Battery pack, battery assembly, and vehicle including the battery assembly

Abstract

A battery pack according to the present application includes: a battery module; an intermediate case configured to accommodate the battery module, and including a top plate, a bottom plate spaced apart from the top plate so that a battery accommodation space is formed between the top plate and the bottom plate, and an intermediate wall connecting the top plate and the bottom plate to divide the battery accommodation space; and a side case coupled with the top plate and the bottom plate outside the battery accommodation space to cover a side surface of the battery accommodation space. The intermediate wall is spaced apart from the battery module to form a flow path in which a fluid can move when the fluid is discharged from the battery module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross-references to related applications]

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0176929, filed in Korea on December 7, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0063450, filed on May 14, 2024, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to battery packs, battery modules, and vehicles including such battery modules. Background Technology

[0004] With the technological advancements and growing demand for electric vehicles and mobile devices, the need for rechargeable batteries as an energy source is increasing. Unlike primary batteries, which can only be used once, rechargeable batteries can be reused repeatedly. A rechargeable battery consists of a positive electrode and a negative electrode. Electricity is generated by the movement of electrons released from the metal when metal oxidation occurs at the positive electrode.

[0005] Multiple secondary batteries can be combined to form a battery module. Each secondary battery has a limited voltage output, but when multiple secondary batteries are connected together, they can generate a high voltage. Multiple secondary batteries can form a battery module, and the secondary batteries within the module can be controlled by a battery management system (BMS) to maintain a constant voltage. Multiple battery modules can form a battery pack, and the battery pack may include a cooler to manage the temperature of the battery modules.

[0006] Battery packs can be installed on devices that require power. For example, a battery pack can be installed in a vehicle. When a battery pack is installed in a vehicle, considering its weight, it can be positioned lower than other components of the vehicle to lower the vehicle's center of gravity. Therefore, the battery pack can be located near where a user's feet are. When a user strikes the battery pack with their foot, the battery pack located at the user's feet may be impacted, and when this impact is applied to the battery pack, it may malfunction or fail. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] This disclosure is designed to solve the above-mentioned problems, and therefore aims to provide a battery pack including a battery pack housing with high impact resistance.

[0009] This disclosure also relates to providing a battery pack for providing a battery pack housing with high impact resistance and enabling rapid fluid discharge from the secondary battery in the event of thermal runaway.

[0010] This disclosure also relates to providing a battery pack that readily dissipates heat generated from a secondary battery to prevent thermal runaway in the secondary battery.

[0011] Furthermore, the aforementioned objectives of the battery pack disclosed herein can also be applied to battery components that include the concepts of battery packs and battery modules.

[0012] The technical problems to be solved by this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand these and other technical problems from the following description.

[0013] Technical solution

[0014] A battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a secondary battery; an intermediate housing configured to house the secondary battery, the intermediate housing including a top plate, a bottom plate, and an intermediate wall, the bottom plate being spaced apart from the top plate to form a battery housing space between the bottom plate and the top plate, the intermediate wall connecting the top plate to the bottom plate to divide the battery housing space; and a side housing connected to the top plate and the bottom plate at an outside of the battery housing space to cover the side of the battery housing space, wherein the intermediate wall is spaced apart from the secondary battery to form a flow channel in which fluid moves when fluid is discharged from the secondary battery.

[0015] The side casing can be attached to the secondary battery using adhesive.

[0016] The side housing may include a metallic material for heat conduction. The thickness of the adhesive may be less than the thickness of the side housing.

[0017] The thickness of the adhesive can be 0.3 mm or less.

[0018] Adhesives can be thermosetting.

[0019] The battery assembly may also include a module housing configured to house a secondary battery and located within a battery housing space, wherein the module housing has a module opening at a location corresponding to the secondary battery to allow fluid to move toward a flow channel when fluid is discharged from the secondary battery.

[0020] The secondary battery may have a cylindrical shape and include a positive electrode protrusion at one end and a negative electrode surface at the opposite end, and the negative electrode surface and the module housing may be bonded to the side housing.

[0021] The battery assembly may also include a vent valve that opens based on a pressure difference between the fluid in the battery housing and the outside being equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure, to allow fluid moving along the flow channel to move to the outside.

[0022] The vent valve may include a membrane whose permeability changes based on the pressure difference between the fluid and the outside being equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure to allow fluid to pass through the membrane.

[0023] The exhaust valve can be located in the direction of gravity.

[0024] The battery housing space can be divided into a first battery housing space and a second battery housing space by an intermediate wall, and the vent valve can include: a first vent valve corresponding to the first battery housing space; and a second vent valve corresponding to the second battery housing space.

[0025] The middle shell can be formed integrally. The side shells can be connected to the top and bottom plates by bolts.

[0026] The battery assembly may also include a cover housing that is attached to the intermediate housing to cover the other sides of the battery housing space.

[0027] A vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a vehicle frame; and a battery assembly forming at least a portion of the bottom of the vehicle frame, wherein the battery assembly includes: a battery module; an intermediate housing configured to house the battery module, the intermediate housing including a top plate, a bottom plate, and an intermediate wall, the bottom plate being spaced apart from the top plate to form a battery housing space between the bottom plate and the top plate, the intermediate wall connecting the top plate to the bottom plate to divide the battery housing space; and a side housing connected to the top plate and the bottom plate at an outside of the battery housing space to cover the side of the battery housing space, wherein the intermediate wall is spaced apart from the battery module to form a flow channel in which fluid moves when fluid is discharged from the battery module.

[0028] The side housing can be attached to the battery module using adhesive.

[0029] The side shell may include a metallic material for conducting heat.

[0030] The vehicle may also include an exhaust valve that opens based on a pressure difference between the fluid in the battery containment space and the outside that is equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure, to allow fluid moving along the flow channel to move to the outside.

[0031] A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a battery module including a secondary battery; an intermediate housing configured to house the battery module, the intermediate housing including a top plate, a bottom plate, and an intermediate wall, the bottom plate being spaced apart from the top plate to form a battery housing space between the bottom plate and the top plate, the intermediate wall connecting the top plate to the bottom plate to divide the battery housing space; and a side housing connected to the top plate and the bottom plate at the outside of the battery housing space to cover the side of the battery housing space and connected to the secondary battery by an adhesive.

[0032] Beneficial effects

[0033] The battery pack according to this disclosure may include an intermediate wall that connects the top plate to the bottom plate to provide a battery pack housing with high impact resistance.

[0034] The battery pack according to this disclosure may include intermediate walls and battery modules spaced apart from each other for fluid discharge, thereby enabling rapid fluid discharge from the secondary battery in the event of thermal runaway.

[0035] The battery pack according to this disclosure may include a secondary battery and a side casing bonded together by an adhesive, which facilitates the release of heat generated from the secondary battery, thereby preventing thermal runaway in the secondary battery.

[0036] Furthermore, the aforementioned effects of the battery pack disclosed herein can be similarly applied to battery components that include the concepts of battery packs and battery modules.

[0037] The effects that can be obtained from this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand these and other effects from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 This is a side view showing a vehicle including a battery pack according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a standard battery pack.

[0040] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A 3D view of the battery pack shown.

[0041] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The diagram shown is an exploded view of the battery pack.

[0042] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the battery pack shown is taken along line V-V'.

[0043] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 5 A conceptual diagram of fluid movement shown in the cross-sectional view.

[0044] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 5 A conceptual diagram of heat movement shown in the cross-sectional view.

[0045] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack according to the second embodiment.

[0046] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack according to the third embodiment.

[0047] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack according to the fourth embodiment.

[0048] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack according to the fifth embodiment.

[0049] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack according to the sixth embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0050] In the following description, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in sufficient detail with reference to the accompanying drawings to enable those skilled in the art to readily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to or construed as described below.

[0051] In order to clearly describe this disclosure, irrelevant descriptions or detailed descriptions of related known techniques that may unnecessarily obscure the main points of this disclosure have been omitted, and when reference numerals are attached to elements in each figure, the same or similar reference numerals are attached to the same or similar elements throughout the specification.

[0052] Furthermore, it should be understood that the terms or words used in the specification and appended claims should not be construed as limited to their general and dictionary meanings, but rather are interpreted according to their meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of this disclosure, based on the principle of allowing the inventors to appropriately define the terms to obtain the best interpretation.

[0053] It should be understood that the various embodiments of this disclosure and the terminology used herein are not intended to limit the technical features of this disclosure to specific embodiments, but rather to include various variations, equivalents or alternatives to the corresponding embodiments.

[0054] Regarding the description of the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related elements.

[0055] Unless the context otherwise indicates, the singular form of the noun corresponding to an item may include one or more items.

[0056] As used herein, each of phrases such as “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B”, “A, B or C”, “at least one of A, B and C”, and “at least one of A, B or C” can include any one of the items listed with the corresponding phrase or all possible combinations thereof.

[0057] The term “and / or” includes a combination of multiple related statement elements or any one of multiple related statement elements.

[0058] Terms such as “first” and “second” may be used only to distinguish the corresponding element from the other corresponding elements, and are not intended to limit the corresponding element in other respects (e.g., importance or order).

[0059] When a component (e.g., the first) is referred to as “connected” or “linked” to another component (e.g., the second) with or without the terms “functionally” or “through communication”, the component may be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or via a third component.

[0060] The terms “comprising,” “including,” or “having” indicate the presence of the stated features, drawings, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, drawings, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0061] When an element is referred to as “connected to another element,” “linked to another element,” “supported by another element,” or “in contact with another element,” this includes situations where elements are directly connected, linked, supported, or in contact with each other, as well as situations where they are indirectly connected, linked, supported, or in contact with each other through a third element.

[0062] When an element is said to be "on" another element, that element can contact the other element and an intermediate element can exist.

[0063] Furthermore, the terms “up and down,” “downward,” and “front and back” used herein are defined based on the accompanying drawings, and the shape and position of each element are not limited by these terms.

[0064] Hereinafter, embodiments according to this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0065] Figure 1 This is a side view showing a vehicle V including a battery pack BP according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] Reference Figure 1 A vehicle V according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0067] A vehicle V that requires electrical energy can be provided. Here, vehicle V refers to a mobile device, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it could be a motorcycle or a car. However, for ease of description, as... Figure 1 As shown, assume that vehicle V is a motorcycle for the following description.

[0068] Vehicle V may include a battery pack BP configured to generate electrical energy. The battery pack BP may have a predetermined weight, and to stably mount the battery pack BP with this weight, it may be mounted on the lower part of vehicle V. Furthermore, when the battery pack BP is mounted on the lower part of vehicle V, it may be positioned near the user's feet. The user may bump the battery pack BP with their feet while using vehicle V, thus subjecting it to impact. When the battery pack BP is subjected to impact, the impact can be transmitted to the secondary battery B included in the battery pack BP, causing side reactions in the secondary battery B and potentially leading to thermal runaway. To prevent this, [further details are needed]. Figure 1 Unlike other systems, the battery pack BP can be located within the lower frame of the vehicle V. However, any components or structures may be required to provide sufficient rigidity for the battery pack BP or to prevent damage to it. Because adding any component may involve increased production time or costs, the battery pack BP needs to be rigid without adding any other components. Furthermore, the battery pack BP, as... Figure 1 As shown, the battery pack BP functions as a toehold for the vehicle V, thus requiring increased rigidity. In other words, since the battery pack BP forms at least a portion of the bottom of the vehicle frame of the vehicle V, it may require a battery pack BP with increased rigidity.

[0069] Additionally, the battery assembly BA may include the battery pack BP and battery module BM as described below. The battery assembly BA may include a secondary battery B and the necessary components for the proper operation of the secondary battery B. The secondary battery B may be provided in the form of a battery module BM, or in the form of a battery pack BP comprising multiple battery modules BM. Furthermore, the battery pack BP may be provided without forming a battery module BM. Providing the secondary battery B by forming a module ensures structural stability, but may require longer production time and higher production costs due to the inclusion of numerous components. Therefore, the user or manufacturer of the secondary battery B may provide the secondary battery B in an appropriate form according to his / her needs. It is understood that the battery assembly BA is collectively referred to as the concept of providing a secondary battery B in this form. Therefore, the battery pack BP described below can be understood as the battery assembly BA, and when the battery pack BP does not include the battery module BP and is formed directly from the secondary battery B, the battery module BP in the following description can be understood as the secondary battery B.

[0070] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a standard battery pack BP-0.

[0071] Reference Figure 2 Describes the standard battery pack BP-0.

[0072] The battery pack BP-0 may include a battery pack housing PC-0 that houses the battery module BM. The battery pack housing PC-0 of a conventional battery pack BP-0 comprises two parts assembled together. The battery pack housing PC-0 may include upper and lower parts, and the battery module BM can be accommodated between each part of the battery pack housing PC-0. When an impact is applied from above the battery pack housing PC-0, such as... Figure 2 As shown, deformation occurs within the battery pack housing PC-0. Because the upper edge of the battery pack housing PC-0 contacts the lower part of the battery pack housing PC-0, deformation of the battery pack housing PC-0 can be prevented when an impact is applied to its edge. However, since the central portion of the battery pack housing PC-0 inside the upper edge is not supported by the lower part of the battery pack housing PC-0, it lacks an impact-resistant portion and therefore cannot resist applied impacts, making it prone to deformation. This disclosure solves this problem.

[0073] Furthermore, the conventional battery pack casing PC-0 lacks a structure for preventing thermal runaway caused by side reactions in the secondary battery B. Since impacts can trigger side reactions in the secondary battery B, this disclosure may require a preventative structure for this situation.

[0074] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The image shows a 3D view of the battery pack BP. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The diagram shown is an exploded view of the battery pack BP. Figure 5 yes Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the battery pack BP shown is taken along line V-V'.

[0075] Reference Figures 3 to 5 A battery pack BP according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0076] like Figure 4 As shown, the battery pack BP may include a secondary battery B configured to generate electricity.

[0077] Secondary battery B can generate electricity. Secondary battery B may include an electrode assembly (not shown), which may include electrodes (not shown), each electrode including a current collector (not shown), the current collector comprising a metallic material and a slurry (not shown) coated on the current collector. The electrodes may include multiple electrodes, and the electrode assembly may include multiple diaphragms (not shown) between the multiple electrodes. In this configuration, the electrodes can generate electricity, and the diaphragms prevent contact between the slurries of the multiple electrodes. The electrode assembly may include electrode connectors (not shown) extending from the current collectors. The multiple electrode connectors extending from the multiple current collectors can be connected to electrode leads (not shown). Therefore, electricity generated from the electrodes can be transferred to the electrode leads via the electrode connectors.

[0078] The secondary battery B may include a battery casing configured to house electrode assemblies. For example, the battery casing may be pouch-shaped, cylindrical, or prismatic. For ease of description, it is assumed that the battery casing is as follows: Figure 4 The present disclosure is described using the cylindrical shape shown. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0079] The secondary battery B may include a positive electrode protrusion 610 having a positive polarity and a negative electrode surface 620 having a negative polarity. However, the positive and negative electrodes may have opposite electrical properties, and for ease of description, this disclosure is described by assuming that the positive electrode protrusion 610 has a positive polarity and the negative electrode surface 620 has a negative polarity.

[0080] A secondary battery B may include multiple secondary batteries B to form a battery module BM. The battery module BM may be electrically connected to a battery management system (BMS), and the BMS may control the multiple secondary batteries B to maintain the voltage of the multiple secondary batteries B within a preset range.

[0081] The battery module BM may include a module housing 700 configured to accommodate multiple secondary batteries B. For example, as Figure 4 As shown, multiple secondary batteries B can be arranged in a matrix, and in order to accommodate the multiple secondary batteries B arranged in the matrix, the module housing 700 can have an approximately cubic shape.

[0082] The module housing 700 may have an opening on one side. The secondary battery B can be accommodated within the module housing 700 through this opening. In other words, the negative electrode surface 620 of the secondary battery B can be exposed to the outside of the battery module BM through the opening in the module housing 700. As described below, the opening in the module housing 700 may face the side housing 200.

[0083] The module housing 700 may have a module hole 700H at a position corresponding to the positive electrode protrusion 610 of the secondary battery B. The positive electrode protrusion 610 of each of the plurality of secondary batteries B can be connected to a busbar (not shown) through the module hole 700H. The busbar may be exposed to the outside of the battery module BM to establish an electrical connection between adjacent battery modules BM. Furthermore, as described below, when a side reaction occurs in the secondary battery B, the module hole 700H can be a passage for fluids (e.g., gases) generated by the side reaction to escape from the module housing 700.

[0084] like Figure 3 As shown, the battery pack BP may include a battery pack housing PC configured to house the battery module BM. In other words, the battery pack housing PC may have a battery housing space 130S for housing the battery module BM. For example, the battery pack housing PC may have a generally cubic shape that conforms to the shape of the battery module BM. There are process difficulties in integrally forming the battery pack housing PC, making it difficult to house the battery module BM internally; therefore, the battery pack housing PC may be formed from multiple components.

[0085] The intermediate housing 100 can be configured to cover the upper and lower portions of the battery pack housing PC. Specifically, the intermediate housing 100 may include a top plate 110 and a bottom plate 120 spaced apart from the top plate 110 to form a battery receiving space 130S between the top plate 110 and the bottom plate 120 to receive the battery module BM. Furthermore, the intermediate housing 100 may also include an intermediate wall 130 connecting the top plate 110 to the bottom plate 120 to divide the battery receiving space 130S.

[0086] like Figure 5 As shown, the intermediate wall 130 can be located in the middle of the width direction between the top plate 110 and the bottom plate 120, but is not limited thereto. Furthermore, as... Figure 4 As shown, the intermediate wall 130 can extend in a direction parallel to the length direction of the top plate 110 and the bottom plate 120, but is not limited thereto. It can extend at a predetermined angle relative to the length direction of the top plate 110 and the bottom plate 120, and can also extend in the width direction of the top plate 110 and the bottom plate 120. Furthermore, the intermediate wall 130 does not extend in only one direction, but can extend in various ways. However, for ease of description, it is described on the assumption that the intermediate wall 130 is located at the center in the width direction between the top plate 110 and the bottom plate 120, and extends in a direction parallel to the length direction of the top plate 110 and the bottom plate 120. That is, the intermediate shell 100 can appear as a rotated "H" in cross-section. Figure 4As shown, the battery housing space 130S can be divided into a first battery housing space 130Sa and a second battery housing space 130Sb by an intermediate wall 130. The first battery housing space 130Sa and the second battery housing space 130Sb formed by the intermediate housing 100 can be located on the left and right sides of the intermediate wall 130, respectively. In this case, the right side of the first battery housing space 130Sa can be covered by the intermediate wall 130, and the upper and lower sides can be covered by the top plate 110 and the bottom plate 120, respectively. In this case, the left side of the first battery housing space 130Sa and the right side of the second battery housing space 130Sb can be open relative to the intermediate housing 100. The intermediate wall 130 will be described in further detail after a brief description of the battery pack BP.

[0087] In addition, the intermediate shell 100 can be formed integrally. This is because integral forming is more suitable for improving rigidity.

[0088] The battery pack BP may include side housings 200 connected to the top plate 110 and bottom plate 120 at the outside of the battery receiving space 130S to cover the side of the battery receiving space 130S. The side housings 200 may include multiple side housings 200 to cover the left side of the first battery receiving space 130Sa and the right side of the second battery receiving space 130Sb. In other words, the side housings 200 may have a shape consistent with the shape of the openings at each of the left and right sides of the intermediate housing 100. Figure 4 As shown, the side housing 200 may have a plate shape extending in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the side housing 200 may cover the opening of the battery module BM. As described above, the module housing 700 may have an opening for accommodating the secondary battery B. The side housing 200 may cover the opening of the module housing 700 to prevent the secondary battery B from being removed from the module housing 700.

[0089] The side housing 200 can be connected to the intermediate housing 100. More specifically, the side housing 200 can be connected to the top plate 110 and the bottom plate 120 by bolts 500. Therefore, the side housing 200 and the intermediate housing 100 can be securely connected. Furthermore, the side housing 200 can also be connected to the cover housing 300 by bolts 500 as described below. When viewed from the side, the side housing 200 has a rectangular shape, and for secure connection between the side housing 200 and adjacent components, bolts 500 can be fastened along the edges of the rectangle. The top plate 110 and the bottom plate 120 can be arranged corresponding to the upper and lower sides of the rectangle, and the cover housing 300 can be located on the left and right sides corresponding to the rectangle. In other words, the top plate 110, the bottom plate 120, and / or the cover housing 300 can extend to the cover housing 300 such that they are connected to the side housing 200. That is, the top plate 110, the bottom plate 120, and / or the cover housing 300 can extend to the cover housing 300 in a left-right direction. In this case, the width of the module housing 700 can be equal to or less than the width of the battery housing space 130S to prevent the side housing 200 from being disconnected from the top plate 110 and / or the bottom plate 120 due to the module housing 700.

[0090] The battery pack BP may also include a cover housing 300, which is coupled to the intermediate housing 100 to cover the other sides of the battery receiving space 130S. More specifically, the cover housing 300 may be located on the front and / or rear side of the intermediate housing 100 to cover the front and / or rear side of the battery receiving space 130S. Therefore, since the intermediate wall 130 and the side housings 200 cover the battery module BM from the left and right sides, the top plate 110 and the bottom plate 120 cover the battery module BM from the top and bottom sides, and the cover housing 300 covers the battery module BM from the front and rear sides, the battery module BM can be covered in all directions.

[0091] In this configuration, the cover housing 300 may include a connecting portion 310 protruding in a direction away from the battery housing space 130S. The connecting portion 310 may be coupled to other components of the vehicle V.

[0092] When the battery pack BP is housed in the lower frame of the vehicle V, the lower frame of the vehicle V can support the battery pack BP. However, when the battery pack BP is used as a fulcrum, it can be connected to surrounding components. The connecting part 310 can be used to connect components adjacent to the battery pack BP to the battery pack BP.

[0093] The configuration of the battery pack BP has been described above, and the invention has been described as providing a battery pack housing PC with high impact resistance. In many cases, side reactions may occur in the secondary battery B. Side reactions can refer to unexpected reactions in the secondary battery B. Through side reactions, the temperature of the secondary battery B may rise, potentially causing a fire. A fire in the secondary battery B may spread to neighboring secondary batteries B and eventually to the entire battery pack BP, leading to a fire in the vehicle V. This may threaten user safety and needs to be prevented. Furthermore, when the temperature of the secondary battery B rises, the electrolyte may evaporate. The evaporated electrolyte becomes gas, causing an increase in pressure within the secondary battery B, ultimately leading to damage to the battery housing, and thus the gas may be released from the secondary battery B. The evaporated electrolyte may be a mixture of liquid and gaseous electrolytes, and therefore can be referred to as a fluid. The fluid generated from the secondary battery B may damage the battery pack housing PC, requiring the fluid to be drained from the battery pack housing PC.

[0094] The following describes the structure used to solve the problems described above in this disclosure.

[0095] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 5 A conceptual diagram of fluid movement shown in the cross-sectional view.

[0096] Reference Figure 6 Other functions of the battery pack BP according to the first embodiment of this disclosure are described.

[0097] like Figure 6 As shown, when fluid is discharged from the battery module BM, the intermediate wall 130 of the battery pack housing PC can be spaced apart from the battery module BM to form a flow channel in which the fluid can move. If the intermediate wall 130 is in contact with the battery module BM, the fluid generated from the battery module BM may not be able to move. When the fluid cannot move, the pressure on the battery pack housing PC may eventually increase, leading to damage to the battery pack housing PC. In this case, the flow channel can refer to the space extending along the intermediate wall 130. Based on... Figure 6 The fluid generated from the secondary battery B located on the upper side can travel a longer distance along the flow channel, while the fluid generated from the secondary battery B located on the lower side can travel a shorter distance along the flow channel.

[0098] As described above, when fluid is discharged from the secondary battery B, the module housing 700 may have a module orifice 700H at a location corresponding to the secondary battery B to allow fluid to move toward the flow channel. Unless the module orifice 700H is formed, fluid generated from the secondary battery B cannot escape from the battery module BM, causing pressure to rise in the module housing 700 and ultimately leading to damage to the module housing 700. Alternatively, as the fluid moves, it may damage the adhesive 210 between the module housing 700 and the side housing 200, as described below.

[0099] In this configuration, the battery pack BP may also include a vent valve 400, which opens based on a pressure difference between the fluid in the battery housing 130S and the outside being equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure to allow fluid moving along a flow channel to move outward. The fluid moving along the flow channel can exit the battery pack BP via the vent valve 400. The vent valve 400 is not always open and may open in response to a pressure in the battery pack BP being equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure. The predetermined pressure for opening the vent valve 400 may be a value corresponding to the increase in internal pressure of the battery pack BP when fluid discharge occurs due to side reactions in the secondary battery B.

[0100] The vent valve 400 may include a membrane whose permeability changes based on a pressure difference between the fluid and the outside being equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure to allow fluid passage. However, the vent valve 400 may be, but is not limited to, an umbrella valve configured to open and / or close based on a pressure difference.

[0101] The vent valve 400 can be positioned adjacent to the flow channel. Moving the fluid directly from the flow channel to the vent valve 400 is a way to reduce losses caused by friction compared to moving the fluid to a different location.

[0102] The vent valve 400 can be located in the direction of gravity. When the battery pack BP is mounted on the lower part of the vehicle V, if the vent valve 400 is located on the upper side, the discharged fluid may be directed towards the user. To prevent this, the vent valve 400 can be located in the direction of gravity. When the fluid moves in the direction of gravity, the fluid can move to the lower part of the vehicle V.

[0103] In other words, fluid can be removed from the battery pack BP along the flow channel through the vent valve 400. This fluid flow prevents fluid from diffusing into the battery housing space 130S. If fluid were to diffuse into the battery housing space 130S, other secondary batteries B might be affected, and malfunctions or failures might occur in those batteries B.

[0104] As described above, the battery housing space 130S can be divided by the intermediate wall 130 into a first battery housing space 130Sa and a second battery housing space 130Sb. The vent valve 400 may include a first vent valve 400a corresponding to the first battery housing space 130Sa and a second vent valve 400b corresponding to the second battery housing space 130Sb. Since the battery housing spaces 130S can be divided by the intermediate wall 130, a vent valve 400 corresponding to each battery housing space 130S can be provided for fluid discharge in each battery housing space 130S. However, as... Figure 6 As shown, this disclosure may include cases where each battery housing space 130S corresponds to one exhaust valve 400 and cases where each battery housing space 130S corresponds to multiple exhaust valves 400.

[0105] Additionally, in this case, the top plate 110 and / or the bottom plate 120 can be connected with... Figure 6 The battery module BM is contacted differently. In this case, the empty space can be minimized to increase the energy density per unit volume. However, as... Figure 6 As shown, the top plate 110 and / or the bottom plate 120 may be spaced apart from the battery module BM. In this case, a space can be formed to prevent a sudden increase in pressure, thereby preventing damage to the battery pack BP from sudden fluid discharge in the event of a side reaction occurring in the secondary battery B.

[0106] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 5 A conceptual diagram of heat movement shown in the cross-sectional view.

[0107] Reference Figure 7 Other functions of the battery pack BP according to the first embodiment of this disclosure are described.

[0108] The battery module BM may include a secondary battery B, and the side housing 200 may be attached to the secondary battery B via an adhesive 210. That is, the secondary battery B may be directly attached to the side housing 200 via the adhesive 210. The secondary battery B may contact the side housing 200. Therefore, heat generated from the secondary battery B can be directly transferred to the side housing 200. In particular, in the event of thermal runaway in the secondary battery B, the heat generated from the secondary battery B can be directly released to the outside through the side housing 200, thereby delaying the heating time. Alternatively, it can prevent the secondary battery B from reaching the temperature where side reactions occur. This heat dissipation simplifies the thermal management of the secondary battery B.

[0109] As described above, the secondary battery B can have a cylindrical shape and include a positive electrode protrusion 610 at one end and a negative electrode surface 620 at the other end. In this case, the negative electrode surface 620 and the module housing 700 can be bonded to the side housing 200. When the negative electrode surface 620 is bonded to the side housing 200, the secondary battery B can contact the side housing 200 over a wider area than when the positive electrode protrusion 610 protrudes toward the side housing 200, thus allowing for more efficient heat dissipation.

[0110] The side housing 200 may include a metallic material for conducting heat.

[0111] The thickness of adhesive 210 can be smaller than the thickness of side housing 200. Because the heat transfer rate increases as the distance that heat must travel decreases, the thickness of adhesive 210 can be smaller.

[0112] The thickness of adhesive 210 can be 0.3 mm or less. If the thickness of adhesive 210 is too small, it may be difficult to bond the secondary battery B to the side housing 200. Therefore, adhesive 210 is not too thick, but thick enough to bond the secondary battery B to the side housing 200.

[0113] Adhesive 210 may be thermosetting. The secondary battery B can generate heat while producing electricity. When adhesive 210 is a thermosetting adhesive, it can be thermosetting to always bond the secondary battery B to the side housing 200 during operation.

[0114] Hereinafter, embodiments different from the first embodiment will be described. Common descriptions of the first and other embodiments will be omitted; the other embodiments will be described based on their differences. That is, it is obvious that the description of the first embodiment can constitute a description when certain descriptions not mentioned in other embodiments are required.

[0115] Second Implementation Method

[0116] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack BP according to the second embodiment of this disclosure.

[0117] Reference Figure 8 The intermediate wall 130 according to the second embodiment of this disclosure is described.

[0118] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the shape of the intermediate wall 130 is different.

[0119] The thickness of the intermediate wall 130 can increase as it moves toward the direction of gravity. The thicker side of the intermediate wall 130 has stronger connection strength and is more resistant to impact. Furthermore, since the exhaust valve 400 can be located closer to the gravity side of the intermediate wall 130, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow passage adjacent to the exhaust valve 400 can be reduced, and the velocity of the fluid in the flow passage adjacent to the exhaust valve 400 can be increased.

[0120] Third Implementation Method

[0121] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack BP according to the third embodiment of this disclosure.

[0122] Reference Figure 9 The intermediate wall 130-2 according to the third embodiment of this disclosure is described.

[0123] The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the number of intermediate walls 130-2 is different.

[0124] Intermediate wall 130-2 may include multiple intermediate walls 130-2. Intermediate wall 130-2 may include two intermediate walls 130-2, such as... Figure 9 As shown. The two intermediate walls 130-2 can extend such that the extension directions are parallel to each other.

[0125] Fourth Implementation Method

[0126] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack BP according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0127] Reference Figure 10 The intermediate wall 130-3 according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure is described.

[0128] The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the shape of the intermediate wall 130-3 is different.

[0129] The intermediate wall 130-3 can have a truss structure. An intermediate wall 130-3 with a truss structure can have sufficient rigidity and be lightweight. Furthermore, the intermediate wall 130-3 with a truss structure can reduce material usage and lower production costs.

[0130] Fifth Implementation Method

[0131] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack BP according to the fifth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0132] Reference Figure 11 The exhaust valve 400-4 according to the fifth embodiment of this disclosure is described.

[0133] The fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the position of the exhaust valve 400-4 is different.

[0134] The vent valve 400-4 can be located on the opposite side of the secondary battery B in the direction of gravity. Furthermore, the vent valve 400-4 can be mounted on the side housing 200. In this case, the fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the direction of fluid movement. Although the fluid moves upward, because the vent valve 400-4 is mounted on the side housing 200, the fluid escaping from the vent valve 400-4 is released to the left or right, rather than upward, so the fluid may not be directed towards the user.

[0135] Sixth Implementation Method

[0136] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack BP according to the sixth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0137] Reference Figure 12 A battery pack BP according to a sixth embodiment of this disclosure is described.

[0138] The sixth embodiment differs from the fifth embodiment in that the type of secondary battery B-5 is different.

[0139] The secondary battery B-5 can be pouch-shaped. The pouch-shaped secondary battery B-5 can be positioned such that the folded portion on the side faces the central wall 130, and the flat portion opposite the folded portion contacts the side housing 200. Furthermore, in the case of the pouch-shaped secondary battery B-5, the seal of the folded portion on the side may be easier to open than in other areas; therefore, when a side reaction occurs in the secondary battery B-5, fluid discharged from the secondary battery B-5 can flow out through the flow channel via the folded portion on the side.

[0140] Unless otherwise expressly stated, the disclosed embodiments may be combined with other embodiments. Alternatively, when combining one embodiment with other embodiments, any combination of embodiments may be made unless expressly limited. It should be understood that such combinations of embodiments are disclosed in this disclosure.

[0141] Although this disclosure has been described above with respect to a limited number of embodiments and accompanying drawings, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and this disclosure may be practiced in different forms by those skilled in the art regarding this disclosure and the technical aspects of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0142] [List of reference numerals]

[0143] V: Vehicle

[0144] BP: Battery Pack

[0145] PC: Battery pack casing

[0146] 100: Intermediate shell

[0147] 110: Top plate

[0148] 120: Base Plate

[0149] 130: Intermediate wall

[0150] 130S: Battery storage space

[0151] 130Sa: First battery storage space

[0152] 130Sb: Second battery housing space

[0153] 200: Side shell

[0154] 210: Adhesive

[0155] 300: Cover shell

[0156] 310: Connecting part

[0157] 400: Exhaust valve

[0158] 400a: First exhaust valve

[0159] 400b: Second exhaust valve

[0160] 500: Bolt

[0161] B: Secondary battery

[0162] 610: Positive electrode protrusion

[0163] 620: Negative electrode surface

[0164] BM: Battery Module

[0165] 700: Module housing

[0166] 700H: Module hole

Claims

1. A battery assembly, the battery assembly comprising: Secondary batteries; An intermediate housing configured to accommodate the secondary battery includes a top plate, a bottom plate, and an intermediate wall, the bottom plate being spaced apart from the top plate to form a battery accommodating space between the bottom plate and the top plate, and the intermediate wall connecting the top plate to the bottom plate to divide the battery accommodating space; as well as A side housing, which is connected to the top plate and the bottom plate at the outer side of the battery housing space to cover the side of the battery housing space. The intermediate wall is spaced apart from the secondary battery to form a flow channel, in which the fluid moves when it is discharged from the secondary battery.

2. The battery assembly according to claim 1, in, The side casing is attached to the secondary battery by an adhesive.

3. The battery assembly according to claim 1, in, The side shell includes a metallic material for conducting heat.

4. The battery assembly according to claim 2, in, The thickness of the adhesive is smaller than the thickness of the side shell.

5. The battery assembly according to claim 2, in, The adhesive has a thickness of 0.3 mm or less.

6. The battery assembly according to claim 2, in, The adhesive is thermosetting.

7. The battery assembly according to claim 2, further comprising: A module housing configured to house the secondary battery and located within the battery housing space. The module housing has a module hole at a position corresponding to the secondary battery to allow the fluid to move toward the flow channel when the fluid is discharged from the secondary battery.

8. The battery assembly according to claim 7, in, The secondary battery has a cylindrical shape and includes a positive electrode protrusion at one end and a negative electrode surface at the opposite end. The negative electrode surface and the module housing are bonded to the side housing.

9. The battery assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: An exhaust valve that opens based on a pressure difference between the fluid in the battery housing and the outside being equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure, allowing the fluid moving along the flow channel to move to the outside.

10. The battery assembly according to claim 9, in, The vent valve includes a membrane whose permeability is varied based on the pressure difference between the fluid and the outside being equal to or greater than the predetermined pressure to allow the fluid to pass through the membrane.

11. The battery assembly according to claim 9, in, The exhaust valve is located in the direction of gravity.

12. The battery assembly according to claim 9, in, The battery housing space is divided into a first battery housing space and a second battery housing space by the intermediate wall, and The exhaust valve includes: A first vent valve, the first vent valve corresponding to the first battery housing space; and The second exhaust valve corresponds to the second battery housing space.

13. The battery assembly according to claim 1, in, The intermediate shell is formed integrally.

14. The battery assembly according to claim 1, in, The side housing is connected to the top plate and the bottom plate by bolts.

15. The battery assembly of claim 1, further comprising: A cover housing, which is attached to the intermediate housing to cover the other sides of the battery housing space.

16. A vehicle, the vehicle comprising: Vehicle frame; as well as A battery assembly that forms at least a portion of the bottom of the vehicle frame. The battery pack includes: Battery module; An intermediate housing configured to accommodate the battery module, the intermediate housing including a top plate, a bottom plate, and an intermediate wall, the bottom plate being spaced apart from the top plate to form a battery accommodating space between the bottom plate and the top plate, the intermediate wall connecting the top plate to the bottom plate to divide the battery accommodating space; and A side housing, which is connected to the top plate and the bottom plate at the outside of the battery housing space to cover the side of the battery housing space, and The intermediate wall is spaced apart from the battery module to form a flow channel, in which the fluid moves when it is discharged from the battery module.

17. The vehicle according to claim 16, in, The side housing is attached to the battery module by an adhesive.

18. The vehicle according to claim 16, in, The side shell includes a metallic material for conducting heat.

19. The vehicle according to claim 16, further comprising: An exhaust valve that opens based on a pressure difference between the fluid in the battery housing and the outside being equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure, allowing the fluid moving along the flow channel to move to the outside.

20. A battery pack, the battery pack comprising: Battery module, the battery module including a secondary battery; An intermediate housing configured to accommodate the battery module includes a top plate, a bottom plate, and an intermediate wall. The bottom plate is spaced apart from the top plate to form a battery accommodating space between the bottom plate and the top plate. The intermediate wall connects the top plate to the bottom plate to divide the battery accommodating space. as well as A side housing, which is connected to the top plate and the bottom plate at the outside of the battery housing space to cover the side of the battery housing space, and is attached to the secondary battery by adhesive.

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