Battery pack with valve and support

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery pack structure and a method for manufacturing the same, comprising a battery module, a pack housing defining an internal space in which the battery module is housed, a first valve provided in the pack housing for selectively connecting the inside and outside of the pack housing, and a support for supporting the pack housing from the inside, wherein when the first valve is closed, the pack housing is sealed so that gas cannot enter or leave.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0145974 filed on October 27, 2023, and all contents disclosed in the documents of the said Korean patent application are incorporated as part of the present specification.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery pack structure that has suppressed corrosion and combustion reactions and excellent structural stability, in a battery pack incorporating a battery module, and a method for manufacturing the same.

Background Art

[0003] Secondary batteries, which have high applicability across product groups and electrical characteristics such as high energy density, are universally applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles driven by an electric drive source, power storage devices, and the like. These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source that is environmentally friendly and improves energy efficiency, not only for the primary advantage of being able to dramatically reduce the use of fossil fuels, but also in that no by-products from energy use are generated at all.

[0004] Small mobile devices use one or two to three battery cells per device, whereas medium-to-large devices such as automobiles require high output and large capacity. Therefore, medium-to-large battery modules in which one or more battery cells are electrically connected, and battery packs in which these modules are electrically connected again are used.

[0005] These battery modules and battery packs generally include a metal housing that encloses the batteries. An empty space filled with air is inevitably formed in the internal space of the housing. As a result, a corrosion reaction occurs in which oxygen in the air oxidizes the metal housing, reducing the strength of the housing and potentially lowering the structural and chemical stability of the entire battery pack.

[0006] On the other hand, battery cells or modules are at risk of undergoing explosive exothermic reactions due to short circuits, shocks, overheating, etc. In such cases, a large amount of high-temperature gas is generated, and this gas may contain flammable gases. When high-temperature flammable gases combine with oxygen, the three elements of combustion—heat, fuel, and oxygen—are met, potentially generating a flame. If a flame occurs, thermal runaway can further accelerate, potentially leading to an external fire. Furthermore, if the internal pressure of the pack housing increases due to the generation of explosive gases, the pack housing itself may explode. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] This invention was conceived against the background of the prior art described above, and aims to provide a battery pack structure and a method for manufacturing the same in which combustion reactions due to thermal runaway are delayed or suppressed.

[0008] Specifically, the present invention aims to provide a battery pack structure and a method for manufacturing the same that can delay or prevent the reaction of high-temperature flammable gas with oxygen.

[0009] The present invention also aims to provide a battery pack structure and a method for manufacturing the same that prevent a decrease in structural and chemical stability due to corrosion of metal parts.

[0010] A further technical problem of the present invention is to provide a battery pack structure and a method for manufacturing the same that prevents deformation of the pack housing due to insufficient or excessive internal pressure in the pack housing.

[0011] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to the purposes mentioned above. Other purposes and advantages of the present invention not mentioned can be understood from the following description and more clearly from the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it is readily apparent that the purposes and advantages of the present invention can be achieved by the means and combinations thereof described in the claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] To solve the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides a battery pack structure comprising: a battery module; a pack housing defining an internal space in which the battery module is housed; a first valve provided in the pack housing for selectively communicating the inside and outside of the pack housing; and a support for supporting the pack housing from the inside, wherein when the first valve is closed, the pack housing is sealed so that gas cannot enter or leave.

[0013] The first valve selectively connects the inside and outside of the sealed pack housing, thereby removing air from the internal space of the pack housing via the first valve. This reduces the oxygen concentration inside the pack housing, delaying or suppressing corrosion and combustion reactions within the pack housing.

[0014] By removing air from the pack housing, the internal space of the pack housing is temporarily or semi-permanently subjected to negative pressure, which can cause the pack housing to deform inward. Negative pressure means a state in which the pressure is lower than the atmospheric pressure outside the pack housing. The support prevents these deformations by supporting the pack housing from the inside, thereby maintaining the structure of the pack housing, including its sealed structure.

[0015] The oxygen concentration in the aforementioned internal space can be maintained at less than 21%. Normally, the oxygen concentration in the atmosphere is approximately 21%. When the oxygen concentration is below 21%, the corrosion reaction of the metal can be suppressed compared to when it is exposed to the atmosphere.

[0016] Preferably, the oxygen concentration in the internal space can be maintained at 5% or less. Generally, a flammable gas is a gas that tends to burn when heated when the oxygen concentration is 5% or higher. When the oxygen concentration is 5% or less, the likelihood of ignition of a flammable gas is significantly reduced.

[0017] Ideally, the oxygen concentration in the internal space can be maintained at 0%. In other words, the internal space can be in a vacuum or filled with a non-flammable gas and / or a flammable gas.

[0018] The internal space can be filled with a non-combustible gas. By filling the internal space with a non-combustible gas, the internal space can be maintained at a low oxygen concentration, and deformation of the pack housing due to air pressure can be minimized.

[0019] The non-flammable gas can be selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, helium, neon, argon, and combinations thereof. However, the non-flammable gas can be any gas as long as it is neither flammable nor a combustion-supporting gas.

[0020] Multiple battery modules may be provided. In this case, the pack housing may be provided with one or more partitions that divide the space in which the battery modules are located.

[0021] The support can support the space between one end of the partition wall and the inner surface of the pack housing. Specifically, the support extends between one end face of the partition wall and one inner surface of the pack housing, with one end and the other end facing and in contact with the end face of the partition wall and the inner surface of the pack housing, respectively.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the pack housing may include a pack frame with an open top and a top plate that covers the top of the pack frame. In this case, the top plate may be the part that is most easily deformed when the internal space of the pack housing is under negative pressure.

[0023] In this case, the partition wall may extend upward from the bottom surface of the pack frame, and the support may be provided to support the space between the upper end of the partition wall and the bottom surface of the top plate.

[0024] The support may be a spacer provided with a hollow portion, and may be attached to a fastening member that fastens the top plate and the partition wall. At this time, one end of the fastening member is connected to the partition wall, the other end is connected to the top plate, and the extending portion between the one end and the other end can pass through the hollow portion.

[0025] The support may be disposed at a predetermined distance away from the joint between the top plate and the pack frame. At the joint, the top plate is supported by the pack frame so that its deformation can be suppressed, and therefore the support preferably supports the top plate at a position spaced apart from the joint.

[0026] The top plate is farther from the joint, and can be deformed more greatly as it is closer to the centroid on the plane of the top plate. At least one of the supports may have a distance between the support and the centroid of the top plate that is less than or equal to a distance between the support and the periphery of the top plate. The periphery may mean an inner periphery or an outer periphery on the plane of the joint between the top plate and the pack frame.

[0027] The battery module may include a battery cell and a module housing that accommodates the battery cell, and the module housing may be provided with a vent hole that communicates the internal space of the module housing with the internal space of the pack housing. In other words, the internal space of the module housing can communicate with the internal space of the pack housing. Accordingly, when air is removed from the inside of the pack housing, the oxygen concentration inside the module housing can be reduced at the same time.

[0028] The pack housing may be provided with a second valve. The second valve may be a check valve that allows gas to flow out from the internal space and does not allow gas to flow into the internal space. In other words, the second valve may be a valve configured to open when the internal pressure of the pack housing is equal to or higher than the external atmospheric pressure of the pack housing, and to close when the internal pressure is lower than the external atmospheric pressure. When air in the internal space of the pack housing is removed through the second valve, re-inflow of air can be easily prevented. In addition, when heat or gas is generated in the internal space and the pressure in the internal space increases, the second valve prevents oxygen from flowing into the internal space and discharges the gas, so that the internal pressure of the pack housing can be reduced.

[0029] The present invention also provides a structure of an automobile including the above battery pack. The battery pack can be installed inside the automobile as a power source. The automobile may be an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. The automobile may be a two-wheeled vehicle or a four-wheeled vehicle. However, the structure of the automobile is not limited to the above description, and the battery pack does not necessarily have to function as the power source of the automobile.

[0030] The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing the battery pack, which manufactures the above battery pack.

[0031] The method for manufacturing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a step of sealing the pack housing so that gas does not pass therethrough, and a step of removing air from the internal space.

[0032] The step of sealing the pack housing may follow any method known to those of ordinary skill in the art, such as a method of welding the pack frame and the top plate, or a method of fastening the pack frame and the top plate with a sealing gasket interposed therebetween.

[0033] The removal of air from the internal space can be performed via the first valve. Alternatively, if the pack housing is equipped with a second valve, the removal of air can be performed via the second valve.

[0034] The procedure may further include the step of injecting a non-combustible gas into the internal space. The injection of the non-combustible gas can be carried out through the first valve. [Effects of the Invention]

[0035] The present invention provides a battery pack structure and a method for manufacturing the same, which reduces the oxygen concentration inside the pack housing by providing a valve that can remove air from inside the pack housing, thereby delaying or preventing the combustion reaction of high-temperature flammable gas with oxygen.

[0036] The present invention also provides a battery pack structure and a method for manufacturing the same, in which a decrease in structural and chemical stability due to corrosion of metal parts is prevented by maintaining a low internal oxygen concentration.

[0037] Another advantage of the present invention is that it can provide a battery pack structure that includes a support that can prevent deformation of the pack housing in response to a temporary or semi-permanent decrease in the internal pressure of the pack housing due to the removal of internal air from the pack housing.

[0038] A further advantage of the present invention is that it provides a battery pack structure and a method for manufacturing the same, which have the effect of preventing corrosion and / or suppressing combustion reactions by injecting a non-combustible gas into the pack housing from which the air has been removed, and which also prevents structural deformation due to insufficient internal pressure in the pack housing.

[0039] The present invention also provides a battery pack structure and a method for manufacturing the same, which includes a check valve that prevents oxygen from entering the pack housing and prevents deformation or explosion of the pack housing due to excessive internal pressure.

[0040] Furthermore, the present invention can provide various other effects, which will be described in each embodiment, or, in cases where such effects can be easily inferred by an ordinary person, such descriptions will be omitted. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0041] [Figure 1] This figure shows the external structure of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows the internal structure of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows a cross-section along the first valve of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows a cross-section along the first valve of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows a cross-section along a vent hole in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure shows a cross-section along a vent hole in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure shows the arrangement of a support according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This shows a cross-section along the support and fastening member of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This shows a cross-section along the support and fastening member of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This figure shows the arrangement of a support on a plane according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This figure shows the appearance of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This figure shows a cross-section of a second valve according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This figure shows a car with an integrated battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This is a procedure diagram showing a method for manufacturing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This is a schematic diagram showing the air removal step in a method for manufacturing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This is a step diagram showing a method for manufacturing a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] This is a schematic diagram showing the air removal step in a method for manufacturing a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] This is a schematic diagram showing the air removal step in a method for manufacturing a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] This is a schematic diagram showing the injection step of a non-flammable gas in a method for manufacturing a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0042] The aforementioned objectives, features, and advantages will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings, so that a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily implement the technical concept of the present invention. In describing the present invention, if a specific description of known technology according to the present invention is deemed to obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted. Hereafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings are used to indicate the same or similar components.

[0043] Even if terms like "first," "second," etc., are used to indicate various components, these components are certainly not limited by these terms. These terms are simply used to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise specified, the first component may be the second component.

[0044] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise stated, each component may be singular or plural.

[0045] Hereinafter, the placement of any configuration on the "upper (or lower)" or "above (or below)" of a component means not only that the configuration is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the component, but also that other configurations may be interposed between the component and any configuration placed on (or below) it.

[0046] Furthermore, when it is stated that one component is “linked,” “joined,” or “connected” to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly linked or connected to one another, but may also be “interposed” between each component, or each component may be “linked,” “joined,” or “connected” through other components.

[0047] As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms such as “composed of” or “including” in this application should not be interpreted as necessarily including all of the multiple components or stages described in the specification, but rather as meaning that some of the components or stages may not be included, or that further components or stages may be included.

[0048] Throughout the specification, "A and / or B" means A, B, or A and B unless otherwise specified, and "C~D" means C or greater and D or less unless otherwise specified.

[0049] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] [Overall structure of the battery pack] The following describes the schematic structure of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0051] Figures 1 and 2 show the external appearance and internal structure of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, respectively. Referring to these drawings, a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery module 2 and a pack housing 1 that defines an internal space 10 in which the battery module 2 is housed.

[0052] The pack housing 1 can be sealed in such a way that gas cannot enter or leave the interior or exterior, at least selectively.

[0053] A pack housing 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a pack frame 11 with an open top and a top plate 12 that covers the top of the pack frame. In this case, the pack housing 1 can be sealed by the top plate 12 and the pack frame 11 being sealed together. The sealing connection can be carried out by various methods, such as welding or fastening with a sealing gasket interposed between them.

[0054] The battery module 2 may contain one or more battery cells 21. Alternatively, the battery module 2 may itself be a single battery cell 21.

[0055] Multiple battery modules 2 may be electrically connected to each other. The battery pack (P) may include busbars 22 for electrically connecting the battery modules 2.

[0056] If multiple battery modules 2 are provided, the pack housing 1 may include partition walls 13 that divide the space in which the battery modules 2 are located.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the partition wall 13 may extend upward from the bottom surface of the pack frame 11.

[0058] [Selective communication structure between the inside and outside of the pack via the first valve] In the following, with reference to Figures 3 and 4, a selective air communication structure between the inside and outside of a pack via a first valve according to one embodiment of the present invention, and its effects, will be described in detail.

[0059] Figures 3 and 4 show a cross-section along the first valve of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to these drawings, the first valve 111 may be provided in the pack housing 1.

[0060] The first valve 111 can be configured to be selectively open and closed. This allows the first valve 111 to selectively connect the inside and outside of the pack housing 1. In other words, opening and closing the first valve 111 can enable or disable the movement of gas between the inside and outside of the pack housing 1.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the internal air of the pack housing 1 can be removed via the first valve 111. After the air is removed from the internal space 10 of the pack housing 1, the oxygen concentration in the internal space 10 can be maintained at or below a predetermined level by closing the first valve 111.

[0062] Specifically, the oxygen concentration in the internal space 10 can be maintained at less than 21%. Since the oxygen concentration in the atmosphere is normally about 21%, maintaining the oxygen concentration in the internal space 10 at 21% or less delays or prevents corrosion of the metal components constituting the battery pack (P) and / or combustion reactions due to thermal runaway inside the pack housing 1 compared to when exposed to the atmosphere.

[0063] Preferably, the oxygen concentration in the internal space 10 can be maintained at 5% or less. Since flammable gases are generally gases that tend to burn at oxygen concentrations of 5% or higher, maintaining the oxygen concentration in the internal space 10 at less than 5% significantly suppresses the combustion reaction of flammable gases inside the pack housing 1.

[0064] Ideally, the oxygen concentration in the internal space 10 may be 0%. In other words, the internal space 10 may be maintained under vacuum or filled with non-flammable and / or flammable gases. If oxygen is absent from the internal space 10, corrosion and combustion reactions caused by oxygen can be completely prevented.

[0065] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the internal space 10 may be filled with a non-combustible gas. By filling the internal space 10 with a non-combustible gas, the oxygen concentration in the internal space 10 can be kept low, and deformation due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the pack housing 1 can be minimized.

[0066] The non-flammable gas can be selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, helium, neon, argon, and combinations thereof. However, the non-flammable gas can be any gas as long as it is not a flammable or combustion-supporting gas in the usual sense. For example, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the non-flammable gas may be nitrogen gas.

[0067] [Communication structure between the inside and outside of the module via vent holes] In the following, with reference to Figures 5 and 6, an air communication structure between the inside and outside of a module via a vent hole according to one embodiment of the present invention, and its effects, will be described in detail.

[0068] Figures 5 and 6 show a cross-section along a vent hole of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to these drawings, the battery module 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery cells 21 and a module housing 20 that houses them.

[0069] The module housing 20 may include vent holes 200 that connect the internal space of the module housing 20 with the internal space 10 of the pack housing 1. There may be one or more vent holes 200.

[0070] The provision of vent holes 200 allows air to be removed from the inside of the module housing 20 when air is removed from the inside of the pack housing 1, and when non-combustible gas is injected into the pack housing 1, non-combustible gas can also be injected into the inside of the module housing 20. Furthermore, if gas is generated from the battery cell 21, this gas can be discharged into the internal space 10 of the pack housing 1 through the vent holes 200.

[0071] [Structure and arrangement of support structures] The following describes in detail the structure, arrangement, and effects of a support according to one embodiment of the present invention, with reference to Figures 7 to 10.

[0072] Figure 7 shows the arrangement of supports according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring thereto, the battery pack (P) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include supports 131 that support the pack housing 1 from the inside. There may be one or more supports 131.

[0073] By providing the support 131, it is possible to prevent the pack housing 1 from deforming due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the pack housing 1 while the air has been removed from inside the pack housing 1.

[0074] According to one embodiment of the present invention, deformation due to the difference in internal and external air pressure in the pack housing 1 is most likely to occur in the top plate 12.

[0075] Figures 8 and 9 show a cross-section along the support and fastening member of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to these drawings, the support 131 can support the upper end of the partition wall 13 and the top plate 12 while connecting them. Specifically, the support 131 may extend such that one end abuts against the upper end of the partition wall 13 and the other end abuts against the bottom surface of the top plate 12. This prevents the top plate 12 from deforming inward due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the pack housing 1.

[0076] Specifically, the support 131 may be a spacer having a hollow portion. In this case, the support 131 may be fixed by a fastening member 132 that passes through the hollow portion and fastens the top plate 12 and the partition wall 13 together.

[0077] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the fastening member 132 and the support 131 respectively limit the upward and downward displacement of the top plate 12, thereby preventing deformation of the top plate 12 whether the internal pressure of the pack housing 1 is greater than or less than the external pressure.

[0078] Figure 10 shows the arrangement of a support in a planar plane according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to this, the support 131 and / or fastening member 132 may be arranged at a predetermined distance from the joint between the top plate 12 and the pack frame 11. The joint is the part where the top plate 12 and the pack frame 11 abut and are fixed, and can correspond to the area around the top plate 12.

[0079] When deformation occurs in the top plate 12 in the vertical direction, the joint portion is supported by the pack frame 11, and its displacement is relatively small, so it is preferable that the support 131 be positioned at a distance from it.

[0080] The top plate can deform more significantly the further it is from the joint and the closer it is to the centroid of the top plate on its plane. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the support 131 may include at least one support whose distance (D1) from the centroid of the top plate 12 is less than or equal to the distance (D2) from the circumference of the top plate 12. The circumference may mean the inner or outer circumference of the joint between the top plate 12 and the pack frame 11.

[0081] In summary, according to this embodiment, the pack housing 1 can have air removed through the first valve 111 to suppress corrosion and / or combustion reactions, deformation due to contraction can be prevented by the support 131, and deformation due to expansion can be prevented by the fastening member 132.

[0082] [Modified example - Structure of a battery pack including the second valve] The following describes in detail the structure of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention with reference to Figures 11 and 12.

[0083] Figure 11 shows the appearance of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to this, the battery pack (P) according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a second valve 112.

[0084] Figure 12 shows a cross-section of a second valve according to another embodiment of the present invention. The second valve 112 may be a check valve. In other words, the second valve 112 may be a unidirectional valve that allows gas to flow out from the inside to the outside of the pack housing 1, but does not allow gas to flow in from the outside to the inside of the pack housing 1. Specifically, the second valve 112 may be a valve that opens when the internal pressure of the pack housing 1 is higher than the external pressure, and closes when the internal pressure of the pack housing 1 is lower than the external pressure.

[0085] The provision of the second valve 112 makes it easier to remove air from the pack housing 1. In addition, when the second valve 112 is provided, gas can be discharged through the second valve 112 under normal conditions or in the event of thermal runaway, preventing deformation or explosion due to a rapid increase in the internal pressure of the pack housing 1.

[0086] According to this embodiment, the pack housing 1 can prevent deformation due to contraction by the non-combustible gas filling the support 131 and / or the internal space 10 of the pack, and can prevent deformation due to expansion by the fastening member 132 and / or the second valve 112.

[0087] [Automobiles including battery packs] The present invention also provides an automobile structure including a battery pack (P).

[0088] The following describes the structure of an automobile incorporating a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, with reference to Figure 13.

[0089] Figure 13 shows an automobile incorporating a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to this, the battery pack (P) can be incorporated into an automobile (V) as a power source. The automobile (V) may, but is not limited to, a hybrid automobile or an electric automobile. Also, the automobile (V) may, but is not limited to, a two-wheeled vehicle or an automobile.

[0090] [Battery pack manufacturing method] The following describes in detail, with reference to Figures 14 to 19, a method for manufacturing a battery pack according to one embodiment and other embodiments.

[0091] Figure 14 is a procedure diagram showing a method for manufacturing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to this, the method for manufacturing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a sealing step (S11) in which the pack housing is sealed so that gas cannot enter or exit, and an air removal step (S12) in which air is removed from the internal space of the pack housing.

[0092] The sealing step (S11) can be performed by sealing the pack frame 11 and the top plate 12. The sealing connection may be by joining, such as by welding, or by other methods such as fastening with a gasket in between. The sealing of the pack housing 1 does not mean that the entry and exit of gas through a valve that can be opened and closed automatically and / or manually is restricted. For example, despite the sealing, if the first valve 111 is opened, air can enter and exit the pack housing 1.

[0093] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing the air removal step of a battery pack manufacturing method according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to this, the air removal step (S12) can be carried out by sucking and removing air from the internal space 10 through the first valve 111. However, the air removal step (S12) does not necessarily have to be carried out by these methods, and may be carried out by other methods, such as adding an oxygen remover before sealing the pack housing 1.

[0094] Figure 16 is a procedure diagram showing a method for manufacturing a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to this, the method for manufacturing a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a sealing step (S21) of sealing the pack housing so that gas cannot enter or exit, an air removal step (S22) of removing air from the internal space of the pack housing, and a gas injection step (S23) of injecting a non-flammable gas into the internal space of the pack housing.

[0095] The sealing step (S11) can be performed by sealing the pack frame 11 and the top plate 12. This sealing can be done by welding or other joining methods, or by fastening with a gasket in between. The sealing of the pack housing 1 does not mean that gas is restricted to entering and exiting through valves that can be opened and closed automatically and / or manually. For example, despite the sealing, air can enter and exit the pack housing 1 through the second valve 112 and / or through the first valve 111 when the first valve 111 is open.

[0096] Figures 17 and 18 are schematic diagrams showing the air removal step in a method for manufacturing a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] As shown in Figure 17, the air removal step (S22) can be performed by sucking and removing air from the internal space 10 via the second valve 112.

[0098] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 18, the air removal step (S22) can be carried out by sucking and removing air from the internal space 10 via the first valve 111.

[0099] However, the air removal step (S22) does not necessarily have to be carried out by these methods, and may be carried out by other methods, such as adding an oxygen remover before sealing the pack housing 1.

[0100] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram showing the non-flammable gas injection step of a method for manufacturing a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to this, the gas injection step (S23) can be performed by injecting non-flammable gas into the internal space 10 through the first valve 111.

[0101] The non-flammable gas can be selected from the group including carbon dioxide, nitrogen, helium, neon, argon, and combinations thereof. However, the non-flammable gas can be any gas as long as it is not a flammable or combustion-supporting gas in the usual sense. For example, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the non-flammable gas may be nitrogen gas.

[0102] For example, the air removal step (S22) can be performed simultaneously with the gas injection step (S23). Specifically, by injecting non-combustible gas through the first valve 111, the internal pressure of the pack housing 1 increases, and the mixture of the non-combustible gas and the air inside the pack housing 1 is discharged through the second valve 112, thereby reducing the internal oxygen concentration of the pack housing 1.

[0103] The embodiments described above are all illustrative and not limiting, and the scope of the present invention is indicated more by the claims described below than by the detailed description above. Furthermore, the meaning and scope of the claims described below, as well as any modified and transformable forms conceived from their equivalent concepts, should all be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention.

[0104] As described above, the present invention has been explained with reference to the illustrative drawings, but it is clear that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed herein, and that various modifications can be made by an ordinary person of the art within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Furthermore, even if the effects of the configuration of the present invention are not explicitly described in the embodiments of the present invention described above, it is natural that the effects that can be predicted by such configuration should also be recognized. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0105] 1 Pack Housing 10 Interior space 11-pack frame 111 First valve 112 Second valve 12 Top Plate 13 Bulkhead 131 Support 132 Fastening members 2 Battery Modules 20 Module Housing 200 vent holes 21 battery cells 22 Bus Bar D1 Distance from the centroid D2 Distance from surroundings P Battery Pack V Automobile

Claims

1. Multiple battery modules are provided, A pack housing that defines the internal space in which the battery module is housed, A first valve is provided in the pack housing and selectively connects the inside and outside of the pack housing, A support that supports the pack housing from the inside, Includes, With the first valve closed, the pack housing is sealed so that gas cannot enter or leave. The pack housing comprises one or more partitions that divide the space in which the battery module is located, The support provides support between one end of the partition wall and the inner surface of the pack housing. Battery pack.

2. The oxygen concentration in the aforementioned internal space is maintained at less than 21%. The battery pack according to claim 1.

3. The oxygen concentration in the aforementioned internal space is maintained at 5% or less. The battery pack according to claim 2.

4. The oxygen concentration in the aforementioned internal space is maintained at 0%. The battery pack according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned internal space is filled with a non-combustible gas. The battery pack according to claim 1.

6. The non-flammable gas is selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, helium, neon, argon, and combinations thereof. The battery pack according to claim 5.

7. The pack housing includes a pack frame with an open top and a top plate that covers the top of the pack frame. The partition wall extends upward from the bottom surface of the pack frame, The support provides support between the upper end of the partition wall and the bottom surface of the top plate. The battery pack according to claim 1.

8. The support is a spacer having a hollow portion, Attached to the fastening member that fastens the top plate and the partition wall, The battery pack according to claim 7.

9. The support is installed at a predetermined distance from the joint between the top plate and the pack frame. The battery pack according to claim 7.

10. At least one of the aforementioned supports is The distance between the centroid of the support and the top plate is, The distance between the support and the top plate is less than or equal to the distance between them. The battery pack according to claim 9.

11. The aforementioned battery module includes a battery cell and a module housing that houses the same. The module housing is provided with a vent hole that connects the internal space of the module housing with the internal space of the pack housing. The battery pack according to claim 1.

12. The pack housing includes a second valve, The second valve is a check valve that allows gas to flow out of the internal space but does not allow gas to flow into the internal space. The battery pack according to claim 1.

13. Includes a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 12, car.

14. In a method for manufacturing a battery pack according to claim 1, The steps include sealing the pack housing so that gas cannot pass through, The step of removing air from the internal space, including, A method for manufacturing battery packs.

15. The step further includes injecting a non-combustible gas into the internal space. A method for manufacturing a battery pack according to claim 14.

16. The non-flammable gas is selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, helium, neon, argon, and combinations thereof. A method for manufacturing a battery pack according to claim 15.

17. The removal of the air is performed via the first valve. A method for manufacturing a battery pack according to claim 14.

18. The battery pack further includes a second valve, which is a check valve, provided in the pack housing, that allows gas to flow out of the internal space but prevents gas from flowing into the internal space. The removal of the air is performed via the second valve. The injection of the non-flammable gas is performed through the first valve. A method for manufacturing a battery pack according to claim 15.

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