Battery pack

Abstract

A battery pack is disclosed. A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may comprise: a case providing an internal space and having an opening; the plurality of battery cells are positioned in the shell; and a cooling channel separating the opening.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The disclosure relates to a battery pack.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0042537, filed on March 28, 2024, in the Republic of Korea, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND

[0003] As the demand for portable electronic products such as laptop computers, camcorders, and portable phones is rapidly increasing, and robots, electric vehicles, and the like are commercialized in the market, research on high-performance secondary batteries capable of repeated charging and discharging is actively being conducted.

[0004] Currently, commercially available secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, lithium secondary batteries, and the like, and among these batteries, lithium secondary batteries have little or no memory effect, and thus they are more concerned than nickel-based secondary batteries because of their advantages of being able to be conveniently charged at any time, having a very low self-discharge rate, and having a high energy density.

[0005] A lithium secondary battery mainly includes a lithium-based oxide and a carbon material for a positive active material and a negative active material, respectively. The lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly including a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate coated with a positive active material and a negative active material, respectively, with a separator interposed between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate, and an outer packaging material or a battery case that accommodates and seals the electrode assembly and an electrolyte solution.

[0006] In general, according to the shape of the battery case, the lithium secondary battery can be classified into a can-type secondary battery in which the electrode assembly is included in a metal can and a pouch-type secondary battery in which the electrode assembly is included in a pouch of an aluminum laminate.

[0007] Recently, secondary batteries have been widely used in medium- and large-sized devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESSs) for driving and storing energy, as well as small-sized devices such as portable electronic devices. A plurality of secondary batteries can be electrically connected and accommodated within a module case, thereby forming a battery module. Further, a plurality of battery modules can be connected to each other to form a battery pack.

[0008] However, if a plurality of secondary batteries (battery cells) or a plurality of battery modules are crowded in a small space, they can be vulnerable to a thermal event. In particular, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs in one battery cell, high-temperature gas, flame, or heat can be generated. If the gas, flame, heat, etc. are transferred to other battery cells included in the same battery module, an explosion chain reaction situation such as heat propagation can occur. Furthermore, such a chain reaction not only causes an accident such as a fire or explosion in the corresponding battery module, but can also cause a fire or explosion in other battery modules.

[0009] Furthermore, in the case of a medium to large battery pack such as an electric vehicle, a large number of battery cells and battery modules are included to increase output and / or capacity, and thus the risk of a thermal chain reaction can further increase. Furthermore, in the case where the battery pack is installed on an electric vehicle or the like, a user such as a driver can be present in the vicinity. Therefore, if a thermal event occurring in a particular battery cell or module is not properly controlled and a chain reaction occurs, it can not only cause significant property damage, but can also cause human casualties. Therefore, it is necessary to properly control a thermal event occurring in a battery cell or module to improve the thermal stability of the battery pack. SUMMARY

[0010] TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0011] The present disclosure aims to solve these and other problems.

[0012] The present disclosure relates to providing a battery pack having improved safety when a thermal event occurs.

[0013] The present disclosure also relates to providing a battery pack that can suppress heat propagation by providing an independent exhaust path for each battery module when a thermal event occurs.

[0014] The present disclosure also relates to providing a battery pack that can suppress the emission of flammable particles and flames and discharge flammable particles and flames by reducing the temperature of the exhaust gas when a thermal event occurs.

[0015] The present disclosure also relates to providing a battery pack that allows easy exhaust control when a thermal event occurs.

[0016] TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[0017] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery pack is provided, the battery pack including: a housing providing an internal space and having an opening; a plurality of battery cells located inside the housing; and a cooling passage configured to partition the opening.

[0018] Further, the battery pack can further include an exhaust device configured to communicate with the opening.

[0019] Further, the exhaust device can cover the opening.

[0020] Further, the cooling passage can include a main body having a flow path formed therein, and a spray portion formed in the main body.

[0021] Further, the spray portion can be configured to communicate an inside and an outside of the main body when a thermal event occurs.

[0022] Further, the spray portion can be configured to have a thickness thinner than a surrounding.

[0023] Further, the spray portion can include an injection hole configured to communicate the inside and the outside of the main body, and a cap configured to cover the injection hole.

[0024] Further, a melting point of the cap can be configured to be lower than a melting point of the main body.

[0025] Further, the cooling passage can be formed in a plurality, and the plurality of cooling passages can be arranged in a vertical direction.

[0026] Further, the spray portion can be formed only in an uppermost cooling passage among the plurality of cooling passages.

[0027] Further, the battery pack can further include a flow guide provided on an outer surface of the cooling passage.

[0028] Further, the battery pack can further include a first mesh cover between the cooling passage and the plurality of battery cells.

[0029] Further, the battery pack can further include a second mesh cover outside the cooling passage.

[0030] Further, the housing can include a bottom plate, and a side wall mounted on an upper surface of the bottom plate, and the opening can be formed in the side wall.

[0031] Further, the housing can further include a heat sink in which a cooling flow path is formed, and the cooling passage can communicate with the cooling flow path of the heat sink.

[0032] In another aspect of the disclosure, a vehicle including the battery pack according to the disclosure is also provided.

[0033] Advantageous Effects

[0034] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, thermal stability of the battery pack can be improved.

[0035] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an exhaust temperature of the exhaust gas can be reduced.

[0036] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, exhaust control of the battery pack can be facilitated.

[0037] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, emission of the combustible particles can be blocked. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0038] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the foregoing disclosure, provide further understanding of the technical features of the present disclosure, and therefore, the present disclosure is not construed as being limited to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] Figure 1 is a view illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 2 is a view illustrating Figure 1 a battery pack, with some components exploded.

[0041] Figure 3 is a view illustrating Figure 2 a battery pack, with some components exploded.

[0042] Figure 4 is an enlarged view illustrating Figure 3 part A.

[0043] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along a tangent line B-B' of Figure 4 .

[0044] Figure 6 is an enlarged view illustrating Figure 5 part D.

[0045] Figure 7 is an enlarged view illustrating Figure 5 part D when a thermal event occurs.

[0046] Figure 8 is a view illustrating a modified embodiment of Figure 5 .

[0047] Figure 9 is an enlarged view illustrating Figure 8 part E.

[0048] Figure 10 is an enlarged view illustrating Figure 8 part E when a thermal event occurs.

[0049] Figure 11 is a view illustrating a modification embodiment of Figure 4 .

[0050] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along a tangent line C-C' of Figure 4 .

[0051] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along a tangent line F-F' of Figure 3 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the term used in the specification and the appended claims should not be interpreted as limited to generally and dictionary meanings, but interpreted based on the meanings and concepts corresponding to technical aspects of the present disclosure on the basis of the principle that the inventor is allowed to define appropriate terms in order to best explain the present disclosure.

[0053] Accordingly, the description set forth herein is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the disclosure and therefore should be interpreted as among the many alternatives set forth there is a wide and equivalent scope that should be recognized as possible in consequence of the spirit of the disclosure based on what is described.

[0054] Figure 1 is a view illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a view illustrating a battery pack of Figure 1 , in which some components are exploded. Figure 3 is a view illustrating a battery pack of Figure 2 , in which some components are exploded. Figure 4 is a view illustrating a battery pack of Figure 3 , in which some components are exploded.

[0055] Referring to Figures 1 to 4 , a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can include a case 100, a plurality of battery cells, and a cooling passage 300.

[0056] The case 100 can provide a space inside. Further, the case 100 can have an opening 121a. The opening 121a can communicate the inside and the outside of the case 100.

[0057] A plurality of battery cells can be located in an internal space provided by the case 100. At this time, the battery cell can mean a secondary battery. Also, the battery cell can have a pouch shape. However, the shape of the battery cell is not limited to the pouch shape, and can have various shapes such as a cylindrical shape or a cuboid shape. The plurality of battery cells can be stacked in one direction. The plurality of battery cells can configure a battery module 200. For example, the battery module 200 can include a module case 210 and a plurality of battery cells located inside the module case 210. Also, the battery module 200 can be provided in a plurality.

[0058] The cooling passage 300 can be installed in the opening 121a. The cooling passage 300 can partition the opening 121a. The cooling passage 300 can have a flow path formed therein. A cooling fluid can flow inside the cooling passage 300.

[0059] According to such a configuration according to the disclosure, thermal safety of the battery pack can be improved. When a thermal event occurs in the battery cell, discharge gas g (see Figure 6 ) can be generated. The discharge gas g can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack through the opening 121a. At this time, the discharge gas g can exchange heat with the cooling passage 300 while passing through the opening 121a. As a result, the temperature of the discharge gas g can be reduced. Since the discharge gas g having a reduced temperature is discharged to the outside of the battery pack, thermal safety can be improved.

[0060] Referring to Figures 1 to 4 , the case 100 of the battery pack according to the embodiment of the disclosure can include a bottom plate 110. The bottom plate 110 can have a rectangular shape.

[0061] Also, the case 100 can include a side wall 120. The side wall 120 can be installed, coupled, fastened, fixed, or attached to the upper surface of the bottom plate 110. The side wall 120 can extend along the edges of the bottom plate 110. The side wall 120 can be provided in a plurality. For example, four side walls 120 can extend along the edges of the bottom plate 110, respectively. The side wall 120 can include a first side wall 121 and a second side wall 122. The first side wall 121 can have an opening 121a. The opening 121a can have a rectangular shape. The bottom plate 110 and the side wall 120 can form a space therein.

[0062] The case 100 can include a battery pack cover 140. The battery pack cover 140 can be a rectangular plate. The battery pack cover 140 can be installed, coupled, fastened, fixed, or attached to the side wall 120. The battery pack cover 140 can cover the space formed by the bottom plate 110 and the side wall 120.

[0063] A plurality of battery cells or a plurality of battery modules 200 can be installed, coupled, fastened, fixed, or attached to the upper surface of the bottom plate 110.

[0064] The cooling passage 300 can be installed in the opening 121a or the first side wall 121. The cooling passage 300 can partition the opening 121a.

[0065] According to such a configuration according to the disclosure, thermal safety of the battery pack can be improved. The discharged gas g can be discharged through the opening 121a of the first side wall 121 at a reduced temperature.

[0066] Referring to Figures 1 to 4 , the battery pack according to the embodiment of the disclosure can further include an exhaust device 130 communicating with the opening 121a.

[0067] According to such a configuration according to the disclosure, thermal safety of the battery pack can be improved. The discharged gas g having a reduced temperature can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack through the exhaust device 130.

[0068] Referring to Figures 1 to 4 , the exhaust device 130 of the battery pack according to the embodiment of the disclosure can cover the opening 121a. The exhaust device 130 can include an exhaust cover 131 and a gas valve 132. The exhaust cover 131 can cover the opening 121a or the cooling passage 300. In addition, the exhaust cover 131 can be installed, coupled, fastened, fixed, or attached to the first side wall 121. The gas valve 132 can be installed in the exhaust cover 131. The gas valve 132 can face the opening 121a or the cooling passage 300.

[0069] According to such a configuration according to the disclosure, thermal safety of the battery pack can be improved. When the internal pressure of the battery pack increases, the gas valve 132 can be opened. The discharged gas g can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack through the gas valve 132.

[0070] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along a tangent line B-B' of Figure 4 . Figure 6 is an enlarged view showing a portion D of Figure 5 . Figure 7 is an enlarged view showing a portion D of Figure 5 when a thermal event occurs.

[0071] Referring to Figures 5 to 7 , the cooling passage 300 according to the embodiment of the disclosure can be provided in a plurality. The plurality of cooling passages 300 can be arranged in an up-down direction or a Z-axis direction. In addition, the plurality of cooling passages 300 can partition the opening 121a. The discharged gas g can flow between adjacent cooling passages 300. The plurality of cooling passages 300 can extend in a left-right direction or a Y-axis direction.

[0072] According to such a configuration according to the disclosure, thermal safety of the battery pack can be improved. By providing a plurality of cooling passages 300, the temperature of the discharged gas g can be more reduced.

[0073] Referring to Figures 5 to 7 The cooling passage 300 according to the embodiment of the disclosure can be provided in plural. The plural cooling passages 300 can be arranged along the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction.

[0074] According to such a configuration of the disclosure, thermal safety of the battery pack can be improved. By providing the plural cooling passages 300, the temperature of the exhaust gas g can be more reduced.

[0075] Referring to Figures 5 to 7 The cooling passage 300 of the battery pack according to the embodiment of the disclosure can include a main body 310 and a spouting portion 320. The main body 310 can have a flow path formed therein. The spouting portion 320 can be formed in the main body 310. The spouting portion 320 can be configured to spout the cooling medium cm flowing inside the main body 310.

[0076] According to such a configuration of the disclosure, thermal safety of the battery pack can be improved. The temperature of the exhaust gas g can be reduced due to heat exchange with the cooling passage 300. In addition, the exhaust gas g can be cooled by the cooling medium cm discharged through the spouting portion 320. The temperature of the exhaust gas g can be reduced by evaporating the discharged cooling medium cm. In addition, the relative concentration or partial pressure of oxygen can be reduced due to the evaporated cooling medium cm. Accordingly, the risk of fire can be reduced.

[0077] Referring to Figures 5 to 7 The spouting portion 320 of the battery pack according to the embodiment of the disclosure can be configured to communicate the inside and the outside of the main body 310 when a thermal event occurs. As a result, the cooling medium cm flowing through the main body 310 can be discharged through the opening 121a.

[0078] According to such a configuration of the disclosure, the temperature of the exhaust gas g can be reduced, and the risk of fire can be reduced.

[0079] Referring to Figures 5 to 7 The cooling passage 300 of the battery pack according to the embodiment of the disclosure can further include a flow guide 330. The flow guide 330 can be formed on an outer surface of the cooling passage 300 or the main body 310. The flow guide 330 can extend along the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction. In addition, the flow guide 330 can extend along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. In addition, the flow guide 330 can be provided in plural. The plural flow guides 330 can be located between adjacent cooling passages 300. The plural cooling passages 300 and the plural flow guides 330 can be alternately arranged. In addition, the plural cooling passages 300 and the plural flow guides 330 can be arranged along the up-down direction or the Z-axis direction.

[0080] According to such a configuration according to the disclosure, thermal safety of the battery pack can be improved. The discharge gas g can be diffused by the flow guide 330. Accordingly, a flow path of the discharge gas g can be extended. The temperature can be reduced by diffusing the discharge gas g.

[0081] Referring to Figures 5 to 7 , the injection portion 320 of the battery pack according to the embodiment of the disclosure can be configured to have a thickness thinner than the surroundings. The thickness (t1) of the injection portion 320 can be formed to be smaller than the thickness (t2) of the main body 310 located in the vicinity of the surroundings or the thickness (t3) of the flow guide 330. Since the injection portion 320 is formed to have a thin thickness, its thermal resistance can be weakened. Accordingly, the injection portion 320 can be easily melted when exposed to the discharge gas g.

[0082] According to such a configuration according to the disclosure, when a thermal event occurs, the injection portion 320 can be damaged or melted by the high-temperature discharge gas g. As a result, the injection portion 320 can form a through-hole. The cooling medium cm flowing through the main body 310 can be discharged through the through-hole.

[0083] Referring to Figures 5 to 7 , the cooling channel 300 according to the embodiment of the disclosure can be provided in plural. The plural cooling channels 300 can be arranged in an up-down direction or a Z-axis direction. In addition, the injection portion 320 can be formed only in the cooling channel 300 located at the uppermost position among the plural cooling channels 300. In addition, the injection portion 320 can be formed in plural in the cooling channel 300 located at the uppermost position among the plural cooling channels 300.

[0084] According to such a configuration according to the disclosure, when a thermal event occurs, the cooling medium cm can be discharged from the cooling channel 300 located at the uppermost position. The discharged cooling medium cm can flow downward and enter the flow path of the discharge gas g and the other cooling channels 300. As a result, the cooling medium cm can cool the discharge gas g and the other cooling channels 300 as a whole.

[0085] Figure 8 is a view illustrating a modified embodiment of Figure 5 . Figure 9 is an enlarged view of part E of Figure 8 . 10 is an enlarged view of part E of Figure 8 when a thermal event occurs.

[0086] Referring to Figures 8 to 10 , the injection portion 320 of the battery pack according to the embodiment of the disclosure can include an injection hole 321 that communicates the inside and the outside of the main body 310, and a cover 322 that covers the injection hole 321. The cover 322 can be provided at each injection hole 321. The cover 322 can seal the injection hole 321.

[0087] According to such a configuration according to the disclosure, when a thermal event occurs, the cover 322 can be damaged or melted by the high-temperature exhaust gas g. This can cause the injection hole 321 to open. The cooling medium cm flowing through the main body 310 can be discharged through the injection hole 321.

[0088] Referring to Figures 8 to 10 , the cover 322 of the battery pack according to the embodiment of the disclosure can have a melting point lower than that of the main body 310.

[0089] The cover 322 can be made of a material that can be melted at a low temperature. For example, the cover 322 can include an alloy material having a melting point between 60℃ and 100℃. Alternatively, the cover 322 can include a thermoplastic material having a melting point between 60℃ and 100℃.

[0090] According to such a configuration according to the disclosure, thermal safety of the battery pack can be improved. When a thermal event occurs in the battery module 200 or the battery cell, the cover 322 can be melted or broken, and the injection hole 321 can be opened.

[0091] Figure 11 is a view illustrating a variant embodiment of Figure 4 . Referring to Figure 11 , the battery pack according to the embodiment of the disclosure can further include a first mesh cover 340. The first mesh cover 340 can be positioned between the cooling passage 300 and the plurality of battery cells. Alternatively, the first mesh cover 340 can be positioned between the cooling passage 300 and the plurality of battery modules 200. The first mesh cover 340 can be installed, coupled, fastened, fixed, or attached to the opening 121a. The first mesh cover 340 can include a metal material.

[0092] According to such a configuration according to the disclosure, thermal safety of the battery pack can be improved. When a thermal event occurs, the first mesh cover 340 can block sparks or combustible particles from being emitted to the outside of the battery pack.

[0093] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along a tangent line C-C' of Figure 4 . Referring to Figure 12 , the battery pack according to the embodiment of the disclosure can further include a second mesh cover 350. The second mesh cover 350 can be located outside the cooling passage 300. In addition, the second mesh cover 350 can be located inside the exhaust cover 131. Alternatively, the second mesh cover 350 can be located between the cooling passage 300 and the gas valve 132. The second mesh cover 350 can be installed, coupled, fastened, fixed, or attached to the opening 121a or the exhaust cover 131. The second mesh cover 350 can include a metal material.

[0094] According to such a configuration according to the disclosure, thermal safety of the battery pack can be improved. When a thermal event occurs, the second mesh cover 350 can block sparks or combustible particles from being emitted to the outside of the battery pack.

[0095] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along a tangent F-F' of Figure 3 Referring to Figure 13 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery pack can further include a heat sink 110.

[0096] The heat sink 110 can be formed as a part of the housing 100. In this case, the heat sink 110 can be a bottom plate 110.

[0097] Alternatively, the heat sink can be provided as a separate member from the housing 100. In this case, the heat sink 110 can be mounted, coupled, fastened, fixed, or attached to a lower surface of the bottom plate 110.

[0098] The heat sink 110 can have a first cooling flow path 121b formed therein. A cooling medium cm can flow along the first cooling flow path 121b. In addition, a second cooling flow path 111 of the heat sink 110 can communicate with the cooling passage 300.

[0099] The first side wall 121 can have a second cooling flow path 111 formed therein. The first cooling flow path 121b of the heat sink 110 can communicate with the second cooling flow path 111 of the first side wall 121. In addition, the second cooling flow path 111 can communicate with the cooling passage 300.

[0100] According to such a configuration according to the present disclosure, the cooling medium cm of the battery pack can flow through the heat sink 110 and the cooling passage 300. Accordingly, the pressure applied by the cooling medium cm flowing through the heat sink 110 can be used to make the cooling medium cm flow through the cooling passage 300. In addition, when a thermal event occurs, the cooling medium cm can be discharged through the cooling passage 300 at high pressure.

[0101] In addition, the battery pack according to the present disclosure can further include various components, for example, components of a battery pack known at the time of filing the present application, such as a BMS, a bus bar, a relay, a current sensor, etc.

[0102] The vehicle according to the present disclosure can include the battery pack according to the present disclosure described above. The battery pack according to the present disclosure can be applied to a vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. In addition, the vehicle according to the present disclosure can include various other components included in a vehicle, for example, a vehicle body, a motor, and a control device such as an ECU (Electronic Control Unit), in addition to the battery pack.

[0103] Terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and rear are used for convenience of description, but it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the terms can change depending on the position of the element or the observer.

[0104] The present disclosure has been described in detail. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the scope of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

Claims

1.A battery pack comprising: a case providing an internal space and having an opening; a plurality of battery cells located inside the case; and a cooling passage configured to partition the opening. 2.The battery pack of claim 1, further comprising: an exhaust device configured to communicate with the opening. 3.The battery pack of claim 2, the exhaust device covers the opening. wherein 4.The battery pack of claim 1, the cooling passage comprises: wherein a main body having a flow path formed therein; and an injection portion formed in the main body. 5.The battery pack of claim 4, the injection portion is configured to communicate an inside and an outside of the main body when a thermal event occurs. wherein 6.The battery pack of claim 4, the injection portion is configured to have a thickness thinner than a surrounding. wherein 7.The battery pack of claim 4, the injection portion comprises: wherein an injection hole configured to communicate the inside and the outside of the main body; and a cap configured to cap the injection hole. 8.The battery pack of claim 7, a melting point of the cap is configured to be lower than a melting point of the main body. wherein 9.The battery pack of claim 4, the cooling passage is formed in a plurality, and wherein, wherein the plurality of cooling passages are arranged in an up-and-down direction. 10.The battery pack of claim 9, the injection portion is formed only in an uppermost cooling passage among the plurality of cooling passages. wherein 11.The battery pack of claim 1, further comprising: a flow guide provided on an outer surface of the cooling passage. 12.The battery pack of claim 1, further comprising: a first mesh cover located between the cooling passage and the plurality of battery cells. 13.The battery pack of claim 1, further comprising: a second mesh cover located outside the cooling passage. 14.The battery pack of claim 1, the case comprises: wherein a bottom plate; and a side wall mounted on an upper surface of the bottom plate, wherein the opening is formed in the side wall. 15.The battery pack of claim 1, the case further comprises a heat sink in which a cooling flow path is formed, and wherein wherein the cooling passage communicates with the cooling flow path of the heat sink. 16.A vehicle comprising the battery pack of any one of claims 1 to 15. ​

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