Battery device

Abstract

The technical idea of the present invention relates to a battery device including a case having an internal space for accommodating a battery cell, an exhaust valve installed in the case and configured to discharge gas to the outside, and a valve protection cover provided at an entrance side of the exhaust valve facing the internal space of the case. The valve protection cover includes a front wall including a first exhaust hole and disposed to face the entrance of the exhaust valve in a first direction, a peripheral wall extending along a periphery of the front wall, and a hole cover connected to the front wall to cover at least a portion of the first exhaust hole of the front wall in the first direction and having a passage for connecting the first exhaust hole of the front wall to the internal space of the case.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a battery device. This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0137565, filed on October 10, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. They are widely used as a power source for various types of wireless devices, such as mobile phones, laptops, and cordless vacuum cleaners. Recently, with the significant reduction in the per-unit capacity manufacturing cost of secondary batteries due to increased energy density and economies of scale, and with battery electric vehicles (BEVs) achieving driving ranges comparable to gasoline-powered vehicles, the primary use of secondary batteries is shifting from mobile devices to mobility tools.

[0003] As secondary batteries are increasingly used in vehicles, the need for their safety is growing. Drivers' lives can be endangered in the event of an accident involving a secondary battery used in a vehicle, such as a fire. Therefore, research into technologies to enhance the safety of secondary batteries is essential. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical issues

[0005] This disclosure aims to provide a battery device.

[0006] Technical solution

[0007] This disclosure provides a battery device comprising: a battery pack housing having an internal space for receiving battery cells; a vent valve mounted in the housing and configured to vent gas to the outside; and a valve protection cover located at the inlet of the vent valve facing the internal space of the housing. The valve protection cover includes: a front wall disposed facing the inlet of the vent valve in a first direction and including a first vent hole; a peripheral wall extending along the periphery of the front wall; and a hole cover connected to the front wall to cover at least a portion of the first vent hole of the front wall in the first direction, and including a passage connecting the first vent hole of the front wall to the internal space of the housing.

[0008] In one embodiment, the cover may completely cover the first vent hole of the front wall in the first direction.

[0009] In one embodiment, the battery device may further include a first porous filter attached to the front wall to cover the first vent hole of the front wall.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first porous filter may contain metal foam.

[0011] In one embodiment, the peripheral wall may include a second vent.

[0012] In one embodiment, the second vent hole may penetrate the peripheral wall in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0013] In one embodiment, the battery device may further include a second porous filter attached to the peripheral wall to cover the second vent hole of the peripheral wall.

[0014] In one embodiment, the valve cover may further include a flange extending from the peripheral wall and fastened to the housing.

[0015] In one embodiment, the valve cover may further include an internal channel configured to allow cooling fluid to flow through it.

[0016] In one embodiment, the internal channel of the valve cover may be disposed in the peripheral wall and the front wall.

[0017] In one embodiment, the internal channel of the valve protective cover may be provided in the orifice cover.

[0018] In one embodiment, the housing may include a cooling channel configured to allow cooling fluid to flow through it, and the cooling channel of the housing may communicate with the internal channel of the valve cover.

[0019] In one embodiment, the valve cover may further include a flange extending from the peripheral wall and fastened to the housing, the internal channel of the valve cover may be disposed in the flange, and the cooling channel of the housing and the internal channel of the valve cover may be connected at the interface between the flange of the valve cover and the housing.

[0020] In one embodiment, the vent valve may be a pressure relief valve configured to release gas to the outside based on the pressure level of the internal space of the housing.

[0021] Beneficial effects

[0022] According to one embodiment, the battery device may include a valve protection cover configured to allow gas flow to the vent valve and suppress the arrival of high-temperature particles at the vent valve. Therefore, performance degradation of the vent valve due to particle accumulation in its passage can be suppressed, and external fires caused by high-temperature particles being released to the outside through the vent valve can be prevented.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the battery device includes a porous filter located in the venting path provided by the valve cover to filter out toxic and harmful substances, thereby preventing the emission of toxic and harmful substances to the outside of the battery device.

[0024] According to the battery device of the embodiment, cooling fluid can flow into the internal channels of the valve protection cover to cool particles and gases around the valve protection cover. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively suppress high-temperature particles from reaching the exhaust valve and to suppress heat transfer between battery cells caused by high-temperature gases.

[0025] The effects obtainable from the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other effects not described herein will be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. In other words, those skilled in the art can derive unexpected effects achieved in implementing the embodiments of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a battery device according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional view of a part of the battery device.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a 3D view of the valve protective cover.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a part of the battery device.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the battery device according to an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the battery device according to an embodiment.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the battery device according to an embodiment.

[0033] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the battery device according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0034] In the following, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before describing embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms or expressions used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their commonly understood or defined meanings in common dictionaries, and should be understood according to the meanings and concepts corresponding to the present disclosure, based on the inventors' ability to appropriately define the terms or expressions to best interpret the principles of the present disclosure.

[0035] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are merely examples of this disclosure and do not reflect all the technical ideas of this disclosure. It should be understood that various equivalents and modifications have been made to replace the configurations as of the date of filing of this application.

[0036] When it is determined that a well-known configuration or function related to the description of this disclosure would obscure the subject matter of this disclosure due to unnecessary details, the well-known configuration or function related to the description of this disclosure will not be described in detail.

[0037] Because the embodiments of this disclosure are provided to explain the disclosure more fully to those skilled in the art, the shapes, dimensions, etc. of the components shown in the drawings may be enlarged, omitted, or illustrated schematically for clarity. Therefore, it should not be understood that the dimensions or proportions of the components fully reflect their actual dimensions or proportions.

[0038] (First Implementation)

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the battery device 10 according to an embodiment. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a part of the battery device 10. Figure 3 This is a 3D view of the valve protection cover 150. Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a part of the battery device 10.

[0040] refer to Figures 1 to 4 The battery device 10 may include a housing 110, a plurality of cell assemblies 130, an exhaust valve 140, and a valve protection cover 150.

[0041] The housing 110 can provide an internal space 119 for accommodating multiple cell assemblies 130. The housing 110 may include a base frame 111 and a side frame 113.

[0042] The base frame 111 can support multiple cell assemblies 130. The base frame 111 can have a flat plate shape extending generally in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction).

[0043] Side frame 113 may be coupled to base frame 111. Side frame 113 may be coupled to the periphery of base frame 111 and extend along the periphery of base frame 111. Side frame 113 may extend continuously along the periphery of base frame 111 to surround a plurality of cell assemblies 130. When viewed in plan view, side frame 113 may have an approximately quadrilateral ring shape. Side frame 113 may, together with base frame 111, define an internal space 119 for accommodating a plurality of cell assemblies 130. Housing 110 may also include a top cover (not shown) coupled to side frame 113 and covering the plurality of cell assemblies 130.

[0044] Multiple cell assemblies 130 may be arranged on the base frame 111 in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) and / or a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction). Each cell assembly 130 may correspond to a battery module or a cell-to-battery pack unit. The housing 110 may include a central beam 115 on the base frame 111. Some of the multiple cell assemblies 130 may be disposed on one side of the central beam 115, and other cell assemblies may be disposed on the other side of the central beam 115.

[0045] Each cell assembly 130 may include multiple battery cells 131. Each battery cell 131 is a basic unit of a lithium-ion battery (i.e., a secondary battery). Each battery cell 131 may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a cell casing. The electrode assembly in the cell casing may include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator between the positive and negative electrodes. Depending on the assembly configuration, the electrode assembly may be a wound electrode assembly or a stacked electrode assembly. A wound electrode assembly may include a structure in which the positive electrode, negative electrode, and the separator between the positive and negative electrodes are wound together. A stacked electrode assembly may include multiple positive electrodes and multiple negative electrodes sequentially stacked, and multiple separators located between the positive and negative electrodes. The positive electrode may include a positive current collector and a positive active material. The negative electrode may include a negative current collector and a negative active material.

[0046] Each battery cell 131 can be a pouch cell, a cylindrical cell, or a prismatic cell. The electrode assembly of a pouch cell is housed in a pouch containing aluminum laminates. The electrode assembly of a cylindrical cell is housed in a cylindrical metal can. The electrode assembly of a prismatic cell is housed in a prismatic metal can.

[0047] The multiple battery cells 131 of each cell assembly 130 can be connected in series and / or in parallel. For example, multiple battery cells 131 can be connected in series with each other. For example, multiple battery cells 131 can be connected in parallel with each other. For example, when a group of two or more battery cells 131 connected in parallel with each other is defined as a group, a group consisting of two or more battery cells 131 connected in parallel with each other and another group consisting of two or more battery cells 131 connected in parallel with each other can be connected in series.

[0048] In one embodiment, a plurality of battery cells 131 may be arranged along a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) and may each extend along a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction). Electrode leads may be disposed on at least one end of opposite ends of each battery cell 131 in the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction). The electrode leads of adjacent battery cells 131 may be electrically and physically connected to each other.

[0049] Multiple cell assemblies 130 can be thermally and physically bonded to the base frame 111 via thermally conductive adhesive layers. The thermally conductive adhesive layers may include thermal resins and / or thermal interface materials (TIMs).

[0050] An exhaust valve 140 may be mounted in the housing 110. In one embodiment, the exhaust valve 140 may be mounted on the side frame 113. In another embodiment, the exhaust valve 140 may be mounted on the base frame 111. In one embodiment, the battery device 10 may include a plurality of exhaust valves 140 mounted in the housing 110. In another embodiment, the plurality of exhaust valves 140 may be mounted on the side frame 113. In another embodiment, the plurality of exhaust valves 140 may be mounted on the base frame 111. In another embodiment, some of the plurality of exhaust valves 140 may be mounted on the side frame 113, and the other exhaust valves of the plurality of exhaust valves 140 may be mounted on the base frame 111.

[0051] An exhaust valve 140 may be installed in the housing 110 and configured to vent gas from the interior space 119 of the housing 110 to the outside of the housing 110. Depending on the pressure level of the interior space 119 of the housing 110, the exhaust valve 140 may allow or prevent gas from flowing from the interior space 119 of the housing 110 toward the outside of the housing 110. The exhaust valve 140 may include an inlet 149 toward the interior space 119 of the housing 110, an outlet toward the exterior space of the housing 110, and a passage extending between the inlet 149 and the outlet, and may be configured to open or close the passage according to the pressure level of the interior space 119 of the housing 110. In an embodiment, the exhaust valve 140 may be a pressure relief valve.

[0052] When the pressure in the internal space 119 of the housing 110 is less than or equal to a preset reference value, the exhaust valve 140 can be in the closed position to close the passage therein, thereby preventing gas from flowing between the internal space 119 of the housing 110 and the outside of the housing 110. When the pressure in the internal space 119 of the housing 110 is greater than the preset reference value, the exhaust valve 140 can be in the open position to open the passage therein, thereby allowing gas to flow from the internal space 119 of the housing 110 toward the outside of the housing 110. When the pressure in the internal space 119 of the housing 110 is less than or equal to the preset reference value due to gas being discharged through the exhaust valve 140, the exhaust valve 140 can move from the open position to the closed position to prevent gas from flowing between the internal space 119 of the housing 110 and the outside of the housing 110. Figure 4 The exhaust valve 140 is shown in the open position.

[0053] The exhaust valve 140 may include a valve frame 141, a valve cover 143, and a spring 145.

[0054] Valve frame 141 can be mounted and secured to housing 110. Valve frame 141 may include passage 1415 communicating with internal space 119 of housing 110. Passage 1415 of valve frame 141 may be configured to communicate internal space 119 of housing 110 with external space.

[0055] The valve frame 141 may include an annular body 1411 connected to the housing 110 and a support structure 1413 extending inwardly from the annular body 1411. The passage 1415 of the valve frame 141 may include the hollow portion of the annular body 1411.

[0056] The valve cover 143 can move between a closed position and an open position according to the pressure inside the internal space 119 of the housing 110. When the exhaust valve 140 is closed, the valve cover 143 can be in the closed position. When the exhaust valve 140 is open, the valve cover 143 can be in the open position. The valve cover 143 can move linearly between the open and closed positions.

[0057] When the valve cover 143 is in the closed position, the valve cover 143 can close the passage 1415 of the valve frame 141 relative to the external space, so that the passage 1415 of the valve frame 141 is not connected to the external space. When the valve cover 143 is in the closed position, it can prevent gas from flowing between the internal space 119 of the housing 110 and the external space.

[0058] When the valve cover 143 is in the open position, the valve cover 143 can open the passage 1415 of the valve frame 141 relative to the external space, so that the passage 1415 of the valve frame 141 can communicate with the external space. When the valve cover 143 is in the open position, gas can flow from the internal space 119 of the housing 110 to the external space through the passage 1415 of the valve frame 141.

[0059] The valve cover 143 may include a baffle 1431 that covers and closes the passage 1415 of the valve frame 141 and a movable rod 1431 connected to the baffle 1431. A support structure 1413 may extend from the annular body 1411 toward the movable rod 1431 and support one side of the movable rod 1431, so that the movable rod 1431 can move linearly along a predetermined path.

[0060] Spring 145 can provide a restoring force to valve cover 143 in the direction from the open position to the closed position. For example, spring 145 can be a helical spring wound on moving rod 1431. Spring 145 can be disposed between the support structure 1413 of valve frame 141 and a stop protrusion disposed on the end of moving rod 1431. One end of spring 145 can be supported by the stop protrusion of moving rod 1431, and the other end of spring 145 can be supported by support structure 1413. When the pressure in the internal space 119 of housing 110 is less than or equal to a preset reference value, valve cover 143 can be fixed in the closed position and elastically supported by spring 145. When the pressure in the internal space 119 of housing 110 is greater than the preset reference value, valve cover 143 can gradually move in the direction from the closed position to the open position.

[0061] A valve cover 150 may be disposed within the housing 110 and at the inlet 149 of the exhaust valve 140. For example, the valve cover 150 may be fastened to the inside of the side frame 113 to cover the inlet 149 of the exhaust valve 140. The valve cover 150 may have a three-dimensional shape or a box shape. The valve cover 150 may provide a buffer space communicating with the passage of the exhaust valve 140. The valve cover 150 may be configured to block or inhibit the flow of high-temperature particles PC to the exhaust valve 140 to protect the exhaust valve 140 from the effects of high-temperature particles PC. High-temperature particles PC may include flame emissions, sparks, etc., generated during the ignition of the battery cell 131. Because the valve cover 150 blocks or inhibits the flow of high-temperature particles PC to the exhaust valve 140, performance degradation of the exhaust valve 140 due to the accumulation of high-temperature particles PC in the passage of the exhaust valve 140 can be suppressed, and external ignition of the battery device 10 due to the emission of high-temperature particles PC to the outside through the exhaust valve 140 can be suppressed. In an embodiment, the battery device 10 may include a plurality of vent valves 140 and a plurality of valve protection covers 150, and each of the plurality of valve protection covers 150 may be configured to cover and protect a corresponding vent valve among the plurality of vent valves 140.

[0062] The valve cover 150 may be formed of a high-rigidity material (e.g., metal).

[0063] The valve cover 150 may include a front wall 151, a peripheral wall 152, a flange 153, and a plurality of orifice covers 154. The valve cover 150 may have a single integrated structure in which the front wall 151, peripheral wall 152, flange 153, and orifice covers 154 are integrally formed.

[0064] The front wall 151 may face the inlet 149 of the exhaust valve 140. The front wall 151 may face the exhaust valve 140 in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) and has a flat plate shape extending in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) and a vertical direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction). When viewed in the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction), the front wall 151 may have a quadrilateral shape or a circular shape.

[0065] The front wall 151 may include a plurality of first vent holes 155. Each of the plurality of first vent holes 155 may be a through-hole extending through the front wall 151. The buffer space provided by the valve cover 150 may communicate with the internal space 119 of the housing 110 housing the cell assembly 130 through the plurality of first vent holes 155 of the front wall 151. The plurality of first vent holes 155 may be arranged in the front wall 151 along a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) and / or a vertical direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction). When the front wall 151 faces the exhaust valve 140 in the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction), the plurality of first vent holes 155 may each extend through the front wall 151 in the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction). Gas generated in the internal space 119 of the housing 110 may flow to the exhaust valve 140 through the plurality of first vent holes 155 of the front wall 151.

[0066] A flange 153 may extend from the peripheral wall 152 and connect to the housing 110. The flange 153 may have a flat plate shape parallel to the surface of the portion of the housing 110 that connects with the valve cover 150. The extending direction of the flange 153 is substantially perpendicular to the extending direction of the peripheral wall 152. The flange 153 may be fastened to the housing 110 by a fastening member such as a bolt.

[0067] Multiple orifice caps 154 may be attached to the front wall 151 to at least partially cover each of the multiple first vent holes 155. The multiple orifice caps 154 may be attached to the front wall 151 facing the interior space 119 of the housing 110 or facing the surface of the cell assembly 130 within the housing 110. Each orifice cap 154 ​​may be attached to the front wall 151 to cover at least a portion of the corresponding first vent hole 155 in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction). Each orifice cap 154 ​​may include a passage 1541 connecting the corresponding first vent hole 155 to the interior space 119 of the housing 110. Gas generated in the interior space 119 of the housing 110 may reach the exhaust valve 140 through the passage 1541 of each of the multiple orifice caps 154, the multiple first vent holes 155, and the buffer space of the valve protection cap 150. The passage 1541 of each orifice cap 154 ​​and each first vent hole 155 may form an exhaust path VG for discharging gas.

[0068] The high-temperature particles PC generated during thermal runaway in battery cell 131 exhibit linearity. Multiple orifice caps 154 can be provided to cover multiple first vent holes 155 in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction), thereby blocking or inhibiting the flow of high-temperature particles PC through valve protection cap 150 to vent valve 140. Valve protection cap 150 can allow gas to flow through the multiple first vent holes 155 of the front wall 151 and blocks or inhibits the flow of high-temperature particles PC by at least partially covering each of the multiple first vent holes 155 with orifice caps 154. That is, valve protection cap 150 can effectively inhibit high-temperature particles PC from reaching vent valve 140 while ensuring the venting path VG for discharging gas. According to an embodiment, by blocking or inhibiting the flow of high-temperature particles PC to vent valve 140, performance degradation of vent valve 140 due to accumulation of high-temperature particles PC in the passage of vent valve 140 can be suppressed, and external fire of battery device 10 due to the discharge of high-temperature particles PC to the outside through vent valve 140 can be suppressed.

[0069] (Second Implementation)

[0070] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the battery device 10A according to an embodiment. In the following text, the focus will be on the portion referenced above. Figures 1 to 4 The differences in the described battery device 10 are used to describe Figure 5 The battery device is 10A.

[0071] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 5 In the valve protection cover 150A of the battery device 10A, each orifice cover 154A can be connected to the front wall 151 to completely cover the corresponding first vent hole 155 in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction). The passage 1541 of each orifice cover 154A and each first vent hole 155 can form an exhaust path VG for discharging gas. The exhaust path VG can include a path for gas to flow upward along the passage 1541 of each orifice cover 154A and a path for gas to flow along each first vent hole 155 in the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction).

[0072] (Third Implementation)

[0073] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the battery device 10B according to an embodiment. In the following text, the focus will be on the portion referenced above. Figures 1 to 4 The differences in the described battery device 10 are used to describe Figure 6 Battery device 10B.

[0074] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 6The battery device 10B may include a first porous filter 171, which is coupled to a valve cover 150 to cover a plurality of first vent holes 155. The first porous filter 171 may be disposed in the vent path VG provided by the valve cover 150 to filter toxic and harmful substances contained in the gas. The first porous filter 171 may be attached to a front wall 151 to cover the plurality of first vent holes 155 of the front wall 151. The first porous filter 171 may have a porous structure that allows gas to flow through it and collects toxic and harmful substances contained in the gas. For example, the first porous filter 171 may include metal foam. Toxic and harmful substances generated during thermal runaway in the battery cell 131 are filtered by the first porous filter 171 and then reach the vent valve 140. Because the first porous filter 171 filters out toxic and harmful substances, the emission of toxic and harmful substances to the outside of the battery device 10B can be prevented, thereby improving safety and environmental issues.

[0075] (Fourth Implementation)

[0076] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the battery device 10C according to an embodiment. In the following text, the focus will be on the portion referenced above. Figure 6 The differences described in the battery device 10B are used to describe Figure 7 Battery device 10C.

[0077] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 7 In the battery device 10C, the peripheral wall 152 of the valve cover 150 may include a plurality of second vent holes 156. The buffer space provided by the valve cover 150 communicates with the internal space 119 of the housing 110 housing the cell assembly 130 via a plurality of first vent holes 155 of the front wall 151 and a plurality of second vent holes 156 of the peripheral wall 152. Each of the plurality of second vent holes 156 may be a through-hole penetrating the peripheral wall 152. When the front wall 151 faces the vent valve 140 in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction), the plurality of second vent holes 156 may each penetrate the peripheral wall 152 in a direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X-axis direction). Gas generated in the internal space 119 of the housing 110 can reach the vent valve 140 through the plurality of second vent holes 156 of the peripheral wall 152 and be discharged to the outside through the vent valve 140. Because the peripheral wall 152 is located in an area where high-temperature particles with a straight line are difficult to access, it can effectively suppress high-temperature particles from reaching the exhaust valve 140, while ensuring the exhaust path VG for discharging gas.

[0078] The battery device 10C may include a second porous filter 173, which is coupled to a valve cover 150 to cover a plurality of second vent holes 156. The second porous filter 173 may be disposed in an exhaust path VG passing through the peripheral wall 152 of the valve cover 150 to filter toxic and harmful substances contained in the gas. The second porous filter 173 may be attached to the peripheral wall 152 to cover the plurality of second vent holes 156 of the peripheral wall 152. The second porous filter 173 has a porous structure that allows gas to flow through the filter and collects toxic and harmful substances contained in the gas. For example, the second porous filter 173 may include metal foam. Toxic and harmful substances generated during thermal runaway in the battery cell 131 are filtered by the second porous filter 173 and then reach the exhaust valve 140. Because the second porous filter 173 filters out toxic and harmful substances, the emission of toxic and harmful substances to the outside of the battery device 10C can be prevented, thereby improving safety and environmental issues.

[0079] (Fifth Implementation)

[0080] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the battery device 10D according to an embodiment. In the following text, the focus will be on the portion referenced above. Figures 1 to 4 The differences in the described battery device 10D are used to describe Figure 8 Battery device 10D.

[0081] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 8 In the battery device 10D, the housing 110 may include a cooling channel 120 configured to allow cooling fluid to flow through it. The cooling channel 120 is a passageway within the housing 110. The cooling channel 120 may be disposed in the base frame 111 and the side frame 113. When cooling fluid flows along the cooling channel 120 of the housing 110, it can cool a plurality of cell assemblies 130 within the housing 110. The cooling fluid may include a coolant and / or a refrigerant.

[0082] In one embodiment, the valve cover 150B may include an internal channel 161 configured to allow cooling fluid to flow through it. The internal channel 161 of the valve cover 150B is a passageway within the valve cover 150B. The internal channel 161 of the valve cover 150B may be disposed in the front wall 151, peripheral wall 152, flange 153, and / or orifice cover 154 of the valve cover 150B.

[0083] In one embodiment, the internal passage 161 of the valve cover 150B can communicate with the cooling passage 120 of the housing 110. Cooling fluid can flow between the internal passage 161 of the valve cover 150B and the cooling passage 120 of the housing 110. Cooling fluid can flow from the cooling passage 120 of the housing 110 to the inlet of the internal passage 161 of the valve cover 150B, flow along the internal passage 161 of the valve cover 150B, and be discharged into the cooling passage 120 of the housing 110 through the outlet of the internal passage 161 of the valve cover 150B.

[0084] For example, the internal channel 161 of the valve cover 150B and the cooling channel 120 of the housing 110 can be connected to each other at the interface between the flange 153 of the valve cover 150B and the housing 110. A sealing member such as a gasket can be provided at the interface between the flange 153 of the valve cover 150B and the housing 110 to prevent leakage of cooling fluid.

[0085] The peripheral portion of the valve cover 150B can be cooled during the flow of cooling fluid through the internal channel 161 of the valve cover 150B. During the flow of cooling fluid into the internal channel 161 of the valve cover 150B, the energy of high-temperature particles can be reduced or dissipated, thereby more effectively suppressing high-temperature particles from reaching the exhaust valve 140. Furthermore, during the flow of cooling fluid into the internal channel 161 of the valve cover 150B, the high-temperature gas surrounding the valve cover 150B can be cooled, and heat transfer between the battery cells 131 caused by the high-temperature gas can be suppressed.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the battery device may include a valve protection cover configured to allow gas flow to the vent valve and suppress the arrival of high-temperature particles at the vent valve. Therefore, performance degradation of the vent valve due to particle accumulation in its passage can be suppressed, and external fires caused by high-temperature particles being released to the outside through the vent valve can be prevented.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the battery device includes a porous filter located in the venting path provided by the valve cover to filter toxic and harmful substances, thereby preventing the emission of toxic and harmful substances to the outside of the battery device.

[0088] According to the battery device of the embodiment, cooling fluid can flow into the internal channels of the valve protection cover to cool particles and gases around the valve protection cover. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively suppress high-temperature particles from reaching the exhaust valve and to suppress heat transfer between battery cells caused by high-temperature gases.

[0089] The present disclosure has been described in more detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. However, the configurations shown in the drawings or the embodiments described in this specification are merely examples of the present disclosure and do not reflect all the technical ideas of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications to these configurations have been made as of the date of filing of this application.

Claims

1. A battery device, the battery device comprising: A battery pack housing having an internal space for accommodating battery cells; An exhaust valve, which is installed in the housing and configured to discharge gas to the outside; as well as A valve protection cover, located at the inlet of the exhaust valve facing the interior space of the housing. The valve protection cover includes: A front wall, the front wall being configured to face the inlet of the exhaust valve in a first direction and including a first exhaust port; A peripheral wall, the peripheral wall extending along the periphery of the front wall; and A cover, which is attached to the front wall to cover at least a portion of the first vent hole of the front wall in the first direction, and includes a passage connecting the first vent hole of the front wall to the interior space of the housing.

2. The battery device according to claim 1, wherein, The cover completely covers the first vent hole of the front wall in the first direction.

3. The battery device of claim 1, further comprising a first porous filter attached to the front wall to cover the first vent hole of the front wall.

4. The battery device according to claim 3, wherein, The first porous filter contains metal foam.

5. The battery device according to claim 1, wherein, The peripheral wall includes a second vent.

6. The battery device according to claim 5, wherein, The second vent hole penetrates the peripheral wall in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

7. The battery device of claim 5, further comprising a second porous filter attached to the peripheral wall to cover the second vent hole of the peripheral wall.

8. The battery device according to claim 1, wherein, The valve cover also includes a flange that extends from the peripheral wall and is fastened to the housing.

9. The battery device according to claim 1, wherein, The valve cover also includes an internal channel configured to allow cooling fluid to flow through it.

10. The battery device according to claim 9, wherein, The internal channel of the valve cover is disposed in the peripheral wall and the front wall.

11. The battery device according to claim 9, wherein, The internal channel of the valve protective cover is provided in the orifice cover.

12. The battery device according to claim 9, wherein, The housing includes cooling channels configured to allow cooling fluid to flow through them. The cooling channel of the housing is connected to the internal channel of the valve protection cover.

13. The battery device according to claim 12, wherein, The valve cover also includes a flange that extends from the peripheral wall and is fastened to the housing. The internal channel of the valve protective cover is disposed in the flange portion, and The cooling channel of the housing and the internal channel of the valve cover are connected at the interface between the flange of the valve cover and the housing.

14. The battery device according to claim 1, wherein, The exhaust valve is a pressure relief valve configured to release gas to the outside based on the pressure level of the internal space of the housing.

Images