Battery pack and battery device including same

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery pack and a battery device including the same. A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may comprise: a plurality of battery modules; a case for accommodating the plurality of battery modules; and an exhaust cover coupled to the case to cover the battery module and guide a flow of gas exhausted from the battery module. The exhaust cover may include: a cover body in which a plurality of slits are formed to allow gas exhausted from the battery module to pass therethrough; and a separation protrusion protruding from the bottom of the cover body to prevent gas movement between the plurality of battery modules and isolate the plurality of battery modules.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0040564 filed in Korea on March 28, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a battery pack and a battery device including the battery pack. Background Art

[0004] Secondary batteries are drawing attention as new energy sources that improve eco-friendliness and energy efficiency because they have the major advantage of not only significantly reducing the use of fossil fuels but also having no byproducts generated by using energy.

[0005] In the case of a battery pack containing a large number of lithium secondary batteries, the entire battery pack may be damaged in the event of a fire or explosion. For example, when an event such as a short circuit or abnormal temperature rise between lithium secondary batteries occurs in some battery modules, a large amount of exhaust gas can be generated from the lithium secondary batteries. If degradation worsens, in addition to the exhaust gas, high-temperature sparks containing electrode active materials and aluminum particles may also be ejected. In this case, the exhaust gas and high-temperature sparks cause thermal damage to adjacent battery modules, greatly increasing the risk of additional incidents in other battery modules.

[0006] Therefore, when exhaust gas and high-temperature sparks are generated in some battery modules, a gas exhaust path is needed that can quickly and safely discharge the exhaust gas to the outside of the battery pack while minimizing the impact on other battery modules.

[0007] The above-mentioned background technologies are technologies that the inventors possess or obtain in the process of developing the disclosure of the present application and are not necessarily known technologies disclosed to the public before the present application. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] The present disclosure is designed to solve the problems of the related art.

[0010] The present disclosure is therefore directed to providing a battery pack provided with a gas flow path capable of preventing gas released from a battery module from diffusing to an adjacent battery module.

[0011] The present disclosure is directed to providing a battery pack capable of reducing heat transfer between battery modules.

[0012] Technical Solution

[0013] A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a plurality of battery modules; a shell that accommodates the plurality of battery modules; and a vent cover that is connected to the shell to cover the battery modules and guide the flow of gas released from the battery modules, wherein the vent cover may include a cover body and a separation protrusion, the cover body having a plurality of slits formed therein for allowing the gas released from the battery modules to pass through, and the separation protrusion protruding from the bottom surface of the cover body to separate the plurality of battery modules, thereby preventing gas movement between the plurality of battery modules.

[0014] A separation protrusion may be located between two adjacent battery modules.

[0015] The exhaust cover may further include a guide unit formed on at least a portion of a periphery of the slit and extending in a direction away from the slit.

[0016] The guide unit may include a first guide unit extending to one side of the cover body and a second guide unit extending to the other side of the cover body, wherein the first guide unit and the second guide unit may be staggered.

[0017] The battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a partition plate disposed between the plurality of battery modules to prevent heat transfer between the plurality of battery modules.

[0018] The partition plate may include a first plate extending from one end toward the other end of the housing, and a plurality of second plates disposed perpendicular to the first plate.

[0019] A plurality of second plates may be disposed side by side at predetermined intervals, and the battery module may be located between adjacent second plates.

[0020] The battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a gas exhaust passage provided on both sides of the case and allowing the gas passing through the slit to flow toward the inside.

[0021] The battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a valve plate that is disposed between the battery module and the exhaust passage and is capable of rupturing and opening when gas is released from the battery module.

[0022] The valve plate may be configured to prevent the gas flowing into the exhaust passage from flowing into the battery module in a state where the valve plate is not ruptured and opened.

[0023] A discharge unit provided to discharge the gas flowing from the exhaust passage to the outside of the housing may be formed in the housing.

[0024] The battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a bus bar electrically connecting adjacent battery modules to each other, and an insulating unit surrounding a portion of the bus bar to electrically insulate the bus bar and the degassing cover.

[0025] The insulating unit may be provided to surround a circumference of the bus bar at a central portion in a length direction of the bus bar.

[0026] A battery device according to the present disclosure may be provided, and the battery device according to the present disclosure may include the plurality of battery packs described above.

[0027] Beneficial effects

[0028] The battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided with a gas flow path capable of preventing gas released from a battery module from spreading to an adjacent battery module.

[0029] The battery pack according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may reduce heat transfer between battery modules.

[0030] Furthermore, effects that can be easily predicted by those skilled in the art from the configuration according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can be included. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure is shown.

[0032] Figure 2 An assembled perspective view of a battery pack according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure is shown.

[0033] Figure 3 A top plan view of the exhaust cover is shown.

[0034] Figure 4 Shown along Figure 3 A partial perspective view taken along the cutting line AA'.

[0035] Figure 5 A partial perspective view of a valve plate of a battery pack according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure is shown.

[0036] Figure 6 is a side view showing gas passing through the exhaust cover.

[0037] Figure 7 is a plan view of the battery pack when viewed from above.

[0038] Figure 8 is a side view showing gas directed toward the exhaust passage.

[0039] Figure 9 is a perspective view illustrating shapes of a bus bar and an insulating unit of a battery pack according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 10 1 is a partial schematic diagram illustrating an installation form of a bus bar and an insulating unit of a battery pack according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 11 Shown along Figure 10 A partial perspective view taken along the cutting line AA'. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Hereinafter, the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in sufficient detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that a person skilled in the art of the present disclosure can easily perform the present disclosure. The following description is one of several aspects of the embodiment, and when describing the embodiment, a detailed description of known functions or configurations will be omitted to clarify the main points of the present disclosure.

[0043] When adding reference numerals to elements in each of the drawings in this specification, the same or similar reference numerals are added to the same or similar elements throughout the specification. Components included in any one embodiment and components including common functions will be described using the same names in other embodiments. It should be understood that the terms or words used in the specification and the appended claims should not be interpreted as limited to the general meaning and dictionary meaning, but should be interpreted based on the meaning and concept corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure on the basis of the principle that allows the inventor to appropriately define the terms for the best interpretation.

[0044] In addition, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and a person skilled in the art in the art related to the present disclosure can make various modifications and changes based on these descriptions. Therefore, the technical concept of the present disclosure should not be limited to the above-described embodiments, and is not limited to the claims described later, but all contents that are equivalent to the claims or have equivalent modifications to the claims will fall within the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure.

[0045] Implementation Method 1

[0046] Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a battery pack 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure is shown.

[0047] Reference Figure 1 The battery pack 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure may include a battery module m, a case 10 , a degassing cover 30 , a partition plate 20 , a degassing passage, a valve plate 50 , and a discharge unit 60 .

[0048] Multiple battery modules m can be provided. The housing 10 can accommodate multiple battery modules m. Multiple battery modules m can be housed within the housing 10, spaced apart at predetermined intervals. The battery modules m can be arranged in the form of rectangular prisms with an overall lengthwise direction. For example, the battery modules m can be arranged in two rows within the interior space of the housing 10.

[0049] The case 10 may be formed in an overall shape of a rectangular prism to accommodate the plurality of battery modules m, and may have an open top surface.

[0050] The exhaust cover 30 may be configured to be coupled to the housing 10. The exhaust cover 30 may be coupled to the upper side of the housing 10 and may cover the plurality of battery modules m accommodated in the housing 10. The exhaust cover 30 may be configured to guide the flow of gas released from the battery modules m when gas is generated from at least some of the battery modules m among the plurality of battery modules m accommodated in the housing 10. To this end, the exhaust cover 30 may include a slit through which gas can pass and flow, and a separation protrusion that spatially separates adjacent battery modules m. The exhaust cover 30 may be made of a metal material (e.g., aluminum) to withstand high-temperature gas released from the battery modules m. The shape and function of the exhaust cover 30 will be described later. Figure 3 and Figure 4 Described in detail in.

[0051] The separator 20 may be located in the housing 10. The separator 20 may be provided between the plurality of battery modules m housed within the housing 10. The separator 20 may be provided between the battery modules m to prevent heat transfer between adjacent battery modules m. The separator 20 may be provided in the form of a partition wall between the plurality of battery modules m disposed therebetween. The separator 20 may be made of, for example, mica material having insulating properties to prevent heat transfer, but is not limited thereto.

[0052] The partition plate 20 may include a first plate 21 and a second plate 22. The first plate 21 may be formed inside the housing 10 to extend from one end of the housing 10 toward the other end. For example, the first plate 21 may be arranged at a central portion across a plurality of battery modules m arranged in two rows to spatially divide the two rows of battery modules m into each row. The second plate 22 may be formed in multiple pieces. The second plate 22 may be arranged perpendicular to the first plate 21, and a plurality of second plates 22 may be arranged side by side at predetermined intervals. The second plate 22 may be arranged between a plurality of battery modules m divided into two rows by the first plate 21 and located on both sides of the battery module m. In other words, one battery module m may be located between adjacent second plates 22.

[0053] Figure 1 One second plate 22 is shown for ease of understanding, and it should be noted that the battery pack 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure may include a plurality of second plates 22 .

[0054] By adopting the configuration of the first plate 21 and the second plate 22 , even if heat is generated in each battery module m, heat transfer to adjacent battery modules m can be greatly reduced, thereby significantly improving thermal stability of the battery pack.

[0055] The exhaust channel 40 may be provided on both sides of the housing 10. Therefore, the exhaust channel 40 may be provided in pairs. The exhaust channel 40 may be provided to be fastened to both sides of the housing 10. When gas is released from the battery module m, the gas may pass through the slit of the exhaust cover 30 and flow toward the exhaust channel 40. After passing through the slit, the gas may flow into the exhaust channel 40. That is, the exhaust channel 40 may serve as a guide for the gas generated from the battery module m to flow along the side of the housing. The gas flowing into the exhaust channel 40 may be guided to the exhaust unit 60 formed in the housing, and may be discharged to the outside through the exhaust unit 60. The flow path of the gas released from the battery module m will be described later. Figures 6 to 8 Described in detail in.

[0056] The valve plate 50 can be arranged between the battery module m housed inside the housing 10 and the exhaust channel 40. The valve plate 50 can be arranged to rupture open when gas is released from the battery module m. In other words, the valve plate 50 can be used as a valve, the opening and closing of which is controlled according to whether the gas is released. For example, the valve plates 50 can be formed in a corresponding number for each battery module m. The valve plate 50 can be placed parallel to the first plate 21 and perpendicular to the second plate 22. The valve plate 50 is independently controlled according to the gas release state of the corresponding battery module m, and even if gas is released from one battery module m to rupture and open the corresponding valve plate 50, the valve plate of the adjacent battery module m can remain closed.

[0057] The discharge unit 60 may be formed in the housing 10. The discharge unit 60 may include a plurality of discharge holes formed on one side surface of the housing 10. The discharge unit 60 may be provided to discharge the gas flowing through the exhaust passage 40 to the outside of the housing 10.

[0058] Figure 2 An assembled perspective view of a battery pack 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure is shown.

[0059] Reference Figure 2 , a plurality of battery modules are arranged in the internal space of the housing 10, and the exhaust cover 30 can be coupled to the housing 10 to cover the upper portion of the battery module. The partition plate 20 can be located between the battery modules to prevent or reduce heat transfer between the battery modules. The exhaust channel 40 can be coupled to the side surface of the housing 10 to form a flow path through which the gas released from the battery module flows. A discharge unit 60 including a plurality of discharge holes can be formed on the other side surface of the housing 10 to discharge the gas flowing from the exhaust channel 40 to the outside of the housing 10.

[0060] Figure 3 and Figure 4 Each shows the shape of the exhaust cover 30 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. Figure 3 is a top plan view of the exhaust cover 30, and Figure 4 Shown along Figure 3 A partial perspective view taken along the cutting line AA'.

[0061] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The exhaust cover 30 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cover body 31 and a separation protrusion 32. The cover body 31 may have a slit 33 formed therein, through which gas released from the battery module may pass. The slit 33 may be formed in plurality and arranged side by side at a predetermined distance from each other.

[0062] The separation protrusion 32 can be formed to protrude from the bottom surface of the cover body 31. The separation protrusion 32 can be set to separate each space accommodating adjacent battery modules so as to prevent gas from being transferred to adjacent battery modules when gas is released from the battery module. Therefore, one separation protrusion 32 can respectively contact the upper portion of a pair of adjacent battery modules. The cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the length direction of the separation protrusion 32 can be formed into a U shape. By adopting the structure of the separation protrusion 32, adjacent battery modules m are spatially separated from each other, so that even if heat and gas are released from one battery module m, the impact on the adjacent battery module m can be greatly reduced, thereby significantly improving the stability of the entire battery pack.

[0063] The exhaust cover may further include a guide unit 34. The guide unit 34 may be formed to protrude and extend from the cover body 31. The guide unit 34 may be formed on at least a portion of the periphery of the slit 33 formed in the cover body 31. The guide unit 34 may be formed to extend along the length of the slit 33. The guide unit 34 may be formed in a direction away from the slit. The guide unit 34 may be formed on both sides of a slit 33 along the length direction, and the guide units 34 formed on both sides of a slit 33 may extend in different directions.

[0064] For example, the guide units 34 may include a first guide unit 341 extending in a direction perpendicular to the cover body 31 and a second guide unit 342 extending in a direction opposite to the first guide unit 341. The first guide units 341 and the second guide units 342 may be arranged in a staggered manner, such that the second guide unit 342 may be positioned between a pair of first guide units 341, and the first guide unit 341 may be positioned between a pair of second guide units 342. In this manner, by adopting a configuration in which the first guide units 341 and the second guide units 342 are staggered and the separation protrusion 32 is formed in the form of a U-shaped groove, the exhaust cover 30 can be manufactured using a press method. This significantly improves the ease with which the exhaust cover 30 can be manufactured.

[0065] Figure 5 1 is a partial perspective view showing the valve plate 50 of the battery pack according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure.

[0066] Reference Figure 5 The valve plate 50 of the battery pack according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure may be provided between the battery module m housed in the housing and the exhaust passage 40 fastened to the side of the housing. The valve plate 50 may be ruptured and opened or remain closed depending on whether gas is released from the battery module m. When gas is released from the battery module m, the valve plate 50 ruptures and opens, so that the gas released from the battery module m can flow into the exhaust passage 40. At this time, the gas released from the battery module m may include both gas released from the upper side of the battery module m and gas released from the side of the battery module m.

[0067] Conversely, when gas is not being released from the battery module m, the valve plate 50 can remain closed. In this case, even if gas is released from an adjacent battery module m and flows through the exhaust passage 40, the valve plate 50 can prevent the inflow of gas. As a result, the overall stability of the battery pack can be greatly improved.

[0068] Reference Figures 6 to 8 , showing the gas flow of the battery pack according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. Figure 6 is a side view showing gas passing through the exhaust cover 30, Figure 7 is a plan view of the battery pack when viewed from above, and Figure 8 4 is a side view showing gas guided toward the exhaust passage 40 .

[0069] Reference Figures 6 to 8 When gas is generated from one of the multiple battery modules m housed in the housing 10, the gas may pass through the exhaust cover 30 covering the upper side of the battery module m. Since most of the gas generated from the battery module m is released through the upper portion of the battery module, most of the gas may flow through the exhaust cover 30. The gas may pass through the slit 33 formed in the exhaust cover 30. At this time, the length direction of the slit 33 is formed in the direction toward the exhaust passage 40, so that the gas passing through the exhaust cover 30 can be guided to the exhaust passage 40.

[0070] During the process of the gas being guided to the exhaust passage 40, the valve plate 50 provided between the battery module m and the exhaust passage 40 may be broken open. At this time, except for the battery module m from which the gas is released, the valve plates 50 of the adjacent battery modules and other battery modules may remain closed to prevent the gas from flowing into the exhaust passage 40.

[0071] The gas in the battery module m may also be released through the side of the battery module m. In this case, the gas may pass through the ruptured valve plate 50 and flow directly to the exhaust passage 40.

[0072] The gas flowing through the exhaust passage 40 may pass through the receiving chamber 61 provided inside the housing 10 and may be discharged to the outside through the discharge unit 60 formed on one side surface of the housing 10. The discharge unit 60 may include a plurality of discharge holes formed through one side surface of the housing 10.

[0073] Implementation Method 2

[0074] Figures 9 to 11 An enlarged perspective view of a battery pack according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure is shown.

[0075] Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure may differ from Embodiment 1 in that it further includes a bus bar 70 and an insulating unit 80. Contents common to Embodiment 1 will be omitted as much as possible, and the description of Embodiment 2 will focus on the differences from Embodiment 1.

[0076] Figure 9 2 is a perspective view illustrating shapes of a bus bar 70 and an insulating unit 80 of a battery pack according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure.

[0077] Reference Figure 9 The bus bar 70 may be formed in a cuboidal beam shape having a length direction. The bus bar 70 may be provided to electrically connect adjacent battery modules to each other.

[0078] The insulating unit 80 may be formed in at least a portion of the bus bar 70. The insulating unit 80 may be formed at, for example, a central portion of the bus bar 70 in a length direction and may be disposed around a periphery of the central portion of the bus bar 70.

[0079] Figure 10 1 is a partial schematic diagram illustrating an installation form of a bus bar 70 and an insulating unit 80 of a battery pack according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure.

[0080] Reference Figure 10 The bus bar 70 of the battery pack according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided between a pair of adjacent battery modules m to electrically connect the pair of adjacent battery modules m. Both ends of the bus bar 70 may be in electrical contact with the battery modules, respectively.

[0081] The exhaust cover 30 can cover the upper side of the battery module m and the bus bar 70 mounted on the battery module m. As described above, the exhaust cover 30 can be made of a metal material so as to be exposed to high-temperature gas. In this case, the insulating unit 80 can insulate the bus bar 70 and the exhaust cover 30, so that the exhaust cover 30 made of a metal material can be electrically insulated from the bus bar 70 and the battery module m. Therefore, the insulating unit 80 can be provided between the exhaust cover 30 and the bus bar 70 to physically / electrically separate the exhaust cover 30 and the bus bar 70. To this end, the insulating unit 80 can be formed of a non-conductor such as rubber.

[0082] Figure 11 Shown along Figure 10 A partial perspective view taken along the cutting line AA'.

[0083] Reference Figure 11 , the insulating unit 80 may insulate the bus bar 70 and the exhaust cover 30 by surrounding the central portion of the bus bar 70. In this case, a groove portion provided to accommodate the insulating unit 80 may be formed in the exhaust cover 30.

[0084] The present disclosure may provide a secondary battery pack including the plurality of secondary battery modules described above.

[0085] The present disclosure has been described above with respect to a limited number of embodiments and drawings, but the above description is merely an illustrative description of the technical concept of the present disclosure, and various modifications and changes will be possible for those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs without departing from the basic characteristics of the present disclosure.

[0086] Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in this disclosure are not intended to limit the technical concept of the present disclosure, but are for illustrative purposes, and the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present disclosure should be interpreted according to the appended claims, and all technical concepts within the scope equivalent to them should be interpreted as included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0087] [Reference Signs List]

[0088] 1: Battery pack

[0089] 10: Shell

[0090] 20: Divider

[0091] 21: First board

[0092] 22: Second board

[0093] 30: Exhaust cover

[0094] 31: Cover

[0095] 32: Separation protrusion

[0096] 33: Slit

[0097] 34: Guidance unit

[0098] 341: First guide unit

[0099] 342: Second guide unit

[0100] 40: Exhaust channel

[0101] 50: Valve plate

[0102] 60: Emission unit

[0103] m: battery module

Claims

1. A battery pack, comprising: multiple battery modules; a housing for accommodating the plurality of battery modules; as well as a vent cover coupled to the housing to cover the battery module and guide the flow of gas released from the battery module, Wherein, the exhaust cover comprises: a cover having a plurality of slits formed therein for passing the gas released from the battery module; and A separation protrusion protrudes from a bottom surface of the cover body to separate the plurality of battery modules, thereby preventing gas from moving between the plurality of battery modules.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, The separation protrusion is located between two adjacent battery modules.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, in, The exhaust cover further includes a guide unit formed on at least a portion of a periphery of the slit and extending in a direction away from the slit.

4. The battery pack according to claim 3, in, The guide unit includes a first guide unit extending to one side of the cover body and a second guide unit extending to the other side of the cover body, wherein the first guide unit and the second guide unit are arranged alternately.

5. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising: A partition plate is provided between the plurality of battery modules to prevent heat transfer between the plurality of battery modules.

6. The battery pack according to claim 5, in, The partition plate comprises: a first plate extending from one end toward the other end of the housing; and A plurality of second plates are arranged perpendicular to the first plate.

7. The battery pack according to claim 6, in, The plurality of second plates are arranged side by side at predetermined intervals, and the battery module is located between adjacent second plates.

8. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising: An exhaust passage is provided at both sides of the housing and allows the gas passing through the slit to flow inward.

9. The battery pack according to claim 8, further comprising: A valve plate is provided between the battery module and the exhaust passage and is capable of rupturing and opening when the gas is released from the battery module.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9, in, The valve plate is configured to prevent the gas flowing into the exhaust passage from flowing into the battery module in a state where the valve plate is not ruptured and opened.

11. The battery pack according to claim 8, in, A discharge unit is formed in the housing and is configured to discharge the gas flowing from the exhaust passage to the outside of the housing.

12. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising: a bus bar electrically connecting adjacent battery modules to each other; as well as An insulating unit surrounds a portion of the bus bar to electrically insulate the bus bar from the exhaust cover.

13. The battery pack according to claim 12, in, The insulating unit is provided to surround a periphery of the bus bar at a central portion in a length direction of the bus bar. 14 . A battery device comprising a plurality of battery packs according to claim 1 .

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