Battery pack and motor vehicle including same

Abstract

The present invention discloses a battery pack for preventing condensation caused by a temperature difference between the inside and outside of a pack case. To achieve the above object, the battery pack according to the present invention includes at least one battery module, a pack case configured to accommodate the at least one battery module therein and having at least one vent hole formed therein through which internal air and external air can circulate, a control unit that determines whether to open or close the vent hole depending on a temperature difference between the inside and outside of the pack case, and a ventilation unit that is configured to close or open the vent hole in response to a control signal from the control unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack and an automobile including the same, and more particularly, to a battery pack for preventing the occurrence of condensation due to a temperature difference between the inside and the outside of a pack case, and an automobile including the same.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0068645 filed on May 27, 2021, and all of the contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the application are incorporated herein.

Background Art

[0003] In recent years, the demand for portable electronic products such as notebook computers, video cameras, and mobile phones has rapidly increased, and as the development of electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots, artificial satellites, etc. has become full-scale, research on high-performance secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged has been actively conducted.

[0004] Currently, secondary batteries such as nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries are in commercial use. Among them, lithium secondary batteries have attracted attention because they have almost no memory effect, can be freely charged and discharged, have a very low self-discharge rate, and have a high energy density compared to nickel-based secondary batteries.

[0005] Such lithium secondary batteries mainly use a lithium-based oxide and a carbon material as a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material, respectively. A lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate coated with such a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode plate coated with a negative electrode active material are arranged with a separator interposed therebetween, and an exterior material for sealing and housing the electrode assembly together with an electrolytic solution, for example, a battery pouch exterior material.

[0006] A lithium secondary battery can be divided into a can-type secondary battery in which an electrode assembly is housed in a metal can and a pouch-type secondary battery in which the electrode assembly is housed in a pouch made of an aluminum laminate sheet, depending on the shape of the exterior material.

[0007] On the other hand, in recent years, the demand for large-capacity battery packs applied to electric vehicles and the like has been increasing. Such large-capacity battery packs include a plurality of battery modules each including a secondary battery cell. In a large-capacity battery pack mounted on an automobile, the difference between the internal temperature and the external temperature of the battery pack may become large depending on the external environment in which the automobile moves. When the temperature difference between the inside and the outside of the battery pack becomes 15 °C or more, water droplets may be formed on the wall surface of the pack case while the moisture contained in the air inside the battery pack condenses. The water droplets thus formed may flow down and water may accumulate inside the pack case. The water inside the pack case may cause a short circuit between the battery modules, resulting in thermal runaway of the battery module or problems such as electrical contact occurring between the electrical components inside the battery pack, leading to a fire.

[0008] Therefore, a solution that can minimize the occurrence of short circuits or electrical contacts in the battery pack due to the internal condensation phenomenon of the battery pack is required.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] The present invention was devised to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a battery pack for preventing the occurrence of a condensation phenomenon due to the temperature difference between the inside and the outside of a pack case, and an automobile including the same.

[0010] Other objects and advantages of the present invention can be understood from the following description and will become more apparent from the embodiments of the present invention. Also, the objects and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof shown in the claims.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0011] To achieve the above object, a battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention includes at least one battery module, a pack case configured to accommodate at least one of the battery modules therein and having at least one vent formed therein through which internal air and external air can flow, a control unit configured to determine opening and closing of the vent according to a temperature difference between the inside and the outside of the pack case, and a ventilation unit configured to receive a control signal from the control unit and seal or open the vent.

[0012] The ventilation unit may include a packing member having a size equal to or larger than that of the vent so as to be able to seal the vent, and a transfer member configured to receive a control signal from the control unit and transfer the packing member toward the vent or transfer the packing member away from the vent.

[0013] The transfer member may include an electric motor configured to operate upon receiving a control signal from the control unit, and a transfer gear configured to receive a rotational force from the electric motor and transfer the packing member toward the vent or transfer the packing member in a direction away from the vent.

[0014] A first gear is formed on a rotation shaft of the electric motor. The transfer gear includes a body portion extending in one direction and having a thread formed on an outer surface thereof, and a second gear meshing with and rotating with the first gear at one end of the body portion. A threaded hole is formed in the packing member such that the body portion is inserted therein and having a thread formed on an inner surface thereof. The ventilation unit may further include a fixing member configured to fix a part of the packing member so as to prevent rotational movement of the packing member.

[0015] The transfer member may include a cylinder portion configured to push the shaft outward or pull the shaft inward according to a control signal of the control unit, and a packing fixing portion provided at an end of the shaft of the cylinder portion and configured to fix the packing member.

[0016] The battery pack further includes an internal temperature sensor that senses the internal temperature of the pack case and an external temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the external air of the pack case. When the difference between the internal temperature of the pack case measured by the internal temperature sensor and the external temperature of the pack case measured by the external temperature sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control unit may be configured to transmit a control signal to the ventilation unit to open the ventilation port.

[0017] After the control unit transmits a control signal to the ventilation unit to open the ventilation port, after a certain period of time has elapsed, the control unit may be configured to transmit a control signal to the ventilation unit to close the ventilation port again.

[0018] The battery pack may further include a blower configured to transfer the internal air of the pack case.

[0019] At least two ventilation ports are formed in the pack case, and the blower may be configured to transfer the internal air of the pack case so that air is discharged to the outside through any one of the at least two ventilation ports.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, an automobile including the above-described battery pack is provided.

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] According to one aspect of the present invention, by including a control unit that determines the opening and closing of a ventilation port according to the temperature difference between the inside and outside of a pack case, and a ventilation unit configured to seal or open the ventilation port upon receiving a control signal from the control unit, even if condensation occurs where water droplets form due to the condensation of water vapor in the inside air of the pack case caused by the temperature difference between the outside and inside of the pack case, the ventilation port can be opened through the control of the control unit and the operation of the ventilation unit, so that the water generated by ventilating the inside of the pack case can be dried.

[0022] Thereby, the present invention can prevent electrical contact or short circuit from occurring between battery modules, battery cells, and electronic components inside the battery pack due to moisture generated inside the pack case.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, the terms and words used in this specification and the claims should not be construed as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, and the inventors themselves should interpret them in accordance with the meaning and concept corresponding to the technical idea of the present invention in accordance with the principle that they can appropriately define the concept of the terms in order to explain the invention in the best way.

[0025] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention, and there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace them at the time of this application.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the inside of the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view schematically showing a part of the inside of the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, the +X-axis direction shown in FIG. 1 is the right side, the +Y-axis direction is the rear, and the +Z-axis direction is the upper side.

[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a battery pack 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes at least one battery module 110, a pack case 120, a control unit 130, and a ventilation unit 140.

[0028] Specifically, the battery module 110 may include a plurality of battery cells (not shown) and a module case for housing the plurality of battery cells (not shown).

[0029] Here, as the battery cell, for example, a pouch-type battery cell with high energy density and easy stacking can be applied. The pouch-type battery cells can form a battery cell group in a stacked form. The battery cell may have electrode leads located at both left and right ends. However, different from this embodiment, the battery cell of the present invention is not limited to the pouch type, and may be a rectangular parallelepiped square battery cell or a cylindrical battery cell.

[0030] Also, although not shown, the plurality of battery cells may be electrically connected by a bus bar provided with an electrically conductive metal. The bus bar may have the form of a metal bar or a metal plate. Since a known general connection member configured to electrically connect a plurality of battery cells can be applied as the bus bar, a specific description thereof is omitted.

[0031] Furthermore, the module housing is a component for housing a plurality of battery cells (not shown), and can be formed in a sealed structure from a material with high mechanical rigidity so as to protect the plurality of battery cells from external physical and chemical elements. For example, the module housing of the battery module 110 can be mutually coupled to the pack case 120 by bolting and / or welding.

[0032] And the pack case 120 can be configured to house at least one of the battery modules 110 therein. The pack case 120 can be formed in a sealed structure from a material with high mechanical rigidity so as to protect the battery module 110 and the control unit 130 from external physical and chemical elements. At least one vent 121 can be formed so that the air inside the pack case 120 and the external air can flow. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pack case 120 can have one vent 121 through which the internal air and the external air can flow formed at the upper part of the pack case 120. The opening form of the vent 121 is not particularly limited, and can be, for example, circular or square.

[0033] Furthermore, the control unit 130 may be configured to determine the opening and closing of the ventilation port 121 according to the temperature difference between the inside and the outside of the pack case 120. For example, when the temperature difference between the inside and the outside of the pack case 120 is 15°C or more, the control unit 130 may be configured to transmit a control signal to the ventilation unit 140 so that the ventilation unit 140 opens the ventilation port 121. However, the range of the temperature difference is not limited to 15°C or more, and the opening and closing of the ventilation port 121 can be determined in consideration of the environmental factors (e.g., temperature, humidity) inside and outside the battery pack 100. The control unit 130 may include a memory chip for recording the collected temperature information. The control unit 130 may include a microcontroller to determine the opening and closing of the ventilation port 121 based on the magnitude of the temperature difference. The control unit 130 may include a communication unit for transmitting a control signal to the ventilation unit 140. The communication unit may perform wireless communication or wired communication using the communication line L.

[0034] In addition, the ventilation unit 140 may be configured to directly seal the ventilation port 121 upon receiving a control signal from the control unit 130. The ventilation unit 140 may be configured to directly open the ventilation port 121 upon receiving a control signal from the control unit 130. The method by which the ventilation unit 140 seals the ventilation port 121 is not limited to a specific method, and any method capable of sealing the ventilation port 121 can be applied without limitation.

[0035] Therefore, according to such a configuration of the present invention, a control unit 130 that determines the opening and closing of the ventilation port 121 according to the temperature difference between the inside and the outside of the pack case 120, and a ventilation unit 140 configured to seal or open the ventilation port 121 in response to a control signal from the control unit 130 are included. Thus, even if condensation occurs where water droplets are formed due to the condensation of the water vapor of the internal air of the pack case 120 due to the temperature difference between the outside and the inside of the pack case 120, the ventilation port 121 can be opened through the control of the control unit 130 and the operation of the ventilation unit 140, so that the water generated by ventilating the inside of the pack case 120 can be dried. As a result, the present invention can prevent an electrical contact or a short circuit from occurring between the battery module 110, the battery cells, and the electronic components inside the battery pack 100 due to the moisture (water) generated inside the pack case 120.

[0036] Furthermore, in the battery pack 100 of the present invention, when the ventilation unit 140 opens the ventilation port 121, outside air flows into the inside through the ventilation port 121 of the pack case 120, and the internal air of the pack case 120 is discharged to the outside through the ventilation port 121. Therefore, the temperature difference between the inside and the outside of the pack case 120 can be reduced, and further condensation inside the pack case 120 can be prevented from occurring.

[0037] On the one hand, referring further to FIGS. 1 to 3, the ventilation unit 140 of the battery pack 100 of the present invention may include a packing member 141 and a transfer member 142. The packing member 141 may be configured to seal the ventilation port 121. The packing member 141 may have a size that is the same as or larger than the size of the ventilation port 121. The packing member 141 may include a synthetic rubber or natural rubber material. For example, the packing member 141 may be ethylene propylene rubber. The packing member 141 may be, for example, in the shape of a disk having a predetermined thickness when the ventilation port 121 is circular. However, the packing member 141 is not limited to a specific shape, and the shape of the packing member 141 may be set according to the shape of the ventilation port 121. That is, any shape is applicable as long as the packing member 141 can seal (cover) the ventilation port 121.

[0038] Also, the transfer member 142 may be configured to operate upon receiving a control signal from the control unit 130. The transfer member 142 may receive a control signal from the control unit 130 and transfer the packing member 141 toward the ventilation port 121. The transfer member 142 may receive a control signal from the control unit 130 and transfer the packing member 141 in a direction away from the ventilation port 121. That is, the packing member 141 may be transferred by the transfer member 142 to be in close contact with the ventilation port 121 or to be spaced apart from the ventilation port 121. For example, the transfer member 142 may include a receiving portion capable of receiving a communication signal from the control unit 130.

[0039] Therefore, according to such a configuration of the present invention, by providing the packing member 141 and the transfer member 142 in the ventilation unit 140, the ventilation port 121 formed in the pack case 120 can be sealed or opened according to the temperature difference between the internal temperature and the external temperature of the pack case 120. Thereby, when the ventilation unit 140 of the battery pack 100 of the present invention opens the ventilation port 121, external air flows into the pack case 120 through the ventilation port 121 of the pack case 120, and the internal air of the pack case 120 is discharged to the outside through the ventilation port 121. Therefore, the temperature difference between the inside and the outside of the pack case 120 can be reduced, and further condensation inside the pack case 120 can be prevented from occurring.

[0040] On the other hand, referring further to FIGS. 1 to 3, the transfer member 142 of the ventilation unit 140 of the battery pack 100 of the present invention may include an electric motor 142a and a transfer gear 142b. The electric motor 142a may be configured to operate upon receiving a control signal (electrical signal) from the control unit 130. The electric motor 142a may be, for example, a servo motor that operates according to the control signal of the control unit 130. The electric motor 142a may include a rotating shaft configured to rotate when power is supplied.

[0041] Further, the transfer gear 142b may be configured to transfer the packing member 141 toward the ventilation port 121 upon receiving the transmission of the rotational force from the electric motor 142a. The transfer gear 142b may be configured to transfer the packing member 141 in a direction away from the ventilation port 121 upon receiving the transmission of the rotational force from the electric motor 142a. For example, when the rotating shaft of the electric motor 142a rotates counterclockwise, the transfer gear 142b may transfer the packing member 141 toward the ventilation port 121. When the rotating shaft of the electric motor 142a rotates clockwise, the transfer gear 142b may transfer the packing member 141 in a direction away from the ventilation port 121.

[0042] Therefore, according to such a configuration of the present invention, by providing the electric motor 142a and the transfer gear 142b, the opening and closing of the ventilation port 121 can be easily controlled by the electric signal of the control unit 130.

[0043] Furthermore, a first gear 142a1 may be formed on the rotating shaft of the electric motor 142a. The first gear 142a1 may be disc-shaped. The first gear 142a1 may rotate clockwise or counterclockwise as the rotating shaft rotates.

[0044] And the transfer gear 142b may include a body portion 142b2 extending in one direction. A thread may be formed on the outer surface of the body portion 142b2. The thread may be a male thread. A second gear 142b1 may be provided at one end of the body portion 142b2. The second gear 142b1 may be configured to mesh with and rotate with the first gear 142a1. For example, when the first gear 142a1 rotates clockwise, the second gear 142b1 may rotate counterclockwise. Conversely, when the first gear 142a1 rotates counterclockwise, the second gear 142b1 may rotate clockwise. The transfer gear 142b is only capable of rotational movement, and the position of the transfer gear 142b may be configured to be fixed. For example, the transfer gear 142b may include a fixing member having a ring surrounding the outer periphery of the body portion 142b2. The ring may be configured to restrict the positional movement of the transfer gear 142b while allowing the rotational movement of the transfer gear 142b.

[0045] Furthermore, a screw hole 141h may be formed in the packing member 141 so that the body portion 142b2 is inserted therein. A screw thread may be formed on the inner surface of the screw hole 141h. The screw thread may be a female screw thread. For example, when the body portion 142b2 of the transfer gear 142b rotates counterclockwise, the packing member 141 may move along the outer surface of the body portion 142b2 of the transfer gear 142b toward the vent hole 121. When the body portion 142b2 of the transfer gear 142b rotates clockwise, the packing member 141 may move away from the vent hole 121 along the screw thread formed on the outer surface of the body portion 142b2 of the transfer gear 142b. However, it is not necessarily limited to such a method, and the transfer direction may be reversed depending on the type of right-handed or left-handed screw.

[0046] Further, the ventilation unit 140 may further include a fixing member 143 that fixes a part of the packing member 141. The fixing member 143 may be configured to prevent rotational movement of the packing member 141. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the fixing member 143 may include two fixing pins. Each of the two fixing pins may have one end fixed to the packing case 120. Each of the two fixing pins may be provided in a form that penetrates the packing member 141. That is, the packing member 141 may be configured to be movable up and down along the outer surface of the fixing pin. In other words, when the packing member 141 is transferred toward the vent 121 along the thread of the body 142b2 of the transfer gear 142b, the packing member 141 may move toward the vent 121 along the outer surface of the two fixing pins. Conversely, when the packing member 141 is transferred away from the vent 121 by the transfer gear 142b, the packing member 141 may move away from the vent 121 along the outer surface of the two fixing pins. That is, the two fixing pins allow the packing member 141 to move in both directions, but may be configured to prevent rotational movement of the packing member 141 when the packing member 141 receives a rotational force from the transfer gear 142b. Although a fixing pin is given as an example of the fixing member 143, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and any fixing member having a structure that prevents rotational movement of the packing member 141 and at the same time allows movement in a direction closer to or away from the vent 121 is applicable.

[0047] Therefore, according to such a configuration of the present invention, a first gear 142a1 is formed on the rotating shaft of the electric motor 142a. The transfer gear 142b includes a body portion 142b2 extending in one direction and having a thread formed on its outer surface, and a second gear 142b1 that meshes with and rotates with the first gear 142a1 at one end of the body portion 142b2. The packing member 141 is configured such that the body portion 142b2 is inserted therein, and a threaded hole 141h having a thread formed on its inner surface is formed. The ventilation unit 140 further includes a fixing member 143 that fixes a part of the packing member 141 so as to prevent the rotational movement of the packing member 141. Thus, the packing member 141 can be precisely transferred using the transfer member 142. As a result, the present invention can precisely control the sealing and opening of the ventilation hole 121 formed in the pack case 120 and reduce malfunction. Consequently, the present invention can effectively prevent electrical contact or short circuit from occurring between the battery module 110, the battery cells, and the electronic components inside the battery pack 100 due to the dew condensation phenomenon of the battery pack 100.

[0048] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the inside of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 4, the battery pack 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention may be different from the battery pack 100 of FIG. 2 in that two ventilation holes 121 may be formed in the pack case 120. Also, the battery pack 100 may be different from the battery pack 100 of FIG. 2 in that it may include two ventilation units 140. The other configurations of the battery pack 100 in FIG. 4 may be the same in terms of components, except that their positions are different from those of the battery pack 100 in FIG. 2.

[0050] Specifically, in another embodiment of the present invention, the battery pack 100 may have two ventilation openings 121 formed in the upper and rear portions of the pack case 120, respectively. The two ventilation units 140 may receive a control signal from the control unit 130 and seal the two ventilation openings 121, respectively. Alternatively, the two ventilation units 140 may be configured to receive a control signal from the control unit 130 and open the two ventilation openings 121, respectively. At this time, when the two ventilation openings 121 are opened by the ventilation units 140, the outside air may be configured to flow into the pack case 120 through one of the two ventilation openings 121. And the other ventilation opening 121 may serve as a passage through which the internal air of the pack case 120 is discharged to the outside.

[0051] Therefore, according to such a configuration of the present invention, the battery pack 100 of the present invention includes two ventilation openings 121 and two ventilation units 140 capable of opening and closing the two ventilation openings 121, respectively, so that the internal air and the outside air of the pack case 120 can flow more smoothly. As a result, the battery pack 100 of the present invention can be more quickly ventilated inside the pack case 120, and can quickly discharge moisture due to condensation to the outside or prevent the condensation phenomenon from further progressing.

[0052] FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are schematic diagrams schematically showing a part inside the battery pack according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the battery pack 100 according to still another embodiment of the present invention may include a cylinder part 144 and a packing fixing part 145 as a transfer member 142, different from the battery pack 100 of FIG. 2. That is, the battery pack 100 of FIG. 5 does not include the electric motor 142a and the transfer gear 142b provided in the battery pack 100 of FIG. 2. Other configurations of the battery pack 100 according to still another embodiment of the present invention may be the same as those of the battery pack 100 of FIG. 2.

[0054] Specifically, the cylinder part 144 can be configured to push the shaft outward according to the control signal of the control unit 130. The cylinder part 144 can be configured to pull the shaft inward according to the control signal of the control unit 130. That is, when the difference between the internal temperature and the external temperature of the packing case 120 becomes a predetermined value or more, the control unit 130 transmits a control signal to the ventilation unit 140, and the cylinder part 144 can be configured to pull the shaft inward. At this time, the packing member 141 is transferred in a direction away from the ventilation port 121. Conversely, when the difference between the internal temperature and the external temperature of the packing case 120 becomes less than a predetermined value, the control unit 130 transmits a control signal to the ventilation unit 140, and the cylinder part 144 can be configured to push the shaft outward. At this time, the packing member 141 is transferred toward the ventilation port 121 and seals the ventilation port 121.

[0055] In addition, the packing fixing part 145 can be provided at the end of the shaft of the cylinder part 144. The packing fixing part 145 can be configured to fix the packing member 141. For example, the end of the packing fixing part 145 can be fixed to one side of the packing member 141. The end of the packing fixing part 145 can be joined to the packing member 141 using an adhesive. That is, the packing member 141 can be transferred by the movement of the shaft of the cylinder part 144 in a form joined to the packing fixing part 145 provided at the end of the shaft of the cylinder part 144.

[0056] Therefore, according to such a configuration of the present invention, the transfer member 142 of the battery pack 100 of the present invention includes the cylinder portion 144 and the packing fixing portion 145, so that the control unit 130 can adjust the ventilation unit 140 to effectively control the sealing and opening of the ventilation port 121 of the pack case 120. As a result, the present invention can precisely control the sealing and opening of the ventilation port 121 formed in the pack case 120 and reduce malfunction. Consequently, the present invention can effectively prevent electrical contact or short circuit from occurring between the battery module 110, the battery cells, and the electronic components inside the battery pack 100 due to the condensation phenomenon of the battery pack 100.

[0057] On the other hand, referring further to FIG. 2, the battery pack 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an internal temperature sensor 131 and an external temperature sensor 132. The internal temperature sensor 131 may be a sensor that senses the temperature of the internal air of the pack case 120. The internal temperature sensor 131 may be located inside the pack case 120. The internal temperature sensor 131 may have a resistance of a predetermined value according to the sensed temperature. The control unit 130 may read the predetermined resistance value of the internal temperature sensor 131 through an electric wire through which current flows. The internal temperature sensor 131 may be a resistance temperature sensor.

[0058] Also, the external temperature sensor 132 may be configured to sense the temperature of the external air of the pack case 120. The external temperature sensor 132 may be located outside the pack case 120. The external temperature sensor 132 may have a resistance of a predetermined value according to the sensed temperature. The control unit 130 may read the predetermined resistance value of the external temperature sensor 132 through an electric wire through which current flows. The external temperature sensor 132 may be a resistance temperature sensor. The electric wire may pass through a small hole in the pack case 120 to electrically connect between the external temperature sensor 132 and the control unit 130.

[0059] Furthermore, when the difference between the temperature of the internal air of the pack case 120 measured by the internal temperature sensor 131 and the temperature of the external air of the pack case 120 measured by the external temperature sensor 132 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control unit 130 may transmit a control signal to the ventilation unit 140 to open the ventilation port 121. For example, when the difference between the temperatures measured by each of the internal temperature sensor 131 and the external temperature sensor 132 is 15° C. or more, the control unit 130 may transmit a control signal to the ventilation unit 140 to open the ventilation port 121. However, the range of the temperature difference is not limited to 15° C. or more, and it is possible to determine the opening and closing of the ventilation port 121 in consideration of the internal and external environmental factors (e.g., temperature, humidity) of the battery pack 100.

[0060] After the control unit 130 transmits a control signal to the ventilation unit 140 to open the ventilation port 121, after a certain period of time has elapsed, the control unit 130 may transmit a control signal to the ventilation unit 140 to close the ventilation port 121 again. For example, after the control unit 130 transmits a control signal to the ventilation unit 140 to open the ventilation port 121, after 10 minutes, the control unit 130 may transmit a control signal to the ventilation unit 140 to close the ventilation port 121 again. That is, the control unit 130 may control to seal the ventilation port 121 so that external air does not flow into the pack case 120 normally. However, when the difference between the internal temperature and the external temperature of the pack case 120 becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control unit 130 may determine that condensation has occurred and transmit a control signal to the ventilation unit 140 to open the ventilation port 121.

[0061] In addition, the time during which the ventilation unit 140 keeps the ventilation port 121 open may vary depending on the magnitude of the difference between the internal temperature and the external temperature of the pack case 120. For example, the control unit 130 may control to keep the ventilation port 121 open for a longer time as the difference between the internal temperature and the external temperature of the pack case 120 is larger.

[0062] Therefore, according to such a configuration of the present invention, the control unit 130 of the battery pack 100 of the present invention transmits a control signal to the ventilation unit 140 to open the ventilation port 121, and after a certain period of time has elapsed, transmits a control signal to the ventilation unit 140 to close the ventilation port 121. In this way, the control unit 130 can appropriately ensure the opening time of the ventilation port 121 of the pack case 120, and effectively discharge the moisture generated by the condensation phenomenon to the outside of the pack case 120. Further, the present invention can appropriately reduce the difference between the internal temperature and the external temperature of the pack case 120.

[0063] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the inside of a battery pack according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 7, the battery pack 100 according to still another embodiment of the present invention may further include a blower 150 as compared with the battery pack 100 of FIG. 2. Other configurations of the battery pack 100 of FIG. 7 may be the same as those of the battery pack 100 of FIG. 2.

[0065] Specifically, the blower 150 may be configured to transfer the internal air of the pack case 120. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the blower 150 may blow the internal air so that the internal air of the pack case 120 is circulated. That is, the blower 150 can minimize the dead space where the air inside the pack case 120 does not circulate. The control unit 130 may be configured such that when the difference between the internal temperature and the external temperature of the pack case 120 becomes greater than a predetermined value, the blower 150 blows the internal air of the pack case 120. That is, when the control unit 130 controls the ventilation unit 140 to open the ventilation port 121, the control unit 130 may operate the blower 150 to circulate the internal air of the pack case 120. At this time, the internal air of the pack case 120 may be discharged from the ventilation port 121 in a state containing internal moisture.

[0066] Therefore, according to such a configuration of the present invention, by further including the blower 150, moisture in the deep part (corner part) of the pack case 120 can be effectively removed. And the flow rate of the air inside the pack case 120 can be accelerated, and it can be quickly discharged to the outside through the ventilation port 121. Further, the blower 150 can quickly vaporize the water droplets condensed on the pack case 120 and discharge them to the outside from the ventilation port 121.

[0067] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the inside of the battery pack 100 according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 8, the battery pack 100 according to still another embodiment of the present invention may be provided with two ventilation ports 121 in the pack case 120 as compared with the battery pack 100 of FIG. 7. The other configurations of the battery pack 100 in FIG. 8 may be the same except for the positional characteristics and sizes.

[0069] Specifically, at least two ventilation ports 121 may be formed in the pack case 120. The blower 150 can transfer the internal air of the pack case 120 so that air is discharged to the outside through any one of the at least two ventilation ports 121. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the battery pack 100 of the present invention may have ventilation ports 121 formed in the upper part and the rear part of the pack case 120, respectively. The blower 150 can blow the internal air of the pack case 120 so as to discharge the internal air of the pack case 120 from the ventilation port 121 formed in the rear part among the two ventilation ports 121.

[0070] Therefore, according to such a configuration of the present invention, the blower 150 transfers the internal air of the pack case 120 so that air is discharged to the outside through any one of at least two of the ventilation ports 121. Thus, one ventilation port 121 allows external air to flow into the pack case 120, and the other ventilation port 121 is configured to discharge the internal air of the pack case 120 to the outside. As a result, moisture inside the pack case 120 can be quickly removed, and the difference between the internal temperature and the external temperature of the pack case 120 can be rapidly reduced. Accordingly, the battery pack 100 of the present invention can remove moisture generated by the internal condensation phenomenon, and can prevent accidents such as internal short circuits or electrical contacts of the battery module 110 caused by moisture in advance. And the battery pack 100 of the present invention can prevent the difference between the internal temperature and the external temperature of the pack case 120 from becoming larger than a predetermined value, and can prevent the occurrence of the condensation phenomenon in advance.

[0071] FIG. 9 is a perspective view schematically showing an automobile according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 9 together with FIG. 1, an automobile 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes at least one battery pack 100. The automobile may include, for example, a vehicle body equipped with at least one battery pack 100 that houses at least one battery module (not shown) therein. For example, the automobile may be an electric vehicle, an electric scooter, an electric wheelchair, or an electric motorcycle.

[0073] In addition, in this specification, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and rear are used, but such terms are for convenience of explanation only, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that they may vary depending on the position of the object and the position of the observer.

[0074] As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to limited embodiments and drawings. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it goes without saying that various modifications and variations can be made by those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs within the equivalent scope of the technical idea and claims of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0075] 100 Battery Pack 110 Battery Module 120 Pack Case 121 Vent 130 Control Unit 131 Internal Temperature Sensor 132 External Temperature Sensor 140 Ventilation Unit 141 Packing Member 141h Screw Hole 142 Transfer Member 142a Electric Motor 142a1 First Gear 142b Transfer Gear 142b1 Second Gear 142b2 Barrel 143 Fixing Member 144 Cylinder Part 145 Packing Fixing Part 150 Blower 200 Automobile L Communication Line

Claims

1. At least one battery module, At least one pack case configured to accommodate at least one of the battery modules therein and having at least one vent formed therein through which internal air and external air can flow, A control unit that determines the opening and closing of the vent based on the temperature difference between the inside and the outside of the pack case, A ventilation unit configured to receive a control signal from the control unit and seal or open the vent, A battery pack comprising: The ventilation unit includes: A packing member having a size equal to or larger than the vent so as to be able to seal the vent, A transfer member configured to receive a control signal from the control unit and transfer the packing member toward the vent or transfer the packing member away from the vent, A battery pack comprising the above.

2. The transfer member includes: An electric motor configured to operate upon receiving a control signal from the control unit, A transfer gear configured to receive a rotational force from the electric motor and transfer the packing member toward the vent or transfer the packing member away from the vent, The battery pack according to claim 1, comprising the above.

3. A first gear is formed on the rotating shaft of the electric motor, The transfer gear includes a body portion extending in one direction and having a thread formed on an outer surface thereof, and a second gear that meshes with and rotates with the first gear at one end of the body portion, A threaded hole is formed in the packing member so that the body portion can be inserted therein and a thread is formed on an inner surface thereof, The ventilation unit further includes a fixing member configured to fix a part of the packing member so as to prevent rotational movement of the packing member. The battery pack according to claim 2, comprising the above.

4. The transfer member includes: A cylinder portion configured to push a shaft outward or pull the shaft inward according to a control signal of the control unit, A packing fixing portion provided at an end of the shaft of the cylinder portion and configured to fix the packing member, The battery pack according to claim 1, comprising the above.

5. The battery pack further includes: An internal temperature sensor configured to sense the internal temperature of the pack case, An external temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of the external air of the pack case, The control unit is: When the difference between the internal temperature of the pack case measured by the internal temperature sensor and the external temperature of the pack case measured by the external temperature sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, a control signal is transmitted to the ventilation unit so that the ventilation unit opens the ventilation port. The battery pack according to claim 1.

6. The control unit After transmitting a control signal to the ventilation unit to open the ventilation port, after a certain period of time has elapsed, a control signal is transmitted to the ventilation unit to close the ventilation port again. The battery pack according to claim 5.

7. The battery pack further includes a blower configured to transfer the internal air of the pack case. The battery pack according to claim 1.

8. At least two ventilation ports are formed in the pack case. The blower Transfers the internal air of the pack case so that air is discharged to the outside through any one of the at least two ventilation ports. The battery pack according to claim 7.

9. An automobile including the battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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