Battery pack

Abstract

A battery pack includes: a housing; a plurality of battery cells in the housing and each having a vent hole; a chamber between the housing and the vent hole; a partition member in the chamber and configured to divide the chamber into a plurality of unit chambers; and a plurality of fire extinguishing members each located in a unit chamber of the plurality of unit chambers and configured to supply a fire extinguishing material to the battery cells. According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, when a battery cell is on fire, a fire extinguishing operation may be prevented or substantially prevented from being performed on the entire battery pack, and fire extinguishing performance for a subsequent fire may be ensured.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Unlike primary batteries that cannot be recharged, secondary batteries are batteries that can be recharged and discharged. Low-capacity secondary batteries can be used in portable small electronic devices (such as smart phones, feature phones, notebook computers, digital cameras and camcorders), and high-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as power batteries for driving motors and hybrid vehicles or electric vehicles. Secondary batteries include an electrode assembly including a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a housing for accommodating the electrode assembly, electrode terminals connected to the electrode assembly, etc.

[0003] Secondary batteries can be used as battery packs formed by connecting multiple unit cells in series and / or parallel to provide high energy density. A battery pack can be formed by connecting the electrode terminals of multiple unit cells to each other to meet the required power output, and, for example, to achieve a high-power secondary battery for electric vehicles.

[0004] The above information disclosed in the art forming the background of the present disclosure is provided to enhance understanding of the background of the present disclosure and therefore may contain information that does not constitute related art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to an aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a battery pack capable of improving fire extinguishing efficiency if a battery cell catches fire.

[0006] The above and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will be described in or will be apparent from the following description of some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0007] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a battery pack includes: a housing; a plurality of battery cells in the housing and each having a vent; a chamber between the housing and the vent; a partition member in the chamber and configured to divide the chamber into a plurality of unit chambers; and a plurality of fire extinguishing members, each located in a unit chamber among the plurality of unit chambers and configured to supply fire extinguishing material to the battery cells.

[0008] The partition member may include a plurality of partitions extending from the housing and arranged between the unit chambers adjacent to each other.

[0009] The battery pack may further include a first bracket between the chamber and the battery cell and configured to support the separator.

[0010] The battery pack may further include a second bracket spaced apart from the first bracket and configured to support the battery cells.

[0011] The first bracket may include: a first bracket body positioned on the battery cell; a transfer hole passing through the first bracket body and facing the exhaust hole; and a first alignment member extending from the first bracket body and inserted between adjacent battery cells among the plurality of battery cells.

[0012] The partition may include a first end portion connected to the housing and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion, and the second end portion may be fixed to the first bracket body.

[0013] The first bracket may further include a fixing member connected to the first bracket body and configured to support the second end portion.

[0014] The fixing member may include a fixing body extending from the first bracket body, and a fixing groove in the fixing body, and the second end portion is inserted into the fixing groove.

[0015] The fixing body may have a cross-sectional area that increases toward the first bracket body.

[0016] The fixing member may further include a sealing member in the fixing groove and configured to seal a space between the second end portion and the fixing body.

[0017] The sealing member may be elastically deformable.

[0018] The battery pack may further include a guide in the unit chamber and configured to guide a flow of the exhaust discharged from the exhaust hole toward the fire extinguishing member.

[0019] The guide may include an inclined surface extending obliquely from the partition toward the housing.

[0020] The fire extinguishing member may be fixed to the housing.

[0021] The battery pack may further include a seating groove facing the cell chamber and concavely recessed in the housing, and the fire extinguishing member may be inserted into the seating groove.

[0022] The housing may include a first region facing the seating groove and a second region surrounding (eg, encircling) the first region, and a thickness of the first region may be smaller than a thickness of the second region.

[0023] A ratio of the thickness of the first region to the thickness of the second region may be greater than or equal to 0.3 and less than or equal to 0.5.

[0024] The first region may be configured to rupture in response to an increase in pressure or temperature of the unit chamber. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The accompanying drawings attached to this specification illustrate some embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the detailed description of the present disclosure, further describe aspects and features of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 2 For schematic illustration Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a configuration of a battery pack;

[0028] Figure 3 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 4 For schematic illustration Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the configuration of a battery cell;

[0030] Figure 5 For schematic illustration Figure 1 A view of the operating status of the battery pack;

[0031] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a configuration of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 7 For schematic illustration Figure 6 an enlarged view of the configuration of the guide member of the battery pack;

[0033] Figure 8 To illustrate the Figure 7 a view of the operation of the guide member to guide the discharge;

[0034] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a configuration of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 10 For schematic illustration Figure 9 an enlarged view of the configuration of the fixing member of the battery pack;

[0036] Figure 11 As an example Figure 10A view of another example of a fixed body illustrated in FIG;

[0037] Figure 12 is a view schematically illustrating the configuration of a fixing member according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a configuration of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 14 For schematic illustration Figure 13 a view of the configuration of the battery pack housing slots; and

[0040] Figure 15 and Figure 16 For schematic illustration Figure 13 A view of the operation of the battery pack. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Herein, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to the ordinary meaning or dictionary meaning, and should be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the term for his / her own lexicon compiler.

[0042] 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 necessarily represent all technical ideas, aspects, and features of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that at the time of filing this application, various equivalents and modifications that can replace or modify the embodiments described herein may exist.

[0043] It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, directly connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or one or more intervening elements or layers may be present. 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 to” 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.

[0044] In the drawings, for clarity of illustration, the sizes of various elements, layers, etc. may be exaggerated. The same reference numerals indicate the same or similar elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any one and all combinations of one or more associated listed items. In addition, when describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, the use of "may" relates to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure". Expressions such as "at least one of..." and "any one of..." modify the entire element list when following the element list, rather than modifying the individual elements in the list. When phrases such as "at least one of A, B, and C," "at least one of A, B, or C," "at least one selected from the group of A, B, and C," or "at least one selected from the middle of A, B, and C" are used to indicate a list of elements A, B, and C, the phrase may refer to any one of A, B, and C and all suitable combinations or subsets, such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. As used herein, the term "use" may be considered synonymous with the term "utilize." As used herein, the terms "substantially," "approximately," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation rather than terms of degree, and are intended to take into account the inherent variation in measurements or calculations that one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize.

[0045] It should 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, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0046] For ease of description, spatial relative terms (such as "below," "beneath," "below," "above," "on," etc.) may be used herein to describe the relationship of an element or feature to another element or feature as shown in the figures. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to cover 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 figure is flipped, the element described as being "below" or "beneath" other elements or features will then be oriented as being "above" or "above" other elements or features. Therefore, the term "below" can cover both above and below orientations. The device can be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0047] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing the embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular form "a" is intended to also include the plural form, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should be further understood that the terms "comprise" and / or "comprising" when used in this specification specify the presence of the features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or groups thereof.

[0048] In addition, any numerical range disclosed and / or listed herein is intended to include all subranges of the same numerical precision contained in the listed range. For example, the range of "1.0 to 10.0" is intended to include all subranges between the listed minimum value 1.0 and the listed maximum value 10.0 (and including the listed minimum value 1.0 and the listed maximum value 10.0), that is, all subranges (e.g., such as 2.4 to 7.6) with a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0. Any maximum numerical limit listed herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits contained therein, and any minimum numerical limit listed in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits contained therein. Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification including the claims to explicitly list any subranges contained in the range explicitly listed herein.

[0049] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc. as "the same" may mean that they are identical or substantially identical. Thus, the phrases "the same" or "substantially the same" may include situations with what is considered in the art to be low deviations (e.g., 5% or less). Additionally, when a parameter is referred to as being consistent in a given region, it may mean that it is consistent in terms of average value.

[0050] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be in the singular or in the plural.

[0051] When any element is referred to as being arranged (or located or positioned) "on (or under)" or "on (or under)" a component, it may mean that the element is placed in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of the component, and may also mean that another component may be interposed between the component and any element arranged (or located or positioned) on (or under) the component.

[0052] In addition, it should be understood that when an element is referred to as being “coupled,” “linked,” or “connected” to another element, the elements may be directly “coupled,” “linked,” or “connected” to each other, or one or more intervening elements may be present therebetween, through which the element may be “coupled,” “linked,” or “connected” to the other element. In addition, when a part is referred to as being “electrically coupled” to another part, the part may be directly electrically connected to the other part, or one or more intervening parts may be present therebetween, such that the part and the other part are indirectly electrically connected to each other.

[0053] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise specified, when "A and / or B" is stated, it means A, B, or A and B. That is, "and / or" includes any or all combinations of the listed items. Unless otherwise specified, when "C to D" is stated, it means C or more and D or less.

[0054] The terms used in this specification are used to describe the embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0055] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and Figure 2 For schematic illustration Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the configuration of a battery pack.

[0056] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the battery pack according to the present embodiment includes a case 100 , a battery cell 200 , a chamber 300 , a partition member 400 , and a fire extinguishing member 500 .

[0057] The outer case 100 may form an overall appearance of the battery pack and provide a space in which the battery cells 200 may be accommodated.

[0058] The housing 100 may include a housing body 110 and a cover 120 .

[0059] The housing body 110 may be formed to have a substantially box shape with a hollow interior and an open side. The open side of the housing body 110 may be arranged to face upward. However, the cross-sectional shape of the housing body 110 is not limited to the following. Figure 1 The quadrilateral is shown, and may be varied in design to have any of various suitable shapes, such as a polygonal shape, a circular shape, and an elliptical shape.

[0060] The cover 120 may be coupled to the housing body 110 and may close the interior space of the housing body 110. As an example, the cover 120 may be formed to have a substantially plate shape and may be disposed to face the open side of the housing body 110 (i.e., the upper side of the housing body 110). The cover 120 may be fixed to the housing body 110 by any of a variety of coupling methods, such as bolting, welding, and fitting. In one embodiment, the thickness of the cover 120 may be equal to the thickness of the housing body 110.

[0061] The battery cell 200 may be used as a unit structure for storing and supplying power in a battery pack.

[0062] Herein, the case where the battery cell 200 is a lithium ion secondary battery and has a cylindrical shape will be described as an example. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and for example, the battery cell 200 may be a lithium polymer battery or a prismatic battery.

[0063] Figure 3 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0064] Figure 4 For schematic illustration Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the configuration of a battery cell.

[0065] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the battery cell 200 may include a cell case 210 , an electrode assembly 220 , and a cap assembly 230 .

[0066] In one embodiment, the single housing 210 may include a bottom 211 having a substantially circular shape and a sidewall 212 extending upward from the bottom 211. In one embodiment, the single housing 210 may be made of steel, steel alloy, nickel-plated steel, nickel-plated steel alloy, aluminum, or aluminum alloy.

[0067] During the assembly process of the battery cell 200, the upper portion of the cell case 210 may be opened. In one embodiment, during the assembly process of the battery cell 200, the electrode assembly 220 may be integrated into one structure and inserted into the cell case 210. Thereafter, an electrolyte may be additionally injected into the cell case 210.

[0068] A crimping portion 213 that is recessed toward the center axis of the cap assembly 230 may be formed on the upper side of the unit housing 210 to prevent or substantially prevent the cap assembly 230 from being separated from the outside. The crimping portion 213 may be disposed below the cap assembly 230. A crimping portion 214 that is bent around (e.g., encircles) the edge of the cap assembly 230 may be formed above the crimping portion 213.

[0069] The electrode assembly 220 may be housed inside the cell housing 210. The electrode assembly 220 may include or be referred to as an electrode, an electrode group, or an electrode core. The electrode assembly 220 may include a negative electrode plate 221 coated with a negative electrode active material (e.g., graphite, carbon, etc.), a positive electrode plate 222 coated with a positive electrode active material (e.g., a transition metal oxide (e.g., LiCoO2, LiNiO2, LiMn2O4, etc.)), and a separator 223 located between the negative electrode plate 221 and the positive electrode plate 222 to prevent or substantially prevent short circuits and allow only lithium ions to move. In one embodiment, the negative electrode plate 221, the positive electrode plate 222, and the separator 223 may be wound into a generally cylindrical shape. In some examples, the negative electrode plate 221 may be copper (Cu) foil, the positive electrode plate 222 may be aluminum (Al) foil, and the separator 223 may be polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP).

[0070] In one embodiment, the negative electrode tab 224 may be welded to the negative electrode plate 221. The negative electrode tab 224 may protrude downward from the electrode assembly 220 and extend a certain length (e.g., a certain length). In one embodiment, the positive electrode tab 225 may be welded to the positive electrode plate 222. The positive electrode tab 225 may protrude upward from the electrode assembly 220 and extend a certain length (e.g., a certain length). In one embodiment, the negative electrode tab 224 may be made of copper (Cu) or nickel (Ni), and the positive electrode tab 225 may be made of aluminum (Al).

[0071] In one embodiment, the negative electrode tab 224 may be welded to the bottom 211 of the cell case 210. Thus, the cell case 210 may function as a negative electrode. In some examples, the negative electrode tab 224 may be ultrasonically or laser welded to the bottom 211 of the cell case 210. However, in another example, the positive electrode tab 225 may be welded to the bottom 211 of the cell case 210. In this case, the cell case 210 may function as a positive electrode.

[0072] The electrode assembly 220 may further include a center pin 240. In one embodiment, the center pin 240 may have a hollow cylindrical shape and may be coupled to the center or substantially the center of the electrode assembly 220. In one embodiment, the center pin 240 may be made of steel, stainless steel, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or polybutylene terephthalate, but its material is not limited thereto. The center pin 240 may suppress deformation of the electrode assembly 220 during charging and discharging of the secondary battery. The center pin 240 may serve as a channel through which gas generated inside the secondary battery can move. However, in some examples, the center pin 240 may be omitted.

[0073] Cap assembly 230 can seal the opening of cell case 210 to protect electrode assembly 220 from the external environment. If the internal pressure of cell case 210 exceeds a reference pressure, such as due to thermal runaway or fire in cell case 210, cap assembly 230 can rupture to release the internal gas of cell case 210 to the outside. In some examples, cap assembly 230 can serve as a positive electrode terminal.

[0074] The cover assembly 230 may include an upper cover 231 , a gas exhaust plate 232 , and a lower cover 233 .

[0075] The upper cover 231 may function as a terminal for electrical connection with an external device. In some examples, the upper cover 231 may function as a positive electrode terminal.

[0076] A vent hole V may be formed in the upper cover 231. When abnormal internal pressure is generated inside the cell housing 210 due to overcharging, etc., the vent hole V may discharge internal gas to the outside. In one embodiment, the upper cover 231 may be made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0077] As an example, the upper cover 231 may include an inner body 231 a , an outer body 231 b , and a bridge portion 231 c .

[0078] The inner body 231a may form the outer appearance of the central portion of the upper cover 231. As an example, the inner body 231a may be formed to have a substantially disk shape. In one embodiment, the inner body 231a may be arranged so that its central axis is aligned with the central axis C of the single body case 210.

[0079] The outer body 231b may form the outer appearance of the edge of the upper cover 231. As an example, the outer body 231b may be formed into a generally hollow ring shape. The diameter of the outer body 231b may be larger than the diameter of the inner body 231a. The outer body 231b may be coaxial with the inner body 231a. In other words, the central axis of the outer body 231b may be aligned with the central axis of the inner body 231a and the central axis C of the monomer housing 210.

[0080] The inner body 231a and the outer body 231b may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. As an example, the outer body 231b may be arranged below the inner body 231a. However, in one embodiment, the inner body 231a and the outer body 231b may be arranged in the same plane.

[0081] The bridging portion 231c is disposed between the inner body 231a and the outer body 231b and can support the inner body 231a relative to the outer body 231b. In one embodiment, the bridging portion 231c can be formed into a strip shape with two end portions or opposing end portions connected to the outer circumferential surface of the inner body 231a and the inner circumferential surface of the outer body 231b, respectively. A plurality of bridging portions 231c can be provided. The plurality of bridging portions 231c can be arranged to be spaced apart from each other at a spacing (e.g., a set spacing) along a circumference around the central axis C of the monomer housing 210. In one embodiment, the spacing between adjacent bridging portions 231c can be the same.

[0082] The exhaust hole V may be formed in the shape of a hole formed through the upper cover 231. As an example, the exhaust hole V may be formed in the shape of a hole passing through the area between the inner body 231a and the outer body 231b. A plurality of exhaust holes V may be provided. Each of the plurality of exhaust holes V may be respectively provided between adjacent bridge portions 231c among the plurality of bridge portions 231c. However, the number of exhaust holes V is not limited to Figure 3 The quantities shown are for reference only and may vary in design.

[0083] The exhaust plate 232 may be located below the upper cover 231. The exhaust plate 232 may be in close contact with, in contact with, coupled to, or connected to the lower portion of the upper cover 231. As an example, the exhaust plate 232 may be in close contact with, in contact with, coupled to, or connected to an edge of the upper cover 231 (such as the outer body 231b) rather than the upwardly protruding central portion of the upper cover 231 (such as the inner body 231a). In one embodiment, the end portion of the exhaust plate 232 may extend in a curved manner to surround the end portion of the outer body 231b. In one embodiment, the exhaust plate 232 may be made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0084] The exhaust plate 232 may include a recess 232 a. In one embodiment, the recess 232 a may be formed to be recessed to a certain depth from the outer surface of the exhaust plate 232.

[0085] When the internal pressure of the battery cell 200 increases to above the reference pressure (or the rupture pressure of the vent plate 232) due to thermal runaway or ignition of the battery cell 200, the notch 232a may rupture, and the exhaust generated inside the cell case 210 may be discharged to the outside through the notch 232a and the vent hole V in sequence. Here, the exhaust discharged from the vent hole V may include at least one of flame, gas, and smoke.

[0086] The lower cover 233 may be disposed below the exhaust plate 232. The lower cover 233 may be in close contact with, in contact with, connected to, or coupled to the exhaust plate 232. The lower cover 233 may be electrically connected to the electrode assembly 220 via the positive electrode tab 225. The lower cover 233 may be electrically connected to the exhaust plate 232 and the upper cover 231. In one embodiment, the positive electrode tab 225 of the electrode assembly 220 may be welded to the lower surface of the lower cover 233. In some examples, the lower surface of the lower cover 233 may be ultrasonically and / or laser welded to the positive electrode tab 225. In some examples, the lower cover 233 may be made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0087] In some examples, in the event of thermal runaway or fire of the battery cell 200 , the exhaust plate 232 may be deformed due to internal pressure of the cell case 210 , and the lower cover 233 and the exhaust plate 232 may be electrically separated from each other.

[0088] The first insulating member 234 may be installed between the exhaust plate 232 and the lower cover 233. The first insulating member 234 may be located between the edge of the exhaust plate 232 and the edge of the lower cover 233. If the exhaust plate 232 is deformed due to internal gas, the first insulating member 234 may insulate between the lower cover 233 and the exhaust plate 232. In some examples, the first insulating member 234 may be formed of a resin material such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), but the material is not limited here.

[0089] The second insulating member 235 may be mounted on the upper side of the single body housing 210. The second insulating member 235 may be located between the end portion of the outer body 231b of the exhaust plate 232 surrounding (e.g., encircling) the upper cover 231 and the single body housing 210. Both sides or opposite sides of the second insulating member 235 may be in close contact with the end portion of the exhaust plate 232 and the inner side surface of each of the crimping portion 214 and the crimping portion 213, respectively. The second insulating member 235 may insulate between the single body housing 210 and the cover assembly 230. The second insulating member 235 may be formed of a resin material such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc., but the material is not limited here.

[0090] The battery cell 200 may be disposed inside the housing 100. As an example, the battery cell 200 may be disposed in the interior space of the housing body 110. The battery cell 200 may be disposed such that the bottom 211 faces the bottom surface of the housing body 110 and the vent hole V faces the cover 120. However, the battery cell 200 is not limited thereto and may be disposed such that the bottom 211 faces the cover 120 and the vent hole V faces the bottom surface of the housing body 110.

[0091] A plurality of battery cells 200 may be provided. In one embodiment, the plurality of battery cells 200 may be arranged parallel to one another in the housing 100. The plurality of battery cells 200 may be arranged in various patterns, such as a grid or a zigzag pattern, within the housing 100. The number of battery cells 200 may be varied in design depending on the size of the housing 100, etc.

[0092] The chamber 300 may be provided between the housing 100 and the vent hole V. As an example, the chamber 300 may refer to an empty space formed between the cover 120 and the upper end portion of the battery cell 200 .

[0093] The chamber 300 may include a plurality of unit chambers 310. The unit chambers 310 may each refer to an area divided by a partition member 400, which will be described below, in the entire area of ​​the chamber 300. Emissions discharged from the exhaust holes V in the event of thermal runaway or fire in the battery cells 200 may flow into the unit chambers 310 facing the corresponding battery cells 200.

[0094] The plurality of unit chambers 310 may have the same or different cross-sectional areas and volumes. However, the number of the plurality of unit chambers 310 is not limited to Figure 1 Four are shown, and various changes can be made in design.

[0095] The partition member 400 is disposed inside the chamber 300 and can divide the chamber 300 into a plurality of unit chambers 310. That is, the partition member 400 can spatially separate the unit chambers 310 from each other. Accordingly, the partition member 400 can prevent the exhaust flowing into one unit chamber 310 from being transferred to another unit chamber 310.

[0096] The partition member 400 may include a partition 410 .

[0097] The separator 410 may extend from the housing 100. As an example, the separator 410 may be formed in the shape of a plate extending vertically downward from the lower surface of the cover 120. The separator 410 may include a first end portion 411 connected to the housing 100 (i.e., the cover 120) and a second end portion 412 located on the opposite side of the first end portion 411. The second end portion 412 may be disposed to face the area between the battery cells 200.

[0098] A plurality of partitions 410 may be provided. Each of the plurality of partitions 410 may be disposed between adjacent unit chambers 310. That is, each partition 410 may be disposed to block a boundary region between a pair of adjacent unit chambers 310. The number and arrangement of the partitions 410 may be variously changed in design depending on the number and shape of the unit chambers 310.

[0099] In the event of thermal runaway or fire in the battery cell 200, the fire extinguishing member 500 may supply fire extinguishing material to the battery cell 200. A plurality of fire extinguishing members 500 may be provided. Each fire extinguishing member 500 may be disposed within a different unit chamber 310.

[0100] The fire extinguishing member 500 may include one or more fire extinguishing agents selected from the group consisting of aluminum oxide trihydrate (ATH, Al2O3·3H2O) and potassium-based fire extinguishing agents. The potassium-based fire extinguishing agent may include any (e.g., any one) of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3), ammonium phosphate (NH4H2PO3), and a mixture of potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3) and urea ((NH2)2CO). When heated to a temperature (e.g., a set temperature) or above, the fire extinguishing member 500 can produce fire extinguishing materials such as steam (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) through a pyrolysis reaction. Steam can suppress the flame inside the unit chamber 310, and carbon dioxide can block the flame from contacting oxygen, etc. However, the material constituting the fire extinguishing member 500 is not limited thereto, and any suitable material that performs a fire extinguishing function can be used without restriction.

[0101] The fire extinguishing member 500 may be formed to have a substantially sheet shape. The fire extinguishing member 500 may be fixed to the lower surface of the cover 120. In this case, the fire extinguishing member 500 may be fixed to the lower surface of the cover 120 by any of various coupling methods such as bonding and / or pressing. Figure 1 In addition to the quadrilateral shape shown in FIG, the cross-sectional shape of the fire extinguishing member 500 may be changed in design to any of various shapes such as a circular shape, an elliptical shape, and a polygonal shape.

[0102] In one embodiment, for any one cell chamber 310, the distance L from the fire extinguishing member 500 to the central axis C0 of the battery cell 200 located in the outermost region of the cell chamber 310 may be 32 mm or less. Here, the battery cell 200 located in the outermost region of the cell chamber 310 may refer to the battery cell 200 that is relatively farthest from the fire extinguishing member 500 among the multiple battery cells 200 facing any one cell chamber 310. That is, in one embodiment, the central axes of the multiple battery cells 200 facing a cell chamber 310 may directly vertically pass through the fire extinguishing member 500 or be spaced within a range of 32 mm or less from the edge of the fire extinguishing member 500. When the distance between the fire extinguishing member 500 and the battery cells 200 meets the above range, the fire extinguishing member 500 can operate smoothly even if a battery cell 200 located in the outermost region of the cell chamber 310 catches fire.

[0103] The battery pack according to this embodiment may further include a first bracket 600 .

[0104] The first bracket 600 may be disposed between the chamber 300 and the battery cells 200. The first bracket 600 may support the plurality of battery cells 200 and the separator 410 inside the housing 100.

[0105] The first bracket 600 may include a first bracket body 610 , a transmission hole 620 , and a first alignment member 630 .

[0106] The first holder body 610 may be formed to have a plate shape seated on the battery cells 200. As an example, the first holder body 610 may face the chamber 300 and may be seated on upper side surfaces of the battery cells 200 each having the vent holes V formed therein.

[0107] The transfer hole 620 may be provided through the first bracket body 610 and facing the exhaust hole V. The transfer hole 620 may transfer the exhaust discharged from the exhaust hole V to the chamber 300. The transfer hole 620 may have a shape of a hole vertically passing through the upper and lower portions of the first bracket body 610. The cross-sectional area of ​​the transfer hole 620 may be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the battery cell 200. However, the cross-sectional shape of the transfer hole 620 may be varied in design to be different from the cross-sectional shape of the battery cell 200. Figure 1 Various shapes of circular shapes are shown.

[0108] A plurality of transmission holes 620 may be provided. The plurality of transmission holes 620 may be provided to be spaced apart from each other in the holder body 610. The plurality of transmission holes 620 may be provided to each face the exhaust holes V of a different battery cell 200.

[0109] The first alignment member 630 may extend from the first bracket body 610 and may be inserted between adjacent battery cells 200. The first alignment member 630 may adjust the spacing between the battery cells 200 to a certain size (e.g., a set size). The first alignment member 630 may extend vertically downward from the lower side surface of the first bracket body 610. Two side surfaces or opposing side surfaces of the first alignment member 630 may be provided to respectively surround the upper outer peripheral surfaces of a pair of adjacent battery cells 200. A plurality of first alignment members 630 may be provided. Each of the plurality of first alignment members 630 may be individually inserted between a pair of adjacent battery cells 200.

[0110] The second end portion 412 of the partition 410 may be fixed to the first bracket body 610. As an example, the second end portion 412 may contact the upper side surface of the first bracket body 610. The second end portion 412 may be fixed to the upper side surface of the first bracket body 610 by any of various coupling methods such as welding, bonding, bolting, fitting, etc.

[0111] Accordingly, the separator 410 can prevent or substantially prevent the discharge flowing into one cell chamber 310 from being transferred to the adjacent cell chamber 310 through the lower side of the second end portion 412. In one embodiment, the second end portion 412 is integrally fixed to the first bracket body 610, and if the battery cell 200 catches fire, the separator 410 can be prevented or substantially prevented from being deformed due to the pressure increase in the cell chamber 310.

[0112] The battery pack according to this embodiment may further include a second bracket 700 .

[0113] The second bracket 700 is spaced apart from the first bracket 600 and may support the plurality of battery cells 200 together with the first bracket 600 inside the housing 100 .

[0114] The second bracket 700 may include a second bracket body 710 and a second alignment member 720 .

[0115] The second bracket body 710 may be formed to have a plate shape that is seated on the battery cell 200. As an example, the second bracket body 710 may be disposed between the bottom surface of the housing body 110 and the bottom 211 of the battery cell 200. The upper surface and the lower surface of the second bracket body 710 may be seated on the bottom 211 of the battery cell 200 and the bottom surface of the housing body 110, respectively.

[0116] The second alignment member 720 may extend from the second bracket body 710 and may be inserted between adjacent battery cells 200. The second alignment member 720, together with the first alignment member 630, may adjust the gap between the battery cells 200 to a certain size (e.g., a set size). The second alignment member 720 may extend vertically upward from the upper side surface of the second bracket body 710. Two side surfaces or opposing side surfaces of the second alignment member 720 may be provided to respectively surround the lower outer peripheral surfaces of a pair of adjacent battery cells 200. A plurality of second alignment members 720 may be provided. Each of the plurality of second alignment members 720 may be inserted between a pair of adjacent battery cells 200.

[0117] Here, the operation of the battery pack according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0118] Figure 5 For schematic illustration Figure 1 A view of the operating status of the battery pack.

[0119] refer to Figures 1 to 5 In the event of thermal runaway or fire in any one battery cell 200 , emissions (such as flames, gas, smoke, etc.) discharged from the vent holes V of the battery cell 200 flow into the interior of the unit chamber 310 facing the burning battery cell 200 .

[0120] The exhaust gas flowing into the unit chamber 310 flows through the interior of the unit chamber 310 , contacts the fire extinguishing member 500 , and heats the fire extinguishing member 500 .

[0121] When the temperature of the fire extinguishing member 500 increases to above a certain temperature (eg, a set temperature), the fire extinguishing member 500 may spray a fire extinguishing material, such as carbon dioxide and steam generated by a pyrolysis reaction, onto the battery cells 200 .

[0122] In the fire extinguishing member 500, the internal temperature of the cell chamber 310 can be lowered through a pyrolysis reaction, the steam can suppress the flame inside the cell chamber 310, and the carbon dioxide can prevent the flame from coming into contact with oxygen, etc. Accordingly, the fire extinguishing member 500 can delay the propagation speed of the flame and heat inside the cell chamber 310, and can suppress the fire of the battery cell 200.

[0123] The exhaust flowing into the cell chamber 310 facing the battery cell 200 that has caught fire may not flow into the remaining cell chambers 310 due to the partition 410 .

[0124] Accordingly, the fire extinguishing member 500 installed in the cell chamber 310 that does not directly face the battery cell 200 on fire may maintain its original state without spraying the fire extinguishing material onto the battery cell 200 .

[0125] Here, a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0126] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a configuration of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0127] refer to Figure 6 ,and Figure 1 Compared to the battery pack of FIG. 1 , the battery pack according to the present embodiment may be configured to further include a guide member or guide 800 .

[0128] The guide member 800 may guide the flow of the exhaust discharged from the exhaust hole V toward the fire extinguishing member 500. Accordingly, when the exhaust discharged from the exhaust hole V stagnates inside the unit chamber 310 or flows in an unintended direction, the guide member 800 may prevent or substantially prevent improper operation of the fire extinguishing member 500.

[0129] Figure 7 For schematic illustration Figure 6 an enlarged view of the configuration of the guide member of the battery pack; and Figure 8 To illustrate the Figure 7 A view of the operation of the guide member guiding the discharge.

[0130] refer to Figures 6 to 8, the guide member 800 may be provided inside the unit chamber 310. As an example, the guide member 800 may be provided in a corner region formed between the cover 120 and the first end portion 411 of the partition 410 among the entire region of the unit chamber 310.

[0131] A plurality of guide members 800 may be provided. Each of the plurality of guide members 800 may be individually installed between the cover 120 and the first end portion 411 of the partition 410.

[0132] The guide member 800 may include an inclined surface 810 .

[0133] The inclined surface 810 may refer to a surface directly facing the inner space of the cell chamber 310 among the entire outer circumferential surface of the guide member 800. The inclined surface 810 may be provided to face the upper surface of the battery cell 200 formed with the vent hole V. The inclined surface 810 may extend obliquely upward from the partition 410 toward the housing 100 (e.g., the cover 120). The inclination angle of the inclined surface 810 may be variously changed in design within a range of less than 90°.

[0134] After being discharged from the exhaust hole V, the discharge flowing into the corner region formed between the cover 120 and the first end portion 411 of the partition 410 may come into contact with the inclined surface 810 .

[0135] The discharge that contacts the inclined surface 810 may be redirected toward the fire extinguishing member 500 due to the inclination angle of the inclined surface 810 .

[0136] Here, a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0137] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a configuration of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0138] refer to Figure 9 According to another embodiment, the battery pack may be configured to be connected to the first bracket 600. Figure 1 Battery pack and Figure 6 The battery pack is different.

[0139] exist Figure 9 In the embodiment, the case where the battery pack according to the present embodiment includes the guide member 800 is illustrated as an example, but the battery pack according to the present embodiment may also be configured not to include the guide member 800 .

[0140] The first bracket 600 may further include a fixing member 640 .

[0141] The fixing member 640 may be connected to the first bracket body 610 and may support the second end portion 412 of the partition 410. A plurality of fixing members 640 may be provided. The plurality of fixing members 640 may be respectively disposed at positions facing the second end portions 412 of different partitions 410. The plurality of fixing members 640 may each support the second end portion 412 of a different partition 410.

[0142] Figure 10 For schematic illustration Figure 9 An enlarged view of the configuration of the fixing members of the battery pack.

[0143] refer to Figure 10 , the fixing member 640 may include a fixing body 641 and a fixing groove 642 .

[0144] The fixing body 641 forms a general appearance of the fixing member 640 and may extend from the first bracket body 610. As an example, the fixing body 641 may be formed to have a rod shape extending vertically upward from the upper surface of the first bracket body 610. The fixing body 641 may be provided in a position vertically facing the second end portion 412 of the partition 410.

[0145] The fixing groove 642 may be provided inside the fixing body 641 and may provide a space in the fixing body 641 into which the second end portion 412 is inserted. As an example, the fixing groove 642 may be formed in a groove shape that is recessed downward from the upper side surface of the fixing body 641. In one embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the fixing groove 642 may be formed to correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the second end portion 412.

[0146] With the cover 120 coupled to the housing body 110, the second end portion 412 may be inserted into the fixing groove 642. Accordingly, if the internal pressure of the cell chamber 310 increases due to a fire in the battery cell 200, the fixing member 640 may prevent or substantially prevent the second end portion 412 from being deformed due to the inherent rigidity of the fixing body 641.

[0147] Figure 11 As an example Figure 10 0026] A view of another example of a fixed body illustrated in FIG.

[0148] refer to Figure 11 The fixing body 641 may be formed so that its cross-sectional area increases toward the first bracket body 610. As an example, the width of the lower end portion of the fixing body 641 may be greater than the width of the upper end portion thereof. Accordingly, the fixing body 641 may more firmly withstand the load applied to the partition 410 due to the increase in the internal pressure of the unit chamber 310.

[0149] Here, a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0150] The battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to be similar to the battery pack according to the embodiment of the present disclosure in terms of configuration of the fixing member 640. Figure 9 The battery packs of the embodiments are different.

[0151] Figure 12 It is a view schematically illustrating the configuration of a fixing member according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0152] refer to Figure 12 , the fixing member 640 according to this embodiment may further include a sealing member 643 .

[0153] The sealing member 643 may be provided inside the fixing groove 642. The sealing member 643 may seal the space between the second end portion 412 and the fixing body 641 inside the fixing groove 642.

[0154] The sealing member 643 may be provided to be elastically deformable. As an example, the sealing member 643 may include a flexible material such as rubber, silicone, etc. As the second end portion 412 is inserted into the fixing groove 642, the sealing member 643 may be compressively deformed due to its elastic restoring force and be in close contact with the second end portion 412 and the fixing body 641. Accordingly, if the battery cell 200 catches fire, the sealing member 643 may block the leakage of emissions from between the second end portion 412 and the fixing body 641. In addition, the sealing member 643 may prevent or substantially prevent the second end portion 412 from moving inside the fixing groove 642 due to the gap between the second end portion 412 and the fixing body 641.

[0155] Here, a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0156] Figure 13 is a view schematically illustrating a configuration of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0157] Compared with the battery pack according to the aforementioned embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to further include a seating groove 900 .

[0158] The seating groove 900 may provide a space for seating the fire extinguishing member 500 in the housing 100. Accordingly, the seating groove 900 may prevent or substantially prevent the fire extinguishing member 500 from changing position, such as due to external impact, vibration, and the like.

[0159] Figure 14 For schematic illustration Figure 13 A view of the configuration of the battery pack housing slots.

[0160] refer to Figure 14The seating groove 900 may be formed to have a groove shape concavely recessed in the housing 100. As an example, the seating groove 900 may be formed to be recessed upward from the lower side surface of the cover 120. The lower side surface of the seating groove 900 may be disposed to face the unit chamber 310.

[0161] The fire extinguishing member 500 may be inserted into the seating groove 900. The fire extinguishing member 500 may be fixed inside the seating groove 900 by any of various coupling methods such as bonding, fitting, etc.

[0162] In one embodiment, the height of the seating groove 900 may be lower than that of the fire extinguishing member 500, and the lower end portion of the fire extinguishing member 500 may protrude from the seating groove 900 toward the unit chamber 310. Accordingly, the fire extinguishing member 500 may be fixed in place by the seating groove 900 while ensuring a sufficient contact area for the discharge flowing into the unit chamber 310.

[0163] A plurality of seating grooves 900 may be provided. The plurality of seating grooves 900 may be provided to each face a different unit chamber 310. The plurality of fire extinguishing members 500 may each be inserted into a different seating groove 900.

[0164] The housing 100 may include a first region 101 facing the seating groove 900 and a second region 102 that does not face the seating groove 900 and surrounds (eg, surrounds) the first region 101 .

[0165] When the seating groove 900 is formed in the cover 120, the first area 101 may refer to an area of ​​the cover 120 facing the seating groove 900 among the entire area of ​​the cover 120, and the second area 102 may refer to an area of ​​the cover 120 excluding the first area 101 from the entire area of ​​the cover 120.

[0166] The thickness t1 of the first region 101 may be smaller than the thickness t2 of the second region 102 .

[0167] In one embodiment, the ratio t1 / t2 of the thickness t1 of the first region 101 to the thickness t2 of the second region 102 may be greater than or equal to 0.3 and less than or equal to 0.5. In other words, the thickness t1 of the first region 101 may be 30% to 50% of the thickness t2 of the second region 102.

[0168] The first region 101 may rupture in response to an increase in the pressure or temperature of the unit chamber 310. Accordingly, when the pressure or temperature of the unit chamber 310 increases excessively, the first region 101 may prevent or substantially prevent the partition 410 from rupturing by discharging the exhaust flowing into the unit chamber 310 to the outside of the housing 100, and may prevent or substantially prevent unnecessary or undesirable movement of the fire extinguishing member 500.

[0169] Figure 15 and Figure 16 For schematic illustration Figure 13 A view of the operation of the battery pack.

[0170] refer to Figures 15 and 16 In the event of thermal runaway or fire in any one battery cell 200 , emissions (such as flames, gas, smoke, etc.) discharged from the vent holes V of the battery cell 200 flow into the interior of the unit chamber 310 facing the burning battery cell 200 .

[0171] The exhaust gas flowing into the unit chamber 310 flows through the interior of the unit chamber 310 , contacts the fire extinguishing member 500 , and heats the fire extinguishing member 500 .

[0172] As the temperature of the fire extinguishing member 500 increases to above a temperature (eg, a set temperature), the fire extinguishing member 500 may spray a fire extinguishing material, such as steam and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) generated by a pyrolysis reaction, onto the battery cells 200 .

[0173] In the fire extinguishing member 500, the internal temperature of the cell chamber 310 can be lowered through a pyrolysis reaction, the steam can suppress the flame inside the cell chamber 310, and the carbon dioxide can prevent the flame from coming into contact with oxygen, etc. Accordingly, the fire extinguishing member 500 can delay the propagation speed of the flame and heat inside the cell chamber 310, and can suppress the fire of the battery cell 200.

[0174] When the fire in the battery cell 200 is not suppressed even after the fire extinguishing member 500 has sprayed all the fire extinguishing materials, or when gas or the like continues to be discharged from the exhaust hole V, the pressure or temperature in the unit chamber 310 may continue to increase.

[0175] As the pressure of the unit chamber 310 increases above the rupture pressure of the first region 101 or the temperature of the unit chamber 310 increases above the melting temperature of the first region 101 , the first region 101 may rupture and open the unit chamber 310 .

[0176] Accordingly, the exhaust flowing into the unit chamber 310 may be discharged to the outside of the housing 100 through the ruptured portion of the first region 101 , and the pressure or temperature of the unit chamber 310 may be maintained below a certain level (eg, a set level).

[0177] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a plurality of fire extinguishing members are each disposed in a unit chamber separated from one another by a partition member, so that when a battery cell catches fire, a fire extinguishing operation can be prevented or substantially prevented from being performed on the entire battery pack, and fire extinguishing performance for subsequent fires can be ensured.

[0178] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the first bracket supporting the second end portion of the partition can prevent or substantially prevent deformation and damage of the partition due to pressure increase in the unit chamber.

[0179] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, after a fire extinguishing operation is performed by a fire extinguishing member, the rupture of the first region can prevent or substantially prevent the pressure or temperature of the unit chamber from exceeding a certain magnitude (e.g., a set magnitude), so that secondary damage due to a fire in a battery cell can be prevented or substantially prevented.

[0180] However, aspects and effects obtainable through the present disclosure are not limited to the above aspects and effects, and other technical aspects and effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the above description of the present disclosure.

[0181] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to some embodiments shown in the drawings, these embodiments are merely illustrative, and it is understood that various modifications and other equivalent embodiments may be derived by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments.

Claims

1. A battery pack comprising shell; a plurality of battery cells in the housing and each having a vent; a chamber between the housing and the exhaust port; a partition member in the chamber and configured to divide the chamber into a plurality of unit chambers; as well as A plurality of fire extinguishing members are each located in a unit chamber among the plurality of unit chambers and configured to supply a fire extinguishing material to the battery cells. 2 . The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the partition member comprises a plurality of partitions extending from the outer case and arranged between the unit cells adjacent to each other. 3 . The battery pack according to claim 2 , further comprising a first bracket between the chamber and the battery cell and configured to support the separator. 4 . The battery pack according to claim 3 , further comprising a second bracket spaced apart from the first bracket and configured to support the battery cells.

5. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein the first bracket comprises: A first bracket body is placed on the battery cell; a transmission hole passing through the first bracket body and facing the exhaust hole; as well as A first alignment member extends from the first bracket body and is inserted between adjacent battery cells among the plurality of battery cells.

6. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein The partition includes a first end portion connected to the housing and a second end portion opposite the first end portion, and The second end portion is fixed to the first bracket body. 7 . The battery pack according to claim 6 , wherein the first bracket further comprises a fixing member connected to the first bracket body and configured to support the second end portion.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein the fixing member comprises: a fixing body extending from the first bracket body; as well as A fixing groove is formed in the fixing body, and the second end portion is inserted into the fixing groove. 9 . The battery pack according to claim 8 , wherein the fixing body has a cross-sectional area that increases toward the first holder body. 10 . The battery pack according to claim 8 , wherein the fixing member further comprises a sealing member in the fixing groove and configured to seal a space between the second end portion and the fixing body. The battery pack according to claim 10 , wherein the sealing member is elastically deformable. 12 . The battery pack according to claim 2 , further comprising a guide in the unit chamber and configured to guide a flow of the exhaust discharged from the exhaust hole toward the fire extinguishing member. 13 . The battery pack according to claim 12 , wherein the guide comprises an inclined surface extending obliquely from the partition toward the outer case. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the fire extinguishing member is fixed to the housing.

15. The battery pack according to claim 14, further comprising a seating groove facing the cell chamber and concavely recessed in the outer case, The fire extinguishing member is inserted into the seating groove.

16. The battery pack according to claim 15, wherein The housing includes a first area facing the seating groove and a second area surrounding the first area, and The thickness of the first region is smaller than the thickness of the second region. 17 . The battery pack according to claim 16 , wherein a ratio of the thickness of the first region to the thickness of the second region is greater than or equal to 0.3 and less than or equal to 0.

5. 18 . The battery pack of claim 16 , wherein the first region is configured to rupture in response to an increase in pressure or temperature of the cell chamber.

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