Secondary battery having improved safety

Abstract

Disclosed is a secondary battery comprising: at least one battery cell; a case unit having a first internal space configured to receive the battery cell, the case unit being provided with a through hole in a side surface thereof; an exhaust device installed in the through hole, the exhaust device configured to discharge gas generated in the housing unit to the outside; and a particle blocking member detachably coupled to an outer side of a side surface of the housing unit, the particle blocking member configured to cover the exhaust device, a second housing unit including a first surface facing a side surface of the housing unit, a second surface extending from an upper end portion of the first surface toward the side surface of the housing unit, and a pair of third surfaces extending from a side end portion of the first surface toward the side surface of the housing unit to form a second internal space; and a receiving portion located at a lower end portion of the blocking portion.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0039437, filed on March 22, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present application relates to a secondary battery having improved safety, and more particularly, to a secondary battery having improved safety, which has a structure capable of rapidly discharging gas generated during thermal runaway of the secondary battery over a long distance while limiting the moving distance of particles, thereby suppressing the occurrence of fire. BACKGROUND

[0003] With the development of technology of mobile devices and the increase in demand thereof, secondary batteries capable of charging and discharging have been used as energy sources of various mobile devices. Secondary batteries are also attracting attention as energy sources for electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles emerging as alternatives to existing gasoline and diesel vehicles using fossil fuels.

[0004] According to the shape of the battery case, the secondary battery is classified into a cylindrical battery having an electrode assembly installed in a cylindrical metal can, a prismatic battery having an electrode assembly installed in a prismatic metal can, and a pouch-shaped battery having an electrode assembly installed in a pouch-shaped case made of an aluminum laminate sheet.

[0005] Meanwhile, the secondary battery has excellent electrical properties, but has a so-called swelling problem in which the secondary battery swells due to heat and gas generated by a decomposition reaction of active materials and electrolytes as components of the battery under abnormal operating conditions such as overcharging, overdischarging, exposure to high temperature, and electrical short circuit. The swelling accelerates such a decomposition reaction, which can cause explosion and ignition of the secondary battery due to thermal runaway.

[0006] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a conventional secondary battery. As shown in Figure 1 The secondary battery includes at least one battery cell 10, a case unit 20 configured to accommodate the battery cell 10, and a safety valve 30 configured to discharge gas generated in the case unit 20 to the outside.

[0007] When thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell, high-pressure discharge gas is discharged to the outside through the safety valve 30, whereby explosion of the secondary battery can be prevented.

[0008] However, when thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell, a flare, a spark particle, and a high-temperature discharge gas are generated, the flare is a flame flash from a weakly sealed portion like a flash, the spark particle is a particle with high heat emitted by the detachment of an internal electrode and the melting of an aluminum current collector. In particular, they do not stay at the location where they are generated, but move to the vicinity of the module including the nearby battery cell and the object in which the secondary battery is installed, so they have a high probability of causing a major accident.

[0009] In addition, during the discharge process, the spark particle can block the passage of the safety valve 30, preventing the discharge of the discharge gas, or can accumulate in the passage, preventing the safety valve 30 from working normally.

[0010] (Prior Art Document)

[0011] (Patent Document 1) Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2023-0098080 SUMMARY

[0012] TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0013] The present application is made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present application is to provide a secondary battery having improved safety, which is capable of rapidly discharging a discharge gas and a particle generated in the secondary battery to the outside, thereby preventing an explosion or suppressing the occurrence of a fire.

[0014] Another object of the present application is to provide a secondary battery having improved safety, which is capable of discharging a discharge gas generated in the secondary battery over a long distance while limiting the moving distance of a particle, thereby suppressing the occurrence of a fire.

[0015] TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[0016] As a technical means for achieving the above object, a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present application includes at least one battery cell (100), a housing unit (200) configured with a first internal space (S1) in which the battery cell (100) is accommodated, a through-hole (211) formed in a side surface of the housing unit, an exhaust device (300) installed in the through-hole (211) to discharge gas generated in the housing unit (200) to the outside, and a particle blocking member (400) detachably coupled to the outside of the side surface of the housing unit (200) in a manner of covering the exhaust device (300), wherein the particle blocking member (400) includes a blocking portion (410) including a first surface (411) facing the side surface of the housing unit (200), a second surface (412) extending from an upper end portion of the first surface (411) toward the side surface of the housing unit (200), and a pair of third surfaces (413) extending from both side end portions of the first surface (411) toward the side surface of the housing unit (200), the blocking portion having a second internal space (S2) defined therein, and an accommodation portion (420) located at a lower end portion of the blocking portion (410).

[0017] Further, in the secondary battery according to the embodiment of the present application, at least one of the first surface (411), the second surface (412), and the third surface (413) can be configured as a mesh plate formed with a mesh.

[0018] Further, in the secondary battery according to the embodiment of the present application, the mesh can be formed to have a diameter smaller than a size of particles discharged through the exhaust device (300).

[0019] Further, in the secondary battery according to the embodiment of the present application, the mesh is formed to have an inner diameter that gradually decreases toward the side surface of the housing unit (200).

[0020] Also, in the secondary battery according to the embodiment of the present application, the receiving portion (420) can include a fifth surface (422) extending from a lower end portion of the first surface (411) to face a side surface of the case unit (200), a pair of sixth surfaces (423) extending from both side end portions of the fifth surface (422) toward the side surface of the case unit (200), a seventh surface (424) extending from one end portion of the pair of sixth surfaces (423) in parallel with the fifth surface (422), and a fourth surface (421) configured to connect the lower end portion of the fifth surface (422), the lower end portions of the pair of sixth surfaces (423), and the lower end portion of the seventh surface (424) to each other.

[0021] Also, in the secondary battery according to the embodiment of the present application, the receiving portion (420) can further include a partition wall (426) formed between the second internal space (S2) of the blocking portion (410) and the third internal space (S3) of the receiving portion (420), and a communication hole (426a) can be formed at the partition wall (426) to allow the second internal space (S2) and the third internal space (S3) to communicate with each other.

[0022] Also, in the secondary battery according to the embodiment of the present application, the partition wall (426) can be further provided with a communication passage (426b) formed in a passage shape due to extension of a portion of the communication hole (426a).

[0023] Also, in the secondary battery according to the embodiment of the present application, a width of the fifth surface (422) can be greater than a width of the first surface (411), and the receiving portion (420) can further include an eighth surface (425) extending from a lower end portion of the third surface (413) along an upper end portion of the fifth surface (422).

[0024] Also, in the secondary battery according to the embodiment of the present application, the receiving portion (420) can be slidably coupled to the blocking portion (410).

[0025] Also, the secondary battery according to the embodiment of the present application can further include a connection member (430) extending from one end portion of at least one of the first surface (411), the second surface (412), the third surface (413), and the fourth surface (421), the connection member being configured to allow the particle blocking member (400) to be coupled to a side surface of the case unit (200) through the connection member.

[0026] Further, in the secondary battery according to the embodiment of the present application, a first fastening hole (212) can be formed on a side surface of the case unit (200), and a second fastening hole (431) configured to communicate with the first fastening hole (212) can be formed in the connection member (430).

[0027] Further, the secondary battery according to the embodiment of the present application can further include a fastening member (500) configured to extend through both the first fastening hole (212) and the second fastening hole (431) in a state in which the first fastening hole (212) and the second fastening hole (431) overlap each other for fastening.

[0028] Further, in the secondary battery according to the embodiment of the present application, the receiving portion (420) can be a fourth surface (421) connecting lower end portions of the first surface (411) and the pair of third surfaces (413) to each other, and the fourth surface (421) can be formed in a plate shape having no mesh.

[0029] Further, in the secondary battery according to the embodiment of the present application, the exhaust device (300) can be a safety valve configured to open when a pressure in the first internal space (S1) rises above a predetermined pressure and to close when the pressure in the first internal space (S1) falls below the predetermined pressure.

[0030] Further, in the secondary battery according to the embodiment of the present application, the case unit (200) can be a module case unit or a battery pack case unit.

[0031] Advantageous Effects

[0032] As is apparent from the foregoing description, in the secondary battery according to the present application having improved safety, a particle blocking member having meshes each having a diameter smaller than a size of particles is coupled to an outside of a case unit to cover an exhaust device, so that exhaust gas and particles generated in the case unit can be rapidly exhausted to the outside, and thus an explosion can be prevented or occurrence of a fire can be suppressed.

[0033] Further, in the secondary battery according to the present application having improved safety, the particle blocking member has meshes each having a diameter smaller than a size of particles, so that exhaust gas generated in the secondary battery is exhausted over a long distance, but a moving distance of the particles is limited, and thus occurrence of a fire can be suppressed.

[0034] Further, in the secondary battery having improved safety according to the present application, the particle blocking member is configured such that the blocking portion is slidably coupled to the receiving portion located below the blocking portion, so that the particles blocked by the blocking portion can be received and the received particles can be easily collected. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0035] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a conventional secondary battery.

[0036] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a secondary battery according to a first embodiment of the present application.

[0037] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an exhaust device of a housing unit installed in a secondary battery according to the first embodiment of the present application.

[0038] Figure 4 is a side view showing states of an exhaust device installed in a secondary battery according to the first embodiment of the present application before and after being opened.

[0039] Figure 5 is Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a region A shown in FIG. 8.

[0040] Figure 6 is a view showing a state in which a particle blocking member according to the first embodiment of the present application is coupled to a housing unit via a fastening member.

[0041] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a particle blocking member installed in a secondary battery according to the first embodiment of the present application, as viewed from the inside.

[0042] Figure 8 is Figure 7 is a vertical sectional view of a region B of the particle blocking member shown in FIG. 9.

[0043] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a particle blocking member according to a second embodiment of the present application, as viewed from the inside.

[0044] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a particle blocking member according to a third embodiment of the present application, as viewed from the inside.

[0045] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a particle blocking member according to a fourth embodiment of the present application, as viewed from the inside.

[0046] Figure 12 is a view of a particle blocking member according to the fourth embodiment of the present application, as viewed from the inside.

[0047] Figure 13is a view of a particle blocking member according to a fifth embodiment of the present application, as viewed from the inside.

[0048] Figure 14 is a view of a particle blocking member according to a sixth embodiment of the present application, as viewed from the inside.

[0049] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a particle blocking member according to a seventh embodiment of the present application, as viewed from the inside.

[0050] Figure 16 is a view of a particle blocking member according to a seventh embodiment of the present application, as viewed from the inside.

[0051] Figure 17 is a view of a particle blocking member according to an eighth embodiment of the present application, as viewed from the inside.

[0052] Figure 18 is a view of a particle blocking member according to a ninth embodiment of the present application, as viewed from the inside.

[0053] Figure 19 is a perspective view showing a state of a particle blocking member according to a tenth embodiment of the present application before being coupled to a housing unit.

[0054] Figure 20 is a perspective view showing a state of a particle blocking member according to a tenth embodiment of the present application coupled to a housing unit.

[0055] Figure 21 is a view showing a state of a particle blocking member according to a tenth embodiment of the present application coupled to a housing unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] Now, preferred embodiments of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present application pertains can easily implement the preferred embodiments of the present application. However, when detailed descriptions of known functions and configurations incorporated herein can make the subject matter of the present application unclear, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted in describing the operation principles of the preferred embodiments of the present application.

[0057] In addition, the same reference numerals are used to designate components that perform similar functions or operations in all of the accompanying drawings. Where it is indicated that one component is connected to another component throughout the specification, one component can be directly connected to the other component, and one component can be indirectly connected to the other component via other components. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the inclusion of a predetermined element does not mean the exclusion of other elements, but means that such elements can be further included.

[0058] Hereinafter, a secondary battery having improved safety according to the present application will be described.

[0059] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a secondary battery according to a first embodiment of the present application, Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an exhaust device mounted to a case unit of a secondary battery according to a first embodiment of the present application, and Figure 4 is a side view showing states of an exhaust device mounted to a secondary battery according to a first embodiment of the present application before and after being opened.

[0060] Referring to Figures 2 to 4 , a secondary battery according to the present application includes a battery cell 100, a case unit 200, an exhaust device 300, and a particle blocking member 400.

[0061] First, the battery cell 100 can be provided as one or more. The battery cell 100 can be a pouch-shaped secondary battery including an electrode assembly, an electrode lead, and a battery case.

[0062] The electrode assembly can be a jelly-roll type electrode assembly configured to have a structure in which a long sheet type negative electrode and a long sheet type positive electrode are wound with a separator interposed therebetween, a stacked type electrode assembly including unit cells each of which is configured to have a structure in which a rectangular positive electrode and a rectangular negative electrode are stacked with a separator interposed therebetween, a stacked and folded type electrode assembly configured to have a structure in which unit cells are wound using a long separation film, or a laminated and stacked type electrode assembly configured to have a structure in which unit cells are stacked with a separator interposed therebetween and then attached to each other; however, the present application is not limited thereto.

[0063] The positive electrode includes a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material coated to each of an upper surface and a lower surface of the positive electrode current collector. The positive electrode active material can be mixed with a conductive agent and a binder, and a filler can be further added as necessary.

[0064] The negative electrode includes a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material coated to each of an upper surface and a lower surface of the negative electrode current collector. The negative electrode active material can be further mixed with a conductive agent and a binder, and the negative electrode current collector can be coated with the mixture.

[0065] The separator prevents a short circuit between the negative electrode and the positive electrode and allows only lithium ions to migrate. Preferably, the separator is made of any one selected from among polyethylene, polypropylene, a double-layer polyethylene / polypropylene, a triple-layer polyethylene / polypropylene / polyethylene, a triple-layer polypropylene / polyethylene / polypropylene, and an organic fiber filter paper; however, the present application is not limited thereto.

[0066] A battery case housing the electrode assembly is made of a laminate sheet including an outer cover layer, a metal layer, and an inner cover layer, and has a housing portion formed therein.

[0067] The inner cover layer is in direct contact with the electrode assembly, and thus the inner cover layer must exhibit high insulation properties and high electrolytic resistance. In addition, the inner cover layer must exhibit high sealing properties so as to seal the battery case from the outside, i.e., a thermal bonding sealing portion between the inner layers must exhibit excellent thermal bonding strength.

[0068] The inner cover layer can be made of a material selected from olefin-based resins such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyacrylic acid, or polybutylene, which exhibit excellent chemical resistance and high sealing properties, polyurethane resins, and polyimide resins; however, the present application is not limited thereto, and most preferably, polypropylene, which exhibits excellent mechanical properties such as tensile strength, rigidity, surface hardness, and impact resistance, and excellent chemical resistance, is used.

[0069] The metal layer, which is adjacent to the inner cover layer, corresponds to a barrier layer configured to prevent moisture or various gases from penetrating into the battery from the outside. An aluminum thin film, which is light and easy to mold, can be used as a preferred material for the metal layer.

[0070] The outer cover layer is disposed at the other surface of the metal layer, and the outer cover layer can be made of a heat-resistant polymer, which exhibits excellent tensile strength, moisture penetration resistance, and air transmission resistance, such that the outer cover layer exhibits higher heat resistance and chemical resistance while protecting the electrode assembly. As an example, the outer cover layer can be made of nylon or polyethylene terephthalate; however, the present application is not limited thereto.

[0071] Meanwhile, the case unit 200 can be provided with a first internal space S1 configured to house the battery cell 100. The case unit 200 can include a case main body 210, which is open at the top and has the first internal space S1 defined therein, and a case cover 220, which is located at the open top of the case main body 210.

[0072] Here, the case unit 200 can be configured as a module case unit or a battery pack case unit. For example, if the case unit 200 is a module case unit, the secondary battery according to the present application can be a battery module. In addition, as another example, if the case unit 200 is a battery pack case unit, the secondary battery according to the present application can be a battery pack.

[0073] Each of the case main body 210 and the case cover 220 can be made of a plastic material that is light while having a certain rigidity, and can be made of a material that protects the components housed therein from external impact and foreign matter.

[0074] Further, at least one through-hole 211 can be formed in the side surface of the case body 210, and the through-hole 211 can be a hole configured to allow the first internal space S1 of the case body 210 to communicate with the outside space therethrough.

[0075] The exhaust device 300 can be installed in the through-hole 211 to discharge the gas generated in the case unit 200 to the outside.

[0076] For example, a fastening hole (not shown) can be formed in the side surface of the case body 210 near the region in which the through-hole 211 is formed, and the exhaust device 300 can be coupled to the case body 210 through the fastening hole (not shown). Of course, the coupling device is not particularly limited as long as the exhaust device 300 can be detachably fastened to the through-hole 211.

[0077] The exhaust device 300 can be configured as a safety valve that opens when the pressure in the first internal space S1 rises above a predetermined pressure and closes when the pressure in the first internal space S1 falls below the predetermined pressure.

[0078] Specifically, the exhaust device 300 can include a base member 310 having a passage portion 311 formed therein, an opening and closing portion 320 configured to selectively come into close contact with the base member 310 to open and close the passage portion 311, and an elastic member 330 configured to selectively provide an elastic force to the opening and closing portion 320.

[0079] When the pressure in the first internal space S1 is higher than the elastic force of the elastic member 330, the opening and closing portion 320 can be spaced apart from the base member 310 to open the passage portion 311. In addition, when the pressure in the first internal space S1 is lower than the elastic force of the elastic member 330, the opening and closing portion 320 can be in close contact with the base member 310 to close the passage portion 311.

[0080] That is, the opening and closing of the exhaust device 300 is determined by the pressure in the first internal space S1, and when the pressure in the first internal space S1 rises above a predetermined pressure, the passage portion 311 of the exhaust device 300 can open so that the exhaust gas generated in the first internal space S1 can be discharged to the outside.

[0081] The exhaust device 300 can be configured as a safety valve obvious to those skilled in the art; however, the present application is not limited thereto, and the exhaust device can be configured as any one of various devices that can discharge the gas generated in the case unit 200 to the outside, and thus a more detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0082] Figure 5 is Figure 2An enlarged perspective view of the area A shown, and Figure 6 is a view showing a state in which the particle blocking member according to the first embodiment of the present application is coupled to the case unit via the fastening member. Further, Figure 7 is a perspective view of the particle blocking member mounted to the secondary battery according to the first embodiment of the present application when viewed from the inside, and Figure 8 is Figure 7 is a vertical sectional view of the area B of the particle blocking member shown.

[0083] When the passage portion 311 of the exhaust device 300 is opened, not only the exhaust gas is discharged, but also many particles that can cause a fire are discharged. The particle blocking member is configured to block the particles discharged to the outside via the passage portion 311 from moving beyond a certain distance.

[0084] The particle blocking member 400 performing the above-described function can be formed to cover the outside of the exhaust device 300, and can include a blocking portion 410 and a receiving portion 420, each of which can be made of metal or a fire-resistant material.

[0085] First, the blocking portion 410 can include a first surface 411 that can form a second internal space S2, a second surface 412, and a third surface 413. More specifically, the first surface 411 is a front surface (11 o'clock direction in FIG. 11) facing the side surface of the case main body 210, and the second surface 412 is an upper surface (12 o'clock direction in FIG. 11) extending from an upper end portion of the first surface 411 toward the side surface of the case main body 210. Figure 7 Figure 7 A pair of third surfaces 413 can be a pair of side surfaces (2 o'clock direction and 8 o'clock direction in FIG. 11) extending from side ends of the first surface 411 toward the side surface of the case main body 210. Figure 7

[0086] Here, the first surface 411 can be configured as a mesh plate in which first mesh holes 411a are formed.

[0087] Each of the first mesh holes 411a can be configured to have a diameter smaller than the size of the particles discharged through the exhaust device 300. For example, assuming that the size of the particles is 0.45 mm or less, the first mesh holes 411a can be formed to have a diameter smaller than 0.45 mm so that the exhaust gas is discharged through the first mesh holes 411a, but the particles cannot be discharged through the first mesh holes.

[0088] In addition, the first mesh holes 411a can be formed to have an inner diameter that gradually decreases toward the side surface of the case unit 200.

[0089] ​​Although the size of the first mesh hole 411a is smaller than the size of the particle, the particle is rapidly discharged to the outside together with the discharge gas, whereby the particle hits the first surface 411, and in the process, the particle can pass through the first mesh hole 411a or clog the first mesh hole 411a.

[0090] However, if the inner diameter of the first mesh hole 411a is gradually reduced toward the side surface of the case unit 200, the particle can be blocked and the clogging of the first mesh hole 411a can be reduced.

[0091] In the blocking portion 410, although the first surface 411 is configured as a mesh plate having the first mesh hole 411a formed therein, each of the second surface 412 and the third surface 413 can be configured as a plate having a mesh hole, and the lower portion (6 o'clock direction in Figure 7

[0092] Meanwhile, the accommodation portion 420 can be a fourth surface 421 located at a lower end portion of the blocking portion 410. The fourth surface 421 can be a lower surface (6 o'clock direction in Figure 7

[0093] At this time, the fourth surface 421 can be formed in the shape of a plate having no mesh hole.

[0094] As a result, the particle (e.g., a spark particle) discharged together with the discharge gas can be blocked by the first surface 411, the second surface 412, and the third surface 413 constituting the particle blocking member 400, and then accommodated in the accommodation portion 420 provided below the blocking portion 410.

[0095] When thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell, a flame and high-temperature particles (i.e., spark particles) originating from the electrode and the molten aluminum current collector are ejected together with high-temperature discharge gas through the weak sealing portion.

[0096] However, when the particle blocking member 400 is provided as in the present disclosure, the particle cannot move very far due to the blocking portion 410 and is accommodated in the accommodation portion 420, whereby it is possible to suppress a fire from occurring in a surrounding secondary battery or an object having the secondary battery mounted therein.

[0097] Meanwhile, the particle blocking member 400 can include a connection member 430 extending from one end portion of at least one of the first surface 411, the second surface 412, the third surface 413, and the fourth surface 421, and configured to detachably connect the particle blocking member 400 to the side surface of the case unit 200.

[0098] ​​For example, the connection member 430 can extend from one end of at least one of the first surface 411, the second surface 412, the third surface 413, and the fourth surface 421 so as to face the side surface of the housing unit 200. That is, the connection member 430 can be disposed in parallel with the side surface of the housing unit 200.

[0099] For example, the connection member 430 can extend outward from one end of the third surface 413 so as to face the side surface of the housing unit 200, and can be disposed at both sides (3 o'clock direction and 9 o'clock direction in Figure 6 ). Additionally, as another example, the connection member 430 can extend outward from one end of each of the second surface 412 and the third surface 413 so as to face the side surface of the housing unit 200, can be disposed at the upper portion (12 o'clock direction in Figure 6 ) and both sides (3 o'clock direction and 9 o'clock direction in Figure 6 ) of the particle blocking member 400.

[0100] Additionally, as another example, the connection member 430 can extend outward from one end of each of the second surface 412, the third surface 413, and the fourth surface 421 so as to face the side surface of the housing unit 200, and can be disposed at the upper portion (12 o'clock direction in Figure 6 ), both sides (3 o'clock direction and 9 o'clock direction in Figure 6 ), and the lower portion (6 o'clock direction in Figure 6 ) of the particle blocking member 400.

[0101] Additionally, the first fastening hole 212 can be formed in the side surface of the housing body 210, and the second fastening hole 431 configured to communicate with the first fastening hole 212 can be formed in the connection member 430 (see Figure 5 ).

[0102] The first fastening hole 212 can be formed in the vicinity of the through-hole 211 in which the exhaust device 300 is installed, and more particularly, the second fastening hole 431 can be formed at a position corresponding to the position of the first fastening hole 212 so as to communicate with the first fastening hole 212.

[0103] At this time, the secondary battery according to the present application can further include a fastening member 500, wherein the fastening member 500 can be configured to extend through both the first fastening hole 212 and the second fastening hole 431 in a state in which the first fastening hole 212 and the second fastening hole 431 overlap each other, for fastening.

[0104] For example, female threads can be formed at inner surfaces of each of the first fastening hole 212 and the second fastening hole 431, and male threads can be formed at an outer surface of the fastening member 500; however, the present application is not limited thereto.

[0105] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a particle blocking member according to a second embodiment of the present application, as viewed from the inside.

[0106] The particle blocking member 400 according to the second embodiment is identical in configuration to the particle blocking member according to the first embodiment, except that the formation positions of the mesh holes are different. In the particle blocking member according to the second embodiment, the first surface 411, the second surface 412, and the third surface 413 can be configured as mesh plates having first mesh holes 411a, second mesh holes 412a, and third mesh holes 413a, respectively.

[0107] In this case, when the particles are discharged from the first internal space S1 to the outside due to the pressure in the first internal space S1, the particles can be blocked by the first surface 411, the second surface 412, and the third surface 413, and can move to the accommodation portion 420 without being discharged to the outside.

[0108] In addition, since the first mesh holes 411a are formed in the first surface 411, the second mesh holes 412a are formed in the second surface 412, and the third mesh holes 413a are formed in the third surface 413, the discharge gas in the first internal space S1 can be more easily discharged to the outside through the first mesh holes 411a, the second mesh holes 412a, and the third mesh holes 413a, and the discharge gas can be discharged while being dispersed in different directions.

[0109] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a particle blocking member according to a third embodiment of the present application, as viewed from the inside.

[0110] The particle blocking member 400 according to the third embodiment is identical in configuration to the particle blocking member according to the first embodiment, except that the formation positions of the mesh holes are different. In the particle blocking member according to the third embodiment, the first surface 411 can be configured as a mesh plate having no mesh holes, and the second surface 412 and the third surface 413 can be configured as mesh plates having second mesh holes 412a and third mesh holes 413a, respectively.

[0111] In this case, when the particles are discharged from the first internal space S1 to the outside due to the pressure in the first internal space S1, the particles can be blocked by the first surface 411, the second surface 412, and the third surface 413, and can move to the accommodation portion 420 without being discharged to the outside.

[0112] In addition, since the second mesh hole 412a is formed in the second surface 412 and the third mesh hole 413a is formed in the third surface 413, the discharged gas in the first internal space S1 can be more easily discharged to the outside through the second mesh hole 412a and the third mesh hole 413a.

[0113] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a particle blocking member according to a fourth embodiment of the present application, as viewed from the inside, and Figure 12 is a view of a particle blocking member according to the fourth embodiment of the present application, as viewed from the inside.

[0114] The particle blocking member 400 according to the fourth embodiment is the same in configuration as the particle blocking member according to the first embodiment, except that the accommodation portion 420 is different. The accommodation portion 420 of the particle blocking member according to the fourth embodiment can include a fourth surface 421, a fifth surface 422, a sixth surface 423, and a seventh surface 424.

[0115] More specifically, first, the fifth surface 422 can be a front surface (11 o'clock direction in FIG. 11) extending from a lower end portion of the first surface 411 of the blocking portion 410 so as to face a side surface of the case body 210, and the sixth surface 423 can be a pair of surfaces (2 o'clock direction and 8 o'clock direction in FIG. 11) extending from both side end portions of the fifth surface 422 toward the side surface of the case body 210. In addition, the seventh surface 424 can be a rear surface (5 o'clock direction in FIG. 11) extending from one end portion (5 o'clock direction in FIG. 11) of each of the pair of sixth surfaces 423 in parallel to the fifth surface 422, and the fourth surface 421 can be a lower surface (6 o'clock direction in FIG. 11) connecting the lower end portion of the fifth surface 422, the lower end portion of each of the pair of sixth surfaces 423, and the lower end portion of the seventh surface 424 to each other. Figure 11 Figure 11 Figure 11 Figure 11 Figure 11

[0116] The accommodation portion 420 can form a third internal space S3 using the fourth surface 421, the fifth surface 422, the pair of sixth surfaces 423, and the seventh surface 424, and the third internal space S3 can be configured to communicate with the second internal space S2 of the blocking portion 410.

[0117] The accommodation portion 420 can be formed in the shape of a plate having no mesh hole, and can be located at a lower end portion of the blocking portion 410 to accommodate particles (e.g., spark particles) blocked by the blocking portion 410 in the third internal space S3.

[0118] ​​​​​In other words, when the particles are discharged from the first inner space S2 to the outside due to the pressure in the first inner space S1, the particles can be blocked by the blocking portion 410 and can move to the third inner space S3 of the accommodation portion 420.

[0119] In addition, the accommodation portion 420 can be slidably coupled to the blocking portion 410. For example, a protrusion 413b can be formed on a lower end portion of each of a pair of third surfaces 413 of the blocking portion 410 so as to partially protrude downward (in the 6 o'clock direction) in the third inner space S3, and a first recess 423a can be formed in an upper end portion of each of a pair of sixth surfaces 423 of the accommodation portion 420 so as to partially recess downward (in the 6 o'clock direction) in the third inner space S3. Figure 12 Figure 12

[0120] More specifically, the protrusion 413b can be disposed in a shape in which a lower end portion of the protrusion has a maximum width with a gradual increase in the width of the protrusion downward, and the first recess 423a can be disposed in a shape in which an entrance of the first recess has a minimum width so as to correspond in shape to the protrusion 413b. At this time, the first recess 423a can be formed in a shape of a larger recess than the protrusion 413b, so that the protrusion 413b can be slidably inserted into the first recess.

[0121] Of course, the first recess can be formed in a lower end portion of each of the pair of third surfaces 413, and the protrusion can be formed on an upper end portion of each of the pair of sixth surfaces 423.

[0122] As a result, the particles discharged together with the discharge gas can be blocked by the blocking portion 410, and then accommodated in the accommodation portion 420 disposed below the blocking portion 410, and the accommodation portion 420 can be slidably separated from the blocking portion 410, whereby the particles accommodated in the third inner space S3 of the accommodation portion 420 can be easily removed.

[0123] Figure 13 is a view of a particle blocking member according to a fifth embodiment of the present application, as viewed from the inside.

[0124] The particle blocking member 400 according to the fifth embodiment is identical in configuration to the particle blocking member according to the fourth embodiment, except that the particle blocking member further includes a partition wall. The particle blocking member according to the fifth embodiment can be configured such that the accommodation portion 420 includes the fourth surface 421, the fifth surface 422, the sixth surface 423, the seventh surface 424, and the partition wall 426.

[0125] ​​The partition wall 426 can be formed between the second inner space S2 of the blocking portion 410 and the third inner space S3 of the accommodation portion 420. The partition wall 426 can be configured to connect the vicinity of the upper end portion of the fifth surface 422, the vicinity of the upper end portion of each of the pair of sixth surfaces 423, and the vicinity of the upper end portion of the seventh surface 424 of the accommodation portion 420 to each other.

[0126] In addition, the partition wall 426 can be provided with a communication hole 426a configured to allow the second inner space S2 and the third inner space S3 to communicate with each other therethrough. For example, the communication hole 426a can be formed in the central portion of the partition wall 426.

[0127] Accordingly, the particles blocked by the blocking portion 410 can move to the third inner space S3 of the accommodation portion 420 through the communication hole 426a, and movement of the particles accommodated in the third inner space S1 back to the second inner space S2 can be minimized by the partition wall 426 even if the discharge gas is discharged from the first inner space S1.

[0128] In addition, the partition wall 426 can be configured such that, when the partition wall extends from the vicinity of the upper end portion of the fifth surface 422, the vicinity of the upper end portion of each of the pair of sixth surfaces 423, and the vicinity of the upper end portion of the seventh surface 424 to the central portion (inside) thereof, the central portion is located below the vicinity of each upper end portion. In other words, the partition wall 426 can be configured as an inclined surface that is inclined downward from each outer end portion to the central portion.

[0129] In this case, the particles that have not been discharged to the outside by the blocking portion 410 can more easily move to the third inner space S3 of the accommodation portion 420 along the inclined surface of the partition wall 426 through the communication hole 426a, thereby preventing the particles from moving to the second inner space S2 even if the discharge gas is discharged from the first inner space S1.

[0130] Figure 14 is a view of a particle blocking member according to a sixth embodiment of the present application, as viewed from the inside.

[0131] The particle blocking member 400 according to the sixth embodiment is the same in configuration as the particle blocking member according to the fourth embodiment except that the shape of the partition wall is different. The particle blocking member according to the sixth embodiment can be configured such that the accommodation portion 420 includes the fourth surface 421, the fifth surface 422, the sixth surface 423, the seventh surface 424, and the partition wall 426.

[0132] The partition wall 426 can be provided with a communication passage 426b configured to allow the second internal space S2 and the third internal space S3 to communicate with each other therethrough. The communication passage 426b can be formed in the shape of a passage since a portion of the communication hole 426a extends downward.

[0133] The communication passage 426b can be formed in a central portion of the partition wall 426, and the particles that have not been discharged to the outside through the blocking portion 410 can move to the third internal space S3 of the accommodation portion 420 along the inclined surface of the partition wall 426 through the communication passage 426b.

[0134] In addition, since the communication passage 426b is the communication hole 426a that partially extends downward from the central portion of the partition wall 426 in the shape of a passage, the particles can be more reliably prevented from moving to the second internal space S2 even if the discharge gas is discharged from the first internal space S1.

[0135] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a particle blocking member according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed from the inside, and Figure 16 is a view of a particle blocking member according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed from the inside.

[0136] The particle blocking member 400 according to the seventh embodiment is the same in configuration as the particle blocking member according to the fourth embodiment except that the shape of the accommodation portion 420 is different. The particle blocking member 400 according to the seventh embodiment can be configured such that the accommodation portion 420 includes a fourth surface 421, a fifth surface 422, a sixth surface 423, a seventh surface 424, and an eighth surface 425.

[0137] The particle blocking member 400 according to the seventh embodiment can be configured such that the width (the 3 o'clock to 9 o'clock direction in Figure 16 ) of each of the fifth surface 422 and the seventh surface 424 of the accommodation portion 420 is greater than the width (the 3 o'clock to 9 o'clock direction in Figure 16 ) of the first surface 411. In other words, the width of the accommodation portion 420 can be greater than the width of the blocking portion 410.

[0138] Accordingly, the accommodation portion 420 can include the eighth surface 425 extending from the lower end portion of the third surface 413 along the upper end portion of the fifth surface 422, the upper end portion of the sixth surface 423, and the upper end portion of the seventh surface 424, and the eighth surface 425 can be an upper surface of the accommodation portion 420 (as indicated by the 12 o'clock direction in Figure 15 ).

[0139] At this time, the accommodation portion 420 can be provided with a second recess 425a formed in an upper end portion of the eighth surface 425 so as to be partially recessed downward, so that the accommodation portion can be slidably coupled to the blocking portion 410.

[0140] The second recess 425a can be formed to correspond to a protrusion 413b formed on a lower end portion of the third surface 413, so that the second recess can be slidably coupled to the protrusion 413b.

[0141] More specifically, the protrusion 413b can be provided in a shape in which a width of the protrusion gradually increases downward so that a lower end portion of the protrusion has a maximum width, and the second recess 425a can be provided in a shape in which an entrance of the second recess has a minimum width so as to correspond in shape to the protrusion 413b. At this time, the second recess 425a can be formed in a shape of a larger recess than the protrusion 413b, so that the protrusion 413b can be slidably inserted into the second recess.

[0142] Of course, the first recess can be formed in a lower end portion of each of the pair of third surfaces 413, and the protrusion can be formed on an upper end portion of each of the pair of fifth surfaces 422.

[0143] In addition, the accommodation portion 420 can be configured to have a width greater than a width of the blocking portion 410, so as to accommodate a larger volume of particles.

[0144] As a result, the particles discharged together with the exhaust gas can be blocked by the blocking portion 410, and then be accommodated in the accommodation portion 420 provided below the blocking portion 410, and the accommodation portion 420 can be slidably separated from the blocking portion 410, whereby the particles accommodated in the third internal space S3 of the accommodation portion 420 can be removed.

[0145] Figure 17 is a view of a particle blocking member according to an eighth embodiment of the present application, as viewed from the inside.

[0146] The particle blocking member 400 according to the eighth embodiment is identical in configuration to the particle blocking member according to the seventh embodiment, except that the particle blocking member further includes a partition wall. The particle blocking member according to the seventh embodiment can be configured such that the accommodation portion 420 includes the fourth surface 421, the fifth surface 422, the sixth surface 423, the seventh surface 424, the eighth surface 425, and the partition wall 426.

[0147] As described previously, the partition wall 426 can be formed between the second internal space S2 of the blocking portion 410 and the third internal space S3 of the accommodation portion 420, and the partition wall can be provided with a communication hole 426a configured to allow the second internal space S2 and the third internal space S3 to communicate with each other therethrough.

[0148] In addition, the partition wall 426 can be configured as an inclined surface inclined downward from each outer end portion to the central portion.

[0149] In this case, the particles that have not been discharged to the outside through the blocking portion 410 can move to the third internal space S3 of the accommodation portion 420 along the inclined surface of the partition wall 426 through the communication hole 426a, and thus, when the particles are dispersed by the discharge gas discharged from the first internal space S1, it is possible to prevent the particles from moving to the second internal space S2.

[0150] Figure 18 FIG. 10 is a view of a particle blocking member according to a ninth embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed from the inside.

[0151] The particle blocking member 400 according to the ninth embodiment is the same in configuration as the particle blocking member according to the eighth embodiment, except that the shape of the partition wall is different. The particle blocking member according to the eighth embodiment can be configured such that the accommodation portion 420 includes a fourth surface 421, a fifth surface 422, a sixth surface 423, a seventh surface 424, an eighth surface 425, and a partition wall 426.

[0152] The partition wall 426 can be provided with a communication passage 426b configured to allow the second internal space S2 and the third internal space S3 to communicate with each other therethrough, and the communication passage 426b can be formed in the shape of a passage due to the downward extension of a portion of the communication hole 426a.

[0153] The communication passage 426b can be formed in the central portion of the partition wall 426, and the particles that have not been discharged to the outside through the blocking portion 410 can move to the third internal space S3 of the accommodation portion 420 along the inclined surface of the partition wall 426 through the communication passage 426b.

[0154] In addition, since the communication passage 426b is the communication hole 426a partially extended downward in the shape of a passage from the central portion of the partition wall 426, when the particles are dispersed by the discharge gas discharged from the first internal space S1, it is possible to more reliably prevent the particles from moving to the second internal space S2.

[0155] Figure 19 FIG. 10 is a view of a particle blocking member according to a ninth embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed from the inside. Figure 20 FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the particle blocking member according to the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure is coupled to the housing unit, and Figure 21 FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a state in which the particle blocking member according to the tenth embodiment of the present disclosure is coupled to the housing unit.

[0156] The particle blocking member 400 according to the tenth embodiment is identical in configuration to the particle blocking member according to the first embodiment, except for the structure in which the particle blocking member is attached to and detached from the case body 210.

[0157] The case body 210 can be provided at a side surface thereof with a pair of guide portions 213 spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, so that the connection member 430 can be slidably inserted thereinto. If the guide portions 213 are provided at the side surface of the case body 210, the particle blocking member 400 can be slidably inserted into the guide portions 213, whereby the particle blocking member can be coupled to the case body 210.

[0158] The guide portions 213 can be provided in the vicinity of the through-hole 211 in which the exhaust device 300 is installed.

[0159] For example, the guide portions 213 can be provided on both sides of the through-hole 211, so that the extension member 430 extending from one end portion of the third surface 413 can be slidably inserted thereinto.

[0160] In addition, for example, the guide portions 213 can be open at the top (12 o'clock direction in Figure 19 ) so that the extension member 430 can be slidably inserted thereinto from the top to the bottom, and can be closed at the bottom (6 o'clock direction in Figure 19 ) so that the extension member 430 can be seated therein. As another example, the guide portions 213 can be open at the top and the bottom, and the extension member 430 can be slidably inserted into the guide portions by a forced press fit.

[0161] In addition, as previously described, the first fastening hole 212 can be formed in the guide portions 213, and the second fastening hole 431 can also be formed in the connection member 430. In this case, when the connection member 430 is slidably inserted into the guide portions 213, primary coupling of the particle blocking member 400 can be achieved, and when the fastening member 500 is extended through both the first fastening hole 212 and the second fastening hole 431 for fastening, secondary coupling of the particle blocking member can be achieved.

[0162] Although the particle blocking member according to the first embodiment, i.e., the particle blocking member having the first mesh formed in the first surface and having the receiving portion formed by the fourth surface, has been described by way of example in the tenth embodiment of Figures 19 to 21 , it is obvious that the particle blocking member according to each of the second to ninth embodiments can also be coupled to the case body in the same manner as in the tenth embodiment.

[0163] Also, as another example, although the particle blocking member according to each of the fourth to ninth embodiments is coupled to the housing main body in a state in which the accommodation portion is coupled to the blocking portion, the blocking portion can be first coupled to the housing main body, and then the accommodation portion can be slidably coupled to the blocking portion coupled to the housing main body.

[0164] Also, although the accommodation portion according to each of the fourth to ninth embodiments has been described as having the first mesh formed in the first surface by way of example, it is obvious that this can also be applied to the blocking portion according to each of the second and third embodiments as in the blocking portion according to the first embodiment.

[0165] While specific details of the present application have been described in detail, those skilled in the art will understand that the detailed description of the present application merely discloses preferred embodiments of the present application, and thus does not limit the scope of the present application. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the present application can be made without departing from the category and technical idea of the present application, and it will be apparent that such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0166] (Explanation of Reference Numerals)

[0167] 100: battery cell

[0168] 200: housing unit

[0169] 210: housing main body

[0170] 211: through hole 212: first fastening hole

[0171] 213: guide portion

[0172] 220: housing cover

[0173] 300: exhaust device

[0174] 310: base member 311: passage portion

[0175] 320: opening and closing portion

[0176] 330: elastic member

[0177] 400: particle blocking member

[0178] 410: blocking portion

[0179] 411: first surface 411a: first mesh

[0180] 412: second surface 412a: second mesh

[0181] 413: third surface

[0182] 413a: third mesh 413b: protrusion

[0183] 420: housing

[0184] 421: fourth surface

[0185] 422: fifth surface

[0186] 423: sixth surface 423a: first recess

[0187] 424: seventh surface

[0188] 425: eighth surface 425a: second recess

[0189] 426: partition wall

[0190] 426a: communication hole 426b: communication passage

[0191] 430: connecting member 431: second fastening hole

[0192] 500: fastening member

[0193] S1: first internal space

[0194] S2: second internal space

[0195] S3: third internal space

Claims

1. A secondary battery, the secondary battery comprising: At least one battery cell; A housing unit, wherein the housing unit is configured to accommodate the battery cell and has a first internal space, and a through hole is formed in the side surface of the housing unit; An exhaust device, installed in the through-hole, is used to discharge gases generated in the housing unit to the outside; and A particle blocking member, wherein the particle blocking member is detachably attached to the outer side of the side surface of the housing unit in a manner that covers the exhaust device, wherein The particle blocking component includes: The blocking portion includes a first surface facing the side surface of the housing unit, a second surface extending from the upper end of the first surface toward the side surface of the housing unit, and a pair of third surfaces extending from both ends of the first surface toward the side surface of the housing unit, the blocking portion having a second internal space defined therein; as well as A storage section is located at the lower end of the blocking section.

2. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the first surface, the second surface, and the third surface is configured as a mesh plate with perforations.

3. The secondary battery according to claim 2, wherein, The mesh is formed to have a diameter smaller than that of the particles emitted through the exhaust device.

4. The secondary battery according to claim 3, wherein, The mesh is formed with an inner diameter that gradually decreases toward the side surface of the housing unit.

5. The secondary battery according to claim 2, wherein, The storage section includes: A fifth surface, which extends from the lower end of the first surface to face the side surface of the housing unit; A pair of sixth surfaces, the pair of sixth surfaces extending from the two ends of the fifth surface toward the side surface of the housing unit; A seventh surface, which extends parallel to the fifth surface from one end of the pair of sixth surfaces; and A fourth surface is configured to connect the lower ends of the fifth surface, the lower ends of the pair of sixth surfaces, and the lower ends of the seventh surface to each other.

6. The secondary battery according to claim 5, wherein... The storage section further includes a partition wall formed between the second internal space of the blocking section and the third internal space of the storage section, and A connecting hole is formed at the partition wall to allow the second interior space and the third interior space to communicate with each other.

7. The secondary battery according to claim 6, wherein, The partition wall is also provided with a connecting channel that is formed in the shape of a channel due to the extension of a portion of the connecting hole.

8. The secondary battery according to claim 6, wherein The width of the fifth surface is greater than the width of the first surface, and The storage portion also includes an eighth surface that extends from the lower end of the third surface along the upper end of the fifth surface.

9. The secondary battery according to claim 6, wherein, The storage section can be slidably connected to the blocking section.

10. The secondary battery of claim 2, further comprising a connecting member extending from an end of at least one of the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, and the fourth surface, the connecting member being configured to allow the particle blocking member to be coupled to a side surface of the housing unit via the connecting member.

11. The secondary battery according to claim 10, wherein A first fastening hole is formed on the side surface of the housing unit, and A second fastening hole is formed in the connecting member and is configured to communicate with the first fastening hole.

12. The secondary battery of claim 11, further comprising a fastening member configured to extend through both the first fastening hole and the second fastening hole in a state where the first fastening hole and the second fastening hole overlap each other for fastening.

13. The secondary battery according to claim 2, wherein The receiving portion is a fourth surface that connects the lower end of the first surface and the lower ends of the pair of third surfaces to each other. The fourth surface is formed as a plate without mesh.

14. The secondary battery according to claim 2, wherein, The venting device is a safety valve configured to open when the pressure in the first internal space rises above a predetermined pressure and to close when the pressure in the first internal space falls below the predetermined pressure.

15. The secondary battery according to claim 2, wherein, The housing unit is a module housing unit or a battery pack housing unit.

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