Leakage detection device and battery pack comprising same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a leakage detection device and a battery pack comprising same, the leakage detection device comprising: a moisture detection unit to which an absorption member is coupled; a fixing support unit for fixing the moisture detection unit to a battery pack; and an extension unit for fixing the moisture detection unit to the fixing support unit, wherein a lower end of the absorption member extends at least to a lower end of the fixing support unit. Accordingly, even if a small amount of cooling water leaks, the leakage detection device can quickly detect the leakage.

Description

Leakage detection device and battery pack including the same

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 2024-0132483 filed September 30, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the document of said Korean patent application are incorporated herein as part of this specification.

[0002] The present invention relates to a leak detection device and a battery pack including the same. Specifically, the invention relates to a leak detection device and a battery pack including the same that can ensure safety by rapidly detecting a leak of refrigerant within a cooling device in a battery pack where the sensing part of the moisture detection device does not come into contact with the bottom of the battery pack.

[0003]

[0004] Rechargeable batteries have the advantage of a long battery cell lifespan because they can be repeatedly charged and discharged. Consequently, the variety of devices using rechargeable batteries as an energy source is increasing.

[0005] In particular, lithium-ion secondary batteries, in which charging and discharging proceed through the movement of lithium ions, are used not only in small battery cells for mobile devices and small electronic products due to their high energy density and high charging voltage, but also in medium-to-large battery packs used as energy sources for electric vehicles and power storage systems that require high output and high voltage.

[0006] Since the charging and discharging processes of lithium-ion batteries generate heat, a temperature increase is inevitably accompanied not only during charging but also during normal use. Furthermore, in the case of battery packs where multiple battery cells are stacked, problems such as explosions and ignition may occur due to the heat generation.

[0007] Accordingly, a cooling device is provided inside the battery pack to suppress the temperature increase of the battery cells. However, if the refrigerant leaks from the cooling device and flows to the bottom of the battery pack, a short circuit may occur. Furthermore, if moisture penetrates into the battery cells, the electrolyte may react with the moisture, potentially depleting the electrolyte and generating hydrofluoric acid, which may cause an increase in the resistance of the positive and negative electrodes.

[0008] To prevent such problems in advance, a method of detecting leakage by installing a leakage detection sensor inside the battery pack can be used. However, when installing the leakage detection sensor, the sensing member and the sensing part are installed at a certain distance from the bottom surface to consider assembly ease, so leakage can only be detected when the height of the leaked coolant reaches the height of the sensing part.

[0009] In the case of large-capacity battery packs, because the bottom surface area of ​​the pack case is wide, a large amount of coolant leaks out before it can be detected, in order for the coolant to fill up to the height of the sensing unit.

[0010] Therefore, the time required to detect a coolant leak increases, and there is a problem in that it is difficult to detect small amounts of leaks.

[0011] In such cases, the time required for the conditions to trigger the coolant leak alarm to be met may be prolonged, and additional events caused by the coolant leak may occur during this period. As a result, since the user is not guaranteed sufficient time to ensure safety, the user may be exposed to danger.

[0012] Patent Document 1 relates to a battery pack with an added leak detection device, wherein the leak detection device includes a housing and a humidity sensor, wherein a plurality of through holes are formed in the housing and an absorbent member is installed inside, and when moisture enters through the through holes formed in the housing, the absorbent member is impregnated, and the humidity sensor inserted into the absorbent member detects the moisture and displays an alarm to the user.

[0013] Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration for detecting moisture using a leak detection device that contacts the bottom of a battery pack, but it does not provide a technology that can detect leaks quickly and accurately when using a leak detection device that is spaced apart from the bottom of the battery pack.

[0014] Therefore, considering factors such as the assemblability of the moisture detection device, there is a need for technology that can quickly detect cooling water leakage inside the battery pack even when the moisture sensing unit cannot come into contact with the bottom of the battery pack, thereby ensuring user safety.

[0015] (Prior Art Literature)

[0016] (Patent Document 1) Chinese Registered Utility Model Publication No. 215811417 (February 11, 2022)

[0017]

[0018] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problem by providing a leak detection device capable of rapidly detecting a leak even if the amount of leaked coolant is small, in the event that coolant leaks in a battery pack where the moisture sensing part does not come into contact with the bottom of the battery pack, and a battery pack including the same.

[0019]

[0020] A leak detection device according to the present invention for achieving such an objective comprises a moisture detection unit to which an absorbent member is coupled, a fixing support unit for fixing the moisture detection unit to a battery pack, and an extension unit for fixing the moisture detection unit to the fixing support unit, wherein the lower end of the absorbent member may extend to at least the lower end of the fixing support unit.

[0021] In the leak detection device according to the present invention, the moisture detection unit may include a sensing unit for detecting moisture, a wire for supplying current to the sensing unit, a housing for housing the sensing unit internally, and an absorbent member coupled to be in physical contact with the sensing unit.

[0022] In the leak detection device according to the present invention, the moisture sensing part is fixed to the fixed support part through the extension part, the lower end of the sensing part is located above the plane where the lower end of the fixed support part is located, and the sensing part may be indirectly in contact with the plane where the lower end of the fixed support part is located through the absorbing member.

[0023] The leak detection device according to the present invention may further include a display unit that indicates moisture detection of the sensing unit.

[0024] In the leak detection device according to the present invention, the absorbent member may include a fabric, a sponge, or a super absorbent polymer (SAP).

[0025] A battery pack including a leak detection device according to the present invention comprises a first receiving portion accommodating at least one battery module, a second receiving portion accommodating a BMS and electrical components for controlling and verifying the operation of the battery module and the leak detection device, and the leak detection device mounted on the bottom of the first receiving portion, wherein the lower portion of the fixed support portion of the leak detection device is fixed by being coupled to the bottom of the first receiving portion, and the lower end of the absorbing member of the leak detection device may be arranged to be in contact with the bottom of the first receiving portion.

[0026] In a battery pack including a leak detection device according to the present invention, the leak detection device may be mounted at one corner of the bottom of the first receiving portion.

[0027] In a battery pack including a leak detection device according to the present invention, the bottom of the first receiving portion is configured in a flat shape, the fixed support portion of the leak detection device is coupled to contact the flat surface of the bottom of the first receiving portion, the sensing portion of the leak detection device is arranged to be spaced apart from the bottom of the first receiving portion, and the absorbing member of the leak detection device may be configured such that its lower end contacts the bottom of the first receiving portion and at least a portion contacts the sensing portion.

[0028] In a battery pack including a leak detection device according to the present invention, a downwardly concave groove is formed in at least a portion of the bottom of the first receiving portion, and the leak detection device is located within the groove. A fixed support portion of the leak detection device is coupled to contact the bottom of the groove, and a sensing portion of the leak detection device is arranged to be spaced apart from the bottom of the groove. An absorbing member of the leak detection device may be provided such that its lower end contacts the bottom of the groove and at least a portion contacts the sensing portion.

[0029] In a battery pack including a leak detection device according to the present invention, a downwardly concave groove is formed in at least a portion of the bottom of the first receiving portion, and a moisture detection portion of the leak detection device is located within the groove, and a fixed support portion of the leak detection device is coupled to contact the bottom of the first receiving portion excluding the groove, and a sensing portion of the leak detection device is arranged to be spaced apart from the bottom of the groove, and an absorbing member of the leak detection device may be provided such that its lower end contacts the bottom of the groove and at least a portion contacts the sensing portion.

[0030] In a battery pack including a leak detection device according to the present invention, the leak detection device is mounted at one corner of the bottom of the first receiving portion, and the bottom of the first receiving portion may be configured in a slanted shape such that the portion on which the leak detection device is mounted is inclined downward.

[0031] In a battery pack including a leak detection device according to the present invention, when moisture comes into contact with an absorbing member of the leak detection device, the moisture diffused through the absorbing member comes into contact with a sensing member, and the sensing member can transmit a signal of contact with moisture to a BMS.

[0032] A device including a battery pack according to the present invention may include a control unit that receives a signal that the sensing unit of the leak detection device has come into contact with moisture, and an alarm member that displays the signal to a user as visual information or auditory information.

[0033]

[0034] The present invention can also be provided in a form that combines various means for solving the above problem.

[0035]

[0036] The present invention includes an absorbent member connecting the sensing part of the moisture detection unit to the bottom of the battery pack, so that even if the water level of the cooling water does not reach the sensing part, the sensing part can detect moisture by indirectly contacting the cooling water through the absorbent member.

[0037] In addition, by configuring the bottom of the battery pack to be inclined or forming a groove on the bottom of the battery pack, and placing a sensing unit on the underside of the incline or in the groove, it is possible to quickly detect even a small amount of coolant leakage.

[0038]

[0039] FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a battery pack with a leak detection device added according to the present invention.

[0040] Figure 2 is a partial enlarged view of Figure 1.

[0041] Figure 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the moisture sensing unit along A-A' of Figure 1.

[0042] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a part of a battery pack having a moisture detection device attached to the bottom of the battery pack according to the first embodiment.

[0043] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a part of a battery pack having a moisture detection device attached to the bottom of the battery pack according to a second embodiment.

[0044] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a part of a battery pack having a moisture detection device attached to the bottom of the battery pack according to a third embodiment.

[0045]

[0046] Embodiments that enable a person skilled in the art to easily practice the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. In describing the operating principles of the embodiments of the present invention in detail, specific descriptions of related known functions or configurations are omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the present invention.

[0047] The same reference numerals are used for parts having similar functions and operations throughout the drawings. Throughout the specification, when a part is described as being connected to another part, this includes not only cases where they are directly connected but also cases where they are indirectly connected with other elements in between. Furthermore, the inclusion of a certain component means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but rather implies that additional components may be included.

[0048] Descriptions that specify components by limiting or adding them may be applied to all inventions unless specifically limited, and are not limited to descriptions of specific inventions.

[0049] Throughout the description of the invention and claims of this application, anything indicated in the singular includes cases where it is plural unless otherwise noted.

[0050] Throughout the description of the invention and the claims of the present invention, "or" includes "and" unless otherwise noted. Therefore, "comprising A or B" means all three of the above cases: including A, including B, or including both A and B.

[0051] The present invention is described in detail with reference to the drawings and embodiments.

[0052] FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a battery pack with a leak detection device added according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 1.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the leak detection device (200) according to the present invention includes a moisture detection unit (210) to which an absorbent member (214) is coupled, a fixing support unit (220) for fixing the moisture detection unit (210) to a battery pack (100), and an extension unit (230) for fixing the moisture detection unit (210) to the fixing support unit (220).

[0054] That is, the lower part of the fixed support member (220) is attached to the bottom of the battery pack (100) to be stably fixed, and the position of the moisture detection member (210) can be fixed by the extension member (230), which extends from the outer periphery of one side of the upper part of the moisture detection member (210), being coupled to the fixed support member (220). At this time, the lower end of the moisture detection member (210) may be located above the lower end of the fixed support member (220), or the lower end of the moisture detection member (210) and the lower end of the fixed support member (220) may be located on the same plane.

[0055] However, the lower end of the absorbing member (214) combined with the moisture sensing member (210) extends to at least the lower end of the fixed support member (220), and since the lower part of the fixed support member (220) is attached to the bottom of the battery pack (100), the lower end of the absorbing member (214) can be understood to be in contact with the bottom of the battery pack (100).

[0056] In this way, since the absorbing member (214) is in contact with the bottom of the battery pack (100), the absorbing member (214) can absorb the cooling water even when the level of the cooling water leaked from the cooling device inside the battery pack (100) is low.

[0057] Therefore, even if the amount of coolant leakage is small, rapid moisture detection is possible, which can prevent additional problems caused by coolant leakage in advance.

[0058] Referring again to FIG. 1, the battery pack (100) according to the present invention comprises a first receiving portion (110) in which at least one battery module is received, a second receiving portion (120) in which a BMS and electrical components for controlling and verifying the operation of the at least one battery module and the leak detection device (200) are received, and a leak detection device (200) mounted on the bottom of the first receiving portion (110). The leak detection device (200) is stably fixed to the battery pack (100) by the lower part of the fixed support portion (220) being coupled to the bottom of the first receiving portion (110), and the lower end of the absorbing member (214) of the leak detection device (200) is positioned to be in contact with the bottom of the first receiving portion (110).

[0059] Since battery modules can be compactly mounted in the first receiving section (110) considering the energy density of the battery pack, the leak detection device (200) can be mounted at one corner of the bottom of the first receiving section (110) considering the arrangement of the battery modules.

[0060] Figure 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the moisture sensing unit along A-A' of Figure 1.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 3, the moisture sensing unit (210) according to the present invention includes a sensing unit (211) for sensing moisture, a wire (212) for supplying current to the sensing unit (211), a housing (213) for housing the sensing unit (211) inside, and an absorbing member (214) coupled to be in physical contact with the sensing unit (211).

[0062] The absorbent member (214) may be one or more selected from the group including fabric, sponge, or SAP (super absorbent polymer).

[0063] The sensing part (211) may come into contact with the top or at least a part of the absorbing member (214), or may be inserted into the absorbing member (214) in surface contact, or may be arranged so that the absorbing member (214) contacts and surrounds the sensing part (211).

[0064] Referring to FIG. 2, the moisture sensing unit (210) is fixed to the fixed support unit (220) through the extension unit (230), the lower end of the sensing unit (211) is located above the plane where the lower end of the fixed support unit (220) is located, and the sensing unit (211) can be indirectly contacted with the plane where the lower end of the fixed support unit (220) is located through the absorbing member (214).

[0065] In one specific example, when moisture is detected by the sensing unit (211), a display unit (not shown) indicating moisture detection may be further included. The display unit may be a means for displaying a color on the outside of the leak detection device (200) or a form for displaying a sound alarm.

[0066] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a part of a battery pack having a moisture detection device attached to the bottom of the battery pack according to the first embodiment.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 4, the bottom of the first receiving portion (110) is configured in a flat shape, and the fixed support portion (220) of the leak detection device (200) is coupled to contact the flat surface of the bottom of the first receiving portion (110), and the sensing portion (211) of the leak detection device (200) is positioned to be spaced apart from the bottom of the first receiving portion (110), and the absorbing member (214) of the leak detection device (200) is configured such that its lower end contacts the bottom of the first receiving portion (110) and at least a portion contacts the sensing portion (211).

[0068] In one specific example, a leak detection device (200) is mounted on one corner of the bottom of the first receiving section (110), and the bottom of the first receiving section (110) may be configured in a slanted shape so that the part where the leak detection device (200) is mounted slopes downward.

[0069] In this case, if the coolant leaks, the coolant can move along the slope of the bottom of the battery pack and collect in the leak detection device (200), so even if a small amount of coolant leaks, it can be detected quickly.

[0070] When moisture comes into contact with the absorbing member (214) of the leak detection device (200), the moisture diffused through the absorbing member (214) comes into contact with the sensing unit (211), and the sensing unit (211) can transmit a signal of contact with moisture to the BMS.

[0071] If the battery pack (100) is equipped with a display unit or a speaker that displays a leak notification, when a leak signal is transmitted to the BMS, the signal can be displayed on the display unit or through the speaker.

[0072] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a part of a battery pack having a moisture detection device attached to the bottom of the battery pack according to a second embodiment.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 5, a downwardly concave groove (111) is formed in at least a portion of the bottom of the first receiving portion (110), and a leak detection device (200) is located within the groove (111), and a fixed support portion (220) of the leak detection device (200) is coupled to contact the bottom of the groove (111). The sensing portion (211) of the leak detection device (200) is positioned so as to be spaced apart from the bottom of the groove (111), and the absorbing member (214) of the leak detection device (200) has its lower end in contact with the bottom of the groove (111) and is provided so that at least a portion contacts the sensing portion (211).

[0074] Therefore, even if a small amount of coolant leaks, the leaked coolant can be collected in the groove (111), so moisture can be quickly detected through the absorbent member (214) of the leak detection device (200) fixed in the groove (111).

[0075] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a part of a battery pack having a moisture detection device attached to the bottom of the battery pack according to a third embodiment.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 6, a downwardly concave groove (111) is formed in at least a portion of the bottom of the first receiving portion (110), and the moisture detection portion (210) of the leak detection device (200) is located within the groove (111). The fixed support portion (220) of the leak detection device (200) is coupled to contact the bottom of the first receiving portion (110) excluding the groove (111), and the sensing portion (211) of the leak detection device (200) is positioned so as to be spaced apart from the bottom of the groove (111). The absorbing member (214) of the leak detection device (200) has its lower end in contact with the bottom of the groove (111) and is provided to contact at least a portion of the sensing portion (211).

[0077] Therefore, even if a small amount of coolant leaks, the leaked coolant can be collected in the groove (111), so moisture can be quickly detected through the absorbent member (214) fixed in the groove (111).

[0078] In one specific example, the device including the battery pack may be, for example, an electric vehicle, and may include a control unit that receives a signal that the sensing unit (211) of the leak detection device (200) has come into contact with moisture, and an alarm member that displays the signal to the user as visual or auditory information.

[0079] Specifically, in the battery pack illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, the leak detection device (200) may include a terminal (215) that is connected to the BMS or electrically connected to an external alarm member, and the instrument panel of the electric vehicle may display the signal of the battery pack. When moisture comes into contact with the sensing unit (214), the signal is transmitted to the control unit through the terminal (215), and the control unit may convert the signal into visual information and display it on the instrument panel. Alternatively, the signal indicating that moisture has come into contact with the sensing unit (214) may be converted into auditory information and notified to the user through a speaker placed inside the electric vehicle.

[0080] Users who recognize this information can quickly escape from the electric vehicle, thereby ensuring their safety quickly before a secondary accident caused by coolant leakage occurs.

[0081]

[0082] A person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains would be able to perform various applications and modifications within the scope of the present invention based on the above content.

[0083] (Explanation of symbols)

[0084] 100: Battery pack

[0085] 110: 1st Internment Unit

[0086] 111: Homeboo

[0087] 120: Second Internment Unit

[0088] 200: Leak detection device

[0089] 210: Moisture sensor

[0090] 211: Sensing unit

[0091] 212: Wire

[0092] 213: Housing

[0093] 214: Absorbent member

[0094] 215: Terminal

[0095] 220: Fixed support

[0096] 230: Extension part

Claims

1. A moisture sensing part to which an absorbent member is coupled; A fixing support for fixing the above moisture sensing unit to the battery pack; and An extension part for fixing the above moisture sensing part to the above fixed support part; Includes, A leak detection device in which the lower end of the absorbing member extends at least to the lower end of the fixed support member.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above moisture sensing unit is, A sensing unit that detects moisture; A wire supplying current to the above-mentioned sensing unit; A housing that accommodates the above-mentioned sensing unit inside; and An absorbing member coupled to physically contact the above-mentioned sensing part; A leak detection device including 3. In Paragraph 2, The above moisture sensing unit is fixed to the fixed support through the extension, and The lower end of the sensing part is located above the plane where the lower end of the fixed support part is located, and The above sensing part is a leak detection device in which an indirect contact state is formed with a plane where the lower end of the fixed support part is located through the above absorbing member.

4. In Paragraph 2, A leak detection device further comprising a display unit indicating moisture detection of the above-mentioned sensing unit.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above absorbent member is a leak detection device comprising a fabric, a sponge, or a super absorbent polymer (SAP).

6. A battery pack comprising a leakage detection device according to paragraphs 1 to 5, A first receiving portion that accommodates at least one battery module; A second receiving section for accommodating a BMS and electrical components for controlling and verifying the operation of the battery module and the leakage detection device; and The leak detection device mounted on the bottom of the first receiving section; Includes, The above leak detection device is fixed by connecting the lower part of the fixed support to the bottom of the first receiving part, and A battery pack in which the lower end of the absorbing member of the above-mentioned leak detection device is positioned to be in contact with the bottom of the first receiving portion.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above leak detection device is a battery pack mounted on one corner of the bottom of the first receiving section.

8. In Paragraph 6, The bottom of the first receiving section is configured in a flat shape, and The fixed support portion of the leak detection device is coupled to contact the flat surface of the bottom of the first receiving portion, and the sensing portion of the leak detection device is positioned spaced apart from the bottom of the first receiving portion. The absorbing member of the above-mentioned leak detection device is a battery pack configured such that its lower end contacts the bottom of the first receiving portion and at least a portion contacts the sensing portion.

9. In Paragraph 6, A downwardly concave groove is formed in at least a portion of the bottom of the first receiving portion, and The above leak detection device is located within the above groove, and The fixed support portion of the leak detection device is coupled to contact the bottom of the groove, and the sensing portion of the leak detection device is positioned spaced apart from the bottom of the groove. A battery pack in which the absorbing member of the above-described leak detection device has its lower end in contact with the bottom of the groove and at least a portion in contact with the sensing part.

10. In Paragraph 6, A downwardly concave groove is formed in at least a portion of the bottom of the first receiving portion, and The moisture detection part of the above-mentioned leak detection device is located within the above-mentioned groove, and The fixed support portion of the leak detection device is coupled to contact the bottom of the first receiving portion excluding the groove portion, and the sensing portion of the leak detection device is positioned to be spaced apart from the bottom of the groove portion. A battery pack in which the absorbing member of the above-described leak detection device has its lower end in contact with the bottom of the groove and at least a portion in contact with the sensing part.

11. In the 8th, The above leak detection device is mounted on one corner of the bottom of the first receiving section, and A battery pack in which the bottom of the first receiving portion is configured in a slanted shape so that the portion equipped with the leak detection device slopes downward.

12. In Paragraph 6, When moisture comes into contact with the absorbent member of the above-mentioned leak detection device, the moisture diffused through the absorbent member comes into contact with the sensing part, and The above-mentioned sensing unit is a battery pack that transmits a signal of contact with moisture to the BMS.

13. A device comprising a battery pack according to paragraph 6, A device comprising a control unit that receives a signal when a sensing unit of the above-mentioned leak detection device comes into contact with moisture, and an alarm member that displays the signal to a user as visual or auditory information.

Images