Venting device, and battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

A venting device according to the present invention may comprise: a fixed member installed in an opening of a frame on which a battery cell is mounted; a movable member that opens and closes the opening of the frame as at least a portion thereof moves within the fixed member; a blocking member provided on the fixed member to block at least one region of the opening of the frame; and a protruding part provided on the moving member to pass through the opening region of the blocking member.

Description

Venting device and battery pack including same, automobile

[0001] The present invention relates to a venting device and a battery pack and a vehicle including the same.

[0002] As demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, video cameras, and mobile phones rapidly increases and the commercialization of robots and electric vehicles becomes more widespread, research into high-performance secondary batteries capable of repeated charging and discharging is actively underway.

[0003] Currently commercialized secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries. Among these, lithium secondary batteries are in the spotlight for their advantages of being free to charge and discharge, having a very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density, as they have almost no memory effect, which is a phenomenon in which the chargeable capacity of a battery decreases when charging without completely discharging the battery, compared to nickel-based secondary batteries.

[0004] These lithium secondary batteries primarily use lithium oxide and carbon materials as the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively. Lithium secondary batteries comprise an electrode assembly comprising positive and negative plates coated with the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively, with a separator interposed between them, and an outer case, i.e., a battery case, that seals and encloses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0005] In general, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into can-type secondary batteries in which the electrode assembly is built into a metal can and pouch-type secondary batteries in which the electrode assembly is built into a pouch of an aluminum laminate sheet, depending on the shape of the outer packaging material.

[0006] Recently, secondary batteries have been widely used for power and energy storage not only in small devices like portable electronic devices but also in medium- to large-sized devices like electric vehicles and Energy Storage Systems (ESS). These secondary batteries are electrically connected in multiple units, housed within a module case to form a single battery module. To increase energy density, these battery modules are electrically connected within a small space to form a battery pack.

[0007] However, when multiple battery modules and / or battery cells are densely packed in a confined space, they can be vulnerable to accidents such as fire or explosion. Therefore, existing battery packs are equipped with venting devices to discharge gases in the event of an event such as thermal runaway within the battery pack.

[0008] Venting devices are equipped with a barrier to prevent flames from escaping while allowing only gas to escape. However, these barriers can become clogged by dust and debris generated during events such as thermal runaway, causing excessive pressure within the battery pack, potentially leading to fire or explosion. Therefore, the development of a venting device with a novel structure is urgently needed to address these issues.

[0009] The present invention was created in consideration of the above-described problems, and its primary purpose is to provide a venting device configured to prevent a gas discharge passage from being blocked by dust, residue, etc.

[0010] A venting device according to the present invention is installed in an opening of a frame for mounting a battery cell, and may include: a fixed member installed in the opening of the frame; a movable member that opens and closes the opening of the frame as at least a portion thereof moves inside the fixed member; a blocking member provided on the fixed member that blocks at least one area of ​​the opening of the frame; and a protrusion provided on the movable member that penetrates the opening area of ​​the blocking member.

[0011] The blocking member may be positioned further inward than the movable member relative to the direction in which gas flows through the venting device.

[0012] The fixed member may have a restraint configured to prevent the movable member from being dislodged from the opening of the frame.

[0013] The restraint member may have a venting path by opening at least one area of ​​the opening of the frame.

[0014] The movable member may include a first cover portion located outside the restraint portion and covering the outside of the opening; a second cover portion located inside the restraint portion and covering the inside of the opening; and a connecting portion connecting the first cover portion and the second cover portion.

[0015] The venting device may include a sealing portion provided between the first cover portion and the restraint portion.

[0016] The movable member is provided between the restraint member and the second cover member, and may include an elastic member that is compressed within a certain elasticity by being pressurized by high-pressure gas generated inside the frame.

[0017] The blocking member may include a mesh member forming a plurality of openings.

[0018] The protrusions may be a plurality of pins interposed on the inner surface of the second cover portion so as to penetrate a plurality of openings of the mesh member.

[0019] The plurality of pins may be formed to a length such that the plurality of openings in the mesh member are released when the elastic member is compressed.

[0020] A battery pack according to the present invention may include a venting device according to the present invention.

[0021] A vehicle according to the present invention may include a battery pack according to the present invention.

[0022] According to one aspect of the present invention, a venting device can be prevented from becoming clogged. When gas is discharged through an opening area of ​​a blocking member, a protrusion can prevent dust and residues moving with the gas from accumulating near the blocking member. The protrusion of the movable member moves along the direction of gas discharge when the gas is discharged. If the gas is not discharged, the protrusion of the movable member moves again in the opposite direction of the direction of gas discharge to shake off dust and residues accumulated near the blocking member. Therefore, even in a normal state where gas is no longer generated inside the frame, the protrusion can prevent dust and residues from accumulating by shaking off the blocking member, and even in an abnormal state where gas is not discharged due to blockage of the blocking member, the protrusion can operate to shake off the blocking member so that gas discharge can be performed normally again.

[0023] According to this configuration of the present invention, continuous use of the venting device is possible. This is because the restraint member is provided so that the movable member does not disengage from the opening of the frame when gas is discharged and when gas discharge is completed.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, the venting device can maintain the sealing of the internal space of the frame when the first cover portion is mounted on the frame with the first cover portion positioned at the top, as well as when the venting device is mounted on the frame in any direction, without gas being discharged. This is because the venting device does not open solely due to the weight of the movable member due to the elastic portion being provided. Furthermore, when the elastic portion is compressed and then decompressed, the protrusion can release the blocking portion with greater force due to the elastic energy.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present invention, gas discharge can be made easier. When a movable member is pressurized by high-pressure gas and moves, the state in which multiple pins penetrate multiple openings is released, thereby increasing the area through which gas is discharged.

[0026] Figure 1 illustrates a battery pack including a venting device according to the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 is a drawing showing a cross-section of a frame in which a venting device according to the present invention is mounted.

[0028] Figure 3 is a drawing showing the appearance of the venting device according to the present invention when no gas emission occurs.

[0029] Figure 4 is a view showing the appearance of the venting device according to the present invention when gas discharge occurs.

[0030] Figure 5 is a view showing a venting device according to the present invention.

[0031] Figure 6 is a drawing showing a fixing member included in a venting device according to the present invention.

[0032] Figure 7 is a drawing showing a moving member included in a venting device according to the present invention.

[0033] Figure 8 is a drawing showing a blocking member included in a venting device according to the present invention.

[0034] Figure 9 is a drawing showing the appearance of the blocking member and protrusion included in the venting device according to the present invention when gas discharge does not occur.

[0035] Figure 10 is a drawing showing the appearance of a blocking member and a protrusion included in a venting device according to the present invention when gas discharge occurs.

[0036] Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of a venting device according to the present invention.

[0037] Figure 12 is a drawing showing a vehicle according to the present invention.

[0038] Before going into the detailed description of the present invention, it should be noted that the 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 with 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 in order to explain his own invention in the best way. Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of this application.

[0039] The same reference numbers or symbols used in each drawing attached to this specification represent parts or components that perform substantially the same functions. For convenience of explanation and understanding, the same reference numbers or symbols may be used in different embodiments. In other words, even if components with the same reference numbers are depicted in multiple drawings, they do not necessarily represent a single embodiment.

[0040] In the following description, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms such as "comprises" or "comprises" should be understood to indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0041] In addition, in the description below, expressions such as top, upper, lower, lower, side, front, and rear are expressed based on the direction shown in the drawing, and it is noted in advance that they may be expressed differently if the direction of the object in question changes.

[0042] Additionally, terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., may be used in this specification and claims to distinguish between components. These ordinal numbers are used to distinguish identical or similar components from each other, and the use of these ordinal numbers should not be interpreted in a limited manner. For example, components associated with these ordinals should not be interpreted in a restricted manner, such as in the order of use or arrangement, based on their numbers. If necessary, each ordinal number may be used interchangeably.

[0043] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. However, the spirit of the present invention is not limited to the presented embodiments. For example, those skilled in the art who understand the spirit of the present invention may propose other embodiments within the spirit of the present invention by adding, modifying, or deleting components, etc., but such embodiments will also be considered to be within the spirit of the present invention. The shapes and sizes of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0044] Fig. 1 illustrates a battery pack (10) including a venting device (50) according to the present invention. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a frame (30) on which a venting device (50) according to the present invention is mounted. Fig. 3 is a view illustrating a state of a venting device (50) according to the present invention when gas emission does not occur. Fig. 4 is a view illustrating a state of a venting device (50) according to the present invention when gas emission occurs.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the venting device (50) according to the present invention can be installed in the opening (O) of the frame (30) in which the battery cell is mounted.

[0046] The frame (30) may have an approximately cylindrical opening (O) for installing a venting device (50). The internal space of the frame (30) and the external space of the frame (30) may be connected through the opening (O). The venting device (50) may be installed by being fitted into the opening (O). The venting device (50) may be configured to discharge gas generated from the battery cell.

[0047] The venting device (50) may be configured to seal the internal space of the frame (30) when gas is not discharged. The venting device (50) may be configured to connect the internal space of the frame (30) and the external space of the frame (30) when gas is discharged.

[0048] Figure 5 is a view showing a venting device (50) according to the present invention.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 5, the venting device (50) may include a fixed member (100), a movable member (300), and a blocking member (200).

[0050] The fixing member (100) can be installed in the opening (O) of the frame (30). The fixing member (100) can be fitted into the opening (O) of the frame (30) with approximately the same size as the opening (O) of the frame (30). The fixing member (100) can have a hollow structure so that gas can move inside.

[0051] The fixed member (100) may be in the shape of a roughly hollow cylinder. The outer diameter of the fixed member (100) may be substantially the same as the inner diameter of the opening (O) of the frame (30), or the fixed member (100) may be fitted into the opening (O) of the frame (30) without any play.

[0052] The movable member (300) can open and close the opening (O) of the frame (30) as at least a portion of the movable member (300) moves within the fixed member (100). The movable member (300) can move when pressurized by gas. The movable member (300) can move in the direction in which the gas is discharged and in the opposite direction. The movable member (300) can close the opening (O) of the frame (30) when the gas is not discharged. The movable member (300) can open the opening (O) of the frame (30) when the gas is discharged.

[0053] A blocking member (200) may be provided on the fixed member (100). The blocking member (200) may be provided at the lower portion of the fixed member (100). The blocking member (200) may block at least one area of ​​the opening (O) of the frame (30). The blocking member (200) may include a blocking area that blocks one area of ​​the opening (O) of the frame (30) and an opening area excluding the blocking area. In the opening area of ​​the blocking member (200), only the movement of gas may be possible, and the movement of flame may be impossible. The blocking member (200) may be located further inward than the movable member (300) based on the direction in which the gas flows out. The gas that has passed through the opening area of ​​the blocking member (200) may pressurize the movable member (300) to move the movable member (300).

[0054] A protrusion (310) may be provided on the moving member (300). The protrusion (310) may selectively penetrate the opening area of ​​the blocking member (200).

[0055] According to this configuration of the present invention, the venting device (50) can be prevented from being clogged. As gas is discharged through the opening area of ​​the blocking member (200), the protrusion (310) can prevent dust and residues moving together with the gas from accumulating near the blocking member (200).

[0056] The protrusion (310) of the movable member (300) moves along the direction of gas discharge when gas is discharged. When gas discharge is finished, the protrusion (310) of the movable member (300) that moves in this way moves again in the opposite direction of the direction of gas discharge to shake off dust and residue accumulated near the blocking member (200). When gas discharge is finished while the blocking member (200) is not blocked, the protrusion (310) can shake off the blocking member (200) to prevent dust and residue from accumulating. When gas discharge is finished while the blocking member (200) is blocked, the protrusion (310) can shake off dust and residue accumulated on the blocking member (200). That is, the protrusion (310) can prevent dust and residue from accumulating on the blocking member (200), and even if dust and residue accumulate on the blocking member (200) and block the gas discharge passage, the protrusion (310) can shake off the dust and residue blocking the gas discharge passage to facilitate gas discharge again.

[0057] Figure 6 is a drawing showing a fixing member (100) included in a venting device (50) according to the present invention.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 6, the fixed member (100) may have a restraint member (110).

[0059] The restraint (110) may be configured to catch the movable member (300). The restraint (110) may be configured to prevent the movable member (300) from being separated from the opening (O) of the frame (30). The restraint (110) may be configured to prevent the movable member (300) from being separated from the opening (O) of the frame (30) by excessive movement in the direction of gas discharge and the opposite direction.

[0060] The restraint member (110) may be provided with a venting passage (V) by opening at least one area of ​​the opening (O) of the frame (30). The restraint member (110) may be provided with a venting passage (V) by opening at least a portion of the remaining area excluding the area where the movable member (300) is caught.

[0061] According to this configuration of the present invention, continuous use of the venting device (50) is possible. This is because the restraint member (110) is provided so that the moving member (300) does not come off the opening (O) of the frame (30) when gas is discharged and when gas discharge is finished.

[0062] Figure 7 is a drawing showing a moving member (300) included in a venting device (50) according to the present invention.

[0063] Referring to Fig. 7, the moving member (300) may include a first cover part (320), a second cover part (330), and a connecting part (340). The moving member (300) may include an elastic part (350).

[0064] The first cover part (320) may be positioned on the outside of the restraint part (110). The first cover part (320) may cover the outside of the opening (O). The first cover part (320) may be positioned further outside than the restraint part (110) along the gas discharge direction. The first cover part (320) may be configured to block all of the venting channels (V) provided in the restraint part (110).

[0065] The second cover part (330) may be located on the inside of the restraint part (110). The second cover part (330) may cover the inside of the opening (O). The second cover part (330) may be located further inward than the restraint part (110) based on the direction of gas discharge.

[0066] The connecting portion (340) can connect the first cover portion (320) and the second cover portion (330). The connecting portion (340) can be coupled to the approximate center of the first cover portion (320) and the approximate center of the second cover portion (330). The connecting portion (340) can pass through a hole provided in the restraint portion (110).

[0067] The protrusion (310) may be required to move along the hole of the restraint (110) without interfering with the blocking area of ​​the blocking member (200). That is, it is preferable that the movable member (300) be configured to perform an accurate reciprocating motion without tilting. To this end, the outer diameter of the connecting member (340) may be configured to be substantially the same as the inner diameter of the hole of the restraint (110) or without any play. In addition, the vertical length of the area where the outer surface of the connecting member (340) and the inner surface of the hole of the restraint (110) come into contact may be configured to be sufficiently long. That is, the corresponding structure of the hole of the connecting member (340) and the restraint (110) may serve to guide the accurate movement of the movable member (300), thereby ensuring the operational reliability of the venting device (50).

[0068] The elastic member (350) may be provided between the restraint member (110) and the second cover member (330). The elastic member (350) may be pressurized by high-pressure gas generated inside the frame (30). The elastic member (350) may be compressed by a certain range of pressing force. The elastic member (350) may be a spring. When the gas is discharged, the elastic member (350) may be compressed in the direction of gas discharge by being caught by the restraint member (110). The elastic member (350) may have an elastic modulus greater than the elastic modulus at which it begins to be compressed by the weight of the movable member (300). For example, when the venting device (50) is mounted on the frame (30) such that the first cover member (320) is positioned below, the elastic member (350) may be configured so that the movable member (300) does not open the opening (O) of the frame (30) by gravity.

[0069] According to this configuration of the present invention, the venting device (50) can maintain the sealing of the internal space of the frame (30) not only when the first cover part (320) is mounted on the frame (30) so that the first cover part (320) is positioned at the top, but also when the venting device (50) is mounted on the frame (30) in any direction so that gas is not discharged. This is because the venting device (50) is not opened by the weight of the moving member (300) alone due to the provision of the elastic part (350).

[0070] Additionally, when the elastic portion (350) is compressed and then decompressed, the protrusion (310) can break the blocking portion with a stronger force due to the elastic energy.

[0071] Figure 8 is a drawing showing a blocking member (200) included in a venting device (50) according to the present invention.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 8, the blocking member (200) may include a mesh member (M) forming a plurality of openings. The plurality of openings may be sized to allow only gas movement, but not flame movement. The plurality of openings may be formed in an amount of 15 to 40 per 1 inch² of the blocking member.

[0073] Fig. 9 is a drawing showing the appearance of the blocking member (200) and the protrusion (310) included in the venting device (50) according to the present invention when gas discharge does not occur. Fig. 10 is a drawing showing the appearance of the blocking member (200) and the protrusion (310) included in the venting device (50) according to the present invention when gas discharge occurs.

[0074] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the protrusions (310) may be a plurality of pins (P). The plurality of pins (P) may penetrate a plurality of openings of the mesh member (M). The plurality of pins (P) may be interposed on the inner surface of the second cover portion (330).

[0075] The length of the plurality of pins (P) protruding from the plurality of openings of the mesh member (M) may be shorter than the length of the elastic member (350).

[0076] The plurality of pins (P) can penetrate the plurality of openings of the mesh member (M) when the gas is not discharged, and the state of penetrating the plurality of openings of the mesh member (M) can be released when the gas is discharged.

[0077] The plurality of pins (P) can penetrate the plurality of openings of the mesh member (M) when the elastic member (350) is not compressed, and the state of penetrating the plurality of openings of the mesh member (M) when the elastic member (350) is compressed can be released.

[0078] When the elastic member (350) is not compressed, the plurality of openings may include a penetration region through which the plurality of pins (P) penetrate and a non-penetrating region excluding the penetration region. Since the plurality of pins (P) penetrate the penetration region, gas discharge may not be easy. Therefore, gas discharge may begin through the non-penetrating region. When gas discharge begins, the gas passes through the venting passage (V) and pressurizes the first cover part (320), thereby releasing the penetration state of the plurality of pins (P) and allowing gas to be discharged through the penetration region as well. That is, by including both the penetration region and the non-penetrating region, gas can be discharged through the non-penetrating region even if an amount of gas is not generated to completely release the state in which the plurality of pins (P) penetrate the plurality of openings.

[0079] According to this configuration of the present invention, gas discharge can be made easier. When the movable member (300) is moved while being pressurized by high-pressure gas, the state in which the plurality of pins (P) penetrate the plurality of openings is released, thereby increasing the area through which the gas is discharged.

[0080] Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of a venting device (50) according to the present invention.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 11, the venting device (50) according to the present invention may include a sealing portion (400) and / or a connecting member (500).

[0082] A sealing portion (400) may be provided between the first cover portion (320) and the restraint portion (110). The sealing portion (400) may include a rubber material. The sealing portion (400) may be an O-ring. A groove configured to accommodate the sealing portion (400) may be formed in the first cover portion (320) and the restraint portion (110).

[0083] According to this configuration of the present invention, when gas does not escape, the sealing force of the venting device (50) can be improved.

[0084] A connecting member (500) can connect the venting device (50) and the frame (30). The connecting member (500) can have an approximately donut shape. The connecting member (500) can have an inner connecting portion and an outer connecting portion. The inner connecting portion can be formed along the inner periphery of the connecting member (500). The inner connecting portion can be coupled with the blocking member (200). The inner connecting portion can be coupled with the fixing member (100). The outer connecting portion can be formed along the outer periphery of the connecting member (500). The outer connecting portion can be coupled with the frame (30).

[0085] According to this configuration of the present invention, the venting device (50) can be more stably fixed to the frame (30).

[0086] Referring back to FIG. 1, the battery pack (10) according to the present invention may include a venting device (50). Although not illustrated in the drawing, the battery pack (10) according to the present invention may further include various components other than the battery cell and the frame (30), such as components of the battery pack (10) known at the time of filing of the present invention, such as a BMS, a relay, a current sensor, etc. The position and number of the venting devices (50) may be adjusted depending on the venting performance required for the battery pack (10) and the required venting position.

[0087] Fig. 12 is a drawing showing an automobile (1) according to the present invention.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 12, a vehicle (1) according to the present invention may include a battery pack (10) according to the present invention. In addition to the battery pack (10), the vehicle (1) may further include various other components included in the vehicle (1). For example, in addition to the battery pack (10) according to the present invention, the vehicle (1) according to the present invention may further include a body, a motor, a control device such as an ECU (electronic control unit), etc.

[0089] While the present invention has been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, focusing on preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous obvious modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be construed as encompassing the many examples of such modifications within the scope of the claims.

[0090] [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1 car

[0092] 10 battery packs

[0093] 30 frames

[0094] O opening

[0095] 50 venting devices

[0096] 100 fixed members

[0097] 110 restraints

[0098] V Venting Euro

[0099] 200 block absence

[0100] M mesh member

[0101] 300 moving absences

[0102] 310 protrusion

[0103] P multiple pins

[0104] 320 First Cover Section

[0105] 330 Second Cover Section

[0106] 340 connector

[0107] 350 elastic section

[0108] 400 shillings

[0109] 500 connection absence

Claims

1. In a venting device installed in an opening of a frame in which a battery cell is mounted, A fixing member installed in the opening of the above frame; A movable member that opens and closes the opening of the frame as at least a portion of the movable member moves within the fixed member; A blocking member provided on the above fixed member to block at least one area of the opening of the frame; and A venting device comprising a protrusion provided on the above moving member and penetrating the opening area of the above blocking member.

2. In paragraph 1, The above blocking member is, A venting device characterized in that it is located further inward than the movable member based on the direction in which gas flows out through the venting device.

3. In paragraph 1, The above fixed member is, A venting device characterized in that it has a restraint configured to prevent the movable member from being removed from the opening of the frame.

4. In paragraph 3, The above restraints are, A venting device characterized in that at least one area of the opening of the above frame is opened to provide a venting path.

5. In paragraph 3, The above moving member is, A first cover part located outside the above restraint part and covering the outside of the opening part; A venting device characterized by comprising: a second cover part located inside the restraint part and covering the inside of the opening part; and a connecting part connecting the first cover part and the second cover part.

6. In paragraph 5, The above venting device is, A venting device characterized by including a sealing portion provided between the first cover portion and the restraint portion.

7. In paragraph 5, The above moving member is, A venting device characterized by having an elastic part that is provided between the restraint part and the second cover part and is compressed by a pressure within a certain range by pressurizing high-pressure gas generated inside the frame.

8. In paragraph 7, A venting device characterized in that the blocking member comprises a mesh member forming a plurality of openings.

9. In paragraph 8, The above protrusions are venting devices that are a plurality of pins interposed on the inner surface of the second cover part so as to penetrate a plurality of openings of the mesh member.

10. In paragraph 9, The above plurality of pins are, A venting device characterized in that the plurality of openings of the mesh member are formed to a length such that the state of penetration is released when the elastic member is compressed.

11. A battery pack comprising a venting device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A vehicle comprising a battery pack according to Article 11.

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