Battery pack and apparatus including the battery pack

Abstract

A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a frame; a plurality of first battery modules mounted on the upper part of the frame; and a plurality of second battery modules mounted on the lower part of the frame, wherein a heat insulation member is attached to the lateral side of the first battery module disposed on the outermost side of the plurality of first battery modules in the frame.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0038296, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on March 24, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery pack and an apparatus including the battery pack, and more particularly to a battery pack for delaying the thermal propagation phenomenon between battery modules and an apparatus including the battery pack. Background Technology

[0003] Based on the product offerings of rechargeable batteries, those with high application characteristics and electrical properties such as high energy density are widely used in battery-powered vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and energy storage devices powered by electric drive sources, as well as portable devices. These rechargeable batteries have attracted attention as a new energy source for improving environmental friendliness and energy efficiency because they do not produce any byproducts of energy use, and their main advantage is the significant reduction in fossil fuel consumption.

[0004] Commercially available rechargeable batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium rechargeable batteries. Among them, lithium rechargeable batteries have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based rechargeable batteries, so they can be freely charged and discharged, have a very low self-discharge rate, and have high energy density.

[0005] Generally, depending on the shape of the external materials, lithium secondary batteries can be divided into cylindrical or square secondary batteries with electrode assemblies installed in metal cans and pouch-type secondary batteries with electrode assemblies installed in bags of aluminum laminates.

[0006] Recently, due to the increased demand for high-capacity secondary battery structures, there has been an increased need for battery packs in medium to large module structures where multiple secondary batteries are connected in series or parallel. The capacity and output of battery modules are increased by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel and configuring battery cell stacks. Furthermore, multiple battery modules can form battery packs when installed with various control and protection systems such as battery management systems (BMS) or cooling systems.

[0007] In particular, battery packs have a structure that combines multiple battery modules, so the safety and operational efficiency of the battery pack may be compromised when some battery modules are subjected to overvoltage or overcurrent, or when they overheat. Specifically, as battery pack capacity increases to improve mileage and the internal energy of the battery pack increases accordingly, there is a need to design a structure that meets enhanced safety standards and ensures the safety of the vehicle and driver. For this purpose, there is a particular need for a structure that proactively prevents internal thermal runaway and minimizes the corresponding damage should thermal runaway occur. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] The present invention aims to provide a battery pack for delaying the thermal propagation phenomenon between battery modules, and an apparatus including the battery pack.

[0010] The technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from this specification and the accompanying drawings any problems not mentioned.

[0011] Technical solution

[0012] An embodiment of the present invention provides a battery pack, comprising: a pack frame; a plurality of first battery modules mounted on the upper part of the pack frame; a plurality of second battery modules mounted on the lower part of the pack frame; and a heat insulation member disposed near the lateral side of the first battery module disposed on the outermost side of the plurality of first battery modules in the pack frame.

[0013] The battery pack may also include a side plate disposed near the lateral side of the first battery module located on the outermost side of the group frame, wherein a heat insulation member may be connected to the side plate.

[0014] The battery pack may also include a horizontal plate disposed between the lower part of the first battery module and the upper part of the second battery module.

[0015] A gas fluid section can be provided on the upper part of the frame, which can be located between the side plate and the horizontal plate.

[0016] A gas outlet can be formed on the upper side of the frame assembly.

[0017] The gas outlet can be a gas valve that penetrates from the top of the frame toward the interior of the frame.

[0018] Among the plurality of first battery modules, the first battery module located on the outermost side of the group frame may be located near the gas outlet.

[0019] The heat insulation component can be provided in the lateral side of the first battery module located on the outermost side of the group frame, near the gas outlet.

[0020] The gas fluid section can be located on the upper part of the frame, and the gas outlet can be located on the gas fluid section.

[0021] The gas flow section can be located between the insulation component and the transverse side of the frame assembly.

[0022] The number of second battery modules included in a plurality of second battery modules can be greater than the number of first battery modules included in a plurality of first battery modules.

[0023] The gas fluid section may be disposed on at least some of the plurality of second battery modules.

[0024] Another embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus including the above-described battery pack.

[0025] Invention Effects

[0026] According to an embodiment, the battery pack and device including the battery pack according to the invention can delay the thermal propagation between battery modules in the pack frame because, among the multiple battery modules mounted on the upper part of the pack frame, a heat insulation member is attached to the lateral side of the outermost battery module in the pack frame.

[0027] The effects of this invention are not limited to those described above; those skilled in the art will clearly understand any effects not mentioned based on this specification and the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 A perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0029] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the battery pack.

[0030] Figure 3 It shows that it includes Figure 1 A perspective view of the first battery module in the battery pack.

[0031] Figure 4 It shows about Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of line A-A'.

[0032] Figure 5 exist Figure 4 The cross-section shows the heat propagation path when some battery modules generate battery events.

[0033] Figure 6 The thermal propagation path is shown according to a comparative example when some battery modules generate battery events in the battery pack. Detailed Implementation

[0034] As those skilled in the art will recognize, the described embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

[0035] For the sake of clear description of the invention, parts that are not relevant to the description have been omitted, and the same or similar components are indicated by the same reference numerals throughout the specification.

[0036] For ease of description, the dimensions and thicknesses of each element are shown arbitrarily, and the invention is not limited to those shown in the figures. For clarity, the thicknesses of layers, films, panels, regions, etc., are enlarged, and the thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated.

[0037] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the word “comprise” and variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” will be understood to imply inclusion of the stated element but not exclusion of any other element.

[0038] The phrase "in a plan view" or "on a plane" refers to viewing the target portion from the top, while the phrase "in a cross-sectional view" or "on a cross section" refers to viewing the cross section formed by cutting the target portion vertically from the side.

[0039] A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described. However, the description will be made with reference to a cross-section of the battery pack, but is not limited thereto, and the entire battery pack may be described with the same or similar terms.

[0040] Figure 1 A perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the battery pack.

[0041] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the battery pack 100 includes: a pack frame 130 and 140; a plurality of first battery modules 110 mounted on the upper part of the pack frame 130 and 140; and a plurality of second battery modules 120 mounted on the lower part of the pack frame 130 and 140.

[0042] Here, the frame assembly 130 and 140 can be an upper housing 130 and a lower housing 140, respectively, for accommodating a plurality of first battery modules 110 and a plurality of second battery modules 120. For example, the upper housing 130 and the lower housing 140 can be fastened to each other by a combination of bolts and nuts.

[0043] Furthermore, the lowest point of the plurality of first battery modules 110 may be located above the highest point of the second battery module 120. For example, the plurality of first battery modules 110 and the plurality of second battery modules 120 may form a layered structure. In other words, the plurality of first battery modules 110 may be located on the upper layer, and the plurality of second battery modules 120 may be located on the lower layer.

[0044] Furthermore, the number of second battery modules 120 included in a plurality of second battery modules 120 can be greater than the number of first battery modules 110 included in a plurality of first battery modules 110. For example, as Figure 2 As shown, two first battery modules 110 can be located on the upper layer, and four second battery modules 120 can be located on the lower layer.

[0045] Therefore, regarding the battery pack 100 according to this embodiment, when the plurality of first battery modules 110 and the plurality of second battery modules 120 are arranged in a layered structure, the plurality of first battery modules 110 and the plurality of second battery modules 120 installed in the battery pack 100 can be arranged in a more compact manner.

[0046] It may also include a horizontal plate 150 located between the lower part of the plurality of first battery modules 110 and the upper part of the plurality of second battery modules 120. In other words, the horizontal plate 150 is disposed between the plurality of first battery modules 110 located on the upper layer and the plurality of second battery modules 120 located on the lower layer, so that the plurality of first battery modules 110 and the plurality of second battery modules 120 can be divided into a layered structure.

[0047] Therefore, the battery pack 100 according to this embodiment includes a horizontal plate 150 between a plurality of first battery modules 110 and a plurality of second battery modules 120 in the group frames 130 and 140, thereby separating the upper and lower spaces and additionally improving the durability of the battery pack 100. It can physically protect the plurality of first battery modules 110 and the plurality of second battery modules 120, as well as other electronic units, from external impacts.

[0048] Regarding the battery pack 100, the side plate 160 can be tightly positioned on the lateral side of the outermost first battery module 110 in the group frames 130 and 140 of the plurality of first battery modules 110. In other words, the side plate 160 can contact the lateral side of the outermost first battery module 110 in the group frames 130 and 140 of the plurality of first battery modules 110. For example, the side plate 160 can be coupled, engaged, or attached to the lateral side of the outermost first battery module 110 in the group frames 130 and 140 of the plurality of first battery modules 110.

[0049] Here, when multiple first battery modules 110 are arranged parallel to each other in the group frames 130 and 140, the outermost position in the group frames 130 and 140 can be represented as the outermost first battery module 110.

[0050] The lateral side of the outermost first battery module 110 among the plurality of first battery modules 110 located in the frame 130 and 140 may be exposed in the frame 130 and 140. However, in this embodiment, the side plate 160 may be positioned on the lateral side of the outermost first battery module 110 located in the frame 130 and 140 to physically protect the outermost first battery module 110 located in the frame 130 and 140 from external impacts.

[0051] Regarding the battery pack 100, a heat insulation member 200 may be provided near the lateral side of the outermost first battery module 110 among the plurality of first battery modules 110 located in the pack frames 130 and 140. Specifically, the heat insulation member 200 may be attached to the side panel 160. The heat insulation member 200 may extend along the outer side of the side panel 160.

[0052] For example, the insulation component 200 can be made of materials such as super wool; however, it is not limited to this and any type of insulation material can be used.

[0053] Therefore, in this embodiment, when heat and high-temperature gas are generated in the frame 130 and 140, the heat insulation member 200 attached to the side plate 160 can minimize the impact of the heat and high-temperature gas in the frame 130 and 140 on the first battery module 110 located on the outermost side of the frame 130 and 140.

[0054] Furthermore, a gas outlet 170 may be formed on the upper side of the frame assembly 130 and 140. Specifically, the gas outlet 170 may be formed on the upper side of the upper housing 130 in the frame assembly 130 and 140.

[0055] For example, gas outlet 170 may be a gas valve penetrating from the upper side of assembly frames 130 and 140 toward the interior of assembly frames 130 and 140. As another example, gas outlet 170 may be a gas valve penetrating from the upper side of upper housing 130 toward the interior of lower housing 140. However, the shape of gas outlet 170 is not limited to a valve shape, and any shape for discharging gas from assembly frames 130 and 140 is permitted.

[0056] Therefore, in this embodiment, when heat and high-temperature gas are generated in the frame 130 and 140, the heat and high-temperature gas in the frame 130 and 140 can be discharged through the gas outlet 170.

[0057] In addition, a gas flow section 180 may be provided on the upper part of the frame assembly 130 and 140. Specifically, the gas flow section 180 may be located on the upper part of the frame assembly 130 and 140, and the gas flow section may be located between the side plate 160 and the horizontal plate 150.

[0058] Furthermore, the gas flow section 180 may be located on at least some of the multiple second battery modules 120 mounted on the lower layer. In other words, the gas flow section 180 may represent the space where the multiple first battery modules 110 mounted on the upper layer of the group frames 130 and 140 are not located.

[0059] When some of the multiple first battery modules 110 and multiple second battery modules 120 ignite, heat and high-temperature gases may be generated in the battery pack frames 130 and 140. Here, with respect to the battery pack 100 according to this embodiment, a gas flow section 180 may be located on the upper part of the battery pack frames 130 and 140 to receive heat and high-temperature gases. Therefore, the gas flow section 180 can delay the emission of heat and high-temperature gases from the battery pack frames 130 and 140 to the outside.

[0060] Furthermore, the gas outlet 170 may be located on the gas fluid section 180. That is, when an ignition event occurs by some of the plurality of first battery modules 110 and the plurality of second battery modules 120, heat and high-temperature gas can move to the gas fluid section 180 in the assembly frames 130 and 140, and the heat and high-temperature gas contained in the gas fluid section 180 can be discharged to the outside through the gas outlet 170.

[0061] refer to Figure 2 The outermost first battery module 110 among the plurality of first battery modules 110 located in the frame 130 and 140 may be located near the gas outlet 170. In the lateral side of the outermost first battery module 110 among the plurality of first battery modules 110 located in the frame 130 and 140, a heat insulation member 200 may be located on the lateral side disposed near the gas outlet 170. A gas flow section 180 may be located between the heat insulation member 200 and the lateral sides of the frame 130 and 140.

[0062] The outermost first battery module 110 located in the frame 130 and 140 can be situated near the path through which heat and high-temperature gases are discharged from the frame 130 and 140 via the gas outlet 170 and the gas flow section 180. However, due to the heat insulation member 200 attached to the side panel 160, the impact of the heat and high-temperature gas discharge path on the outermost first battery module 110 located in the frame 130 and 140 can be minimized.

[0063] Figure 3 It shows that it includes Figure 1 A perspective view of the first battery module in the battery pack.

[0064] Reference Figure 3In an embodiment of the present invention, the first battery module 110 may include a plurality of battery cells 111. Specifically, the battery cells 111 may be stacked along a predetermined direction and may be installed in a module frame 115 to form the first battery module 110.

[0065] The battery cells 111 are not specifically limited in type, so they can be pouch-type rechargeable batteries or prismatic rechargeable batteries, and they are preferably pouch-type rechargeable batteries.

[0066] The first battery module 110 has been illustrated to describe the battery module according to the invention, and therefore it can have the same characteristics as the second battery module 120 (or referenced). Figure 2 The first battery module 110 described has a structure that is equivalent to or similar to that described.

[0067] Figure 4 It shows about Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of line A-A'. Figure 5 This shows when some battery modules are in Figure 4 The heat propagation path when a battery event occurs in the cross-section.

[0068] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 Regarding the battery pack 100 according to this embodiment, battery events CE can be generated by some of the plurality of second battery modules 120. Here, battery event CE can indicate abnormal phenomena such as overvoltage, overcurrent or overheating occurring in the first battery module 110 and the second battery module 120, and high temperature and gas are generated by the first battery module 110 and the second battery module 120.

[0069] In the following text, it will be assumed that the battery event CE is generated by the second battery module 120, and the case where the battery event CE is generated by the first battery module 110 will also be described in the same or similar manner.

[0070] Reference Figure 4 It was found that, regarding the battery pack 100 according to this embodiment, the battery event CE is generated by some of the plurality of second battery modules 120. (Refer to...) Figure 5 Through the heat and high-temperature gas generated by the second battery module 120 that has already generated a battery event CE, the battery event CE can be propagated to the adjacent second battery module 120.

[0071] The horizontal plate 150 can be positioned between the multiple first battery modules 110 and the multiple second battery modules 120 to prevent the heat and high-temperature gas generated by the second battery module 120 that has generated a battery event CE from being directly transferred to the first battery module 110, or to further delay the transfer time.

[0072] The high-temperature gas generated by the second battery module 120 that has generated the battery event CE can move to the gas flow section 180 located in the group frame 130 and 140, and the high-temperature gas that has moved to the gas flow section 180 can be discharged to the outside through the gas outlet 170.

[0073] The outermost first battery module 110, located in the frame 130 and 140, may be located near the path through which the high-temperature gas generated by the second battery module 120, which has generated a battery event CE, is discharged via the gas outlet 170 and the gas fluid section 180.

[0074] However, as Figure 5 As shown, regarding the battery pack 100 according to this embodiment, the thermal insulation member 200 attached to the side panel 160 can minimize the impact of the path of heat and high-temperature gas emission on the outermost first battery module 110 located in the group frames 130 and 140. By minimizing the heat transfer from the second battery module 120, where a battery event CE has been generated, to the first battery module 110, the time for propagating the battery event CE can be effectively delayed.

[0075] Figure 6 The thermal propagation path is shown according to a comparative example when some battery modules generate battery events in the battery pack.

[0076] Unlike the description above, refer to Figure 6 In the case of the battery pack 10 according to the comparative example, when a battery event CE is generated by some of the multiple second battery modules 12, the battery event CE can propagate to adjacent second battery modules 12. As the high-temperature gas generated by the second battery module 12 moves to the gas flow section 18, the heat caused by the high-temperature gas that has moved to the gas flow section 18 can be transferred to the first battery module 11 located on the outermost side of the group frames 130 and 140.

[0077] In other words, in the case of the battery pack 10 according to the comparative example, the outermost first battery module 11 located in the group frames 130 and 140 is easily exposed to heat and high-temperature gases in the group frames 13 and 14, and therefore battery events CE generated by some of the plurality of first battery modules 110 and the plurality of second battery modules 120 can easily propagate. In contrast, as described above, the battery pack 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention can minimize heat propagation from the second battery module 120 that has generated a battery event CE to the first battery module 110, and can effectively delay the time for propagation of the battery event CE.

[0078] The battery pack according to this embodiment can be applied to various devices. These devices include transportation vehicles such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrid vehicles, but the invention is not limited thereto, and can also be applied to various devices that use battery modules and battery packs including such battery modules, which are also within the scope of this invention.

[0079] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with embodiments that are now considered practical, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but rather is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0080] Figure label description

[0081] 100: Battery pack

[0082] 110: First battery module

[0083] 120: Second battery module

[0084] 130: Upper shell

[0085] 140: Lower housing

[0086] 150: Level board

[0087] 160: Side panel

[0088] 170: Gas outlet

[0089] 180: Gas Fluid Section

[0090] 200: Thermal insulation components

Claims

1. A battery pack comprising a pack frame, characterized by, further comprising: a plurality of first battery modules installed on an upper portion of the pack frame; a plurality of second battery modules installed on a lower portion of the pack frame; and a thermal insulation member disposed near a lateral side of a first battery module disposed on an outermost side in the pack frame among the plurality of first battery modules, and disposed on a lateral side near the gas outlet, wherein a gas fluid portion is disposed on an upper portion of the pack frame, and the gas outlet is disposed on the gas fluid portion, and wherein the gas fluid portion is disposed between the thermal insulation member and a lateral side of the pack frame. 2.The battery pack of claim 1, further comprising: a side plate disposed near a lateral side of a first battery module disposed on an outermost side in the pack frame among the plurality of first battery modules, wherein the thermal insulation member is attached to the side plate. 3.The battery pack of claim 2, further comprising: a horizontal plate disposed between a lower portion of a first battery module and an upper portion of a second battery module. 4.The battery pack of claim 3, wherein the gas fluid portion is disposed between the side plate and the horizontal plate. 5.The battery pack of claim 1, wherein the gas outlet is a gas valve that penetrates from an upper side of the pack frame toward an inside of the pack frame. 6.The battery pack of claim 1, wherein the first battery module disposed on an outermost side in the pack frame among the plurality of first battery modules is disposed near the gas outlet. 7.The battery pack of claim 1, wherein a number of second battery modules included in the plurality of second battery modules is greater than a number of first battery modules included in the plurality of first battery modules. 8.The battery pack of claim 7, wherein the gas fluid portion is disposed on at least some of the plurality of second battery modules. 9.An apparatus including the battery pack of claim 1. ​

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