Battery device

Abstract

The technical idea of the present invention provides a battery device comprising: a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells; a top pad on the cell assembly; a housing including a base frame supporting the cell assembly and a top frame covering the top pad, wherein the base frame includes a plurality of venting holes; and a venting cover provided between the cell assembly and the base frame and covering the plurality of venting holes of the base frame.

Description

Battery device

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery device.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority from Republic of Korea Patent Application No. 10-2024-0101155, filed July 30, 2024, and all contents of the document in that Republic of Korea Patent Application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. They are widely used as a power source for various wireless devices, including handsets, laptops, and cordless vacuum cleaners. Recently, improved energy density and economies of scale have dramatically reduced the per-unit manufacturing cost of secondary batteries. Furthermore, as the range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has increased to match that of fuel-powered vehicles, the primary use of secondary batteries is shifting from mobile devices to mobility.

[0004] As secondary batteries become increasingly used in mobility, demand for their safety is increasing. Fires and other accidents involving secondary batteries used in mobility vehicles can endanger the lives of drivers, making research into technologies that enhance secondary battery safety essential.

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery device.

[0006] In order to solve the above-described problem, the technical idea of ​​the present invention provides a battery device including a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells; a top pad on the cell assembly; a housing including a base frame supporting the cell assembly and a top frame covering the top pad, the base frame including a plurality of venting holes; and a venting cover provided between the cell assembly and the base frame and covering the plurality of venting holes of the base frame.

[0007] In exemplary embodiments, the device further comprises: a first adhesive layer provided between the base frame and the venting cover, attaching the venting cover to the base frame; and a second adhesive layer provided between the cell assembly and the venting cover, attaching the plurality of battery cells to the venting cover.

[0008] In exemplary embodiments, the first adhesive layer is characterized in that it includes a plurality of holes overlapping the plurality of venting holes of the base frame, and the second adhesive layer is characterized in that it includes a plurality of holes overlapping the plurality of venting holes of the base frame.

[0009] In exemplary embodiments, the venting cover is characterized by including a plurality of cut patterns provided in areas overlapping the plurality of venting holes of the base frame.

[0010] In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of incision patterns are characterized by including a plurality of line patterns having a straight line shape.

[0011] In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of incision patterns are characterized by including a plurality of round patterns having an arc shape.

[0012] In exemplary embodiments, the cell assembly further comprises a plurality of inter-cell pads, each of the plurality of inter-cell pads being positioned between two adjacent battery cells among the plurality of battery cells.

[0013] In exemplary embodiments, the top pad is characterized by including a cooling channel configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow.

[0014] In exemplary embodiments, the top pad is attached to the plurality of battery cells and is characterized by including a thermally conductive material.

[0015] In exemplary embodiments, the device further comprises an adhesive layer provided between the top pad and the cell assembly, the adhesive layer attaching the plurality of battery cells to the top pad.

[0016] In exemplary embodiments, the cell assembly further comprises a plurality of inter-cell pads, each of the plurality of inter-cell pads being positioned between two adjacent battery cells among the plurality of battery cells, wherein the plurality of inter-cell pads thermally couple the plurality of battery cells to the top pad.

[0017] In exemplary embodiments, the base frame is configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow and further includes a cooling channel, wherein the cooling channel of the base frame overlaps the plurality of battery cells and is spaced apart from the plurality of venting holes of the base frame.

[0018] In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of venting holes of the base frame are each characterized in that they overlap two or more battery cells among the plurality of battery cells.

[0019] In exemplary embodiments, the base frame further comprises a plurality of venting devices mounted thereon, wherein each of the plurality of venting devices is configured to block or allow gas flow through a corresponding venting hole among the plurality of venting holes according to a pressure within the corresponding venting hole.

[0020] In exemplary embodiments, the cell assembly further includes a plurality of inter-cell pads, each of the plurality of inter-cell pads being disposed between two adjacent battery cells among the plurality of battery cells, each of the plurality of inter-cell pads including a first cooling channel configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow therethrough, the top pad being attached to the cell assembly by an adhesive layer, the top pad including a second cooling channel configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow therethrough, and the venting cover being characterized in that it includes a heat-resistant material.

[0021] According to exemplary embodiments, a battery device includes a top surface and side surfaces of each battery cell covered by a top pad and an inter-cell pad, and venting holes for gas discharge are provided at the bottom of the housing, thereby achieving downward venting for discharging high-temperature gas and / or flame downward in the event of a thermal event. In the event of a thermal event, high-temperature gas and / or flame generated in the battery cell is quickly discharged downward, thereby preventing chain reactions of battery cells from occurring as the high-temperature gas and / or flame flows within the battery device. Accordingly, the safety of the battery device can be improved.

[0022] The effects that can be obtained from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure pertain from the following description. In other words, unintended effects resulting from practicing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery device according to exemplary embodiments.

[0024] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a battery device taken along line Ⅱ-Ⅱ' of Fig. 1.

[0025] Figures 3a to 3c are bottom views each showing a portion of a battery device.

[0026] Figures 4a to 4g are bottom views each showing a portion of a battery device.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a battery device taken along a line corresponding to line V-V' of FIG. 1.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of a battery device according to exemplary embodiments.

[0029] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery device according to exemplary embodiments.

[0030] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery device according to exemplary embodiments.

[0031] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a device according to exemplary embodiments.

[0032] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings. Based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best explain his or her invention, they should be interpreted in a way that aligns with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0033] Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas 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 filing this application.

[0034] In addition, when describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description is omitted.

[0035] Since the embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the present invention to those skilled in the art, the shapes and sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for clearer explanation. Accordingly, the sizes and proportions of each component do not fully reflect the actual sizes or proportions.

[0036]

[0037] (Example 1)

[0038] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery device (100) according to exemplary embodiments. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the battery device (100) taken along line II-II' of Fig. 1.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery device (100) may include a housing (110), a cell assembly (120), a venting cover (130), and a top pad (150). The battery device (100) may correspond to a battery pack or a battery module.

[0040] The housing (110) may provide an internal space for accommodating cell assemblies (120). In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of cell assemblies (120) may be provided in the internal space of the housing (110). The housing (110) may include a base frame (111), a side frame (113), and a top frame (115).

[0041] The base frame (111) can support a plurality of cell assemblies (120). The base frame (111) can have a flat plate shape extending in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction). In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of cell assemblies (120) can be arranged on the base frame (111) in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction).

[0042] A side frame (113) can be coupled to a base frame (111). The side frame (113) can extend along the perimeter of the base frame (111) and surround the cell assembly (120).

[0043] The top frame (115) can be fastened on the side frame (113) to cover a plurality of cell assemblies (120). The top frame (115) can have a flat plate shape extending in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction).

[0044] The housing (110) may include a plurality of first inner walls (117) and second inner walls (119). The plurality of first inner walls (117) and second inner walls (119) may be coupled to a base frame (111). The plurality of first inner walls (117) and second inner walls (119) may partition an interior space of the housing (110) into a plurality of spaces, and a cell assembly (120) may be accommodated in each of the plurality of spaces defined by the plurality of first inner walls (117) and second inner walls (119). In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of first inner walls (117) may be spaced apart from each other in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-direction), and individual first inner walls (117) may extend in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-direction). A single cell assembly (120) may be disposed between a pair of first inner walls (117). The second inner wall (119) can extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction) and can be positioned between neighboring cell assemblies (120) in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction).

[0045] The cell assembly (120) may include a plurality of battery cells (121) and a plurality of inter-cell pads (123).

[0046] An individual battery cell (121) may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a cell case. The electrode assembly built into the cell case may include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The electrode assembly may be either a jelly-roll type or a stack type depending on the assembly form. A jelly-roll type electrode assembly may include a winding structure of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed therebetween. A stack type electrode assembly may include a plurality of sequentially stacked positive electrodes, a plurality of negative electrodes, and a plurality of separators interposed therebetween. The positive electrode may include a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material. The negative electrode may include a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material.

[0047] Each battery cell (121) may correspond to a pouch-type battery cell, a cylindrical battery cell, or a square battery cell. The electrode assembly of the pouch-type battery cell is housed in a pouch case including an aluminum laminate sheet. The electrode assembly of the cylindrical battery cell is housed in a cylindrical metal can. The electrode assembly of the square battery cell is housed in a square metal can.

[0048] A plurality of battery cells (121) provided in the cell assembly (120) may be connected in series and / or in parallel. For example, a plurality of battery cells (121) may be connected in series with each other. For example, a plurality of battery cells (121) may also be connected in parallel with each other. For example, when a set of two or more battery cells (121) connected in parallel with each other is defined as a bank, one bank composed of two or more battery cells (121) connected in parallel with each other and another bank composed of two or more battery cells (121) connected in parallel with each other may be connected in series.

[0049] In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of battery cells (121) provided in a cell assembly (120) may be arranged in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction), and individual battery cells (121) may extend in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction). An electrode lead may be provided at at least one of both ends of an individual battery cell (121) along the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction). Electrode leads of neighboring battery cells (121) among the plurality of battery cells (121) may be electrically and physically connected to each other.

[0050] A plurality of inter-cell pads (123) may be disposed between two adjacent battery cells (121) among the plurality of battery cells (121). Each inter-cell pad (123) may have a flat plate shape extending approximately in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction) and a vertical direction (e.g., Z direction). The plurality of inter-cell pads (123) may be spaced apart from each other in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction), and at least one battery cell (121) may be disposed between two adjacent inter-cell pads (123). Each inter-cell pad (123) may be attached to an adjacent battery cell (121) by an adhesive material such as tape or resin. One side of each inter-cell pad (123) may be attached to an facing battery cell (121), and the other side of each inter-cell pad (123) may be attached to an facing battery cell (121). Both sides of each battery cell (121) may be covered by inter-cell pads (123).

[0051] In exemplary embodiments, the individual inter-cell pads (123) may be configured to cool the battery cells (121). The individual inter-cell pads (123) may be configured to include a material having excellent thermal conductivity, so as to dissipate or transfer heat generated in the battery cells (121) to the outside. The individual inter-cell pads (123) may include a material having excellent thermal conductivity, such as aluminum, copper, gold, silver, tungsten, iron, or a combination thereof.

[0052] In exemplary embodiments, each inter-cell pad (123) may include a cooling channel configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow therethrough. An externally provided cooling fluid may be supplied to an inlet of the cooling channel of each inter-cell pad (123), may flow along the cooling channel of each inter-cell pad (123), and may be discharged to the outside through an outlet of the cooling channel of each inter-cell pad (123). Cooling of the battery cell (121) may be achieved while the cooling fluid flows along the cooling channel of each inter-cell pad (123). The cooling fluid may include a coolant and / or a refrigerant.

[0053] In exemplary embodiments, individual inter-cell pads (123) may be arranged between two adjacent battery cells (121) to prevent heat transfer between the two battery cells (121). In addition, individual inter-cell pads (123) may be in close contact with the side of the battery cell (121) to support the battery cell (121). Individual inter-cell pads (123) may support the battery cell (121) to suppress deformation of the battery cell (121) due to swelling of the battery cell (121). In exemplary embodiments, the inter-cell pads (123) may be configured to be elastically deformed by an external force to support the corresponding battery cell (121). When an external force is applied to the intercell pad (123) in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-direction), the thickness of the intercell pad (123) in the first horizontal direction (e.g., X-direction) may decrease from the initial thickness. Then, when the external force is released from the intercell pad (123), the thickness of the intercell pad (123) in the first horizontal direction (e.g., X-direction) may be restored to the initial thickness. When the thickness of the battery cell (121) in the first horizontal direction (e.g., X-direction) increases due to swelling of the battery cell (121), the intercell pad (123) may be elastically deformed to absorb or disperse the force applied by the swelling of the corresponding battery cell (121). In exemplary embodiments, the intercell pad (123) may include polyurethane, silicone, aerogel, or a combination thereof.

[0054] The base frame (111) may include a plurality of venting holes (112). The plurality of venting holes (112) may penetrate the base frame (111) in a vertical direction (e.g., in the Z direction). High-temperature gas and / or flame generated within the housing (110) may be discharged to the outside of the battery device (100) through the plurality of venting holes (112) of the base frame (111). In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of venting holes (112) of the base frame (111) may each overlap at least one battery cell (121) in a vertical direction (e.g., in the Z direction) and may discharge gas and / or flame generated from at least one battery cell (121) to the outside. In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of battery cells (121) provided in an individual cell assembly (120) may each be vertically (e.g., in the Z direction) overlapped in at least one of a plurality of venting holes (112) provided in a base frame (111).

[0055] A venting cover (130) may be placed between the cell assembly (120) and the base frame (111). The venting cover (130) may have a sheet or film form with a uniform thickness. The venting cover (130) may be attached to the base frame (111) to cover a plurality of venting holes (112) of the base frame (111). The venting cover (130) covers a plurality of venting holes (112) of the base frame (111), thereby blocking external foreign substances from entering the interior of the housing (110) through the plurality of venting holes (112) of the base frame (111).

[0056] In exemplary embodiments, the venting cover (130) may include a heat-resistant material, a fire-resistant material, and / or a heat-resistant material. In exemplary embodiments, the venting cover (130) may include a fire resistance barrier (FRB) sheet, a non-combustible glass fiber (NCG) sheet, a silicone sheet, and / or a polyurethane sheet. In exemplary embodiments, the venting cover (130) may include at least one of a high-temperature-resistant resin, glass fiber, fiber reinforced plastic, compressed fiber, and fiber refractory insulation.

[0057] The venting cover (130) may include a plurality of venting portions (131) that open when a thermal event, such as thermal runaway of a battery cell (121), occurs within the battery device (100) to allow gas flow toward the plurality of venting holes (112). The plurality of venting portions (131) of the venting cover (130) may each overlap a corresponding venting hole (112) among the plurality of venting holes (112) of the base frame (111) in a vertical direction (e.g., in the Z direction). The plurality of venting portions (131) of the venting cover (130) may be portions that have weaker physical strength than other portions of the venting cover (130). For example, the plurality of venting portions (131) of the venting cover (130) may each include a cut pattern provided on the venting cover (130). The above-described incision pattern may be a straight line, a curved line, and / or an arc-shaped groove provided in the venting cover (130). The incision pattern may not penetrate the venting cover (130), or may penetrate the venting cover (130). For example, the incision pattern may be formed by cutting the venting cover (130) using a cutting tool such as a knife. When a thermal event occurs within the battery device (100), at least one of the plurality of venting portions (131) of the venting cover (130) may rupture, and high-temperature gas may be discharged to the outside through the venting portion (131) of the venting cover (130) where the rupture occurred and the venting hole (112) of the base frame (111).

[0058] The venting cover (130) may be attached to the base frame (111) by a first adhesive layer (141) provided between the venting cover (130) and the base frame (111), and may be attached to each of the plurality of battery cells (121) by a second adhesive layer (143) provided between the venting cover (130) and the cell assembly (120). In exemplary embodiments, the first adhesive layer (141) and the second adhesive layer (143) may each include a thermal resin and / or a thermal interface material. In exemplary embodiments, the first adhesive layer (141) and the second adhesive layer (143) may each include a double-sided tape. In exemplary embodiments, the first adhesive layer (141) may include a double-sided tape, and the second adhesive layer (143) may include a thermal resin.

[0059] In exemplary embodiments, the first adhesive layer (141) may include a plurality of holes (1411) that overlap with a plurality of venting holes (112) of the base frame (111) in a vertical direction (e.g., in the Z direction). The plurality of holes (1411) of the first adhesive layer (141) may each overlap with and communicate with a corresponding venting hole (112) among the plurality of venting holes (112) of the base frame (111) in a vertical direction (e.g., in the Z direction). The plurality of holes (1411) of the first adhesive layer (141) are arranged to overlap with the plurality of venting holes (112) of the base frame (111) in a vertical direction (e.g., in the Z direction) so that when a thermal event occurs within the battery device (100), the flow of high-temperature gas is not impeded by the first adhesive layer (141). For example, when applying a resin on a base frame (111) to form a first adhesive layer (141), the resin may be applied so as not to cover the plurality of venting holes (112) of the base frame (111). In this case, the area where the resin is not applied may become the plurality of holes (1411) of the first adhesive layer (141).

[0060] In exemplary embodiments, the second adhesive layer (143) may include a plurality of holes (1431) that overlap with the plurality of venting holes (112) of the base frame (111) in a vertical direction (e.g., in the Z direction). The plurality of holes (1431) of the second adhesive layer (143) may each overlap with and communicate with a corresponding venting hole (112) among the plurality of venting holes (112) of the base frame (111) in a vertical direction (e.g., in the Z direction). The plurality of holes (1431) of the second adhesive layer (143) are arranged to overlap with the plurality of venting holes (112) of the base frame (111) in a vertical direction (e.g., in the Z direction) so that when a thermal event occurs within the battery device (100), the flow of high-temperature gas is not impeded by the second adhesive layer (143). For example, when applying resin on the venting cover (130) to form the second adhesive layer (143), the resin may be applied so as not to overlap the plurality of venting holes (112) of the base frame (111). In this case, the area where the resin is not applied may become the plurality of holes (1431) of the second adhesive layer (143).

[0061] A top pad (150) may be disposed on a cell assembly (120). The top pad (150) may cover the cell assembly (120). In exemplary embodiments, the top pad (150) may be attached to a plurality of battery cells (121) by an adhesive layer (145). The adhesive layer (145) may include a thermal resin and / or a thermal interface material.

[0062] The top pad (150) covers a plurality of battery cells (121) and is in close contact with the plurality of battery cells (121), thereby inducing downward venting of high-temperature gas generated from the battery cells (121). The top pad (150) may be in close contact with the upper surface of the battery cell (121) so that a gas flow space is not formed on the upper side of the battery cell (121). Since the top pad (150) is in close contact with the upper surface of the battery cell (121), the high-temperature gas generated from the battery cell (121) can flow toward the base frame (111) and be discharged to the outside of the battery device (100) through the plurality of through holes of the base frame (111).

[0063] In exemplary embodiments, the top pad (150) may be thermally coupled to a plurality of battery cells (121) and configured to cool the plurality of battery cells (121). The top pad (150) may be configured to include a material having excellent thermal conductivity and to dissipate or transfer heat generated from the battery cells (121) to the outside. In exemplary embodiments, the top pad (150) may be a heat sink, a heat dissipation plate, or a metal foam. The top pad (150) may include a material having excellent thermal conductivity, such as aluminum, copper, gold, silver, tungsten, iron, or a combination thereof.

[0064] In exemplary embodiments, the top pad (150) may include a cooling channel configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow. An externally supplied cooling fluid may be supplied to an inlet of the cooling channel of the top pad (150), flow along the cooling channel of the top pad (150), and discharged to the outside through an outlet of the cooling channel of the top pad (150). Cooling of the plurality of battery cells (121) may be achieved while the cooling fluid flows along the cooling channel of the top pad (150). The cooling fluid may include a coolant and / or a refrigerant.

[0065] In exemplary embodiments, the top pad (150) may include a heat-resistant material, a refractory material, and / or a heat-resistant material. In exemplary embodiments, the top pad (150) may include polyurethane, silicone, or a combination thereof.

[0066] According to the battery device (100) according to exemplary embodiments, the upper surface and side surface of each of the battery cells (121) are covered by a top pad (150) and an inter-cell pad (123), and venting holes (112) for gas discharge are provided at the bottom of the housing (110), so that downward venting for discharging high-temperature gas and / or flame downward in a thermal event situation can be achieved. In a thermal event situation, high-temperature gas and / or flame generated in the battery cell (121) is quickly discharged downward, so that chain ignition of the battery cells (121) can be prevented while the high-temperature gas and / or flame flows within the battery device (100). Accordingly, the safety of the battery device (100) can be improved.

[0067]

[0068] (Example 2)

[0069] FIGS. 3A to 3C are bottom views each showing a portion of a battery device (100). Hereinafter, venting holes (112) of a base frame (111) according to exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3C together with FIG. 1.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 3A, each of the plurality of venting holes (112) of the base frame (111) may correspond to a corresponding one of the plurality of battery cells (121). Each venting hole (112) may have a slit shape extending in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction) along the corresponding battery cell (121).

[0071] Referring to FIG. 3b, a plurality of venting holes (112) of the base frame (111) can be arranged in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction). Individual battery cells (121) can be vertically overlapped in two or more venting holes (112) in a Z direction.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 3C, the plurality of venting holes (112) of the base frame (111) may extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction) so as to vertically overlap two or more battery cells (121) in the Z direction, respectively. In FIG. 3C, it is illustrated that each venting hole (112) vertically overlaps three battery cells (121) in the Z direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and each venting hole (112) may vertically overlap two or more battery cells (121) in the Z direction. For example, each venting hole (112) may extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction) so as to vertically overlap all battery cells (121) provided in a single cell assembly (120) in the Z direction.

[0073]

[0074] (Example 3)

[0075] FIGS. 4A to 4G are bottom views each showing a portion of a battery device (100). Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4G together with FIG. 1, a venting portion (131) of a venting cover (130) according to exemplary embodiments will be described.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 4A, the venting portion (131) of the venting cover (130) may include a plurality of cut patterns (132) arranged in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction). The plurality of cut patterns (132) may be arranged in a two-dimensional array form having a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. Each of the plurality of cut patterns (132) may have a straight line shape extending in the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction). The plurality of cut patterns (132) may have the same dimension.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 4B, the venting portion (131) of the venting cover (130) may include a plurality of cut patterns (132A) arranged in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction). The plurality of cut patterns (132A) may include a plurality of first line patterns (LP1) and a plurality of second line patterns (LP2). Each of the plurality of first line patterns (LP1) may have a straight line shape extending in the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction). The plurality of first line patterns (LP1) may have the same dimension. The plurality of first line patterns (LP1) may be arranged in a two-dimensional array shape having a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. Each of the plurality of second line patterns (LP2) may have a straight line shape extending in the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction). The plurality of second line patterns (LP2) may have the same dimension. The length of each second line pattern (LP2) along the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction) may be greater than the length of each first line pattern (LP1) along the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). A plurality of second line patterns (LP2) may be arranged in the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction) to form one column.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 4C, the venting portion (131) of the venting cover (130) may include a plurality of cut patterns (132B) arranged in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction). The cut patterns (132B) arranged in the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction) to form one row may be arranged in a zigzag manner. The plurality of cut patterns (132B) may include a first line pattern (LP3) extending in a first diagonal direction and a second line pattern (LP4) extending in a second diagonal direction. The first diagonal direction may be inclined relative to each of the first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction) and the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction). The second diagonal direction may be inclined relative to each of the first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction) and the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction) and may be different from the first diagonal direction. One or more first line patterns (LP3) and one or more second line patterns (LP4) may be alternately arranged in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction).

[0079] Referring to FIG. 4D, the venting portion (131) of the venting cover (130) may include a plurality of cut patterns (132C) arranged in a Z shape. For example, the plurality of cut patterns (132C) may include a plurality of first line patterns (LP5) arranged along a first straight line parallel to a first horizontal direction (e.g., an X-direction), a plurality of second line patterns (LP6) arranged along a second straight line parallel to a diagonal direction inclined to each of the first horizontal direction (e.g., an X-direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., a Y-direction), and a plurality of third line patterns (LP7) arranged along a third straight line parallel to the first horizontal direction (e.g., an X-direction). The third straight line may be spaced apart from the first straight line in a second horizontal direction (e.g., a Y-direction), and the second straight line may extend between one end of the first straight line and one end of the third straight line.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 4E, the venting portion (131) of the venting cover (130) may include a plurality of cut patterns (132D) arranged in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction). The plurality of cut patterns (132D) may include a first round pattern (RP1) having a first arc shape, a second round pattern (RP2) having a second arc shape, and a line pattern (LP8) having a straight line shape extending in the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction). The cut patterns (132D) arranged in the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction) to form one row may include the first round pattern (RP1), the second round pattern (RP2), and the line pattern (LP8). In a group of cut patterns (132D) forming one row, one first round pattern (RP1) and one second round pattern (RP2) may be alternately arranged in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction), and a line pattern (LP8) may be arranged between the first round pattern (RP1) and the second round pattern (RP2).

[0081] Referring to FIG. 4F, the venting portion (131) of the venting cover (130) may include a plurality of cut patterns (132E) arranged in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction). The plurality of cut patterns (132E) may include a first round pattern (RP3) having a first arc shape, a second round pattern (RP4) having a second arc shape, and a line pattern (LP8) having a straight line shape extending in the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction). The first round pattern (RP3) may include a plurality of patterns arranged along an arc. The second round pattern (RP4) may include a plurality of patterns arranged along an arc.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 4g, in a group of cut patterns (132F) forming one row, a plurality of first round patterns (RP1) and a plurality of second round patterns (RP2) may be alternately arranged in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction), and a line pattern (LP8) may be arranged between the plurality of first round patterns (RP1) and the plurality of second round patterns (RP2).

[0083]

[0084] (Example 4)

[0085] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a battery device (100) taken along a line corresponding to the V-V' line of FIG. 1.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 5, the base frame (111) may include a cooling channel (1111) configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow. The cooling channel (1111) may overlap a plurality of battery cells (121) in a vertical direction (e.g., in the Z direction). For example, the cooling channel (1111) may extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., in the X direction) so as to overlap a plurality of battery cells (121) in a vertical direction (e.g., in the Z direction). In the base frame (111), the cooling channel (1111) may be spaced apart from the venting hole (112). A cooling fluid provided from the outside may be supplied to an inlet of the cooling channel (1111) of the base frame (111), flow along the cooling channel (1111) of the base frame (111), and be discharged to the outside through an outlet of the cooling channel (1111) of the base frame (111). Cooling of the battery cells (121) can be achieved while the cooling fluid flows along the cooling channels (1111) of the base frame (111). The cooling fluid may include coolant and / or refrigerant.

[0087]

[0088] (Example 5)

[0089] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a battery device (100) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 6, each inter-cell pad (123) may include a cooling channel (1231) configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow therethrough. The cooling channel (1231) may extend in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction). An externally provided cooling fluid may be supplied to an inlet of the cooling channel (1231) of each inter-cell pad (123), flow along the cooling channel (1231) of each inter-cell pad (123), and discharged to the outside through an outlet of the cooling channel (1231) of each inter-cell pad (123). Cooling of the battery cells (121) may be achieved while the cooling fluid flows along the cooling channel (1231) of each inter-cell pad (123). The cooling fluid may include a coolant and / or a refrigerant.

[0091]

[0092] (Example 6)

[0093] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a battery device (100A) according to exemplary embodiments. Hereinafter, the battery device (100A) illustrated in Fig. 7 will be described with a focus on differences from the battery device (100) described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 7, in the battery device (100A), the top pad (150) may include a cooling channel (151) configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow. The cooling channel (151) of the top pad (150) may extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-direction) and may overlap a plurality of battery cells (121) in a vertical direction (e.g., Z-direction). An externally provided cooling fluid may be supplied to an inlet of the cooling channel (151) of the top pad (150), flow along the cooling channel (151) of the top pad (150), and discharged to the outside through an outlet of the cooling channel (151) of the top pad (150). Cooling of the plurality of battery cells (121) may be performed while the cooling fluid flows along the cooling channel (151) of the top pad (150). The cooling fluid may include a coolant and / or a refrigerant.

[0095] The cell assembly (120A) of the battery device (100A) may further include a thermally conductive plate (124) coupled to a plurality of inter-cell pads (123). The thermally conductive plate (124) and the plurality of inter-cell pads (123) may comprise the same material. The thermally conductive plate (124) may cover upper surfaces of the plurality of battery cells (121). The plurality of inter-cell pads (123) may thermally couple the plurality of battery cells (121) to the top pad (150). The plurality of inter-cell pads (123) and the thermally conductive plate (124) may be configured to transfer heat generated in the plurality of battery cells (121) to the top pad (150). An adhesive layer (145) may be interposed between the thermally conductive plate (124) and the top pad (150), and may thermally and physically couple the thermally conductive plate (124) to the top pad (150).

[0096]

[0097] (Example 7)

[0098] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a battery device (100B) according to exemplary embodiments. Hereinafter, the battery device (100B) illustrated in FIG. 8 will be described with a focus on differences from the battery device (100) described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 8, the battery device (100B) may further include a plurality of venting devices (160) mounted on the base frame (111). The plurality of venting devices (160) may each be mounted on a corresponding venting hole (112) among the plurality of venting holes (112) of the base frame (111). The plurality of venting devices (160) may each be mounted on the base frame (111) to cover a corresponding venting hole (112) among the plurality of venting holes (112) of the base frame (111). The plurality of venting devices (160) may be configured to block gas flow through a corresponding venting hole (112) or allow gas flow through a corresponding venting hole (112), depending on the pressure of the corresponding venting hole (112). In exemplary embodiments, individual venting devices (160) may include a membrane, a rupture disk, a relief valve, or a combination thereof.

[0100] Each venting device (160) may be configured to rupture when the pressure in its corresponding venting hole (112) exceeds a certain level, such as a membrane or a rupture disc. When the internal pressure of the corresponding venting hole (112) is below a reference pressure, the individual venting device (160) may close the corresponding venting hole (112) to block gas flow through the corresponding venting hole (112). For example, when the internal pressure of the corresponding venting hole (112) exceeds the reference pressure, a rupture may occur in the individual venting device (160), allowing gas flow through the corresponding venting hole (112).

[0101] Each venting device (160) may be a relief valve having an internal passage communicating with a corresponding venting hole (112). When the internal pressure of the corresponding venting hole (112) is lower than a reference pressure, the individual venting device (160) may close the internal passage to block gas flow through the corresponding venting hole (112). For example, when the internal pressure of the corresponding venting hole (112) exceeds the reference pressure, the individual venting device (160) may open the internal passage to allow gas flow through the corresponding venting hole (112).

[0102]

[0103] (Example 8)

[0104] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a device (200) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0105] Referring to FIG. 9, the device (200) may include a battery device (100) and a frame (210) supporting the battery device (100). For example, the device (200) may be an electric vehicle configured to run on power provided by the battery device (100). The housing (110) of the battery device (100) may be fastened to the frame (210) via a fastening member such as a bolt. In exemplary embodiments, when the device (200) is an electric vehicle, a cabin room for passengers may be arranged on the upper side of the battery device (100). Since the battery device (100) has a downward venting structure configured to discharge high-temperature gas and / or flame downward, the propagation of high-temperature gas and / or flame into the cabin room can be suppressed. Accordingly, the safety of the electric vehicle including the battery device (100) can be improved.

[0106] The present invention has been described in more detail through drawings and examples. However, the configurations described in the drawings or examples described in this specification are merely embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modified examples may exist as of the time of this application.

Claims

1. A cell assembly comprising a plurality of battery cells; Top pad on the above cell assembly; A housing comprising a base frame supporting the cell assembly and a top frame covering the top pad, wherein the base frame includes a plurality of venting holes; and A venting cover provided between the cell assembly and the base frame and covering the plurality of venting holes of the base frame; A battery device comprising:

2. In paragraph 1, A first adhesive layer provided between the base frame and the venting cover, and attaching the venting cover to the base frame; and A second adhesive layer provided between the cell assembly and the venting cover, and attaching the plurality of battery cells to the venting cover; A battery device characterized by further comprising:

3. In paragraph 2, The first adhesive layer includes a plurality of holes overlapping the plurality of venting holes of the base frame, A battery device characterized in that the second adhesive layer includes a plurality of holes overlapping the plurality of venting holes of the base frame.

4. In paragraph 1, A battery device characterized in that the venting cover includes a plurality of cut patterns provided in areas overlapping the plurality of venting holes of the base frame.

5. In paragraph 4, A battery device characterized in that the plurality of cut patterns include a plurality of line patterns having a straight shape.

6. In paragraph 4, A battery device characterized in that the plurality of cut patterns include a plurality of round patterns having an arc shape.

7. In paragraph 1, The above cell assembly further comprises a plurality of inter-cell pads, A battery device characterized in that each of the plurality of inter-cell pads is disposed between two adjacent battery cells among the plurality of battery cells.

8. In paragraph 1, A battery device characterized in that the top pad includes a cooling channel configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow.

9. In paragraph 1, A battery device characterized in that the top pad is attached to the plurality of battery cells and includes a thermally conductive material.

10. In paragraph 9, A battery device further comprising an adhesive layer provided between the top pad and the cell assembly and attaching the plurality of battery cells to the top pad.

11. In paragraph 9, The above cell assembly further comprises a plurality of inter-cell pads, The above plurality of inter-cell pads are each placed between two neighboring battery cells among the plurality of battery cells, A battery device characterized in that the plurality of inter-cell pads thermally couple the plurality of battery cells to the top pad.

12. In paragraph 1, The above base frame is configured to allow cooling fluid to flow and further includes cooling channels, A battery device characterized in that the cooling channels of the base frame overlap the plurality of battery cells and are spaced apart from the plurality of venting holes of the base frame.

13. In paragraph 1, A battery device characterized in that each of the plurality of venting holes of the base frame overlaps two or more battery cells among the plurality of battery cells.

14. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a plurality of venting devices mounted on the base frame, A battery device characterized in that each of the plurality of venting devices is configured to block or allow gas flow through a corresponding venting hole according to the pressure within the corresponding venting hole among the plurality of venting holes.

15. In paragraph 1, The cell assembly further includes a plurality of inter-cell pads, each of the plurality of inter-cell pads being positioned between two adjacent battery cells among the plurality of battery cells, and each of the plurality of inter-cell pads including a first cooling channel configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow therethrough. The top pad is attached to the cell assembly by an adhesive layer, and the top pad includes a second cooling channel configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow, A battery device characterized in that the venting cover comprises a heat-resistant material.

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