Ignition-prevented battery pack

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery pack comprising a battery module and a frame containing same, the battery pack being structured such that the frame is provided with a venting part, and the venting part includes: an inlet via which the gas inside the frame enters; an outlet via which the gas that has entered via the inlet is discharged to the outside of the frame; and a venting passage which extends, between the inlet and the outlet, along the frame.

Description

Anti-ignition battery pack

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority from Republic of Korea Patent Application No. 10-2024-0001658, dated January 4, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery pack having a built-in battery module, wherein ignition of flammable gas is prevented, and to a structure of a vehicle having the same built-in.

[0003] Secondary batteries, which boast high electrical properties such as high energy density and easy applicability across a wide range of product groups, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric or hybrid vehicles powered by electrical power sources, as well as in power storage devices. These batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for environmental friendliness and energy efficiency, not only because they can dramatically reduce fossil fuel use, but also because they produce no byproducts from energy use.

[0004] While small mobile devices typically use one or two or three battery cells per device, medium- to large-sized devices, such as automobiles, require high output and large capacity. Therefore, medium- to large-sized battery modules, which electrically connect multiple battery cells, are used. Furthermore, these battery modules can be integrated into battery packs to achieve even higher output and capacity.

[0005] Figure 1 illustrates the structure of a battery pack. Referring to this, a typical battery pack (P) installed in an automobile or the like is composed of a plurality of battery modules (2) and a frame (1) housing the battery modules. The frame (1) may include an upper frame (11) and a lower frame (12). At this time, each of the plurality of battery modules (2) is provided with a terminal (20) for electrical connection.

[0006] Meanwhile, the battery module (2) may generate flammable gas during charging and discharging or in the event of thermal runaway due to a short circuit, etc. Therefore, the frame (1) is generally provided with a venting portion (10) to discharge such gas. At this time, the flammable gas may be discharged to the outside, mixed with oxygen, and then, if high energy higher than the ignition point is supplied, there is a risk of ignition with all three elements of a flame. Meanwhile, although the flammable gas is high temperature, it does not have enough energy to be discharged to the outside of the frame (1) and immediately ignite.

[0007] Fig. 2 illustrates a cross-section of the battery pack of Fig. 1, and Fig. 3 illustrates a scene in which a spark occurs at a terminal in Fig. 2, igniting gas. Referring to these drawings, the terminal (20) can generate a spark because it is a location where high-voltage current flows. This spark momentarily generates high energy, and thus can ignite flammable gas that is discharged outside the frame (1) and meets oxygen.

[0008] However, the location of the venting portion (10) cannot but be determined according to the structure of the device, such as an automobile, in which the battery pack (P) is installed. Accordingly, if the location of the venting portion (10) is placed adjacent to the terminal (20) where sparks frequently occur, the battery pack (P) cannot but be vulnerable to ignition.

[0009] The present invention was created under the background of the above-described prior art, and its purpose is to provide a structure of a battery pack that prevents ignition of flammable gas.

[0010] The present invention also aims to provide a battery pack structure in which the position of the venting portion can be freely selected while reducing the risk of ignition due to sparks.

[0011] Another technical problem of the present invention is to provide a structure of a battery pack that allows all gas within the frame to be discharged to the outside without being trapped in a specific area.

[0012] The present invention also seeks to provide a structure of a battery pack in which conditions and directions of gas discharge can be set.

[0013] The technical objectives of the present invention are not limited to the purposes mentioned above. Other objectives and advantages of the present invention not mentioned above can be understood through the following description and will be more clearly understood through the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the objectives and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.

[0014] In order to solve the above problem, the present invention provides a battery pack structure including a battery module and a frame containing the same, wherein the frame is provided with a venting portion, and the venting portion includes: an inlet through which gas inside the frame flows in; an outlet through which gas flowing into the inlet is discharged outside the frame; and a venting passage extending along the frame between the inlet and the outlet.

[0015] In the battery pack according to the present invention, since the venting part has an inlet and an outlet spaced apart from each other, it is possible to prevent the three elements of a flame from being satisfied regardless of the location of the outlet.

[0016] The inlet and the outlet may be arranged on the same side of the frame. In this case, the venting passage may extend horizontally and / or vertically along the side of the frame depending on the arrangement of the inlet and the outlet.

[0017] The inlet and outlet may be provided on one side and the other side of the frame, respectively. In this case, the venting passage may extend between the one side and the other side of the frame. Specifically, the venting passage may extend while being bent along the one side and the other side of the frame, or may extend across the one side and the other side of the frame.

[0018] The venting passage may protrude inwardly from one side of the frame. Specifically, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the venting portion includes a bracket protruding inwardly from one side of the frame, and the bracket may define at least a portion of the venting passage.

[0019] At this time, the inlet may be provided to be open in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the venting passage in the bracket. Specifically, the inlet may be formed in the shape of a hole penetrating the bracket in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the venting passage.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the venting passage extends horizontally along one side of the frame, and the inlet can open downward or upward. Accordingly, the inlet and the outlet can be horizontally spaced apart from each other.

[0021] The above battery module may be provided with a terminal.

[0022] The above inlet can be arranged to avoid the above terminal.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the terminals are arranged longitudinally along one or both sides of the frame in the width direction, and accordingly, the inlet can be provided in the width direction central portion of one longitudinal side of the frame.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the outlet is located on one width-wise side of one length-wise side of the frame adjacent to the terminal, and thus the venting passage can extend width-wise between the inlet and the outlet along one length-wise side of the frame.

[0025] The above inlet can be opened in a direction that avoids the above terminal.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the terminal is provided in the upper half of the interior of the frame, and thus the inlet can be opened downward.

[0027] The frame may include an upwardly sunken recess on its inner surface. In this case, the outlet may be formed to penetrate the recess internally and externally. As the gas generated within the frame ascends and convects, the gas may be induced to flow toward the outlet.

[0028] A venting tube extending outside the frame is connected to the above outlet to induce the flow of gas discharged outside the frame.

[0029] The outlet may be sealed by a membrane that ruptures at a predetermined pressure or temperature. The membrane may be attached to the surface of the frame, covering the outer side of the outlet, for example, by an adhesive that releases at a predetermined temperature or pressure. Accordingly, the opening of the outlet may be triggered by a desired pressure or temperature.

[0030] The present invention also provides a structure of a vehicle including the battery pack. The battery pack may be installed in the vehicle as a power source. The vehicle may be an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. The vehicle may be a two-wheeled vehicle or a four-wheeled vehicle. However, the structure of the vehicle is not limited to the above, and the battery pack need not necessarily serve as the vehicle's power source.

[0031] The battery pack may be positioned to take into account the impact of gas venting through the venting portion on other components installed in the vehicle. For example, the battery pack may be positioned so that the outlet avoids the location or orientation of other components within the vehicle. Alternatively, the battery pack may be positioned to take into account the location of other components to which the venting tube is connected.

[0032] The present invention can provide a battery pack structure in which ignition of the flammable gas is prevented by separating the location where oxygen begins to be mixed into the flammable gas from the location where a spark occurs.

[0033] In a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, by positioning the inlet regardless of the position of the outlet of the venting section, ignition of gas can be prevented even when the outlet is adjacent to a location where sparks frequently occur.

[0034] The present invention can also provide a structure of a battery pack in which gas can be discharged to the outside without being collected or trapped in a specific area within the frame.

[0035] Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a battery pack structure in which the discharge of gas can be set to start at a desired pressure or temperature condition, and the flow direction after the discharge of gas can be controlled.

[0036] In addition, the present invention may have various other effects, which will be described in each embodiment, or the description of effects that can be easily inferred by a person skilled in the art will be omitted.

[0037] Figure 1 shows the structure of a battery pack.

[0038] Figure 2 shows a cross-section of the battery pack of Figure 1.

[0039] Figure 3 shows a scene in which a spark occurs at the terminal in Figure 2 and gas is ignited.

[0040] Figure 4 shows the structure of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 5 shows the structure of a venting part according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 6 shows a cross-section of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 7 shows a spark generated at the terminal in Figure 5.

[0044] Figure 8 shows the formation location of an outlet according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 9 shows the appearance of a venting tube according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Fig. 10 shows a cross-section of a venting portion according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Fig. 11 illustrates a vehicle having a battery pack built in according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 1: Frame

[0050] 10: Venting Department

[0051] 100: Bracket

[0052] 101: Inlet

[0053] 102: Venting passage

[0054] 103: Outlet

[0055] 11: Upper frame

[0056] 110: Recess

[0057] 12: Lower frame

[0058] 2: Battery module

[0059] 20: Terminal

[0060] 30: Membrane

[0061] 310: Venting tube

[0062] 311: Gasket

[0063] P: Battery pack

[0064] V: Car

[0065] The above-described objects, features, and advantages will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily practice the technical idea of ​​the present invention. In describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of known technologies related to the present invention may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar components.

[0066] Although the terms "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise specified, a "first" component may also be a "second" component.

[0067] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0068] Hereinafter, the phrase "any configuration is placed on (or below)" a component or "on (or below)" a component may mean that any configuration is placed in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of said component, and that other configurations may be interposed between said component and any configuration placed on (or below) said component.

[0069] Additionally, when it is described that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly connected or connected to one another, but that other components may also be "interposed" between the components, or that each component may be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" through another component.

[0070] As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "consisting of" or "comprising" should not necessarily be construed to include all of the components or steps described in the specification, and should be construed to mean that some of the components or steps may not be included, or that additional components or steps may be included.

[0071] Throughout the specification, when we refer to "A and / or B", this means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated, and when we refer to "C to D", this means C or more and D or less, unless otherwise stated.

[0072] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0073]

[0074] [Rough structure of a battery pack]

[0075] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 4, a rough structure of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0076] Figure 4 illustrates the structure of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to this, a battery pack (P) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of battery modules (2) having terminals (20) and a frame (1) accommodating them. The frame (1) may include an upper frame (11) and a lower frame (12).

[0077] The above frame (1) may be provided with a venting portion (10) through which gas generated from the battery module (2) may be discharged. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the venting portion (10) may be provided in the upper frame (11).

[0078]

[0079] [Shape and formation location of inlet and venting passages]

[0080] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7, the shape and formation position of the inlet and venting passage of the venting part according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail, and the effect of preventing ignition of gas according to such configuration will be described.

[0081] Fig. 5 illustrates the structure of a venting portion according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to this, the venting portion (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an inlet (101), an outlet (103), and a venting passage (102) extending between the inlet (101) and the outlet (103).

[0082] Through the inlet (101), gas generated inside the frame (1) can flow into the venting part (10), and through the outlet (103), gas flowing into the venting part (10) can be discharged to the outside of the frame (1).

[0083] According to one embodiment of the present invention, since the inlet (101) and the outlet (103) are spaced apart from each other with the venting passage (102) therebetween, the position of the inlet (101) can be set separately from the outlet (103).

[0084] The inlet (101) and the outlet (103) may be arranged on the same side of the frame (1). At this time, the venting passage (102) may extend horizontally and / or vertically along one side of the frame (1) depending on the arrangement of the inlet (101) and the outlet (103).

[0085] The above inlet (101) and the above outlet (103) may be provided on one side and the other side of the frame (1), respectively. At this time, the venting passage (102) may extend between the one side and the other side of the frame (1). Specifically, the venting passage (102) may be bent and extended along the one side and the other side of the frame (1), or may be extended while crossing between the one side and the other side of the frame (1).

[0086] The above venting portion (10) may include a bracket (100) installed to protrude inwardly from one side of the frame (1). At this time, the inlet (101) may be formed as a hole penetrating the bracket (100). In addition, at least a portion of the venting passage (102) may be defined by the bracket (100). As the inlet (101) is formed in the bracket (100), the formation direction of the inlet (101) may be set separately from the normal direction of the frame (1).

[0087] Alternatively, the inlet (101) may be formed as a hole penetrating the frame (1). In addition, at least a portion of the venting passage (102) may be defined by the frame (1).

[0088] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the outlet (103) may be provided on one side of the frame (1), and the inlet (101) may be formed as a hole penetrating a bracket (100) that is installed to protrude inward from the one side. At this time, the venting passage (102) may be defined in part by the bracket (100) and in part by the frame (1), and may extend in a direction intersecting with the forming direction of the inlet (101). Specifically, the inlet (101) may be formed downward, and the venting passage (102) may extend in a horizontal direction.

[0089] Fig. 6 illustrates a cross-section of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to this, the inlet (101) may be formed at a position avoiding the terminal (20) and / or in a direction avoiding the terminal (20).

[0090] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the terminals (20) are arranged longitudinally along one or both sides of the frame (1) in the width direction. Accordingly, the inlet (101) can be provided in the widthwise central portion of one longitudinal side of the frame (1).

[0091] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the terminal (20) is provided in the upper half of the interior of the frame (1). Accordingly, the inlet (101) can be opened downward.

[0092] Fig. 7 shows a state in which a spark occurs at the terminal in Fig. 5. Referring to this, since the inlet (101) is formed to avoid the terminal (20), it is difficult for the gas flowing into the venting portion (10) to be ignited by a spark that may occur at the terminal (20). In addition, even if the gas and the spark meet at the inlet (101) located at one end of the venting passage (102), the area where the gas and oxygen are mixed is the outlet (103) located at the other end of the venting passage (102), so the three elements of the flame, oxygen, fuel, and energy above the ignition point, are not satisfied at both the inlet (101) and the outlet (103).

[0093] In other words, the venting part (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention can prevent ignition of flammable gas by isolating a part where a spark occurs and a part where oxygen is mixed, with the venting passage (102) between them.

[0094]

[0095] [Outlet Structure]

[0096] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10, the structure of the outlet portion of the venting portion according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0097] Fig. 8 illustrates a formation location of an outlet according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to this, the outlet (103) is located on one width-wise side of one length-wise side of the frame (1) adjacent to the terminal, and accordingly, the venting passage (102) can extend in the width-wise direction between the inlet (101) and the outlet (103) along one length-wise side of the frame (1).

[0098] According to one embodiment of the present invention, although the outlet (103) is located adjacent to the terminal (20) where sparks frequently occur, since the inlet (101) is located far from the terminal (20), sparks are prevented from flying to the venting portion (10) where oxygen is mixed in the discharged gas, thereby preventing a flame from occurring.

[0099] The frame (1) may include a recess (110) whose inner surface is sunken upward. At this time, the outlet (103) may be formed to penetrate the recess (110) both internally and externally. As the gas generated inside the frame (1) ascends and convects, the gas may be induced to flow toward the outlet (103) without being trapped or accumulated inside the frame (1).

[0100] Fig. 9 illustrates the external appearance of a venting tube according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to this, a venting tube (310) extending outside the frame (1) is connected to the outlet (103) to induce the flow of gas discharged outside the frame (1). As will be described later, the venting tube (310) can be connected to a predetermined location within a vehicle in which the battery pack (P) is installed.

[0101] Fig. 10 illustrates a cross-section of a venting portion according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to this, the space between the surface of the frame (1) and the venting tube (310) can be sealed by a gasket (311). Accordingly, oxygen is prevented from mixing between the surface of the frame (1) and the venting tube (310), and the possibility of ignition can be further reduced.

[0102] The outlet (103) may be sealed by a membrane (30) that ruptures at a predetermined pressure or temperature. The membrane (30) may be attached to the surface of the frame (1) by covering the outside of the outlet (103), for example, by an adhesive that releases at a predetermined temperature or pressure. Accordingly, the opening of the outlet (103) may be triggered by a desired pressure or temperature. The desired pressure or temperature that triggers the opening of the outlet (103) may be measured and set in consideration of the condition that the gas generated inside the frame (1) must be discharged even at the risk of ignition due to the mixing of oxygen.

[0103]

[0104] [Vehicles containing battery packs]

[0105] The present invention also provides a structure of an automobile including the battery pack (P).

[0106] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 11, the structure of an automobile having a battery pack built in according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0107] Figure 11 illustrates a vehicle equipped with a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to this, the battery pack (P) may be installed in a vehicle (V) as a power source. The vehicle (V) may be a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle, but is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the vehicle (V) may be a two-wheeled vehicle or a four-wheeled vehicle, but is not limited thereto.

[0108] The battery pack (P) may be positioned in consideration of the effect of gas venting through the venting portion (10) on other components built into the vehicle (V). For example, the battery pack (P) may be positioned so that the outlet (103) avoids a location or direction in which other components are installed within the vehicle (V). Alternatively, the battery pack (P) may be positioned in consideration of the location of other components to which the venting tube (310) is connected.

[0109] It should be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive, and the scope of the present invention will be determined by the claims that follow, rather than by the detailed description set forth above. Furthermore, the meaning and scope of the claims that follow, as well as all possible modifications and variations derived from their equivalent concepts, should be construed as encompassing the scope of the present invention.

[0110] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings exemplified above, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed herein, and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. Furthermore, even if the operational effects according to the configuration of the present invention have not been explicitly described while describing the embodiments of the present invention, it is natural that the effects predictable by the corresponding configuration should also be acknowledged.

Claims

1. In a battery pack including a battery module and a frame containing the battery module, The above frame is provided with a venting portion, The above venting part: An inlet through which gas flows into the frame above; An outlet through which gas introduced into the inlet is discharged outside the frame; and a venting passage extending along the frame between the inlet and the outlet; A battery pack, wherein the venting portion is arranged so that at least a portion thereof overlaps the battery module in the height direction.

2. In claim 1, A battery pack, wherein the venting passage extends horizontally along one side of the frame.

3. In claim 1, A battery pack, wherein the venting passage extends vertically along one side of the frame.

4. In claim 1, The above inlet and the above outlet are respectively provided on one side and the other side of the frame, The battery pack, wherein the venting passage extends between one side and the other side of the frame.

5. In claim 1, A battery pack in which the above venting passage protrudes inwardly from one side of the frame.

6. In claim 1, The above venting portion includes a bracket protruding inward from one side of the frame, A battery pack, wherein the above inlet is provided to be open in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the venting passage in the above bracket.

7. In claim 6, The above venting passage extends horizontally along one side of the frame, A battery pack wherein the above inlet opens downward or upward.

8. In claim 1, The above battery module is provided with terminals, A battery pack, wherein the above inlet is positioned to avoid the above terminal.

9. In claim 8, The above terminals are arranged longitudinally along one or both sides of the width of the above frame, A battery pack, wherein the above inlet is provided in the widthwise central portion of one longitudinal side of the above frame.

10. In claim 9, A battery pack, wherein the venting passage extends in the width direction along one longitudinal side of the frame.

11. In claim 1, The above battery module is provided with terminals, A battery pack wherein the above inlet opens in a direction avoiding the above terminal.

12. In claim 11, The above terminal is provided on the upper half inside the above frame, A battery pack, wherein the above inlet opens downward.

13. In claim 1, The above frame comprises a recess whose inner surface is sunken upward, A battery pack, wherein the above outlet is formed to penetrate the above recess both internally and externally.

14. In claim 1, A battery pack having a venting tube connected to the outlet extending outside the frame.

15. In claim 1, A battery pack, wherein the outlet is sealed by a membrane that ruptures at a predetermined pressure or temperature.

16. A battery pack including a battery module provided with terminals and a frame containing the battery module, The above frame is provided with a venting portion, The above venting part: An inlet through which gas flows into the frame above; An outlet through which gas introduced into the inlet is discharged outside the frame; and a venting passage extending along the frame between the inlet and the outlet; A battery pack, wherein the outlet is located closer to the terminal than the inlet.

17. A vehicle comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

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