Battery pack

Abstract

A battery pack includes: a housing; a plurality of battery cells in the housing and each including a vent hole; a first bracket in the housing and configured to support the battery cells; and a guide member between the housing and the first bracket and configured to guide a flow of emissions discharged from the exhaust hole. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, flame, gas, smoke, etc. discharged from any one of the battery cells can be prevented or substantially prevented from spreading to adjacent battery cells, and chained combustion of the battery cells can be prevented or substantially prevented.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure relate to battery packs. 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 can be 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 realize a high-power secondary battery, such as an electric vehicle.

[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 one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a battery pack capable of preventing (preventing or substantially preventing) chain combustion of battery cells.

[0006] The above and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will be described in the following description of some embodiments of the present disclosure or will be apparent from the 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 including an exhaust hole; a first bracket in the housing and configured to support the battery cells; and a guide between the housing and the first bracket and configured to guide the flow of exhaust discharged from the exhaust hole.

[0008] The first bracket may include: a first bracket body, which is placed on the battery cell; a transmission hole, which passes through the first bracket body and faces the exhaust hole; a first alignment member, which extends from the first bracket body and is inserted between adjacent battery cells among the plurality of battery cells; and a fixing member, which extends from the first bracket body and is fixed to the housing.

[0009] The fixing member may be at an end portion of the first bracket body.

[0010] The fixing member may include a first fixing member connected to the first bracket body and extending in a first direction; and a second fixing member extending from the first fixing member in a direction intersecting the first direction and passing through the housing.

[0011] The first direction may be parallel to a longitudinal direction of a battery cell among the plurality of battery cells.

[0012] An end portion of the second fixing member may be exposed to the outside of the housing.

[0013] The length of the second fixing member may be smaller than the length of the first fixing member.

[0014] The guide may include: a first channel connected to the transmission hole and located between the shell and the first bracket body; a second channel connected to the first channel and located between the shell and the first fixing member; and a third channel connected to the second channel and located between the shell and the second fixing member.

[0015] The second channel may intersect the first channel.

[0016] An end portion of the third passage may be connected to an external space of the housing.

[0017] The battery pack may further include a housing vent in the housing and configured to rupture in response to an increase in pressure or temperature of the guide.

[0018] The housing vent may have a thickness that is less than a thickness of the housing.

[0019] A ratio of the thickness of the housing exhaust to the thickness of the housing may be greater than or equal to 0.3 and less than or equal to 0.5.

[0020] An end portion of the housing exhaust may face the second fixing member, with the third passage being between the end portion of the housing exhaust and the second fixing member.

[0021] The battery pack may further include a blocking member on a battery cell among the plurality of battery cells and configured to close the vent hole.

[0022] When the exhaust is discharged from the exhaust hole, the blocking member may be separated from the battery cell.

[0023] An area of ​​the blocking member may be smaller than an area of ​​the transfer hole.

[0024] The battery pack may further include a second bracket spaced apart from the first bracket and configured to support the battery cells. 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 illustrative purposes 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 illustrative purposes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the configuration of a battery cell;

[0030] Figure 5 For illustrative purposes Figure 1 an enlarged view of the configuration of the third channel of the battery pack;

[0031] Figure 6 For illustrative purposes Figure 1 A view of the operating status of the battery pack;

[0032] Figure 7 is a view schematically illustrating a configuration of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 8 For schematic illustration Figure 7 An enlarged view of the configuration of the battery pack housing exhaust member;

[0034] Figure 9 and Figure 10 For schematic illustration Figure 7 A view of the operation of the battery pack.

[0035] Figure 11 is a view schematically illustrating a configuration of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 12 For illustrative purposes Figure 11 a plan view of the configuration of the blocking member of the battery pack; and

[0037] Figure 13 For illustrative purposes Figure 11 A view of the operating status of the battery pack. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] 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.

[0039] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are provided as some exemplary 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] For ease of description, spatially relative terms (such as "below," "beneath," "down," "above," "on," etc.) may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as shown in the figures. It should be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figure is flipped, an element described as being "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented as being "above" or "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the term "below" can encompass both above and below orientations. The device can be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be in the singular or in the plural.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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. When "C to D" is stated, unless otherwise specified, it means C or more and D or less.

[0051] 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.

[0052] In this document, when describing the present disclosure with reference to some example embodiments, repeated descriptions of components that are identical or corresponding to each other in the various embodiments may be omitted. For example, when components that are identical or corresponding to components disclosed in one embodiment are disclosed in another embodiment, the corresponding components may be omitted from the description of the other embodiment, and the description may focus on components that are different from those in the one embodiment.

[0053] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2For illustrative purposes only Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a configuration of a battery pack of an embodiment.

[0054] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , a battery pack according to an embodiment includes a housing 100 , a battery cell 200 , a first bracket 300 , and a guide member or guide 400 .

[0055] The outer case 100 forms a schematic appearance of the battery pack and provides a space in which the battery cells 200 can be accommodated.

[0056] The housing 100 may include a housing body 110 and a cover 120 .

[0057] The housing body 110 may be formed to have a box shape with an empty interior and one side open. 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 , and may be varied in design to have any of various shapes, such as any of a polygonal shape, a circular shape, and an elliptical shape.

[0058] 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, that is, the upper side of the housing body 110. The cover 120 may be fixed to the housing body 110 by any of various types of coupling methods, such as bolting, welding, or fitting. The thickness of the cover 120 may be formed to be equal to the thickness of the housing body 110.

[0059] The battery cell 200 may serve as a unit structure for storing and supplying power in a battery pack.

[0060] 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.

[0061] Figure 3 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 4 For illustrative purposes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the configuration of a battery cell.

[0062] 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 .

[0063] In one embodiment, the single housing 210 may include a bottom 211 having a substantially circular shape and a sidewall portion 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] A crimping portion 213, which is recessed toward the central 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 provided at the lower portion of the cap assembly 230. A crimping portion 214, which is bent to surround the edge of the cap assembly 230, may be formed at the upper portion of the crimping portion 213.

[0066] 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 only allow 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 one or more 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).

[0067] 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. 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. 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).

[0068] 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 one or more examples, the negative electrode tab 224 may be ultrasonically or laser welded to the bottom 211 of the cell case 210. However, 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.

[0069] In one embodiment, 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. 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 suppresses deformation of the electrode assembly 220 during charging and discharging of the secondary battery. The center pin 240 may serve as a passage through which gases generated within the secondary battery may pass. However, in some embodiments, the center pin 240 may be omitted.

[0070] Cap assembly 230 can seal the opening of cell housing 210 to protect electrode assembly 220 from the external environment. When the internal pressure of cell housing 210 exceeds a reference pressure due to thermal runaway or combustion of battery cell 200, cap assembly 230 can rupture to release the internal gas of cell housing 210 to the outside. In some examples, cap assembly 230 can serve as a positive electrode terminal.

[0071] In one embodiment, the cover assembly 230 may include an upper cover 231 , an exhaust plate 232 , and a lower cover 233 .

[0072] The upper cover 231 may serve as a terminal electrically connected to an external device. In one or more embodiments, the upper cover 231 may serve as a positive electrode terminal.

[0073] A vent hole V may be formed in the upper cover 231. When abnormal internal pressure is generated inside the cell case 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.

[0074] 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 .

[0075] 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 disc shape. The inner body 231a may be disposed so that its central axis is aligned with the central axis C of the single body case 210.

[0076] 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 to have a substantially hollow ring shape. The diameter of the outer body 231b may be formed to be larger than the diameter of the inner body 231a. In one embodiment, the outer body 231b may be coaxially arranged with the inner body 231a. In other words, the central axis of the outer body 231b may be arranged to align with the central axis of the inner body 231a and the central axis C of the monomer housing 210.

[0077] The inner body 231a and the outer body 231b may be disposed vertically spaced apart from each other. As an example, the outer body 231b may be disposed below the inner body 231a. However, the inner body 231a and the outer body 231b may be disposed in the same plane.

[0078] 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 connected to the outer circumferential surface of the inner body 231a and the inner circumferential surface of the outer body 231b, respectively. In one embodiment, 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 distance (e.g., a set distance) 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.

[0079] 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. In one embodiment, a plurality of exhaust holes V may be provided. Each of the plurality of exhaust holes V may be individually provided between adjacent 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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 combustion of the battery cell 200, the notch 232a may rupture, and the exhaust generated inside the cell case 210 may sequentially pass through the notch 232a and the vent hole V to be discharged to the outside. Here, the exhaust discharged from the vent hole V may include at least one of flame, gas, and smoke.

[0083] 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. The positive electrode tab 225 of the electrode assembly 220 may be welded to the lower surface of the lower cover 233. In one or more examples, the lower surface of the lower cover 233 may be ultrasonically and / or laser welded to the positive electrode tab 225. In one or more examples, the lower cover 233 may be made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0084] In one or more embodiments, in the event of thermal runaway or combustion of the battery cell 200 , the exhaust plate 232 may be deformed by internal pressure of the cell case 210 , and the lower cover 233 and the exhaust plate 232 may be electrically separated from each other.

[0085] 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. When the exhaust plate 232 is deformed by internal gas, the first insulating member 234 may insulate between the lower cover 233 and the exhaust plate 232. In one or more embodiments, the first insulating member 234 may be formed of a resin material such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc., but the material is not limited thereto.

[0086] 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 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. In one embodiment, the second insulating member 235 may be formed of a resin material such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc., but its material is not limited thereto.

[0087] 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.

[0088] A plurality of battery cells 200 may be provided. In one embodiment, the plurality of battery cells 200 may be arranged parallel to each other in the housing 100. The plurality of battery cells 200 may be arranged in any of various patterns, such as a grid shape or a zigzag shape, inside the housing 100. The number of battery cells 200 may vary in design depending on the size of the housing 100, etc.

[0089] The first bracket 300 may be disposed inside the housing 100 and may support the plurality of battery cells 200. The first bracket 300 may serve as a member for maintaining a spacing (eg, a constant spacing) between the plurality of battery cells 200.

[0090] The first bracket 300 may include a first bracket body 310 , a transmission hole 320 , a first alignment member 330 , and a fixing member 340 .

[0091] The first holder body 310 may be formed to have a plate shape that is seated on the battery cells 200. As an example, the first holder body 310 may be seated on an upper side surface of each battery cell 200 where the vent hole V is formed.

[0092] The transfer hole 320 may pass through the first bracket body 310 and may be disposed to face the exhaust hole V. The transfer hole 320 may serve as a component for transferring the exhaust discharged from the exhaust hole V to the guide member 400, which will be described below. The transfer hole 320 may have a shape of a hole that passes through the upper and lower portions of the first bracket body 310 in a vertical direction. The cross-sectional area of ​​the transfer hole 320 may be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the battery cell 200. The cross-sectional shape of the transfer hole 320 may vary in design to have a shape other than Figure 1 Any of various suitable shapes other than the circular shape shown in .

[0093] A plurality of transmission holes 320 may be provided. The plurality of transmission holes 320 may be provided spaced apart from each other in the first bracket body 310. In one embodiment, the plurality of transmission holes 320 may be provided so as to each face the exhaust holes V of a different battery cell 200.

[0094] The first alignment member 330 may extend from the first bracket body 310 and may be inserted between adjacent battery cells 200. The first alignment member 330 may adjust the spacing between the battery cells 200 to a certain size (e.g., a set size). The first alignment member 330 may extend vertically downward from the lower side surface of the first bracket body 310. Two side surfaces or opposing side surfaces of the first alignment member 330 may be provided so as to respectively surround the upper circumferential surfaces of a pair of adjacent battery cells 200. A plurality of first alignment members 330 may be provided. Each of the plurality of first alignment members 330 may be inserted between a pair of adjacent battery cells 200.

[0095] The fixing member 340 may extend from the first bracket body 310 and may be fixed to the housing 100. That is, the fixing member 340 may fix the position of the first bracket 300 inside the housing 100.

[0096] The fixing member 340 may be provided at an end portion of the first bracket body 310. Accordingly, the fixing member 340 may prevent or substantially prevent the battery cell 200 from interfering with the guide member 400, which will be described below. A plurality of fixing members 340 may be provided. In one embodiment, the plurality of fixing members 340 may each be provided on a different circumferential surface of the first bracket body 310.

[0097] The fixing member 340 may include a first fixing member 341 and a second fixing member 342 .

[0098] The first fixing member 341 may form the appearance of one side of the fixing member 340 and may be connected to the first bracket body 310. The first fixing member 341 may extend along a first direction. As an example, the first fixing member 341 may extend from an end portion of the first bracket body 310 along the first direction. Here, the first direction may refer to the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 200, that is, a direction parallel to the vertical direction. The inner side surface of the first fixing member 341 may be arranged around (e.g., surround) the side wall portion 212 of the battery cell 200 arranged in the outermost area among the plurality of battery cells 200. Accordingly, if the battery cell 200 burns, the first fixing member 341 may protect the battery cell 200 from the effects of emissions (such as flames, gas, smoke, etc.) flowing through the guide member 400.

[0099] The second fixing member 342 may form the appearance of the other side of the fixing member 340 and may be connected to the outer shell 100. The second fixing member 342 may extend from the first fixing member 341 along the second direction. As an example, the second fixing member 342 may extend from the end portion of the first fixing member 341 along the second direction. Here, the second direction may refer to a direction that intersects with the first direction and is parallel to the width direction of the battery cell 200. The end portion of the second fixing member 342 may pass horizontally through the side surface of the outer shell body 110. Accordingly, the second fixing member 342 may support (e.g., fully support) the first bracket 300 in the outer shell 100.

[0100] The end portion of the second fixing member 342 may be exposed to the outside of the housing 100. As an example, the end portion of the second fixing member 342 may be disposed so as to directly face the external space of the housing body 110 by passing through (e.g., completely passing through) the side surface of the housing body 110. In one embodiment, the end surface of the second fixing member 342 may be coplanar with the outer side surface of the housing body 110 and may also protrude outward from the housing body 110.

[0101] The length of the second fixing member 342 may be smaller than that of the first fixing member 341. Accordingly, the second fixing member 342 may relatively increase the length of the first fixing member 341 to improve the protection performance of the battery cell 200 provided by the first fixing member 340.

[0102] The guide member 400 may be disposed between the housing 100 and the first bracket 300. If the battery cells 200 burn, the guide member 400 may guide the flow of the exhaust discharged from the exhaust hole V in the housing 100. Accordingly, the guide member 400 may prevent or substantially prevent chain combustion of the plurality of battery cells 200 that may occur when the exhaust discharged from the exhaust hole V flows randomly.

[0103] In one embodiment, the guide member 400 may include a first channel 410 , a second channel 420 , and a third channel 430 .

[0104] The first channel 410 may be provided between the housing 100 and the first bracket body 310. As an example, the first channel 410 may refer to an empty space provided between the lower surface of the cover 120 and the upper surface of the first bracket body 310. The lower surface of the first channel 410 may be connected to the plurality of transfer holes 320. Accordingly, if the battery cell 200 burns, the exhaust gas discharged from the exhaust hole V may flow into the first channel 410 through the transfer holes 320. The longitudinal direction of the first channel 410 may be provided in parallel with the second direction (i.e., the width direction of the battery cell 200).

[0105] The second channel 420 may be provided between the housing 100 and the first fixing member 341. For example, the second channel 420 may refer to an empty space provided between the inner surface of the housing body 110 and the outer surface of the first fixing member 341. An end portion of the second channel 420 may be connected to an end portion of the first channel 410. Accordingly, exhaust flowing into the first channel 410 may flow into the second channel 420 through the end portion of the first channel 410.

[0106] The second channel 420 may intersect the first channel 410. For example, the second channel 420 may be arranged so that its longitudinal direction intersects the longitudinal direction of the first channel 410. As an example, the longitudinal direction of the second channel 420 may be arranged parallel to the first direction (i.e., the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 200). Accordingly, the second channel 420 may change the flow direction of the exhaust received from the first channel 410, thereby reducing the flow rate of the exhaust.

[0107] The third passage 430 may be provided between the housing 100 and the second fixing member 342 .

[0108] Figure 5 For schematic illustration Figure 1 A magnified view of the third channel configuration of the battery pack.

[0109] refer to Figure 5 , the third channel 430 may refer to a gap formed between the second fixing member 342 and the housing body 110 when the second fixing member 342 passes through the housing body 110. A first end portion of the third channel 430 may be connected to the other end portion of the second channel 420. A second end portion of the third channel 430 may be connected to an external space of the housing 100. Therefore, emissions flowing along the second channel 420 may flow into the third channel 420 through the first end portion of the third channel 430, and may be discharged to the external space of the housing 100 through the second end portion of the third channel 430. Accordingly, the third channel 430 may prevent or substantially prevent chain combustion of the battery cells 200 by discharging emissions generated due to combustion of any one of the battery cells 200 to the outside of the housing 100.

[0110] The third channel 430 may be disposed such that a longitudinal direction thereof intersects a longitudinal direction of the second channel 420. As an example, the longitudinal direction of the third channel 430 may be disposed parallel to the second direction.

[0111] The battery pack according to the embodiment may further include a second bracket 500 .

[0112] The second bracket 500 is spaced apart from the first bracket 300 and may support the plurality of battery cells 200 together with the first bracket 300 inside the housing 100 .

[0113] The second bracket 500 may include a second bracket body 510 and a second alignment member 520 .

[0114] The second bracket body 510 may be formed in the shape of a plate that is seated on the battery cell 200. As an example, the second bracket body 510 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 510 may be seated on the bottom 211 of the battery cell 200 and the bottom surface of the housing body 110, respectively.

[0115] The second alignment member 520 may extend from the second bracket body 510 and may be inserted between adjacent battery cells 200. The second alignment member 520, together with the first alignment member 330, may adjust the gap between the battery cells 200 to a certain size (e.g., a set size). The second alignment member 520 may extend vertically upward from the upper side surface of the second bracket body 510. Both side surfaces or opposing side surfaces of the second alignment member 520 may be disposed around (e.g., respectively surround) the lower circumferential surfaces of a pair of adjacent battery cells 200. A plurality of second alignment members 520 may be provided. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of second alignment members 520 may be individually inserted between a pair of adjacent battery cells 200.

[0116] Here, the operation of the battery pack according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0117] Figure 6 For illustrative purposes Figure 1 A view of the operating status of the battery pack.

[0118] refer to Figure 6 In the event of thermal runaway or combustion of the battery cell 200 , emissions (such as flames, gas, smoke, etc.) discharged from the exhaust holes V of the battery cell 200 flow into the first channel 410 through the transfer holes 320 .

[0119] Thereafter, the exhaust flowing into the first channel 410 sequentially passes through the first channel 410 and the second channel 420 to be transferred to the third channel 430 .

[0120] In this process, since the second channel 420 is disposed to intersect the first channel 410 and the third channel 430 , the flow direction of the exhaust may be repeatedly changed, and the flow rate of the exhaust may be gradually reduced.

[0121] The exhaust flowing into the third passage 430 may be discharged to the outside of the housing 100 through an end portion of the third passage 430 , and the exhaust may be removed from the inner space of the housing 100 .

[0122] Here, a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0123] Figure 7 is a view schematically illustrating a configuration of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0124] refer to Figure 7 The battery pack according to this embodiment can be configured to Figure 1 The battery pack of the embodiment further includes a housing vent 600.

[0125] The housing vent 600 is provided in the housing 100 and can be ruptured in response to an increase in pressure or temperature of the guide member 400. That is, the housing vent 600 provides a path through which exhaust is discharged to the outside of the housing 100 independently of the third passage 430 when the pressure or temperature of the guide member 400 excessively increases.

[0126] Figure 8 It is an enlarged view schematically illustrating the configuration of the housing exhaust member according to the present embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0127] refer to Figure 8 In one embodiment, the housing exhaust member 600 may be a portion of the side surface area of ​​the housing body 110 facing the second channel 420. In another embodiment, the housing exhaust member 600 may be manufactured as a component separate from the housing body 110 and then coupled to the housing body 110.

[0128] The thickness t2 of the housing exhaust member 600 may be smaller than the thickness t1 of the housing 100 (more specifically, the housing body 110). As an example, the ratio t2 / t1 of the thickness t2 of the housing exhaust member 600 to the thickness t1 of the housing 100 may be greater than or equal to 0.3 and less than or equal to 0.5. In other words, the thickness t2 of the housing exhaust member 600 may be 30% to 50% of the thickness t1 of the housing 100.

[0129] The housing exhaust member 600 may rupture in response to an increase in pressure or temperature in the second passage 420. That is, when the pressure in the second passage 420 rises above a certain pressure (e.g., a set pressure), the housing exhaust member 600 may rupture due to the pressure difference between the second passage 420 and the outside of the housing 100, or when the temperature in the second passage 420 rises above a certain temperature (e.g., a set temperature), the housing exhaust member 600 may melt. Accordingly, when the pressure or temperature in the second passage 420 rises excessively, the housing exhaust member 600 may expand the path for exhaust to be discharged to the outside of the housing 100 independently of the third passage 430.

[0130] The end portion of the housing vent member 600 may be positioned facing the second fixing member 342, with the third passage 430 interposed therebetween. In other words, the housing vent member 600 may be positioned so that its end portion directly contacts the third passage 430. In this case, if the housing vent member 600 ruptures, the exhaust path formed by the housing vent member 600 may connect to the third passage 430. Accordingly, even if the housing vent member 600 ruptures, the exhaust flowing through the second passage 420 can be transferred to the location of the third passage 430, ensuring that the exhaust performance of the third passage 430 is not lost.

[0131] Here, the operation of the battery pack according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0132] Figure 9 and Figure 10 For schematic illustration Figure 7 A view of the operation of the battery pack.

[0133] In the event of thermal runaway or combustion of the battery cell 200 , emissions (such as flames, gas, smoke, etc.) exhausted from the exhaust holes V of the battery cell 200 flow into the first channel 410 through the transfer hole 320 .

[0134] Thereafter, the exhaust flowing into the first channel 410 sequentially passes through the first channel 410 and the second channel 420 to be transferred to the third channel 430 .

[0135] The exhaust flowing into the third passage 430 may be discharged to the outside of the housing 100 through an end portion of the third passage 430 , and the exhaust may be removed from the inner space of the housing 100 .

[0136] If the flow rate of exhaust discharged from the exhaust hole V exceeds the flow rate of exhaust discharged from the third passage 430 , the internal pressure or temperature of the guide member 400 (more specifically, the second passage 420 ) may continue to rise.

[0137] When the internal pressure of the second channel 420 increases above the rupture pressure of the housing vent 600 or the internal temperature of the second channel 420 increases above the melting temperature of the housing vent 600 , the housing vent 600 may rupture and expand the open area of ​​the third channel 430 .

[0138] Accordingly, the flow rate of the exhaust discharged to the outside of the housing 100 increases, and the internal pressure or temperature of the guide member 400 can be maintained below a set level.

[0139] Here, a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0140] Figure 11is a view schematically illustrating a configuration of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and Figure 12 For schematic illustration Figure 11 A plan view of the configuration of the barrier member of the battery pack.

[0141] refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12 , the battery pack according to the present embodiment may be configured to further include a blocking member 700 in the battery pack according to the aforementioned embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0142] exist Figure 11 In the embodiment, the case where the battery pack according to the present embodiment includes the case exhaust member 600 is illustrated as an example, but the battery pack according to the present embodiment may also be configured not to include the case exhaust member 600 .

[0143] The blocking member 700 may be disposed on the vent hole V of the battery cell 200 . A plurality of blocking members 700 may be provided. In one embodiment, the plurality of blocking members 700 may be respectively disposed on the vent hole V of a different battery cell 200 .

[0144] During normal operation of the battery cells 200 , the blocking member 700 may close the vent holes V. Accordingly, the blocking member 700 may block emissions exhausted from one of the battery cells 200 if the battery cells 200 burn from flowing into the vent holes V of adjacent battery cells 200 .

[0145] The blocking member 700 may include an insulating, heat-resistant, or fire-resistant material. For example, the blocking member 700 may include at least one of silicone, polystyrene, polyurethane, polyethylene, vinyl chloride, and ceramic materials.

[0146] In one embodiment, the barrier member 700 may be manufactured in the form of a sheet and then attached to the cap assembly 230 of the battery cell 200. In one embodiment, the barrier member 700 may be applied on the cap assembly 230 of the battery cell 200 in a liquid state and then cured.

[0147] When the battery cell 200 burns, the blocking member 700 may be separated from the battery cell 200 due to the pressure of the exhaust discharged from the exhaust hole V, thereby opening the exhaust hole V. The area of ​​the blocking member 700 may be formed to be smaller than the area of ​​the transmission hole 320. Accordingly, if the battery cell 200 burns, the blocking member 700 may be easily separated from the battery cell 200 through the transmission hole 320.

[0148] Here, the operation of the battery pack according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0149] Figure 13 For illustrative purposes Figure 11 A view of the operating status of the battery pack.

[0150] refer to Figure 13 In the event that thermal runaway or combustion occurs in one battery cell 200 , the blocking member 700 disposed on the corresponding battery cell 200 may be separated from the battery cell 200 by the pressure of emissions (such as flames, gas, smoke, etc.) discharged from the vent hole V.

[0151] Since the area of ​​the blocking member 700 is formed to be smaller than the area of ​​the delivery hole 320 , the blocking member 700 may be displaced outward from the delivery hole 320 and the exhaust hole V may be opened.

[0152] When the exhaust hole V is opened, the exhaust discharged from the exhaust hole V flows into the first passage 410 through the transfer hole 320 .

[0153] In one embodiment, the blocking member 700 disposed on the unburned battery cell 200 keeps the vent hole V closed when exhaust flows through the first channel 410 , and exhaust flowing through the first channel 310 may not flow into the vent hole V of the unburned battery cell 200 .

[0154] Thereafter, the exhaust flowing into the first channel 410 sequentially passes through the first channel 410 and the second channel 420 to be transferred to the third channel 430 .

[0155] The exhaust flowing into the third passage 430 may be discharged to the outside of the housing 100 through an end portion of the third passage 430 , and the exhaust may be removed from the inner space of the housing 100 .

[0156] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, by discharging the flames, gases, smoke, etc. generated when the battery cells burn to the outside of the housing through the gap in the assembly structure of the housing and the first bracket, the flames, gases, smoke, etc. discharged from any battery cell can be prevented or substantially prevented from spreading to adjacent battery cells, and chain combustion of battery cells can be prevented or substantially prevented.

[0157] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing vent may prevent or substantially prevent damage to the housing, battery cells, etc. caused by excessive pressure or temperature increase inside the housing.

[0158] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the blocking member may block emissions generated when one battery cell burns from flowing into adjacent battery cells, thereby more effectively preventing chain combustion of the battery cells.

[0159] However, aspects and effects obtainable by the present disclosure are not limited to the above aspects and effects, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other technical aspects and effects not mentioned from the above description of the present disclosure.

[0160] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to some example 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 including a vent; a first bracket in the housing and configured to support the battery cell; as well as A guide is between the housing and the first bracket and is configured to guide a flow of exhaust discharged from the exhaust hole.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, 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; a first alignment member extending from the first bracket body and inserted between adjacent battery cells among the plurality of battery cells; as well as A fixing member extends from the first bracket body and is fixed to the housing. 3 . The battery pack according to claim 2 , wherein the fixing member is at an end portion of the first holder body.

4. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein the fixing member comprises: a first fixing member connected to the first bracket body and extending along a first direction; as well as A second fixing member extends from the first fixing member in a direction intersecting the first direction and passes through the housing. 5 . The battery pack according to claim 4 , wherein the first direction is parallel to a longitudinal direction of a battery cell among the plurality of battery cells. The battery pack according to claim 4 , wherein an end portion of the second fixing member is exposed to the outside of the outer case. 7 . The battery pack according to claim 4 , wherein a length of the second fixing member is smaller than a length of the first fixing member.

8. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein the guide member comprises: a first passage connected to the transmission hole and located between the housing and the first bracket body; a second passage connected to the first passage and located between the housing and the first fixing member; as well as A third passage is connected to the second passage and is located between the housing and the second fixing member.

9. The battery pack of claim 8, wherein the second channel intersects the first channel. 10 . The battery pack according to claim 8 , wherein an end portion of the third channel is connected to an external space of the outer case.

11. The battery pack of claim 8, further comprising a housing vent in the housing and configured to rupture in response to an increase in pressure or temperature of the guide. 12 . The battery pack of claim 11 , wherein a thickness of the housing vent is less than a thickness of the housing. 13 . The battery pack according to claim 12 , wherein a ratio of the thickness of the housing vent to the thickness of the housing is greater than or equal to 0.3 and less than or equal to 0.

5. 14 . The battery pack according to claim 11 , wherein an end portion of the case vent faces the second fixing member, and the third passage is between the end portion of the case vent and the second fixing member. 15 . The battery pack according to claim 2 , further comprising a blocking member on a battery cell among the plurality of battery cells and configured to close the vent hole. 16 . The battery pack according to claim 15 , wherein the blocking member is separated from the battery cell when the exhaust is discharged from the exhaust hole. The battery pack according to claim 15 , wherein an area of ​​the blocking member is smaller than an area of ​​the transfer hole. 18 . The battery pack according to claim 1 , further comprising a second bracket spaced apart from the first bracket and configured to support the battery cells.

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