Vent assembly for battery pack, battery management system, and battery pack including same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery pack, and the battery pack according to an aspect of the present invention comprises: a battery pack housing; at least one battery assembly accommodated in the battery pack housing; and a vent assembly provided in the battery pack housing, wherein the vent assembly comprises: a vent body providing a vent flow path for fluidly connecting the inside and the outside of the battery pack housing; a membrane member provided in the vent flow path to block dust or moisture; and a film- or sheet-shaped sensing member for blocking at least a portion of the vent flow path so as to measure pressure in the vent flow path.

Description

Vent assembly for battery pack, battery management system and battery pack including same

[0001] Cross-citation with related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0178720, dated December 11, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Technology field

[0004] The present invention relates to a vent assembly for a battery pack, a battery management system, and a battery pack including the same, and more particularly, to a vent assembly capable of ventilating a battery pack housing, a battery management system using the same, and a battery pack including the same.

[0005] Secondary batteries have been used in small applications such as mobile devices and laptops, but their research has recently expanded to medium- to large-scale applications. They are widely used in applications requiring high voltage and large capacity, such as energy storage systems (ESS) and electric vehicles (EVs). When multiple battery cells made of these secondary batteries are integrated and packaged, they form a battery pack.

[0006] Battery packs like these can experience thermal propagation (TP) due to unexpected events, such as collisions or short circuits. Thermal propagation can cause fires or explosions in the battery pack, so it must be prevented in advance to ensure user safety.

[0007] Typically, battery packs are equipped with safety systems to prevent thermal runaway. For example, various sensors are installed at various points within the battery pack to detect abnormal behavior, such as pressure increases, temperature increases, or gas leaks due to thermal runaway. These sensors then transmit the detected data to the Battery Management System (BMS).

[0008] The battery management system can use data acquired from sensors to determine whether thermal conductivity has occurred within the battery pack and activate the Battery Disconnect Unit (BDU). A BDU is a type of power circuit breaker that disconnects the battery pack from an external power source or load. Thus, when thermal conductivity is detected within the battery pack, the BDU activates the BDU, thereby preventing any potential fire or explosion caused by thermal conductivity.

[0009] However, the heat transfer mechanisms that lead to fire or explosion in battery packs can vary greatly depending on the connection and arrangement of the numerous battery cells contained within. This can lead to battery management system malfunctions or sensors failing to detect abnormal battery pack behavior. Therefore, there is a pressing need to develop a method that can physically detect abnormal battery pack behavior, regardless of the internal structure of the battery pack.

[0010] The present invention has been devised to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vent assembly for a battery pack capable of physically detecting abnormal behavior of a battery pack, a battery management system using the same, and a battery pack including the same.

[0011] The tasks of the present invention are not limited to the tasks mentioned above, and other tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the description below.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery pack is disclosed, comprising: a battery pack housing; at least one battery assembly accommodated in the battery pack housing; and a vent assembly provided in the battery pack housing, wherein the vent assembly includes: a vent body providing a vent passage for fluidly connecting the inside and the outside of the battery pack housing; a membrane member provided in the vent passage for blocking dust or moisture; and a film or sheet-shaped sensing member blocking at least a portion of the vent passage so as to measure a pressure in the vent passage.

[0013] At this time, the membrane member and the detection member may be spaced apart from each other in the direction of air flow through the vent channel toward the outside of the battery pack housing.

[0014] At this time, the sensing member may be spaced apart from the membrane member toward the inside of the battery pack housing.

[0015] At this time, an opening connecting the outside of the battery pack housing and the vent path is provided on the outer surface of the vent body, and the membrane member may be configured to block the opening of the vent body.

[0016] At this time, the vent path may include a front-side path and a rear-side path in the flow direction, and the detection member may be provided in the front-side path, and the membrane member may be provided in the rear-side path.

[0017] At this time, the vent body includes a first body part having the vent path provided therein; and a second body part provided inside the first body part to divide the front-side path into a first front-side path and a second front-side path, and the detection member may be configured to block at least a portion of the second front-side path.

[0018] At this time, the first front-side flow path may connect the outside of the vent body and the rear-side flow path, and the detection member may be configured to block the second front-side flow path.

[0019] At this time, the second body part may have a cylindrical shape having the second shear-side flow path provided therein.

[0020] At this time, the first body part has a tubular shape extending in the flow direction, and the second body part can extend parallel to the first body part.

[0021] At this time, the first body part and the second body part can be arranged coaxially with each other.

[0022] At this time, openings connected to the second front-end flow path are respectively provided on both sides of the second body part in the extension direction, and the detection member may be positioned closer to an opening located at the rear end in the flow direction among the openings of the second body part.

[0023] At this time, the sensing member may be configured to block the opening of the second body part.

[0024] At this time, the vent assembly may further include a cover body coupled to the outside of the vent body to protect the membrane member.

[0025] At this time, the cover body may include a cover portion that covers an opening of the vent body connected to the vent path; and an extension portion that extends from the edge of the cover portion to surround an outer periphery of the vent body.

[0026] At this time, the sensing member may be configured to be deformed by a change in pressure in the vent path.

[0027] At this time, the vent assembly can be detachably coupled to the battery pack housing.

[0028] At this time, the battery management system for controlling the operation of the battery assembly may further include a battery disconnection unit capable of disconnecting an electrical connection between the battery assembly and the outside; and a control unit for controlling the battery disconnection unit based on the pressure measured by the detection member.

[0029] According to another aspect of the present invention, a vent assembly for a battery pack is provided, comprising: a vent body providing a vent channel for fluidly connecting the inside and the outside of a battery pack housing; a membrane member provided in the vent channel to block dust or moisture; and a film or sheet-shaped sensing member blocking at least a portion of the vent channel so as to measure the pressure of the vent channel.

[0030] According to another aspect of the present invention, a battery management system for controlling a battery pack including a battery pack housing and a battery assembly accommodated in the battery pack housing, the battery management system including a battery disconnection unit capable of disconnecting an electrical connection between the battery assembly and the outside; and a control unit for controlling the battery disconnection unit based on the pressure of a vent passage connecting the inside and the outside of the battery pack housing.

[0031] At this time, the pressure of the vent path can be measured using a film or sheet-shaped sensing member that blocks at least a portion of the vent path.

[0032] A vent assembly for a battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention and a battery pack including the same are configured such that a film or sheet-shaped sensing member capable of being deformed according to pressure blocks at least a portion of a vent passage. Accordingly, a change in pressure in the vent passage due to abnormal behavior of the battery pack can be physically detected by utilizing the deformation of the sensing member.

[0033] According to a vent assembly for a battery pack and a battery pack including the same according to one aspect of the present invention, the battery pack can be controlled based on the presence or absence of abnormal behavior detected in a physical manner, so that the stability of the battery pack with respect to the thermal transfer phenomenon can be further improved.

[0034] In a battery pack vent assembly according to one aspect of the present invention and a battery pack including the same, there is no need to separately provide various types of sensors for detecting abnormal behavior, so that space utilization and design freedom of the battery pack can be increased.

[0035] According to a vent assembly for a battery pack and a battery pack including the same according to one aspect of the present invention, a detection member is provided in a vent passage and can be positioned as far away from the battery assembly as possible, so that the possibility of malfunction or damage to the detection member due to abnormal behavior (e.g., fire or explosion) within the battery pack can be minimized. As a result, abnormal behavior of the battery pack can be reliably and accurately detected.

[0036] According to a battery management system and a battery pack including the same according to one aspect of the present invention, the operation of a battery assembly can be controlled based on the presence or absence of abnormal behavior physically detected by a detection member provided in a vent path, so that stability against a heat transfer phenomenon can be further improved.

[0037] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention viewed from above.

[0039] Figure 2 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. Here, the battery management system is depicted in a schematic block shape.

[0040] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of part A of Figure 2.

[0041] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a vent assembly for a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front. For purposes of illustrating the invention, a portion of the vent body has been cut away to reveal its interior.

[0042] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a vent assembly for a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the rear. For purposes of illustrating the invention, a portion of the vent body has been cut away to reveal its interior.

[0043] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited or restricted by the following examples.

[0044] In order to clearly explain the present invention, a detailed description of a part that is irrelevant to the description or a related known technology that may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention has been omitted, and when adding reference signs to components of each drawing in this specification, the same or similar reference signs are attached to the same or similar components throughout the specification.

[0045] In addition, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to their usual or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts that conform to the technical idea of ​​the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the term to explain his or her own invention in the best way.

[0046] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. FIG. 2 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. At this time, the battery management system is schematically illustrated in a block shape. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of portion A of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a vent assembly for a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front. For the purpose of explaining the invention, a portion of the first body part is cut away to reveal the inside. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a vent assembly for a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the rear. For the purpose of explaining the invention, a portion of the first body part is cut away to reveal the inside.

[0047] At this time, each component of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention is schematically illustrated in the drawing, and the size of the component or the thickness of the line may be expressed somewhat exaggeratedly for the convenience of understanding.

[0048] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention. The battery pack (1) according to this embodiment is a device for storing or releasing electrical energy. As an example, the battery pack (1) may be installed inside a vehicle to provide power to drive a motor, but is not limited thereto.

[0049] A battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery pack housing (10) (hereinafter referred to as the "housing"). In this embodiment, the housing (10) is configured to accommodate other components of the battery pack (1). Through this, the housing (10) can protect the other components from external impact or contamination.

[0050] In this embodiment, the housing (10) may include a housing portion (12) formed as a box-shaped structure having a receiving space (S) therein. The housing portion (12) may be formed of a material such as metal or reinforced plastic so as to have a predetermined rigidity.

[0051] At this time, the housing portion (12) may be formed by combining multiple plates, or may be provided as a single structure in which the plates are integrally formed. Meanwhile, the shape of the housing portion (12) is not particularly limited as long as a predetermined space can be provided inside.

[0052] In this embodiment, the housing (10) may include a connection portion (14) that can be electrically connected to an external power source or load. The connection portion (14) may be provided in the form of a connector or terminal that is electrically connected to a battery assembly (20) described below.

[0053] As illustrated, the connecting portion (14) may be configured such that a portion thereof protrudes outward from the housing portion (12). Of course, the connecting portion (14) may also be recessed into the housing portion (12). The connecting portion (14) may be configured in various structures or shapes to achieve electrical connection between the battery assembly (20) and an external power source or load.

[0054] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the housing (10) may include a coupling portion (16) that can be fixedly coupled to an external frame or base so that the housing portion (12) is positioned and fixed in a predetermined space. In the present embodiment, the coupling portion (16) may have a flange shape provided on the edge side of the housing portion (12).

[0055] At this time, the coupling portion (16) may be provided with multiple holes through which coupling members such as screws or bolts / nuts can be penetrated and coupled so that the housing portion (12) can be fixed to another base or frame. The shape or structure of such coupling portion (16) may be appropriately modified in consideration of the shape of the space in which the battery pack (1) is placed or the structure of the base or frame to which the battery pack (1) is coupled.

[0056] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery assembly (20). The battery assembly (20) may be placed in a receiving space (S) of a housing (10) to be protected from external impact or contamination.

[0057] In this embodiment, a battery assembly (20) may be formed by combining at least one battery cell and frames for supporting the same. At this time, the battery cell may be a pouch-type secondary battery, a square secondary battery, or a cylindrical secondary battery, but the type or structure of the battery cell is not particularly limited.

[0058] The battery assembly (20) can be electrically connected to the connection portion (14). Accordingly, the battery assembly (20) can be electrically connected to an external power source through the connection portion (14) to store electrical energy. Alternatively, the battery assembly (20) can be electrically connected to an external load to discharge electrical energy. In other words, the battery assembly (20) can be responsible for the charging and discharging function of the battery pack (1).

[0059] At this time, the battery assembly (20) is provided in a module form and can be composed of at least one or more. As illustrated, the battery assembly (20) can be composed of two, but the battery assembly (20) can also be composed of one or three or more.

[0060] At this time, the plurality of battery assemblies (20) may be arranged in a predetermined manner. As an example, the plurality of battery assemblies (20) may be arranged in a grid shape in the receiving space (S). As another example, some of the plurality of battery assemblies (20) may be placed on the bottom surface of the housing (10), and the rest may be stacked on the upper side of the battery assemblies (20) placed on the bottom.

[0061] Furthermore, the plurality of battery assemblies (20) may be electrically connected in a predetermined manner. For example, the plurality of battery assemblies (20) may be connected in series or parallel. Alternatively, some of the plurality of battery assemblies (20) may be connected in series, while the remainder may be connected in parallel. The arrangement and connection method of the battery assemblies (20) may be varied as needed.

[0062] Meanwhile, the battery assembly (20) may exhibit abnormal behavior due to certain causes. For example, the battery assembly (20) may catch fire or explode due to internal defects, external impact or contamination, overcurrent or overvoltage, etc.

[0063] However, as explained above, since the arrangement and connection methods of the battery assembly (20) are configured in various ways, the thermal propagation (TP) mechanism according to the abnormal behavior of the battery assembly (20) can proceed in various ways.

[0064] That is, heat transfer within the battery pack (1) is difficult to predict because it can occur in a very diverse manner depending on the arrangement of the battery assembly (20), the electrical connection method, the shape of the receiving space (S), etc. Here, heat transfer may mean that a fire or explosion occurring within the battery pack (1) is transferred to another part.

[0065] Therefore, the design and planning for appropriately arranging sensors for detecting abnormal behavior of the battery assembly (20) within the housing (10) may require significant time and resources. Furthermore, such difficulties may limit the design freedom and space utilization of the battery pack (1).

[0066] To solve this problem, the battery pack (1) may be provided with a detection member (70) in the vent assembly (40) to detect abnormal behavior of the battery pack (1), which will be described later.

[0067] Meanwhile, in order to prevent the influence of abnormal behavior of the battery assembly (20) from spreading to other surrounding components (i.e., heat transfer), the operation of the battery assembly (20) needs to be appropriately controlled. For example, the battery assembly (20) may need to have its electrical connection with the outside cut off as needed.

[0068] To this end, the battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery management system (30) (BMS) that controls the operation of the battery assembly (20).

[0069] In this embodiment, the battery management system (30) may be a system for receiving information on the status of the battery assembly (20) from each battery assembly (20) and comprehensively controlling the battery assemblies (20) based on the information. At this time, the status of the battery assembly (20) may be the voltage, current, temperature, capacity of stored electric energy, etc. of the battery assembly (20).

[0070] In the present embodiment, the battery management system (30) may include a control unit (34) that performs the above-described control. The control unit (34) may be formed of an electric circuit, a processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a controller, an arithmetic logic unit, an operational logic circuit, a digital signal processing device, a microcomputer, an FPGA, a system on a chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, or any device capable of performing the functions described below.

[0071] Meanwhile, the battery management system (30) may perform a function of disconnecting the external electrical connection between the battery assembly (20) and the external device, as described above. To this end, the battery management system (30) may include a battery disconnect unit (32). Such a battery disconnect unit (32) may be configured to have its operation controlled by a control unit (34).

[0072] In this embodiment, a battery disconnect unit (32) may be provided between the battery assembly (20) and the connection portion (14). Through this, the battery disconnect unit (32) may perform the function of electrically connecting or disconnecting them.

[0073] To perform this function, the battery disconnect unit (32) may include a relay, a fuse, a contact, etc. Since such a battery disconnect unit (32) may be configured by various known technologies, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0074] At this time, the control unit (32) of the battery management system (30) may be configured to physically detect abnormal behavior of the battery assembly (20) based on the pressure of the vent path measured using the detection member (70) described below, and operate the battery cut-off unit (32) when the abnormal behavior is detected. This will be described later together with the vent assembly (40).

[0075] As described above, in the battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, when an abnormal behavior occurs in the battery assembly (20), the electrical connection between the battery assembly (20) and the outside is cut off by the battery management system (30), so that a heat transfer phenomenon such as a chain fire or explosion can be prevented in advance.

[0076] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a vent assembly (40). In this embodiment, the vent assembly (40) may be an assembly provided in the housing (10) to ventilate the receiving space (S) to the outside. Such a vent assembly (40) may also be referred to as a vent plug or a vent valve.

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, a vent assembly (40) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a vent body (50). The vent body (50) may be a structure that provides a vent path (B). In the present embodiment, the vent path (B) is a path that fluidly connects the receiving space (S) of the housing (10) to the outside in order to ventilate them.

[0078] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the vent body (50) may include a first body portion (52). The first body portion (52) may extend in a direction penetrating the housing (10) (X-axis direction).

[0079] At this time, an opening (hereinafter, referred to as a first front-end side opening (52a)) open to a receiving space (S) may be provided on one side in the extension direction of the first body part (52), and an opening (hereinafter, referred to as a first rear-end side opening (52b)) open to the outside of the housing (10) may be provided on the other side.

[0080] In addition, a vent passage (B) connecting the first front-end opening (52a) and the first rear-end opening (52b) may be provided inside the first body portion (52). In other words, the first body portion (52) may be provided as a hollow member having the vent passage (B) provided therein. For example, the first body portion (52) may have a cylindrical shape. Accordingly, the vent passage (B) may pass through the housing portion (12).

[0081] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the vent path (B) may include a front-side path (C) and a rear-side path (D) in the direction of air flow (hereinafter referred to as the flow direction) from the receiving space (S) inside the housing (10) toward the outside.

[0082] The front-end flow path (C) can be defined as a portion located relatively forward from the vent flow path (B) when viewed in the flow direction, and the rear-end flow path (D) can be defined as a portion located relatively backward from the vent flow path (B) when viewed in the flow direction.

[0083] According to the present embodiment, the front-side portion of the front-side flow path (C) in the flow direction can be connected to the first front-side opening (52a) described above. And, the rear-side portion of the rear-side flow path (D) in the flow direction can be connected to the first rear-side opening (52b) described above.

[0084] Accordingly, the air inside the housing (10) can enter the front-side flow path (C) along the arrow indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 3 and then pass through the rear-side flow path (D) to exit the housing (10).

[0085] That is, the receiving space (S) of the housing (10) can be ventilated to the outside. Of course, external air may flow in the opposite direction of the aforementioned flow and enter the inside of the housing (10). Meanwhile, the shape of the first body part (52) is not particularly limited as long as it can provide a vent path (B) that can ventilate the receiving space (S) of the housing (10).

[0086] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the first body part (52) can be coupled to the housing (10). More specifically, in the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the housing part (12) of the housing (10) can be provided with a coupling hole (12a). In addition, the first body part (52) can be inserted and coupled into the coupling hole (12a). Through this, the vent assembly (40) can be coupled (or installed) to the housing (10).

[0087] At this time, the vent assembly (40) can be detachably coupled to the housing (10). Here, detachably coupled may mean that it can be coupled or uncoupled without using special tools or equipment.

[0088] For this purpose, a screw thread (not shown) may be provided on the inner surface of the coupling hole (12a). In addition, a screw thread (not shown) that can engage with the screw thread of the coupling hole (12a) may be provided on the outer surface of the first body part (52). Accordingly, the vent assembly (40) can be manually detachably coupled to the housing (10).

[0089] Of course, the vent assembly (40) and the housing (10) may be configured to be detachable by being joined by a joining member such as a screw, bolt-nut, etc. Alternatively, the housing portion (12) and the vent body (50) of the vent assembly (40) may be provided as a single unit, if necessary.

[0090] Meanwhile, referring back to FIGS. 1 to 3, the vent body (50) of the vent assembly (40) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a second body portion (54). The second body portion (54) may be a member for dividing the front-side flow path (C) into a first front-side flow path (C1) and a second front-side flow path (C2). For this purpose, in the present embodiment, the second body portion (54) may be positioned inside the first body portion (52).

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, as illustrated, the second body portion (54) in the present embodiment may be provided as a hollow member. For example, the second body portion (54) may have a cylindrical shape. Accordingly, the second body portion (54) may partition the shear-side flow path (C) into a second shear-side flow path (C2) inside and a first shear-side flow path (C1) outside. Of course, the second body portion (54) may also be provided in the form of a partition wall that partitions the shear-side flow path (C).

[0092] At this time, an opening (hereinafter, referred to as a second front-side opening (54a)) open to a receiving space (S) may be provided on one side of the extension direction of the second body part (54). In addition, an opening (hereinafter, referred to as a second rear-side opening (54b)) open toward a rear-side flow path (D) may be provided on the other side of the second body part (54).

[0093] In addition, the second front-end-side flow path (C2) can fluidly connect the second front-end-side opening (54a) and the second rear-end-side opening (54b). Accordingly, air in the receiving space (S) can flow into the second front-end-side flow path (C2).

[0094] At this time, the second body part (54) can be extended in the flow direction parallel to the first body part (52). That is, the first shear-side flow path (C1) and the second shear-side flow path (C2) can be extended in the X-axis direction parallel to each other along the flow direction. In addition, the first body part (52) and the second body part (54) can be arranged coaxially.

[0095] In this way, when the first body part (52) and the second body part (54) are coaxially arranged, or when the first shear-side flow path (C1) and the second shear-side flow path (C2) extend parallel to the flow direction, the air in the receiving space (S) can more easily flow into the second shear-side flow path (C2).

[0096] Accordingly, since air pressure due to abnormal behavior of the battery pack (1) can be immediately formed in the second shear side flow path (C2), the abnormal behavior of the battery pack (1) can be detected more quickly by the detection member (70) described later.

[0097] Of course, as long as the air of the receiving space (S) can enter the second shear-side flow path (C2), the shape of the second body part (54) or the direction in which the second shear-side flow path (C2) extends is not particularly limited.

[0098] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the vent body (50) of the vent assembly (40) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a body-side support portion (56). The body-side support portion (56) is configured to support the second body portion (54).

[0099] In this embodiment, the body-side support portion (56) may have a rib shape that extends across the first shear-side flow path (C1) and has both ends connected or joined to the inner surface of the first body portion (52) and the outer surface of the second body portion (54), respectively.

[0100] In addition, a plurality of body-side support members (56) may be provided and spaced apart along the perimeter of the second body part (54). Such body-side support members (56) may be appropriately modified into other shapes or structures capable of supporting the second body part (54) as needed.

[0101] Again, referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the vent assembly (40) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a membrane member (60). The membrane member (60) is a member for removing dust and moisture from air entering and exiting the receiving space (S) of the housing (10).

[0102] As an example, the membrane member (60) may be provided as a porous membrane made of PTEF, but is not limited thereto, and the membrane member (60) may be formed in various configurations capable of filtering moisture or dust from the air.

[0103] In this embodiment, the membrane member (60) may be provided in the vent channel (B). At this time, the membrane member (60) may be provided in the rear-end channel (D) of the vent channel (B) and configured to block it.

[0104] More specifically, as illustrated, the membrane member (60) may be configured to cover the first rear-end opening (52b) of the first body portion (52). Accordingly, air passing through the vent passage (B) can be free of moisture and dust.

[0105] Meanwhile, the vent assembly (40) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a detection member (70). The detection member (70) is a film or sheet-shaped member for physically detecting abnormal behavior inside the battery pack (1).

[0106] Such a sensing member (70) may be arranged to block at least a portion of the vent path (B). At this time, the sensing member (70) may be configured to block only a portion of the vent path (B), which may be to prevent the ventilation function of the vent path (B) from being reduced by the sensing member (70).

[0107] In this embodiment, the sensing member (70) is configured to be shaped, such as bent or crumpled, by pressure changes that occur due to the abnormal behavior, thereby enabling the abnormal behavior to be detected in a physical manner. For example, the sensing member (70) may be formed of a piezo sheet, but is not limited thereto.

[0108] In this way, in the present embodiment, since the detection member (70) is provided in the vent path (B) for ventilating the receiving space (S), abnormal behavior of the battery pack (1) can be stably detected regardless of changes in the heat transfer mechanism due to the arrangement or connection method of the battery assembly (20).

[0109] In addition, since in this embodiment, there is no need to provide separate sensors for detecting abnormal behavior inside the housing (10), the design freedom and space utilization of the battery pack (1) can be dramatically increased. Furthermore, since the detection member (70) can be positioned as far away as possible from the battery assemblies (20), the possibility of the detection member (70) malfunctioning or being damaged due to abnormal behavior can be minimized.

[0110] At this time, in the present embodiment, the sensing member (70) may be positioned in the direction of air flow from the inside of the housing (10) toward the outside from the membrane member (60). In the present embodiment, the sensing member (70) is provided in the second front-side channel (C2) among the vent channels (B). For this purpose, the sensing member (70) may be positioned spaced apart from the membrane member (60) in the inward direction of the housing (10).

[0111] This may be to allow air escaping from the receiving space (S) to interact with the sensing member (70) before the membrane member (60) to deform the sensing member (70).

[0112] That is, by the above-described configuration, the sensing member (70) can be deformed more immediately in response to pressure changes resulting from abnormal behavior. Through this, the sensing member (60) can detect abnormal behavior of the battery pack (1) more quickly and accurately.

[0113] At this time, in the present embodiment, the detection member (70) may be positioned closer to the second rear-end opening (54b) than the second front-end opening (54a) on the second front-end-side flow path (C2). In the present embodiment, the detection member (70) is configured to block the second rear-end-side opening (54b) of the second body part (54).

[0114] In this way, when the detection member (70) is positioned further rearward in the flow direction, the volume of the second front-side flow path (C2) positioned forward of the detection member (70) can be secured more. That is, the air that flows into the vent flow path (B) due to the abnormal behavior of the battery pack (1) can be condensed more in the second front-side flow path (C2) and increase the pressure. Through this, the detection member (70) of the vent assembly (40) according to the present embodiment can accurately detect the abnormal behavior of the battery pack (1).

[0115] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the detection member (70) is provided in the second rear-end opening (54b) and is configured to completely block the second front-end-side flow path (C2). However, the detection member (70) may be configured to block only a portion of the vent flow path (B) at any location on the vent flow path (B) as long as it can detect abnormal behavior of the battery pack (1).

[0116] Furthermore, if the sensing member (70) does not excessively reduce the ventilation function of the vent path (B), the sensing member (70) may be configured to completely block a portion of the vent path (B).

[0117] Meanwhile, referring again to FIGS. 3 to 5, the vent assembly (40) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a cover body (80) for protecting the vent body (50). The cover body (80) may be coupled to the outside of the vent body (50) to protect the vent body (50) and the membrane member (60).

[0118] In this embodiment, the cover body (80) may include a cover portion (82). The cover portion (82) may be provided in a flat shape to cover the first rear-end opening (54b) and the membrane member (60). The cover portion (82) may have a sufficient area to entirely cover the first rear-end opening (54b) and the membrane member (60).

[0119] At this time, the cover part (82) may be positioned to some extent apart from the first rear-end opening (54b). This may be to allow air to pass between the first rear-end opening (54b) and the cover part (82).

[0120] In the present embodiment, the cover body (80) may include an extension portion (84). The extension portion (84) may extend from the edge of the cover portion (82) to surround the first body portion (52) of the vent body (50). In other words, the extension portion (84) may be provided as a cylindrical member surrounding the first body portion (52). Accordingly, the vent body (50) may be protected from external impact or contamination.

[0121] At this time, the inner diameter of the extension (84) may be provided to be somewhat larger than the outer diameter of the first body (52). This may be to allow air to pass between the inner circumference of the extension (84) and the outer circumference of the first body (52).

[0122] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the cover body (80) may include a cover-side support member (86). The cover-side support member (86) is configured to support the cover part (82) and the extension part (84). The cover-side support member (86) may be a member in the shape of a protrusion that protrudes from the inner wall of the extension part (84) to the outer circumferential surface of the first body part (52). The cover-side support members (86) may be configured in multiple numbers and may be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the first body part (52).

[0123] At this time, the end of the cover side support part (86) can be in contact with or joined to the outer surface of the first body part (52). Accordingly, the relative position between the cover body (80) and the vent body (50) can be fixed.

[0124] Of course, the end of the cover-side support portion (86) may be connected to the outer surface of the first body portion (52), so that the cover body (80) and the vent body (50) may be provided as a single unit. The shape or structure of the cover-side support portion (86) is not particularly limited as long as it can fix the relative positions of the vent body (50) and the cover body (80).

[0125] Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, in the present embodiment, the sensing member (70) may be configured to transmit a sensing signal to the control unit (34) of the battery management system (30) described above. As an example, the control unit (34) and the sensing member (70) may be electrically connected to each other.

[0126] Accordingly, the battery management system (30) according to the present embodiment can block the electrical connection between the battery assembly (20) and the outside depending on the presence or absence of abnormal behavior physically detected by the detection member (70). Through this, the stability of the battery pack (1) against the thermal transfer phenomenon can be further improved.

[0127] Meanwhile, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate components for controlling and venting the battery pack among components of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and the battery pack according to the embodiment of the present invention may further include other components not illustrated for the operation of the battery pack.

[0128] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various embodiments are possible within the scope equivalent to the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the patent claims to be described below by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

[0129] [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] 1: Battery pack

[0131] 10: Battery pack housing

[0132] 20: Battery assembly

[0133] 30: Battery Management System

[0134] 40: Vent assembly

[0135] 50: Vent body

[0136] 60: Membrane absence

[0137] 70: Absence of detection

[0138] 80: Cover

Claims

1. Battery pack housing; At least one battery assembly accommodated in the battery pack housing; and Including a vent assembly provided in the above battery pack housing, The above vent assembly, A vent body providing a vent path for fluidly connecting the interior and exterior of the battery pack housing; A membrane member provided in the above vent duct to block dust and moisture; and A battery pack comprising a film or sheet-shaped sensing member blocking at least a portion of the vent path so as to measure the pressure of the vent path.

2. In paragraph 1, A battery pack, wherein the membrane member and the sensing member are spaced apart from each other in the direction of air flow through the vent path toward the outside of the battery pack housing.

3. In paragraph 2, A battery pack, wherein the sensing element is spaced from the membrane element toward the inside of the battery pack housing.

4. In paragraph 3, An opening is provided on the outer surface of the above vent body to connect the outside of the battery pack housing and the vent path. A battery pack, wherein the membrane member is configured to block the opening of the vent body.

5. In paragraph 2, The above vent euro includes a front-side euro and a rear-side euro in the flow direction, The above detection member is provided in the shear side of the flow path, The above membrane member is a battery pack provided in the rear-end flow path.

6. In paragraph 5, The above vent body, A first body part having the above-mentioned vent urea provided therein; and It includes a second body part provided inside the first body part and dividing the shear-side flow path into a first shear-side flow path and a second shear-side flow path, A battery pack, wherein the sensing element is configured to block at least a portion of the second shear side flow path.

7. In paragraph 6, The above first shear-side flow path connects the outside of the vent body and the rear-side flow path, A battery pack, wherein the sensing element is configured to block the second shear side flow path.

8. In paragraph 6, A battery pack, wherein the second body part has a cylindrical shape with the second shear side passage provided therein.

9. In paragraph 8, The above first body part has a tubular shape extending in the flow direction, The second body part is a battery pack that extends parallel to the first body part.

10. In paragraph 9, A battery pack wherein the first body part and the second body part are arranged coaxially with each other.

11. In paragraph 9, On both sides of the second body part in the extension direction, openings connected to the second shear side flow path are respectively provided. The battery pack wherein the sensing member is positioned closer to an opening located at the rear end in the flow direction among the openings of the second body part.

12. In paragraph 11, A battery pack, wherein the sensing member is configured to block the opening of the second body portion.

13. In paragraph 1, A battery pack, wherein the vent assembly further includes a cover body coupled to the outside of the vent body to protect the membrane member.

14. In paragraph 13, The above cover body is, A cover part covering an opening of the vent body connected to the vent duct; and A battery pack including an extension portion extending from the edge of the cover portion to surround the outer periphery of the vent body.

15. In paragraph 1, A battery pack, wherein the sensing element is configured to be deformed by a change in pressure in the vent path.

16. In paragraph 1, A battery pack, wherein the vent assembly is detachably coupled to the battery pack housing.

17. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a battery management system for controlling the operation of the above battery assembly, The above battery management system, A battery disconnect unit capable of disconnecting the electrical connection between the battery assembly and the outside; and A battery pack comprising a control unit that controls the battery disconnect unit based on the pressure measured by the sensing member.

18. A vent body providing a vent path for fluidly connecting the inside and outside of the battery pack housing; A membrane member provided in the above vent duct to block dust and moisture; and A vent assembly for a battery pack, comprising a film or sheet-shaped sensing member blocking at least a portion of the vent path so as to measure the pressure of the vent path.

19. A battery management system for controlling a battery pack including a battery pack housing and a battery assembly accommodated in the battery pack housing, A battery disconnect unit capable of disconnecting the electrical connection between the battery assembly and the outside; and A battery management system comprising a control unit that controls the battery disconnection unit based on the pressure of a vent passage connecting the inside and the outside of the battery pack housing.

20. In paragraph 19, A battery management system, wherein the pressure of the vent path is measured using a film or sheet-shaped sensing member that blocks at least a portion of the vent path.

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