Battery pack and electric device comprising same

Abstract

The technical idea of the present invention is to provide a battery pack comprising: a pack housing including an inner space through which a first insulating cooling fluid flows; a cell housing provided in the inner space of the pack housing; a plurality of battery cells provided in the inner space of the cell housing; and a second insulating cooling fluid, which is provided in the inner space of the cell housing and liquid-cools the plurality of battery cells.

Description

Battery pack and electrical device including the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack and an electrical device including the same. The present application claims the benefit of Korean application No. 10-2024-0158064, filed on November 8, 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] As rechargeable batteries are increasingly used in mobility, demands for their safety are rising. Given that accidents such as fires involving rechargeable batteries in mobility applications can endanger the lives of drivers, research into technologies to enhance battery safety is indispensable.

[0004] The problem that the technical concept of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a battery pack and an electric device including the same.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned problem, the technical concept of the present invention provides a battery pack comprising: a pack housing including an internal space configured to allow a first insulating cooling fluid to flow; a cell housing provided within the internal space of the pack housing; a plurality of battery cells provided within the internal space of the cell housing; and a second insulating cooling fluid provided within the internal space of the cell housing and configured to immerse the plurality of battery cells.

[0006] In exemplary embodiments, the cell housing is characterized by separating the internal space of the cell housing from the internal space of the pack housing so that the first insulating cooling fluid and the second insulating cooling fluid are not mixed.

[0007] In exemplary embodiments, the cell housing comprises: a bottom cover supporting the plurality of battery cells; a side cover extending along the perimeter of the bottom cover to surround the plurality of battery cells; a top cover coupled to the side cover to cover the plurality of battery cells; and a sealant provided between the side cover and the top cover.

[0008] In exemplary embodiments, the cell housing comprises: a bottom cover supporting the plurality of battery cells; a side cover extending along the perimeter of the bottom cover to surround the plurality of battery cells; and a top cover coupled to the side cover to cover the plurality of battery cells, wherein the bottom cover comprises an internal channel configured to communicate with the internal space of the pack housing and to allow the first insulating cooling fluid to flow.

[0009] In exemplary embodiments, the bottom cover includes a protrusion that contacts the pack housing, and the internal channel of the bottom cover is provided within the protrusion of the bottom cover.

[0010] In exemplary embodiments, the cell housing is characterized by comprising: a bottom cover supporting the plurality of battery cells; a side cover extending along the perimeter of the bottom cover to surround the plurality of battery cells; a top cover coupled to the side cover to cover the plurality of battery cells and including a venting hole; and a rupture cover coupled to the top cover to cover the venting hole of the top cover.

[0011] In exemplary embodiments, the first portion of the top cover is attached to the pack housing, the second portion of the top cover is spaced apart from the pack housing with a venting space between them, and the venting hole of the top cover is provided in the second portion of the top cover.

[0012] In exemplary embodiments, the pack housing further comprises: a venting channel separated from the internal space and configured to allow gas to flow, a venting valve mounted on the pack housing and configured to discharge gas from the venting channel of the pack housing to the outside; and a gas delivery pipe comprising a channel configured to deliver gas between the venting space provided between the top cover and the pack housing and the venting channel of the pack housing.

[0013] In exemplary embodiments, the cell housing comprises: a bottom cover supporting the plurality of battery cells; a side cover extending along the perimeter of the bottom cover to surround the plurality of battery cells; and a top cover coupled to the side cover to cover the plurality of battery cells; and further comprises an upper adhesive layer configured to attach the top cover to the pack housing.

[0014] In exemplary embodiments, the cell housing further comprises a rupture cover coupled to the top cover to cover the venting hole of the top cover, and the upper adhesive layer does not cover the venting hole of the top cover.

[0015] In exemplary embodiments, the bottom cover is further characterized by including a lower adhesive layer configured to attach the bottom cover to the pack housing.

[0016] In exemplary embodiments, the cell housing is characterized by including a partition that separates the internal space of the cell housing into a plurality of sub-spaces.

[0017] In exemplary embodiments, the material composition of the first insulating cooling fluid is characterized by being different from the material composition of the second insulating cooling fluid.

[0018] To solve the above-mentioned problem, the technical concept of the present invention provides an electrical device comprising: the battery pack; and a cooling fluid supply unit configured to supply the first insulating cooling fluid to the internal space of the pack housing of the battery pack.

[0019] According to exemplary embodiments, a cell assembly having battery cells may be immersed in a first insulating cooling fluid filled in the internal space of a pack housing, and the battery cells may be immersed in a second insulating cooling fluid filled in the cell housing of the cell assembly. Since the battery cells can be cooled by an immersion cooling method, the cooling efficiency for the battery cells can be improved, and the safety of the battery pack containing the battery cells can be improved.

[0020] According to exemplary embodiments, the temperature of the second insulating cooling fluid provided within the cell assembly is controlled by the first insulating cooling fluid flowing in the internal space of the pack housing, thereby enhancing the cooling of the battery cells using the second insulating cooling fluid.

[0021] According to exemplary embodiments, since the upper and lower portions of the cell assembly are fixed to the pack housing, the rigidity of the battery pack including the cell assembly can be improved.

[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] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 3 is an exploded view showing a cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0026] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along the line AA-AA' of Figure 1.

[0027] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along the BB-BB' line of Figure 1.

[0028] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along the CC-CC' line of Figure 1.

[0029] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0030] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view along the line DD-DD' of Figure 7.

[0031] FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an electrical device according to exemplary embodiments.

[0032] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036]

[0037] (1st embodiment)

[0038] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a battery pack (10) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a cell assembly (200) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 3 is an exploded view showing a cell assembly (200) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along the line AA-AA' of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along the line BB-BB' of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along the line CC-CC' of FIG. 1.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, the battery pack (10) may include a pack housing (110) and a cell assembly (200) mounted on the pack housing (110).

[0040] The pack housing (110) may provide an internal space (114) for accommodating a cell assembly (200). The pack housing (110) may include a pack base frame (111), a pack side frame (112), and a pack cover (113).

[0041] The pack base frame (111) can support the cell assembly (200). The pack base frame (111) 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). In exemplary embodiments, the battery pack (10) may include a plurality of cell assemblies (200), and the plurality of cell assemblies (200) may be arranged along the surface of the pack base frame (111) in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction).

[0042] The pack side frame (112) can be attached to the perimeter of the pack base frame (111). The pack side frame (112) can extend along the perimeter of the pack base frame (111) and can surround the cell assembly (200). When viewed in a planar view, the pack side frame (112) can have a square ring shape.

[0043] The pack cover (113) may be attached to the pack side frame (112) to cover the cell assembly (200). The pack cover (113) may have a flat plate shape extending in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). The pack cover (113) may be spaced vertically (e.g., Z-axis direction) from the pack base frame (111).

[0044] The internal space (114) of the pack housing (110) may be configured to accommodate a first insulating cooling fluid (CL1). The first insulating cooling fluid (CL1) may at least partially fill the internal space (114) of the pack housing (110) and may be configured to cool a cell assembly (200) accommodated in the internal space (114) of the pack housing (110). The cell assembly (200) may be at least partially submerged in the first insulating cooling fluid (CL1) filled in the internal space (114) of the pack housing (110). Since the cell assembly (200) is submerged in the first insulating cooling fluid (CL1), immersion cooling for the cell assembly (200) may be performed.

[0045] In exemplary embodiments, the first insulating cooling fluid (CL1) may be composed of an electrically insulating material. For example, the first insulating cooling fluid (CL1) may include insulating oil. For example, the first insulating cooling fluid (CL1) may include water, glycol, mineral oil, fluorocarbon, hydrofluorocarbon, etc.

[0046] The pack housing (110) may include an inlet port (121) for introducing a first insulating cooling fluid (CL1) supplied from the outside into the internal space (114) of the pack housing (110) and an outlet port (125) for discharging the first insulating cooling fluid (CL1) within the internal space (114) of the pack housing (110) to the outside. The inlet port (121) may include an inlet into which the first insulating cooling fluid (CL1) supplied from the outside is introduced. The outlet port (125) may include an outlet into which the cooling fluid is discharged. The first insulating cooling fluid (CL1) supplied to the internal space (114) of the pack housing (110) through the inlet port (121) of the pack housing (110) may be discharged to the outside through the outlet port (125) of the pack housing (110) after flowing within the internal space (114) of the pack housing (110). While the first insulating cooling fluid (CL1) flows within the internal space (114) of the pack housing (110), liquid immersion cooling for the cell assembly (200) can be performed.

[0047] A venting valve (130) may be mounted on a pack housing (110). In exemplary embodiments, the venting valve (130) may be mounted on a pack side frame (112). In some exemplary embodiments, the venting valve (130) may be mounted on a pack base frame (111) or a pack cover (113). In exemplary embodiments, the battery pack (10) may include a plurality of venting valves (130) mounted on a pack housing (110). In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of venting valves (130) may be mounted on a pack side frame (112), a pack base frame (111), and / or a pack cover (113).

[0048] A venting valve (130) may be configured to discharge gas generated within the pack housing (110) to the outside of the pack housing (110). The pack housing (110) may have a venting channel (115) configured to allow gas to flow, and the venting valve (130) may have a passage communicating with the venting channel (115) of the pack housing (110). The venting channel (115) of the pack housing (110) may be separated from the internal space (114) of the pack housing (110) filled with a first insulating cooling fluid (CL1). The pack housing (100) may be configured to block the first insulating cooling fluid (CL1) within the internal space (114) of the pack housing (110) from penetrating into the venting channel (115) of the pack housing (110). For example, the venting channel (115) of the pack housing (110) may be formed inside the pack side frame (112).

[0049] The venting valve (130) may be configured to allow or block gas discharge by opening or closing the passage of the venting valve (130) according to the pressure level of the gas applied to the venting valve (130). When the pressure of the gas applied to the venting valve (130) is below a reference pressure, the venting valve (130) may be in a closed position, which blocks gas flow between the venting channel (115) of the pack housing (110) and the outside of the pack housing (110) by closing the passage of the venting valve (130). When the pressure of the gas applied to the venting valve (130) is greater than the reference pressure, the venting valve (130) may be in an open position, which allows gas flow from the venting channel (115) of the pack housing (110) toward the outside of the pack housing (110) by opening the passage of the venting valve (130). When the pressure of the gas applied to the venting valve (130) is lowered below a reference pressure due to gas discharge through the venting valve (130), the venting valve (130) can switch from an open position to a closed position to block the flow of gas between the venting channel (115) of the pack housing (110) and the outside of the pack housing (110). In exemplary embodiments, the venting valve (130) may include a relief valve or a check valve.

[0050] The cell assembly (200) may include a cell housing (210) and a plurality of cell units (230) mounted on the cell housing (210).

[0051] The cell housing (210) may provide an internal space (215) for accommodating a plurality of cell units (230). In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of cell units (230) may be arranged in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) within the internal space (215) of the cell housing (210). The cell housing (210) may include a bottom cover (211), a side cover (212), a top cover (213), and a partition (214).

[0052] The bottom cover (211) may contact the pack base frame (111) of the pack housing (110). The bottom cover (211) may support a plurality of cell units (230). The bottom cover (211) 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).

[0053] The side cover (212) can be attached to the perimeter of the bottom cover (211). The side cover (212) can extend along the perimeter of the bottom cover (211) and can surround a plurality of cell units (230). When viewed in a planar view, the side cover (212) can have a square ring shape. The side cover (212) can be integral with the bottom cover (211).

[0054] The top cover (213) may face the pack cover (113) of the pack housing (110). The top cover (213) may be coupled to the side cover (212) to cover a plurality of cell units (230). The top cover (213) may have a flat plate shape extending in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). The top cover (213) may be spaced vertically (e.g., Z-axis direction) from the bottom cover (211).

[0055] The partition wall (214) can separate or partition the internal space (215) of the cell housing (210) into a plurality of sub-spaces. The partition wall (214) can be attached to the bottom cover (211) and can extend within the cell housing (210) in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) and a vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction). The plurality of sub-spaces of the cell housing (210) defined by the partition wall (214) can be partitioned or separated in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction). At least one cell unit (230) can be accommodated in each of the plurality of sub-spaces of the cell housing (210) defined by the partition wall (214).

[0056] Each cell unit (230) may include a plurality of battery cells (231).

[0057] An individual battery cell (231) is a basic unit of a lithium-ion battery, i.e., a secondary battery. An individual battery cell (231) 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 and negative electrodes. 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.

[0058] The individual battery cells (231) may correspond to pouch-type battery cells, cylindrical battery cells, or prismatic battery cells. The electrode assembly of a pouch-type battery cell is embedded in a pouch case containing an aluminum laminate sheet. The electrode assembly of a cylindrical battery cell is embedded in a cylindrical metal can. The electrode assembly of a prismatic battery cell is embedded in a prismatic metal can.

[0059] A plurality of battery cells (231) provided in a cell unit (230) may be connected in series and / or in parallel. For example, a plurality of battery cells (231) may be connected in series with each other. For example, a plurality of battery cells (231) may be connected in parallel with each other. For example, when a set of two or more battery cells (231) connected in parallel is defined as a bank, one bank consisting of two or more battery cells (231) connected in parallel with each other and another bank consisting of two or more battery cells (231) connected in parallel with each other may be connected in series.

[0060] In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of battery cells (231) provided in a cell unit (230) may be arranged in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction), and individual battery cells (231) may be extended in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). An electrode lead (2311) may be provided at least one of the two ends along the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) of an individual battery cell (231). The electrode leads (2311) of adjacent battery cells (231) among the plurality of battery cells (231) may be electrically and physically connected to each other.

[0061] Each individual cell unit (230) may include a pair of busbar frames (232). One of the pair of busbar frames (232) may be provided at one end along the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) of the cell unit (230), and the other of the pair of busbar frames (232) may be provided at the other end along the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) of the cell unit (230). Each of the pair of busbar frames (232) may support a plurality of busbars (233) and a plurality of electrode leads (2311) of a plurality of battery cells (231). Each of the pair of busbar frames (232) may include a plurality of slits into which a plurality of electrode leads (2311) of a plurality of battery cells (231) are inserted. Each of the plurality of busbars (233) may be coupled to at least one of the plurality of electrode leads (2311) of a plurality of battery cells (231).

[0062] The internal space (215) of the cell housing (210) may be configured to accommodate a second insulating cooling fluid (CL2). The second insulating cooling fluid (CL2) may at least partially fill the internal space (215) of the cell housing (210) and may be configured to cool a plurality of battery cells (231) accommodated in the internal space (215) of the cell housing (210). The plurality of battery cells (231) may be at least partially submerged in the second insulating cooling fluid (CL2) filled in the internal space (215) of the cell housing (210). Since the plurality of battery cells (231) are submerged in the second insulating cooling fluid (CL2), immersion cooling of the plurality of battery cells (231) may be performed. The temperature of the second insulating cooling fluid (CL2) provided in the internal space (215) of the cell housing (210) can be controlled by the first insulating cooling fluid flowing outside the cell housing (210), thereby improving cooling of the battery cells (231) using the second insulating cooling fluid (CL2).

[0063] The second insulating cooling fluid (CL2) may be a material that is substantially non-reactive to the battery cell (231). In exemplary embodiments, the second insulating cooling fluid (CL2) may be composed of an electrically insulating material. For example, the second insulating cooling fluid (CL2) may include insulating oil. For example, the second insulating cooling fluid (CL2) may include water, glycol, mineral oil, fluorocarbon, hydrofluorocarbon, etc.

[0064] In exemplary embodiments, the material composition of the second insulating cooling fluid (CL2) may be different from the material composition of the first insulating cooling fluid (CL1). In exemplary embodiments, the material composition of the second insulating cooling fluid (CL2) may be the same as the material composition of the first insulating cooling fluid (CL1).

[0065] In exemplary embodiments, the second insulating cooling fluid (CL2) may comprise a extinguishing liquid containing a extinguishing substance. For example, the extinguishing liquid may comprise sodium bicarbonate, ammonium phosphate, a surfactant, and antifreeze.

[0066] The cell housing (210) can seal the internal space (215) of the cell housing (210). The cell housing (210) can separate the internal space (215) of the cell housing (210) from the internal space (114) of the pack housing (110) so that the movement of the first insulating cooling fluid (CL1) and the second insulating cooling fluid (CL2) between the internal space (215) of the cell housing (210) and the internal space (114) of the pack housing (110) is not allowed. Since the internal space (215) of the cell housing (210) is separated and sealed from the internal space (114) of the pack housing (110), the first insulating cooling fluid (CL1) in the internal space (114) of the pack housing (110) and the second insulating cooling fluid (CL2) in the internal space (215) of the cell housing (210) may not be mixed.

[0067] In the cell housing (210), the side cover (212) may include a flange portion (2121) extending outwardly at its upper end, and the top cover (213) may include a flange portion (2131) configured to make surface contact with the flange portion (2121) of the side cover (212). The flange portion (2121) of the side cover (212) and the flange portion (2131) of the top cover (213) are joined together so as to eliminate the gap between the side cover (212) and the top cover (213) and to seal the internal space (215) of the cell housing (210). For example, the flange portion (2121) of the side cover (212) and the flange portion (2131) of the top cover (213) may be fastened by a fastening member such as a bolt.

[0068] The cell housing (210) may include a seal (219) disposed between the flange portion (2121) of the side cover (212) and the flange portion (2131) of the top cover (213). The seal (219) may have a ring-shaped form extending along the perimeter of the top cover (213). The seal (219) may include a gasket. The seal (219) may be secured between the flange portion (2121) of the side cover (212) and the flange portion (2131) of the top cover (213) by a fastening member such as a bolt. The seal (219) may eliminate the gap between the flange portion (2121) of the side cover (212) and the flange portion (2131) of the top cover (213), thereby enhancing the sealing of the internal space (215) of the cell housing (210).

[0069] The bottom cover (211) of the cell housing (210) may include an internal channel (2112) positioned to overlap a plurality of battery cells (231) in a vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction). The internal channel (2112) of the bottom cover (211) may extend in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) within the bottom cover (211) of the cell housing (210). The internal channel (2112) of the bottom cover (211) may be separated from the internal space (215) of the cell housing (210) and may communicate with the internal space (114) of the pack housing (110). The internal channel (2112) of the bottom cover (211) may provide a passage configured to allow a first insulating cooling fluid (CL1) to flow. While the first insulating cooling fluid (CL1) flows along the internal channel (2112) of the bottom cover (211), cooling of the cell assembly (200) can be achieved.

[0070] The bottom cover (211) may include a plurality of protrusions (2111). The plurality of protrusions (2111) of the bottom cover (211) may protrude from other parts of the bottom cover (211) toward the pack base frame (111). The plurality of protrusions (2111) of the bottom cover (211) may come into contact with the pack base frame (111), and other parts of the bottom cover (211) may be spaced apart from the pack base frame (111). An internal channel (2112) of the bottom cover (211) may be provided within the protrusions (2111) of the bottom cover (211). In a situation where an external impact is applied to the cell assembly (200), the internal channels (2112) provided in the plurality of protrusions (2111) of the bottom cover (211) may serve as a buffer space to mitigate the external impact, thereby preventing or suppressing damage to the cell assembly (200) caused by the external impact.

[0071] In exemplary embodiments, the lower and upper portions of the cell housing (210) may be fixed to the pack housing (110). The bottom cover (211) of the cell housing (210) may be attached to the pack base frame (111) by a lower adhesive layer (310). The lower adhesive layer (310) may extend along the surface of the bottom cover (211) facing the pack base frame (111). In exemplary embodiments, the lower adhesive layer (310) may be interposed between the protrusion (2111) of the bottom cover (211) and the pack base frame (111). The top cover (213) of the cell housing (210) may be attached to the pack cover (113) by an upper adhesive layer (330). The lower adhesive layer (310) extends along the surface of the top cover (213) facing the pack cover (113), but may not cover the area of ​​the top cover (213) where the venting hole (2132) is formed. For example, the lower adhesive layer (310) and the upper adhesive layer (330) may contain resin. Since the lower and upper parts of the cell housing (210) of the cell assembly (200) are fixed to the pack housing (110), the rigidity of the battery pack (10) can be improved.

[0072] The cell assembly (200) may include a rupture cover (250) attached to the top cover (213). The rupture cover (250) may be positioned between the top cover (213) and the upper surface of the cell unit (230). The top cover (213) may include a venting hole (2132) positioned to overlap the cell unit (230) in a vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction), and the rupture cover (250) may be coupled to the top cover (213) to cover the venting hole (2132) of the top cover (213). The rupture cover (250) may be configured to rupture when a pressure greater than a predetermined pressure is applied, thereby venting gas generated from the battery cell (231). When a pressure lower than a predetermined pressure is applied to the rupture cover (250), the rupture cover (250) can maintain its original state without rupture, and the rupture cover (250) can cover and close the venting hole (2132) of the top cover (213). When a thermal event such as ignition or thermal runaway of the battery cell (231) occurs and a pressure higher than the predetermined pressure is applied to the rupture cover (250), a rupture occurs in the rupture cover (250), and the gas generated from the battery cell (231) can be vented upward to the outside of the cell housing (210) through the ruptured part of the rupture cover (250) and the venting hole (2132) of the top cover (213).

[0073] In exemplary embodiments, the area of ​​the top cover (213) in which the venting hole (2132) is formed may be spaced apart from the pack cover (113), and a venting space (116) configured to allow gas vented through the venting hole (2132) of the top cover (213) to flow may be formed between the area of ​​the top cover (213) in which the venting hole (2132) is formed and the pack cover (113). In exemplary embodiments, the top cover (213) may include a first portion attached to the pack cover (113) by an upper adhesive layer (330) and a second portion spaced apart from the pack cover (113) with the venting space (116) in between, and the venting hole (2132) of the top cover (213) may be provided within the second portion of the top cover (213). Gas discharged from the battery cell (231) can flow from the venting space (116) to the venting channel (115) of the pack housing (110) and can be discharged to the outside of the pack housing (110) through the venting valve (130).

[0074] According to exemplary embodiments, a cell assembly (200) having battery cells (231) may be immersed in a first insulating cooling fluid (CL1) filled in the internal space (114) of a pack housing (110), and the battery cells (231) may be immersed in a second insulating cooling fluid (CL2) filled in the cell housing (210) of the cell assembly (200). The battery cells (231) may be cooled by an immersion cooling method, thereby improving the cooling efficiency for the battery cells (231) and improving the safety of the battery pack (10) containing the battery cells (231).

[0075] According to exemplary embodiments, the temperature of the second insulating cooling fluid (CL2) provided within the cell assembly (200) is controlled by the first insulating cooling fluid (CL1) flowing in the internal space (114) of the pack housing (110), thereby enhancing the cooling of the battery cells (231) using the second insulating cooling fluid (CL2).

[0076] According to exemplary embodiments, the upper and lower portions of the cell assembly (200) are fixed to the pack housing (110), so the rigidity of the battery pack (10) including the cell assembly (200) can be improved.

[0077]

[0078] (2nd Example)

[0079] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a battery pack (10A) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view along the line DD-DD' of FIG. 7. Hereinafter, the battery pack (10A) illustrated in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 will be described with a focus on the differences from the battery pack (10) described with reference to FIG. 1 to 6.

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the battery pack (10A) may include a gas delivery pipe (350) configured to deliver gas discharged from the cell assembly (200) to the venting channel (115) of the pack housing (110).

[0081] The gas delivery tube (350) may extend between the cell housing (210) and the pack housing (110). The channel (351) of the gas delivery tube (350) may be configured to deliver gas between the venting space (116) and the venting channel (115) of the pack housing (110). The channel (351) of the gas delivery tube (350) may be separated from the internal space (215) of the cell housing (210) filled with the second insulating cooling fluid (CL2). The gas delivery tube (350) may deliver the gas generated from the battery cell (231) through a path separated from the space filled with the first insulating cooling fluid (CL1) so that the gas generated from the battery cell (231) does not react with the first insulating cooling fluid (CL1). When a thermal event such as ignition or thermal runaway of a battery cell (231) occurs within the battery pack (10A), the gas generated from the battery cell (231) can be discharged into the venting space (116) through the ruptured part of the rupture cover (250) and the venting hole (2132) of the top cover (213), and can reach the venting valve (130) through the channel (351) of the gas delivery pipe (350) and the venting channel (115) of the pack housing (110), and can be discharged to the outside of the pack housing (110) through the venting valve (130).

[0082] In exemplary embodiments, the top cover (213) may include a first portion attached to the pack cover (113) by an upper adhesive layer (330) and a second portion spaced apart from the pack cover (113) by a venting space (116), and the venting space (116) may extend in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). One end of the venting space (116) along the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) may be in communication with a channel (351) of a gas delivery pipe (350), and the other end of the venting space (116) along the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) may be closed by the first portion of the top cover (213) attached to the pack cover (113). In this case, gas may be guided in one direction toward the gas delivery pipe (350) within the venting space (116).

[0083] According to exemplary embodiments, when a thermal event such as ignition or thermal runaway of a battery cell (231) occurs within a battery pack (10A), the gas generated from the battery cell (231) is vented upward to the outside of the cell assembly (200), can reach a venting valve (130) through a path separated from the internal space (114) of the pack housing (110) filled with a first insulating cooling fluid (CL1), and can be discharged to the outside through the venting valve (130).

[0084]

[0085] (3rd Example)

[0086] FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an electrical device (30) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 9 together with FIGS. 1 through 6, the electric device (30) may include a battery pack (10) and a cooling fluid supply unit (510). The electric device (30) may be configured to be driven using electrical energy provided from the battery pack (10). In exemplary embodiments, the electric device (30) may be an electric vehicle equipped with the battery pack (10).

[0088] A cooling fluid supply unit (510) may be configured to supply a first insulating cooling fluid (CL1) to a battery pack (10). The cooling fluid supply unit (510) may include a heat exchanger configured to control the temperature of the first insulating cooling fluid (CL1), piping configured to deliver the first insulating cooling fluid (CL1), and a pump configured to pump the first insulating cooling fluid (CL1) and circulate the first insulating cooling fluid (CL1) along a predetermined path. The cooling fluid supply unit (510) may be configured to perform the following: controlling the first insulating cooling fluid (CL1) to a predetermined temperature using the heat exchanger; supplying the first insulating cooling fluid (CL1) controlled to a predetermined temperature to the battery pack (10); recovering the first insulating cooling fluid (CL1) discharged from the battery pack (10) and controlling the first insulating cooling fluid (CL1) to a predetermined temperature. The cooling fluid supply unit (510) can be connected to the inlet port (121) of the pack housing (110) via the supply line (521) and to the outlet port (125) of the pack housing (110) via the return line (523). The first insulating cooling fluid (CL1) provided by the cooling fluid supply unit (510) can be delivered to the internal space (114) of the pack housing (110) via the supply line (521) and the inlet port (121), flow within the internal space (114) of the pack housing (110), and then be returned to the cooling fluid supply unit (510) via the outlet port (125) and the return line (523).

[0089]

[0090] 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 pack housing comprising an internal space configured to allow a first insulating cooling fluid to flow; A cell housing provided within the internal space of the above-mentioned pack housing; A plurality of battery cells provided within the internal space of the cell housing; and A second insulating cooling fluid provided within the internal space of the cell housing and configured to immerse and cool the plurality of battery cells; A battery pack including 2. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the cell housing separates the internal space of the cell housing from the internal space of the pack housing so that the first insulating cooling fluid and the second insulating cooling fluid are not mixed.

3. In Paragraph 1, The cell housing above is, A bottom cover supporting the above plurality of battery cells; A side cover extending along the perimeter of the bottom cover to surround the plurality of battery cells; A top cover coupled to the side cover to cover the plurality of battery cells; and A sealant provided between the above side cover and the above top cover; A battery pack characterized by including 4. In Paragraph 1, The cell housing above is, A bottom cover supporting the above plurality of battery cells; A side cover extending along the perimeter of the bottom cover to surround the plurality of battery cells; and A top cover coupled to the side cover to cover the plurality of battery cells; Includes, A battery pack characterized in that the bottom cover comprises an internal channel configured to communicate with the internal space of the pack housing and to allow the first insulating cooling fluid to flow.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above bottom cover includes a protrusion that contacts the pack housing, and A battery pack characterized in that the internal channel of the bottom cover is provided within the protrusion of the bottom cover.

6. In Paragraph 1, The cell housing above is, A bottom cover supporting the above plurality of battery cells; A side cover extending along the perimeter of the bottom cover to surround the plurality of battery cells; A top cover coupled to the side cover to cover the plurality of battery cells and including a venting hole; and A rupture cover coupled to the top cover to cover the venting hole of the top cover; A battery pack characterized by including 7. In Paragraph 6, The first part of the top cover is attached to the pack housing, and The second portion of the top cover is spaced apart from the pack housing with a venting space in between, and A battery pack characterized in that the venting hole of the top cover is provided in the second part of the top cover.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above pack housing includes a venting channel separated from the internal space and configured to allow gas to flow, and A venting valve mounted on the pack housing and configured to discharge gas from the venting channel of the pack housing to the outside; and A gas delivery pipe comprising a channel configured to deliver gas between the venting space provided between the top cover and the pack housing and the venting channel of the pack housing; A battery pack characterized by further including 9. In Paragraph 1, The cell housing above is, A bottom cover supporting the above plurality of battery cells; A side cover extending along the perimeter of the bottom cover to surround the plurality of battery cells; and A top cover coupled to the side cover to cover the plurality of battery cells; Includes, A battery pack characterized by further including an upper adhesive layer configured to attach the top cover to the pack housing.

10. In Paragraph 9, The cell housing further includes a rupture cover coupled to the top cover to cover the venting hole of the top cover, and A battery pack characterized in that the upper adhesive layer does not cover the venting hole of the top cover.

11. In Paragraph 9, A battery pack characterized by further including a lower adhesive layer configured to attach the bottom cover to the pack housing.

12. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the cell housing includes a partition that separates the internal space of the cell housing into a plurality of sub-spaces.

13. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the material composition of the first insulating cooling fluid is different from the material composition of the second insulating cooling fluid.

14. Battery pack according to claim 1; and A cooling fluid supply unit configured to supply the first insulating cooling fluid into the internal space of the pack housing of the battery pack; An electrical device including

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