Battery pack

Abstract

A battery pack is disclosed. The battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention can include a case that provides a space therein and has a battery pack cover, a battery stack that is located within the case and has a plurality of battery cells, a top cover that is located between the battery stack and the battery pack cover, and a thermal insulation cover that has a top portion coupled to an upper surface of the top cover and a first side portion that covers one side of the battery stack.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to battery packs.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0114173, filed in Korea on August 26, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] With the significant increase in demand for portable electronic products such as smartphones, tablet PCs and smartwatches, and the growing prevalence of electric vehicles, research is actively underway on batteries installed in these vehicles, particularly secondary batteries that allow for repeated charging and discharging.

[0004] Currently, 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 or no memory effect compared to nickel-based rechargeable batteries. This is because lithium rechargeable batteries have the advantage of being easy to recharge, have a very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density, thus attracting more attention.

[0005] Lithium-ion secondary batteries mainly consist of lithium-based oxides and carbon materials used as positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively. A lithium-ion secondary battery includes: an electrode assembly comprising a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate coated with positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively, with a separator inserted between the positive and negative electrode plates; and an outer casing (i.e., a battery housing) that seals and houses the electrode assembly and electrolyte solution together.

[0006] Generally, lithium secondary batteries can be classified according to the shape of their casing into can-type secondary batteries with electrode assemblies contained in a metal can and bag-type secondary batteries with electrode assemblies contained in a bag of aluminum laminate.

[0007] Recently, secondary batteries have been widely used in medium and large devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS) for driving and storing energy, as well as small devices such as portable electronic devices. Multiple secondary batteries can be electrically connected and housed within a module housing, thereby forming a battery module. Each secondary battery included in a battery module can then be referred to as a battery cell. Furthermore, multiple battery modules can be connected to each other to form a battery pack.

[0008] However, when a battery pack comprises multiple battery modules, and each battery module comprises multiple battery cells, the battery pack may be susceptible to thermal chain reactions between battery modules or battery cells. For example, when an event such as thermal runaway occurs within a single battery module, the propagation of thermal runaway to other battery modules or other battery cells must be prevented. If the propagation of thermal runaway between battery modules or battery cells is not properly suppressed, an event occurring in a particular battery module or battery cell may lead to a chain thermal reaction in other battery modules or other battery cells, potentially causing an explosion or fire or increasing its scale.

[0009] Specifically, when an event such as thermal runaway occurs in a single battery module, gases or flames may be randomly emitted to the outside. If the emission of gases or flames is not properly controlled, they may be emitted toward other battery modules, potentially causing a thermal chain reaction in those modules. In particular, module terminals may be located on the front side of the battery module, and there may be components such as module busbars for electrical connection to other battery modules or battery packs. Therefore, if a flame is emitted to the front side of a battery module, the module terminals may be damaged, and an electrical short circuit may occur within the battery pack. Furthermore, since other battery modules may be located on the front side of the battery module, if a flame is emitted to the front of a particular battery module, the emitted flame may be directed to other battery modules, potentially causing a fire to spread between battery modules.

[0010] If heat transfer between battery modules or battery cells is not properly controlled, a sudden voltage drop may occur in the battery module or battery pack. This could cause the device housing the battery module or battery pack to shut down abruptly, resulting in unexpected damage. For example, if a sudden voltage drop occurs in the battery pack while the electric vehicle is in operation, there will be no time to move the vehicle to a safe location.

[0011] Furthermore, if heat transfer between battery modules or cells is not properly controlled and causes a sudden fire or explosion, there is a high possibility of injury or death to users. For example, in the event of thermal runaway in an electric vehicle, if sufficient time is not allowed before it develops into a full-blown fire, occupants may not be able to escape safely. Summary of the Invention

[0012] Technical issues

[0013] This disclosure was designed to address the problems in the related technologies, and therefore aims to provide a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery pack, the battery pack having an improved structure that allows for proper control of the discharge of flames, etc., generated inside the battery pack.

[0014] In addition, this disclosure aims to provide a structure that can block the propagation of a thermal event in the event of a thermal event.

[0015] In addition, this disclosure can improve the productivity of battery packs by providing a battery cell with a simpler structure than a battery module.

[0016] In addition, this disclosure can improve the energy density of a battery pack by providing a battery pack having battery cells that are lighter than a battery module for the same energy capacity.

[0017] However, the technical problems that this disclosure seeks to solve are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the following description other problems not mentioned herein.

[0018] Technical solution

[0019] In one aspect of this disclosure, a battery pack is provided, the battery pack comprising: a housing that provides space therein and has a battery pack cover; a battery stack located within the housing and having a plurality of battery cells; a top cover located between the battery stack and the battery pack cover; and a heat insulation cover having a top portion coupled to an upper surface of the top cover and a first side portion configured to cover one side of the battery stack.

[0020] Additionally, the heat insulation cover may include a second side portion configured to cover the other side of the battery stack, and the battery stack may be located between the first side portion and the second side portion.

[0021] In addition, the top portion, the first side portion, and the second side portion can be formed integrally.

[0022] Additionally, the housing may include a base plate on which the battery stack is placed, and the battery pack may also include a first partition wall configured to cover a first side portion and be secured to the base plate.

[0023] Additionally, the battery pack may include a second partition wall configured to cover the second side portion and be secured to the base plate.

[0024] Additionally, the top cover may have a first vent.

[0025] Additionally, the battery pack may include an inner cover located between the top cover and the battery stack.

[0026] Additionally, the inner cover may have a groove facing the first vent.

[0027] Additionally, the top portion may have a second exhaust port facing the first exhaust port.

[0028] In another aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle is also provided, which includes a battery pack according to this disclosure.

[0029] Beneficial effects

[0030] According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, when gas or flame is generated inside the battery module, the discharge of such gas or flame can be appropriately controlled.

[0031] According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, the electrical safety of the battery pack can be improved.

[0032] According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, the propagation of thermal events can be suppressed.

[0033] According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, the productivity of battery packs can be improved.

[0034] According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, the energy density of the battery pack can be increased. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the foregoing disclosure, serve to provide a further understanding of the technical features of the present disclosure; therefore, the present disclosure is not to be construed as limited to the drawings.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 An exploded view of some components of the battery pack.

[0038] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 A diagram of the battery cell.

[0039] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 An exploded view of some components of the battery cell.

[0040] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 4 An exploded view of some components of the battery stack.

[0041] Figure 6 This diagram shows the connection of the battery stack, busbar frame assembly, and insulating cover.

[0042] Figure 7 It shows the inner cover and Figure 6 The configuration connection diagram.

[0043] Figure 8 It shows the top cover and Figure 7 The configuration connection diagram.

[0044] Figure 9 It shows the heat insulation cover and Figure 8 The configuration connection diagram.

[0045] Figure 10 It shows the partition wall and Figure 9 The configuration connection diagram.

[0046] Figure 11 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken from line A-A'.

[0047] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0048] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terminology used in the specification and appended claims should not be construed as limited to its general and dictionary meanings, but rather interpreted based on the meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure, on the basis of allowing the inventors to appropriately define the terminology for the best interpretation.

[0049] Therefore, the description presented herein is merely a preferred example for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. It should be understood that other equivalent substitutions and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0050] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a battery pack 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 Exploded view of some components of the 1000 battery pack. Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 The diagram shows the battery cell 200. Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 An exploded view of some components of the battery cell 200.

[0051] Reference Figures 1 to 4 The battery pack 1000 may include a housing 100. The housing 100 may include a base plate 110. The base plate 110 may have a square shape. The base plate 110 may have a flat shape. The base plate 110 may form the exterior of the battery pack 1000. The base plate 110 may provide internal space for the battery pack 1000.

[0052] The housing 100 may include sidewalls 120. The sidewalls 120 may be mounted, fastened, connected, secured, or attached to the upper surface of the base plate 110. Four sidewalls 120 may be provided. The sidewalls 120 may be arranged along the perimeter of the base plate 110. The sidewalls 120 may form the appearance of the battery pack 1000. The sidewalls 120 may provide internal space.

[0053] The battery pack 1000 may include battery cells 200. Battery cells 200 may have a cuboid shape. Multiple battery cells 200 may be provided. Multiple battery cells 200 may be located inside the housing 100. Multiple battery cells 200 may be mounted, connected, fastened, fixed, or attached to the base plate 110.

[0054] Battery cell 200 may include battery stack 201. Battery stack 201 may include multiple battery cells 220. In this case, battery cell 220 may refer to a secondary battery. In particular, battery cell 220 may be a secondary battery having a pouch shape. However, the shape of battery cell 220 is not limited to a pouch shape, and battery cell 220 may have various shapes such as cylindrical or cuboid shapes. Multiple battery stacks 201 may be mounted, connected, fastened, fixed, or attached to base plate 110.

[0055] Each battery cell 220 can extend along the front-to-back direction or the X-axis direction. Multiple battery cells 220 can be stacked along the left-to-right direction or the Y-axis direction. Multiple battery cells 220 can be stacked to form a battery stack 201.

[0056] The housing 100 may include a battery pack cover 150. The battery pack cover 150 may have a square plate shape. The battery pack cover 150 may have a flat plate shape. The battery pack cover 150 may form the exterior of the battery pack 1000. The battery pack cover 150 may cover the internal space of the battery pack 1000. The battery pack cover 150 may be located on the battery cell 200. The battery pack cover 150 may be located on the battery stack 201.

[0057] Battery cell 200 may include a top cover 260. Top cover 260 may be located on battery stack 201. Top cover 260 may be located between battery stack 201 and battery pack cover 150.

[0058] The battery cell 200 may include a heat insulation cover 270. The heat insulation cover 270 may contain a material with low thermal conductivity. The heat insulation cover 270 may contain a material with high heat resistance. The heat insulation cover 270 may contain a material with high fire resistance. The heat insulation cover 270 may contain a material with high heat dissipation performance.

[0059] A heat shield 270 may surround the battery stack 201. The heat shield 270 may include a top portion 271. The top portion 271 may have a sheet shape. The top portion 271 may be located on the top cover 260. The top portion 271 may be fastened, coupled, attached, mounted, or secured to the upper surface of the top cover 260.

[0060] The heat insulation cover 270 may include a first side portion 272. The first side portion 272 may cover one side of the battery stack 201. The first side portion 272 may cover the right side of the battery stack 201. The top portion 271 and the first side portion 272 may be integrally formed. The first side portion 272 may extend downward from the top portion 271 or along the -Z axis direction.

[0061] When a thermal event occurs in battery cell 220, the heat insulation cover 270 can suppress or block heat transfer. The heat insulation cover 270 can suppress or block heat propagation to adjacent battery cells 200 or battery stack 201. The heat insulation cover 270 can improve the thermal safety of battery cell 200. The heat insulation cover 270 can improve the thermal safety of battery pack 1000.

[0062] Reference Figures 1 to 4 The battery pack 1000 may include a venting device 500. The venting device 500 may be mounted on a side wall 120. For example, the venting device 500 may be mounted on the front side of the side wall 120. For example, the venting device 500 may be a valve. When the pressure inside the housing 100 increases, the venting device 500 may open to release gas. Additionally, the venting device 500 may prevent external air from flowing into the housing 100. Multiple venting devices 500 may be provided.

[0063] The battery pack 1000 may include partition walls 310. Partition walls 310 may include a first partition wall 311 and a second partition wall 312. Multiple partition walls 310 may be provided. Partition walls 310 may be mounted, fastened, fixed, connected, or attached to the upper surface of the base plate 110. Partition walls 310 may divide the internal space of the battery pack 1000. Partition walls 310 may be mounted, fastened, fixed, connected, or attached to the inner surface of the side wall 120. Partition walls 310 may be respectively located on both sides of the battery cell 200.

[0064] The battery pack 1000 may include a central partition wall 320. The central partition wall 320 may be mounted, secured, fixed, connected, or attached to the upper surface of the base plate 110. The central partition wall 320 may divide the internal space of the battery pack 1000. The central partition wall 320 may be mounted, secured, fixed, connected, or attached to the inner surface of the side wall 120.

[0065] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 4 An exploded view of some components of the battery stack 201. (Refer to...) Figures 1 to 5The battery stack 201 may include battery cells 220. Battery cell 220 may include a receiving portion 221 having electrode assemblies, a first sealing portion 222 protruding to the front and rear sides of the receiving portion 221, and a second sealing portion 223 protruding upward from the receiving portion 221. Additionally, battery cell 220 may include electrode leads 224 protruding to the front and rear sides of the first sealing portion 222, respectively. Each battery cell 220 may extend along a front-rear direction or an X-axis direction. The electrode leads 224 may protrude to the front and rear sides of each battery cell 220.

[0066] The battery stack 201 may include a pad 250. The pad 250 may be disposed between a plurality of battery cells 220. The pad 250 may be arranged between at least some of the battery cells 220 and / or at the periphery of the stack. For example, the pad 250 may be configured to be disposed between every four battery cells 220 stacked in the front-to-back direction.

[0067] The pad 250 may contain an elastic material capable of absorbing the expansion of the battery cell 220. For example, the pad 250 may contain a foam material such as polyurethane. Alternatively, the pad 250 may contain a material capable of blocking heat or flame. For example, the pad 250 may contain a heat-insulating or flame-retardant material such as silicone or mica.

[0068] The battery stack 201 may include an insulating sheet 290. The insulating sheet 290 may be disposed on the outermost side of the battery stack 201. The insulating sheet 290 may contain a material with electrical insulating properties. The insulating sheet 290 may be disposed on both sides of the battery stack 201.

[0069] Figure 6 This diagram shows the connection of the battery stack 201, busbar frame assemblies 231 and 232, and insulating covers 241 and 242. (Refer to...) Figures 4 to 6 The front busbar frame assembly 231 can be electrically connected to the electrode leads 224 on the front side of the battery stack 201. The front busbar frame assembly 231 may include power terminals 231a. Power terminals 231a can be electrically connected to multiple battery cells 220. Power terminals 231a can be arranged in pairs. Power terminals 231a can be exposed to the outside of the battery cell 200. Power terminals 231a can be electrically connected to another battery cell 200 or a BMS (Battery Management System).

[0070] The rear busbar frame assembly 232 can be electrically connected to the electrode leads 224 on the rear side of the battery stack 201. The rear busbar frame assembly 232 can cover the rear side of the receiving portion 221.

[0071] Figure 7 This shows the inner cover 280 and Figure 6 The configuration connection diagram is shown below. (Refer to...) Figure 6 and Figure 7 The front insulating cover 241 may cover the front busbar frame assembly 231. The front insulating cover 241 may be coupled, fastened, fixed, mounted, or attached to the front busbar frame assembly 231. The front insulating cover 241 may contain a material with electrically insulating properties. The front insulating cover 241 may expose the power supply terminal 231a.

[0072] The rear insulating cover 242 may cover the rear busbar frame assembly 232. The rear insulating cover 242 may be connected, fastened, fixed, mounted, or attached to the rear busbar frame assembly 232. The rear insulating cover 242 may contain a material with electrical insulating properties.

[0073] Figure 8 This shows the top cover 260 and Figure 7 The configuration connection diagram is shown below. (Refer to...) Figure 7 and Figure 8 The inner cover 280 may be located between the top cover 260 and the battery stack 201. The inner cover 280 may be in sheet shape. The top cover 260 may cover the upper surface of the battery stack 201. The inner cover 280 may be fixed, coupled, fastened, or attached to the upper end of the busbar frame assemblies 231, 232. The inner cover 280 may be fixed, coupled, fastened, or attached to the upper end of the insulating covers 241, 242.

[0074] The inner cover 280 can be attached, fastened, attached, or secured to the lower surface of the top cover 260. The inner cover 280 may contain a fire-resistant material. The inner cover 280 may contain a heat-resistant material. The inner cover 280 may contain a flame-retardant material. For example, the inner cover 280 may contain a ceramic material. The inner cover 280 may contain a fire-resistant material.

[0075] The inner cover 280 may include a score line 281. The score line 281 can be used as a term that includes and generally indicates a perforation line 281, a slotted line 281, a cut line 281, a shredding line 281, a tear line 281, or a separation line 281. The score line 281 may be configured to be easily separated by applying pressure to the inner cover 280.

[0076] Figure 9 This shows the heat insulation cover 270 and Figure 8 The configuration connection diagram is shown below. (Refer to...) Figure 8 and Figure 9 The top cover 260 can be fixed, connected, fastened, or attached to the upper end of the busbar frame assemblies 231, 232. The top cover 260 can be fixed, connected, fastened, or attached to the upper end of the insulating covers 241, 242. The top cover 260 may be made of plastic material.

[0077] Fastening member S can fasten top cover 260 to insulating covers 241, 242. Fastening member S can fasten inner cover 280 to insulating covers 241, 242. Fastening member S can penetrate top cover 260 and inner cover 280.

[0078] The top cover 260 may have a first vent 261. Multiple first vents 261 may be provided. The first vents 261 may face the scribing line 281. The first vents 261 may expose the scribing line 281. The scribing lines 281 may be provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the first vents 261.

[0079] If a thermal event occurs in battery cell 220, the vented gas can cause the vented line 281 to separate. This can cause the inner cover 280 to open. Alternatively, the vented gas can be released to the outside of battery cell 200 through the first vent 261. Simultaneously, if battery cell 200 is exposed to vented gas generated from the outside, the inner cover 280 can prevent the externally generated vented gas from flowing into battery cell 200. This can suppress or block the propagation of a thermal event.

[0080] Figure 10 This shows the partition wall 310 and Figure 9 The configuration connection diagram is shown below. (Refer to...) Figure 9 and Figure 10 The top portion 271 may have a second vent 271a. Multiple second vents 271a may be provided. Multiple second vents 271a may be provided in a one-to-one correspondence with multiple first vents 261. The second vents 271a may face the first vents 261. The second vents 271a may expose the scribe line 281.

[0081] If a thermal event occurs outside the battery cell 200, the top portion 271 can block heat transfer to the battery cell 200. As a result, the propagation of the thermal event can be suppressed or blocked.

[0082] The first side portion 272 can be fastened, connected, attached, or fixed to the right-side insulating sheet 290. The first side portion 272 can cover the right-side insulating sheet 290. If a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 220, the first side portion 272 can block heat transfer in the right-side direction or the +Y axis direction. This can suppress heat transfer to adjacent battery cells 200.

[0083] If a thermal event occurs outside the battery cell 200, the first side portion 272 can block heat transfer to the battery cell 200. As a result, the propagation of the thermal event can be suppressed or blocked.

[0084] The heat insulation cover 270 may include a second side portion 273. The first side portion 272 may cover one side of the battery stack 201. The second side portion 273 may cover the other side of the battery stack 201. The second side portion 273 may cover the left side of the battery stack 201. The top portion 271 and the second side portion 273 may be integrally formed. The second side portion 273 may extend downwards from the top portion 271 or along the -Z axis direction.

[0085] The second side portion 273 can be fastened, connected, attached, or fixed to the left insulating sheet 290. The second side portion 273 can cover the left insulating sheet 290. The battery stack 201 can be located between the first side portion 272 and the second side portion 273. When a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 220, the second side portion 273 can block heat transfer in the left-hand direction or the -Y-axis direction. As a result, heat propagation to adjacent battery cells 200 can be suppressed.

[0086] If a thermal event occurs outside the battery cell 200, the second side portion 273 can block heat transfer to the battery cell 200. As a result, the propagation of the thermal event can be suppressed or blocked.

[0087] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 10 The first partition wall 311 may cover the first side portion 272. The first partition wall 311 may be fastened, connected, attached, or fixed to the base plate 110. The first partition wall 311 may contact the first side portion 272. The first partition wall 311 may press against the first side portion 272.

[0088] The second partition wall 312 may cover the second side portion 273. The second partition wall 312 may be fastened, connected, attached, or fixed to the base plate 110. The second partition wall 312 may contact the second side portion 273. The second partition wall 312 may press against the second side portion 273.

[0089] Figure 11 It is along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view taken by line A-A'. (Refer to...) Figure 11 The fastening member S secures the top cover 260 and the inner cover 280 to the front busbar frame assembly 231. Because the top cover 260 and the inner cover 280 are secured to the front busbar frame assembly 231, in the event of a thermal event, exhaust gases can be released only through the first vent 261 or the second vent 271a. As a result, the propagation of the thermal event to adjacent battery cells 200 can be suppressed.

[0090] The battery pack 1000 according to this disclosure may also include various components other than the battery cell 200, such as various components of a battery pack known at the time of filing of this application (e.g., BMS, busbar, relay, current sensor, etc.).

[0091] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating a vehicle V according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. (Refer to...) Figure 12 The vehicle V according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include the battery pack 1000 of the present disclosure. The battery pack 1000 according to the present disclosure can be applied to a vehicle V such as an electric vehicle V or a hybrid vehicle V. That is, the vehicle V according to the present disclosure may include the battery pack 1000 according to the present disclosure. In addition to the battery pack 1000, the vehicle V according to the present disclosure may also include various other components included in the vehicle. For example, the vehicle V according to the present disclosure may also include a body, a motor, control devices such as an ECU (electronic control unit), etc.

[0092] This disclosure has been described in detail. However, it should be understood that while the detailed description and specific examples indicate preferred embodiments of this disclosure, they are given by way of illustration only, as various changes and modifications within the scope of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art based on this detailed description.

Claims

1. A battery pack, the battery pack comprising: A housing that provides space therein and has a battery pack cover; A battery stack, which is located within the housing and has multiple battery cells; A top cover, located between the battery stack and the battery pack cover; as well as A heat insulation cover having a top portion connected to the upper surface of the top cover and a first side portion configured to cover one side of the battery stack.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, The heat insulation cover includes a second side portion configured to cover the other side of the battery stack, and The battery stack is located between the first side portion and the second side portion.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, in, The top portion, the first side portion, and the second side portion are integrally formed.

4. The battery pack according to claim 2, in, The housing includes a base plate, on which the battery stack is placed, and The battery pack further includes a first partition wall configured to cover the first side portion and be fastened to the base plate.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4, further comprising: A second partition wall is configured to cover the second side portion and is fastened to the base plate.

6. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, The top cover has a first vent.

7. The battery pack according to claim 6, further comprising: An inner cover, located between the top cover and the battery stack.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, in, The inner cover has a grooved line facing the first vent.

9. The battery pack according to claim 7, in, The top portion has a second vent facing the first vent.

10. A vehicle comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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