Battery packs and vehicles including battery packs

Abstract

A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may include: a plurality of battery cells; a battery pack housing that houses the plurality of battery cells therein; a cooling plate disposed within the battery pack housing and having cooling channels filled with a cooling medium and water injection holes configured to discharge the cooling medium from the cooling channels to the battery cells; and a sprayer connected to the water injection holes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0153828, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on November 1, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0018192 filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on February 12, 2025, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0004] Secondary batteries are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electric power sources. These secondary batteries are highly versatile in terms of product variety and possess electrical characteristics such as high energy density. 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.

[0005] 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. Furthermore, to increase charging / discharging capacity, multiple battery cells can be connected in parallel to configure a battery module or battery pack.

[0006] A common method for configuring a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel is implemented by first configuring a battery module including at least one battery cell, and then adding other components to the at least one battery module to configure a battery pack or battery rack. Recently, battery packs of the type have been manufactured where multiple battery cells are stored directly in the battery pack housing, etc., rather than being modularized from cells to a battery pack.

[0007] However, when multiple battery modules are included in a battery pack, the pack may be susceptible to thermal cascading effects between the modules. For example, if an event such as thermal runaway occurs within a single battery module, it can propagate to other modules. If the propagation of thermal runaway between modules is not adequately controlled, an event occurring in a particular module can trigger a cascading effect across multiple modules, potentially leading to major problems such as explosions or fires.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need to develop a structure that can rapidly cool battery cells and / or battery modules in the event of events such as thermal runaway in battery packs or battery modules. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Technical issues

[0010] This disclosure is designed to address problems in the related art, and therefore relates to providing a battery pack that can rapidly cool the battery cells and / or battery module in the event of thermal runaway in the battery module.

[0011] However, the technical problems sought to be solved by this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the following description of the invention that are not mentioned above.

[0012] Technical solution

[0013] In one aspect of this disclosure, a battery pack is provided, the battery pack comprising: a plurality of battery cells; a battery pack housing configured to house the plurality of battery cells; a cooling plate disposed within the battery pack housing and having cooling channels filled with a cooling medium and spray holes configured to discharge the cooling medium from the cooling channels toward the battery cells; and a sprayer coupled to the spray holes.

[0014] The sprayer can be configured to spray the cooling medium from the spray hole when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell.

[0015] The sprayer may include: a connecting portion configured to be connected to the spray orifice; a cover portion connected to the connecting portion and configured to cover the spray orifice; a heat sensing portion connected to the cover portion and configured to detect heat; and a spraying portion connected to the heat sensing portion and configured to spray the cooling medium.

[0016] The thermal sensing element can be configured to rupture at a predetermined temperature or higher when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell.

[0017] The cover can be configured to separate from the injection hole in the event of a thermal event in the battery cell.

[0018] The sprayer can be configured as a glass sphere.

[0019] The sprayer can be configured as a fusible link type.

[0020] The battery pack according to embodiments of the present disclosure may further include a sealing member inserted between the inner peripheral surfaces of the sprayer and the spray orifice.

[0021] The battery pack according to embodiments of the present disclosure may further include a housing configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells and having cooling holes formed on one side to communicate with the injection holes.

[0022] The housing may have a vent, which is configured to discharge exhaust gases generated from the battery cell to the outside.

[0023] Furthermore, this disclosure provides a vehicle that includes a battery pack according to this disclosure.

[0024] Beneficial effects

[0025] According to one aspect of this disclosure, when a thermal event such as thermal runaway occurs in the battery pack, a cooling medium can flow directly to the battery cells, thereby effectively preventing or delaying the propagation of thermal runaway between the battery cells. This ensures the safety and reliability of the battery pack.

[0026] Furthermore, according to the above aspects of this disclosure, the cooling medium can directly cool the battery cells, thereby ensuring the effective cooling performance of the battery pack.

[0027] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the cooling medium flowing to the battery cell can be appropriately drained to prevent short circuits in the normal battery cell and / or battery module.

[0028] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the exhaust gases generated from the battery cells can be rapidly discharged to the outside of the battery pack, thereby ensuring the safe emission performance of the battery pack.

[0029] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, during the discharge process, the flow of fluid (e.g., discharge gas, etc.) to adjacent battery cells and / or battery modules can be minimized.

[0030] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, events caused by thermal runaway (such as fire or explosion) in a battery pack comprising multiple battery modules or a device equipped with multiple battery modules can be prevented or delayed.

[0031] In addition, this disclosure may have various other effects, and these effects will be described in various embodiments, or descriptions of effects that can be readily deduced by those skilled in the art will be omitted. Attached Figure Description

[0032] 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.

[0033] Figure 1 This is an overall perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cross-sectional view being along... Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken from line I-I' in the diagram.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a bottom perspective view of a cooling plate included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 5 This is a bottom perspective view of a sprayer included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 6 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 7 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a battery pack in which a thermal event occurs according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing a partial structure of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 9 It is a perspective view of a battery module included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 10 This is a top view of the internal structure of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 11 This is a bottom perspective view of a battery module included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack in which a thermal event occurs according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 13 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 14 This is an internal perspective view of the battery pack housing included in another embodiment of the battery pack according to this disclosure.

[0047] Figure 15 This is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0048] 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 or dictionary meaning, but rather is interpreted based on the principle of allowing the inventors to appropriately define the terminology for the best interpretation, and on the meaning and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure.

[0049] Therefore, the description presented herein is merely a preferred example for illustrative purposes and does 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.

[0050] Furthermore, this disclosure may include various embodiments. Additionally, in each embodiment, repeated descriptions of substantially the same or similar structures are omitted, and descriptions are based on their differences.

[0051] At the same time, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, forward, and backward 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 the convenience of interpretation with reference to the accompanying drawings and may vary depending on the position of the target object or the observer's position.

[0052] For example, in the embodiments of this disclosure, the X-axis direction shown in the figure can represent the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction can represent the front-back direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction on the horizontal plane (XY plane), and the Z-axis direction can represent the up-down direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to both the X-axis and Y-axis directions.

[0053] Figure 1 This is an overall perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Furthermore, Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cross-sectional view being along... Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken from line I-I' in the diagram.

[0054] See Figures 1 to 3 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery pack 1 may include battery cells 100, battery pack housing 200, cooling plate 300 and sprayer 400.

[0055] refer to Figure 2The device may include multiple battery cells 100. Furthermore, although not shown in the figures, the multiple battery cells 100 may include electrode assemblies, cell housings housing the electrode assemblies, and electrode leads connected to the electrode assemblies and extending outward from the cell housing to serve as electrode terminals. In this configuration, the multiple battery cells 100 may be electrically connected to each other.

[0056] 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 side by side in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) and upright in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

[0057] Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to a specific type or shape of the battery cell 100, and various battery cells 100 known at the time of filing of this disclosure can be applied to the battery pack 1 of this disclosure. Although this embodiment will be described based on a pouch-type secondary battery with high energy density and easy stacking, it should be understood, as shown in the accompanying drawings, that cylindrical or prismatic secondary batteries can also be applied to the battery cell 100.

[0058] The battery pack housing 200 can be configured to accommodate multiple battery cells 100. The battery pack housing 200 can be configured as a box shape including multiple frames.

[0059] The battery pack housing 200 may be made of or include materials that ensure mechanical rigidity (such as metals (e.g., steel or SUS) or plastics) to securely protect the battery cells 100 contained therein.

[0060] The cooling plate 300 can be disposed inside the battery pack housing 200. The cooling plate 300 can be configured to cool the battery cells 100. The cooling plate 300 can be configured to be filled with a cooling medium.

[0061] The cooling plate 300 can be disposed on one side of the battery cell 100. For example, as Figure 3 In the embodiments shown, the cooling plate 300 may be disposed on top of the battery cell 100.

[0062] When thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell 100, high-temperature emitted substances (such as exhaust gases) tend to flow upwards and may move towards the upper side of the battery pack casing 200. Therefore, according to the configuration of the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, since the cooling plate 300 is disposed on top of the battery cell 100, the exhaust gases or flames can be cooled by the cooling medium within the cooling plate 300. That is, according to the configuration of the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the heat emitted from the exhaust gases, etc., can be effectively controlled.

[0063] Specifically, the cooling plate 300 may include a cooling channel CP. The cooling channel CP may be configured to be filled with a cooling medium. The cooling channel CP may refer to a channel configured to allow a cooling medium (such as cooling water) to flow through it.

[0064] The cooling channel CP can be formed within the internal space of the cooling plate 300. For example, a hollow space can be formed inside the cooling plate 300 to allow the cooling medium to flow through it. Alternatively, the cooling channel CP can be configured as a pipe within the internal space of the cooling plate 300.

[0065] Additionally, the cooling plate 300 may include a spray hole 310. The spray hole 310 may be configured to discharge cooling medium within the cooling plate 300 toward the battery cell 100. The spray hole 310 may be configured to communicate with the cooling channel CP. The spray hole 310 may be configured to communicate with the housing space of the battery cell 100.

[0066] According to the configuration described above in this disclosure, when a thermal event such as thermal runaway occurs in the battery assembly 10, the cooling medium in the cooling channel CP can flow directly into the housing space of the battery cell 100 through the injection hole 310. That is, the cooling medium of the cooling plate 300 can directly cool the battery cell 100. Therefore, the effective cooling performance of the battery pack 1 can be ensured.

[0067] Specifically, according to the configuration of the above-described embodiments of this disclosure, the temperature of the battery cell 100 can be rapidly reduced by a cooling medium in the initial stage of a thermal event, thereby delaying or preventing heat transfer between the battery cells 100. Therefore, the safety and reliability of the battery pack 1 can be ensured.

[0068] The sprayer 400 can be connected to the spray port 310. The sprayer 400 can be configured to be attached to or detached from the spray port 310. The sprayer 400 can be configured to be partially inserted into the spray port 310. The sprayer 400 can be configured to prevent the cooling medium inside the cooling plate 300 from being discharged to the outside when the battery pack 1 is in normal condition.

[0069] The sprayer 400 can be disposed on the inner surface 300a of the cooling plate 300. Multiple sprayers 400 can be disposed. Multiple sprayers 400 can be disposed in multiple spray holes 310 respectively.

[0070] According to the above embodiments of this disclosure, even if the injection hole 310 is formed in the cooling plate 300, the cooling medium inside the cooling plate 300 can be prevented from being discharged to the outside when the battery pack 1 is in a normal state.

[0071] Figure 4 This is a bottom perspective view of a cooling plate included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] Multiple injection holes 310 can be provided. The multiple injection holes 310 can be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction.

[0073] The injection hole 310 can be formed in the inner surface 300a of the cooling plate 300. Furthermore, as... Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, the plurality of injection holes 310 can be arranged along the extension direction of the cooling channel CP.

[0074] According to the configuration of the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the cooling medium within the cooling channel CP can be directly discharged to the outside of the cooling plate 300 through the injection hole 310, and can flow to the battery cell 100. Therefore, the battery cell 100 can be cooled more quickly.

[0075] Alternatively, the position and structure of the injection holes 310 can be configured regardless of the structure and arrangement shape of the cooling channel CP.

[0076] The sprayer 400 can be attached to the inner surface 300a of the cooling plate 300. The sprayer 400 can be attached to the spray hole 310. The sprayer 400 can be configured to be at least partially inserted into the spray hole 310. For example, the sprayer 400 can be configured to be press-fitted into the spray hole 310.

[0077] According to the configuration of the embodiments described above in this disclosure, the sprayer 400 can be stably maintained in connection with the spray hole 310. Even if the battery pack 1 experiences vibration or impact, the configuration of the embodiments described above in this disclosure can prevent the sprayer 400 from easily separating from the spray hole 310. Therefore, leakage of the cooling medium from the spray hole 310 can be minimized, thereby ensuring water tightness.

[0078] Figure 5 This is a bottom perspective view of a sprayer included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0079] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 The specific structure of the sprayer 400 will be described below. As a specific example, the sprayer 400 may include a connecting part 410, a cover part 420, a heat sensing part 430 and / or a spraying part 440.

[0080] The connecting portion 410 can be configured to connect to the injection hole 310. The connecting portion 410 can be configured to insert into and contact the inner circumferential surface of the injection hole 310. The connecting portion 410 can be configured to seal the injection hole 310. The connecting portion 410 can have a cross-sectional area substantially corresponding to the cross-sectional area of ​​the injection hole 310. The connecting portion 410 can be configured to have a hollow structure on its inner side.

[0081] The connecting part 410 may be made of a heat-resistant and / or fire-resistant material. The connecting part 410 may be made of a material capable of ensuring watertightness. The connecting part 410 may include a material with insulating properties, or may have an insulating coating on its outer surface.

[0082] The cover 420 can be configured to connect to the connecting portion 410. The cover 420 can be configured to be fixed to the cooling plate 300 via the connecting portion 410. The cover 420 can be disposed inside the connecting portion 410. The cover 420 can be positioned within the spray hole 310. The cover 420 can be configured to cover the spray hole 310. The cover 420 can be configured in the shape of a plate. The cover 420 can be made of a water-repellent material.

[0083] The heat sensor 430 can be configured to connect to the cover 420. The heat sensor 430 can be coupled to the cover 420. The heat sensor 430 can be configured to detect heat. The heat sensor 430 can be configured to rupture at a predetermined temperature. The type and shape of the heat sensor 430 can vary depending on the type of sprayer 400. For example, the heat sensor 430 can be configured with a glass bulb or a fusible link.

[0084] For example, sprayer 400 can be configured as a closed-loop sprayer. For example, sprayer 400 can be configured as a glass bulb type. Alternatively, sprayer 400 can be configured as a fusible link type.

[0085] However, the type of sprayer 400 is not limited thereto, and any type and shape of sprayer 400 known at the time of application can be applied to the battery pack 1 of this disclosure.

[0086] The spraying unit 440 can be configured to connect to the heat sensing unit 430. The heat sensing unit 430 can be configured to connect the cover portion 420 and the spraying unit 440. The spraying unit 440 can be configured to spray a cooling medium. The spraying unit 440 may include a nozzle. The spraying unit 440 may include a splash plate configured to distribute the cooling medium evenly during spraying.

[0087] Figure 7 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a battery pack experiencing a thermal event according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0088] like Figure 7As shown, the sprayer 400 can be configured to spray a cooling medium. The sprayer 400 can be configured to operate in the event of a thermal event in the battery cell 100 and spray a cooling medium from the spray nozzle 310. The sprayer 400 can be configured to spray the cooling medium toward the battery cell 100. That is, when thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell 100, the cooling medium can be configured to flow from the sprayer 400 through the spray nozzle 310 toward the battery cell 100 (see...). Figure 7 (The thick arrow in the middle).

[0089] According to the configuration of the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, since the cooling medium can directly cool the battery cell 100, the effective cooling performance of the battery pack 1 can be ensured.

[0090] Furthermore, when a thermal event such as thermal runaway occurs in the battery pack 1, the cooling medium can flow directly to the battery cells 100, thereby effectively preventing or delaying the propagation of thermal runaway between the battery cells 100. Therefore, the safety and reliability of the battery pack 1 can be guaranteed.

[0091] Furthermore, the sprayer 400 located only on the side of the battery cell 100 where a thermal event occurs can be configured to operate. Therefore, the sprayer 400 can remain connected to the spray port 310 under normal conditions, thereby preventing the discharge of the cooling medium. However, when a thermal event such as the discharge of gases or flames occurs in some of the battery cells 100, at least some of the sprayers 400 can be configured to open and spray the cooling medium.

[0092] Therefore, according to the configuration of the above embodiments of this disclosure, the cooling medium can be sprayed from at least some of these sprayers 400 toward these battery cells 100. Thus, effective cooling performance of the battery pack 1 can be ensured.

[0093] As a more specific example, refer to Figure 7 The operation of the sprayer 400 is described. The heat-sensing part 430 can be configured to rupture at a predetermined temperature or higher in the event of a thermal event in the battery cell 100. Alternatively, the heat-sensing part 430 can be configured to melt when thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell 100. For example, the heat-sensing part 430 can be configured to rupture when the temperature reaches approximately 100°C to 200°C.

[0094] In addition, such as Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 100, the cover 420 can be configured to separate from the injection port 310. When the heat-sensing part 430 breaks, the cover 420 can separate from the injection port 310.

[0095] In other words, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 100, the heat-sensing part 430 of the sprayer 400 provided in the spray hole 310 corresponding to the battery cell 100 may break, allowing the cover 420 blocking the spray hole 310 to be removed. Therefore, the cooling medium in the cooling plate 300 can be sprayed through the spraying part 440 to move toward the battery cell 100.

[0096] According to the configuration of the above-described embodiments of this disclosure, the cooling medium can be sprayed over a wider area, thereby further improving the cooling performance of the battery pack 1. Furthermore, the propagation of thermal runaway between the battery cells 100 can be prevented or delayed more effectively.

[0097] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing a partial structure of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0098] When the sprayer 400 is connected to the spray hole 310, a gap can be formed between the sprayer 400 and the spray hole 310. In this case, to improve the sealing performance of the sprayer 400, the battery pack 1 according to the embodiment of this disclosure may further include a sealing member 500, such as... Figure 8 As shown. The sealing member 500 can be inserted between the sprayer 400 and the inner peripheral surface of the spray hole 310. Alternatively, the sealing member 500 can be inserted between the sprayer 400 and the cooling plate 300. That is, the sealing member 500 can be provided at the joint between the connecting part 410 and the spray hole 310.

[0099] The sealing member 500 can be formed of a material capable of ensuring watertightness. Furthermore, the sealing member 500 can be formed of a material with heat resistance and / or fire resistance. Therefore, even if a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 100, the sealing member 500 can be prevented from melting due to heat, thereby preventing the sprayer 400 from separating from the spray hole 310. For example, the sealing member 500 can be formed of a silicone sealant. Alternatively, the sealing member 500 can be formed of a rubber ring.

[0100] According to the configuration of the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, since the sealing member 500 is applied at the joint between the connecting portion 410 and the spray hole 310, the seal between the sprayer 400 and the spray hole 310 can be improved. Therefore, leakage of cooling medium from the spray hole 310 can be minimized.

[0101] Figure 9 It is a perspective view of a battery module included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0102] See Figure 9Multiple battery cells 100 can be grouped 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 may be divided and included in multiple battery modules 10. In this case, the multiple battery cells 100 included in the battery module 10 may be electrically connected to each other.

[0103] The battery assembly 10 may include a housing 11. The housing 11 may be configured to have an internal space for accommodating battery cells 100. That is, the housing 11 may serve as a boundary for grouping multiple battery cells 100 into multiple battery assemblies 10 and physically defining the internal space of each battery assembly 10.

[0104] The housing 11 may be made of a rigid and heat-resistant metallic material to physically or chemically protect the housed battery cell 100.

[0105] In addition, the battery assembly 10 may include a busbar assembly and / or module terminals electrically connected to a plurality of battery cells 100.

[0106] The housing 11 of the battery assembly 10 can be configured to contact the cooling plate 300. Therefore, the heat of the battery assembly 10 can be transferred through the cooling medium within the cooling plate 300, thereby ensuring the cooling performance of the battery assembly 10.

[0107] The housing 11 may have cooling holes CH. The cooling holes CH may be formed on one side of the housing 11. For example, as... Figure 9 In the embodiment shown, cooling holes CH can be formed in the upper surface of the housing 11.

[0108] The cooling hole CH can be configured to communicate with the injection hole 310 of the cooling plate 300. The cooling hole CH can be configured to allow the cooling medium within the cooling plate 300 to flow into the housing 11. That is, in the event of a thermal event in the battery assembly 10, the cooling medium within the cooling channel CP can flow into the housing 11 through the injection hole 310 and the cooling hole CH.

[0109] According to the configuration of the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the cooling medium can flow into the housing 11 to directly contact the battery cells 100 within the housing 11, thereby effectively preventing or delaying the propagation of thermal runaway between the battery cells 100. Furthermore, the cooling performance of the battery assembly 10 can be improved.

[0110] Figure 10 This is a top view of the internal structure of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0111] Cooling holes CH can be formed at positions corresponding to the injection holes 310. Cooling holes CH can be configured to face the injection holes 310. Therefore, cooling holes CH can be configured to communicate directly with the injection holes 310. Furthermore, multiple cooling holes CH can be provided to correspond to the number of injection holes 310. Additionally, the size of the cooling holes CH can be configured to be substantially the same as the size of the injection holes 310. Furthermore, as... Figure 10 As shown, the cooling hole CH can also be set along the extension direction of the cooling channel CP.

[0112] According to the configuration of the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the cooling medium discharged from the cooling plate 300 through the injection hole 310 can flow directly into the housing 11 through the cooling hole CH. Therefore, the battery assembly 10 can be cooled more quickly.

[0113] Figure 11 This is a bottom perspective view of a battery module included in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0114] The housing 11 may include a vent VH. The vent VH can be formed by perforation on one side of the housing 11. For example, as... Figure 11 As disclosed in the embodiment shown, the vent hole VH can be formed in the lower surface of the housing 11.

[0115] The vent VH can be configured to discharge exhaust gases generated from the battery cell 100 to the outside of the housing 11. Therefore, the battery assembly 10 can discharge gases in a specific direction through the vent VH.

[0116] Multiple exhaust ports VH can be set. Multiple exhaust ports VH can be arranged at regular intervals in the horizontal direction.

[0117] According to the configuration of the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, in the event of an abnormal condition in the battery cell 100, the high-temperature gas or flame generated in the battery cell 100 can be rapidly discharged to the outside of the battery assembly 10, thereby effectively preventing or delaying the propagation of thermal runaway between the battery cells 100.

[0118] The exhaust port VH and the cooling port CH can be provided on different surfaces of the housing 11. For example, the cooling port CH can be provided in the upper surface of the housing 11 so as to face the cooling plate 300. Alternatively, the exhaust port VH can be provided in the lower surface of the housing 11.

[0119] According to the configuration described above in this disclosure, the venting path and cooling path of the battery pack 10 can be separated from each other. Therefore, the venting performance and cooling performance of the battery pack 1 can be improved.

[0120] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack experiencing a thermal event according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0121] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 12 The battery pack housing 200 may include a base frame 210 and multiple side frames 220.

[0122] The base frame 210 can be configured such that multiple battery modules 10 are mounted on the base frame. The base frame 210 can form the lower surface of the battery pack housing 200 and can be configured in the shape of a square plate. In addition, the base frame 210 can have a flat upper surface to allow the battery modules 10 to be stably mounted thereon.

[0123] Multiple side frames 220 may be configured to extend upward from corresponding edges of the base frame 210. The multiple side frames 220 may be configured to surround the battery assembly 10. More specifically, the multiple side frames 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, thereby forming the side surface of the battery pack housing 200.

[0124] In addition, the battery pack housing 200 may include a crossbeam 230. The crossbeam 230 may be configured to divide the internal space of the battery pack housing 200. The crossbeam 230 may be configured to separate the plurality of battery modules 10. The crossbeam 230 may be configured to extend along the left-right direction and / or front-back direction of the battery pack housing 200.

[0125] Multiple crossbeams 230 can be provided. The crossbeams 230 can be configured to connect opposing side frames 220 among multiple side frames 220. For example, as... Figure 2 As shown, multiple battery modules 10 can be arranged separately in four rows and two columns via crossbeams 230.

[0126] Additionally, the battery pack housing 200 may also include a cover frame 240. The cover frame 240 may be configured to cover the top of the battery assembly 10. The cover frame 240 may be configured to form the upper surface of the battery pack housing 200. The cover frame 240 may be coupled to the side frame 220. Alternatively, the cover frame 240 may be configured to be integral with the side frame 220.

[0127] The following will refer to Figure 12 The structure for discharging high-temperature emissions (e.g., exhaust gases) to the outside of the battery pack housing 200 is described in detail.

[0128] An exhaust passage VP may be formed in the battery pack housing 200. The exhaust passage VP can refer to a channel through which exhaust gases, etc., flow. The exhaust passage VP may be configured to allow exhaust gases generated in the battery cell 100 to flow in and move. For example, the exhaust passage VP may be configured to allow exhaust gases discharged from the exhaust port VH to flow. The exhaust passage VP may be disposed within the battery pack housing 200.

[0129] The exhaust passage VP may include a first exhaust passage VP1. The first exhaust passage VP1 may be configured to allow exhaust gases exiting from the exhaust port VH to flow in. For example, as in... Figure 12 As disclosed in the embodiments shown, the base frame 210 may have a hollow space therein, and the first exhaust passage VP1 may be defined as a hollow space formed in the base frame 210.

[0130] According to the configuration of the above embodiments of this disclosure, the exhaust gas or flame generated from the battery cell 100 can flow into the exhaust passage VP formed in the battery pack housing 200 (see...). Figure 12 (The dashed arrow in the diagram). Therefore, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 100 and thereby generates high-temperature gas or flame, the battery pack 1 according to this disclosure can discharge exhaust gas in a specific direction rather than in all directions.

[0131] Therefore, high-temperature gas or flame can be quickly discharged to the outside of the battery pack 1 through the first exhaust channel VP1, thereby minimizing the heat propagation to other battery cells 100.

[0132] Typically, when gas is emitted from the battery cell 100, electrode plate fragments or active material fragments within the battery cell 100 can be emitted to the outside while heated. These high-temperature particles can appear in the form of sparks. According to this disclosure, even if high-temperature particles are emitted from the battery cell 100, the battery pack 1 can prevent the high-temperature particles from easily escaping to the outside of the battery pack 1, and sufficiently reduce the temperature of the high-temperature particles while moving through the first exhaust channel VP1 before escaping, thereby preventing the high-temperature particles from becoming an ignition source outside the battery pack 1.

[0133] Figure 13 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 14 This is an internal perspective view of the battery pack housing included in another embodiment of the battery pack according to this disclosure.

[0134] Reference Figure 13 and Figure 14The vent 211 can be formed in the inner surface of the battery pack housing 200. The vent 211 can be configured to discharge exhaust gas from the battery cell 100 into the first exhaust passage VP1. That is, the vent 211 can be configured to communicate the first exhaust passage VP1 with the receiving space of the battery cell 100. For example, the vent 211 can be formed on the inner surface of the base frame 210.

[0135] The exhaust port 211 can be formed at a position corresponding to the exhaust port VH. Therefore, the exhaust port 211 can be configured to communicate directly with the exhaust port VH. Furthermore, multiple exhaust ports 211 can be provided to correspond to the number of exhaust ports VH. Additionally, the size of the exhaust port 211 can be substantially the same as the size of the exhaust port VH.

[0136] According to the configuration of the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, exhaust gas or flame generated from the battery cell 100 inside the housing 11 can flow directly into the first exhaust channel VP1 located at the bottom through the exhaust port VH and the exhaust port 211. Therefore, exhaust gas generated from the battery assembly 10 can be quickly discharged to the outside of the battery pack 1, thereby ensuring the safe exhaust performance of the battery pack 1.

[0137] Refer to Figure 12 A second exhaust passage VP2 can be formed within the battery pack housing 200. The second exhaust passage VP2 can be configured as a hollow space within the battery pack housing 200. That is, the second exhaust passage VP2 can be defined as a hollow space formed within the frame of the battery pack housing 200. The second exhaust passage VP2 can be configured to communicate with the first exhaust passage VP1. Furthermore, the second exhaust passage VP2 can be configured to communicate with the outside of the battery pack housing 200.

[0138] Therefore, the exhaust gas generated from the battery cell 100 can flow into the first exhaust passage VP1 connected to the relevant battery cell 100, and then move to the second exhaust passage VP2 connected to the first exhaust passage VP1.

[0139] According to the configuration of the above-described embodiments of this disclosure, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 100 or battery assembly 10, the flow of fluid (e.g., exhaust gas) toward adjacent battery cells 100 and / or battery assembly 10 can be minimized. Therefore, the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells 100 and / or battery assembly 10 can be effectively prevented or delayed. Thus, the safety and reliability of the battery pack 1 can be guaranteed.

[0140] For example, such as Figure 12 In the embodiment shown, the second exhaust passage VP2 can be formed within the side frame 220. The second exhaust passage VP2 can be formed within all four walls of the side frame 220.

[0141] Therefore, the exhaust gas generated from the battery cell 100 can move to the first exhaust passage VP1 formed in the base frame 210, and then to the second exhaust passage VP2 formed in the side frame 220. The exhaust gas can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack housing 200.

[0142] To connect the first exhaust passage VP1 and the second exhaust passage VP2, a connecting hole can be formed in the battery pack housing 200. This connecting hole can be configured to allow the first exhaust passage VP1 and the second exhaust passage VP2 to communicate with each other.

[0143] Furthermore, a third exhaust channel VP3 can be formed in the battery pack housing 200. The third exhaust channel VP3 can be configured as a hollow space within the battery pack housing 200. That is, the third exhaust channel VP3 can be defined as a hollow space formed in a frame of the battery pack housing 200. The third exhaust channel VP3 can be configured to communicate with the first exhaust channel VP1 and the second exhaust channel VP2.

[0144] As a more specific example, such as Figure 12 In the embodiment shown, the third exhaust passage VP3 can be formed in the crossbeam 230. Therefore, exhaust gases generated from the battery cell 100 can move to the first exhaust passage VP1 formed in the base frame 210, and then to the second exhaust passage VP2 formed in the side frame 220 and the third exhaust passage VP3 formed in the crossbeam 230.

[0145] According to the above-described embodiments of this disclosure, exhaust gases and the like discharged from the battery cell 100 or battery assembly 10 in contact with the crossbeam 230 can be directly moved to the third exhaust channel VP3 formed in the crossbeam 230, so that the exhaust gases and the like can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack housing 200 more quickly.

[0146] At the same time, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 12 The battery pack housing 200 may include an exhaust device 250.

[0147] The exhaust device 250 can be configured to discharge gases generated from the battery cell 100 to the outside of the battery pack housing 200. The exhaust device 250 can be configured to open by the pressure of the exhaust gases generated within the battery pack housing 200 and discharge the exhaust gases to the outside of the battery pack housing 200.

[0148] The venting device 250 can be configured to open and close according to the internal pressure of the battery pack housing 200. Alternatively, the venting device 250 can be configured in the form of an orifice. Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to a particular type or form of the venting device 250, and various venting devices 250 known at the time of filing of this disclosure can be applied to the battery pack 1 of this disclosure.

[0149] Specifically, the venting device 250 can be installed on one side of the battery pack housing 200, i.e., the side frame 220. Multiple venting devices 250 can be provided. The venting device 250 can be provided on at least one of the multiple side frames 220. The venting device 250 can be formed individually on two or more side frames 220, or two or more venting devices 250 can be formed on a single side frame 220.

[0150] based on Figure 2 The number and location of the exhaust devices 250 described in the embodiments are merely examples and can be changed to various other numbers or locations.

[0151] These exhaust devices 250 can be configured to communicate with the second exhaust passage VP2. Therefore, the exhaust gas from the second exhaust passage VP2 can be configured to be discharged to the outside of the battery pack housing 200 through the exhaust devices 250.

[0152] According to the configuration of the above-described embodiments of this disclosure, exhaust gases or similar substances can flow directly to the second exhaust passage VP2 of the side frame 220 having an exhaust device 250, allowing the exhaust gases or similar substances to be quickly discharged to the outside of the battery pack housing 200. Therefore, the safe venting performance of the battery pack 1 can be ensured.

[0153] The following describes in detail the discharge direction of the exhaust gas when high-temperature exhaust gas or flame is generated in the battery cell 100. The exhaust gas can flow through the discharge port 211 into the first exhaust channel VP1 located at the bottom of the battery cell 100, and the exhaust gas flowing through the first exhaust channel VP1 can flow into the second exhaust channel VP2 and / or the third exhaust channel VP3. The exhaust gas flowing through the third exhaust channel VP3 can move to the second exhaust channel VP2. The exhaust gas can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack housing 200 through the exhaust device 250 communicating with the second exhaust channel VP2.

[0154] When the cooling medium flows into the housing 11 through the injection hole 310 and the cooling hole CH, the cooling medium accumulated in the housing 11a may cause a short circuit in the battery cell 100.

[0155] To address this problem, the battery pack 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be configured to discharge the cooling medium flowing into the housing 11 to the outside of the housing 11.

[0156] For example, such as Figure 12 and Figure 13 In the embodiments disclosed, the exhaust port VH can be configured to discharge the cooling medium introduced through the cooling port CH to the outside of the housing 11.

[0157] According to the configuration of the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, by properly discharging the cooling medium to the outside of the housing 11 via the vent hole VH, short circuits in the battery cell 100 can be prevented or suppressed.

[0158] In this configuration, the exhaust port VH can be positioned on the surface of the housing 11 facing the cooling hole CH. For example, the cooling hole CH can be located in the upper surface of the housing 11, and the exhaust port VH can be located in the lower surface of the housing 11.

[0159] According to the configuration of the above-described embodiment of this disclosure, the cooling medium flowing in from the cooling hole CH can naturally flow towards the vent hole VH by gravity. Therefore, since the cooling medium inside the housing 11 can be completely discharged to the outside of the housing 11 through the vent hole VH, short circuits in the battery cell 100 can be prevented or suppressed more effectively.

[0160] Additionally, the cooling medium discharged through the exhaust port VH can be configured to flow into the first exhaust passage VP1 through the exhaust port 211 (see...). Figure 13 (The thick arrow in the middle).

[0161] According to the configuration described above in this disclosure, when the cooling medium flows through the first exhaust channel VP1, it can prevent the cooling medium discharged to the outside of the housing 11 through the exhaust port VH from affecting other battery components 10, etc. Therefore, short circuits in normal battery components 10 can be prevented.

[0162] Figure 15 This is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0163] See Figure 15 The vehicle V according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more battery packs 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The vehicle V according to the present disclosure may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle V may include four-wheeled vehicles and two-wheeled vehicles. The vehicle V may be powered by and be operable using the battery packs 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0164] 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 without departing from the technical spirit of this disclosure and the equivalent scope of the claims described below by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

Claims

1. A battery pack, the battery pack comprising: Multiple battery cells; A battery pack housing configured to house the plurality of battery cells; A cooling plate is disposed within the battery pack housing and has cooling channels filled with a cooling medium and injection holes configured to discharge the cooling medium from the cooling channels toward the battery cells; as well as A sprayer connected to the spray nozzle.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, The sprayer is configured to spray the cooling medium from the spray nozzle when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, The sprayer includes: A connecting portion, the connecting portion being configured to connect to the injection hole; A cover portion, which is connected to the connecting portion and configured to cover the injection hole; A heat sensor, connected to the cover and configured to detect heat; and A spraying section is connected to the heat-sensing section and is configured to spray the cooling medium.

4. The battery pack according to claim 3, in, The thermal sensing element is configured to rupture at a predetermined temperature or higher when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell.

5. The battery pack according to claim 3, in, The cover is configured to separate from the injection hole in the event of a thermal event in the battery cell.

6. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, The sprayer is configured as a glass sphere.

7. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, The sprayer is configured as a fusible link type.

8. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising a sealing member inserted between the sprayer and the inner peripheral surface of the spray hole.

9. The battery pack of claim 1, further comprising a housing configured to receive the plurality of battery cells and having a cooling hole on one side in communication with the injection hole.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9, in, The housing has a vent, which is configured to discharge exhaust gases generated by the battery cell to the outside.

11. A vehicle comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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