Battery pack and vehicle including the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery pack comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a pack case configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells and having an exhaust device on one side thereof, the exhaust device configured to discharge exhaust gas generated in the battery cells to the outside; and a fire extinguishing member provided in the battery pack case and configured to provide a fire extinguishing material to the exhaust device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to battery packs, and more specifically, to battery packs with enhanced safety and vehicles including such battery packs.

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0084842, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on June 27, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0003] Secondary batteries, offering high applicability across product categories and possessing electrical properties such as high energy density, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electric sources. Such secondary batteries are gaining attention as a new energy source for enhancing environmental sustainability and energy efficiency, not only because of their major advantage of significantly reducing fossil fuel use but also because they do not produce byproducts from energy use.

[0004] Currently widely used rechargeable batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. When a high output voltage is required, multiple battery cells can be connected in series to form a battery module or battery pack. Alternatively, to increase charging / discharging capacity, multiple battery cells can be connected in parallel to configure a battery module or battery pack.

[0005] A common method for configuring a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series / parallel is to configure a battery module comprising one or more battery cells, and then configure the battery pack or battery rack by adding other components to the one or more battery modules. Recently, instead of modularizing the multiple battery cells, cell-to-pack type battery packs have been manufactured that store multiple battery cells directly in the battery pack casing, etc.

[0006] However, if a thermal event such as thermal runaway occurs inside the battery pack, gases may be released from the battery cells contained within the pack, and these gases may include flames. Additionally, while gases are normally released from the battery cells, electrode plate particles or active material particles may be heated to high temperatures and released from the battery cells to the outside, and these high-temperature particles may appear as sparks.

[0007] When an abnormality occurs in a specific battery cell or module, conventional battery packs typically vent high-temperature gases to the outside of the battery pack casing via an exhaust unit located within the casing. In this situation, if a spark is exposed to the outside of the battery pack casing along with the gases, the spark may react with oxygen outside the battery pack, potentially causing a flame or fire outside the battery pack. Furthermore, if a flame or fire occurs outside a particular battery pack, the fire could spread to other adjacent battery packs or devices equipped with battery packs, leading to even greater problems.

[0008] Therefore, a technology is needed to prevent sparks or flames from being exposed to the outside of the battery pack through the venting unit, thereby suppressing the occurrence or spread of flames or fires outside the battery pack. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Technical issues

[0010] This disclosure was designed to address the problems in the related technologies, and therefore aims to provide a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery pack, which can ensure safety and reliability under abnormal conditions of battery cells or battery modules, such as thermal runaway in the battery module.

[0011] However, the technical problems that this disclosure seeks to solve are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the description of the invention below that there are other problems not mentioned above.

[0012] Technical solution

[0013] In one aspect of this disclosure, a battery pack is provided, comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a battery pack housing configured to store the plurality of battery cells and having an exhaust device disposed on one side to discharge exhaust gases generated from the battery cells to the outside of the battery pack housing; and a fire extinguishing member disposed in the battery pack housing and configured to supply a fire extinguishing agent to the exhaust device.

[0014] Fire extinguishing components can be configured to absorb heat and alter their material properties.

[0015] Fire extinguishing components can be configured to surround the outer periphery of the exhaust device.

[0016] Fire extinguishing components can be installed on the inner surface of the battery pack housing.

[0017] The battery pack housing may include a plurality of beams in which empty spaces are formed, and the fire extinguishing component may be disposed in the empty space formed in at least one of the beams.

[0018] The extinguishing agent generated from the extinguishing components can be configured to move from an empty space toward the exhaust system.

[0019] The battery pack housing may have a vent hole formed to communicate with an empty space and configured to allow extinguishing agent generated from the extinguishing component to be discharged through the vent hole.

[0020] The vent hole can be formed in at least one of the multiple beams.

[0021] The exhaust port can be formed in a beam in which an exhaust device is installed.

[0022] The vent can be configured to allow the extinguishing agent to be discharged across the venting device.

[0023] The vent can be configured to discharge extinguishing agent along the height of the venting device.

[0024] Multiple exhaust holes can be provided along the width of the exhaust device.

[0025] The battery pack according to embodiments of the present disclosure may also include a cover member configured to cover the discharge port and open the discharge port by being melted by heat.

[0026] In another aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle including a battery pack according to this disclosure is provided.

[0027] Beneficial effects

[0028] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a fire extinguishing agent, such as carbon dioxide, generated via the sublimation of the fire extinguishing component, can be used to prevent sparks generated in abnormal conditions of the battery cell from being exposed to the outside of the battery pack casing, thereby suppressing flames from occurring outside the battery pack casing. Therefore, the safety and reliability of the battery pack can be ensured.

[0029] Furthermore, according to one aspect of this disclosure, the fire extinguishing component can be configured to absorb heat from the surrounding environment upon sublimation, thereby reducing the temperature around the exhaust device V. Therefore, sparks directed towards the exhaust device V can be extinguished. Thus, the emission of sparks to the outside of the battery pack housing 200 can be prevented from the source.

[0030] Furthermore, according to one aspect of this disclosure, in the event of an event such as thermal runaway of the battery pack, the flame or fire can be extinguished by a fire extinguishing agent. Therefore, the occurrence of chain reactions between battery cells can be more effectively suppressed.

[0031] Furthermore, according to one aspect of this disclosure, heat propagation prevention performance between battery packs can be effectively ensured by suppressing the development of flames outside the battery pack.

[0032] Therefore, events such as fires or explosions caused by thermal runaway can be prevented or delayed in battery packs comprising multiple battery modules or in devices equipped with them.

[0033] In particular, in the case of electric vehicles, sufficient time can be provided for occupants to escape or drive by suppressing or delaying thermal runaway between battery cells or battery modules.

[0034] In addition, this disclosure may have various other effects, and these effects will be described in the corresponding embodiments, or descriptions of effects that can be easily deduced by those skilled in the art will be omitted. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the foregoing disclosure, serve to provide a further understanding of the technical features of the present disclosure; therefore, the present disclosure is not to be construed as limited to the drawings.

[0036] Figure 1 This is an overall perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery module included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the state of supplying fire extinguishing agent to an exhaust device included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is an internal perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating an embodiment in which fire extinguishing agent is supplied to an exhaust device.

[0041] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, which can illustrate along, for example... Figure 1 The cross section intercepted by line I-I' in the middle.

[0042] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack when viewed from above, according to another embodiment of this disclosure, which can illustrate along, for example... Figure 1 The section cut by line II-II' in the middle.

[0043] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of providing fire extinguishing agent to an exhaust device in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the discharge port in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 11This is a diagram illustrating the discharge port in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating the discharge port in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating the discharge port in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of providing fire extinguishing agent to an exhaust device in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating the discharge port in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of providing fire extinguishing agent from a vent hole when a thermal event occurs in the battery pack, according to another embodiment of this disclosure.

[0051] Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating a cover member in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack when viewed from below, according to another embodiment of this disclosure.

[0053] Figure 19 This is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0054] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terminology used in the specification and appended claims should not be construed as limited to its general and dictionary meanings, but rather interpreted based on the meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure, on the basis of allowing the inventors to appropriately define the terminology for the best interpretation.

[0055] Therefore, the descriptions presented herein are merely preferred examples for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the full scope of this disclosure. It should be understood that other equivalents and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0056] Furthermore, this disclosure may include various embodiments. Redundant descriptions of substantially the same or similar configurations will be omitted from the various embodiments, and descriptions will be based on the differences between them.

[0057] Furthermore, although terms indicating directions such as (up), (down), left, right, front, and back are used in this specification, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains that these terms are merely for ease of interpretation with reference to the accompanying drawings and may vary depending on the position of the target object or the observer's position.

[0058] For example, in embodiments of this disclosure, the X-axis direction shown in the figure can indicate the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction can indicate the front-back direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction on the horizontal plane (XY plane), and the Z-axis direction can indicate the up-down direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to the X-axis and Y-axis directions.

[0059] Figure 1 This is an overall perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery module included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Additionally, Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the state of supplying fire extinguishing agent to an exhaust device included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] Reference Figures 1 to 4 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery pack 1 may include battery cells 100 and battery pack housing 200.

[0061] First, refer to Figure 2 The system may include multiple battery cells 100. Additionally, although not shown in the figures, the multiple battery cells 100 may include electrode assemblies, a cell housing storing the electrode assemblies, and electrode leads connected to the electrode assemblies and extending to the outside of the cell housing, thus serving as electrode terminals. In this configuration, the multiple battery cells 100 may be electrically connected to each other.

[0062] Multiple battery cells 100 can be stacked in at least one direction. For example, as Figure 2 As shown, multiple battery cells 100 can be arranged vertically (Z-axis direction) and side by side in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction).

[0063] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the battery cell 100 can be a pouch-type secondary battery. However, this disclosure is not limited to a specific type or form of battery cell 100, and various battery cells 100 known at the time of submission of this disclosure can be applied to the battery pack 1 configured according to this disclosure. For example, cylindrical or prismatic secondary batteries can also be applied to the battery cell 100.

[0064] Multiple battery cells 100 can be modularized into one or more battery modules 10. That is, the battery pack 1 according to this disclosure may include multiple battery modules 10, and the multiple battery cells 100 included in the battery pack 1 can be divided and included in multiple battery modules 10. In this case, the multiple battery cells 100 included in the battery module 10 can be electrically connected to each other.

[0065] Reference Figure 3 The battery module 10 included in the battery pack 1 according to this disclosure may further include a module housing 11. The module housing 11 may be configured to have empty spaces formed therein and to store at least some of the battery cells 100 in the internal space. In particular, the module housing 11 may be configured to store the battery cells 100. That is, the module housing 11 may be a boundary that groups the multiple battery cells 100 into several battery modules 10 and physically defines the internal space of each battery module 10.

[0066] Additionally, although not shown in the accompanying drawings, the battery module 10 may include a busbar assembly and / or module terminals electrically connected to a plurality of battery cells 100 stored therein.

[0067] The battery module 10 may include a vent H. The vent H may be configured to allow gases generated from the battery cells 100 stored inside the module housing 11 to be released to the outside of the module housing 11.

[0068] Specifically, the vent H can be provided in the module housing 11 and configured to allow directional exhaust in a specific direction. For example, as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the vent H can be located in the upper part of the module housing 11. According to this configuration, exhaust gas and / or sparks can be guided to be discharged to the upper part of the battery module.

[0069] The battery pack housing 200 can be configured to store multiple battery cells 100. The battery pack housing 200 can be configured as a box comprising multiple frames. The battery pack housing 200 can be made of a material such as metal (e.g., steel or SUS) or plastic that can ensure mechanical strength, or may include such a material to securely protect the battery cells 100 stored therein.

[0070] The battery pack housing 200 may include a venting device V on one side surface. The venting device V may be disposed on the side surface of the battery pack housing 200. The venting device V may be configured to discharge gases generated from the battery cells 100 to the outside of the battery pack housing 200. The venting device V may be configured to open due to the pressure of the exhaust gas when the internal pressure of the battery pack housing 200 increases due to the exhaust gas generated therein, thereby discharging the exhaust gas to the outside of the battery pack housing 200.

[0071] The venting device V can be configured to open and close according to the internal pressure of the battery pack housing 200. The venting device V can be configured in the form of an orifice. Alternatively, the venting device V can have an vent valve or can be implemented as such a vent valve. The battery pack housing 200 can have a mounting portion A formed therein. The mounting portion A can be configured to allow the venting device V to be installed therein. If the venting device V is provided with an vent valve or implemented in the form of such a vent valve, the vent valve can be configured to open when the internal pressure of the battery pack housing 200 increases, thereby venting exhaust gas to the outside of the battery pack housing 200.

[0072] Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to a particular type or form of exhaust device V, and various exhaust devices V known at the time of filing of this disclosure can be applied to the battery pack 1 configured with this disclosure.

[0073] Multiple exhaust devices V can be installed. Exhaust devices V can be installed in one or more of the multiple beams. One exhaust device V can be installed in each of two or more beams, or two or more exhaust devices V can be installed in each beam.

[0074] In addition, Figure 2 The number or location of exhaust devices V described in the implementation methods, etc., are merely examples and can be changed to various other values ​​and locations.

[0075] Reference Figure 4 The fire extinguishing component 300 can be configured to provide extinguishing agent E. Specifically, the fire extinguishing component 300 can be configured to provide extinguishing agent E to the exhaust device V. The fire extinguishing component 300 can be configured to discharge extinguishing agent E toward the exhaust device V. The fire extinguishing component 300 can be configured to spray extinguishing agent E into the exhaust device V. Alternatively, the extinguishing agent E provided from the fire extinguishing component 300 can be configured to move toward the exhaust device V.

[0076] The fire extinguishing component 300 may be disposed within the battery pack housing 200. A description of the location of the fire extinguishing component 300 will be provided later.

[0077] The extinguishing agent E can be a gas. For example, the extinguishing agent E can be carbon dioxide or include carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide as an extinguishing agent can suppress or extinguish flames. Therefore, according to this implementation configuration of the present disclosure, when an event such as thermal runaway occurs, carbon dioxide can actively respond to exhaust gas or flames.

[0078] According to the configuration described above, since a fire extinguishing component 300 configured to supply fire extinguishing agent E to the exhaust device V is included, the oxygen concentration around the exhaust device V can be reduced. Therefore, the occurrence of flames inside or outside the battery pack 1 can be suppressed. Furthermore, even if a flame or fire occurs, it can be extinguished by the fire extinguishing agent E. As a result, the safety and reliability of the battery pack 1 can be ensured.

[0079] Furthermore, the exhaust gases generated from the battery cell 100 may include high-temperature particles in the form of sparks caused by active material particles or electrolyte. In particular, sparks or flames with a strong tendency to move in a straight line may be emitted from the battery cell 100 and may move to the exhaust device V. In this case, if the sparks or flames are emitted to the outside of the battery pack casing 200 through the exhaust device V, there is a risk of fire or explosion.

[0080] However, according to the configuration described above in this disclosure, the extinguishing agent E can be configured to filter such sparks and / or flames. The extinguishing agent E can prevent sparks or flames from being discharged towards the exhaust device V to the outside of the battery pack housing 200. Therefore, the occurrence of flames outside the battery pack 1 can be suppressed.

[0081] Furthermore, according to the configuration described above in this disclosure, the temperature of high-temperature exhaust gases or active material particles can be reduced by absorbing heat from exhaust gases, etc., through the fire extinguishing component 300. Additionally, the fire extinguishing component 300 can be configured to reduce the temperature around the exhaust device V during the process of generating the extinguishing agent E. Therefore, sparks directed towards the exhaust device V can be extinguished. As a result, sparks emitted towards the outside of the battery pack housing 200 can be blocked from the source.

[0082] The extinguishing component 300 can be configured to absorb heat and change its material properties. For example, the extinguishing component 300 may have a material that produces extinguishing agent E at room temperature or in an environment above a certain temperature through a change of state such as sublimation or through a chemical reaction process, or may be made of such a material. The extinguishing component 300 may be solid at room temperature and may absorb heat to turn into a gas at a certain temperature or higher.

[0083] The fire extinguishing component 300 can be configured to generate carbon dioxide (CO2). The fire extinguishing component 300 can have a material that generates carbon dioxide under specific conditions. The fire extinguishing component 300 can have a material capable of generating carbon dioxide through a combustion reaction due to heat or flame. As described above, the carbon dioxide generated from the fire extinguishing component 300 can be supplied to the exhaust device V.

[0084] Additionally, the fire extinguishing component 300 may be made of a material that generates water or water vapor under certain conditions. Furthermore, the fire extinguishing component 300 may be made of a material that generates carbon dioxide and water through a thermal decomposition reaction.

[0085] In this case, the water or water vapor generated by the fire extinguishing component 300 can be used as a fire extinguishing agent, thereby further improving the flame / spark emission suppression effect or temperature reduction effect of the exhaust device V, etc.

[0086] For example, the fire extinguishing component 300 may contain naphthalene. The naphthalene included in the fire extinguishing component 300 can produce carbon dioxide and water through a combustion reaction. In particular, when flames or the like, generated by an intensification of an event such as thermal runaway in the battery module 10, flow into the exhaust device V, the flames or the like can cause a combustion reaction of the naphthalene. At this time, the naphthalene can react with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water.

[0087] As another example, the fire extinguishing component 300 may contain potassium bicarbonate or sodium bicarbonate. Typically, potassium bicarbonate can produce carbon dioxide and water (water vapor) through the following thermal decomposition reaction.

[0088] 2KHCO3→K2CO3+H2O+CO2-Q

[0089] In other words, when potassium bicarbonate is included in the fire extinguishing component 300, potassium bicarbonate can absorb heat (Q) and produce water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and K2CO3.

[0090] According to this implementation configuration, sparks or fires can be suppressed more quickly and reliably by using carbon dioxide and / or water generated by the extinguishing component 300 during thermal runaway. In this case, the temperature of the exhaust gas or high-temperature materials can be reduced by water or the like. In addition, water vapor or the like can also have the effect of hindering the linear movement of flames or particles, thereby suppressing the emission of flames or particles to the outside.

[0091] The fire extinguishing component 300 may be formed solely of materials such as naphthalene or potassium bicarbonate, or may include other materials or components besides these. For example, the fire extinguishing component 300 may be configured as a compressed form of naphthalene or potassium bicarbonate powder. Alternatively, the fire extinguishing component 300 may be configured such that the material generating carbon dioxide and / or water vapor, as described above, is supported by a separate support member. For example, the fire extinguishing component 300 may be configured such that potassium bicarbonate or naphthalene is supported by a mesh support member made of metal or polymer material.

[0092] The location of the fire extinguishing component 300 will be described in detail below.

[0093] Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is an internal perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating an embodiment in which fire extinguishing agent is supplied to an exhaust device.

[0094] As an example of supplying extinguishing agent E to the exhaust system V, such as Figure 5 In the example shown, the fire extinguishing component 300 may be disposed on one side surface of the battery pack housing 200 equipped with an exhaust device V. The fire extinguishing component 300 may be configured to be attached to one side surface of the battery pack housing 200. Alternatively, the fire extinguishing component 300 may be applied to one side surface of the battery pack housing 200.

[0095] Specifically, the fire extinguishing component 300 can be configured to surround the outer periphery of the exhaust device V. The fire extinguishing component 300 can also be configured to surround the outer side of the mounting portion A. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the fire extinguishing component 300 can be configured to surround the outer periphery of the exhaust device V in a solid state, and as... Figure 6 As shown, the fire extinguishing component 300 can absorb heat and sublimate to produce a gaseous fire extinguishing agent E.

[0096] The fire extinguishing component 300 can be configured in a plate shape. For example, as... Figure 5 As shown, the fire extinguishing component 300 can be configured as a square plate shape in which an empty space is formed.

[0097] According to the configuration described above in this disclosure, the extinguishing component 300 can absorb heat from the vicinity of the exhaust device V during the sublimation process to lower the temperature. As a result, it can extinguish sparks directed toward the exhaust device V.

[0098] Furthermore, according to the configuration described above in this disclosure, since the extinguishing agent E is sprayed toward the exhaust device V, it can prevent sparks or flames toward the exhaust device V from being emitted to the outside of the battery pack housing 200. Therefore, flames occurring outside the battery pack 1 can be suppressed.

[0099] The fire extinguishing component 300 can be disposed on the inner surface of the battery pack housing 200. Specifically, sparks and / or flames generated from the battery cells 100 may move to the exhaust device V. That is, an exhaust path can be formed between the multiple battery cells 100 and the exhaust device V, allowing sparks and / or flames to flow through the exhaust path. In this case, the fire extinguishing component 300 can be configured to cross the exhaust path, thereby suppressing the movement of sparks, etc.

[0100] According to the above configuration of this disclosure, since the sparks and / or flames emitted from the battery cell 100 are preemptively blocked before reaching the exhaust device V, the sparks can be prevented from being emitted to the outside, thereby more effectively suppressing the occurrence of flames outside the battery pack housing 200.

[0101] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, which can illustrate along, for example... Figure 1 The cross section intercepted by line I-I' in the middle. Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack when viewed from above, according to another embodiment of this disclosure, which can illustrate along, for example... Figure 1 The cross-section taken from line II-II' in the diagram. Additionally, Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of providing fire extinguishing agent to an exhaust device in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0102] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The battery pack housing 200 may have multiple frames and multiple beams. More specifically, the battery pack housing 200 may include a base frame 210 and multiple side beams 220.

[0103] The base frame 210 can be configured to house multiple battery modules 10 thereon. The base frame 210 can form the bottom surface of the battery pack housing 200 and can be configured in the form of a square plate. In addition, the base frame 210 can have a flat upper surface, allowing the battery modules 10 to be stably mounted thereon.

[0104] Multiple side beams 220 may extend upward from corresponding edges of the base frame 210. The multiple side beams 220 may be configured to surround multiple battery modules 10. More specifically, the multiple side beams 220 may each include a right wall at the +X direction end, a rear wall at the +Y direction end, a left wall at the -X direction end, and a front wall at the -Y direction end of the base frame 210 to form the side surface of the battery pack housing 200.

[0105] Additionally, the exhaust device V can be installed on at least some of the side beams in the side beams 220. For example, as... Figure 8As disclosed in the illustrated embodiment, two exhaust devices V may be provided on each of the front and rear walls of the side beam 220.

[0106] The battery pack housing 200 may also include a central beam 230 and a crossbeam 240. The central beam 230 and crossbeam 240 can be configured to separate multiple battery modules 10. For example, the central beam 230 may be configured as a partition extending in the front-rear direction and can be inserted between adjacent battery modules 10 arranged in the left-right direction. Similarly, the crossbeam 240 may be configured as a partition extending in the left-right direction and can be inserted between adjacent battery modules 10 arranged in the front-rear direction. For example, as... Figure 8 As shown, multiple battery modules 10 can be divided and arranged in four rows and two columns by the central beam 230 and the crossbeam 240.

[0107] According to this configuration, heat or flame can be prevented from spreading directly between battery modules 10, and the storage space of battery modules 10 is separated by a central beam 230 and a crossbeam 240.

[0108] The battery pack housing 200 may also include a cover frame 250. The cover frame 250 may be configured to cover the top of the plurality of battery modules 10. The cover frame 250 may be provided to form the upper side of the battery pack housing 200. The cover frame 250 may be coupled to the side beam 220. Alternatively, the cover frame 250 may be integrally provided with the side beam 220.

[0109] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 At least some of the beams of the battery pack housing 200 may have empty spaces formed therein. For example, a first empty space S1 may be formed inside the central beam 230. Additionally, at least some of the side beams 220 may have a second empty space S2 formed therein. Figure 8 As disclosed in the illustrated embodiment, the second empty space S2 can be formed in all four walls of the side beam 220. In this case, the first empty space S1 and the second empty space S2 can be configured to communicate with each other.

[0110] As another embodiment of providing fire extinguishing agent E to the exhaust device V, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As disclosed in the illustrated embodiment, the fire extinguishing component 300 can be disposed in an empty space formed in at least one of a plurality of beams. For example, the fire extinguishing component 300 can be disposed in at least one of a first empty space S1 and a second empty space S2. The fire extinguishing component 300 can be configured to extend along the extension direction of the side beam 220 and / or the central beam 230. The fire extinguishing component 300 can be configured in a plate shape.

[0111] Specifically, the fire extinguishing component 300 can be disposed in the first empty space S1 inside the central beam 230. According to the above configuration, since more heat can be applied to the first empty space S1 that is in direct contact with the battery cell 100, the fire extinguishing component 300 can absorb heat and sublimate rapidly to generate the fire extinguishing agent E.

[0112] The extinguishing agent E generated from the extinguishing component 300 can be configured to move from an empty space to the exhaust device V.

[0113] For example, when the fire extinguishing component 300 is disposed in the second empty space S2, the fire extinguishing agent E can move directly from the second empty space S2 to the exhaust device V. The exhaust device V can be configured to communicate with the second empty space S2 formed in the side beam 220. As a result, the fire extinguishing agent E in the second empty space S2 can move through the exhaust device V.

[0114] Alternative locations, such as Figure 8 In the embodiment shown, when the fire extinguishing component 300 is disposed in the first cavity S1 of the central beam 230, the fire extinguishing agent E can move from the first cavity S1 to the second cavity S2, and then to the exhaust device V disposed on the side beam 220 (see [link to embodiment]). Figure 9 (The thick arrow in the middle).

[0115] According to the above configuration of this disclosure, during the sublimation process of the fire extinguishing component 300 inside the central beam 230, heat from exhaust gases and the like can be absorbed, thereby reducing the temperature of the high-temperature exhaust gases or active material particles inside the battery pack casing 200. Therefore, the temperature inside the battery pack 1 can be reduced, and heat accumulation can be prevented, thus suppressing thermal runaway of the battery pack 1.

[0116] Furthermore, according to the configuration described above in this disclosure, the oxygen concentration around the exhaust device V can be reduced by the extinguishing agent E moving towards the exhaust device V. Therefore, flames can be suppressed both inside and outside the battery pack 1.

[0117] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the discharge port in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Additionally, Figure 11 and Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating the discharge port in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0118] Reference Figures 10 to 12 The process of extinguishing agent E generated from extinguishing component 300 being discharged toward exhaust device V will be described in detail.

[0119] The first empty space S1 and the second empty space S2 can be configured to communicate directly or indirectly with the exhaust device V. More specifically, the battery pack housing 200 can have an exhaust port H. The exhaust port H can be provided in at least one of a plurality of beams. In particular, the exhaust port H can be provided in the beam on which the exhaust device V is provided. For example, the exhaust device V can be provided on a side beam 220, and the exhaust port H can be provided in the side beam 220. The exhaust port H can be configured to communicate with the first empty space S1 and the second empty space S2.

[0120] The vent hole H can be configured to discharge extinguishing agent E generated from the extinguishing component 300. In particular, the vent hole H can be configured to discharge extinguishing agent E toward the exhaust device V.

[0121] The discharge port H can be configured as a hole passing through the battery pack housing 200. Alternatively, the discharge port H can be configured as a nozzle protruding outward from the battery pack housing 200.

[0122] According to the configuration described above, the extinguishing agent E is discharged directly toward the exhaust device V, thereby reducing the oxygen concentration around the exhaust device V. As a result, flames can be suppressed, either inside or outside the battery pack 1. Furthermore, even if a flame or fire occurs, it can be extinguished by the extinguishing agent E. Therefore, the safety and reliability of the battery pack 1 can be ensured.

[0123] The vent hole H can be configured to allow the extinguishing agent E to be discharged across the exhaust system V. The extinguishing agent E discharged from the vent hole H can function as an air curtain. That is, the movement of sparks or flames between the inside and outside of the exhaust system V can be blocked by the strong pressure of the extinguishing agent E discharged from the vent hole H.

[0124] The vent hole H can be provided in the outer periphery of the exhaust device V. The vent hole H can also be provided in the outer side of the mounting portion A. Alternatively, the vent hole H can be provided on the inner surface of the battery pack housing 200. The side beam 220 can be configured such that its inner surface is recessed inwards, and in this case, the vent hole H can be provided in the recess of the side beam 220.

[0125] According to the configuration described above in this disclosure, the high pressure of the extinguishing agent E can bend the flow direction of the spark before it is discharged into the exhaust device V. Furthermore, during this process, sparks and the like that moving towards the exhaust device V along with the exhaust gas can be prevented from being discharged to the outside. Therefore, the occurrence of flames outside the battery pack 1 can be suppressed more effectively.

[0126] The vent H can be configured to discharge extinguishing agent E along the width of the venting device V. The vent H can be located on at least one of the left and right sides of the venting device V. For example, the vent H can be located on both the left and right sides of the venting device V, staggered relative to each other. Alternatively, as... Figure 10 As disclosed in the embodiment shown, the exhaust port H can be located on the right side of the exhaust device V.

[0127] Alternatively, the vent H can be configured to discharge extinguishing agent E along the height direction of the venting device V. The vent H can be located on at least one of the upper and lower sides of the venting device V. For example, the vent H can be located on the upper and lower sides of the venting device V so that they are staggered relative to each other. Alternatively, as... Figure 11 As disclosed in the embodiment shown, the exhaust port H can be located at the bottom of the exhaust device V.

[0128] In particular, such as Figure 12 As disclosed in the illustrated embodiment, the vent H can be located at the top of the venting device V. Therefore, the extinguishing agent E can be forcefully discharged in the direction of gravity to block sparks and the like toward the venting device V (see [link to embodiment]). Figure 12 (The dashed arrow in the middle).

[0129] Specifically, the exhaust gas or spark emitted from the battery cell 100 is at a high temperature and may have a strong upward tendency. Therefore, as disclosed in the above embodiment, when the exhaust port H is located at the top of the exhaust device V, the spark with a strong tendency to move in a straight line can be guided to collide with the discharged extinguishing agent E, thereby more reliably suppressing the emission of the spark to the outside.

[0130] Multiple vent holes H can be provided. These multiple vent holes H can be arranged along the width direction of the venting device V. That is, the multiple vent holes H can be arranged along the extension direction of the side beam 220. According to the above configuration of this disclosure, since the extinguishing agent E can cover the entire area of ​​the venting device V, sparks directed towards the venting device V can be blocked more reliably.

[0131] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating the discharge port in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0132] Reference Figure 13 The discharge port H can be configured to discharge the extinguishing agent E toward the interior of the battery pack housing 200. For example, a nozzle with the discharge port H can be configured to be angled toward the interior of the battery pack housing 200.

[0133] According to this implementation configuration, when an extinguishing agent E, such as carbon dioxide or water, is generated from the extinguishing component 300, the extinguishing agent E can be used as follows: Figure 13The arrow indicates that the extinguishing agent E is sprayed towards the interior of the battery pack housing 200. In other words, the extinguishing agent E can be directly sprayed towards the sparks or flames heading towards the exhaust device V. Therefore, the extinguishing effect of the extinguishing agent E can be further improved.

[0134] Furthermore, according to the above configuration, exhaust gases can move towards the exhaust device V through the opposite side where the exhaust port H is provided. Therefore, the exhaust gases can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery pack housing 200 through the exhaust device V. As a result, the internal pressure of the battery pack housing 200 is reduced, thus preventing thermal runaway inside the battery pack 1.

[0135] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of providing fire extinguishing agent to an exhaust device in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating the discharge port in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Additionally, Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of providing fire extinguishing agent from a vent hole when a thermal event occurs in the battery pack, according to another embodiment of this disclosure.

[0136] Reference Figure 14 A third empty space S3 can be formed inside the crossbeam 240. This third empty space S3 can be configured to communicate directly with the first empty space S1. Alternatively, the third empty space S3 can be configured to communicate indirectly with the second empty space S2. In this case, although not shown in the figure, the fire extinguishing component 300 can also be installed in the third empty space S3.

[0137] When the fire extinguishing component 300 is disposed in the first cavity S1 of the central beam 230, the fire extinguishing agent E can be generated from the fire extinguishing component 300 disposed in the first cavity S1, and the fire extinguishing agent E can be moved from the first cavity S1 to the second cavity S2 and / or the third cavity S3 (see Figure 14 (The thick arrow in the middle).

[0138] Additionally, refer to Figure 15 and Figure 16 The discharge port H can be provided in at least one of the crossbeam 240, the central beam 230, and the side beam 220. The discharge port H can be configured to communicate with the first empty space S1, the second empty space S2, and the third empty space S3.

[0139] Therefore, when a thermal event occurs in the battery module 10, the extinguishing agent E can be discharged toward the battery module 10 through the discharge port H provided in at least one of the first cavity space S1, the second cavity space S2, and the third cavity space S3 (see [reference]). Figure 16 (The thick arrow in the middle).

[0140] According to the configuration described above in this disclosure, the extinguishing agent E discharged from the vent holes H formed in the plurality of beams surrounding the battery module 10 where the thermal event occurs can be sprayed directly toward the battery module 10, thereby controlling the thermal event of the battery module 10. Therefore, heat such as that from exhaust gases or flames generated from the battery cells 100 can be rapidly cooled, thereby suppressing thermal runaway of the battery module 10.

[0141] Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating a cover member in a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack when viewed from below, according to another embodiment of this disclosure.

[0142] Reference Figure 17 and Figure 18 According to another embodiment of this disclosure, the battery pack 1 may further include a cover member 400. The cover member 400 may be configured to cover the vent hole H. In addition, the cover member 400 may be configured to open the vent hole H in the event of thermal runaway.

[0143] For example, the cover member 400 can be configured as a phase change material (PCM). A phase change material is a material that can accumulate or release a large amount of heat energy (latent heat) without causing a temperature change during a process of changing from a solid to a liquid, from a liquid to a gas, or vice versa at a specific temperature (phase change temperature).

[0144] The cover member 400 can absorb heat from the battery cell 100 by utilizing an endothermic reaction. For example, the cover member 400 can be a material provided in a solid state and converted to a liquid or gaseous state when heat is transferred from the battery cell 100.

[0145] According to the configuration described above in this disclosure, under normal circumstances, the cover member 400 can block the vent hole H, thereby preventing exhaust gases and the like from flowing into the second empty space S2 of the side beam 220 through the vent hole H. Furthermore, when a thermal event occurs in the battery pack 1, the cover member 400 can open the vent hole H, thereby allowing the extinguishing agent E to be released through the vent hole H. As a result, according to the configuration described above in this disclosure, sparks directed towards the exhaust device V can be blocked, and the oxygen concentration around the exhaust device V can be reduced, thereby suppressing the occurrence of flames or fires.

[0146] Figure 19 This is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0147] Reference Figure 19The vehicle 3 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more battery packs 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The vehicle 3 according to the present disclosure may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle 3 may include four-wheeled vehicles and two-wheeled vehicles. The vehicle 3 can be operated by electricity supplied from the battery packs 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0148] As described above, although this disclosure has been described with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and various modifications and variations are possible for those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains without departing from the technical concept of this disclosure and the equivalent scope of the claims described below.

Claims

1. A battery pack, the battery pack comprising: Multiple battery cells; A battery pack housing, the battery pack housing being configured to store the plurality of battery cells and having an exhaust device disposed on one side surface to discharge exhaust gases generated from the battery cells to the outside of the battery pack housing; as well as A fire extinguishing component, which is disposed in the battery pack housing and configured to supply fire extinguishing agent to the exhaust device.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, The fire extinguishing component is configured to absorb heat and change its material properties.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, The fire extinguishing component is configured to surround the outer periphery of the exhaust device.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, The fire extinguishing component is disposed on the inner surface of the battery pack housing.

5. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, The battery pack housing includes a plurality of beams in which empty spaces are formed, and The fire extinguishing component is disposed in an empty space formed in at least one of the plurality of beams.

6. The battery pack according to claim 5, in, The extinguishing agent generated from the extinguishing component is configured to move from the empty space toward the exhaust device.

7. The battery pack according to claim 5, in, The battery pack housing has A discharge port is formed to communicate with the empty space and is configured to allow extinguishing agent generated from the extinguishing component to be discharged through the discharge port.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, in, The discharge hole is formed in at least one of the plurality of beams.

9. The battery pack according to claim 7, in, The exhaust port is formed in the beam in which the exhaust device is provided.

10. The battery pack according to claim 8, in, The vent is configured to allow the extinguishing agent to be discharged across the exhaust device.

11. The battery pack according to claim 8, in, The vent is configured to discharge the extinguishing agent along the height of the venting device.

12. The battery pack according to claim 10, in, The exhaust holes are arranged in multiple ways along the width direction of the exhaust device.

13. The battery pack according to claim 7, The battery pack also includes a cover member configured to cover the vent hole and open the vent hole by being melted by heat.

14. A vehicle comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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