Battery packs and devices containing them

Abstract

A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention includes at least one battery module, a pack frame accommodating the battery modules, a vent hole formed in the pack frame, and a mesh structure covering the vent hole, a duct member is formed between the mesh structure and the pack frame, and an adsorption member is formed on the duct member.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0071456, filed on June 13, 2022, and all contents disclosed in the documents of said Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery pack and a device including the same, and more particularly to a battery pack and a device with improved safety. [Background technology]

[0003] With technological development and increasing demand for mobile devices, the demand for secondary batteries as an energy source is rapidly increasing. In particular, secondary batteries are attracting much attention as an energy source for mobile devices such as mobile phones, digital cameras, laptops, and wearable devices, as well as for power devices such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrid electric vehicles.

[0004] Meanwhile, in recent years, as the need for large-capacity structures, including utilization as an energy storage source, has increased, there has been an increasing demand for a number of battery modules in which a number of secondary batteries are connected in series and / or parallel, and for battery packs with a multi-module structure in which the battery modules are assembled.

[0005] Furthermore, when connecting multiple battery cells in series / parallel to form a battery pack, a common method is to first construct a battery module consisting of at least one battery cell, and then use this at least one battery module to add other components to form the battery pack.

[0006] Generally, if a secondary battery is heated above its optimum temperature, its performance may be degraded, and if the temperature rises too much, it may even explode or catch fire. In particular, in a battery module or battery pack including multiple secondary batteries, i.e., battery cells, the heat generated from the multiple battery cells may be combined in a small space, causing the temperature to rise more rapidly and violently. In other words, a battery module having multiple stacked battery cells and a battery pack equipped with such a battery module can obtain high output, but it is difficult to remove the heat generated in the battery cells during charging and discharging. If the battery cells do not properly dissipate heat, the battery cells will deteriorate more quickly, their lifespan will be shortened, and the possibility of explosion or fire will increase.

[0007] In this case, if a fire occurs in the battery cell, battery module, or battery pack, there is a high possibility of a fire occurring due to the vent gas and flames generated from the battery cell. In particular, if a fire occurs inside the battery pack, the vent gas is released through the vent hole formed in the battery pack, and in the process of preventing the exposure of the flames, the vent hole may become clogged with internal dust and ignition sources, and the sealing of the battery pack may be destroyed by the vent pressure, exposing the flames to the outside.

[0008] Therefore, when a fire occurs inside the battery pack, there is a need for a structure that allows vent gas to be discharged and prevents the flames from being exposed to the outside, and in particular, there is a need to ensure the safety of the battery pack by a structure that can prevent internal dust and ignition sources from blocking the vent path through the vent hole. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack with improved safety and a device including the same.

[0010] However, the problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by those having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention includes at least one battery module, a pack frame accommodating the battery module, a vent hole formed in the pack frame, and a mesh structure covering the vent hole, wherein a duct member is formed between the mesh structure and the pack frame, and an adsorption member is formed on the duct member.

[0012] The duct member may include a body portion, a hole portion formed in the body portion, and an extension portion extending from a lower end of the body portion to protrude in a vertical direction of the body portion.

[0013] The suction member is formed on the extension.

[0014] The extension may include a bottom portion formed extending from the body portion, and a front portion and a side portion extending from the bottom portion.

[0015] The adsorption member is formed on the outer surface of the bottom portion.

[0016] The suction member is formed on the outer surface of the front portion.

[0017] The suction member is formed on the outer surface of the side portion.

[0018] The body portion may be fixed to the exterior of the pack frame, and the extension portion may be located inside the pack frame.

[0019] The pack frame includes an upper pack housing and a lower pack housing, and the vent hole and the mesh structure are formed in the lower pack housing.

[0020] The duct member is configured to be located on the lower pack housing.

[0021] The suction member may be located inside the lower pack housing.

[0022] The battery pack may further include a fixing member, and the fixing member may connect the mesh structure, the duct member, and the pack frame to one another.

[0023] A device according to another embodiment of the present invention includes the battery pack described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a duct member, and the duct member includes an adsorption member to capture ignition sources and internal particles of the battery pack, thereby preventing performance degradation of the mesh structure.

[0025] Furthermore, the battery pack according to this embodiment has a vent path formed by the vent holes and mesh structure, and the vent path allows vent gas to be discharged and suppresses the flame, thereby preventing the flame from being exposed to the outside.

[0026] Furthermore, the battery pack of the present invention has improved safety due to the above-described configuration, and can protect the user.

[0027] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view showing the battery pack of FIG. 1 and a battery module housed in the battery pack. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a battery module included in the battery pack of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a cross section taken along the line BB' in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 2 is a perspective view showing a duct member included in the battery pack of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 7] 1. FIG. 4 is another perspective view showing the duct member included in the battery pack of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a battery pack according to a comparative example. [Figure 9] 9 is a diagram showing a cross section taken along the line CC' in FIG. 8. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] While the present invention may be embodied in many different forms, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0030] In order to clearly explain the present invention, parts that are not necessary for the explanation will be omitted, and the same reference numerals will be used throughout the specification to refer to the same or similar components.

[0031] In addition, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for the convenience of explanation, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those shown in the drawings. In the drawings, thicknesses are exaggerated to clearly show various layers and regions. In the drawings, thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated for the convenience of explanation.

[0032] Furthermore, when a layer, film, region, plate, or other part is said to be "above" another part, this does not only mean that it is "directly above" that part, but also includes cases where there is another part in between. Conversely, when a part is said to be "directly above" another part, it means that there is no other part in between. Furthermore, being "above" a reference part means being located above or below the reference part, and does not necessarily mean being "above" in the opposite direction of gravity.

[0033] Furthermore, throughout the specification, when a part "comprises" a certain element, this means that it can further include other elements, not excluding other elements, unless otherwise specified.

[0034] Also, throughout the specification, "on a plane" means when the subject part is viewed from above, and "on a cross section" means when the subject part is cut vertically and viewed from the side.

[0035] The terms "first" and "second" used in this application may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

[0036] A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

[0037] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the battery pack of Fig. 1 and a battery module housed in the battery pack. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a battery module included in the battery pack of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of part A of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a view showing a cross section taken along section line B-B' of Fig. 4.

[0038] 1 to 3, a battery pack 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes at least one battery module 100 and a pack frame 1100 that houses the battery module 100.

[0039] 3, the battery module 100 may include a battery cell stack 120 formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells 110 in a predetermined direction, and a module frame 200 that houses the battery cell stack 120. The module frame 200 may be structured to cover four sides of the battery cell stack 120, corresponding to the top, bottom, left, and right sides, or may be structured so that the front and back sides of the battery cell stack are open. The front and back sides of the battery cell stack 120 that are exposed by the module frame 200 are covered by end plates 150. There is no particular limitation on the type of the plurality of battery cells 110, and they may be pouch-type secondary batteries or prismatic secondary batteries.

[0040] 1 and 2, the pack frame 1100 may include a lower pack housing 1110 and an upper pack housing 1120 that covers the lower pack housing 1110, and a plurality of battery modules 100 may be located at the bottom of the lower pack housing 1110. In other words, a plurality of battery modules 100 are disposed on the lower pack housing 1110, and the lower pack housing 1110 and the plurality of battery modules 100 are covered by the upper pack housing 1110.

[0041] Meanwhile, the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment may further include a vent hole 1115 formed in the pack frame 1100. Specifically, the vent hole 1115 may be formed in either the lower pack housing 1110 or the upper pack housing 1120 of the pack frame 1100, and as an example, the vent hole 1115 is formed on the lower pack housing 1110. By forming the vent hole 1115 on the lower pack housing 1110, vent gas generated inside the battery pack 1000 can be effectively discharged to the outside of the battery pack 1000.

[0042] In this case, the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment may further include a mesh structure 1200 that covers the vent hole 1115. When a fire occurs inside the battery pack 1000, not only vent gas but also ignition sources and particles generated by the rupture of some internal components of the battery pack may be generated. In this case, the ignition sources and particles discharged along with the vent gas to the vent path may act as a cause of an external fire. Therefore, the ignition sources and particles are filtered by the mesh structure 1200, preventing the flame from spreading to the outside.

[0043] Furthermore, since the mesh structure 1200 covers the vent hole 1115, it can be formed at either the lower pack housing 1110 or the upper pack housing 1120 of the pack frame 1100, and as an example, it is formed on the lower pack housing 1110 to cover the vent hole 1115.

[0044] 4, the mesh structure 1200 is formed on the pack frame 1200 so as to cover the vent hole 1115, and is fixed via the fixing member 1300. Therefore, the mesh structure 1100 may include a hole to which the fixing member 1300 is coupled, and components of the fixing member 1300 are coupled via the hole, thereby coupling the mesh structure 1200 to the pack frame 1100.

[0045] 5, fixing member 1300 may include bolt member 1310 and nut member 1320, and bolt member 1310 and nut member 1320 may be coupled to each other by sandwiching mesh structure 1200 and pack frame 1100. Also, as will be described later, battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment may further include duct member 500, so that bolt member 1310 and nut member 1320 may be coupled to each other by sequentially sandwiching mesh structure 1200, duct member 500, and pack frame 1100. Therefore, mesh structure 1200 is formed on pack frame 1100 while covering vent hole 1115, and duct member 500 is fixed between mesh structure 1200 and pack frame 1100, thereby forming a stable vent structure.

[0046] However, the mesh structure covering the vent hole can become clogged with ignition sources and particles. In other words, when a fire occurs inside the battery pack, the ignition sources and particles move along with the flame and vent gas and are filtered by the mesh structure. At this time, the accumulated ignition sources and particles block many pores in the mesh structure, thereby blocking the vent hole. At this time, if the pressure inside the battery pack increases as the vent hole and mesh structure are blocked, the sealing of the battery pack may be damaged, exposing the flame inside the battery pack to the outside and increasing the risk.

[0047] Therefore, the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment includes a duct member 500 formed between the mesh structure 1200 and the pack frame 1100. The duct member 500 included in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment will be described in more detail below.

[0048] 6 and 7 are perspective views showing duct members included in the battery pack of FIG.

[0049] 6 and 7, the duct member 500 according to this embodiment may include a body portion 520, a hole portion 530 formed in the body portion 520, and an extension portion 540 extending from the lower end of the body portion 520 to protrude in the vertical direction of the body portion 520.

[0050] In addition, the duct member 500 is formed with an adsorption member 510. More specifically, the adsorption member 510 is formed on the extension portion 540 of the duct member 500.

[0051] First, the duct member 500 according to this embodiment may include a body part 520. In this case, the body part 520 may be a part that is coupled to the pack frame 1100 and is formed between the mesh structure 1200 and the pack frame 1100 to fix the duct member 500 onto the battery pack 1000.

[0052] In particular, a coupling hole 525 is formed on the body part 520. At this time, a plurality of coupling holes 525 are formed on the body part 520, and components of the fixing member 1300 are coupled to each other through the coupling holes 525, thereby fixing the body part 520 on the pack frame 1100.

[0053] According to this embodiment, a hole 530 is further formed on the body 520 of the duct member 500. Specifically, the hole 530 is formed in the center of the body 520, and more specifically, the hole 530 is formed at a position corresponding to the vent hole 1115 and the mesh structure 1200. Therefore, the shape of the hole 530 is also formed to correspond to the shape of the vent hole 1115, but is not limited thereto.

[0054] The duct member 500 is formed to include a hole portion 530, thereby preventing the mesh structure 1200 from being clogged with ignition sources and particles, while not obstructing the vent path connecting the vent hole 1115 and the mesh structure 1200, allowing the vent gas inside the battery pack 1000 to be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery pack 1000.

[0055] Meanwhile, the duct member 500 of the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment may further include an extension 540 extending from the lower end of the body part 520 in a vertical direction (-y direction) of the body part.

[0056] In this case, the extension portion 540 may include a bottom portion 549 formed by extending from the body portion 520, and a front portion 541 and a side portion 545 extending vertically (in the z-direction) from the bottom portion 549.

[0057] As described above, the duct member 500 is formed with the adsorption member 510 , and as an example, the adsorption member 510 is formed on the extension portion 540 .

[0058] In this case, the duct member 500 according to this embodiment is formed to prevent a part or all of the mesh structure 1200, particularly the lower end of the mesh structure 1200, from being clogged by ignition sources contained in the vent gas and particles from the internal components of the battery pack. That is, the duct member 500 may be formed with an additional structure for minimizing ignition sources and particles moving toward the lower end of the mesh structure 1200, and the adsorption member 510 can achieve the effect of minimizing the ignition sources and particles.

[0059] Therefore, the adsorbent 510 is formed on the bottom 549, front 541, and side 545 of the extension 540. As an example, the adsorbent 510 is formed on the outer surface of the bottom 549. The adsorbent 510 is formed on the outer surface of the front 541. The adsorbent 510 is formed on the outer surface of the side 545. This is because, when considering the vent path toward the lower end of the mesh structure 1200, the vent path (y direction) from the inside of the pack frame 1100 toward the mesh structure 1200 is taken into consideration. In other words, by forming the adsorbent 510 on the outer surfaces of the front 541 and side 545, it is possible to capture ignition sources and particles contained in the vent gas. However, the adsorbent 510 according to this embodiment is not limited to the above-mentioned positions and may be formed on the inner surfaces of the front 541, side 545, and bottom 549 located on the vent path, as shown in FIG. 5 .

[0060] The adsorption member 510 is formed to cover part or all of the bottom portion 549, the front portion 541, and the side portions 545. As an example, the adsorption member 510 is formed to cover part or all of the outer surface of the bottom portion 549. The adsorption member 510 is formed to cover part or all of the outer surface of the front portion 541. The adsorption member 510 is formed to cover part or all of the outer surface of the side portions 545.

[0061] In this case, the shape of the adsorption member 510 is not particularly limited, but for example, it is formed in a sheet shape. However, the adsorption member 510 may have any shape as long as it is formed in the extension portion 540 and can capture ignition sources and particles.

[0062] 4 and 5, the duct member 500 of the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment may be fixed to the outside of the pack frame 1100, and the extension portion 540 may be located inside the pack frame 1100. That is, the body portion 520 of the duct member 500 is fixed to the outside of the pack frame 1100, and the extension portion 540 is located inside the pack frame 1100. In addition, the body portion 520 of the duct member 500 is fixed to the outside of the pack frame 1100, and is formed to be located between the mesh structure 1200 and the pack frame 1100.

[0063] Duct member 500 is fixed to the outside of pack frame 1100 via fixing member 1300, and as an example, fixing member 1300 includes bolt member 1310 and nut member 1320, and is fixed to the outside of pack frame 1100 by fastening bolt member 1310 and nut member 1320. Therefore, fixing member 1300 connects mesh structure 1200, duct member 500, and pack frame 1100 to one another.

[0064] The duct member 500 is formed to be located in the lower pack housing 1110 of the pack frame 1100. As described above, the vent holes 1115 and the mesh structure 1200 are formed in the lower pack housing 1110, so that the body portion 520 of the duct member 500 is located and fixed between the mesh structure 1200 and the lower pack housing 1110.

[0065] In addition, since the extension 540 of the duct member 500 is located inside the pack frame 1100, the suction member 510 formed on the extension 540 may be located inside the pack frame 1100. For example, the suction member 510 may be located inside the lower pack housing 1110.

[0066] At this time, the adsorption member 510 is located inside the lower pack housing 1110 and formed below the vent hole 1115, so that it can be located in the path of the vent gas.

[0067] Therefore, the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment forms a vent path by the vent hole 1115 and the mesh structure 1200, and may include a duct member 500 formed in the path. In this case, the mesh structure 1200 may be shielded or blocked by the ignition sources and gases by filtering them. In such a case, the vent gas cannot be discharged, the pressure inside the battery pack increases, and the internal flames may be exposed to the outside. Therefore, the duct member 500 and the adsorption member 510 formed in the duct member 500 primarily adsorb and capture ignition sources and particles, thereby preventing a deterioration in the performance of the mesh structure 1200, improving the safety of the battery pack 1000, and protecting users.

[0068] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a battery pack according to a comparative example, and Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a cross section taken along line CC' in Fig. 8.

[0069] 8 and 9, the battery pack 10 according to the comparative example includes a vent hole and a mesh structure 12, and the vent gas is directly transmitted to the mesh structure 12 along the vent path. Therefore, ignition sources or particles are filtered by the mesh structure 12 and deposited on the inner surface of the mesh structure 12.

[0070] In particular, the filtered ignition sources and particles start to accumulate from the bottom end of the mesh structure 12, shielding the bottom end of the mesh structure 12, thereby reducing the filtering performance of the mesh structure 12. Furthermore, as the mesh structure 12 is shielded, the vent pressure inside the battery pack 10 increases, which increases the risk of damaging the sealing portions of the battery pack 10 and exposing flames to the outside, thereby reducing the safety of the battery pack 10.

[0071] 1 to 7, the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment includes a duct member 500 formed between the mesh structure 1200 and the pack frame 1100, and an adsorption member 510 is formed in the duct member 500 to primarily capture ignition sources and particles, thereby preventing a decrease in the performance of the mesh structure 1200 and preventing a flame inside the battery pack 1000 from being exposed to the outside, thereby further improving the safety of the battery pack 1000. In addition, the battery pack 1000 with improved safety can protect users.

[0072] In addition, the battery pack 1000 of the present invention may have the above-mentioned configuration and may be configured by packing one or more battery modules together with a battery management system (BMS) that manages the temperature, voltage, etc. of the battery, and a cooling device, etc.

[0073] Furthermore, the battery pack 1000 of the present invention can be applied to various devices, including transportation means such as electric bicycles, electric cars, and hybrid cars, but the present invention is not limited thereto and can be applied to various devices that can use a battery module, which also falls within the scope of the present invention.

[0074] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications may be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood separately from the technical ideas and perspectives of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 100: Battery module 110: Battery cell 120: Battery cell stack 150: End plate 200:Module frame 500: Duct material 510: Adsorption member 520: Body 525: Connection hole 530: Hall section 540: Extension part 1000: Battery pack 1100: Pack Frame 1110: Lower pack housing 1115: Vent hole 1120: Upper pack housing 1200: Mesh structure 1300: Fixing member

Claims

1. At least one battery module; a pack frame that houses the battery module; a vent hole formed in the pack frame; a mesh structure covering the vent hole; A battery pack including: a duct member is formed between the mesh structure and the pack frame; an adsorption member is formed in the duct member; The duct member is The body part and a hole formed in the body; an extension extending from a lower end of the body portion so as to protrude in a direction perpendicular to the body portion; Including, The extension portion is a bottom portion extending from the body portion; a front portion and a side portion extending from the bottom portion; Including the battery pack.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the attraction member is formed on the extension portion.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the suction member is formed on an outer surface of the bottom portion.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the attraction member is formed on an outer surface of the front portion.

5. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the attraction member is formed on an outer surface of the side portion.

6. the body portion is fixed to the exterior of the pack frame; The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the extension is located inside the pack frame.

7. the pack frame includes an upper pack housing and a lower pack housing; The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the vent hole and the mesh structure are formed in the lower pack housing.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7 , wherein the duct member is formed to be located on the lower pack housing.

9. The battery pack according to claim 7 , wherein the suction member is located inside the lower pack housing.

10. the battery pack further includes a fixing member; The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the fixing member connects the mesh structure, the duct member, and the pack frame to one another.

11. A device comprising the battery pack of claim 1.

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