Battery pack

Abstract

A battery pack including a plurality of battery modules according to an embodiment of the present invention may comprise: a case; partition walls that partition the inside of the case into a plurality of compartments; a plurality of battery modules disposed in the plurality of compartments; a cover covering the plurality of cells at the top of the partition wall; and a flame-retardant sheet located between the partition wall and the cover and having a shape deformed according to movement of the cover.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0097612, filed on August 4, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0004] The present invention relates to a battery pack including a flame retardant sheet. Background Art

[0005] In order to cope with environmental pollution and depletion of petroleum resources, research and development of power generation based on eco-friendly energy has been conducted. In particular, research on secondary batteries has been actively conducted, and various aspects of secondary batteries such as materials, structures, processes, and systems have been studied.

[0006] In terms of structure, secondary batteries can be managed in modules and groups. Here, secondary battery cells are aggregated to form a battery module, and battery modules are aggregated to form a battery pack. During the charge / discharge process, the secondary battery cells generate a large amount of gas, or ignition may occur, and therefore safety management related thereto may be required.

[0007] According to the prior art, when the cover (or lid) expands due to the internal pressure of the gas in the battery pack, the cell structure of the module may be released to generate a passage through which flame or gas propagates, thereby increasing the risk. Summary of the invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] An object of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned problems is to provide a battery pack in which a compartment structure is maintained even if a cover moves as the internal pressure of the battery pack increases.

[0010] Technical Solution

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a battery pack including a plurality of battery modules may include: a shell, a partition wall configured to partition the interior of the shell into a plurality of compartments, a plurality of battery modules respectively arranged in the plurality of compartments, a cover configured to cover the plurality of compartments from the upper side of the partition wall, and a flame-retardant sheet that deforms between the partition wall and the cover as the cover moves.

[0012] Beneficial Effects

[0013] According to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, even if the structure is deformed due to an increase in internal pressure, the cell structure can be maintained.

[0014] According to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to prevent flames and gases from spreading through the channels provided by structural deformation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 is a plan view of a battery pack from which a cover is removed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3 is a side view illustrating the arrangement of a flame-retardant sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 4 is a side view illustrating shape deformation of the flame-retardant sheet according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 5 is a side view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 6 is a side view illustrating the arrangement of a flame-retardant sheet according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 7 is a side view illustrating shape deformation of a flame-retardant sheet according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 8 is a side view illustrating a battery pack in which an internal pressure increase occurs according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Hereinafter, the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. However, the present invention can be implemented in several different forms and is not limited or restricted by the following examples.

[0024] In order to explain the present invention clearly, detailed description of parts irrelevant to the description or related known technologies that may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention are omitted, and in this specification, reference numerals are added to the components in each figure. In this case, the same or similar reference numerals are given to the same or similar elements throughout the specification.

[0025] Furthermore, the terms or words used in the specification and claims should not be restrictively interpreted as ordinary meanings or dictionary-based meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the scope of the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of the terms to best describe and explain his invention.

[0026] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a plan view of a battery pack from which a cover is removed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] The battery pack 1 may include a plurality of battery modules 2. The battery module 2 may be provided to achieve electrical connection between the inside of the battery pack 1 and the outside of the battery pack 1.

[0028] Reference Figure 1 The battery pack 1 may include a case 10. The case 10 may define a portion of the appearance of the battery pack 1. For example, the case 10 may define a lower portion and a side portion of the battery pack 1.

[0029] The battery pack 1 may include a cover 40. The cover 40 may cover the opened upper portion of the case 10. For example, the cover 40 may be provided to cover the upper portion of the case 10. In other words, the cover 40 may cover a plurality of compartments 30 to be described later, on the upper side of the partition wall 20 to be described later.

[0030] The case 10 and the cover 40 may define an internal space for accommodating the battery module 2. For example, the case 10 may define the side and lower portion of the battery pack 1, and the cover 40 may cover the opened upper portion of the case 10 and define the upper portion of the battery pack 1. The space surrounded by the case 10 and the cover 40 may form an internal space for accommodating the battery module 2.

[0031] The battery pack 1 may include a plurality of compartments 30. For example, a plurality of compartments 30 may be provided to accommodate the battery modules 2 in the internal space of the battery pack 1, but each of the battery modules 2 may be accommodated in an independent space.

[0032] The battery pack 1 may include a partition wall 20. For example, the partition wall 20 may divide the interior of the housing 10 into a plurality of compartments 30. In other words, the partition wall 20 may be provided to pass through the interior space of the battery pack 1 so that the interior of the battery pack 1 (or housing 10) is partitioned (or divided) into a plurality of compartments 30.

[0033] The battery modules 2 may be disposed (or accommodated) in the plurality of compartments 30. For example, each of the battery modules 2 may be disposed in each of the plurality of compartments 30, but is not limited thereto.

[0034] The battery pack 1 may include a flame retardant sheet 50. The flame retardant sheet 50 may be disposed between the partition wall 30 and the cover 40. For example, the flame retardant sheet 50 may be disposed along an upper portion of each of the partition walls 30 between the partition wall 30 and the cover 40. In other words, the flame retardant sheet 50 may be coupled to each of the partition wall 30 and the cover 40 between the partition wall 30 and the cover 40. The flame retardant sheet 50 may be disposed along an upper portion of the partition wall 20 to suppress the spread of flame or gas between the plurality of compartments 30.

[0035] Figure 3 is a side view illustrating the arrangement of the flame-retardant sheet 50 according to the embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 4 2 is a side view illustrating a shape deformation of the flame-retardant sheet 50 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] The flame retardant sheet 50 may be attached to the partition wall 20 and the cover 40. For example, the sheet upper portion 50-1 of the flame retardant sheet 50 may be attached to the cover 40. In addition, the sheet lower portion 50-2 of the flame retardant sheet 50 may be attached to the partition wall 20. The flame retardant sheet 50 may be installed in a folded state. For example, the flame retardant sheet 50 may be installed in a folded state by being pressed between the partition wall 20 and the cover 40.

[0037] The battery pack 1 may include an upper adhesive member 61 and a lower adhesive member 62. For example, each of the upper adhesive member 61 and the lower adhesive member 62 may be a double-sided tape. The upper adhesive member 61 may attach the flame retardant sheet 50 (or the sheet upper portion 50-1) to the cover 40. The lower adhesive member 62 may attach the flame retardant sheet 50 (or the sheet lower portion 50-1) to the partition wall 20.

[0038] The flame retardant sheet 50 may be deformed in shape. For example, the flame retardant sheet 50 may be deformed in shape between the partition wall 20 and the cover 40 as the cover 40 moves. The flame retardant sheet 50 may be arranged between the partition wall 20 and the cover 40 in a wrinkled or folded state. As a specific example, when the cover 40 moves upward due to the increase in the internal pressure of the plurality of compartments 30 caused by the plurality of battery modules 2, the flame retardant sheet may be deployed upward. When the flame retardant sheet 50 is deployed, the movement of flames or gases between the plurality of compartments 30 may be suppressed even when the cover 40 moves upward. In other words, the flame retardant sheet 50 may prevent the flames or gases from spreading through the passage provided by the structural deformation between the compartments 30.

[0039] Figure 5 is a side view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 6 is a side view illustrating the arrangement of a flame-retardant sheet according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 7 is a side view illustrating that a flame-retardant sheet according to another embodiment of the present invention is deformed in shape.

[0040] The battery pack 1a may include an extension portion 21a. For example, the extension portion 21a may be a portion extending from each of the partition walls 20a. Specifically, the extension portion 21a may extend upward from each of the partition walls 20a to pass through the cover 40a.

[0041] The battery pack 1a may include a support member 22a. For example, the support member 22a may be installed on the extension portion 21a. The support member 22a may be installed to surround the extension portion 21a.

[0042] The support member 22a may be mounted on the extension 21a and may be arranged to support the cover 40a from the upper side. For example, the cover 40a may be arranged between the support member 22a and the flame retardant sheet 50a. The support member 22a may be mounted on the extension 21a to support the cover 40a from above so that the movement of the cover 40a is suppressed to a predetermined extent. In this case, when the cover 40a moves upward, the support member 22a may suppress the movement of the cover 40a to a predetermined extent.

[0043] The flame retardant sheet 50a can be inserted into the extension 21a. For example, the flame retardant sheet 50a can have a hole penetrating in the vertical direction so as to be inserted into the extension 21a. In other words, when the cover 40a moves in a state of being inserted into the extension 21a, the flame retardant sheet 50a can be folded or unfolded.

[0044] The flame retardant sheet 50a can be unfolded or folded along the extension direction of the extension 21a. For example, the upper sheet 50-1a of the flame retardant sheet 50a can be attached to the cover 40a, and the lower sheet 50-2a can be attached to the partition wall 20a. When the cover 40a moves upward due to the increase in internal pressure caused by the plurality of battery modules 2, the flame retardant sheet 50a can be unfolded in the direction in which the extension 21a extends (for example, upward from the partition wall 20a). Alternatively, the folded portion of the flame retardant sheet 50a can be set in the portion where the flame retardant sheet 50a is folded along the extension direction of the extension 21a. The flame retardant sheet 50a can be unfolded or folded along the extension direction of the extension 21a by the movement of the cover 40a in the state where the extension 21a is inserted. Even when the cover 40a is lifted due to the increase in internal pressure, the movement of flames or gases between multiple compartments (for example, reference numeral 30) can be suppressed due to the blocking of the flame retardant sheet 50a.

[0045] Figure 8 is a side view illustrating a battery pack 1 a in which an internal pressure increase occurs according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] When the cover 40a is lifted due to the increase of the internal pressure caused by the battery module 2, the support member 22a can support (or press) the cover 40a from the upper side to suppress the movement of the cover 40a. If the increase of the internal pressure caused by the battery module 2 becomes larger, the support member 22a can be separated from the extension 21a. In this case, the flame retardant sheet 50a can be unfolded along the moving cover 40a. Since the flame retardant sheet 50a is unfolded or folded as the cover 40a moves, the flame retardant sheet 50a can block the movement path of the flame or gas between the compartments 30.

[0047] When the cover (or lid) expands due to the internal pressure between the multiple compartments (e.g., reference numeral 30) inside the battery pack 1 and the battery pack 1a, the compartment structure may be released to generate a passage through which flames or gases propagate, thereby increasing the risk. As described above, the flame retardant sheet 50 and the flame retardant sheet 50a can maintain the compartment structure even when the structure is deformed due to the increase in internal pressure. Therefore, it is possible to prevent flames or gases from spreading through the passage provided by the structural deformation to improve the stability of the battery pack 1 and the battery pack 1a.

[0048] While embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

[0049] [Explanation of Reference Numerals]

[0050] 1.1a: Battery pack

[0051] 2: Battery module

[0052] 10, 10a: Shell

[0053] 20, 20a: Partition wall

[0054] 21, 21a: Extension

[0055] 22, 22a: Supporting member

[0056] 30, 30a: Multiple compartments

[0057] 40, 40a: Cover

[0058] 50, 50a: Flame retardant sheet

[0059] 50-1, 50-1a: Upper part of the sheet

[0060] 50-2, 50-2a: Lower part of the film

[0061] 61: Upper bonding component

[0062] 62: Lower bonding member

Claims

1. A battery pack comprising a plurality of battery modules, the battery pack comprising: case; a partition wall configured to partition the interior of the housing into a plurality of compartments; a plurality of battery modules, wherein the plurality of battery modules are respectively arranged in the plurality of compartments; a cover configured to cover the plurality of compartments from an upper side of the partition wall; as well as A flame retardant sheet is deformed between the partition wall and the cover as the cover moves.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The flame-retardant sheet is installed between the partition wall and the cover in a folded state.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: When the cover moves upward due to an increase in internal pressure caused by the plurality of battery modules, the flame-retardant sheet is deployed upward.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The flame retardant sheet comprises: a sheet upper portion attached to the cover; and A sheet lower portion is attached to the partition wall.

5. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The flame retardant sheet is provided along an upper portion of the partition wall to suppress propagation of flame or gas between the plurality of compartments.

6. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising: an upper bonding member configured to attach the flame retardant sheet to the cover; as well as A lower bonding member is configured to attach the flame retardant sheet to the partition wall.

7. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The flame retardant sheet is configured to inhibit movement of flame or gas between the plurality of compartments.

8. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising: an extension portion extending upward to pass from the partition wall to the cover; as well as A supporting member extends from the extending portion to support the cover at an upper side.

9. The battery pack according to claim 8, wherein: The flame-retardant sheet has a hole penetrating in a vertical direction so as to be inserted into the extending portion.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein: The flame retardant sheet comprises: an upper portion attached to the cover; and a lower portion, the lower portion being attached to the partition wall, Wherein, when the cover moves upward due to an increase in internal pressure caused by the plurality of battery modules, the flame-retardant sheet is expanded along an extending direction of the extending portion.

Images