Battery device

Abstract

The technical idea of the present invention comprises: a housing including a first mounting region, a second mounting region, a first cooling channel extending through the first mounting region, and a second cooling channel extending through the second mounting region; a first cell assembly mounted on the first mounting region of the housing; a second cell assembly mounted on the second mounting region of the housing; and a valve mounted on the housing and including a first port connected to the first cooling channel, a second port connected to the second cooling channel, and a third port, wherein the valve is configured to open or close the first port and the second port to allow or block the flow of a cooling fluid through the first port and the second port.

Description

battery device

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery device. The present application claims the benefit of Korean application No. 10-2024-0139300, filed on October 14, 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 secondary batteries for mobility is the improvement of energy density and safety. The safety of secondary batteries for mobility is critical as it is directly related to the lives of passengers. The safety of secondary 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 battery device.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned problem, the technical concept of the present invention provides a battery device comprising: a housing including a first mounting area, a second mounting area, a first cooling channel passing through the first mounting area, and a second cooling channel passing through the second mounting area; a first cell assembly mounted on the first mounting area of ​​the housing; a second cell assembly mounted on the second mounting area of ​​the housing; and a valve mounted on the housing and including a first port connected to the first cooling channel, a second port connected to the second cooling channel, and a third port; wherein the valve is configured to open and close the first port and the second port to allow or block the flow of cooling fluid through the first port and the second port.

[0006] In exemplary embodiments, the housing further comprises: a base frame including the first cooling channel and the second cooling channel; and a side frame coupled to the perimeter of the base frame to surround the first cell assembly and the second cell assembly, on which the valve is mounted.

[0007] In exemplary embodiments, the first cooling channel and the second cooling channel extend in a first direction within the base frame, and the side frame comprises a first side wall and a second side wall opposite to the first direction, and a third side wall and a fourth side wall opposite to the second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the first side wall comprises a first channel communicating with the first port of the valve and a second channel communicating with the second port of the valve.

[0008] In exemplary embodiments, the housing further comprises: a first transfer pipe including a first channel extending between the first channel of the first side wall and the first cooling channel, which is coupled to the edge portion of the base frame; and a second transfer pipe including a second channel extending between the second channel of the second side wall and the second cooling channel, which is coupled to the edge portion of the base frame; wherein the first channel of the first side wall and the first channel of the first transfer pipe form a first connection channel configured to connect the first port of the valve and the first cooling channel, and the second channel of the second side wall and the second channel of the second transfer pipe form a second connection channel configured to connect the second port of the valve and the second cooling channel.

[0009] In exemplary embodiments, the second sidewall comprises a first channel communicating with the first cooling channel and a second channel communicating with the second cooling channel, the third sidewall comprises a first channel extending between the first channel of the first sidewall and the first channel of the second sidewall, and the fourth sidewall comprises a second channel extending between the second channel of the first sidewall and the second channel of the second sidewall, wherein the first channel of the first sidewall, the first channel of the third sidewall, and the first channel of the second sidewall form a first connecting channel configured to connect the first port of the valve and the first cooling channel, and the second channel of the first sidewall, the second channel of the fourth sidewall, and the second channel of the second sidewall form a second connecting channel configured to connect the second port of the valve and the second cooling channel.

[0010] In exemplary embodiments, the first side wall is characterized by including a hole into which the valve is inserted.

[0011] In exemplary embodiments, the valve is characterized by being accommodated within the housing and positioned between the first cell assembly and the first side wall.

[0012] In exemplary embodiments, the third port of the valve is characterized as being an inlet into which a cooling fluid supplied from the outside flows.

[0013] In exemplary embodiments, the third port of the valve is characterized as being an outlet for discharging cooling fluid to the outside.

[0014] In exemplary embodiments, the housing further comprises: a base frame having the valve mounted thereon and including the first cooling channel and the second cooling channel; and a side frame coupled to the perimeter of the base frame to surround the first cell assembly and the second cell assembly.

[0015] In exemplary embodiments, the valve is configured to open both the first port and the second port to allow the cooling fluid to flow through the first cooling channel and the second cooling channel, and is characterized in that the first port is opened and the second port is closed to allow the cooling fluid to flow into the first cooling channel and block the cooling fluid from flowing into the second cooling channel.

[0016] In exemplary embodiments, the valve is characterized as being an electronic valve.

[0017] In exemplary embodiments, it is characterized by further including a BMS (BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM) configured to control the valve.

[0018] In exemplary embodiments, the BMS is configured to control the valve such that both the first port and the second port are opened when the first cell assembly and the cell assembly are within a predetermined temperature range.

[0019] In exemplary embodiments, when the first cell assembly exceeds a predetermined temperature, the BMS is configured to control the valve such that the first port is opened and the second port is closed.

[0020] According to exemplary embodiments, the battery device may have a valve-housing integrated structure in which a valve configured to control the flow of a cooling fluid is directly mounted in the housing. In the case of a valve-housing integrated structure, since separate piping is not required to connect the valve and the housing, the manufacturing cost of the battery device can be reduced.

[0021] According to the battery device of exemplary embodiments, when a thermal event, such as thermal runaway, occurs in one of the cell assemblies of the battery device, a cooling fluid can be intensively supplied to the area where the cell assembly where the thermal event occurred is mounted to intensively cool the cell assembly where the thermal event occurred. Accordingly, heat transfer within the battery device can be delayed and prevented, and the safety of the battery device can be enhanced.

[0022] 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.

[0023] FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2 are plan views showing a battery device according to exemplary embodiments.

[0024] Figure 3 is a drawing showing the valve separated into a housing.

[0025] FIGS. 4 to 6 are plan views illustrating a cooling method for a battery device according to exemplary embodiments.

[0026] FIGS. 7 to 9 are plan views illustrating a cooling method for a battery device according to exemplary embodiments.

[0027] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a part of a battery device according to exemplary embodiments.

[0028] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view along the line XI-XI' of Figure 10.

[0029] FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a part of a battery device according to exemplary embodiments.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034]

[0035] (1st embodiment)

[0036] FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2 are plan views showing a battery device (10) according to exemplary embodiments. FIGS. 2 shows the battery device (10) of FIG. 1 with some components omitted.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the battery device (10) may include a housing (100), a plurality of cell assemblies (200), a valve (310), and a BMS (BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM) (330).

[0038] The housing (100) may provide an internal space for accommodating a plurality of cell assemblies (200). The housing (100) may include a base frame (110) and a side frame (120).

[0039] A base frame (110) can support a plurality of cell assemblies (200). The base frame (110) may have a flat plate shape extending approximately in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). The base frame (110) may be composed of a plurality of segments arranged in the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). Each of the plurality of segments constituting the base frame (110) may have a flat plate shape extending approximately in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) and may be manufactured through an extrusion process. The plurality of segments constituting the base frame (110) may be joined together by welding.

[0040] A base frame (110) may include a plurality of cooling channels configured to allow a cooling fluid to flow. Each of the plurality of cooling channels may extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) within the base frame (110) and may provide a passage for guiding the cooling fluid in the first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction). The plurality of cooling channels may be spaced apart from each other in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). While the plurality of cooling fluids flow along the cooling channels, cooling may be performed on a plurality of cell assemblies (200) mounted on the base frame (110). The cooling fluid may include a coolant and / or a refrigerant.

[0041] A cooling fluid supply unit (410) provided outside the housing (100) may be configured to supply cooling fluid to the housing (100) and to recover cooling fluid discharged from the housing (100). The cooling fluid supply unit (410) may include a heat exchanger configured to control the temperature of the cooling fluid, a pump configured to pump the cooling fluid, and pipes for delivering the cooling fluid. The cooling fluid supply unit (410) may be configured to perform actions such as controlling the cooling fluid to a predetermined temperature using the heat exchanger, supplying the cooling fluid controlled to a predetermined temperature to the housing (100), recovering cooling fluid discharged from the housing (100), and controlling the cooling fluid to a predetermined temperature.

[0042] The base frame (110) may provide a plurality of mounting areas in which a plurality of cell assemblies (200) are mounted. The base frame (110) may provide two or more mounting areas. In the present disclosure, each mounting area of ​​the base frame (110) may be an area in which independent temperature control is performed using a cooling fluid. When the base frame (110) has a plurality of mounting areas, independent temperature control for each of the plurality of mounting areas of the base frame (110) can be realized by controlling the flow rate, temperature, etc. of the cooling fluid passing through each of the plurality of mounting areas of the base frame (110). Hereinafter, the description will be based on the case in which the base frame (110) has a first mounting area (R1) and a second mounting area (R2) in which at least one cell assembly (200) is mounted.

[0043] The base frame (110) may include at least one first cooling channel (113a) passing through a first mounting area (R1) of the base frame (110) and at least one second cooling channel (113b) passing through a second mounting area (R2) of the base frame (110). The first cooling channel (113a) may extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) between the first edge and the second edge of the base frame (110) and may extend across the first mounting area (R1) of the base frame (110) in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction). The second cooling channel (113b) may extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) between the first edge and the second edge of the base frame (110) and may extend across the second mounting area (R2) of the base frame (110) in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction). In exemplary embodiments, the base frame (110) may include a plurality of first cooling channels (113a) passing through a first mounting area (R1) of the base frame (110) and a plurality of second cooling channels (113b) passing through a second mounting area (R2) of the base frame (110).

[0044] A side frame (120) can be coupled to a base frame (110). The side frame (120) can be coupled to the perimeter of the base frame (110) and can extend along the perimeter of the base frame (110). The side frame (120) can extend continuously along the perimeter of the base frame (110) to surround a plurality of cell assemblies (200). When viewed in a planar view, the side frame (120) may have a shape of a roughly square ring. The side frame (120) can define an internal space in which a plurality of cell assemblies (200) are accommodated together with the base frame (110). The housing (100) may further include a top cover (not shown) coupled to the side frame (120) and covering a plurality of cell assemblies (200).

[0045] The side frame (120) may include a first side wall (121) and a second side wall (122) opposite in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction), and a third side wall (123) and a fourth side wall (124) opposite in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). The first side wall (121) may be attached to a first edge portion of the base frame (110), and the second side wall (122) may be attached to a second edge portion of the base frame (110) opposite to the first edge portion of the base frame (110). The third side wall (123) may be attached to a third edge portion of the base frame (110) and may extend from the first side wall (121) to the second side wall (122). The fourth side wall (124) can be joined to the fourth edge of the base frame (110) opposite to the third edge of the base frame (110) and can extend from the first side wall (121) to the second side wall (122).

[0046] A plurality of cell assemblies (200) may be arranged in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) and / or a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) of the base frame (110). Each cell assembly (200) may correspond to a battery module or a cell-to-pack unit.

[0047] Each individual cell assembly (200) may include a plurality of battery cells (250). Each individual battery cell (250) is a basic unit of a lithium-ion battery, i.e., a secondary battery. Each individual battery cell (250) may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a cell case. The electrode assembly embedded in the cell case may include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. Depending on the assembly form, the electrode assembly may be either a jelly-roll type or a stack type. A jelly-roll type electrode assembly may include a wound structure of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between them. A stack type electrode assembly may include a plurality of positive electrodes, a plurality of negative electrodes, and a plurality of separators interposed between them, which are stacked sequentially. The positive electrode may include a positive current collector and a positive active material. The negative electrode may include a negative current collector and a negative active material.

[0048] The individual battery cells (250) may correspond to pouch-type battery cells, cylindrical battery cells, or prismatic battery cells. The electrode assembly of a pouch-type battery cell is provided within a pouch case containing an aluminum laminate sheet. The electrode assembly of a cylindrical battery cell is provided within a cylindrical metal can. The electrode assembly of a prismatic battery cell is provided within a prismatic metal can.

[0049] A plurality of battery cells (250) provided in an individual cell assembly (200) may be connected in series and / or in parallel. For example, a plurality of battery cells (250) may be connected in series with each other. For example, a plurality of battery cells (250) may be connected in parallel with each other. For example, when a set of two or more battery cells (250) connected in parallel is defined as a bank, one bank consisting of two or more battery cells (250) connected in parallel with each other and another bank consisting of two or more battery cells (250) connected in parallel with each other may be connected in series.

[0050] In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of battery cells (250) may be arranged in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction), and individual battery cells (250) may be extended in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). An electrode lead may be provided at least one of the two ends of an individual battery cell (250) along the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). The electrode leads of adjacent battery cells (250) among the plurality of battery cells (250) may be electrically and physically connected to each other.

[0051] A plurality of cell assemblies (200) can each be thermally and physically bonded to a base frame (110) by a thermally conductive adhesive layer. The thermally conductive adhesive layer may include a thermal resin and / or a thermal interface material (TIM).

[0052] A plurality of cell assemblies (200) may include at least one first cell assembly (210) mounted on a first mounting area (R1) of a base frame (110) and at least one second cell assembly (220) mounted on a second mounting area (R2) of a base frame (110). A battery cell (250) included in the first cell assembly (210) may be referred to as the first battery cell, and a battery cell (250) included in the second cell assembly (220) may be referred to as the second battery cell. The housing (100) may include a center beam (191) that separates or partitions the first mounting area (R1) and the second mounting area (R2) of the base frame (110). The first cell assembly (210) and the second cell assembly (220) may be spaced apart in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) with the center beam (191) in between. In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of cell assemblies (200) may include two or more first cell assemblies (210) arranged in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) on a first mounting area (R1) of a base frame (110), and two or more second cell assemblies (220) arranged in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) on a second mounting area (R2) of a base frame (110).

[0053] The valve (310) may be mounted in the housing (100). In exemplary embodiments, the valve (310) may be mounted on the first side wall (121) of the side frame (120) of the housing (100). The valve (310) may be accommodated within the housing (100) together with the cell assemblies (200). The valve (310) may be positioned between the first cell assembly (210) and the first side wall (121). The valve (310) may be positioned in the flow path of the cooling fluid provided in the housing (100) and configured to control the flow direction of the cooling fluid. In exemplary embodiments, the valve (310) may be configured to allow or block the supply of cooling fluid to the first mounting area (R1) of the base frame (110) and to allow or block the supply of cooling fluid to the second mounting area (R2) of the base frame (110). The valve (310) may be an electronic valve controllable by an electronic signal. For example, the valve (310) may include a solenoid valve.

[0054] The valve (310) may include three or more ports. Each of the ports of the valve (310) may be an inlet port having an inlet for the inflow of cooling fluid or an outlet port having an outlet for the discharge of cooling fluid. The valve (310) may be configured to open and close each port. If the port of the valve (310) is an inlet port, the inlet port of the valve (310) may be opened to allow the inflow of cooling fluid through the inlet port of the valve (310), and the inlet port of the valve (310) may be closed to block the inflow of cooling fluid through the inlet port of the valve (310). If the port of the valve (310) is an outlet port, the outlet port of the valve (310) may be opened to allow the discharge of cooling fluid through the outlet port of the valve (310), and the outlet port of the valve (310) may be closed to block the discharge of cooling fluid through the outlet port of the valve (310). In exemplary embodiments, the valve (310) may be a three-way valve. In exemplary embodiments, the valve (310) may be a three-way valve having one inlet port and two outlet ports. In exemplary embodiments, the valve (310) may be a three-way valve having two inlet ports and one outlet port.

[0055] The valve (310) may include a first port (311) connected to a first cooling channel (113a) of the base frame (110), a second port (312) connected to a second cooling channel (113b) of the base frame (110), and a third port (313) connected to a cooling fluid supply unit (410). The valve (310) may be configured to open and close the first port (311) and the second port (312) to allow or block the flow of cooling fluid through the first port (311) and the second port (312). In exemplary embodiments, the third port (313) may be an inlet port including an inlet into which cooling fluid supplied from the cooling fluid supply unit (410) flows, and the first port (311) and the second port (312) may each be outlet ports into which cooling fluid is discharged. In exemplary embodiments, the third port (313) may be an outlet port including an outlet through which a cooling fluid is discharged, and the first port (311) and the second port (312) may each be an inlet port through which a cooling fluid is introduced.

[0056] When cooling is performed for a first cell assembly (210) mounted on a first mounting area (R1) of a base frame (110) and a second cell assembly (220) mounted on a second mounting area (R2), the valve (310) may open a first port (311) and a second port (312) so that cooling fluid is supplied to the first cooling channel (113a) and the second cooling channel (113b) of the base frame (110). When cooling is performed for the first cell assembly (210) and cooling is stopped for the second cell assembly (220), the valve (310) may open the first port (311) and close the second port (312) to supply cooling fluid to the first cooling channel (113a) of the base frame (110) and to block the supply of cooling fluid to the second cooling channel (113b) of the base frame (110). When cooling for the first cell assembly (210) is stopped and cooling for the second cell assembly (220) is proceeded, the valve (310) can open the second port (312) and close the first port (311) in order to supply cooling fluid to the second cooling channel (113b) of the base frame (110) and block the supply of cooling fluid to the first cooling channel (113a) of the base frame (110).

[0057] In exemplary embodiments, the housing (100) may include a first connecting channel (160) extending between a first cooling channel (113a) of the base frame (110) and a first port (311) of the valve (310), and may include a second connecting channel (170) extending between a second cooling channel (113b) of the base frame (110) and a second port (312) of the valve (310). When the third port (313) is an inlet port into which cooling fluid supplied from the cooling fluid supply unit (410) flows and the first port (311) is an outlet port, the cooling fluid may flow through the third port (313), the first port (311), the first connecting channel (160), and the first cooling channel (113a) of the valve (310) in sequence and then be returned to the cooling fluid supply unit (410). When the third port (313) is an inlet port into which the cooling fluid supplied from the cooling fluid supply unit (410) flows and the second port (312) is an outlet port, the cooling fluid can be recovered to the cooling fluid supply unit (410) after flowing sequentially through the third port (313), the second port (312), the second connection channel (170), and the second cooling channel (113b) of the valve (310). When the third port (313) is an outlet port for discharging the cooling fluid to the cooling fluid supply unit (410) and the first port (311) is an inlet port, the cooling fluid can be recovered to the cooling fluid supply unit (410) after flowing sequentially through the first cooling channel (113a), the first connection channel (160), the first port (311), and the third port (313). When the third port (313) is an outlet port for discharging cooling fluid to the cooling fluid supply unit (410) and the second port (312) is an inlet port, the cooling fluid can be recovered to the cooling fluid supply unit (410) after flowing through the second cooling channel (113b), the second connecting channel (170), the second port (312), and the third port (313) in sequence.

[0058] The housing (100) may include a first transfer pipe (131) and a second transfer pipe (133) coupled to a second edge portion of the base frame (110), and a third transfer pipe (150) coupled to a first edge portion of the base frame (110). The first transfer pipe (131), the second transfer pipe (133), and the third transfer pipe (150) may be provided on the outside of the base frame (110) and the side frame (120).

[0059] The first transfer pipe (131) may include a first channel (163) communicating with the first cooling channel (113a) and may form part of a first connecting channel (160) configured to connect the first port (311) of the valve (310) with the first cooling channel (113a). The first channel (163) of the first transfer pipe (131) may be fluidly connected to a plurality of first cooling channels (113a) of the base frame (110). The first transfer pipe (131) may include a portion coupled to the third side wall (123) of the side frame (120) and a portion coupled to the second edge portion of the base frame (110).

[0060] The second transfer pipe (133) may include a second channel (173) communicating with the second cooling channel (113b) and may form part of a second connecting channel (170) configured to connect the second port (312) of the valve (310) with the second cooling channel (113b). The second channel (173) of the second transfer pipe (133) may be fluidly connected to a plurality of second cooling channels (113b) of the base frame (110). The second transfer pipe (133) may include a portion coupled to the fourth side wall (124) of the side frame (120) and a portion coupled to the second edge portion of the base frame (110).

[0061] The third transfer pipe (150) may include a channel (151) communicating with the first cooling channel (113a) and the second cooling channel (113b). The channel (151) of the third transfer pipe (150) may be configured to transfer cooling fluid between the first cooling channel (113a) and the cooling fluid supply unit (410), and may also be configured to transfer cooling fluid between the second cooling channel (113b) and the cooling fluid supply unit (410).

[0062] In exemplary embodiments, the valve (310) may be mounted on a first side wall (121) of a side frame (120). The first side wall (121) may include a first channel (161) directly connected to a first port (311) of the valve (310) and a second channel (171) directly connected to a second port (312) of the valve (310). The first channel (161) of the first side wall (121) may form part of a first connection channel (160) configured to connect the first port (311) of the valve (310) and a first cooling channel (113a). The second channel (171) of the first side wall (121) may form part of a second connection channel (170) configured to connect the second port (312) of the valve (310) and a second cooling channel (113b).

[0063] In exemplary embodiments, the first connection channel (160) may include a first channel (161) of the first sidewall (121) and a first channel (163) of the first transfer pipe (131) that are sequentially connected. In exemplary embodiments, the cooling fluid supplied from the cooling fluid supply unit (410) may be returned to the cooling fluid supply unit (410) after sequentially flowing through the third port (313) of the valve (310), the first port (311) of the valve (310), the first channel (161) of the first sidewall (121), the first channel (163) of the first transfer pipe (131), a plurality of first cooling channels (113a) and the channel (151) of the third transfer pipe (150). In exemplary embodiments, the cooling fluid supplied from the cooling fluid supply unit (410) can be recovered to the cooling fluid supply unit (410) after sequentially flowing through the channel (151) of the third transfer pipe (150), a plurality of first cooling channels (113a), the first channel (163) of the first transfer pipe (131), the first channel (161) of the first side wall (121), the first port (311) of the valve (310), and the third port (313) of the valve (310).

[0064] In exemplary embodiments, the second connection channel (170) may include a second channel (171) of the first sidewall (121) and a second channel (173) of the second transfer pipe (133) that are sequentially connected. In exemplary embodiments, the cooling fluid supplied from the cooling fluid supply unit (410) may be returned to the cooling fluid supply unit (410) after sequentially flowing through the third port (313) of the valve (310), the second port (312) of the valve (310), the second channel (171) of the first sidewall (121), the second channel (173) of the second transfer pipe (133), a plurality of second cooling channels (113b), and the channel (151) of the third transfer pipe (150). In exemplary embodiments, the cooling fluid supplied from the cooling fluid supply unit (410) can be recovered to the cooling fluid supply unit (410) after sequentially flowing through the channel (151) of the third transfer pipe (150), a plurality of second cooling channels (113b), the second channel (173) of the second transfer pipe (133), the second channel (171) of the first side wall (121), the second port (312) of the valve (310), and the third port (313) of the valve (310).

[0065] The BMS (330) may be housed within the housing (100) and may be placed on the base frame (110). The BMS (330) may be interposed between a plurality of cell assemblies (200) and a first side wall (121). The BMS (330) may be configured to perform monitoring, balancing, and control of the battery device (10). Monitoring of the battery device (10) may include measuring the voltage and current of specific nodes within the plurality of cell assemblies (200) and measuring the temperature of set locations within the battery device (10). The battery device (10) may include measuring instruments for measuring the voltage, current, and temperature described above.

[0066] Balancing of the battery device (10) is an operation that reduces deviations between multiple cell assemblies (200). Control of the battery device (10) includes preventing overcharging, over-discharging, and overcurrent. Through monitoring, balancing, and control, the battery device (10) can operate under optimal conditions, and accordingly, the shortening of the lifespan of each of the multiple cell assemblies (200) can be prevented.

[0067] The BMS (330) may be configured to control the valve (310). The BMS (330) may generate a control signal to regulate the open / closed state of the first port (311) and the open / closed state of the second port (312) of the valve (310), and may control the valve (310) by applying the generated control signal to the valve (310). In exemplary embodiments, the first cell assembly (210) and the second cell assembly (220) may each include a temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of the battery cell (250). The BMS (330) can control the valve (310) based on the temperature of the first cell assembly (210) detected by the temperature sensor of the first cell assembly (210) (or the temperature of the battery cell (250) included in the first cell assembly (210)) and the temperature of the second cell assembly (220) detected by the temperature sensor of the second cell assembly (220) (or the temperature of the battery cell (250) included in the second cell assembly (220).

[0068] The BMS (330) may be connected to the valve (310) to enable signal transmission. Communication between the BMS (330) and the valve (310) may be wired or wireless. In exemplary embodiments, the BMS (330) may be connected to the valve (310) to enable signal transmission via a wire, harness, etc. In exemplary embodiments, the BMS (330) may be connected to the valve (310) via wireless communication, and the BMS (330) and the valve (310) may each include an antenna for transmitting and receiving wireless signals.

[0069] In exemplary embodiments, control of the valve (310) may be performed by a controller of an external device in which the battery device (10) is mounted. For example, the battery device (10) may be mounted in an electric vehicle, and the controller of the electric vehicle may be responsible for controlling the valve (310).

[0070] In the battery device (10), the remaining components, excluding the plurality of cell assemblies (200), may form a battery cooling structure. The housing (100), valve (310), and BMS (330) may collectively form a battery cooling structure.

[0071] Figure 3 is a drawing showing the valve (310) separated into a housing (100).

[0072] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, the first side wall (121) may include a hole (1211) into which a portion of the valve (310) is inserted. A first channel (161) and a second channel (171) provided in the first side wall (121) may communicate with the hole (1211) of the first side wall (121). The valve (310) may be mounted on the inner side of the first side wall (121). The valve (310) may be mounted on the inner side of the first side wall (121) so that the hole (1211) is not exposed to the internal space of the housing (100) in which the cell assemblies (200) are accommodated. Alternatively, the valve (310) may be mounted on the outer side of the first side wall (121). The valve (310) may be fastened to the first side wall (121) by a fastening member such as a bolt.

[0073]

[0074] (2nd Example)

[0075] FIGS. 4 to 6 are plan views illustrating a cooling method of a battery device (10) according to exemplary embodiments. In FIGS. 4 to 6, the flow direction of the cooling fluid is indicated by an arrow. In FIGS. 4 to 6, the third port (313) of the valve (310) is an inlet port including an inlet into which the cooling fluid supplied from the cooling fluid supply unit (410) flows, and the first port (311) and the second port (312) of the valve (310) are each outlet ports into which the cooling fluid is discharged. Hereinafter, a cooling method of a battery device (10) according to exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6 together with FIG. 1.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 4, when the temperature of the first cell assembly (210) and the temperature of the second cell assembly (220) are both within a predetermined normal temperature range, the valve (310) can control the flow of cooling fluid so that cooling fluid flows through both the first cooling channel (113a) and the second cooling channel (113b). As a non-limiting example, the normal temperature range of the cell assembly (200) may be between about 0°C and about 80°C, between about 5°C and about 75°C, or between about 10°C and about 70°C. Control of the valve (310) may be performed by the BMS (330).

[0077] The valve (310) can open both the first port (311) and the second port (312). When the first port (311) is opened, the cooling fluid can flow sequentially through the third port (313) of the valve (310), the first port (311), the first connection channel (160), and the first cooling channel (113a), and then be recovered to the cooling fluid supply unit (410). When the second port (312) is opened, the cooling fluid can flow sequentially through the third port (313) of the valve (310), the second port (312), the second connection channel (170), and the second cooling channel (113b), and then be recovered to the cooling fluid supply unit (410). While the cooling fluid flows along the first cooling channel (113a) and the second cooling channel (113b), cooling of the first cell assembly (210) and the second cell assembly (220) can be performed.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 5, when the temperature of the second cell assembly (220) is within the normal temperature range but the first cell assembly (210) is in an abnormally high temperature state exceeding the upper limit of the normal temperature range or a predetermined temperature, the valve (310) can open the first port (311) and close the second port (312). Control of the valve (310) can be performed by the BMS (330). Flow of cooling fluid through the first cooling channel (113a) is allowed, and flow of cooling fluid through the second cooling channel (113b) can be blocked. Since only flow of cooling fluid through the first cooling channel (113a) is allowed, the flow rate of cooling fluid flowing along the first cooling channel (113a) can be increased, and the cooling capacity for the first cell assembly (210) can be increased. Since the cooling capacity for the first cell assembly (210) in an abnormally high temperature state is increased, heat transfer within the housing (100) can be delayed and prevented.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 6, when the temperature of the first cell assembly (210) is within the normal temperature range but the second cell assembly (220) is in an abnormally high temperature state exceeding the upper limit of the normal temperature range or a predetermined temperature, the valve (310) can close the first port (311) and open the second port (312). Control of the valve (310) can be performed by the BMS (330). Flow of cooling fluid through the second cooling channel (113b) is allowed, and flow of cooling fluid through the first cooling channel (113a) can be blocked. Since only flow of cooling fluid through the second cooling channel (113b) is allowed, the flow rate of cooling fluid flowing along the second cooling channel (113b) can be increased, and the cooling capacity for the second cell assembly (220) can be increased. Since the cooling capacity for the second cell assembly (220) in an abnormally high temperature state is increased, heat transfer within the housing (100) can be delayed and prevented.

[0080]

[0081] (3rd Example)

[0082] FIGS. 7 to 9 are plan views illustrating a cooling method of a battery device (10) according to exemplary embodiments. In FIGS. 7 to 9, the flow direction of the cooling fluid is indicated by an arrow. In FIGS. 7 to 9, the third port (313) of the valve (310) is an outlet port including an outlet for discharging the cooling fluid toward the cooling fluid supply unit (410), and the first port (311) and the second port (312) of the valve (310) are each inlet ports into which the cooling fluid is introduced. Hereinafter, a cooling method of a battery device (10) according to exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9 in conjunction with FIG. 1.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 7, when the temperature of the first cell assembly (210) and the temperature of the second cell assembly (220) are both within a normal temperature range, the valve (310) can control the flow of cooling fluid so that cooling fluid flows through both the first cooling channel (113a) and the second cooling channel (113b). As a non-limiting example, the normal temperature range of the cell assembly (200) may be between about 0°C and about 80°C, between about 5°C and about 75°C, or between about 10°C and about 70°C. Control of the valve (310) may be performed by the BMS (330).

[0084] The valve (310) can open both the first port (311) and the second port (312). As the first port (311) is opened, the cooling fluid can be recovered to the cooling fluid supply unit (410) after sequentially flowing through the channel (151) of the third transfer pipe (150), the first cooling channel (113a), the first connection channel (160), the first port (311) of the valve (310), and the third port (313) of the valve (310). As the second port (312) is opened, the cooling fluid can be recovered to the cooling fluid supply unit (410) after sequentially flowing through the channel (151) of the third transfer pipe (150), the second cooling channel (113b), the second connection channel (170), the second port (312) of the valve (310), and the third port (313) of the valve (310). While the cooling fluid flows along the first cooling channel (113a) and the second cooling channel (113b), cooling of the first cell assembly (210) and the second cell assembly (220) can be performed.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 8, when the temperature of the second cell assembly (220) is within the normal temperature range but the first cell assembly (210) is in an abnormally high temperature state exceeding the upper limit of the normal temperature range or a predetermined temperature, the valve (310) can open the first port (311) and close the second port (312). Control of the valve (310) can be performed by the BMS (330). Flow of cooling fluid through the first cooling channel (113a) is allowed, and flow of cooling fluid through the second cooling channel (113b) can be blocked. Since only flow of cooling fluid through the first cooling channel (113a) is allowed, the flow rate of cooling fluid flowing along the first cooling channel (113a) can be increased, and the cooling capacity for the first cell assembly (210) can be increased. Since the cooling capacity for the first cell assembly (210) in an abnormally high temperature state is increased, heat transfer within the housing (100) can be delayed and prevented.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 9, when the temperature of the first cell assembly (210) is within the normal temperature range but the second cell assembly (220) is in an abnormally high temperature state exceeding the upper limit of the normal temperature range or a predetermined temperature, the valve (310) can close the first port (311) and open the second port (312). Control of the valve (310) can be performed by the BMS (330). Flow of cooling fluid through the second cooling channel (113b) is allowed, and flow of cooling fluid through the first cooling channel (113a) can be blocked. Since only flow of cooling fluid through the second cooling channel (113b) is allowed, the flow rate of cooling fluid flowing along the second cooling channel (113b) can be increased, and the cooling capacity for the second cell assembly (220) can be increased. Since the cooling capacity for the second cell assembly (220) in an abnormally high temperature state is increased, heat transfer within the housing (100) can be delayed and prevented.

[0087]

[0088] (Fourth Example)

[0089] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a part of a battery device (10A) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view along the line XI-XI' of FIG. 10. Hereinafter, the battery device (10A) illustrated in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 will be described with a focus on the differences from the battery device (10) described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

[0090] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, in the housing (100A) of the battery device (10A), the second side wall (122) may include a first channel (167) communicating with the first cooling channel (113a) of the base frame (110), and the third side wall (123) may include a first channel (165) extending between the first channel (161) of the first side wall (121) and the first channel (167) of the second side wall (122). The first channel (167) of the second side wall (122) and the first channel (165) of the third side wall (123) may form part of a first connecting channel (160A) configured to connect the first port (311) of the valve (310) and the first cooling channel (113a). The first connection channel (160A) may include a first channel (161) of the first sidewall (121), a first channel (165) of the third sidewall (123), and a first channel (167) of the second sidewall (122) that are sequentially connected. In exemplary embodiments, the cooling fluid supplied from the cooling fluid supply unit (410) may be recovered to the cooling fluid supply unit (410) after sequentially flowing through the third port (313) of the valve (310), the first port (311) of the valve (310), the first channel (161) of the first sidewall (121), the first channel (165) of the third sidewall (123), the first channel (167) of the second sidewall (122), a plurality of first cooling channels (113a), and the channel (151) of the third transfer pipe (150). In exemplary embodiments, the cooling fluid supplied from the cooling fluid supply unit (410) can be recovered to the cooling fluid supply unit (410) after sequentially flowing through the channel (151) of the third transfer pipe (150), a plurality of first cooling channels (113a), the first channel (167) of the second side wall (122), the first channel (165) of the third side wall (123), the first channel (161) of the first side wall (121), the first port (311) of the valve (310), and the third port (313) of the valve (310).

[0091] The second side wall (122) may include a second channel (177) communicating with the second cooling channel (113b) of the base frame (110), and the fourth side wall (124) may include a second channel (175) extending between the second channel (171) of the first side wall (121) and the second channel (177) of the second side wall (122). The second channel (177) of the second side wall (122) and the second channel (175) of the fourth side wall (124) may form part of a second connecting channel (170A) configured to connect the second port (312) of the valve (310) and the second cooling channel (113b). The second connection channel (170A) may include a second channel (171) of the first sidewall (121), a second channel (175) of the fourth sidewall (124), and a second channel (177) of the second sidewall (122) that are sequentially connected. In exemplary embodiments, the cooling fluid supplied from the cooling fluid supply unit (410) may be recovered to the cooling fluid supply unit (410) after sequentially flowing through the third port (313) of the valve (310), the second port (312) of the valve (310), the second channel (171) of the first sidewall (121), the second channel (175) of the fourth sidewall (124), the second channel (177) of the second sidewall (122), a plurality of second cooling channels (113b), and the channel (151) of the third transfer pipe (150). In exemplary embodiments, the cooling fluid supplied from the cooling fluid supply unit (410) can be recovered to the cooling fluid supply unit (410) after sequentially flowing through the channel (151) of the third transfer pipe (150), a plurality of second cooling channels (113b), the second channel (177) of the second side wall (122), the second channel (175) of the fourth side wall (124), the second channel (171) of the first side wall (121), the second port (312) of the valve (310), and the third port (313) of the valve (310).

[0092]

[0093] (Fourth Example)

[0094] FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a part of a battery device (10B) according to exemplary embodiments. Hereinafter, the battery device (10B) shown in FIG. 12 will be described with a focus on the differences from the battery device (10) described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 12, in the battery device (10B), the valve (310) can be mounted on the base frame (110). For example, the valve (310) can be accommodated in the internal space of the housing (100B) and can be positioned between the first cell assembly (210 in FIG. 1) and the first side wall (121).

[0096] The base frame (110) may include a first channel (162) directly connected to the first port (311) of the valve (310), a second channel (172) directly connected to the second port (312) of the valve (310), and a third channel (114) directly connected to the third port (313) of the valve (310). The first channel (162) of the base frame (110) may extend between the first port (311) of the valve (310) and the first channel (163) of the first transfer pipe (131), and may form part of a first connection channel (160B) configured to connect between the first port (311) of the valve (310) and the first cooling channel (113a). The second channel (172) of the base frame (110) may extend between the second port (311) of the valve (310) and the second channel (173) of the second transfer pipe (133), and may form part of a second connecting channel (170B) configured to connect between the second port (312) of the valve (310) and the second cooling channel (113b). The third channel (114) may be configured to transfer cooling fluid between the cooling fluid supply unit (410) and the third port (313) of the valve (310).

[0097] In exemplary embodiments, the first connection channel (160B) may include the first channel (162) of the base frame (110) and the first channel (163) of the first transfer pipe (131) that are sequentially connected. In exemplary embodiments, the cooling fluid supplied from the cooling fluid supply unit (410) may be recovered to the cooling fluid supply unit (410) after sequentially flowing through the third channel (114) of the base frame (110), the third port (313) of the valve (310), the first port (311) of the valve (310), the first channel (162) of the base frame (110), the first channel (163) of the first transfer pipe (131), a plurality of first cooling channels (113a) and the channel (151) of the third transfer pipe (150). In exemplary embodiments, the cooling fluid supplied from the cooling fluid supply unit (410) can be recovered to the cooling fluid supply unit (410) after sequentially flowing through the channel (151) of the third transfer pipe (150), a plurality of first cooling channels (113a), the first channel (163) of the first transfer pipe (131), the first channel (162) of the base frame (110), the first port (311) of the valve (310), the third port (313) of the valve (310), and the third channel (114) of the base frame (110).

[0098] In exemplary embodiments, the second connection channel (170B) may include the second channel (172) of the base frame (110) and the second channel (173) of the second transfer pipe (133) that are sequentially connected. In exemplary embodiments, the cooling fluid supplied from the cooling fluid supply unit (410) may be recovered to the cooling fluid supply unit (410) after sequentially flowing through the third channel (114) of the base frame (110), the third port (313) of the valve (310), the second port (312) of the valve (310), the second channel (172) of the base frame (110), the second channel (173) of the second transfer pipe (133), a plurality of second cooling channels (113b), and the channel (151) of the third transfer pipe (150). In exemplary embodiments, the cooling fluid supplied from the cooling fluid supply unit (410) can be recovered to the cooling fluid supply unit (410) after sequentially flowing through the channel (151) of the third transfer pipe (150), a plurality of second cooling channels (113b), the second channel (173) of the second transfer pipe (133), the second channel (172) of the base frame (110), the second port (312) of the valve (310), the third port (313) of the valve (310), and the third channel (114) of the base frame (110).

[0099]

[0100] According to exemplary embodiments, the battery device may have a valve-housing integrated structure in which a valve configured to control the flow of a cooling fluid is directly mounted in the housing. In the case of a valve-housing integrated structure, since separate piping is not required to connect the valve and the housing, the manufacturing cost of the battery device can be reduced.

[0101] According to the battery device of exemplary embodiments, when a thermal event, such as thermal runaway, occurs in one of the cell assemblies of the battery device, a cooling fluid can be intensively supplied to the area where the cell assembly where the thermal event occurred is mounted to intensively cool the cell assembly where the thermal event occurred. Accordingly, heat transfer within the battery device can be delayed and prevented, and the safety of the battery device can be enhanced.

[0102] 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 housing comprising a first mounting area, a second mounting area, a first cooling channel passing through the first mounting area, and a second cooling channel passing through the second mounting area; A first cell assembly mounted on the first mounting area of ​​the housing; A second cell assembly mounted on the second mounting area of ​​the housing; and A valve mounted on the housing and comprising a first port connected to the first cooling channel, a second port connected to the second cooling channel, and a third port; Includes, A battery device configured such that the valve opens and closes the first port and the second port to allow or block the flow of cooling fluid through the first port and the second port.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above housing is, A base frame including the first cooling channel and the second cooling channel; and A side frame coupled to the perimeter of the base frame to surround the first cell assembly and the second cell assembly, and on which the valve is mounted; A battery device characterized by further including 3. In Paragraph 2, The first cooling channel and the second cooling channel extend in a first direction within the base frame, and The above side frame includes a first side wall and a second side wall opposite in the first direction, and a third side wall and a fourth side wall opposite in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction. A battery device characterized in that the first side wall comprises a first channel communicating with the first port of the valve and a second channel communicating with the second port of the valve.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above housing is, A first transfer pipe coupled to the edge portion of the base frame and comprising a first channel extending between the first channel of the first side wall and the first cooling channel; and A second transfer pipe coupled to the edge portion of the base frame and including a second channel extending between the second channel of the second side wall and the second cooling channel; Includes more, The first channel of the first sidewall and the first channel of the first transfer pipe form a first connection channel configured to connect the first port of the valve and the first cooling channel, and A battery device characterized in that the second channel of the second side wall and the second channel of the second transfer pipe constitute a second connection channel configured to connect the second port of the valve and the second cooling channel.

5. In Paragraph 3, The second side wall includes a first channel communicating with the first cooling channel and a second channel communicating with the second cooling channel, and The third sidewall includes a first channel extended between the first channel of the first sidewall and the first channel of the second sidewall, and The fourth sidewall includes a second channel extended between the second channel of the first sidewall and the second channel of the second sidewall, and The first channel of the first sidewall, the first channel of the third sidewall, and the first channel of the second sidewall form a first connection channel configured to connect the first port of the valve and the first cooling channel, and A battery device characterized in that the second channel of the first side wall, the second channel of the fourth side wall, and the second channel of the second side wall form a second connection channel configured to connect the second port of the valve and the second cooling channel.

6. In Paragraph 3, A battery device characterized in that the first side wall includes a hole into which the valve is inserted.

7. In Paragraph 3, A battery device characterized in that the above valve is accommodated within the housing and disposed between the first cell assembly and the first side wall.

8. In Paragraph 1, A battery device characterized in that the third port of the above valve is an inlet into which a cooling fluid supplied from the outside flows.

9. In Paragraph 1, A battery device characterized in that the third port of the above valve is an outlet for discharging cooling fluid to the outside.

10. In Paragraph 1, The above housing is, A base frame including the first cooling channel and the second cooling channel, and having the valve mounted thereon; and A side frame coupled to the perimeter of the base frame to surround the first cell assembly and the second cell assembly; A battery device characterized by further including 11. In Paragraph 1, A battery device characterized in that the valve is configured to open both the first port and the second port to allow the cooling fluid to flow through the first cooling channel and the second cooling channel, and is configured to open the first port and close the second port to allow the cooling fluid to flow into the first cooling channel and block the cooling fluid from flowing into the second cooling channel.

12. In Paragraph 1, A battery device characterized in that the above valve is an electronic valve.

13. In Paragraph 1, A battery device characterized by further including a BMS (BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM) configured to control the above valve.

14. In Paragraph 13, A battery device characterized in that, when the first cell assembly and the cell assembly are within a predetermined temperature range, the BMS is configured to control the valve so that both the first port and the second port are opened.

15. In Paragraph 13, A battery device characterized in that when the first cell assembly exceeds a predetermined temperature, the BMS is configured to control the valve such that the first port is opened and the second port is closed.

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