Referring Figures 6 to 8 , the pressing member 27 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a pressing body 271, a fixing portion 272, a pressing portion 273, a gas through-hole 274, and an elastic bending portion 275.

[0119] The pressing body 271 may have a shape and a length such that a part thereof can be fixed to the cover plate 10 and another part is arranged to overlap with the breaking member 21 in the vertical direction. The pressing body 271 may be made of a material (such as metal) having elasticity and capable of being bent and processed. The pressing body 271 may be formed by cutting a flat metal plate into a desired shape and length. The pressing body 271 may have a rectangular or strip shape that extends completely in the radial direction of the breaking member 21. The pressing body 271 may have a length that allows an elastic bending portion 275 (described below) to be flexibly formed at an intermediate portion in the extending direction.

[0120] The fixing portion 272 is formed at one end of the pressing body 271 and can be fixed to the bottom surface portion of the cover plate 10 while being in surface contact with the bottom surface portion of the cover plate 10. The fixing portion 272 may be joined to the cover plate 10 by a joining method such as laser welding. The fixing portion 272 may have a rectangular shape, and the welding portion may be formed in a "C" shape along its edge.

[0121] The pressing portion 273 is formed at the other end of the pressing body 271 and can be arranged below the breaking member 21 to overlap with the breaking member 21. The pressing portion 273 contacts the bottom surface portion of the breaking member 21 and can press the breaking member 21 upward toward the cover plate 10. A gas through hole 274 through which gas can pass may be formed in the pressing portion 273. The pressing portion 273 may be arranged parallel to the bottom surface of the breaking member 21 such that an edge portion of the gas through hole 274 can be in close surface contact with the breaking member 21.

[0122] The gas through hole 274 may be formed to pass through the pressing portion 273 at a position corresponding to the breaking portion 22. The gas through hole 274 may be directly arranged below the exhaust hole 11 with the breaking member 21 disposed between the gas through hole 274 and the exhaust hole 11. The breaking portion 22 is located between the exhaust hole 11 and the gas through hole 274. When the gas pressure inside the housing 2 reaches the set pressure, the breaking portion 22 breaks, and the gas through hole 274 can communicate with the exhaust hole 11. The overpressure air inside the housing 2 can be discharged to the outside by continuously passing through the gas through hole 274, the breaking portion 22, and the exhaust hole 11.

[0123] The elastic bending portion 275 may be formed by bending a part of the pressing body 271 having a plate shape in a direction (downward) spaced apart from the cover plate 10. By forming the elastic bending portion 275, in a state where the pressing body 271 has an overall downwardly convexly bent shape, when the fixing portion 272 is fixed to the cover plate 10, the pressing portion 273 can be in elastic contact with the breaking member 21. At this time, the pressing portion 273 can press the breaking member 21 upward toward the cover plate 10 with a strength corresponding to the elastic force (see Figure 8in the hollow arrow).

[0124] In a state where the fixing part 272 is fixed, even when the pressing part 273 moves downward by a predetermined distance, the pressing part 273 only elastically deforms downward until the elastic bending part 275, and the downward force is not transmitted to the fixing part 272, so that the fixed state of the fixing part 272 can be stably maintained. In addition, in a state where the fixing part 272 is fixed, even when the pressing part 273 moves downward by a predetermined distance, the pressing part 273 can be in close contact with the breaking member 21 while naturally moving upward by the elastic restoring force.

[0125] By forming the elastic bending part 275, even when the pressing part 273 moves a predetermined distance, the pressing part 273 can return to its initial state. Therefore, when assembling, positioning, etc. of the components embedded in the secondary battery BC are performed, the assembly order of the components, etc. can be changed and applied more freely according to convenience, and the assembly can be performed more easily. Therefore, the degree of freedom and productivity of the assembly can be improved.

[0126] For example, in a state where the pressing part 273 moves downward to be spaced apart from the cover plate 10, an assembly process of inserting the breaking member 21, the washer 30 (described below), the pressing washer 40 (described below), etc. between the pressing part 273 and the cover plate 10 can be applied. Of course, in a state where the breaking member 21 and the pressing member 27 are sequentially stacked on the lower side of the cover plate 10, an assembly process of fixing the pressing member 27 to the cover plate 10 can be applied.

[0127] Referring to Figure 8 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cover assembly 3 may further include a washer 30 configured to seal a gap between an edge portion of the exhaust hole 11 and an edge portion of the breaking portion 22. The washer 30 may have a flat circular ring shape and may be disposed between the cover plate 10 and the breaking member 21. There is no specific limitation on the material, thickness or shape of the washer 30 as long as the washer 30 can seal the gap between the edge portion of the exhaust hole 11 and the edge portion of the breaking portion 22.

[0128] Referring to Figure 8 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cover assembly 3 may further include a pressing washer 40 configured to seal a gap between an edge portion of the exhaust hole 11 and an edge portion of the gas through hole 274. The pressing washer 40 may have a flat circular ring shape and may be disposed between the breaking member 21 and the pressing member 27. There is no specific limitation on the material, thickness or shape of the pressing washer 40 as long as the pressing washer 40 can seal the gap between the edge portion of the exhaust hole 11 and the edge portion of the gas through hole 274.

[0129] The pressing part 273, the pressing washer 40, the fracture member 21, the washer 30, and the cover plate 10 can be in close contact with each other by the upward elastic force applied to the pressing part 273. Therefore, it is possible to prevent gas from overflowing through the exhaust hole 11 before the gas pressure inside the housing 2 reaches the set pressure, and it is possible to reliably achieve the operation in which the fracture part 22 fractures at the set pressure.

[0130] Referring to Figures 4 to 7 , the inner lid 50 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an inner lid body 51 and an opening 55.

[0131] The inner lid body 51 has the form of a plate corresponding to the cover plate 10 as a whole and may be coupled to the inner surface of the cover plate 10. The inner lid body 51 may include an insulating material. A part of the exhaust pressure control device 20 may be covered by the inner lid body 51. The inner lid body 51 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first lid part 52, a second lid part 53, and a third lid part 54.

[0132] In the inner lid body 51, a first lid part 52 may be formed to cover the circumferential part of the fracture member 21 and the part of the band 26 that contacts the circumferential part of the fracture member 21. The fracture member 21 may be partially covered by the first lid part 52 or supported by the first lid part 52 at its lower end. The second lid part 53 may cover the circumferential part of the rotating body 25 and another part of the band 26 that contacts the circumferential part of the rotating body 25. The rotating body 25 may be partially covered by the second lid part 53 or supported by the second lid part 53 at its lower end.

[0133] The third lid part 54 is formed between the first lid part 52 and the second lid part 53 and may cover another part of the band 26 disposed between the fracture member 21 and the rotating body 25. The middle part of the band 26 disposed between the fracture member 21 and the rotating body 25 may be covered by the third lid part 54 or supported by the third lid part 54 at its lower end. Compared with other components embedded in the housing 2, the band 26 having a thin and linear shape may be relatively weak in rigidity. The band 26 may be mostly covered and protected by the first lid part 52, the second lid part 53, and the third lid part 54.

[0134] The opening 55 may be formed to pass through the inner lid body 51. A part of the exhaust pressure control device 20 may be covered by the inner lid body 51. The opening 55 may open downward to another part of the exhaust pressure control device 20. The opening 55 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first opening 56 and a second opening 57.

[0135] The first opening 56 may be formed at a position corresponding to the fracture member 21 and the pressing member 27. A part of the fracture member 21 and the pressing member 27 may be exposed to the outside of the inner cover body 51 through the first opening 56. The operator can perform assembly and adjustment while checking the assembly state of the fracture member 21 and the pressing member 27 and the position of the fracture part 22 through the first opening 56. By forming the first opening 56, it is possible to prevent the elastic bending part 275 having a downward convex shape of the pressing member 27 from being interfered with by the inner cover body 51.

[0136] The second opening 57 may be formed at a position corresponding to the input member 24 and the rotating body 25. A part of the input member 24 and a part of the rotating body 25 may be exposed to the outside of the inner cover body 51 through the second opening 57. The operator can perform assembly and adjustment while checking the assembly state of the input member 24 and the rotating body 25 through the second opening 57.

[0137] Figure 16 is a plan view schematically showing a fracture member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 17 is along Figure 16 a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C' of Figure 18 is Figure 17 an enlarged view of part D of Figure 19 and Figure 17 is an enlarged view of part E of Figure 20 is along Figure 16 a cross-sectional view taken along line F-F' of Figure 21 is Figure 20 an enlarged view of part G of Figure 22 and Figure 20 is an enlarged view of part H of

[0138] Referring to Figures 16 to 22 , the fracture part 22 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of fracture parts including a first fracture part 221 and a second fracture part 222. The fracture part 22 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include eight fracture parts that fracture at different gas pressures.

[0139] The fracture portion 22 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first fracture portion 221, a second fracture portion 222, a third fracture portion 223, a fourth fracture portion 224, a fifth fracture portion 225, a sixth fracture portion 226, a seventh fracture portion 227, and an eighth fracture portion 228 that fracture under different gas pressures. The first fracture portion 221, the second fracture portion 222, the third fracture portion 223, the fourth fracture portion 224, the fifth fracture portion 225, the sixth fracture portion 226, the seventh fracture portion 227, and the eighth fracture portion 228 may be provided on a fracture member 21 having an annular shape and spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0140] The first fracture portion 221 may have a first thickness t1 or shape that causes the first fracture portion 221 to fracture under a first gas pressure. The second fracture portion 222 is provided to be spaced apart from the first fracture portion 221 and may have a second thickness t2 or shape that causes the second fracture portion 222 to fracture under a second gas pressure different from the first gas pressure. The thickness may decrease from the first fracture portion 221 toward the eighth fracture portion 228.

[0141] The fracture portion 22 may be formed by pressing a portion of the fracture member 21 such that its thickness or shape is changed by a processing method such as forging, pressing, etc. The first fracture portion 221 may be formed by processing a portion of the fracture member 21 to have a first thickness t1 that is less than the thickness of the fracture member 21. The second fracture portion 222 may be formed by processing a portion of the fracture member 21 to have a second thickness t2 that is less than the first thickness t1. As the strain of the fracture member 21 increases, the fracture portion 22 may be processed to a smaller thickness.

[0142] The fifth fracture portion 225 may be formed by processing a portion of the fracture member 21 to have a fifth thickness t5 that is less than the thickness of the fracture member 21. The sixth fracture portion 226 may be formed by processing a portion of the fracture member 21 to have a sixth thickness t6 that is less than the fifth thickness t5. The fracture portion 22 may be formed in a shape in which the fracture member 21 is completely convexly bent downward or partially concavely recessed by pressing down on the fracture member 21.

[0143] Each of the first fracture portion 221 to the fifth fracture portion 225 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may have a shape in which it is convexly bent downward as a whole. Each of the sixth fracture portion 226 to the eighth fracture portion 228 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may have a shape with a concavely recessed upper surface and a flat bottom surface. Embodiments such as forming a cut portion may also be applied to the fracture portion 22 as long as it is breakable under a plurality of different fracture pressures.

[0144] As described above, by adopting different forging ratios to ensure that the fractured portion 22 has different thicknesses and shapes, fracture toughness can be formed differently on the fractured member 21 according to the position. In addition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, by rotating the fractured member 21, one of the plurality of fractured portions 22 having different fracture toughnesses can be positioned to correspond to the exhaust hole 11. By such adjustment, the fracture pressure of the fractured member 21 can be controlled.

[0145] Figure 23 is a bottom view schematically showing an exhaust pressure control device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 24 is a sectional view of a main part schematically showing an exhaust pressure control device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 25 is Figure 24 an enlarged view of part I of Figure 26 is a perspective view of a main part schematically showing a fractured member according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0146] Referring to Figures 23 to 26 and, compared with the exhaust pressure control device 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure shown in Figures 1 to 22 the exhaust pressure control device 20 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a fractured member 21 having a disk shape and a rotary support device 28 configured to rotatably support the fractured member 21.

[0147] The fractured member 21 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure has a disk shape, and its rotation center portion may be coupled to the cover plate 10 through the rotary support device 28. The rotary support device 28 has a structure capable of rotatably supporting the fractured member 21 at a fixed position and may be coupled to the cover plate 10. The rotary support device 28 may include a bolt member and a nut member. The bolt member may pass through the cover plate 10 and the fractured member 21, and the nut member may be threadedly coupled to an end of the bolt member.

[0148] This discloses a preferred example of the rotary support device 28, and the present disclosure is not intended to specifically limit the structure of the rotary support device 28. The rotary support device 28 is not limited to including any specific structure or shape of an embodiment in which the rotary support device 28 is fixed to the bottom surface of the cover plate 10 without passing through the cover plate 10, as long as the rotary support device 28 can rotatably support the fractured member 21.

[0149] The fracture member 21 can be divided into an annular portion 213 having an annular shape in which a fracture portion 22 is formed, and a circular portion 214 having a circular shape that is continuous with and integrally formed with the inner diameter portion of the annular portion 213. The circular portion 214 may have a downwardly convexly curved shape. In a state where the rotary support device 28 is axially coupled to the central portion of the circular portion 214, when the circular portion 214 is downwardly convexly curved, the annular portion 213 can be elastically and closely contacted with the cover plate 10 (see Figure 25 the hollow arrow in

[0150] . According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, by using the rotary support device 28, an edge portion (annular portion 213) of the fracture member 21 in which the fracture portion 22 is formed can be closely contacted with the cover plate 10. According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the central portion (circular portion 214) of the fracture member 21 coupled to the rotary support device 28 is downwardly convexly curved so that the fracture member 21 can be elastically and closely contacted with the cover plate 10. Therefore, when the rotary support device 28 is provided, the pressing member 27 can be omitted. When an operation outside the housing 2 is not required, the input member 24, the rotating body 25, and the belt 26 of the rotation control member 23 can be omitted.

[0151] In addition, compared with the gasket 30 and the pressing gasket 40 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the gasket 30 and the pressing gasket 40 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may have a "T"-shaped cross-sectional shape.

[0152] The gasket 30 may have a "T"-shaped cross-sectional shape, and the "T"-shaped cross-sectional shape has a first horizontal annular portion 31 that contacts the bottom surface of the cover plate 10 and a first vertical cylindrical portion 32 that can be inserted into the exhaust hole 11. By inserting the first vertical cylindrical portion 32 into the exhaust hole 11, the gasket 30 can be easily and precisely assembled, and the gasket 30 can be prevented from being arbitrarily displaced from the fixed position due to vibration or the like.

[0153] The pressing gasket 40 may have a "T"-shaped cross-sectional shape, and the "T"-shaped cross-sectional shape has a second horizontal annular portion 41 that contacts the upper surface of the pressing member 27 and a second vertical cylindrical portion 42 that can be inserted into the gas through-hole 274. By inserting the second vertical cylindrical portion 42 into the gas through-hole 274, the pressing gasket 40 can be easily and precisely assembled, and the pressing gasket 40 can be prevented from being arbitrarily displaced from the fixed position due to vibration or the like.

[0154] However, although the housing 2 is shown in the drawings as having a prismatic shape, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the housing may be formed in various shapes (such as a circular shape, a bag shape, etc.). In addition, the housing may be made of metal (such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, nickel-plated steel) or a laminated film or plastic forming a bag.

[0155] Hereinafter, a battery pack P according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0156] Figure 27 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0157] Reference Figure 27 , the battery pack P may include a housing HS and a secondary battery BC.

[0158] The housing HS forms a schematic outer shape of the battery pack P, and may serve as a component that completely supports the secondary battery BC.

[0159] The housing HS may include a housing body HB and a housing cover HC.

[0160] The outer shell HB may be formed to have a box shape with an empty interior and one side open. The open side of the outer shell HB may be set to face upward. The cross-sectional shape of the outer shell HB is not limited to Figure 27 The rectangular shape shown in can be changed to various shapes (such as polygonal shape, circular shape, elliptical shape, etc.) in design.

[0161] The housing cover HC is coupled to the housing body HB and can close the inner space (i.e., the accommodation space) of the housing body HB. For example, the housing cover HC is formed to have a substantially plate shape and can be provided to face the opening side of the housing body HB, i.e., the upper side surface of the housing body HB. The housing cover HC can be fixed to the housing body HB by various types of coupling methods such as bolt coupling, welding, and insertion coupling.

[0162] The secondary battery BC may be disposed inside the housing HS. The secondary battery BC may be referenced to Figures 1 to 22 The secondary battery BC described may be referenced to Figures 23 to 26 Described secondary battery BC.

[0163] The secondary battery BC may be disposed inside the outer housing HB. The secondary battery BC may be disposed inside the outer housing HB such that the cap assembly 3 faces the outer housing cover HC.

[0164] A plurality of secondary batteries BC may be provided. A plurality of secondary batteries BC may be arranged in at least one row inside the outer housing HB in the longitudinal direction and the width direction of the outer housing HB. An insulating sheet (not shown) for insulation and heat insulation may be provided between adjacent secondary batteries BC. A plurality of secondary batteries BC may be connected in series or in parallel via a bus bar (not shown).

[0165] The battery pack P may include a battery management system (BMS) for managing a plurality of secondary batteries BC. The BMS may include a detection device, a balancing device, and a control device.

[0166] The detection device may detect status information (voltage, current, temperature, etc.) representing the status of the secondary battery BC by detecting the status of the secondary battery BC. The detection device may detect the voltage of each secondary battery BC constituting the battery pack P. The detection device may detect the current of each secondary battery BC constituting the battery pack. The detection device may detect the temperature of the secondary battery BC or the ambient temperature at at least one point in the battery pack P.

[0167] The balancing device may perform a balancing operation of the secondary batteries BC constituting the battery pack P.

[0168] The control device may receive the status information (voltage, current, temperature, etc.) of the secondary battery BC from the detection device. The control device may monitor and calculate the status (voltage, current, temperature, state of charge (SOC), state of health (SOH), etc.) of the secondary battery BC based on the status information received from the detection device. The control device may also perform control functions (e.g., temperature control, balancing control, charge / discharge control, etc.), protection functions (e.g., over-discharge, over-charge, over-current protection, short circuit, fire extinguishing, etc.), etc. based on the status monitoring results. The control device may also perform wired or wireless communication functions with devices external to the battery pack (e.g., a high-level controller or a vehicle, a charger, a power conversion system (PCS), etc.).

[0169] The control device may control battery charging and discharging operations as well as battery protection operations.

[0170] The detection device, the balancing device, and the control device may each include a processor and a memory.

[0171] The processor may be implemented as a central processing unit (CPU) or a system on chip (SoC), and may operate an operating system or an application to control a plurality of hardware or software components connected to the processor, thereby performing various data processing and operations. The processor may be configured to execute at least one command stored in the memory and store the execution result data in the memory.

[0172] The memory may store at least one command executed by the processor. The memory may be implemented as a volatile storage medium and / or a non-volatile storage medium, e.g., implemented as a read-only memory (ROM) and / or a random access memory (RAM).

[0173] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the position of the fracture portion broken due to gas pressure can be changed by rotating the exhaust pressure control device facing the exhaust hole, so that the reference fracture pressure can be selectively changed differently according to battery models, production purposes, application environments, etc. Therefore, the operability and safety of the battery can be improved.

[0174] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when a plurality of fracture portions are formed in the exhaust pressure control device, the fracture toughness can be distinguished according to the position by adopting different forging ratios to ensure that the fracture portions have different thicknesses and shapes, and one of the plurality of fracture portions having different fracture toughnesses can be positioned corresponding to the exhaust hole by rotating the exhaust pressure control device. By such adjustment, the reference fracture pressure of the battery can be controlled.

[0175] However, the effects obtainable by the present disclosure are not limited to the above effects, and other technical effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the above description of the present disclosure.

[0176] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the present disclosure can be variously implemented by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

Claims

1. A secondary battery, comprising: Electrode assembly; a housing configured to accommodate the electrode assembly; a cover plate coupled to the housing and having an exhaust hole formed therein; as well as The exhaust pressure control device includes a broken portion broken by gas pressure, is rotatably mounted on the cover plate, and changes a position facing the exhaust hole by rotating.

2. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein The exhaust pressure control device comprises: a breaking member on which the breaking portion is formed as a plurality of breaking portions and the breaking member is disposed to face the exhaust hole; and A rotation control member is mounted on the cover plate and is configured to rotatably support the breaking member so that one of the plurality of breaking portions selectively faces the exhaust hole.

3. The secondary battery according to claim 2, wherein: The plurality of breaking portions are formed by pressing a portion of the breaking member so that a thickness or a shape of the breaking member is changed.

4. The secondary battery according to claim 2, wherein The plurality of fractured portions include: a first breaking portion that breaks under a first gas pressure; and The second breaking portion is disposed to be spaced apart from the first breaking portion and breaks at a second gas pressure different from the first gas pressure.

5. The secondary battery according to claim 4, wherein The first breaking portion is formed by processing a portion of the breaking member to have a first thickness that is smaller than a thickness of the breaking member, and The second breaking portion is formed by processing a portion of the breaking member to have a second thickness smaller than the first thickness.

6. The secondary battery according to claim 2, wherein The rotation control member comprises: an input member mounted on the cover plate and configured to receive a rotational force at a position spaced apart from the exhaust hole; a rotating body that rotates by receiving the rotational force from the input member; and A belt, a portion of which contacts the circumference of the rotating body and another portion of which contacts the circumference of the breaking member, and the belt is configured to connect the breaking member to the rotating body so that the breaking member rotates together with the rotating body.

7. The secondary battery according to claim 6, wherein The breaking member comprises: a circular body on which the plurality of fractured portions are arranged along a circumferential direction; and A plurality of protrusions are formed on a circumferential portion of the circular body and contact the belt.

8. The secondary battery according to claim 6, wherein The breaking member has a diameter larger than a diameter of the rotating body.

9. The secondary battery according to claim 6, wherein The input component comprises: a first operating member installed to pass through the cover plate and the rotating body, installed to be rotatable at a position spaced apart from the exhaust hole, and including a portion exposed to the outside of the cover plate in a graspable form; and The second operating member is coupled to the first operating member by being coupled to an end portion of the first operating member passing through the cover plate and the rotating body.

10. The secondary battery according to claim 9, wherein The first operating member comprises: A gripping portion, disposed on the outer surface of the cover plate; a through portion extending from the gripping portion toward the inner surface of the cover plate through the cover plate; a rotating body connecting portion formed continuously with the through portion and connected to the rotating body so that the rotating body rotates together when the gripping portion rotates; and A separation preventing portion is continuously formed with the rotating body connecting portion and is coupled to the second operating member. 11 . The secondary battery according to claim 2 , further comprising a gasket disposed between the cap plate and the fracture member and configured to seal between an edge portion of the vent hole and an edge portion of the fracture portion.

12. The secondary battery according to claim 2, wherein The exhaust pressure control device further includes a pressing member mounted on the cover plate and configured to press the breaking member toward the cover plate.

13. The secondary battery according to claim 12, wherein: The pressing member comprises: A pressing body including an elastic material; a fixing portion formed on the first portion of the pressing body and fixed to the cover plate; a pressing portion formed on the second portion of the pressing body, in contact with the breaking member, and configured to press the breaking member toward the cover plate; a gas through hole formed to pass through the pressing portion at a position corresponding to the breaking portion and configured to communicate with the exhaust hole when the breaking portion is broken; and An elastic bent portion is formed by bending the third portion of the pressing body so that the pressing portion elastically presses the breaking member. 14 . The secondary battery according to claim 13 , further comprising a pressing gasket disposed between the rupture member and the pressing member and configured to seal between an edge portion of the exhaust hole and an edge portion of the gas through hole.

15. The secondary battery according to claim 2, wherein The exhaust pressure control device includes a rotation support device coupled to the cover plate and configured to rotatably support the breaking member. 16 . The secondary battery according to claim 1 , further comprising an inner cover configured to cover the exhaust pressure control device and mounted on the cap plate.

17. The secondary battery according to claim 16, wherein The inner cover comprises: an inner cover body including an insulating material and bonded to an inner surface of the cover plate; and An opening is formed through the inner cover and is configured to open to another portion of the exhaust pressure control device.

18. The secondary battery according to claim 17, wherein The exhaust pressure control device comprises: a breaking member, the breaking portion broken by gas pressure being formed as a plurality of breaking portions on the breaking member, and the breaking member being arranged to face the exhaust hole; an input member mounted on the cover plate and configured to receive a rotational force at a position spaced apart from the exhaust hole; a rotating body that rotates by receiving the rotational force from the input member; and A belt, a portion of which contacts the circumference of the rotating body and another portion of which contacts the circumference of the breaking member, and the belt is configured to connect the breaking member to the rotating body so that the breaking member rotates together with the rotating body.

19. The secondary battery according to claim 18, wherein The exhaust pressure control device further includes a pressing member mounted on the cover plate and configured to press the breaking member toward the cover plate, and The opening comprises: a first opening formed at a position corresponding to the breaking member and the pressing member; and A second opening is formed at a position corresponding to the input member and the rotating body.

20. A battery pack, comprising: shell; as well as A plurality of secondary batteries are disposed in the housing, Wherein, each of the plurality of secondary batteries comprises: Electrode assembly; a housing configured to accommodate the electrode assembly; a cover plate coupled to the housing and having an exhaust hole formed therein; and An exhaust pressure control device, including a breaking portion broken by gas pressure, is rotatably mounted on the cover plate, and a position of the exhaust pressure control device facing the exhaust hole is changed by the rotation.

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