Protective cover-integrated venting device

Abstract

A venting device disclosed herein comprises: a main body comprising a rupture disc which is ruptured by an increase in external pressure, or a valve which is opened / closed in response to the increase in external pressure; and a cover surrounding the main body, wherein the cover comprises an outer cover which surrounds the upper half of the main body and an inner cover which surrounds the lower half of the main body and is spaced apart from the outer cover so as to form an inlet therebetween. In addition, the inner cover has a smaller protrusion height relative to the main body than the outer cover.

Description

Venting device with integrated protective cover

[0001] The present invention relates to a venting device capable of smoothly discharging venting gas from within a pack to the outside while effectively controlling the exposure of high-temperature particles, such as sparks, that cause external fires.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0157610 dated November 8, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the document of said Korean patent application are incorporated herein as part of this specification.

[0003] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries are rechargeable and are currently the subject of extensive research and development due to their potential for miniaturization and high capacity. The demand for secondary batteries as an energy source is increasing rapidly due to the growing technological development and demand for mobile devices, as well as the rise of electric vehicles and energy storage systems driven by the contemporary need for environmental protection.

[0004] Rechargeable batteries are classified into coin batteries, cylindrical batteries, prismatic batteries, and pouch batteries according to the shape of the battery case. In rechargeable batteries, the electrode assembly mounted inside the battery case is a power generation device capable of charging and discharging, consisting of a laminated structure of electrodes and separators.

[0005] Since secondary batteries require continuous use over long periods, it is necessary to effectively control the heat generated during the charging and discharging process. To effectively dissipate the heat generated by secondary batteries, heat sinks (also called cooling plates) through which a refrigerant flows are widely used. Heat sinks are mounted on the bottom surface of a group of multiple secondary batteries, for example, a battery pack containing multiple batteries, and perform a cooling function by absorbing heat generated inside the pack using a refrigerant and releasing it to the outside.

[0006] However, if the amount of heat generated by the secondary battery is excessive and the cooling of the secondary battery is not carried out smoothly, a positive feedback chain reaction occurs in which the temperature rise of the secondary battery causes an increase in current, and the increase in current again causes a temperature rise, eventually leading to a catastrophic state of thermal runaway.

[0007] In addition, when secondary batteries are grouped in the form of modules or packs, a thermal propagation phenomenon occurs in which surrounding secondary batteries are continuously overheated due to thermal runaway occurring in one secondary battery. That is, when thermal runaway occurs in a battery module within a battery pack, a large amount of conductive dust, gas, and flames are ejected from the high-voltage terminal of the battery module, and consequently, dust accumulates on the high-voltage terminal of an adjacent battery module, and the thermal propagation phenomenon is triggered by heat transfer caused by the gas and flames.

[0008] Large amounts of gas, dust, sparks, etc., generated by thermal events such as thermal runaway and thermal propagation within the battery pack are discharged to the outside of the pack through a venting device. By reducing the pressure inside the pack through the operation of the venting device, structural collapse of the battery pack is suppressed or delayed, thereby securing time to respond to thermal events.

[0009] However, as high-temperature particles such as sparks as well as venting gases inside the pack are discharged together through the venting device, flames develop outside the pack, increasing the risk of external fire.

[0010] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a venting device capable of effectively suppressing the emission of high-temperature particles that cause a risk of external fire when a large amount of venting gas and high-temperature particles generated by a thermal event within a battery pack are discharged outside the pack.

[0011] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0012] The present invention relates to a venting device, wherein in one embodiment, the device comprises a main body having a ruptured disc that ruptures due to an increase in external pressure or a valve that opens and closes due to an increase in external pressure, and a cover that surrounds the main body, wherein the cover comprises an outer cover that surrounds the upper half of the main body and an inner cover that surrounds the lower half of the main body and is spaced apart from the outer cover to form an inlet between them, and wherein the inner cover has a smaller protrusion height relative to the main body than the outer cover.

[0013] The outer cover and the inner cover are in the form of hollow semi-cylindrical bodies and can be concentric with respect to the main body.

[0014] Alternatively, the outer cover and / or the inner cover may form a hollow rectangular shape.

[0015] In the venting device of the present invention, when the outer cover is viewed from above, the inlet is not exposed on the line of sight.

[0016] The above main body and cover can be mounted as a single unit in a pack case.

[0017] In one embodiment, the inner cover may include a mesh structure in which at least a portion is breathable.

[0018] The above inner cover may be provided in multiple units having different protrusion heights relative to the main body.

[0019] In one embodiment, the inner cover includes a first inner cover that surrounds the lower half of the main body and a second inner cover that surrounds the upper half of the main body and is spaced apart from the first inner cover to form an inlet between them, and the second inner cover may have a smaller protrusion height relative to the main body than the first inner cover.

[0020] When the above cover is viewed from the front, the outer cover and the inner cover can form an overlapping area.

[0021] Meanwhile, the present invention may provide a pack case having a venting device of the above configuration, wherein the venting device is installed on a side frame of the pack case and the outer cover of the venting device is positioned to face the lid of the pack case.

[0022] The venting device of the present invention, having the above configuration, is capable of smoothly discharging the gaseous venting gas to the outside in situations where a large amount of venting gas and high-temperature particles generated in a battery cell due to a thermal event occurring within a battery pack, but when high-temperature particles such as sparks with strong directional properties collide with the internal structure of the pack and reach the venting device along with the venting gas, the discharge of the high-temperature particles is blocked by the outer cover and inner cover, thereby forming a non-linear flow path and suppressing flame development.

[0023] Accordingly, the venting device of the present invention significantly improves safety by appropriately mitigating the pressure rise caused by the venting gas to prevent structural collapse of the battery pack, while suppressing the emission of high-temperature particles such as sparks and flames that cause external fires.

[0024] However, the technical effects obtainable through the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0025] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention provided below; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings.

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the path of high-temperature particles moving in a battery pack.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a venting device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the venting device of FIG. 2 viewed from below.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line "AA" in FIG. 2.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating an embodiment in which the venting device of the present invention is mounted on a pack case.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating that external exposure of high-temperature particles is prevented in a battery pack equipped with the venting device of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a venting device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a venting device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] The present invention is capable of various modifications and may have various embodiments, and specific embodiments are to be described in detail below.

[0035] However, this is not intended to limit the invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that it includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0036] In the present invention, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not excluding in advance the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0037] Furthermore, in the present invention, when a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is described as being "on" another part, this includes not only cases where it is "immediately above" the other part, but also cases where there is another part in between. Conversely, when a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is described as being "under" another part, this includes not only cases where it is "immediately below" the other part, but also cases where there is another part in between. Additionally, in the present application, being "placed on" may include cases where it is placed on the lower part as well as on the upper part.

[0038]

[0039] The present invention relates to a venting device, wherein in one embodiment, the device comprises a main body having a ruptured disc that ruptures due to an increase in external pressure or a valve that opens and closes due to an increase in external pressure, and a cover that surrounds the main body, wherein the cover comprises an outer cover that surrounds the upper half of the main body and an inner cover that surrounds the lower half of the main body and is spaced apart from the outer cover to form an inlet between them, and wherein the inner cover has a smaller protrusion height relative to the main body than the outer cover.

[0040] The venting device of the present invention, having the above configuration, is capable of smoothly discharging the gaseous venting gas to the outside in situations where a large amount of venting gas and high-temperature particles generated in a battery cell due to a thermal event occurring within a battery pack, but when high-temperature particles such as sparks with strong directional properties collide with the internal structure of the pack and reach the venting device along with the venting gas, the discharge of the high-temperature particles is blocked by the outer cover and inner cover, thereby forming a non-linear flow path and suppressing flame development.

[0041] Accordingly, the venting device of the present invention significantly improves safety by appropriately mitigating the pressure rise caused by the venting gas to prevent structural collapse of the battery pack, while suppressing the emission of high-temperature particles such as sparks and flames that cause external fires.

[0042] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the venting device (10) according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. For reference, the directions of front, back, up, down, left, and right used to specify relative positions in the following description are intended to aid in understanding the invention, and unless otherwise specifically defined, the directions shown in the drawings are used as the reference.

[0043]

[0044] [First embodiment]

[0045] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the path of high-temperature particles moving within a battery pack. When a thermal event occurs within a battery pack, a large amount of dust-laden gas is generated. Dust-laden gas refers to a gas mixed with gaseous gases (hereinafter referred to as "venting gas") and particles such as dust or sparks (hereinafter referred to as "high-temperature particles"). Referring to FIG. 1, the venting gas rapidly diffuses within the pack and approaches the venting device from all directions. High-temperature particles, which have strong directional properties, are discharged upward from the battery assembly where the thermal event occurred, then strike various structures within the pack, particularly the lids forming the upper surface of the battery pack, and reach the venting device together with the venting gas. According to the conventional venting device exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 1, the venting gas and high-temperature particles are discharged together to the outside of the pack.

[0046] The venting device (10) of the present invention is designed to effectively suppress the discharge of high-temperature particles by considering the movement path of high-temperature particles within a pack, blocking high-temperature particles approaching the upper side of the venting device (10), and forming a non-linear flow path for the high-temperature particles. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a venting device (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the venting device (10) of FIG. 2 viewed from below, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view cut along the line "AA" of FIG. 2. With reference to FIG. 2 to FIG. 4, a venting device (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0047] The venting device (10) of the present invention comprises a main body (100) having a rupture disc that ruptures due to an increase in external pressure, or a valve (110) that opens and closes due to an increase in external pressure, and a cover (200) that surrounds the main body (100). The main body (100) is equipped with various mechanisms that open in conjunction with a rapid increase in pressure caused by the occurrence of a thermal event. In the exemplary drawings, the main body (100) is shown as being equipped with a valve (110) that opens and closes due to an increase in external pressure, but a rupture disc that ruptures due to an increase in external pressure and opens once may also be equipped. The rupture disc is a thin plate-shaped member, and a rupture portion formed by notching the surface is formed. When the internal pressure of the battery pack (500) increases, tensile deformation occurs throughout the thin rupture disc due to the pressure, and the internal pressure is relieved as the rupture portion, which has weak strength, tears. The rupture disc is a known configuration, and for example, the venting device disclosed in "Korean Published Patent No. 10-2024-0070939 of Patent Document 002" can be referenced.

[0048] The cover (200) surrounding the main body (100) includes an outer cover (210) and an inner cover (220). The outer cover (210) covers the upper half of the main body (100), and the inner cover (220) covers the lower half of the main body (100). Here, the inner cover (220) is spaced apart from the outer cover (210) to form a gap, and this gap forms the inlet (240) of the venting device (10). Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the inner cover (220) has a smaller protrusion height relative to the main body (100) than the outer cover (210). In other words, relative to the main body (100), the inner cover (220) is positioned further inside than the outer cover (210).

[0049] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating an embodiment in which the venting device (10) of the present invention is mounted on a pack case (510). As in the embodiment of FIG. 5, the venting device (10) of the present invention is installed on a side frame (512) of the pack case (510), and the outer cover (210) of the venting device (10) is positioned to face the lid (514) of the pack case (510). For ease of installation, the main body (100) and the cover (200) can be mounted on the pack case (510) as a single unit. In this arrangement of the venting device (10), when the outer cover (210) is viewed from above, the inlet (240) is not exposed on the line of sight. Due to this structure, the external discharge of high-temperature particles is suppressed.

[0050] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating how the external exposure of high-temperature particles is prevented in a battery pack (500) equipped with the venting device (10) of the present invention. As explained through FIG. 1, the venting gas rapidly diffuses within the pack and approaches the venting device (10) from all directions, and smoothly reaches the inside of the main body (100) through the inlet (240) formed between the outer cover (210) and the inner cover (220). On the other hand, high-temperature particles with strong directional properties are discharged upward from the battery assembly (520) where a thermal event occurred, collide with various structures such as the lid (514), and reach the venting device (10) downward from above. Due to this flow path of the high-temperature particles, the high-temperature particles collide with the outer cover (210) and the inner cover (220) of the venting device (10), making it difficult for them to reach the inside of the main body (100).

[0051] In addition, high-temperature particles approaching from below the venting device (10) are significantly hindered from reaching the inside of the main body (100) along the non-linear flow path between the outer cover (210) and the inner cover (220). This is because the high-temperature particles have strong linearity. Thus, the venting device (10) of the present invention is equipped with an outer cover (210) and an inner cover (220) that surround the main body (100) by dividing it in half from top to bottom, thereby allowing the venting gas, which is a gas, to be smoothly discharged to the outside, while suppressing the discharge of high-temperature particles with strong linearity, and thereby effectively preventing the development of external flames.

[0052] The shapes of the outer cover (210) and the inner cover (220) can be designed in various ways, taking into account the shape of the main body (100), the mounting location or space within the battery pack (500), etc. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the outer cover (210) and the inner cover (220) may be in the shape of a hollow semi-cylindrical and may be concentric with respect to the main body (100). Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5, the outer cover (210) and the inner cover (220) may be in the shape of a hollow rectangular cylindrical. Alternatively, although not shown, they may be designed in various combinations, such as the outer cover (210) being in the shape of a hollow rectangular cylindrical and the inner cover (220) being in the shape of a hollow semi-cylindrical.

[0053] And, as can be seen in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4, when the cover (200) is viewed from the front, the outer cover (210) and the inner cover (220) can form a mutually overlapping area in the height direction. By partially overlapping the outer cover (210) and the inner cover (220) along the height direction, the flow path for high-temperature particles to reach the main body (100) can form a more complex non-linear shape.

[0054]

[0055] [Second embodiment]

[0056] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a venting device (10) according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the inner cover (220) includes a mesh structure (230) in which at least a portion is breathable. In FIG. 7, the entire inner cover (220) forms a mesh structure (230), but only a portion may include a mesh structure (230).

[0057] Since the outer cover (210) functions as a primary barrier to block high-temperature particles, it is not desirable to include a mesh structure (230). However, since the inner cover (220) primarily serves to secondarily block a relatively small amount of high-temperature particles approaching the venting device (10), in order to facilitate the smooth discharge of venting gas, all or part of the inner cover (220) may include a mesh structure (230) to ensure air permeability.

[0058] In addition, since the mesh structure causes a flame-extinguishing effect, the inner cover (220) containing the mesh structure (230) can also be effective in suppressing flame development.

[0059]

[0060] [Third Embodiment]

[0061] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a venting device (10) according to another embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment of FIG. 8 is an embodiment in which a plurality of inner covers (220) are provided, and in the exemplary drawing, two inner covers (220) are provided.

[0062] Multiple inner covers (220) have different protrusion heights relative to the main body (100). For example, if multiple inner covers (220) form a hollow semi-cylindrical shape, the diameter and height of the inner covers (220) gradually decrease as they go inward.

[0063] In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the inner cover (220) includes a first inner cover (222) that covers the lower half of the main body (100) and a second inner cover (224) that covers the upper half of the main body (100) and is spaced apart from the first inner cover (222) to form an inlet (240) between them. The second inner cover (224) further inside has a smaller protrusion height relative to the main body (100) compared to the first inner cover (222).

[0064] The decision to make the inner cover (220) a multi-layer structure can be made by considering various conditions. For example, it can be appropriately designed by considering the specifications of the battery cell, the layout of the pack case (510), and the internal pressure conditions of the battery pack (500). Generally, as the number of layers of the inner cover (220) increases, the flow path becomes more complex, so the suppression of high-temperature particles becomes stronger, and on the other hand, the flow resistance increases in terms of venting gas discharge, so the battery pack (500) must be able to satisfy higher internal pressure conditions.

[0065]

[0066] 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.

[0067]

[0068] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0069] 10: Venting device

[0070] 100: Main body

[0071] 110: Valve

[0072] 200: Cover

[0073] 210: Outer Cover

[0074] 220: Inner cover

[0075] 222: 1st Inner Cover

[0076] 224: Second inner cover

[0077] 230: Mesh structure

[0078] 240: Inlet

[0079] 500: Battery pack

[0080] 510: Pack case

[0081] 512: Side frame

[0082] 514: Lead

[0083] 520: Battery Assembly

Claims

1. A main body having a rupture disc that ruptures upon an increase in external pressure, or a valve that opens and closes upon an increase in external pressure; and Includes a cover that encloses the main body; and The above cover is, An outer cover wrapping the upper half of the main body, and It includes an inner cover that wraps around the lower half of the main body and is spaced apart from the outer cover to form an inlet therebetween. The above inner cover is a venting device having a smaller protrusion height relative to the main body compared to the above outer cover.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above outer cover and the above inner cover are in the form of hollow semi-cylindrical tubes and are concentric with respect to the main body, forming a venting device.

3. In Paragraph 1, A venting device in which the outer cover and / or the inner cover form a hollow rectangular shape.

4. In Paragraph 1, When viewing the above outer cover from above, A venting device in which the inlet is not exposed on the line of sight.

5. In Paragraph 1, A venting device in which the above main body and cover are integrally mounted in a pack case.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above inner cover is, A venting device comprising a mesh structure, at least a portion of which is breathable.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above inner cover is, A venting device having multiple protrusion heights different from the main body.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above inner cover is, A first inner cover covering the lower half of the main body, and It includes a second inner cover that surrounds the upper half of the main body and is spaced apart from the first inner cover to form an inlet therebetween. The above second inner cover is a venting device having a smaller protrusion height relative to the main body compared to the above first inner cover.

9. In Paragraph 1, When viewing the above cover from the front, A venting device in which the outer cover and the inner cover form mutually overlapping areas.

10. A pack case having a venting device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The above venting device is installed on the side frame of the pack case, and A pack case in which the outer cover of the above-mentioned venting device is positioned to face the lid of the above-mentioned pack case.

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