Battery pack

Abstract

There is provided a battery pack including: a pack case including a lower case and an upper case defining an internal space; a plurality of battery cells, wherein the plurality of battery cells are arranged in the internal space; and a battery pack pad disposed between the lower case and the upper case, in which the battery pack pad includes: a first surface facing the upper case; a second surface opposite to the first surface and facing the lower housing; a first side portion facing the inner space; a second side portion facing an outer side of the pack case; and a heat-resistant plastic member at least partially located between the first side portion and the second side portion and at any cross-section in the width direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack, and more particularly, to a battery pack capable of improving safety by maintaining the sealing performance of a battery pack gasket even in the event of internal fire.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0097560 filed on August 4, 2022 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0043322 filed on April 3, 2023, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Background Art

[0003] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. Secondary batteries are widely used as energy sources for various wireless devices, including mobile phones, laptops, and cordless vacuum cleaners. Recently, the main use of secondary batteries has shifted from mobile devices to mobility devices, because the manufacturing cost per unit capacity of secondary batteries has been significantly reduced due to improved energy density and economies of scale, and as the range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has increased to be comparable to that of fuel vehicles.

[0004] The latest trend in the technological development of secondary batteries for mobility devices is the improvement of energy density and safety. Here, the energy density of a secondary battery is the maximum electrical energy that a secondary battery can store divided by the mass of the secondary battery. The high energy density of a secondary battery is directly related to the driving efficiency and range of mobility, and various research efforts are being made to improve the energy density of secondary batteries. Summary of the invention

[0005] Technical issues

[0006] A technical problem of the present invention is to provide a battery pack in which the sealing performance of a pack gasket is maintained even in the event of an internal fire, thereby improving safety.

[0007] Technical Solution

[0008] In order to solve these technical problems, the present invention provides a battery pack, which includes: a battery pack shell, the battery pack shell includes a lower shell and an upper shell that define the internal space; a plurality of battery cells, the plurality of battery cells are arranged in the internal space; and a battery pack gasket, the battery pack gasket is arranged between the lower shell and the upper shell; wherein, the battery pack gasket includes: a first surface, the first surface faces the upper shell; a second surface, the second surface is opposite to the first surface and faces the lower shell; a first side, the first side faces the internal space; and a second side, the second side faces the outside of the battery pack shell; wherein, the battery pack gasket includes a heat-resistant plastic component, and the heat-resistant plastic component is at least partially located between the first side and the second side in any cross-section in the width direction.

[0009] In some examples, the heat-resistant plastic member extends at least partially along a coupling surface of the upper shell and the lower shell, and the heat-resistant plastic member may be positioned closer to the interior space than a center between the first side and the second side.

[0010] In some examples, the battery pack gasket includes a gasket body portion and a heat-resistant plastic member, the gasket body portion includes a storage portion, and the heat-resistant plastic member is disposed within the storage portion.

[0011] In some examples, the cushion body portion may include: a first portion, which is inserted between the upper shell and the lower shell; and a second portion, which extends from the first portion into the interior space and along the side walls of the upper shell and / or the lower shell.

[0012] In some examples, in a thickness direction of the first portion, a size of the heat-resistant plastic member may be larger than a thickness of the first portion.

[0013] In some examples, the heat-resistant plastic member may be arranged to overlap the first portion throughout the entire thickness of the first portion.

[0014] In some examples, the heat-resistant plastic component may be integrally formed or integrated with the cushion body. In some examples, the heat-resistant plastic component is integrated with the cushion body by insert molding.

[0015] In some examples, the heat-resistant plastic member includes at least one of the following: acrylonitrile resin, acrylic resin, benzimidazole resin, indole resin, imide resin, amide resin, phenylene oxide-based resin, butyleneterephthalate-based resin, fluorine-based resin, or copolymers thereof.

[0016] The present invention provides another battery pack, which includes: a battery pack shell, the battery pack shell includes a lower shell and an upper shell defining the internal space; a plurality of battery cells, the plurality of battery cells are arranged in the internal space; and a battery pack gasket, the battery pack gasket is arranged between the lower shell and the upper shell; wherein the battery pack gasket includes a gasket main body portion extending along the connecting surface of the upper shell and the lower shell and a heat-resistant plastic component, and the heat-resistant plastic component is integral with the gasket main body portion.

[0017] In some examples, the cushion body portion may include a storage portion, and the heat-resistant plastic member may be inserted into the storage portion.

[0018] In some examples, the heat-resistant plastic member may extend across at least a separation distance of the upper housing and the lower housing.

[0019] In some examples, the heat-resistant plastic member may be at least partially interposed between the upper housing and the lower housing.

[0020] In some examples, at least a portion of the heat-resistant plastic member may protrude from between the upper shell and the lower shell toward the interior space.

[0021] In some examples, the heat-resistant plastic member may not be interposed between the upper housing and the lower housing.

[0022] Beneficial Effects

[0023] The battery pack of the present invention has the effect of improving safety by maintaining the sealing performance of the battery pack gasket even in the event of internal fire.

[0024] The effects of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present invention pertain can clearly derive and understand other effects not mentioned from the following description. In other words, those skilled in the art can also derive from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention the unexpected effects of practicing the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0026] Figure 2 is a perspective view of some elements of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0027] Figure 3 is along Figure 2 The line III-III' is intercepted Figure 1 A partial perspective view of a cross section of a battery pack.

[0028] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a key portion of a battery pack gasket according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figures 5 to 8 Along Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional perspective view of a cross section of a battery pack according to different embodiments of the present invention, taken along line III-III'.

[0030] Fig. 9 is a partial perspective view of a battery pack 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Fig.10 It is a partial perspective view of a lower housing with a battery pack gasket having reinforced corners installed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Hereinafter, the preferred embodiments of the inventive concept will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments of the inventive concept can be modified in many other ways, and it should not be understood that the scope of the inventive concept is limited by the embodiments described below. Preferably, the embodiment concepts of the inventive concept are interpreted as being provided to more fully describe the inventive concept to those of ordinary skill in the art. The same reference numerals generally represent the same elements. In addition, the various elements and regions in the figures are schematically depicted. Therefore, the present invention is not limited by the relative sizes or intervals shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Terms such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component. For example, a first component may be named a second component, and vice versa, a second component may be named a first component without departing from the scope of the present inventive concept.

[0034] The terms used in this application are intended only to describe certain embodiments and are not intended to limit the concept of the present invention. Singular expressions include plural numbers unless the context otherwise clearly states otherwise. In this application, expressions such as "including" or "having" are intended to indicate the presence of the described features, counts, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof, and are not intended to exclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, counts, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0035] Unless otherwise specified, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the concepts of the present invention belong. It should also be understood that these terms commonly used and defined in dictionaries shall be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the field to which they relate, and shall not be interpreted as overly formal meanings unless explicitly defined herein.

[0036] When the embodiment is otherwise feasible, the processing of a specific order may be performed in an order different from the order described. For example, two processes described in succession may be performed substantially simultaneously, or they may be performed in an order opposite to the order described.

[0037] In the accompanying drawings, variations in the shapes shown may be expected, for example, due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the specific shapes of the regions shown herein, but should include variations in shape, for example, caused by manufacturing processes. All terms "and / or" used herein include each and every combination of one or more components mentioned. In addition, as used herein, the term "substrate" may refer to the substrate itself, or to a laminated structure including a substrate and a predetermined layer or film formed on its surface. In addition, as used herein, the term "surface of a substrate" may refer to the exposed surface of the substrate itself, or to the outer surface of a predetermined layer or film formed on a substrate.

[0038] (First Embodiment)

[0039] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack 100 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0040] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing some elements of a battery pack 100 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0041] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2The battery pack 100 may include a lower case 110, a plurality of battery assemblies 120 having battery cells, a center beam 130, a plurality of vents 140, a plurality of first embedded guides 151, a plurality of second embedded guides 153, a battery pack gasket 160, and an upper case 170. The battery pack 100 is a final form of a battery system mounted on a mobile device or the like.

[0042] The pack case 101 corresponding to the case of the battery pack 100 may include a lower case 110 and an upper case 170 .

[0043] The lower housing 110 may provide an internal space 119 for mounting a plurality of battery assemblies 120. In some embodiments, the lower housing 110 may include a plate portion 110P and a side wall 110S. Two directions substantially parallel to the plate portion 110P are defined as the X direction and the Y direction, and a direction substantially perpendicular to the plate portion 110P of the housing 110 is defined as the Z direction. Each of the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction may be substantially perpendicular to each other. Unless otherwise specified, the definitions of directions in the following figures are the same.

[0044] A plurality of battery assemblies 120 may be disposed on the plate portion 110P of the lower housing 110. The plate portion 110P may support the plurality of battery assemblies 120. The plate portion 110P may include an upper surface and a lower surface that are substantially parallel. The upper surface of the plate portion 110P may face the plurality of battery assemblies 120. The lower surface of the plate portion 110P is an opposite surface to the upper surface of the plate portion 110P.

[0045] The side wall 110S may horizontally surround the plurality of battery assemblies 120. The side wall 110S may protect the plurality of battery assemblies 120 in a lateral direction. The side wall 110S may include a first side wall 111, a second side wall 112, a third side wall 113, and a fourth side wall 114. The first to fourth side walls 111, 112, 113, 114 may be fixed to each other by methods such as, but not limited to, friction stir welding, spot welding, and the like.

[0046] The first side wall 111 and the second side wall 112 may be substantially perpendicular to the Y direction. Each of the third side wall 113 and the fourth side wall 114 may be substantially perpendicular to the X direction. In some embodiments, the first side wall 111 and the second side wall 112 may cover a side of the plate portion 110P. In some embodiments, the third side wall 113 and the fourth side wall 114 may be disposed on the plate portion 110P.

[0047] In some embodiments, the first to fourth side walls 111, 112, 113, 114 may be provided by an extrusion process. According to an exemplary embodiment, the first to fourth side walls 111, 112, 113, 114 may include an internal hollow space, thereby allowing the side wall 110S to be lightweight. According to an exemplary embodiment, the hollow space in the first to fourth side walls 111, 112, 113, 114 may be one of an exhaust path, a coolant channel, etc.

[0048] Hereinafter, the technical idea of ​​the present invention will be described with reference to an embodiment in which each of the plurality of battery assemblies 120 does not include a module frame. However, this is a non-limiting embodiment and does not limit the technical idea of ​​the present invention in any sense. A person of ordinary skill in the art will easily obtain a battery pack employing a plurality of battery assemblies including a module frame, and an embodiment in which the battery cells are directly mounted in the battery pack housing based on the contents described herein.

[0049] The center beam 130 may isolate the elements mounted on the lower case 110 from each other. Therefore, the center beam 130 may protect the plurality of battery assemblies 120 while preventing an undesirable short circuit therebetween.

[0050] The center beam 130 may extend between the third side wall 113 and the fourth side wall 114. The center beam 130 may extend in the X direction. The center beam 130 may abut the third side wall 113 and the fourth side wall 114. The center beam 130 may isolate the plurality of battery assemblies 120 from each other. The center beam 130 may be disposed between the plurality of battery assemblies 120.

[0051] Figure 1 The arrangement of the central beam 130 and the plurality of battery assemblies 120 shown is a non-limiting example and is not intended to limit the technical concept of the present invention in any sense. A person skilled in the art will easily obtain a battery pack including a central beam and battery assemblies of different arrangements and numbers based on the content described herein.

[0052] The plurality of exhaust devices 140 may be coupled to the fourth sidewall 114. The fourth sidewall 114 may include a plurality of exhaust holes connected to the plurality of exhaust devices 140. The plurality of exhaust holes may be configured to provide a passage for exhausting gas and heat within the battery pack 100.

[0053] If at least one of the plurality of battery assemblies 120 is in a thermal runaway state, the plurality of exhaust devices 140 may be configured to delay heat propagation by releasing hot gas within the battery pack 100 to the outside.

[0054] Here, the thermal runaway of the plurality of battery assemblies 120 is a state in which the temperature change in the plurality of battery assemblies 120 causes further acceleration of the temperature change, which is an uncontrollable positive feedback. The plurality of battery assemblies 120 in the thermal runaway state show a rapid increase in temperature and may release a large amount of high-pressure gas and combustion debris.

[0055] A plurality of first buried guides 151 may be arranged on the side wall 110S. A plurality of first buried guides 151 may be arranged on the upper surface 110a (see Figure 3 ) on the corner 110C. A plurality of first buried guides 151 may be coupled to the upper surface 110a of the side wall 110S (see Figure 3 ) on a corner portion 110C of the side wall 110S. The plurality of first buried guides 151 may be partially buried in the side wall 110S. The plurality of first buried guides 151 may partially protrude from the side wall 110S.

[0056] A plurality of second buried guides 153 may be arranged on the side wall 110S. The plurality of second buried guides 153 may be provided on the upper surface 110a of the side wall 110S (see Figure 3 ). The plurality of second buried guides 153 may be inserted between the corners 110C of the side wall 110S. The plurality of second buried guides 153 may be inserted between the plurality of first buried guides 151. The plurality of second buried guides 153 may be coupled to the upper surface 110a (see Figure 3 ). The plurality of second buried guides 153 may be partially buried in the side wall 110S. The plurality of second buried guides 153 may partially protrude from the side wall 110S.

[0057] Each of the plurality of first buried guides 151 and the second buried guides 153 may include a metal material. Each of the plurality of first buried guides 151 and the second buried guides 153 may include, for example, aluminum. Each of the plurality of first buried guides 151 and the second buried guides 153 may include, for example, steel, such as carbon steel, nickel steel, chrome steel, nickel-chrome steel, and manganese steel.

[0058] The battery pack 100 may also include electrical components. In some embodiments, the electrical components may be mounted on the lower housing 110. In some embodiments, the electrical components may be arranged between the fourth side wall 114 on which the exhaust device 140 is mounted and the plurality of battery assemblies 120. In some embodiments, the electrical components may include any electronic device required to drive the battery pack.

[0059] In some embodiments, the electronic components may include, for example, a battery management system (BMS). The BMS may be configured to perform monitoring, balancing, control, etc. of the battery pack. In some embodiments, monitoring of the battery pack 100 may include measuring voltages and currents at specific nodes within the plurality of battery assemblies 120 and measuring temperatures at set locations within the battery pack 100. In some embodiments, the battery pack 100 may include instruments for measuring the above-mentioned voltages, currents, and temperatures.

[0060] Balancing the battery pack 100 is an operation to reduce the deviation between the plurality of battery assemblies 120. Controlling the battery pack 100 includes preventing overcharge, overdischarge, and overcurrent from occurring. Monitoring, balancing, and controlling allow the battery pack 100 to operate under optimal conditions, thereby preventing or reducing the shortening of the life of each of the plurality of battery assemblies 120.

[0061] The electrical components may also include a cooling device, a power relay assembly (PRA), a safety plug, etc. The cooling device may include a cooling fan. The cooling fan may circulate air within the battery pack 100 to prevent each of the multiple battery assemblies 120 from overheating. The PRA may be configured to supply or disconnect power from the high-voltage battery to an external load (e.g., a motor of a vehicle). In the event of an abnormal voltage condition such as a voltage surge, the PRA may protect the multiple battery assemblies 120 and the external load (e.g., a motor of a vehicle) by cutting off the power supply to the external load (e.g., a motor of a vehicle).

[0062] The battery pack 100 may further include a plurality of bus bars configured to electrically connect the plurality of battery assemblies 120. The plurality of battery assemblies 120 may be connected in series and / or in parallel via the plurality of bus bars. Thus, the battery pack 100 may be configured to output a high voltage to an external load (e.g., a motor of a vehicle).

[0063] The gasket 160 may include a material that stretches in response to an applied pressure. The gasket 160 may include, for example, a rubber synthesized from a material such as ethylene-propylene diene monomer (EPDM). When the lower housing 110 and the upper housing 170 are coupled, the gasket 160 may be inserted between the lower housing 110 and the upper housing 170. The lower housing 110 and the upper housing 170 may pressurize the gasket 160 so that more or less deformation occurs in the gasket 160. Therefore, the battery pack 100 can be sealed, and external fluid can be kept outside the internal space of the battery pack 100.

[0064] The upper housing 170 may be coupled to the lower housing 110. In some embodiments, the upper housing 170 may include a main surface and an edge portion. The main surface may cover elements mounted to the battery pack 100, such as a plurality of battery assemblies 120 and electrical components. The edge portion is a surface adjacent to the lower housing 110. In some embodiments, the upper housing 170 may have a flat plate shape, in which case the edge portion may horizontally surround the main surface. In some embodiments, the main surface may be elevated relative to the edge portion, and the edge portion and the main surface may be connected by a curved portion.

[0065] The upper case 170 may be coupled to the side wall 110S of the lower case 110 through a plurality of first buried guides 151 and second buried guides 153. According to an exemplary embodiment, the battery pack 100 may further include elements coupled to the plurality of first buried guides 151 and second buried guides 153 to fix the upper case 170 to the side wall 110S of the lower case 110. These elements may include, but are not limited to, bolts and nuts.

[0066] Figure 3 is along Figure 2 The line III-III' is intercepted Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a cross section of a battery pack 100 .

[0067] Reference Figure 3 , the first side wall 111 may include a hollow channel H. The first side wall 111 including the hollow channel H may reduce weight corresponding to the volume of the hollow channel H. In addition, the hollow channel H may be used as an exhaust channel of gas generated in the battery pack 100 and may be used as a channel for a cooling medium.

[0068] The upper shell 170 covers the lower shell 110 and is coupled to the upper surface 110a of the lower shell. In some embodiments, the edge portion of the upper shell 170 is coupled to the upper surface 110a of the lower shell. In some embodiments, the upper shell 170 may be configured in a flat plate shape. Alternatively, as Figure 3 As shown, the edge portion of the upper shell 170 can be formed as a flange portion 172, and the inside of the edge portion of the upper shell 170 can be formed as a cover portion 171 bent upward from the flange portion 172. In this case, the height of the cover portion 171 is formed to be higher than the height of the flange portion 172. In this way, when the upper shell 170 is configured with the flange portion 172 and the cover portion 171, the bending rigidity of the upper shell 170 can be stronger than the bending rigidity of the upper shell 170 in a flat plate shape, making the upper shell 170 stronger as a whole. In addition, the gap between the upper shell 170 and the battery assembly 120 becomes larger, which can facilitate the battery pack to discharge the gas generated in the battery pack 100 through the gap.

[0069] The pack gasket 160 is interposed between the upper case 170 and the lower case 110 .

[0070] The pack gasket 160 may have a shape corresponding to that of the sidewall 110S of the lower case 110 and may be disposed along the upper surface 110a of the lower case. In some embodiments, the pack gasket 160 may include a plurality of through fastening holes 160a formed at predetermined intervals.

[0071] The battery pack gasket 160 includes a gasket body portion 162 and a heat-resistant plastic member 164 .

[0072] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a key portion of a battery pack gasket 160 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The battery pack gasket 160 includes a first surface 160t facing the upper housing 170 and a second surface 160b facing the lower housing 110. The first surface 160t and the second surface 160b may be opposite surfaces to each other. In addition, the battery pack gasket 160 includes a first surface 160t facing the inner space 119 (see Figure 2 ) and a second side portion 160sb facing the outside of the battery pack case 101. The first side portion 160sa and the second side portion 160sb are located on opposite sides.

[0074] In some embodiments, the battery pack gasket 160 includes a heat-resistant plastic member 164 between the first side portion 160sa and the second side portion 160sb in any cross section in the width direction. In any cross section, the entire cross section may be the heat-resistant plastic member 164, or a portion of the cross section may be the heat-resistant plastic member 164.

[0075] In some embodiments, the material of the heat-resistant plastic member 164 may be selected to not deform or have minimal deformation at high temperatures, and the shape may not change due to melting or carbonization. Specifically, the material of the heat-resistant plastic member 164 may be selected to not deform due to melting or carbonization within a predetermined period of time at a temperature of 600° C. or higher, 700° C. or higher, 800° C. or higher, or 800° C. to 1000° C.

[0076] The heat-resistant plastic member 164 may include one or more of acrylonitrile resin, acrylic resin, benzimidazole resin, indoline resin, imide resin, amide resin, phenylene oxide resin, butylene terephthalate resin, fluorine resin or copolymers thereof. More specifically, the heat-resistant plastic member 164 may be, for example, one or more selected from the group consisting of modified polyphenylene oxide (MPPO), modified polysulfone (MPSU), polycarbonate (PC), polyamide, polysulfone (PSU), polyethersulfone (PES), polyetherimide (PEI), polyphenylene sulfide, liquid crystal polymer, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and mixtures thereof, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0077] In some embodiments, the heat-resistant plastic member 164 may include a phenylene oxide resin such as polyphenylene oxide (PPO), an amide resin such as nylon, a mixture thereof, or a copolymer thereof. In some embodiments, the polyphenylene oxide resin and the amide resin may be applied in a form in which some repeating units are modified.

[0078] In some embodiments, the heat-resistant plastic member 164 may further include an inorganic filler and / or a fiber structure.

[0079] The inorganic filler may be, for example, but not limited to, silica, alumina, potassium titanate, wollastonite, zonotolite, dawsonite, needle-shaped magnesium oxide, needle-shaped magnesium hydroxide, aluminum borate, and the like.

[0080] The fiber structure may be, for example but not limited to, glass fiber, carbon fiber, slag fiber, phosphate fiber, gypsum fiber, aramid fiber, etc.

[0081] The gasket body portion 162 may include, for example, rubber synthesized from a material such as ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM).

[0082] Even if a flame is generated inside the battery pack 100 and reaches the inside of the upper case 170 and the lower case 110, the heat-resistant plastic member 164 can protect at least a portion of the gasket body portion 162. In other words, by at least partially protecting the gasket body portion 162, the heat-resistant plastic member 164 can maintain the sealing performance of the battery pack gasket 160.

[0083] In some embodiments, the cushion body portion 162 may include a first portion P1 interposed between the upper shell 170 and the lower shell 110, and a second portion P2 extending from the first portion P1 toward the inner space 119 (see FIG. Figure 2 ).

[0084] The first portion P1 may extend along the coupling surface of the upper housing 170 and the lower housing 110, for example, along the upper surface 110a of the lower housing, between the upper housing 170 and the lower housing 110. The width of the first portion P1 need not be the same as the width of the upper surface 110a of the lower housing, but may be about 50% or more, about 55% or more, about 60% or more, about 65% or more, about 70% or more, about 75% or more, about 80% or more, about 85% or more, about 90% or more, or about 95% or more of the width of the upper surface 110a of the lower housing.

[0085] The second portion P2 may be formed integrally with the first portion P1 but not interposed between the upper housing 170 and the lower housing 110. The second portion P2 may extend from the side of the first portion P1 along the side wall of the upper housing 170 and / or the side wall of the lower housing 110. Figure 3 , an example in which the second portion P2 extends along the side wall of the lower case 110 is shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0086] The cushion body portion 162 may include a storage portion 162R, and the heat-resistant plastic member 164 may be accommodated in the storage portion 162R. In some embodiments, the heat-resistant plastic member 164 may be inserted into the storage portion 162R. In some embodiments, the heat-resistant plastic member 164 may be formed integrally with the cushion body portion 162 by an insert molding method.

[0087] In some embodiments, the heat-resistant plastic member 164 may be integrally formed with the gasket body portion 162. In some embodiments, the heat-resistant plastic member 164 may be integrated with the gasket body portion 162. Here, when the heat-resistant plastic member 164 is integrated with the gasket body portion 162, it means that the heat-resistant plastic member 164 and the gasket body portion 162 are formed separately and then made into one piece through post-processing.

[0088] The heat-resistant plastic member 164 may be disposed closer to the interior space 119 than the center CL of the first side portion 160sa and the second side portion 160sb. Since the heat-resistant plastic member 164 is disposed closer to the interior space 119 than the center CL, most of the gasket body portion 162 is disposed at a position farther from the interior space 119 than the heat-resistant plastic member 164. Even if a fire occurs and the flame reaches the inner sides of the upper case 170 and the lower case 110, since most of the gasket body portion 162 is protected by the heat-resistant plastic member 164, good sealing performance of the battery pack gasket 160 can be maintained.

[0089] In some embodiments, the heat-resistant plastic member 164 has a thickness in the first portion P1 ( Figure 4The dimension in the vertical direction (in the vertical direction) of the first portion P1 may be equal to or greater than the thickness of the first portion P1. Since the first portion P1 is interposed between the upper shell 170 and the lower shell 110, it can be seen that the first portion P1 ensures sealing performance. If the heat-resistant plastic member 164 is in the thickness direction (in the vertical direction) of the first portion P1, the heat-resistant plastic member 164 may be in the thickness direction (in the vertical direction) of the first portion P1. Figure 4 If the dimension in the vertical direction (in the vertical direction) of the battery pack gasket 160 is greater than the thickness of the first portion P1, the first portion P1 can be protected from the flame at least over the entire thickness of the first portion P1. Therefore, good sealing performance of the battery pack gasket 160 can be maintained.

[0090] In some embodiments, when the upper housing 170 and the lower housing 110 are coupled, the upper housing 170 and the lower housing 110 are separated from each other by at least the thickness of the first portion P1. Figure 4 In the vertical direction of the first portion P1, the heat-resistant plastic member 164 may extend at least the separation distance. Figure 4 If the dimension in the vertical direction (in the vertical direction) is greater than the separation distance, the first portion P1 interposed between the upper case 170 and the lower case 110 can be protected from the flame. Therefore, good sealing performance of the battery pack gasket 160 can be maintained.

[0091] In some embodiments, the heat-resistant plastic member 164 may not be interposed between the upper case 170 and the lower case 110. In this case, the storage portion 162R may be provided in the second portion P2.

[0092] In some embodiments, the heat-resistant plastic member 164 may be arranged to overlap the first portion P1 over the entire thickness of the first portion P1 in the lateral direction. By overlapping the first portion P1 over the entire thickness of the first portion P1, the first portion P1 may be protected from flames over the entire thickness of the first portion P1. Therefore, good sealing performance of the battery pack gasket 160 may be maintained.

[0093] (Other embodiments)

[0094] Figure 5 is along Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional perspective view of a cross section of a battery pack 100 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention taken along line III-III'. In addition to the different cross-sectional shape of the heat-resistant plastic member 164, Figure 5 The embodiment shown is basically the same as Figure 3 Therefore, the following description will focus on the differences between the two embodiments and omit redundant descriptions.

[0095] Reference Figure 5, the heat-resistant plastic member 164 is partially interposed between the upper shell 170 and the lower shell 110. In this case, the cross-section of the heat-resistant plastic member 164 may have an inverted L-shape. In addition, a portion of the heat-resistant plastic member 164 may have a shape protruding from between the upper shell 170 and the lower shell 110 toward the internal space 119 (see Figure 2 ).

[0096] Since the heat-resistant plastic member 164 of the present embodiment is partially interposed between the upper case 170 and the lower case 110, the first portion P1 of the gasket body portion 162 can be more reliably protected from flames. Therefore, better sealing performance of the pack gasket 160 can be maintained.

[0097] Figure 6 is along Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional perspective view of a cross section of a battery pack 100 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention taken along line III-III'. In addition to the different cross-sectional shape of the heat-resistant plastic member 164, Figure 6 The embodiment shown is basically the same as Figure 5 Therefore, the following description will focus on the differences between the two embodiments and omit redundant descriptions.

[0098] Reference Figure 6 , the dimension of the heat-resistant plastic member 164 in the thickness direction of the first portion P1 is smaller than the thickness of the first portion P1. However, the heat-resistant plastic member 164 is partially inserted between the upper shell 170 and the lower shell 110. In addition, a portion of the heat-resistant plastic member 164 may have a shape protruding from between the upper shell 170 and the lower shell 110 toward the internal space 119 (see Figure 2 ).

[0099] It can be seen that the performance of protecting the first portion P1 from flames is slightly reduced due to the reduced size of the heat-resistant plastic member 164 in the thickness direction. However, since the heat-resistant plastic member 164 is partially interposed between the upper shell 170 and the lower shell 110, the performance of protecting the first portion P1 from flames is not impaired overall.

[0100] Furthermore, the relatively wide width and shallow insertion depth of the heat-resistant plastic member 164 may facilitate manufacturing of the battery pack gasket 160 according to the present embodiment, which is advantageous for mass production.

[0101] Figure 7 is along Figure 2 1 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a cross section of a battery pack 100 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, taken along line III-III′. Figure 7 The embodiment shown is similar to Figure 3 , Figure 5and Figure 6 The illustrated embodiment is different in that the entire heat-resistant plastic member 164 is interposed between the upper case 170 and the lower case 110, and the following description will focus on the differences from other embodiments and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0102] Reference Figure 7 , the entirety of the battery pack gasket 160 is interposed between the upper case 170 and the lower case 110. That is, the entirety of the gasket body portion 162 and the heat-resistant plastic member 164 is interposed between the upper case 170 and the lower case 110. The heat-resistant plastic member 164 may extend along the side of the gasket body portion 162. Compared with the gasket body portion 162, the heat-resistant plastic member 164 is located closer to the internal space.

[0103] The pad body portion 162 and the heat-resistant plastic member 164 may be coupled together in any manner. For example, the pad body portion 162 and the heat-resistant plastic member 164 may be coupled to each other using an insert molding method. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0104] Figure 8 is along Figure 2 1 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a cross section of a battery pack 100 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, taken along line III-III′.

[0105] Reference Figure 8 , a protruding sill P is provided on the upper surface 110a of the lower case. Even if a flame is generated inside the battery pack 100 and reaches the inner sides of the upper case 170 and the lower case 110, the flame cannot reach the battery pack gasket 160 because the protruding sill P blocks the battery pack gasket 160. In addition, even if the flame causes heat energy to reach the battery pack gasket 160 through the protruding sill P, the gasket main body portion 162 can maintain its sealing performance because the heat-resistant plastic member 164 protects the gasket main body portion 162.

[0106] The protruding bottom beam P may be located on the upper surface 110a of the lower case along the side of the battery pack gasket 160. In some embodiments, the protruding bottom beam P may be formed integrally with the lower case 110. In some embodiments, the protruding bottom beam P may be manufactured separately and then integrated into the upper surface 110a of the lower case, for example, by welding.

[0107] Fig. 9 It is a partial perspective view of the battery pack 100 according to the present embodiment.

[0108] Fig. 9 The top view of FIG. 1 shows a state where the battery pack gasket 160 is not mounted on the lower case 110, and Fig. 9 The bottom view of FIG. 1 shows a state in which the battery pack gasket 160 is installed on the lower case 110 .

[0109] As described above, the first to fourth side walls 111, 112, 113, 114 may be fixed to each other by methods such as friction stir welding, spot welding, etc. For example, the first side wall 111 and the fourth side wall 114 may be arranged perpendicular to each other, and their respective ends may be connected by welding. As a result, welding portions W1, W2 are formed at the corner where the first side wall 111 and the fourth side wall 114 are connected. Specifically, the welding portions W1, W2 are formed on the upper surface of the corner and the side edge of the corner.

[0110] Due to the nature of welding, the welded portion W1 may protrude more or less from the upper surface 110a of the lower case. This protrusion prevents the battery pack gasket 160 from fitting tightly on the upper surface 110a of the lower case, so flattening is required. However, if the protruding bottom beam P extends to the corner, it becomes very difficult to flatten the protruding portion of the welded portion W1 and the production efficiency is reduced.

[0111] In view of this, in this embodiment of the battery pack 100, the protruding bottom beam P may not be provided over the predetermined length range A near the corner. In this case, the battery pack gasket 160 may be susceptible to flames at the corner. In view of this, it may be necessary to reinforce the battery pack gasket 160 at the corner. Fig.10 1 is a partial perspective view of the lower case 110 to which the battery pack gasket 160 having reinforced corners is installed.

[0112] Reference Fig.10 , the protruding bottom beam P may be omitted from the corner, and the pack gasket 160 may extend toward the inner space in the portion where the protruding bottom beam P is omitted. The heat-resistant plastic member 164 may be provided on the portion of the pack gasket 160 extending toward the inner space.

[0113] In some embodiments, the cushion body portion 162 belonging to the second portion P2 may extend horizontally toward the inner space from the cushion body portion 162 belonging to the first portion P1. In addition, the cushion body portion 162 belonging to the second portion P2 may extend vertically along the first side wall 111 and the fourth side wall 114. A storage portion may be formed in the second portion P2 of the cushion body portion 162, and a heat-resistant plastic member 164 may be provided in the storage portion.

[0114] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the configuration of the battery pack gasket 160 at the corner is not limited to Fig.10 Instead of the construction shown in Figures 5 to 7 The various embodiments described can be applied with appropriate modifications. Fig.10 The corner where the first side wall 111 and the fourth side wall 114 meet is described, but a person skilled in the art will appreciate that it may be applied to other corners.

[0115] exist Fig.10 , the side of the heat-resistant plastic member 164 is shown as being closed by the gasket body portion 162 and not exposed, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the sidewalls of the second portion P2 extending vertically along the first sidewall 111 and the fourth sidewall 114 may include a hole that exposes the heat-resistant plastic member 164.

[0116] refer to Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The battery pack 100 of the described exemplary embodiment may have a battery pack gasket 160, particularly a first portion P1 of a gasket body portion 162, protected by a protruding bottom beam P in a portion extending horizontally from the first to fourth side walls 111, 112, 113, 114. In addition, the first portion P1 of the battery pack 100 may be protected by a heat-resistant plastic member 164 provided at a corner portion of the gasket body portion 162 where the first to fourth side walls 111, 112, 113, 114 intersect with each other. As a result, the entirety of the first portion P1 interposed between the upper case 170 and the lower case 110 may be protected, and the sealing performance of the battery pack gasket 160 may be maintained even when exposed to high temperatures and / or flames.

[0117] Although the exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will be able to make various modifications to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. Therefore, future modifications to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention will not depart from the technology of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery pack, comprising: A battery pack housing, the battery pack housing comprising a lower housing and an upper housing defining an internal space; a plurality of battery cells, wherein the plurality of battery cells are disposed in the internal space; as well as a battery pack gasket disposed between the lower housing and the upper housing; Wherein, the battery pack gasket comprises: a first surface, the first surface facing the upper housing; a second surface, the second surface being opposite to the first surface and facing the lower housing; a first side portion, the first side portion facing the interior space; and a second side portion, the second side portion facing the outside of the battery pack housing; The battery pack gasket includes a heat-resistant plastic member, and the heat-resistant plastic member is at least partially between the first side portion and the second side portion in any cross section in the width direction.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The heat-resistant plastic member extends at least partially along the coupling surface of the upper shell and the lower shell, and The heat-resistant plastic member is positioned closer to the interior space than a center between the first side portion and the second side portion.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The battery pack gasket includes a gasket body portion and a heat-resistant plastic member, The pad body portion includes a storage portion, and The heat-resistant plastic member is disposed in the storage portion.

4. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein: The main part of the liner comprises: a first portion interposed between the upper housing and the lower housing; and A second portion extends from the first portion into the interior space and along a side wall of the upper housing and / or a side wall of the lower housing.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein: In a thickness direction of the first portion, a dimension of the heat-resistant plastic member is larger than a thickness of the first portion.

6. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein: The heat-resistant plastic member is arranged to overlap the first portion over the entire thickness of the first portion.

7. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein: The heat-resistant plastic member is integrally formed or integrated with the gasket body.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein: The heat-resistant plastic member is integrated with the gasket main body portion by insert molding.

9. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein: The heat-resistant plastic member includes at least one of acrylonitrile-based resin, acrylic resin, benzimidazole-based resin, indoline-based resin, imide-based resin, amide-based resin, phenylene oxide-based resin, butylene terephthalate-based resin, fluorine-based resin, or copolymers thereof.

10. A battery pack, comprising: A battery pack housing, the battery pack housing comprising a lower housing and an upper housing defining an internal space; a plurality of battery cells, wherein the plurality of battery cells are disposed in the internal space; as well as a battery pack gasket disposed between the lower housing and the upper housing; wherein the battery pack gasket comprises a gasket body portion extending along a coupling surface of the upper shell and the lower shell and a heat-resistant plastic member, and The heat-resistant plastic member is integral with the gasket body portion.

11. The battery pack according to claim 10, wherein: The pad body portion includes a storage portion, and The heat-resistant plastic member is inserted into the storage portion.

12. The battery pack according to claim 10, wherein: The heat-resistant plastic member extends across at least a separation distance of the upper case and the lower case.

13. The battery pack according to claim 10, wherein: The heat-resistant plastic member is at least partially interposed between the upper case and the lower case.

14. The battery pack according to claim 13, wherein: At least a portion of the heat-resistant plastic member protrudes from between the upper case and the lower case toward the internal space.

15. The battery pack according to claim 10, wherein: The heat-resistant plastic member is not interposed between the upper case and the lower case.

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