Battery pack and electronic device comprising same

Abstract

A technical idea of the present invention provides a battery pack comprising: a pack housing which provides an inner space configured to allow a first cooling fluid to flow therein; a cell assembly which is disposed in the pack housing and comprises a plurality of battery cells, a cell housing providing an inner space for accommodating the plurality of battery cells, and an exhaust pipe coupled to the cell housing and having an exhaust channel; and a venting pipe which is connected to the pack housing and the exhaust pipe and has a venting channel communicating with the exhaust channel of the exhaust pipe.

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. This application claims the benefit of Korean application No. 10-2025-0016013, filed on February 7, 2025, 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 providing an internal space configured to allow a first cooling fluid to flow; a cell assembly disposed within the pack housing and including a plurality of battery cells, a cell housing providing an internal space for accommodating the plurality of battery cells, and an exhaust pipe coupled to the cell housing and having an exhaust channel; and a venting pipe connected to the pack housing and the exhaust pipe and having a venting channel communicating with the exhaust channel of the exhaust pipe.

[0006] In exemplary embodiments, the venting pipe is characterized by being coupled to the exhaust pipe by the threads of the venting pipe engaging with the threads of the exhaust pipe.

[0007] In exemplary embodiments, the threads of the exhaust pipe are formed on the outer surface of the exhaust pipe, and the threads of the venting pipe are formed on the inner surface of the venting pipe facing the outer surface of the exhaust pipe.

[0008] In exemplary embodiments, the venting pipe is inserted into a mounting hole of the pack housing, and a portion of the venting pipe protrudes outside the pack housing.

[0009] In exemplary embodiments, the mounting hole of the pack housing is characterized by being aligned in one direction with the exhaust pipe.

[0010] In exemplary embodiments, it is characterized by further including a sealing member disposed between the pack housing and the venting pipe.

[0011] In exemplary embodiments, the venting pipe further comprises a venting valve mounted thereon, wherein the venting valve is configured to discharge gas from the venting channel of the venting pipe to the outside according to the pressure of the gas applied to the venting valve.

[0012] In exemplary embodiments, the venting valve is characterized by being mounted at the end of the venting pipe protruding from the pack housing.

[0013] In exemplary embodiments, the venting valve is characterized by including a relief valve.

[0014] In exemplary embodiments, the venting valve is characterized by including a rupture cover.

[0015] In exemplary embodiments, the venting channel of the venting pipe and the internal space of the cell housing are characterized by being isolated from the internal space of the pack housing through which the first cooling fluid flows.

[0016] In exemplary embodiments, the cell housing comprises a bottom plate below the plurality of battery cells and a top plate above the plurality of battery cells, wherein the bottom plate of the cell housing is attached to the cell housing.

[0017] In exemplary embodiments, the top plate of the cell housing is characterized by being attached to the cell housing.

[0018] In exemplary embodiments, the cell assembly further comprises a gas-permeable membrane disposed within the venting channel of the venting pipe, and the cell assembly further comprises a second cooling fluid filled into the internal space of the cell housing.

[0019] To solve the above-mentioned problem, the technical concept of the present invention provides an electric device comprising: a battery pack; and a cooling fluid supply unit configured to supply the first cooling fluid to the internal space of the pack housing.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0022] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a cell assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0023] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack taken along the AA-AA' line of Figure 1.

[0024] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack taken along the BB-BB' line of Figure 4.

[0025] FIGS. 6a and 6b are cross-sectional views illustrating a method for manufacturing a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery pack according to exemplary embodiments.

[0027] FIG. 8 is a plan view showing an electrical device according to exemplary embodiments.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032]

[0033] (1st embodiment)

[0034] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a battery pack (10) according to exemplary embodiments. In FIG. 1, the pack cover (113) of the battery pack (10) is omitted. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a cell assembly (200) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a cell assembly (200) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack (10) taken along the line AA-AA' of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack (10) taken along the line BB-BB' of FIG. 4.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the battery pack (10) may include a pack housing (110), a cell assembly (200), and a venting pipe (310).

[0036] The pack housing (110) may provide an internal space (114) for accommodating a cell assembly (200). The internal space (114) of the pack housing (110) may be sealed. The pack housing (110) may include a pack base frame (111), a pack side frame (112), and a pack cover (113).

[0037] A pack base frame (111) can support a cell assembly (200). The pack base frame (111) may have a mounting surface on which the cell assembly (200) is mounted, and the mounting surface of the pack base frame (111) may extend 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 in a second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) along the mounting surface of the pack base frame (111).

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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).

[0040] The internal space (114) of the pack housing (110) may be configured to accommodate a cooling fluid (CF). The cooling fluid (CF) may at least partially fill the internal space (114) of the pack housing (110). The battery pack (10) may be configured to perform immersion cooling, which cools the cell assembly (200) by immersing the cell assembly (200) accommodated in the internal space (114) of the pack housing (110) in the cooling fluid (CF). For example, the cooling fluid (CF) supplied from the outside is introduced into the internal space (114) of the pack housing (110), and the cell assembly (200) may be cooled as the cooling fluid (CF) flows through the internal space (114) of the pack housing (110).

[0041] The cooling fluid (CF) may be composed of an electrically insulating material. For example, the cooling fluid (CF) may include insulating oil. For example, the cooling fluid (CF) may include water, glycol, mineral oil, fluorocarbon, hydrofluorocarbon, etc.

[0042] The pack housing (110) may include an inlet port (121) for introducing externally supplied cooling fluid (CF) into the internal space (114) of the pack housing (110) and an outlet port (125) for discharging the cooling fluid (CF) within the internal space (114) of the pack housing (110) to the outside. The inlet port (121) may include an inlet through which the externally supplied cooling fluid (CF) is introduced. The outlet port (125) may include an outlet through which the cooling fluid (CF) is discharged. After the cooling fluid (CF) supplied to the internal space (114) of the pack housing (110) through the inlet port (121) of the pack housing (110) flows within the internal space (114) of the pack housing (110), it may be discharged to the outside through the outlet port (125) of the pack housing (110).

[0043] The cell assembly (200) may include a cell housing (210) and a plurality of cell units (230) mounted on the cell housing (210).

[0044] The cell housing (210) may provide an internal space (221) 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 (221) of the cell housing (210). The cell housing (210) may seal the internal space (221) of the cell housing (210). The internal space (221) of the cell housing (210) may be isolated from the internal space (114) of the pack housing (110) so as to prevent a cooling fluid (CF) from flowing from the internal space (114) of the pack housing (110) into the internal space (221) of the cell housing (210).

[0045] The cell housing (210) may include a bottom plate (211), a side plate (212), and a top plate (213). The internal space (221) of the cell housing (210) may be defined by the bottom plate (211), the side plate (212), and the top plate (213).

[0046] The bottom plate (211) can support a plurality of cell units (230). The bottom plate (211) can contact the pack base frame (111) of the pack housing (110). The bottom plate (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). For example, the bottom plate (211) may be manufactured through an extrusion process.

[0047] The side plate (212) can be attached to the perimeter of the bottom plate (211). The side plate (212) can extend along the perimeter of the bottom plate (211) and can surround a plurality of cell units (230). When viewed in a planar view, the side plate (212) can have a square ring shape. The side plate (212) can be integral with the bottom plate (211). For example, the side plate (212) can be manufactured through an extrusion process.

[0048] The top plate (213) may be coupled to the side plate (212) to cover a plurality of cell units (230). The top plate (213) may face the pack cover (113) of the pack housing (110). The top plate (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 plate (213) may be spaced vertically (e.g., Z-axis direction) from the bottom plate (211).

[0049] The cell housing (210) may further include a partition wall (214). The partition wall (214) may separate or partition the internal space (221) of the cell housing (210) into a plurality of sub-spaces. The partition wall (214) may be coupled to a bottom plate (211) and may 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) may be partitioned or separated in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction). At least one cell unit (230) may be accommodated in each of the plurality of sub-spaces of the cell housing (210) defined by the partition wall (214).

[0050] In exemplary embodiments, the lower and / or upper portions of the cell housing (210) may be fixed to the pack housing (110). The bottom plate (211) of the cell housing (210) may be attached to the pack base frame (111) by a lower adhesive layer (131). The lower adhesive layer (131) may extend along the surface of the bottom plate (211) facing the pack base frame (111). The top plate (213) of the cell housing (210) may be attached to the pack cover (113) by an upper adhesive layer (133). The upper adhesive layer (133) may extend along the surface of the top plate (213) facing the pack cover (113). For example, the lower adhesive layer (131) and the upper adhesive layer (133) may comprise a resin. Since the lower and / or upper portions 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.

[0051] Each cell unit (230) may include a plurality of battery cells (231).

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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 may be provided at least one of the two ends of an individual battery cell (231) along the second horizontal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). The electrode leads of adjacent battery cells (231) among the plurality of battery cells (231) may be electrically and physically connected to each other.

[0056] 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 and a plurality of electrode leads 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 of a plurality of battery cells (231) are inserted. Each of the plurality of busbars may be coupled to at least one of the plurality of electrode leads of a plurality of battery cells (231).

[0057] The cell assembly (200) may include an exhaust pipe (250) coupled to the cell housing (210). The exhaust pipe (250) may have an exhaust channel (251) for discharging venting gas generated in the internal space (221) of the cell housing (210) to the outside of the cell assembly (200). When venting gas is generated in the internal space (221) of the cell housing (210) due to the ignition of the battery cell (231), the exhaust channel (251) of the exhaust pipe (250) may be configured to deliver the venting gas to the outside of the cell assembly (200). The exhaust channel (251) of the exhaust pipe (250) may be directly connected to the internal space (221) of the cell housing (210), or it may be connected to the internal space (221) of the cell housing (210) through the internal channel (223) of the cell housing (210).

[0058] In exemplary embodiments, the internal channel (223) of the cell housing (210) may extend between the internal space (221) of the cell housing (210) and the exhaust channel (251) of the exhaust pipe (250). The internal channel (223) of the cell housing (210) may be formed inside the side plate (212), inside the bottom plate (211) and / or inside the top plate (213). The internal channel (223) of the cell housing (210) may have an end connected to the internal space (221) of the cell housing (210) in which battery cells (231) are accommodated, and an end connected to the exhaust channel (251) of the exhaust pipe (250). Venting gas generated in the internal space (221) of the cell housing (210) due to the ignition of the battery cell (231) can be discharged to the outside of the cell assembly (200) through a path that passes sequentially through the internal channel (223) of the cell housing (210) and the exhaust channel (251) of the exhaust pipe (250).

[0059] The venting pipe (310) can be connected to the pack housing (110) and the exhaust pipe (250). The venting pipe (310) may include a venting channel (311) that communicates with the exhaust channel (251) of the exhaust pipe (250). The venting pipe (310) can be connected to the exhaust pipe (250) such that the venting channel (311) of the venting pipe (310) communicates with the exhaust channel (251) of the exhaust pipe (250). Venting gas can be introduced into the venting channel (311) of the venting pipe (310) through the exhaust channel (251) of the exhaust pipe (250), and the venting channel (311) of the venting pipe (310) can be configured to discharge the venting gas to the outside of the battery pack (10).

[0060] The venting pipe (310) can be inserted into the mounting hole (117) of the pack housing (110). A portion of the venting pipe (310) may be within the internal space (114) of the pack housing (110) and may be connected to the exhaust pipe (250). Another portion of the venting pipe (310) may protrude outside the pack housing (110).

[0061] A sealing member (350) may be disposed between the end (313) of the venting pipe (310) protruding outside the pack housing (110) and the pack housing (110). The sealing member (350) can eliminate the gap between the pack housing (110) and the venting pipe (310) so that cooling fluid (CF) does not leak through the gap between the pack housing (110) and the venting pipe (310). For example, the sealing member (350) may include an O-ring, a gasket, etc.

[0062] In exemplary embodiments, the venting pipe (310) and the exhaust pipe (250) may be joined by a screw fastening method. The venting pipe (310) may be joined to the exhaust pipe (250) by the threads of the venting pipe (310) and the threads of the exhaust pipe (250) engaging. The threads of the venting pipe (310) may be formed on the inner surface of the venting pipe (310) facing the outer surface of the exhaust pipe (250), and the threads of the exhaust pipe (250) may be formed on the outer surface of the exhaust pipe (250) facing the inner surface of the venting pipe (310).

[0063] A portion of the venting pipe (310) may extend within the internal space (114) of the pack housing (110) and may be configured to be immersed in a cooling fluid (CF) flowing within the internal space (114) of the pack housing (110). The venting channel (311) of the venting pipe (310) and the exhaust channel (251) of the exhaust pipe (250) may be isolated from the internal space (114) of the pack housing (110) through which the cooling fluid (CF) flows. When the connection between the venting pipe (310) and the exhaust pipe (250) is completed, the venting channel (311) of the venting pipe (310) and the exhaust channel (251) of the exhaust pipe (250) can be isolated from the internal space (114) of the pack housing (110), and the flow of cooling fluid (CF) from the internal space (114) of the pack housing (110) into the venting channel (311) of the venting pipe (310) and the exhaust channel (251) of the exhaust pipe (250) can be blocked. Since the venting pipe (310) is immersed in the cooling fluid (CF) flowing within the internal space (114) of the pack housing (110), the venting gas flowing along the venting channel (311) of the venting pipe (310) can be cooled by the cooling fluid (CF). Since the venting gas can be cooled during the process of venting gas discharge, safety issues caused by the venting gas discharged to the outside of the battery pack (10) can be reduced.

[0064] The battery pack (10) may further include a venting valve (330) mounted at the end (313) of the venting pipe (310). The venting valve (330) may be mounted at the end (313) of the venting pipe (310) that protrudes outside the pack housing (110) to cover the outlet of the venting channel (311) of the venting pipe (310).

[0065] The venting valve (330) may be configured to discharge gas within the venting channel (311) of the venting pipe (310) to the outside of the pack housing (110) according to the pressure level of the gas applied to the venting valve (330) or the pressure level of the gas within the venting channel (311) of the venting pipe (310). The venting valve (330) may be configured to allow or block gas discharge by opening or closing the passage of the venting valve (330) according to the pressure level of the gas applied to the venting valve (330) or the pressure of the gas within the venting channel (311) of the venting pipe (310). For example, when the pressure of the gas applied to the venting valve (330) is below the reference pressure, the venting valve (330) may be in a closed position, which blocks the flow of gas between the venting channel (311) of the venting pipe (310) and the outside of the pack housing (110) by closing the passage of the venting valve (330). When the pressure of the gas applied to the venting valve (330) is greater than the reference pressure, the venting valve (330) may be in an open position, which opens the passage of the venting valve (330) to allow the flow of gas from the venting channel (311) of the venting pipe (310) toward the outside of the pack housing (110).

[0066] In exemplary embodiments, the venting valve (330) may include a relief valve or a check valve. When the pressure of the gas applied to the venting valve (330) is lowered below a reference pressure due to gas discharge through the venting valve (330), the venting valve (330) may switch from an open position to a closed position to block the flow of gas between the venting channel (311) of the pack housing (110) and the outside of the pack housing (110).

[0067] In exemplary embodiments, the venting valve (330) may include a rupture cover mounted on the venting pipe (310) to cover the venting channel (311). The rupture cover may remain in a closed state when a pressure below a predetermined pressure is applied to the rupture cover. The rupture cover may be configured to rupture when a pressure greater than a predetermined pressure is applied to the rupture cover. When the rupture cover ruptures, the gas in the venting channel (311) of the venting pipe (310) may be discharged to the outside of the battery pack (10) through the ruptured portion of the rupture cover.

[0068] In FIG. 5, the exhaust path of the venting gas within the battery pack (10) is indicated by a dashed arrow. When venting gas is generated within the cell housing (210) of the cell assembly (200) due to the ignition of the battery cell (231), the venting gas can reach the venting valve (330) through an exhaust path that passes sequentially through the internal channel (223) of the cell housing (210), the exhaust channel (251) of the exhaust pipe (250), and the venting channel (311) of the venting pipe (310). When a pressure above a certain level is applied to the venting valve (330), the venting gas can be discharged to the outside through the venting valve (330).

[0069] According to the battery pack (10) according to exemplary embodiments, a cell assembly (200) having battery cells (231) can be immersed and cooled with a cooling fluid (CF) filled in the internal space (114) of the pack housing (110), thereby improving the cooling efficiency for the cell assembly (200) and improving the safety of the battery pack (10).

[0070] According to the battery pack (10) according to exemplary embodiments, the venting gas generated inside the cell assembly (200) can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack (10) through a venting pipe (310) having a venting channel (311) isolated from the internal space of the pack frame through which the cooling fluid (CF) flows.

[0071] According to the battery pack (10) according to exemplary embodiments, a cell assembly (200) having battery cells (231) is immersed and cooled with a cooling fluid (CF) filled in the internal space (114) of the pack housing (110), and the internal space of the cell assembly (200) is sealed so that the cooling fluid (CF) does not flow in, so there is no need to consider the reactivity with the cooling fluid (CF) when designing internal parts of the cell assembly (200), such as the material of the battery cells (231). Therefore, in the battery pack (10) configured to perform immersion cooling, the freedom of selection of the cooling fluid (CF) and the freedom of design of the cell assembly (200) can be enhanced.

[0072]

[0073] (2nd Example)

[0074] FIGS. 6a and 6b are cross-sectional views illustrating a method for manufacturing a battery pack (10) according to exemplary embodiments. Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing a battery pack (10) according to exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to FIGS. 6a and 6b together with FIGS. 1 to 5.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 6a, a cell assembly (200) is mounted on a pack base frame (111), and a pack cover (113) is attached to a pack side frame (112). When the cell assembly (200) is mounted on the pack base frame (111), the exhaust pipe (250) of the cell housing (210) can be aligned with the mounting hole (117) of the pack housing (110). For example, the exhaust pipe (250) of the cell housing (210) can be overlapped or aligned with the mounting hole (117) of the pack housing (110) in a first horizontal direction (e.g., X-axis direction). When the cell assembly (200) is mounted on the pack base frame (111), the mounting hole (117) of the pack housing (110) can expose the exhaust pipe (250) to the outside.

[0076] Next, referring to FIGS. 6a and 6b, the venting pipe (310) can be inserted into the mounting hole (117) of the pack housing (110) and the venting pipe (310) can be connected to the exhaust pipe (250). The venting pipe (310) can be connected by screwing the threads (319) of the venting pipe (310) and the threads (259) of the exhaust pipe (250) together. After inserting the venting pipe (310) into the mounting hole (117) of the pack housing (110), the venting pipe (310) can be rotated so that the venting pipe (310) is connected to the exhaust pipe (250) by screwing. Since the venting pipe (310) is configured to be connected to the exhaust pipe (250) by screwing, the assembly process of the battery pack (10) can be made easier.

[0077] A sealing member (350) may be placed between the venting pipe (310) and the pack housing (110) to eliminate the gap between the venting pipe (310) and the pack housing (110). After the venting pipe (310) is screwed to the exhaust pipe (250), the venting pipe (310) can be fixed to the pack housing (110). The venting pipe (310) can be fastened to the pack housing (110) by a fastening member such as a bolt.

[0078] Next, referring to FIG. 4, a venting valve (330) is mounted on the venting pipe (310). The venting valve (330) can be mounted on the end (313) of the venting pipe (310) which protrudes outside the pack housing (110). Since the end (313) of the venting pipe (310) protrudes outside the pack housing (110), mounting the venting valve (330) can be easy.

[0079]

[0080] (3rd Example)

[0081] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery pack (10A) according to exemplary embodiments. Hereinafter, the battery pack (10A) shown in FIG. 7 will be described with a focus on the differences from the battery pack (10) described with reference to FIG. 1 to 5.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 7, in a battery pack (10A), a cell assembly (200A) may include a cooling fluid (CF1) provided within a cell housing (210). The internal space (221) of the cell housing (210) may be configured to accommodate the cooling fluid (CF1). Since the internal space (221) of the cell housing (210) is isolated from the internal space (114) of the pack housing (110), the cooling fluid (CF) flowing in the internal space (114) of the pack housing (110) and the cooling fluid (CF1) in the internal space (221) of the cell housing (210) are not mixed. The cooling fluid (CF1) may at least partially fill the internal space (221) of the cell housing (210) and may be configured to cool a plurality of battery cells (231) accommodated in the internal space (221) of the cell housing (210). A plurality of battery cells (231) may be at least partially submerged in a cooling fluid (CF1) filled in the internal space (221) of the cell housing (210). Since the plurality of battery cells (231) are submerged in the cooling fluid (CF1), immersion cooling of the plurality of battery cells (231) may be performed. The temperature of the cooling fluid (CF1) provided in the internal space (221) of the cell housing (210) may be controlled by the cooling fluid (CF) flowing in the internal space (114) of the pack housing (110).

[0083] The cooling fluid (CF1) may be a material that is substantially non-reactive with respect to the battery cell (231). In exemplary embodiments, the cooling fluid (CF1) may be composed of an electrically insulating material. For example, the cooling fluid (CF1) may include insulating oil. For example, the cooling fluid (CF1) may include water, glycol, mineral oil, fluorocarbon, hydrofluorocarbon, etc.

[0084] In exemplary embodiments, the material composition of the cooling fluid (CF1) may be different from the material composition of the cooling fluid (CF). In exemplary embodiments, the material composition of the cooling fluid (CF1) may be the same as the material composition of the cooling fluid (CF).

[0085] In exemplary embodiments, the cooling fluid (CF1) may comprise a extinguishing liquid containing a extinguishing substance. For example, the extinguishing liquid may comprise sodium bicarbonate, ammonium phosphate, a surfactant, and antifreeze.

[0086] The battery pack (10A) may further include a gas permeable membrane (360). The gas permeable membrane (360) may allow gas to pass through but not allow liquid to pass through. The gas permeable membrane (360) may be configured to allow the passage of venting gas but not the passage of cooling fluid (CF1). For example, the gas permeable membrane (360) may include a hydrophobic membrane containing a hydrophobic material. The gas permeable membrane (360) may be installed in the internal channel (223) of the cell housing (210), the exhaust channel (251) of the exhaust pipe (250), and / or the venting channel (311) of the venting pipe (310). For example, a gas permeable membrane (360) is installed in the exhaust channel (251) of the exhaust pipe (250) to allow the venting gas to proceed to the venting channel (311) and venting valve (330) of the venting pipe (310), while blocking the cooling fluid (CF1) from proceeding to the venting channel (311) and venting valve (330) of the venting pipe (310).

[0087]

[0088] (Fourth Example)

[0089] FIG. 8 is a plan view showing an electrical device (30) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 8 together with FIGS. 1 through 5, 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).

[0091] A cooling fluid supply unit (510) may be configured to supply a cooling fluid (CF) to a battery pack (10). The cooling fluid supply unit (510) may include a heat exchanger configured to control the temperature of the cooling fluid (CF), piping configured to deliver the cooling fluid (CF), and a pump configured to pump the cooling fluid (CF) and circulate the cooling fluid (CF) along a predetermined path. The cooling fluid supply unit (510) may be configured to perform actions such as controlling the cooling fluid (CF) to a predetermined temperature using a heat exchanger, supplying the cooling fluid (CF) controlled to a predetermined temperature to the battery pack (10), recovering the cooling fluid (CF) discharged from the battery pack (10), and controlling the cooling fluid (CF) 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 recovery line (523). The cooling fluid (CF) provided by the cooling fluid supply unit (510) can be delivered into the interior of the pack housing (110) via the supply line (521), and the cooling fluid (CF) discharged from the battery pack (10) via the outlet port (125) of the pack housing (110) can be recovered to the cooling fluid supply unit (510) via the recovery line (523).

[0092]

[0093] 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 providing an internal space configured to allow a first cooling fluid to flow; A cell assembly disposed within the above-mentioned pack housing and comprising a plurality of battery cells, a cell housing providing an internal space for accommodating the plurality of battery cells, and an exhaust pipe coupled to the cell housing and having an exhaust channel; and A venting pipe connected to the above pack housing and the above exhaust pipe, and having a venting channel communicating with the exhaust channel of the above exhaust pipe; A battery pack including 2. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the venting pipe is coupled to the exhaust pipe by the threads of the venting pipe engaging with the threads of the exhaust pipe.

3. In Paragraph 2, The screw threads of the exhaust pipe are formed on the outer surface of the exhaust pipe, and A battery pack characterized in that the threads of the venting pipe are formed on the inner surface of the venting pipe facing the outer surface of the exhaust pipe.

4. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the venting pipe is inserted into a mounting hole of the pack housing, and a portion of the venting pipe protrudes to the outside of the pack housing.

5. In Paragraph 4, A battery pack characterized in that the mounting holes of the pack housing are aligned in one direction with the exhaust pipe.

6. In Paragraph 4, A battery pack characterized by further including a sealing member disposed between the pack housing and the venting pipe.

7. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized by further including a venting valve mounted on the venting pipe, wherein the venting valve is configured to discharge gas from the venting channel of the venting pipe to the outside according to the pressure of gas applied to the venting valve.

8. In Paragraph 7, A battery pack characterized by the venting valve being mounted at the end of the venting pipe protruding from the pack housing.

9. In Paragraph 7, A battery pack characterized in that the above venting valve includes a relief valve.

10. In Paragraph 7, A battery pack characterized by the above venting valve including a rupture cover.

11. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack characterized in that the venting channel of the venting pipe and the internal space of the cell housing are isolated from the internal space of the pack housing through which the first cooling fluid flows.

12. In Paragraph 1, The cell housing includes a bottom plate located below the plurality of battery cells and a top plate located above the plurality of battery cells, and A battery pack characterized in that the bottom plate of the cell housing is attached to the cell housing.

13. In Paragraph 12, A battery pack characterized in that the top plate of the cell housing is attached to the cell housing.

14. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a gas-permeable membrane disposed within the venting channel of the venting pipe, and A battery pack characterized in that the cell assembly further comprises a second cooling fluid filled in the internal space of the cell housing.

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

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