Battery pack and automobile including same

Abstract

The battery pack of the present invention includes a pack housing including a battery module, a pack case in which the battery module is housed, and a pack cover for opening and closing the pack case; and a condensation detection sensor that detects condensation based on an insulation abnormality signal generated inside the pack case, the condensation detection sensor including a first conductor and a second conductor that are connected by condensation generated inside the pack case to generate an insulation abnormality signal.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0118218, filed September 19, 2022, and all contents disclosed in the documents of this Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery pack having a structure capable of detecting condensation formed inside a pack case, and to a vehicle including the battery pack. [Background technology]

[0003] Generally, secondary batteries capable of being charged and discharged can be classified into pouch-type, square-type, cylindrical-type, etc. depending on their structure.

[0004] The pouch-type secondary battery includes an electrode assembly and a pouch that houses the electrode assembly. The prismatic secondary battery includes an electrode assembly, a can that houses the electrode assembly, and a top cap that is attached to the opening of the can. The cylindrical secondary battery includes an electrode assembly, a can that houses the electrode assembly, and a cap assembly that is attached to the opening of the can.

[0005] Meanwhile, electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) have been developed as a way to solve air pollution caused by existing gasoline and diesel vehicles. These electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) use medium- to large-sized battery modules or medium- to large-sized battery packs, in which a number of secondary batteries are electrically connected, as an energy source.

[0006] The battery module has a structure in which a number of secondary batteries are connected in series and / or parallel, and the battery pack has a structure in which one or more battery modules are assembled in a pack case.

[0007] However, when the battery pack is in a high-temperature and humid environment or when there is a large temperature difference between the inside and outside of the pack case, condensation occurs inside the pack case, which causes corrosion of the pack case. There is also a problem that the electrolyte leaks due to cracks in the corroded pack case, causing a double-wire ground fault. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack and an automobile including the same that include a condensation detection sensor that detects condensation that has formed inside the pack case, thereby enabling condensation that has formed inside the pack case to be quickly detected, thereby preventing the occurrence of danger at an early stage.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack and an automobile including the same, which includes a condensation removal device that removes condensation that has formed inside the pack case, thereby effectively removing condensation that has formed inside the pack case, thereby preventing the occurrence of danger early and thereby increasing safety. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The battery pack of the present invention includes a pack housing including a battery module, a pack case in which the battery module is housed, and a pack cover that opens and closes the pack case, and a condensation detection sensor that detects condensation based on an insulation abnormality signal generated inside the pack case, and the condensation detection sensor includes a first conductor and a second conductor that are connected by condensation generated inside the pack case to generate an insulation abnormality signal.

[0011] The first conductor is formed of a first body connected to a voltage line of the battery module and a plurality of first terminals protruding from the first body, and the second conductor is formed of a second body connected to a ground of the pack case and a plurality of second terminals protruding from the second body, and the plurality of first terminals and the plurality of second terminals are alternately arranged and can be connected by condensation to generate an insulation abnormality signal.

[0012] The condensation sensor may be attached to a surface of the pack cover corresponding to an upper surface of the battery module.

[0013] The battery modules may be provided in plurality, the pack case may include a partition wall that partitions an accommodation space for accommodating the plurality of battery modules, and a support member that is provided on the partition wall and supports the pack cover, and the condensation detection sensor may be attached to a surface of the pack cover that is adjacent to the support member.

[0014] The pack case may include a manual service disconnect (MSD) device for cutting off power connected to the battery module inside, and the condensation detection sensor may be attached to a surface of the pack cover adjacent to the MSD device.

[0015] The condensation sensor may be attached to the pack cover using an adhesive or an adhesive film.

[0016] The battery pack may further include a dew condensation removing device that circulates air inside the pack case to remove dew condensation formed inside the pack case.

[0017] The condensation removal device may include an injection pipe and an exhaust pipe connected to the inside of the pack case, and an air generator that injects air into the inside of the pack case through the injection pipe and exhausts the air from the inside of the pack case through the exhaust pipe.

[0018] The condensation removal device may further include a valve for opening and closing the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe, and a control unit for opening the valve and discharging air from the pack case through the air generator only when an insulation abnormality signal is generated by the condensation detection sensor.

[0019] The condensation removing device may further include a filter for filtering out foreign matter contained in the air passing through the injection pipe.

[0020] The first conductor and the second conductor may be made of copper or aluminum.

[0021] Meanwhile, the automobile of the present invention includes a battery pack, the battery pack including a pack housing consisting of a battery module, a pack case in which the battery module is housed, and a pack cover for opening and closing the pack case, and a condensation detection sensor for detecting condensation based on an insulation abnormality signal generated inside the pack case, the condensation detection sensor including first and second conductors connected by condensation generated inside the pack case to generate an insulation abnormality signal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] The battery pack of the present invention includes a condensation detection sensor that detects condensation based on an insulation abnormality signal generated inside the pack case, and the condensation detection sensor includes a first conductor and a second conductor that are connected by condensation to generate an insulation abnormality signal. This feature allows condensation generated inside the pack case to be quickly detected, thereby preventing danger from occurring early.

[0023] In other words, in the battery pack of the present invention, the condensation detection sensors are provided at a position corresponding to the top surface of the battery module, a position close to the support member that supports the pack cover, and a position close to the power cut-off device, thereby enabling condensation that occurs inside the pack case to be quickly detected.

[0024] The battery pack of the present invention is also characterized by including a condensation removal device that removes condensation that has formed inside the pack case. This feature allows condensation that has formed inside the pack case to be quickly removed, thereby preventing the occurrence of danger early and improving safety. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a battery pack according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view generally illustrating the battery pack of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a support member in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating the dew condensation sensor in FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a condensation removing device for a battery pack according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating a vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, in the drawings, parts that are not relevant to the description will be omitted, and similar parts will be designated by similar reference numerals throughout the specification in order to clearly explain the present invention.

[0027] [Battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a battery pack according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the position of a condensation detection sensor provided in the battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] The battery pack 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention has a structure including a condensation detection sensor 30. This structure allows condensation occurring inside the battery pack to be quickly detected, and as a result, the occurrence of danger can be detected or prevented early.

[0029] 1 to 3, the battery pack 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a battery module 10, a pack housing 20 in which the battery module 10 is accommodated, and a dew condensation detection sensor 30 that detects dew condensation occurring inside the pack housing 20. Here, the dew condensation detection sensor 30 detects dew condensation based on an insulation abnormality signal generated inside the pack.

[0030] Condensation refers to the phenomenon in which the temperature of the air containing moisture drops below the dew point, causing the moisture to turn into droplets on the surface of an object. That is, condensation occurs when water droplets form inside the battery pack due to the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the battery pack 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Battery module The battery module 10 has a structure in which a plurality of battery cells are connected in series and / or parallel. Here, the battery cell includes an electrode assembly and a case in which the electrode assembly is housed. The electrode assembly has a structure in which electrodes and separators are alternately arranged. Meanwhile, the electrodes may be positive and negative electrodes.

[0032] Pack Housing The pack housing 20 includes a pack case 21 having an accommodation space for accommodating one or more battery modules 10, preferably two or more battery modules 10, and a pack cover 22 for opening and closing the accommodation space of the pack case 21.

[0033] Here, referring to FIG. 2, the receiving space of the pack case 21 has a structure in which the top is open, and the pack cover 22 is coupled to the top of the pack case 21 to open and close the receiving space.

[0034] Meanwhile, the pack case 21 is provided with partition walls 211 that partition the storage space for storing a plurality of battery modules 10, and the partition walls 211 are provided with support members 212 for supporting the pack cover 22. That is, the support members 212 serve to support the center portion of the pack cover 22 so that it is not pushed toward the pack case 21.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a support member included in the battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] In particular, as shown in Fig. 4, the support member 212 has bolt holes 2121 that penetrate vertically. That is, the bolt holes 2121 serve as passages for fastening the pack case 21 and the pack cover 22 together using bolts and nuts.

[0037] On the other hand, conventional battery packs have a problem in that condensation occurs inside the pack case 21 when the pack case is in a hot and humid environment or when there is a large temperature difference between the inside and outside of the pack case.

[0038] The battery pack 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a dew condensation sensor 30 for detecting dew condensation occurring inside the pack case 21.

[0039] Condensation detection sensor FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a dew condensation sensor according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] 5, the condensation detection sensor 30 is for detecting condensation formed inside the pack housing 20. That is, the condensation detection sensor 30 is installed inside the pack case 21, and is coupled to condensation (i.e., water droplets W) formed inside the pack case 21 to generate an insulation abnormality signal, and detects the occurrence of condensation through the insulation abnormality signal.

[0041] For example, the dew condensation sensor 30 includes a first conductor 31 and a second conductor 32 that are connected together by dew condensation generated inside the pack case 21 to generate an insulation abnormality signal.

[0042] The first conductor 31 includes a first body 311 connected to a voltage line of the battery module 10 and a plurality of first terminals 312 protruding from the first body 311 .

[0043] The second conductor 32 includes a second body 321 connected to the ground GND of the pack case 21 and a plurality of second terminals 322 protruding from the second body 321 .

[0044] Here, the plurality of first terminals 312 and the plurality of second terminals 322 are arranged alternately and are connected by condensation to generate an insulation abnormality signal. That is, referring to Fig. 5, water droplets W of condensation drip onto the first terminals 312 and the second terminals 322, causing the first terminals 312 and the second terminals 322 to come into contact with each other, thereby generating an insulation abnormality signal, and the condensation detection sensor 30 detects the occurrence of condensation through the insulation abnormality signal.

[0045] Meanwhile, the first conductor 31 and the second conductor 32 may be made of copper or aluminum.

[0046] The condensation sensor 30 having such a configuration can quickly detect condensation occurring inside the pack housing 20, and as a result, can detect and prevent the occurrence of danger at an early stage.

[0047] Meanwhile, the first and second conductors 31, 32 have a structure in which they are attached to the surface of the insulating film 33, which makes it possible to prevent the first and second conductors from coming into contact with each other unintentionally.

[0048] Meanwhile, the condensation sensor 30 may be disposed in a portion of the pack case 21 where condensation occurs frequently.

[0049] As a first example, the condensation detection sensor 30 may be attached to the inside of the pack case corresponding to the upper surface of the battery module 10, preferably to the surface of the pack cover 22 corresponding to the upper surface of the battery module 10. That is, due to the heat generated in the battery module 10, condensation often occurs on the surface of the pack cover 22 corresponding to the upper surface of the battery module 10. Therefore, by attaching the condensation detection sensor 30 to the surface of the pack cover 22 corresponding to the upper surface of the battery module 10, the occurrence of condensation can be quickly detected.

[0050] As a second example, the condensation detection sensor 30 may be attached to the inside of the pack case 21 adjacent to the support member 212 provided on the pack case 21, preferably to the surface of the pack cover 22 adjacent to the support member 212 provided on the pack case 21. That is, condensation often occurs on the pack cover 22 where the support member 212 is located due to external air flowing in through the bolt holes 2121. Therefore, by attaching the condensation detection sensor 30 to the surface of the pack cover 22 adjacent to the support member 212, condensation can be quickly detected.

[0051] As a third example, the pack case 21 includes a manual service disconnect (MSD) 23 for cutting off power connected to the battery module 10 inside, and the dew condensation detection sensor 30 may be attached to the inside of the pack case adjacent to the MSD 23, preferably to the surface of the pack cover 22 adjacent to the MSD 23. That is, dew condensation occurs frequently on the pack cover 22 due to heat generated by the MSD 23. Therefore, by attaching the dew condensation detection sensor 30 to the pack cover 22 adjacent to the MSD 23, it is possible to quickly detect dew condensation.

[0052] On the other hand, the power supply cutoff device 23 is a structure for disconnecting the voltage lines of the battery modules 10 housed inside the pack case 21 when the battery pack 1 is inspected.

[0053] Meanwhile, the condensation sensor 30 can be attached to the surface of the pack cover 22 using an adhesive 34 or an adhesive film.

[0054] Meanwhile, the condensation detection sensor 30 can be fitted into a hole formed in the pack cover 22 using a bracket. That is, after the condensation detection sensor 30 is fitted into the bracket, a fitting portion provided on the bracket can be fitted into the hole formed in the pack cover 22.

[0055] Therefore, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the battery pack 1 includes the condensation detection sensor 30, which can quickly detect condensation occurring inside the pack case 21, thereby preventing danger from occurring due to power cutoff, etc.

[0056] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a condensation removing device included in a battery pack according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Meanwhile, the battery pack 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention may further include a condensation removal device 40 that circulates air inside the pack case 21 to remove condensation formed on the pack case 21, as shown in FIG.

[0058] Condensation removal device As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the condensation removing device 40 has a structure for circulating air inside and outside the pack case 21 to remove condensation formed on the pack case 21.

[0059] That is, the condensation removal device 40 includes an injection pipe 41 and an exhaust pipe 42, each connected to the inside of the pack case 21, and an air generating unit 43 that injects air into the inside of the pack case 21 through the injection pipe 41 and forcibly exhausts the air inside the pack case 21 through the exhaust pipe 42.

[0060] That is, in the condensation removal device 40, when the condensation detection sensor 30 detects condensation formed inside the pack case 21, the air generator 43 is activated to supply air to the injection pipe 41, and the pressure inside the pack case 21 increases due to the air supplied through the injection pipe 41, so that the air inside the pack case 21 is forcibly discharged through the discharge pipe 42. Here, the condensation formed inside the pack case 21 is gradually evaporated and removed by the air circulating or passing inside the pack case 21.

[0061] Therefore, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the battery pack 1 includes the condensation removal device 40, which can quickly remove condensation that has formed inside the pack case 21, thereby preventing the occurrence of danger and improving safety.

[0062] Meanwhile, the condensation removal device 40 may further include a valve 44 for opening and closing the inlet pipe 41 and the outlet pipe 42. The valve 44 may selectively open and close the inlet pipe 41 and the outlet pipe 42.

[0063] The condensation removal device 40 may further include a control unit 45 that opens the valve 44 and operates the air generator 43 to supply or exhaust air into the pack case 21 only when the condensation detection sensor 30 generates an insulation abnormality signal. Thus, if condensation does not occur inside the pack case 21, the inlet pipe 41 and the outlet pipe 42 are closed via the valve 44 to prevent foreign matter from entering the pack case 21. If condensation occurs inside the pack case 21, the inlet pipe 41 and the outlet pipe 42 are opened via the valve 44 to circulate air inside the pack case 21.

[0064] Meanwhile, the condensation removal device 40 may further include a filter 46 for filtering out foreign matter contained in the air passing through the injection pipe 41. The filter can effectively remove foreign matter contained in the air.

[0065] Therefore, the battery pack 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention further includes the condensation removing device 40, so that condensation formed inside the pack housing 20 can be effectively removed.

[0066] In the following description of other embodiments of the present invention, the same constituent symbols will be used for components having the same functions as those in the above-described embodiment, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0067] [Automobile according to the second embodiment of the present invention] As shown in FIG. 7, the automobile according to the second embodiment of the present invention has a structure including the battery pack 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0068] Here, the battery pack 1 includes a battery module 10, a pack case 21 in which the battery module 10 is housed and which is opened and closed by a pack cover 22, and a condensation detection sensor 30 that detects condensation based on an insulation abnormality signal generated inside the pack case 21, and the condensation detection sensor 30 includes a first conductor 31 and a second conductor 32 that are connected by condensation to generate an insulation abnormality signal.

[0069] Here, the battery pack 1 has the same configuration as the battery pack 1 according to the first embodiment, and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted.

[0070] Meanwhile, the automobile according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes an air conditioning device that circulates air in the interior space in which the driver and assistants ride.

[0071] Here, the air conditioner may be the air generator 43 included in the battery pack 1. That is, when condensation occurs in the battery pack 1, a portion of the air generated by the air conditioner is supplied to the inside of the pack case 21 of the battery pack 1. This eliminates the need for a separate air generator, thereby improving usage efficiency.

[0072] Therefore, by including the battery pack 1, the automobile according to the second embodiment of the present invention can improve safety from explosions and fires.

[0073] The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims set forth below rather than by the detailed description above, and various embodiments are possible within the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1 battery pack 10 Battery Module 20 pack housing 21 Pack Case 211 Bulkhead 212 Support member 22 Pack Cover 23 Power cutoff device 30 Condensation sensor 31 First Conductor 311 First Body 312 1st terminal 32 Second Conductor 321 Second Body 322 2nd terminal 33 Insulating film 34 Adhesive 40 Condensation removal device 41 Injection tube 42 Discharge pipe 43 Air generating section 44 Valve 45 Control Unit 46 filters

Claims

1. A battery module; a pack housing including a pack case that houses the battery module and a pack cover that opens and closes the pack case; a condensation detection sensor that detects condensation based on an insulation abnormality signal generated inside the pack case, The dew condensation sensor is The battery pack includes a first conductor and a second conductor that are connected to each other by condensation generated inside the pack case to generate an insulation abnormality signal.

2. the first conductor is formed of a first body connected to a voltage line of the battery module and a plurality of first terminals protruding from the first body; the second conductor is formed of a second body connected to a ground of the pack case and a plurality of second terminals protruding from the second body, The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of first terminals and the plurality of second terminals are alternately arranged and connected by condensation to generate an insulation abnormality signal.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the condensation sensor is attached to a surface of the pack cover corresponding to an upper surface of the battery module.

4. The battery module is provided in plurality, The pack case is a partition wall that partitions an accommodation space that accommodates a plurality of battery modules; a support member provided in the partition wall and supporting the pack cover, The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the condensation sensor is attached to a surface of the pack cover adjacent to the support member.

5. The pack case includes a manual service disconnect (MSD) device for disconnecting a power source connected to the battery module. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the condensation sensor is attached to a surface of the pack cover adjacent to the power cutoff device.

6. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the condensation sensor is attached to the pack cover using an adhesive or an adhesive film.

7. The battery pack The battery pack according to claim 1 , further comprising a condensation removing device that circulates air inside the pack case to remove condensation formed inside the pack case.

8. The condensation removal device is an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe connected to the inside of the pack case; 8. The battery pack according to claim 7, further comprising an air generating section that injects air into the inside of the pack case through the injection pipe and discharges the air from the inside of the pack case through the discharge pipe.

9. The condensation removal device is Valves for opening and closing the injection pipe and the discharge pipe; 9. The battery pack according to claim 8, further comprising: a control unit that opens the valve and exhausts air from inside the pack case through the air generating unit only when an insulation abnormality signal is generated by the condensation detection sensor.

10. The condensation removal device is The battery pack according to claim 8 , further comprising a filter for filtering out foreign matter contained in the air passing through the injection tube.

11. 3. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein the first conductor and the second conductor are made of copper or aluminum.

12. A motor vehicle comprising the battery pack of claim 1.

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