Pack housing, battery pack comprising same, method for cooling battery pack, and vehicle comprising same

Abstract

A pack housing is provided according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The pack housing comprises: a base plate intersecting a first direction; cooling channels, in the base plate, comprising sub-channels and main channels supplying cooling water thereto; and cut-off members inside the sub-channels, wherein each cut-off member comprises a body portion comprising a shape-memory alloy and may lengthen in the first direction when the temperature of the cut-off member rises.

Description

Pack housing, battery pack including the same, method for cooling a battery pack, and vehicle including the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a pack housing, a battery pack including the same, a method for cooling a battery pack, and a vehicle including the same. The present application claims the benefit of Korean application No. 10-2024-0122790, filed on September 10, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. Secondary batteries are widely used as energy sources for various wireless devices such as handsets, laptops, and cordless vacuum cleaners. Recently, as the manufacturing cost per unit capacity of secondary batteries has decreased dramatically due to improved energy density and economies of scale, and as the driving range of BEVs (battery electric vehicles) has increased to a level equivalent to that of fuel vehicles, the primary use of secondary batteries is shifting from mobile devices to mobility.

[0003] The trend in the technological development of rechargeable batteries for mobility is the improvement of energy density and safety. The safety of rechargeable batteries is critical as it is directly linked to the lives of passengers. The safety of rechargeable batteries can be achieved through mechanical robustness, the reliability of electrical insulation, and the delay of heat transfer in the event of a thermal runaway event.

[0004] The problem that the technical concept of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a pack housing with enhanced safety.

[0005] The problem that the technical concept of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a pack housing with improved performance and reliability.

[0006] The problem that the technical concept of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a battery pack with enhanced safety.

[0007] The problem that the technical concept of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a battery pack with improved performance and reliability.

[0008] The problem that the technical concept of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a method for cooling a battery pack with enhanced safety.

[0009] The problem that the technical concept of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a cooling method for a battery pack with improved performance and reliability.

[0010] The problem that the technical concept of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a vehicle with enhanced safety.

[0011] The problem that the technical concept of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a vehicle with improved performance and reliability.

[0012] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, a pack housing is provided. The pack housing comprises: a base plate intersecting a first direction; a cooling channel within the base plate comprising a sub-channel and a main channel for supplying cooling water to the sub-channel; and a blocking member within the sub-channel, wherein the blocking member comprises a body portion comprising a shape memory alloy, and when the temperature of the blocking member rises, the length of the blocking member in the first direction may increase.

[0013] The above blocking member includes a first state at a first temperature and a second state at a second temperature, wherein the second temperature is higher than the first temperature, and the length in the first direction in the second state of the body part may be greater than the length in the first direction in the first state of the body part.

[0014] The above blocking member includes a first state at a first temperature and a second state at a second temperature, wherein the second temperature is higher than the first temperature, and in the first state, the sub-flow path is connected to the main flow path, and in the second state, the sub-flow path can be blocked from the main flow path.

[0015] In the first state above, the coolant is supplied to the sub-flow path, and in the second state above, the coolant may not be supplied to the sub-flow path.

[0016] The above body part includes a spring comprising the shape memory alloy, and when the temperature of the blocking member rises, the spring can expand in the first direction.

[0017] The above blocking member further includes a fixed portion and a door portion, and when the temperature of the battery cell assembly overlapping the sub-flow path and the first direction rises, the relative position of the door portion with the fixed portion may move in the first direction.

[0018] The above sub-flow path further includes an inlet portion at the boundary with the main flow path, and the blocking member is disposed within the inlet portion, and when the temperature of the battery cell assembly rises, the door portion may be configured to contact the bottom surface of the inlet portion to close the sub-flow path.

[0019] The blocking member comprises a first state at a first temperature and a second state at a second temperature, wherein the second temperature is higher than the first temperature, and the sub-flow path further comprises an inlet portion on the boundary with the main flow path, and the blocking member is disposed within the inlet portion, and in the first state, the cooling water flows into the sub-flow path through the inlet portion, and in the second state, the blocking member can block the movement of the cooling water through the inlet portion.

[0020] When a thermal runaway event occurs in a battery cell assembly overlapping the sub-flow path and the first direction, the blocking member may be configured to close the sub-flow path.

[0021] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, a battery pack is provided. The battery pack comprises: a pack housing including a base plate; a cooling channel within the base plate including a first sub-flow path and a main flow path for supplying cooling water to the first sub-flow path; a first battery cell assembly overlapping with the first sub-flow path in a first direction on the base plate; and a blocking member located inside the first sub-flow path, wherein the first battery cell assembly includes a first state at a first temperature and a second state at a second temperature, the second temperature being higher than the first temperature, and the blocking member including a body portion comprising a shape memory alloy, and in the second state of the first battery cell assembly, the blocking member may be configured to close the first sub-flow path.

[0022] The length in the first direction in the second state of the above body part may be greater than the length in the first direction in the first state.

[0023] The cooling channel further includes a second sub-flow path and further includes a second battery cell assembly that overlaps the second sub-flow path in the first direction, and in the first state, the main flow path is connected to each of the first sub-flow path and the second sub-flow path, so that the first sub-flow path communicates with the second sub-flow path through the main flow path, and in the second state, the first sub-flow path can be blocked from the second sub-flow path.

[0024] In the first state, the coolant is supplied from the main path to the first sub path, and then from the first sub path to the second sub path through the main path, and in the second state, the coolant can be supplied from the main path to the second sub path without passing through the first sub path.

[0025] The first state above is a normal state of the first battery cell assembly, and the second state above may be a thermal runaway state of the first battery cell assembly.

[0026] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the pack housing may include a blocking member disposed within a sub-flow path. The blocking member may comprise a shape memory alloy and may deform in a direction that returns to its original shape upon the occurrence of a thermal runaway event of the battery cell assembly, thereby closing the sub-flow path. By preventing coolant from flowing into the sub-flow path under the battery cell assembly where the thermal runaway event has occurred, the cooling performance of the coolant can be maintained for a longer period.

[0027] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a pack housing with enhanced safety can be provided.

[0028] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a pack housing with improved performance and reliability can be provided.

[0029] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a battery pack with enhanced safety can be provided.

[0030] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a battery pack with improved performance and reliability can be provided.

[0031] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a method for cooling a battery pack with enhanced safety can be provided.

[0032] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a method for cooling a battery pack with improved performance and reliability can be provided.

[0033] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a vehicle with enhanced safety can be provided.

[0034] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a vehicle with improved performance and reliability can be provided.

[0035] The effects obtainable from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure belong from the following description. That is, unintended effects resulting from the implementation of 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.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view illustrating a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments based on the technical concept of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view illustrating a cooling channel of a pack housing according to exemplary embodiments based on the technical concept of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a blocking member of a pack housing according to exemplary embodiments based on the technical concept of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a blocking member of a pack housing according to exemplary embodiments based on the technical concept of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments based on the technical concept of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments based on the technical concept of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments based on the technical concept of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for cooling a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments based on the technical concept of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 9 is a schematic drawing illustrating a vehicle including a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0045] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings. Instead, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best describe his invention, they should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0046] Therefore, 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; thus, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0047] In addition, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions may obscure the essence of the invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0048] Since embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the invention to those skilled in the art, the shapes and sizes of the components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted for clearer explanation. Accordingly, the size or proportion of each component does not entirely reflect the actual size or proportion.

[0049]

[0050] (1st embodiment)

[0051] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view illustrating a battery pack (100) according to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 1, the battery pack (100) may include a pack housing (110) and a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120). The battery pack (100) may be a final product mounted in an application such as a vehicle.

[0053] The pack housing (110) may provide a space for mounting battery cell assemblies (120). The pack housing (110) may include a base plate (111), side walls (112, 113, 114, 115), a center beam (116), and cross beams (117).

[0054] Here, the first direction (D1) and the second direction (D2) may be substantially parallel to the mounting surface of the base plate (111) (i.e., the surface facing the battery cell assembly (120)), and the third direction (D3) may be substantially perpendicular to the mounting surface of the base plate (111).

[0055] The side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) may be substantially perpendicular to the base plate (111). The side walls (112, 113) may extend in a first direction (D1). The side walls (114, 115) may extend in a second direction (D2).

[0056] The center beam (116) can extend in a first direction (D1). The center beam (116) can be interposed between the side walls (112, 113). The cross beams (117) can extend in a second direction (D2). The cross beams (117) can be interposed between the side walls (114, 115).

[0057] A plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) may be placed on a base plate (111) of a pack housing (110). The base plate (111) may support the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120). Side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) may horizontally surround the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120). The side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) may protect the plurality of battery cell assemblies (120). The plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) may be placed on the base plate (111) in a space defined by cross beams (117).

[0058] The battery cell assembly (120) may further include a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction (D1) and a pad arranged between the plurality of battery cells. The pad is arranged between the plurality of battery cells in the first direction (D1) and may overlap with the plurality of battery cells in the first direction (D1).

[0059] The pad can absorb swelling of multiple battery cells. The pad may contain a compressible material. The pad may contain PU (Polyurethane). The pad may also contain a refractory material.

[0060] The battery pack (100) may further include a pack lead that is coupled to the side walls (112, 113, 114, 115) of the pack housing (110). The pack lead may cover elements mounted inside the battery pack (100), such as a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) and electrical components. The pack lead may be secured to the pack housing (110) by mechanical coupling means, such as bolting.

[0061] In FIG. 1, the arrangement of multiple battery cell assemblies (120) may be described as a 3 * 2 arrangement. For example, the multiple battery cell assemblies (120) may include a first battery cell assembly (120A), a second battery cell assembly (120B), a third battery cell assembly (120C), a fourth battery cell assembly (120D), a fifth battery cell assembly (120E), and a sixth battery cell assembly (120F) arranged in a 3 * 2 arrangement. The arrangement of multiple battery cell assemblies (120) disclosed in FIG. 1 is a non-limiting example and does not limit the technical scope of the invention in any sense. A person skilled in the art will be able to easily arrive at a multiple battery cell assemblies (120) arranged in an M * N arrangement (where M and N are each integers greater than or equal to 2) based on what is described herein.

[0062] The battery pack (100) may further include a Battery Management System (BMS). The BMS may be configured to perform monitoring, balancing, and control of the battery pack (100). Monitoring of the battery pack (100) may include measuring the voltage and current of specific nodes within a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) and measuring the temperature of set locations within the battery pack (100). The battery pack (100) may include measuring instruments for measuring the voltage, current, and temperature described above.

[0063] Balancing of the battery pack (100) is an operation that reduces deviations between multiple battery cell assemblies (120). Control of the battery pack (100) includes preventing overcharging, over-discharging, and overcurrent. Through monitoring, balancing, and control, the battery pack (100) can operate under optimal conditions, and accordingly, the shortening of the lifespan of each of the multiple battery cell assemblies (120) can be prevented.

[0064] The battery pack (100) may further include additional electrical components such as a cooling device, a Power Relay Assembly (PRA), and a safety plug. The cooling device may include a cooling fan. The cooling fan can prevent overheating of each of the multiple battery cell assemblies (120) by circulating air inside the battery pack (100). The PRA may be configured to supply or cut off power from the high-voltage battery to an external load (e.g., a vehicle motor). The PRA can protect the multiple battery cell assemblies (120) and the external load (e.g., a vehicle motor) by cutting off power supply to the external load (e.g., a vehicle motor) in situations where abnormal voltage, such as a voltage surge, occurs. Additional electrical components may be interposed between the multiple battery cell assemblies (120) and the side wall (115). The space between the battery cell assemblies (120) and the side wall (115) may be referred to as an electrical component mounting area.

[0065] The battery pack (100) may further include a plurality of interbusbars configured to electrically connect a plurality of battery cell assemblies (120). The plurality of battery cell assemblies (120) may be connected in series by the plurality of interbusbars. Accordingly, the battery pack (100) may be configured to output a high voltage to an external load (e.g., a motor of a vehicle).

[0066]

[0067] (2nd Example)

[0068] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view illustrating a cooling channel (130) of a pack housing (110) according to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 together, the base plate (111) may include a first region (111A) to a sixth region (111F). The first region (111A) to the sixth region (111F) of the base plate (111) may each be a region below the first battery cell assembly (120A) to the sixth battery cell assembly (120F), and may correspond to the first battery cell assembly (120A) to the sixth battery cell assembly (120F). For example, the first battery cell assembly (120A) may be placed on the first region (111A) of the base plate (111), and the first region (111A) may overlap the first battery cell assembly (120A) in a third direction (D3). A second battery cell assembly (120B) is disposed on a second region (111B) of the base plate (111), and the second region (111B) can overlap with the second battery cell assembly (120B) in a third direction (D3). A third battery cell assembly (120C) is disposed on a third region (111C) of the base plate (111), and the third region (111C) can overlap with the third battery cell assembly (120C) in a third direction (D3). A fourth battery cell assembly (120D) is disposed on a fourth region (111D) of the base plate (111), and the fourth region (111D) can overlap with the fourth battery cell assembly (120D) in a third direction (D3). A fifth battery cell assembly (120E) is disposed on a fifth region (111E) of the base plate (111), and the fifth region (111E) can overlap with the fifth battery cell assembly (120E) in a third direction (D3). A sixth battery cell assembly (120F) is disposed on a sixth region (111F) of the base plate (111), and the sixth region (111F) can overlap with the sixth battery cell assembly (120F) in a third direction (D3).

[0070] A cooling channel (130) may be disposed within the base plate (111). The cooling channel (130) may include a first sub-flow channel (135A) to a sixth sub-flow channel (135F). The first sub-flow channel (135A) to the sixth sub-flow channel (135F) are each disposed in a first region (111A) to a sixth region (111F) of the base plate (111) and may correspond to a first battery cell assembly (120A) to a sixth battery cell assembly (120F). For example, the first sub-flow channel (135A) is disposed under the first battery cell assembly (120A), overlaps with the first battery cell assembly (120A) in a third direction (D3), and can cool the first battery cell assembly (120A). The second sub-flow channel (135B) is positioned under the second battery cell assembly (120B), overlaps with the second battery cell assembly (120B) in a third direction (D3), and can cool the second battery cell assembly (120B). The third sub-flow channel (135C) is positioned under the third battery cell assembly (120C), overlaps with the third battery cell assembly (120C) in a third direction (D3), and can cool the third battery cell assembly (120C). The fourth sub-flow channel (135D) is positioned under the fourth battery cell assembly (120D), overlaps with the fourth battery cell assembly (120D) in a third direction (D3), and can cool the fourth battery cell assembly (120D). The fifth sub-flow channel (135E) is positioned under the fifth battery cell assembly (120E), overlaps with the fifth battery cell assembly (120E) in a third direction (D3), and can cool the fifth battery cell assembly (120E). The sixth sub-flow channel (135F) is positioned under the sixth battery cell assembly (120F), overlaps with the sixth battery cell assembly (120F) in a third direction (D3), and can cool the sixth battery cell assembly (120F).

[0071] The cooling channel (130) may further include a first main channel (131) that supplies cooling water to a first sub-channel (135A), a second sub-channel (135B), and a third sub-channel (135C). The first main channel (131) may be connected to each of the first sub-channel (135A), the second sub-channel (135B), and the third sub-channel (135C).

[0072] The cooling channel (130) may further include a second main channel (132) that supplies cooling water to the fourth sub-channel (135D), the fifth sub-channel (135E), and the sixth sub-channel (135F). The second main channel (132) may be connected to each of the fourth sub-channel (135D), the fifth sub-channel (135E), and the sixth sub-channel (135F). The second main channel (132) may be connected to the first main channel (131).

[0073] The cooling channel (130) may further include an inlet (133) and an outlet (134). The inlet (133) is connected to a cooling water reservoir and can supply cooling water to the first main flow path (131) and the second main flow path (132). The outlet (134) can discharge the cooling water that has passed through the first main flow path (131) and the second main flow path (132) from the cooling channel (130).

[0074] A blocking member may be disposed within the first sub-flow channel (135A) to the sixth sub-flow channel (135F) of the cooling channel (130) to close it from the main flow channel (131, 132). Hereinafter, the blocking member (40) within the first sub-flow channel (135A) will be described as an example with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0075]

[0076] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a blocking member (40) of a pack housing (110) according to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along line A-A' of FIG. 2, showing the blocking member (40) in a first state (S1).

[0077] FIG. 4 is a plan view for explaining a blocking member (40) of a pack housing (110) according to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along line A-A' of FIG. 2, showing the blocking member (40) in a second state (S2).

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 1, FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 4 together, a blocking member (40) may be disposed within the first sub-flow path (135A). The blocking member (40) may be configured to close the first sub-flow path (135A) in the event of a thermal runaway event of the first battery cell assembly (120A).

[0079] The blocking member (40) may include a body portion (45), a fixed portion (46), and a door portion (47). The fixed portion (46) may be a portion fixed on a wall within the first sub-flow path (135A). The door portion (47) may be a portion disposed on the body portion (45) and whose position changes as the length of the body portion (45) changes.

[0080] The body portion (45) may include a shape memory alloy. Specifically, the body portion (45) may include a spring extending in a third direction (D3), and the spring may be composed of the shape memory alloy. The spring may be extended in the third direction (D3) or compressed. Although the body portion (45) is exemplified in this specification as including a spring-shaped shape memory alloy, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the exemplification and may include a shape memory alloy in the form of a rod or a plate.

[0081] Specifically, the blocking member (40) may be positioned at the boundary between the first sub-flow channel (135A) and the first main flow channel (131). For example, the first sub-flow channel (135A) may include two parts connected to the first main flow channel (131), and the blocking member (40) may be positioned within these two parts. For example, it may include a boundary where coolant flows into the first sub-flow channel (135A) and a boundary where coolant flows out of the first sub-flow channel (135A), and the blocking member (40) may be positioned at these two boundaries.

[0082] In a first state (S1) as exemplified in FIG. 3, the first battery cell assembly (120A) may be in a normal state where no thermal runaway event occurs. In the first state (S1), the temperature of the first battery cell assembly (120A) may be a first temperature. For example, the first temperature may be less than 100°C. For example, the first temperature may be less than 60°C.

[0083] In the first state (S1), the blocking member (40) may be in a non-expanded state. Specifically, the body portion (45) may be in a non-expanded state. In the first state (S1), the length of the body portion (45) in the third direction (D3) may be the first length (L1). For example, at the first temperature, the body portion (45) may be in a compressed state to have the first length (L1) in the third direction (D3). For example, at the first temperature, the body portion (45) may be in a deformed state. In the first state (S1), the blocking member (40) may not block the first sub-flow path (135A). Specifically, in the first state (S1), the blocking member (40) may not block the first sub-flow path (135A) from the first main flow path (131). In the first state (S1), the first sub-euro (135A) can be connected to the first main euro (131).

[0084] For example, the first sub-flow channel (135A) may include an inlet section (135A_E) on the boundary with the first main flow channel (131). A blocking member (40) may be positioned within the inlet section (135A_E). In the first state (S1), the blocking member (40) may not completely block the inlet section (135A_E) and may leave an empty space. For example, the blocking member (40) may be positioned in the upper space of the inlet section (135A_E) to leave the lower space empty. Coolant supplied from the first main flow channel (131) may flow into the first sub-flow channel (135A) through the lower space of the inlet section (135A_E).

[0085] In the second state (S2) as exemplified in FIG. 4, the first battery cell assembly (120A) may be in a state where a thermal runaway event has occurred. In the second state (S2), the temperature of the first battery cell assembly (120A) may be a second temperature. The second temperature may be higher than the first temperature of the first state (S1). For example, the second temperature may be 100°C or higher.

[0086] In the second state (S2), the blocking member (40) can expand in a third direction (D3). Specifically, the body portion (45) can expand in a third direction (D3). For example, as the temperature of the first battery cell assembly (120A) rises, the temperature of the first region (111A) and the first sub-flow path (135A) may rise, and the body portion (45) may recover to expand in a third direction (D3) to have a second length (L2).

[0087] Specifically, even if the body part (45) is deformed to have a first length (L1) at the first temperature, it can be restored to have a second length (L2) at the second temperature due to the properties of the shape memory alloy.

[0088] In the second state (S2), the length of the body part (45) in the third direction (D3) may be the second length (L2). For example, the second length (L2) in the third direction (D3) of the body part (45) in the second state (S2) may be greater than the first length (L1) in the third direction (D3) in the first state (S1). For example, the length of the blocking member (40) in the third direction (D3) in the second state (S2) may be greater than the length in the third direction (D3) in the first state (S1).

[0089] In the second state (S2), as the blocking member (40) expands in the third direction (D3), the first sub-flow path (135A) may be blocked. Specifically, in the second state (S2), the blocking member (40) may block the first sub-flow path (135A) from the first main flow path (131). In the second state (S2), the first sub-flow path (135A) may not be connected to the first main flow path (131). In the second state (S2), the first sub-flow path (135A) may be closed.

[0090] For example, the blocking member (40) can block the inlet (135A_E) in one direction as it expands in a third direction (D3) within the inlet (135A_E). The blocking member (40) can expand from the upper space of the inlet (135A_E) to the lower space to fill the inlet (135A_E). In this specification, filling the inlet (135A_E) may mean blocking the passage so that a substance (e.g., cooling water) cannot move through the inlet (135A_E), even if the inlet (135A_E) is not filled to the point where there is no empty space.

[0091] Specifically, as the body portion (45) of the blocking member (40) recovers to expand in the third direction (D3), the position of the door portion (47) can move in the third direction (D3). For example, the relative position of the door portion (47) with respect to the fixed portion (46) can move in the third direction (D3). By doing so, the door portion (47) can come into contact with the bottom surface of the inlet portion (135A_E) and close the inlet portion (135A_E). For example, in the second state (S2), the door portion (47) can come into contact with the bottom surface of the inlet portion (135A_E). By doing so, the first sub-flow path (135A) can be closed. In the second state (S2), the inflow of coolant is blocked so that coolant is not supplied from the first main flow path (131) to the first sub-flow path (135A).

[0092] As described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, a blocking member (40) is disposed within the first sub-flow path (135A) so that when a thermal runaway event of the first battery cell assembly (120A) occurs, the first sub-flow path (135A) is blocked from the first main flow path (131) and the first sub-flow path (135A) can be closed.

[0093] Unlike embodiments according to the technical concept of the present invention, when a thermal runaway event occurs in the first battery cell assembly (120A), the first sub-flow path (135A) is not blocked from the first main flow path (131), and coolant flows into the first sub-flow path (135A). In this case, the coolant may be heated by the heat and flames that may be generated by the thermal runaway event. The coolant heated in this way reaches the end of its cooling life and becomes unable to cool other battery cell assemblies (e.g., the second battery cell assembly to the fifth battery cell assembly (120B~120F)).

[0094] According to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention, when the blocking member (40) recovers in an expanding direction and the first sub-flow path (135A) is closed, the cooling performance of the coolant can be maintained for a longer period, and thus other battery cell assemblies (e.g., second battery cell assembly to fifth battery cell assembly (120B~120F)) can still be cooled. According to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention, the lifespan of the coolant can be extended.

[0095]

[0096] Referring again to FIG. 2, a blocking member is also disposed within the second sub-flow channel (135B) to the sixth sub-flow channel (135F), so that when a thermal runaway event occurs in the second battery cell assembly (120B) to the sixth battery cell assembly (120F), the second sub-flow channel (135B) to the sixth sub-flow channel (135F) can be closed, respectively.

[0097]

[0098] According to embodiments based on the technical concept of the present invention, even without a separate control device or control signal, the blocking member naturally deforms to recover due to the properties of the shape memory alloy, thereby producing the effect of blocking the sub-flow path from the main flow path. Therefore, the sub-flow path can be blocked from the main flow path even in situations where a thermal runaway event occurs, such as when a problem occurs with the control device or when the control signal is not transmitted normally. As a result, the effect of maintaining the performance of the coolant and extending its lifespan can be expected even in situations where a thermal runaway event occurs.

[0099] According to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention, a pack housing (110) with improved performance and reliability can be provided.

[0100] A pack housing (110) with enhanced safety can be provided by embodiments according to the technical concept of the present invention.

[0101] A battery pack (100) including a pack housing (110) with improved performance and reliability can be provided by embodiments according to the technical concept of the present invention.

[0102] A battery pack (100) including a pack housing (110) with enhanced safety can be provided by embodiments according to the technical concept of the present invention.

[0103]

[0104] (3rd Example)

[0105] FIG. 5 is a plan view for illustrating a battery pack (100) according to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the EX2 area of ​​FIG. 2, intended to illustrate a battery pack (100) in a first state (S11).

[0106] FIG. 6 is a plan view for illustrating a battery pack (100) according to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the EX2 area of ​​FIG. 2, intended to illustrate the battery pack (100) in a second state (S12).

[0107] FIG. 7 is a plan view for illustrating a battery pack (100) according to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the EX2 area of ​​FIG. 2, intended to illustrate the battery pack (100) in a third state (S13).

[0108] Referring to FIGS. 1, FIGS. 2, and FIGS. 5 together, in the first state (S11), the first battery cell assembly (120A), the second battery cell assembly (120B), and the third battery cell assembly (120C) of the battery pack (100) may be in a normal state where no thermal runaway event has occurred. In the first state (S11), the temperature of the first battery cell assembly (120A), the second battery cell assembly (120B), and the third battery cell assembly (120C) may be a first temperature. For example, the first temperature may be less than 100°C. For example, the first temperature may be less than 60°C.

[0109] A blocking member may be disposed in each of the first sub-flow channel (135A), the second sub-flow channel (135B), and the third sub-flow channel (135C). For example, a blocking member (40) comprising a shape memory alloy may be disposed as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0110] In the first state (S11), the blocking member comprising a shape memory alloy disposed in each of the first sub-flow channel (135A), the second sub-flow channel (135B), and the third sub-flow channel (135C) may be in a deformed state. For example, the blocking member comprising the shape memory alloy may be in a deformed state to be compressed. Similar to what was described with reference to FIG. 3, the first sub-flow channel (135A), the second sub-flow channel (135B), and the third sub-flow channel (135C) may each be connected to the first main flow channel (131) without being blocked from the first main flow channel (131).

[0111] In the first state (S11), coolant (138) can be supplied from the first main channel (131) to the first sub-channel (135A), the second sub-channel (135B), and the third sub-channel (135C). Coolant (138) can be introduced into the first sub-channel (135A), the second sub-channel (135B), and the third sub-channel (135C). For example, coolant is supplied from the first main channel (131) to the first sub-channel (135A), and coolant passing through the first sub-channel (135A) can be supplied to the second sub-channel (135B) through the first main channel (131). Coolant passing through the second sub-channel (135B) can be supplied to the third sub-channel (135C) through the first main channel (131). Coolant that has passed through the third sub-flow path (135C) can be supplied back to the first sub-flow path (135A) through the second main flow path (132), etc. In other words, in the first state (S11), the first sub-flow path (135A), the second sub-flow path (135B), and the third sub-flow path (135C) can communicate with each other through the first main flow path (131).

[0112] Referring to FIGS. 1, FIGS. 2, and FIGS. 6 together, in the second state (S12), the first battery cell assembly (120A) of the battery pack (100) may be in a state where a thermal runaway event (TR) has occurred. In the second state (S12), the temperature of the first battery cell assembly (120A) may be a second temperature. The second temperature may be higher than the first temperature of the first state (S11). For example, the second temperature may be 100°C or higher.

[0113] In the second state (S12), the blocking member containing the shape memory alloy in the first sub-flow path (135A) can be expanded. The blocking member containing the shape memory alloy in the first sub-flow path (135A) can be restored to the expanded state. Similar to what was described with reference to FIG. 4, the first sub-flow path (135A) can be blocked from the first main flow path (131). The first sub-flow path (135A) may not be connected to the first main flow path (131).

[0114] In the second state (S12), the coolant (138) may not be supplied from the first main channel (131) to the first sub-channel (135A). The coolant (138) may not flow into the first sub-channel (135A). Therefore, the coolant (138) may not pass through the first sub-channel (135A) where the temperature has risen.

[0115] For example, as described above, the blocking member (40) may be positioned in an inlet where coolant flows into the first sub-flow path (135A) and in an outlet where coolant flows out from the first sub-flow path (135A). By doing so, the first sub-flow path (135A) is blocked from the first main flow path (131), so that coolant (138) may not flow into the first sub-flow path (135A).

[0116] At this time, the second battery cell assembly (120B) and the third battery cell assembly (120C) may be in a state where no thermal runaway event (TR) occurs, and each may be connected to the first main path (131) without being cut off from the first main path (131). Coolant (138) may be supplied from the first main path (131) to the second sub path (135B) without passing through the first sub path (135A). Likewise, coolant (138) may be supplied from the first main path (131) to the third sub path (135C) without passing through the first sub path (135A).

[0117] In the second state (S12), the first sub-euro (135A) can be blocked from the second sub-euro (135B) and the third sub-euro (135C).

[0118] Referring to FIGS. 1, FIGS. 2, and FIGS. 7, in the third state (S13), the second battery cell assembly (120B) of the battery pack (100) may be in a state where a thermal runaway event (TR) has occurred.

[0119] Similar to what was described with reference to FIG. 6, a blocking member comprising a shape memory alloy within the second sub-flow channel (135B) can be expanded. The blocking member comprising a shape memory alloy within the second sub-flow channel (135B) can be restored to an expanded state. By means of the blocking member, the second sub-flow channel (135B) may be blocked from the first main flow channel (131) and may not be connected to the first main flow channel (131).

[0120] In the third state (S13), the coolant (138) may not be supplied from the first main channel (131) to the second sub-channel (135B). The coolant (138) may not flow into the second sub-channel (135B). Therefore, the coolant (138) may not pass through the second sub-channel (135B) where the temperature has risen.

[0121] For example, the blocking member may be positioned in an inlet where coolant flows into the second sub-flow channel (135B) and in an outlet where coolant flows out from the second sub-flow channel (135B). By doing so, the second sub-flow channel (135B) is blocked from the first main flow channel (131), so that coolant (138) may not flow into the second sub-flow channel (135B).

[0122] At this time, the first sub-flow path (135A) and the third sub-flow path (135C) under the first battery cell assembly (120A) and the third battery cell assembly (130C) where no thermal runaway event (TR) has occurred can be connected to the first main flow path (131) without being cut off from the first main flow path (131). Coolant (138) can be supplied from the first main flow path (131) to the first sub-flow path (135A) without passing through the second sub-flow path (135B). Likewise, coolant (138) can be supplied from the first main flow path (131) to the third sub-flow path (135C) without passing through the second sub-flow path (135B).

[0123] In the third state (S13), the second sub-euro (135B) can be blocked from the first sub-euro (135A) and the third sub-euro (135C).

[0124] According to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention, when the first sub-flow path (135A) is closed upon the occurrence of a thermal runaway event (TR) of the first battery cell assembly (120A), the cooling performance of the coolant can be maintained for a longer period, and thus other battery cell assemblies (e.g., the second battery cell assembly to the fifth battery cell assembly (120B to 120F)) can still be cooled. In particular, not only the second battery cell assembly (120B) adjacent to the first battery cell assembly (120A) where the thermal runaway event (TR) occurred, but also the third battery cell assembly (120C) which is not adjacent can be cooled.

[0125] Likewise, according to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention, when the second sub-flow path (135B) is closed when a thermal runaway event (TR) occurs in the second battery cell assembly (120B), the cooling performance of the coolant can be maintained for a longer period, and thus other battery cell assemblies (e.g., the first battery cell assembly, the third battery cell assembly to the fifth battery cell assembly (120A, 120C~120F)) can still be cooled.

[0126] According to embodiments based on the technical concept of the present invention, the lifespan of the cooling water can be extended.

[0127]

[0128] According to embodiments based on the technical concept of the present invention, even without a separate control device or control signal, the blocking member naturally deforms to recover due to the properties of the shape memory alloy, thereby producing the effect of blocking the sub-flow path from the main flow path. Accordingly, the sub-flow path can be blocked from the main flow path even in situations where a thermal runaway event occurs, such as when a problem occurs with the control device within the battery pack or when the control signal is not transmitted normally. As a result, the effect of maintaining the performance of the coolant and extending its lifespan can be expected even in situations where a thermal runaway event occurs.

[0129] According to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention, a pack housing (110) with improved performance and reliability can be provided.

[0130] A pack housing (110) with enhanced safety can be provided by embodiments according to the technical concept of the present invention.

[0131] A battery pack (100) including a pack housing (110) with improved performance and reliability can be provided by embodiments according to the technical concept of the present invention.

[0132] A battery pack (100) including a pack housing (110) with enhanced safety can be provided by embodiments according to the technical concept of the present invention.

[0133]

[0134] (Fourth Example)

[0135] FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a method for cooling a battery pack (S100) according to exemplary embodiments based on the technical concept of the present invention.

[0136] Referring to FIGS. 1, FIGS. 2, FIGS. 5, and FIGS. 6, whether the coolant passes through the sub-flow path may vary depending on whether the battery cell assembly is in a thermal runaway state.

[0137] First, a step (S110) of determining whether the battery cell assembly is in a thermal runaway state may be performed. In the embodiments, the step (S110) of determining whether the battery cell assembly is in a thermal runaway state may not be performed separately. However, depending on whether the thermal runaway state is present, a step (S121) in which the coolant (138) passes through the first sub-flow path (135A) or a step (S131) ​​in which the first sub-flow path (135A) is closed may be performed.

[0138] A battery cell assembly may include a first state, which is a normal state, and a second state, which is a thermal runaway state. In the first state, the battery cell assembly may be at a first temperature. In the second state, the battery cell assembly may be at a second temperature higher than the first temperature. For example, the first temperature may be less than 100°C. For example, the first temperature may be less than 60°C. For example, the second temperature may be 100°C or higher.

[0139] In the first state, that is, when the battery cell assembly (e.g., the first battery cell assembly (120A)) is not in a thermal runaway state, steps (S121) in which the coolant (138) passes through the first sub-flow path (135A), steps (S122) in which the coolant (138) passes through the main flow path (e.g., the first main flow path (131)), and steps (S123) in which the coolant (138) passes through the second sub-flow path (135B) may be performed as described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0140] In the second state, that is, when the battery cell assembly (e.g., the first battery cell assembly (120A)) is in a thermal runaway state, as described with reference to FIG. 6, the blocking member (40) expands to close the first sub-flow path (135A) (S131) ​​and the cooling water (138) passes through the second sub-flow path (135B) (S132) may be performed.

[0141] The step (S131) ​​of closing the first sub-flow path (135A) may include, as described with reference to FIG. 4, that a blocking member (40) within the first sub-flow path (135A) expands to block the first sub-flow path (135A) from the main flow path (e.g., the first main flow path (131)). By doing so, the cooling water (138) may not pass through the first sub-flow path (135A).

[0142] The description regarding the blocking member (40), the first sub-flow path (135A), and the first battery cell assembly (120A) may be described with reference to FIGS. 1 through 4. For example, the first sub-flow path (135A) may overlap with the first battery cell assembly (120A) in a third direction (D3). The blocking member (40) may include a body portion (45) comprising a shape memory alloy. In a second state, the blocking member (40) may expand in a first direction (D1) or a second direction (D2). In a second state, the body portion (45) may expand in a first direction (D1) or a second direction (D2).

[0143] According to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention, when the blocking member (40) recovers in an expanding direction and the first sub-flow path (135A) is closed, the cooling performance of the coolant can be maintained for a longer period, and thus other battery cell assemblies (e.g., second battery cell assembly to fifth battery cell assembly (120B~120F)) can still be cooled. According to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention, the lifespan of the coolant can be extended.

[0144] According to embodiments based on the technical concept of the present invention, even without a separate control device or control signal, the blocking member naturally deforms to recover due to the properties of the shape memory alloy, thereby producing the effect of blocking the sub-flow path from the main flow path. Therefore, the sub-flow path can be blocked from the main flow path even in situations where a thermal runaway event occurs, such as when a problem occurs with the control device or when the control signal is not transmitted normally. As a result, the effect of maintaining the performance of the coolant and extending its lifespan can be expected even in situations where a thermal runaway event occurs.

[0145] According to exemplary embodiments based on the technical concept of the present invention, a cooling method (S100) for a battery pack with improved performance and reliability can be provided.

[0146] According to exemplary embodiments based on the technical concept of the present invention, a method for cooling a battery pack (S100) with enhanced safety can be provided.

[0147]

[0148] (5th Example)

[0149] FIG. 9 is a schematic drawing illustrating a vehicle (1000) including a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0150] Referring to FIG. 9, the vehicle (1000) may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle, and may include a battery pack (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle (1000) may include a four-wheeled vehicle and a two-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle (1000) may operate by receiving power from the battery pack (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0151] As described above, the battery pack (100) may include a blocking member (40) described with reference to FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 4. Accordingly, when a thermal runaway event occurs in a battery cell assembly, a sub-flow path under the battery cell assembly can be blocked from the main flow path. Accordingly, the cooling performance of the coolant can be maintained for a longer period, and the lifespan of the coolant can be extended.

[0152] In particular, even without a separate control device or control signal, the blocking member naturally recovers to an expanded state due to the properties of the shape memory alloy, thereby creating an effect that blocks the sub-flow path from the main flow path. Therefore, the sub-flow path can be blocked from the main flow path even in situations where a thermal runaway event occurs, such as when a problem occurs with the control device or when the control signal is not transmitted normally. As a result, it is possible to expect the effect of maintaining the performance of the coolant and extending its lifespan even in the event of a thermal runaway event.

[0153] According to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention, a vehicle (1000) including a battery pack (100) with enhanced safety can be provided.

[0154] According to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention, a vehicle (1000) including a battery pack (100) with improved performance and reliability can be provided.

[0155] According to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention, a vehicle (1000) with enhanced safety can be provided.

[0156] According to embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention, a vehicle (1000) with improved performance and reliability can be provided.

[0157]

[0158] The present invention has been described in more detail above through drawings and embodiments. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments described in this specification are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all technical concepts of the present invention; therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

Claims

1. A base plate intersecting the first direction; A cooling channel comprising, within the base plate, a sub-channel and a main channel for supplying cooling water to the sub-channel; and It includes a blocking member inside the above sub-euro, and The above blocking member includes a body portion comprising a shape memory alloy, and A pack housing characterized in that, when the temperature of the blocking member rises, the length of the blocking member increases in the first direction.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above blocking member includes a first state at a first temperature and a second state at a second temperature, and The second temperature is higher than the first temperature, and A pack housing characterized in that the length in the first direction in the second state of the body part is greater than the length in the first direction in the first state of the body part.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above blocking member includes a first state at a first temperature and a second state at a second temperature, and The second temperature is higher than the first temperature, and In the first state above, the sub-flow is connected to the main flow, and A pack housing characterized in that, in the second state above, the sub-flow is blocked from the main flow.

4. In Paragraph 3, In the first state above, the coolant is supplied to the sub-flow path, and A pack housing characterized in that, in the second state above, the coolant is not supplied to the sub-flow path.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above body part includes a spring comprising the shape memory alloy, and A pack housing characterized in that, when the temperature of the blocking member rises, the spring expands in the first direction.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above blocking member further includes a fixed part and a door part, and A pack housing characterized in that, when the temperature of the battery cell assembly overlapping the sub-euro and the first direction rises, the relative position of the door portion with the fixed portion moves in the first direction.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above sub-flow channel further includes an inlet portion on the boundary with the above main flow channel, and The above blocking member is disposed within the above inlet section, and A pack housing characterized in that, when the temperature of the battery cell assembly rises, the door portion contacts the bottom surface of the inlet portion to close the sub-flow path.

8. In Paragraph 1, The above blocking member includes a first state at a first temperature and a second state at a second temperature, and The second temperature is higher than the first temperature, and The above sub-flow channel further includes an inlet portion on the boundary with the above main flow channel, and The above blocking member is disposed within the above inlet section, and In the first state above, the coolant flows into the sub-flow path through the inlet, and A pack housing characterized in that, in the second state above, the blocking member blocks the movement of the cooling water through the inlet.

9. In Paragraph 1, A pack housing characterized in that, when a thermal runaway event occurs in a battery cell assembly overlapping the sub-flow path and the first direction, the blocking member is configured to close the sub-flow path.

10. Pack housing including a base plate; A cooling channel comprising a first sub-channel and a main channel for supplying cooling water to the first sub-channel, within the base plate; A first battery cell assembly overlapping in a first direction with the first sub-flow path on the base plate; and It includes a blocking member located inside the first sub-euro, and The first battery cell assembly includes a first state at a first temperature and a second state at a second temperature, and The second temperature is higher than the first temperature, and The above blocking member includes a body portion comprising a shape memory alloy, and A battery pack characterized in that, in the second state of the first battery cell assembly, the blocking member is configured to close the first sub-flow path.

11. In Paragraph 10, A battery pack characterized in that the length in the first direction in the second state of the body part is greater than the length in the first direction in the first state.

12. In Paragraph 10, The above cooling channel further includes a second sub-flow channel, and It further includes a second battery cell assembly that overlaps the second sub-euro and the first direction, and In the first state above, the main flow path is connected to each of the first sub-flow path and the second sub-flow path, and the first sub-flow path communicates with the second sub-flow path through the main flow path, and A battery pack characterized in that, in the second state above, the first sub-flow is blocked from the second sub-flow.

13. In Paragraph 12, In the first state above, the coolant is supplied from the main path to the first sub path, and then from the first sub path through the main path to the second sub path, and A battery pack characterized in that, in the second state above, the coolant is supplied from the main path to the second sub path without passing through the first sub path.

14. In Paragraph 10, The above first state is the normal state of the above first battery cell assembly, and A battery pack characterized in that the second state is a thermal runaway state of the first battery cell assembly.

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