Vehicle comprising battery pack

Abstract

The technical idea of the present invention provides a vehicle comprising a vehicle frame and a battery pack mounted on the vehicle frame, wherein the battery pack comprises: a housing coupled to the vehicle frame and providing an internal space for accommodating battery cells; a venting valve mounted on the housing and configured to discharge gas in the housing; an extensible pipe comprising a flow path configured to allow the gas discharged from the venting valve to flow therethrough; and a plug coupled to an end of the extensible pipe and comprising a vent hole.

Description

Vehicle including a battery pack

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle comprising a battery pack. The present application claims the benefit of Korean application No. 10-2024-0184594, filed on December 12, 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 vehicle including a battery pack.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned problem, the technical concept of the present invention provides a vehicle comprising: a vehicle frame; and a battery pack mounted on the vehicle frame; wherein the battery pack comprises: a housing coupled to the vehicle frame and providing an internal space for accommodating battery cells; a venting valve mounted on the housing and configured to discharge gas within the housing; an expandable pipe including a flow path configured for gas discharged from the venting valve to flow; and a plug coupled to the end of the expandable pipe and including an exhaust hole.

[0006] In exemplary embodiments, the expandable pipe is configured to vary between a compressed state having a first length and an expanded state having a second length greater than the first length, and the expandable pipe is mounted in the housing in the compressed state and configured to vary from the compressed state to the expanded state by gas discharged from the venting valve.

[0007] In exemplary embodiments, the end of the expandable pipe in the expanded state is characterized by protruding outside the vehicle frame.

[0008] In exemplary embodiments, the end of the expandable pipe in the expanded state is characterized by protruding downward from the bottom of the vehicle frame.

[0009] In exemplary embodiments, the vehicle frame is characterized by including a guide hole into which the end of the expansion pipe is inserted.

[0010] In exemplary embodiments, the volume of the flow path of the expandable pipe in the expanded state is characterized to be between 1.5 and 5 times the volume of the flow path of the expandable pipe in the compressed state.

[0011] In exemplary embodiments, the expansion pipe is characterized by including a bent portion.

[0012] In exemplary embodiments, the expandable pipe is characterized by including a corrugated section configured to have a variable length.

[0013] In exemplary embodiments, the width of the exhaust hole of the plug is characterized as being between 1 mm and 10 mm.

[0014] In exemplary embodiments, the width of the exhaust hole of the plug is smaller than the width of the inlet of the flow path of the expandable pipe into which the gas discharged from the venting valve flows.

[0015] In exemplary embodiments, the plug is further characterized by including a rupture cover coupled to the plug to cover the exhaust hole of the plug.

[0016] In exemplary embodiments, the burst pressure of the burst cover is characterized as being smaller than the burst pressure of the plug.

[0017] In exemplary embodiments, the inner surface of the expansion pipe is characterized by including a plurality of grooves configured to capture particles.

[0018] In exemplary embodiments, the expandable pipe is characterized by comprising a fixed end fixed to the housing and a free end to which the plug is attached.

[0019] In exemplary embodiments, the venting valve is characterized as being a relief valve.

[0020] According to a vehicle including a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments, in a gas venting situation where high-temperature gas is discharged from the venting valve of the battery pack, the expansion pipe rapidly expands, causing the gas within the expansion pipe to undergo adiabatic expansion, and the gas can be cooled during the adiabatic expansion process. Since the cooled gas is discharged to the outside, external ignition occurring outside the battery pack can be prevented or suppressed. Accordingly, the safety and reliability of the vehicle including the battery pack can be improved.

[0021] 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.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0023] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery pack when gas venting does not occur.

[0024] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery pack when gas venting occurs.

[0025] FIGS. 4 to 6 are cross-sectional views showing battery packs according to exemplary embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing a vehicle equipped with a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0027] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a vehicle when gas venting does not occur in the battery pack.

[0028] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle when gas venting occurs in the battery pack.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033]

[0034] (1st embodiment)

[0035] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a battery pack (10) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery pack (10) when gas venting does not occur. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery pack (10) when gas venting occurs.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the battery pack (10) may include a housing (110), a plurality of cell assemblies (130), a venting valve (140), an expandable pipe (150), and a plug (160).

[0037] The housing (110) may provide an internal space (119) for accommodating a plurality of cell assemblies (130). The housing (110) may include a base frame (111) and a side frame (113).

[0038] The base frame (111) can support a plurality of cell assemblies (130). The 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).

[0039] A side frame (113) can be coupled to a base frame (111). The side frame (113) can be coupled to the perimeter of the base frame (111) and can extend along the perimeter of the base frame (111). The side frame (113) can extend continuously along the perimeter of the base frame (111) to surround a plurality of cell assemblies (130). When viewed in a planar view, the side frame (113) may have a shape of a roughly square ring. The side frame (113) together with the base frame (111) can define an internal space (119) in which a plurality of cell assemblies (130) are accommodated. The housing (110) may further include a top cover (not shown) coupled to the side frame (113) and covering a plurality of cell assemblies (130).

[0040] A plurality of cell assemblies (130) may be arranged on a base frame (111) in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) and / or a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of cell assemblies (130) may each be thermally and physically bonded to the base frame (111) by a thermally conductive adhesive layer. The thermally conductive adhesive layer may comprise a thermal resin and / or a thermal interface material (TIM).

[0041] Each individual cell assembly (130) may include a plurality of battery cells (131). Each individual battery cell (131) is a basic unit of a lithium-ion battery, i.e., a secondary battery. Each individual battery cell (131) 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.

[0042] The individual battery cells (131) 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.

[0043] A plurality of battery cells (131) provided in an individual cell assembly (130) may be connected in series and / or in parallel. For example, a plurality of battery cells (131) may be connected in series with each other. For example, a plurality of battery cells (131) may be connected in parallel with each other. For example, when a set of two or more battery cells (131) connected in parallel is defined as a bank, one bank consisting of two or more battery cells (131) connected in parallel with each other and another bank consisting of two or more battery cells (131) connected in parallel with each other may be connected in series.

[0044] In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of battery cells (131) may be arranged in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction), and individual battery cells (131) may be extended in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). An electrode lead may be provided at at least one of the two ends of an individual battery cell (131) along the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). The electrode leads of adjacent battery cells (131) among the plurality of battery cells (131) may be electrically and physically connected to each other.

[0045] A venting valve (140) may be mounted on a housing (110). In exemplary embodiments, a venting valve (140) may be mounted on a side frame (113). In some exemplary embodiments, a venting valve (140) may be mounted on a base frame (111). In exemplary embodiments, a battery pack (10) may include a plurality of venting valves (140) mounted on a housing (110). In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of venting valves (140) may be mounted on a side frame (113). In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of venting valves (140) may be mounted on a base frame (111). In exemplary embodiments, some of the plurality of venting valves (140) may be mounted on a side frame (113), and other parts of the plurality of venting valves (140) may be mounted on a base frame (111).

[0046] A venting valve (140) is mounted on a housing (110) and may be configured to discharge gas from the internal space (119) of the housing (110) to the outside of the housing (110). Depending on the pressure level of the internal space (119) of the housing (110), the venting valve (140) may allow or block gas flow from the internal space (119) of the housing (110) toward an expandable pipe (150) located outside the housing (110). The venting valve (140) may have an inlet facing the internal space (119) of the housing (110), an outlet (149) facing the expandable pipe (150) located outside the housing (110), and a passage extending between the inlet and the outlet (149), and may be configured to open or close the passage depending on the pressure level of the internal space (119) of the housing (110). In exemplary embodiments, the venting valve (140) may be a relief valve.

[0047] When the pressure in the internal space (119) of the housing (110) is below a preset reference value, the venting valve (140) may be in a closed position to block gas flow between the internal space (119) of the housing (110) and the expansion pipe (150) by closing the passage provided therein. When the pressure in the internal space (119) of the housing (110) exceeds a preset reference value, the venting valve (140) may be in an open position to allow gas flow from the internal space (119) of the housing (110) toward the expansion pipe (150) by opening the passage provided therein. When the pressure in the internal space (119) of the housing (110) becomes below a preset reference value due to gas discharge through the venting valve (140), the venting valve (140) may switch from the open position to the closed position to block gas flow between the internal space (119) of the housing (110) and the expansion pipe (150). Fig. 2 shows a venting valve (140) in a closed position, and Fig. 3 shows a venting valve (140) in an open position.

[0048] The venting valve (140) may include a valve frame (141), a valve cap (143), and a spring (145).

[0049] The valve frame (141) can be mounted and fixed to the housing (110). The valve frame (141) may have a passage (1415) communicating with the internal space (119) of the housing (110). The passage (1415) of the valve frame (141) may be configured to communicate the internal space (119) of the housing (110) with the flow path (153) of the expansion pipe (150).

[0050] The valve frame (141) may include a ring-shaped body coupled to the housing (110) and a support structure extending inwardly from the ring-shaped body. The passage (1415) of the valve frame (141) may include a hollow portion of the ring-shaped body.

[0051] The valve cap (143) can be switched between a closed position and an open position depending on the pressure in the internal space (119) of the housing (110). In the closed state of the venting valve (140), the valve cap (143) may be in the closed position. In the open state of the venting valve (140), the valve cap (143) may be in the open position. The valve cap (143) can move linearly between the open position and the closed position.

[0052] When the valve cap (143) is in the closed position, the valve cap (143) can close the passage (1415) of the valve frame (141) to the flow path (153) of the expansion pipe (150) so that the passage (1415) of the valve frame (141) does not communicate with the flow path (153) of the expansion pipe (150). When the valve cap (143) is in the closed position, gas flow between the internal space (119) of the housing (110) and the flow path (153) of the expansion pipe (150) can be blocked.

[0053] When the valve cap (143) is in the open position, the valve cap (143) can open the passage (1415) of the valve frame (141) to the flow path (153) of the expansion pipe (150) so that the passage (1415) of the valve frame (141) communicates with the flow path (153) of the expansion pipe (150). When the valve cap (143) is in the open position, gas can flow from the internal space (119) of the housing (110) to the flow path (153) of the expansion pipe (150) through the passage (1415) of the valve frame (141).

[0054] The valve cap (143) may include a blocking plate (1431) that covers and closes the passage (1415) of the valve frame (141), and a moving rod (1433) coupled to the blocking plate (1431). A support structure of the valve frame (141) extends from a ring-shaped body toward the moving rod (1433) and may support the side of the moving rod (1433) so that the moving rod (1433) moves linearly along a predetermined path.

[0055] The spring (145) can provide a restoring force to the valve cap (143) in a direction from the open position of the valve cap (143) toward the closed position. For example, the spring (145) may be a coil spring wound around a movable rod (1433). The spring (145) may be provided between the support structure of the valve frame (141) and the catch of the movable rod (1433) provided at the end of the movable rod (1433). One end of the spring (145) may be supported by the catch of the movable rod (1433), and the other end of the spring (145) may be supported by the support structure. When the pressure in the internal space (119) of the housing (110) is below a preset reference value, the valve cap (143) may be elastically supported by the spring (145) and fixed in the closed position. When the pressure in the internal space (119) of the housing (110) exceeds a preset reference value, the valve cap (143) can gradually move from the closed position toward the open position.

[0056] The expansion pipe (150) may be positioned on the outlet (149) side of the venting valve (140). The expansion pipe (150) may be attached to the outer surface of the housing (110) to cover the venting valve (140) exposed through the outer surface of the housing (110). The expansion pipe (150) may include a flow path (153) configured to allow gas discharged from the outlet (149) of the venting valve (140) to flow. When the venting valve (140) is in the open position, the passage of the venting valve (140) may communicate with the flow path (153) of the expansion pipe (150).

[0057] The expansion pipe (150) may be a length-variable pipe configured to vary in length. The expansion pipe (150) may be configured to vary between a compressed state having a first length and an expanded state having a second length greater than the first length. The expansion pipe (150) may be configured to vary from a compressed state to an expanded state by being pressurized by gas discharged from a venting valve (140). When the expansion pipe (150) is in a compressed state, the expansion pipe (150) may have a minimum length, and when the expansion pipe (150) is in an expanded state, the expansion pipe (150) may have a maximum length. The expansion pipe (150) may be a bellows-type pipe having a corrugated section (154) configured to vary in length. The length of the expansion pipe (150) may vary as the corrugated section (154) of the expansion pipe (150) is folded or unfolded. For example, the expandable pipe (150) may be made of an elastic material such as stainless steel, nickel alloy, aluminum, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), rubber, or a combination thereof. In exemplary embodiments, the expandable pipe (150) may be configured to have elasticity so that it changes from a compressed state to an expanded state by an external force and returns to a compressed state by its own restoring force when the external force is released.

[0058] The expansion pipe (150) may include a first end (151) and a second end (152) that are opposite along the longitudinal direction of the expansion pipe (150). The flow path (153) of the expansion pipe (150) may extend between the first end (151) and the second end (152) of the expansion pipe (150). The first end (151) of the expansion pipe (150) may be a fixed end that is fixed and coupled to the housing (110). For example, the first end (151) of the expansion pipe (150) may be provided with a flange portion that is bolted to the housing (110). The second end (152) of the expansion pipe (150) may be a free end configured to move freely. When the expansion pipe (150) changes from a compressed state to an expanded state, the first end (151) of the expansion pipe (150) is fixed to the housing (110), and the second end (152) of the expansion pipe (150) can move away from the first end (151) of the expansion pipe (150).

[0059] The inner surface of the expandable pipe (150) defining the flow path (153) of the expandable pipe (150) may include a plurality of grooves (155). The plurality of grooves (155) of the expandable pipe (150) may be configured to capture particles (PC) contained in the gas discharged from the venting valve (140). The plurality of grooves (155) of the expandable pipe (150) may be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the expandable pipe (150). Each individual groove (155) of the expandable pipe (150) may have a ring shape extending along the circumference of the expandable pipe (150). As the inner surface of the expandable pipe (150) has a plurality of grooves (155), the inner surface of the expandable pipe (150) may have an uneven structure. The plurality of grooves (155) of the expandable pipe (150) may be provided in the corrugated portion (154) of the expandable pipe (150). The volume of each of the multiple grooves (155) of the expansion pipe (150) can vary between the compressed state and the expanded state of the expansion pipe (150).

[0060] The plug (160) may be attached to the second end (152) of the expandable pipe (150). In exemplary embodiments, the plug (160) and the expandable pipe (150) are a single integrated structure and may contain the same material. In exemplary embodiments, the plug (160) and the expandable pipe (150) may be made of different materials and may be joined by means such as welding or a snap joint. In a gas venting situation where the venting valve (140) discharges high-temperature gas, the high-temperature gas introduced into the expandable pipe (150) may pressurize the plug (160) in a direction away from the venting valve (140) or the housing (110), and the expandable pipe (150) attached to the plug (160) may rapidly change from a compressed state to an expanded state due to the external force acting on the plug (160).

[0061] The plug (160) may include an exhaust hole (161). The exhaust hole (161) of the plug (160) may be a through hole that penetrates the plug (160). The exhaust hole (161) of the plug (160) may connect the flow path (153) of the expandable pipe (150) to an external space. In FIG. 3, a gas venting path (VP) of the gas is shown in a gas venting situation in which the venting valve (140) discharges high-temperature gas. As shown in FIG. 3, in a gas venting situation, the gas flows along the flow path (153) of the expandable pipe (150) toward the plug (160) and can be discharged to the outside through the exhaust hole (161) of the plug (160). When a plug (160) having an exhaust hole (161) is coupled to an expandable pipe (150), the size of the hole through which gas is exhausted can be reduced compared to when the plug (160) is removed and the second end (152) of the expandable pipe (150) is opened. The width (161W) of the exhaust hole (161) of the plug (160) may be smaller than the width of the inlet of the flow path (153) of the expandable pipe (150) into which gas discharged from the venting valve (140) flows. When a plug (160) having an exhaust hole (161) is coupled to an expandable pipe (150), in a gas venting situation where high-temperature gas is discharged from the venting valve (140), the external force applied by the high-temperature gas to the plug (160) increases, so that the transition from the compressed state to the expanded state of the expandable pipe (150) can be made more quickly.

[0062] According to exemplary embodiments, in a gas venting situation where high-temperature gas is discharged from the venting valve (140), the expansion pipe (150) rapidly expands, and the gas within the expansion pipe (150) undergoes adiabatic expansion, and the gas can be cooled during the adiabatic expansion process. Since the cooled gas is discharged to the outside of the battery pack (10), external ignition can be prevented or suppressed from occurring outside the battery pack (10).

[0063] According to exemplary embodiments, the expansion pipe (150) includes a groove (155) capable of capturing particles (PC) contained in the gas, so that particles (PC) can be prevented from being discharged outside the battery pack (10) in a gas venting situation where high-temperature gas is discharged from the venting valve (140). Since the external discharge of particles (PC), such as flame discharges, is prevented, external ignition can be prevented or suppressed from occurring outside the battery pack (10).

[0064] If the width (or diameter) (161W) of the exhaust hole (161) of the plug (160) is too small, the gas discharge flow rate through the plug (160) is too low, and damage to the expandable pipe (150) and / or the plug (160) may occur during gas venting. If the width (161W) of the exhaust hole (161) of the plug (160) is too large, the rate of transition from the compressed state to the expanded state of the expandable pipe (150) during gas venting is insufficient, and the cooling effect of the gas due to the expansion of the gas may not be sufficient. In exemplary embodiments, the width (161W) of the exhaust hole (161) of the plug (160) may be between about 1 mm and about 10 mm, between about 2 mm and about 9 mm, between about 3 mm and about 8 mm, between about 4 mm and about 7 mm, or between about 5 mm and about 6 mm.

[0065] If the ratio between the volume of the flow path (153) of the expansion pipe (150) in the expansion state and the volume of the flow path (153) of the expansion pipe (150) in the compression state is too small, the volume expansion rate of the gas is too low, and the cooling effect of the gas due to the expansion of the gas may not be sufficient. If the ratio between the volume of the flow path (153) of the expansion pipe (150) in the expansion state and the volume of the flow path (153) of the expansion pipe (150) in the compression state is too large, the rate of transition from the compression state to the expansion state of the expansion pipe (150) in the gas venting situation is insufficient, and the cooling effect of the gas due to the expansion of the gas may not be sufficient. In exemplary embodiments, the volume of the flow path (153) of the expandable pipe (150) in the expanded state may be between about 1.5 times and about 5 times, between about 2 times and about 4.5 times, between about 2.5 times and about 4 times, or between about 3 times and about 3.5 times the volume of the flow path (153) of the expandable pipe (150) in the compressed state.

[0066]

[0067] (2nd Example)

[0068] FIGS. 4 to 6 are cross-sectional views illustrating a battery pack (10A) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a battery pack (10A) when no gas venting occurs. FIGS. 5 and FIGS. 6 are cross-sectional views illustrating a battery pack (10A) when gas venting occurs, respectively. Hereinafter, the battery pack (10A) illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6 will be described with a focus on the differences from the battery pack (10) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 4 through 6, the battery pack (10A) may further include a rupture cover (170) coupled to the plug (160) to cover the exhaust hole (161) of the plug (160). The rupture cover (170) may close the exhaust hole (161) of the plug (160) so that the exhaust hole (161) of the plug (160) is not exposed to the outside of the battery pack (10A). In a gas venting situation where high-temperature gas is discharged from the venting valve (140), the rupture cover (170) may rupture due to the pressure of the gas, and the gas may be discharged to the outside through the exhaust hole (161) of the plug (160) and the ruptured portion of the rupture cover (170). The rupture pressure of the rupture cover (170) may be smaller than the rupture pressure of the plug (160) and the rupture pressure of the expansion pipe (150). Here, the burst pressure may refer to the gas pressure at which a burst begins to occur in the corresponding part due to the gas. Since the burst pressure of the burst cover (170) is smaller than the burst pressure of the plug (160) and the burst pressure of the expansion pipe (150), in a gas venting situation where high-temperature gas is discharged from the venting valve (140), when a burst occurs in the burst cover (170), no burst occurs in the expansion pipe (150) and the plug (160).

[0070] As illustrated in FIG. 4, when gas venting is not in progress, the rupture cover (170) covers the exhaust hole (161) of the plug (160), thereby preventing external foreign matter from entering the flow path (153) of the expandable pipe (150) through the exhaust hole (161) of the plug (160). As illustrated in FIG. 5, when high-temperature gas is discharged from the venting valve (140), the expandable pipe (150) can expand due to the pressure of the gas filled within the expandable pipe (150). Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 6, when the pressure of the gas within the expandable pipe (150) exceeds the rupture pressure of the rupture cover (170), a rupture occurs in the rupture cover (170), and the gas can be discharged to the outside through the exhaust hole (161) of the plug (160) and the ruptured part of the rupture cover (170).

[0071]

[0072] (3rd Example)

[0073] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing a vehicle (500) equipped with a battery pack (10B) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the vehicle (500) when no gas venting occurs in the battery pack (10B). FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing the vehicle (500) when gas venting occurs in the battery pack (10B).

[0074] Referring to FIGS. 7 through 9, the vehicle (500) may include a vehicle frame (520) and a battery pack (10B) mounted on the vehicle frame (520). In FIG. 7, the illustration of some components of the vehicle (500) is omitted. The vehicle (500) may be an electric vehicle configured to be driven by electric energy provided by the battery pack (10B). The vehicle frame (520) may provide a space for accommodating the battery pack (10B) and various components, and a space for passengers to board (i.e., a passenger compartment). In FIG. 7, a part of the vehicle frame (520), namely the base portion of the vehicle frame (520) that constitutes the floor of the vehicle frame (520), is illustrated. The battery pack (10B) may include an expandable pipe (150A) coupled to a housing (110) and a plug (160) coupled to a second end (152) of the expandable pipe (150A) and having an exhaust hole (161 in FIG. 2). In some exemplary embodiments, the battery pack (10B) may further include a rupture cover (see 170 in FIG. 4) covering the exhaust hole (161) of the plug (160).

[0075] The housing (110) of the battery pack (10B) can be attached to the vehicle frame (520). The expandable pipe (150A) may include a bent portion (156) extended in a bent shape and a corrugated portion (154) configured to have a variable length. When gas venting occurs in the battery pack (10B) and the expandable pipe (150A) transitions from a compressed state to an expanded state, the corrugated portion (154) of the expandable pipe (150A) may expand. Since the expandable pipe (150A) has a bent shape, while the expandable pipe (150A) expands from a compressed state to an expanded state, the second end (152) of the expandable pipe (150A) may move downward. As the expansion pipe (150A) moves between a compressed state and an expanded state, the position of the second end (152) of the expansion pipe (150A) to which the plug (160) is attached may change, and the position and direction of gas discharge through the exhaust hole (161) of the plug (160) in a gas venting situation may be adjusted.

[0076] When the expansion pipe (150A) is in an expanded state, a portion of the expansion pipe (150A) may protrude outside the vehicle frame (520), and the second end (152) of the expansion pipe (150A) to which the plug (160) is attached may protrude outside the vehicle frame (520). For example, the second end (152) of the expansion pipe (150A) may not protrude downward from the bottom surface (522) of the vehicle frame (520) when the expansion pipe (150A) is in a compressed state, and may protrude downward from the bottom surface (522) of the vehicle frame (520) when the expansion pipe (150A) is in an expanded state. The bottom surface (522) of the vehicle frame (520) may be a surface facing the ground where the driving wheels of the vehicle (500) come into contact, and when the expansion pipe (150A) is in an expanded state, the second end (152) of the expansion pipe (150A) may protrude downward from the bottom of the vehicle frame (520). In this case, when gas venting occurs in the battery pack (10B), the gas discharged from the battery pack (10B) may be discharged downward from the vehicle (500). Since the gas is discharged downward from the vehicle (500), it is possible to prevent passengers on board the vehicle (500) from being exposed to high-temperature gas and / or flames.

[0077] In exemplary embodiments, the second end (152) of the expandable pipe (150A) to which the plug (160) is attached may be inserted into the guide hole (521) of the vehicle frame (520). When the expandable pipe (150A) is in a compressed state, the second end (152) of the expandable pipe (150A) may be within the guide hole (521) of the vehicle frame (520) and may not protrude downward from the bottom surface (522) of the vehicle frame (520). When gas venting occurs in the battery pack (10B) and the expansion pipe (150A) switches from a compressed state to an expanded state, a portion of the expansion pipe (150A) may pass through the guide hole (521) of the vehicle frame (520) and protrude outside the vehicle frame (520), and a second end (152) of the expansion pipe (150A) may protrude downward from the bottom surface (522) of the vehicle frame (520).

[0078] According to a vehicle (500) including a battery pack (10B) according to exemplary embodiments, in a gas venting situation where high-temperature gas is discharged from the venting valve (140) of the battery pack (10B), the expansion pipe (150A) rapidly expands, and the gas within the expansion pipe (150A) undergoes adiabatic expansion, and the gas can be cooled during the adiabatic expansion process. Since the cooled gas is discharged to the outside, it is possible to prevent or suppress external ignition from occurring outside the battery pack (10B). Accordingly, the safety and reliability of the vehicle (500) including the battery pack (10B) can be improved.

[0079]

[0080] 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. Vehicle frame; and Battery pack mounted on the vehicle frame above; Includes, The above battery pack is, A housing coupled to the vehicle frame and providing an internal space for accommodating battery cells; A venting valve mounted in the housing and configured to discharge gas within the housing; An expandable pipe comprising a flow path configured to allow gas discharged from the above-mentioned venting valve to flow; and A plug coupled to the end of the above-mentioned expansion pipe and including an exhaust hole; A vehicle including 2. In Paragraph 1, The above expansion pipe is configured to vary between a compressed state having a first length and an expanded state having a second length greater than the first length, and A vehicle characterized in that the above expansion pipe is mounted in the housing in the compressed state and configured to vary from the compressed state to the expanded state by gas discharged from the venting valve.

3. In Paragraph 2, A vehicle characterized in that the end of the expansion pipe in the above-mentioned expanded state protrudes to the outside of the vehicle frame.

4. In Paragraph 2, A vehicle characterized in that the end of the expansion pipe in the above-mentioned expanded state protrudes downward from the bottom of the vehicle frame.

5. In Paragraph 2, A vehicle characterized in that the vehicle frame includes a guide hole into which the end of the expansion pipe is inserted.

6. In Paragraph 2, A vehicle characterized in that the volume of the flow path of the expansion pipe in the expanded state is between 1.5 and 5 times the volume of the flow path of the expansion pipe in the compressed state.

7. In Paragraph 1, A vehicle characterized in that the above-mentioned expansion pipe includes a bent portion.

8. In Paragraph 1, A vehicle characterized in that the above-mentioned expansion pipe includes a corrugated section configured to have a variable length.

9. In Paragraph 1, A vehicle characterized in that the width of the exhaust hole of the above plug is between 1 mm and 10 mm.

10. In Paragraph 1, A vehicle characterized in that the width of the exhaust hole of the plug is smaller than the width of the inlet of the flow path of the expansion pipe into which gas discharged from the venting valve flows.

11. In Paragraph 1, A vehicle characterized by further including a burst cover coupled to the plug to cover the exhaust hole of the plug.

12. In Paragraph 11, A vehicle characterized in that the burst pressure of the burst cover is smaller than the burst pressure of the plug.

13. In Paragraph 1, A vehicle characterized in that the inner surface of the above-mentioned expansion pipe includes a plurality of grooves configured to capture particles.

14. In Paragraph 1, A vehicle characterized in that the above expansion pipe includes a fixed end fixed to the housing and a free end to which the plug is attached.

15. In Paragraph 1, A vehicle characterized in that the above-mentioned venting valve is a relief valve.

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