Battery pack and method of manufacturing a battery pack

Abstract

According to one embodiment of the present application, there is provided a battery pack including at least one battery module, a first case configured to accommodate any portion of the battery module, a second case coupled to the first case and configured to accommodate another portion of the battery module, and a heat-resistant member configured to block thermal energy generated in the battery module from being transferred to the first case, wherein the heat-resistant member is disposed between an inner surface of the first case and the battery module to block any one of the first case and the battery module from the other one of the first case and the battery module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technical field of this invention relates to a battery pack and a method for manufacturing a battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, a battery pack consists of one or more battery modules, various components, and a casing surrounding them. During operation, if a battery module catches fire, flames will erupt from the top of the module. Simultaneously, because the battery pack casing lacks a separate area for venting flames and gases to the outside, the heat from the fire will concentrate at the top of the casing.

[0003] Thus, when heat concentrates in the upper part of the casing, the temperature there gradually rises over time, potentially causing severe damage. When this damage occurs, flames and gases generated by the battery module leak outside the battery pack, potentially causing adverse effects on the surrounding environment.

[0004] Therefore, there is a growing demand for battery packs with structures that prevent damage to the upper part of the casing even in the event of a fire in the battery module. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical issues

[0006] The present invention was designed in view of the above-mentioned problems and can provide a battery pack having a structure that prevents damage to the upper part of the casing even in the event of a fire in the battery module.

[0007] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other problems not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description of the present invention.

[0008] Technical solution

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a battery pack can be provided, the battery pack comprising: at least one battery module; a first housing configured to receive a portion of the battery module; a second housing coupled to the first housing and configured to receive another portion of the battery module; and a heat-resistant member configured to block heat generated in the battery module from being transferred to the first housing, wherein the heat-resistant member is disposed between an inner surface of the first housing and the battery module to isolate one of the first housing and the battery module from the other.

[0010] In addition, a battery pack can be provided in which the fire resistance of the heat-resistant component is higher than that of the first housing.

[0011] In addition, a battery pack may be provided in which the heat-resistant component comprises mica material.

[0012] In addition, a battery pack may be provided in which the heat-resistant member includes a first surface, the first surface being defined as a surface facing the inner surface of the first housing, and the first surface being configured to be in close contact with the inner surface of the first housing.

[0013] In addition, a battery pack may be provided in which the heat-resistant member further includes a second surface forming a surface opposite to the first surface and defined as a surface facing the battery module, and at least a portion of the second surface is configured to be exposed to the space surrounded by the second housing and the first housing.

[0014] Alternatively, a battery pack may be provided in which the thickness of the heat-resistant component is less than the thickness of the first housing.

[0015] Furthermore, a battery pack can be provided, wherein a portion of the battery module is defined as the upper part of the battery module, and another portion of the battery module is defined as the lower part of the battery module, and the heat-resistant member includes: a first region; a second region having an upwardly projecting shape relative to a portion of the first region; and a connecting region connecting the first region and the second region to each other, wherein when the direction in the horizontal direction from which the first region faces the second region is referred to as a first direction and the direction opposite to the first direction is referred to as a second direction, the end of the connecting region on the first direction side is connected to the end of the second region on the second direction side, and the end of the connecting region on the second direction side is connected to the end of the first region on the first direction side.

[0016] Furthermore, a battery pack can be provided in which, when the direction perpendicular to the first direction and the up-down direction is referred to as the third direction, an imaginary plane passing through the connection region and perpendicular to the third direction is referred to as the reference plane, and the cross section obtained by cutting the heat-resistant member along the reference plane is referred to as the reference cross section, when the reference cross section is viewed along the third direction, the inclination of the end of the connection region on the second direction side relative to the horizontal direction is less than or equal to the inclination of the upper end of the first region relative to the horizontal direction.

[0017] Furthermore, a battery pack can be provided in which, when the direction perpendicular to the first direction and the up-down direction is referred to as the third direction, an imaginary plane passing through the connection region and perpendicular to the third direction is referred to as the reference plane, and the cross section obtained by cutting the heat-resistant member along the reference plane is referred to as the reference cross section, when the reference cross section is viewed along the third direction, the inclination of the end of the connection region on the second direction side relative to the horizontal direction is less than or equal to the inclination of the upper end of the second region relative to the horizontal direction.

[0018] Furthermore, a battery pack can be provided in which, when the direction perpendicular to the first direction and the vertical direction is referred to as the third direction, an imaginary plane passing through the end of the connecting region on the first direction side and perpendicular to the third direction is referred to as the first reference plane, and an imaginary plane passing through the end of the connecting region on the second direction side and perpendicular to the third direction is referred to as the second reference plane, all regions of the end of the connecting region on the first direction side are located on the first reference plane, and all regions of the end of the connecting region on the second direction side are located on the second reference plane.

[0019] In addition, a battery pack may be provided, wherein the first region includes: a 1-1 region forming a portion of the first region and disposed below the upper end of the second region; and a 1-2 region extending from the 1-1 region along the first direction and having a shape that protrudes upward relative to the 1-1 region.

[0020] In addition, a battery pack can be provided in which the upper height of the 1-2 region and the upper height of the second region are formed to be the same as each other.

[0021] Alternatively, a battery pack can be provided in which the first region, the second region, and the connection region are each composed of separate components.

[0022] Furthermore, a method for manufacturing a battery pack can be provided, the battery pack including at least one battery module, a first housing housing a portion of the battery module, a second housing housing another portion of the battery module, and a heat-resistant member configured to block heat generated in the battery module from being transferred to the first housing, the method comprising: a first preparation step of preparing a first region to form a portion of the heat-resistant member; a second preparation step of preparing a second region to form another portion of the heat-resistant member; a third preparation step of preparing a connection region to form the remaining portion of the heat-resistant member; and a connection step of connecting the first region and the second region through the connection region to form the heat-resistant member.

[0023] In addition, a method for manufacturing a battery pack may be provided, the method further comprising an adhesive step of bonding the heat-resistant component formed in the connection step to the inner surface of the first housing.

[0024] Beneficial effects

[0025] The battery pack according to the present invention has the effect of preventing damage to the upper part of the casing even in the event of a fire in the battery module.

[0026] However, the effects that can be obtained by the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other technical effects not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and, together with the following detailed description of the invention, serve to provide a further understanding of the spirit of the invention. Therefore, the invention should not be construed as being limited to what is described in these drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a view showing the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention with the first housing and the second housing separated.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a heat-resistant component according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 The longitudinal cross-section of the heat-resistant component is taken from line A-A'.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a view showing the state of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the first casing omitted.

[0032] Figure 5 It shows the connection area from Figure 4 A view showing the state in which the heat-resistant components are separated.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a flowchart schematically illustrating a method for manufacturing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, the terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but rather should be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical spirit of the invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define terms and concepts to best interpret his or her invention. Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are merely some of the most preferred embodiments of the invention and do not represent the full technical spirit of the invention. It should be understood that various equivalents and modifications may be substituted for them at the time of filing of this application.

[0035] Furthermore, to aid in understanding the invention, the drawings are not drawn to scale, but the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated. Additionally, the same reference numerals may be assigned to the same components in different embodiments.

[0036] Declaring two comparison objects "identical" means that they are "substantially identical." Therefore, "substantially identical" can include situations where the deviation is considered low in the art, such as within 5%. Furthermore, the statement that parameters are uniform within a predetermined region can mean that they are uniform from an average perspective.

[0037] Although terms such as first and second are used to describe various components, it goes without saying that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise specified, the first component may be the second component.

[0038] Throughout the specification, unless the context otherwise requires, each component may be single or plural.

[0039] Placing one component "on (or below)" or "above (or below)" another component should be understood to include not only situations where the component is in direct contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the other component, but also situations where other components can be inserted in between.

[0040] Furthermore, when a component is described as being “connected,” “joined,” or “engaged” with another component, it should be understood that these components can be directly connected, joined, or engaged with each other, or can be connected, joined, or engaged via another component (in the case of another component being inserted in between).

[0041] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, “A and / or B” shall refer to A, B or both A and B, and “C to D” shall refer to the range from C to D (inclusive of the endpoints).

[0042] In the following description, a battery pack 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] Figure 1 This is a view showing the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention with the first housing and the second housing separated. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a heat-resistant component according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 The longitudinal cross-sectional view of the heat-resistant component taken by line A-A'. Figure 4 This is a view showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention with the first casing omitted, and Figure 5 It shows the connection area from Figure 4 A view showing the state in which the heat-resistant components are separated.

[0044] refer to Figure 1 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the battery pack 1 can be installed in a vehicle and used as a power source to supply electrical energy to the vehicle. The vehicle can be configured as, for example, a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), a battery electric vehicle (BEV), etc. The battery pack 1 can be installed, for example, at the bottom of the vehicle body. The battery pack 1 may include a battery module 10, a first housing 20, a second housing 30, and a heat-resistant component 40.

[0045] The battery module 10 can be a stack of battery cells having multiple battery cells. Each battery cell can include an electrode assembly, current collector, and casing. The electrode assembly can be an electrode assembly for a secondary battery, including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator. One or more battery modules 10 can be provided. The battery module 10 can be housed inside a first housing 20 and a second housing 30.

[0046] The first housing 20 may house the upper portion of the battery module 10. The first housing 20 may be referred to as the "upper housing 20". The first housing 20 may be selectively fastened to the second housing 30. Sealing gaskets, insulating gaskets, etc., may be provided between the first housing 20 and the second housing 30. The second housing 30 may house the lower portion of the battery module 10. This second housing 30 may be referred to as the "lower housing 30". The battery module 10 may be housed within the second housing 30.

[0047] refer to Figure 2 The heat-resistant component 40 can prevent the heat generated in the battery module 10 from being transferred to the first housing 20. For example, when heat transfer (TP) occurs in the battery module 10, flames may be ejected from the top of the battery module 10, and the heat-resistant component 40 can prevent the flames from directly contacting the first housing 20.

[0048] The heat-resistant component 40 can be disposed between the battery module 10 and the first housing 20. For example, the heat-resistant component 40 can be disposed between the upper outer region of the battery module 10 and the inner surface of the first housing 20. The heat-resistant component 40 can isolate one of the battery module 10 and the first housing 20 from the other.

[0049] The heat-resistant component 40 can have a higher heat resistance than the first housing 20. Through the heat-resistant component 40, damage to the first housing 20 can be delayed when heat propagation occurs in the battery module 10. The heat-resistant component 40 may include, for example, a mica material. Among the surfaces of the heat-resistant component 40, the surface facing the inner surface of the first housing 20 can be defined as the first surface.

[0050] The first surface can be configured to be in close contact with the inner surface of the first housing 20. For example, the entire area of ​​the first surface can be configured to abut against the inner surface of the first housing 20.

[0051] The surface of the heat-resistant component facing the battery module 10 can be defined as a second surface. This second surface can be a surface opposite to the first surface. At least a portion of the second surface can be configured to be exposed to the space surrounded by the second housing 30 and the first housing 20. In other words, at least a portion of the second surface can be spaced apart from the outer surface of the battery module 10. For example, the entire area of ​​the second surface can be spaced apart from the outer surface of the battery module 10.

[0052] A predetermined gap can be formed between the second surface and the battery module 10. This gap minimizes the transmission of vibrations generated in the battery module 10 to the heat-resistant member 40. In other words, since the interference between the heat-resistant member 40 and the battery module 10 is minimized through this gap, it has the advantage of maximizing the durability of the heat-resistant member 40.

[0053] The thickness of the heat-resistant member 40 can be less than the thickness of the first housing 20. The thickness of the heat-resistant member 40 can be defined as the spacing between the first surface and the second surface. The thickness of the first housing 20 can be defined as the spacing between the outer surface and the inner surface of the first housing 20. For example, the thickness of the heat-resistant member 40 can be less than half the thickness of the first housing 20.

[0054] The heat-resistant component 40 can be divided into multiple pieces. For example, the heat-resistant component 40 can be a component formed by connecting multiple pieces (at least two of which have different shapes) to each other. The multiple pieces can be manufactured separately and then joined together to form a single component. The heat-resistant component 40 may include a first region 41, a second region 42, and a connecting region 43.

[0055] The first region 41 may form one side of the heat-resistant member 40. The first region 41 may include a 1-1 region 411 and a 1-2 region 412. In the horizontal direction, the direction of the 1-1 region 411 facing the 1-2 region 412 may be defined as a first direction D1, and the direction opposite to the first direction D1 may be defined as a second direction D2.

[0056] Region 411 can form the second direction D2 side of the first region 41. Region 412 can have a shape that extends along the first direction D1 from the end of region 411 on the first direction D1 side. The height of the upper end of region 412 in the vertical direction H can be higher than the height of the upper end of region 411 in the vertical direction H.

[0057] refer to Figure 3 When an imaginary plane passing through the center of the heat-resistant member 40 and perpendicular to the third direction D3 is referred to as the reference plane, the cut surface obtained by cutting the heat-resistant member 40 along this reference plane can be referred to as the reference section. The third direction D3 can be defined as a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction H and the first direction D1. When this reference section is viewed along the third direction D3, the 1-2 region 412 can extend along the first direction D1 and the upward direction, having a shape inclined relative to the ground. The 1-1 region 411 and the 1-2 region 412 can be integrally formed with each other. However, the invention is not limited to this example; the 1-1 region 411 and the 1-2 region 412 can be configured as separate components connected to each other.

[0058] The second region 42 can form the first direction D1 side of the heat-resistant member 40. The second region 42 can be connected to the first region 41 through the connecting region 43. The height of the upper end of the second region 42 in the vertical direction H can be formed to be equal to the height of the upper end of the first region 412 in the vertical direction H.

[0059] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The connecting region 43 can connect the first region 41 and the second region 42 to each other in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The connecting region 43 can be disposed between the first region 41 and the second region 42 relative to the first direction D1.

[0060] The ends of the connecting region 43 on the second direction D2 side and the ends of the first region 41 on the first direction D1 side can be connected to each other. The ends of the connecting region 43 on the second direction D2 side and the ends of the first region 41 on the first direction D1 side can be arranged to face each other.

[0061] When the reference section is viewed along the third direction D3, the inclination of the end of the connecting region 43 on the second direction D2 side relative to the horizontal direction can be less than or equal to the inclination of the upper end of the first region 41 relative to the horizontal direction. The inclination relative to the horizontal direction can refer to the inclination relative to the ground. For example, the inclination of the end of the connecting region 43 on the second direction D2 side relative to the horizontal direction can be 0 (parallel to the ground).

[0062] The ends of the connecting region 43 on the first direction D1 side and the ends of the second region 42 on the second direction D2 side can be connected to each other. The ends of the connecting region 43 on the first direction D1 side and the ends of the second region 42 on the second direction D2 side can be arranged to face each other.

[0063] When the reference section is viewed along the third direction D3, the inclination of the end of the connecting region 43 on the first direction D1 side relative to the horizontal direction can be less than or equal to the inclination of the upper end of the second region 42 relative to the horizontal direction. For example, the inclination of the end of the connecting region 43 on the first direction D1 side relative to the horizontal direction can be 0 (parallel to the ground).

[0064] The first region 41, the second region 42, and the connecting region 43 can each be configured as separate components. However, the spirit of the invention is not limited thereto, and the first region 41, the second region 42, and the connecting region 43 can be integrally formed with each other.

[0065] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 6 A method S10 for manufacturing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In describing the method S10 for manufacturing a battery pack, the description of the battery pack 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention described above will be incorporated herein by reference.

[0066] Figure 6 This is a flowchart schematically illustrating a method for manufacturing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] refer to Figure 6 The method S10 for manufacturing a battery pack may include a first preparation step S100, a second preparation step S200, a third preparation step S300, a connection step S400, and an adhesive step S500.

[0068] In the first preparation step S100, a first region 41 can be prepared. In the second preparation step S200, a second region 42 can be prepared. In the third preparation step S300, a connection region 43 can be prepared. The first preparation step S100, the second preparation step S200, and the third preparation step S300 can be executed simultaneously or at different times.

[0069] In connection step S400, the first region 41 and the second region 42 can be connected to each other through connection region 43. In connection step S400, a heat-resistant component 40 can be formed in which the first region 41, the second region 42, and the connection region 43 are all connected. Connection step S400 can be performed after the first preparation step S100, the second preparation step S200, and the third preparation step S300 have been performed.

[0070] In the bonding step S500, the heat-resistant member 40 can be bonded to the inner surface of the first housing 20. For example, in the bonding step S500, the entire area of ​​the first surface of the heat-resistant member 40 can be configured to abut against the inner surface of the first housing 20. The bonding step S500 can be performed after the connection step S400.

[0071] Although the invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and accompanying drawings, the invention is not limited thereto, and those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations within the spirit of the invention and the equivalents of the following claims.

[0072] [Figure Labels]

[0073] 1: Battery pack

[0074] 10: Battery Module

[0075] 20: First shell

[0076] 30: Second shell

[0077] 40: Heat-resistant components

[0078] 41: First Area

[0079] 411: Area 1-1

[0080] 412: Area 1-2

[0081] 42: Second Area

[0082] 43: Connecting Area

[0083] D1: First Direction

[0084] D2: Second Direction

[0085] D3: Third direction

[0086] H: Up and down direction

Claims

1. A battery pack, the battery pack comprising: At least one battery module; A first housing, configured to house any part of the battery module; A second housing is attached to the first housing and configured to house another portion of the battery module; as well as A heat-resistant component configured to prevent heat generated in the battery module from being transferred to the first housing. The heat-resistant component is disposed between the inner surface of the first housing and the battery module to isolate one of the first housing and the battery module from the other of the first housing and the battery module.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The heat-resistant component has a higher heat resistance than the first shell.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein, The heat-resistant component includes mica (MICA) material.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The heat-resistant component includes a first surface, which is defined as the surface facing the inner surface of the first housing, and The first surface is configured to be in close contact with the inner surface of the first housing.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein, The heat-resistant component further includes a second surface that forms a surface opposite to the first surface and is defined as the surface facing the battery module. At least a portion of the second surface is configured to be exposed to the space surrounded by the second housing and the first housing.

6. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The thickness of the heat-resistant component is less than the thickness of the first shell.

7. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, Any portion of the battery module is defined as the upper part of the battery module. The other part of the battery module is defined as the lower part of the battery module, and The heat-resistant component includes: First area; A second region, the second region having an upwardly projecting shape relative to any portion of the first region; and A connecting region that connects the first region and the second region to each other. Wherein, the direction in which the first region faces the second region in the horizontal direction is called the first direction, and the direction opposite to the first direction is called the second direction. The end of the connecting region on the first direction side is connected to the end of the second region on the second direction side, and The end of the connecting region on the second direction side is connected to the end of the first region on the first direction side.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein, When the direction perpendicular to the first direction and the vertical direction is referred to as the third direction, the imaginary plane passing through the connection area and perpendicular to the third direction is referred to as the reference plane, and the cross-section obtained by cutting the heat-resistant member along the reference plane is referred to as the reference cross-section, then... When the reference section is viewed along the third direction, the inclination of the end of the connecting region on the second direction side relative to the horizontal direction is less than or equal to the inclination of the upper end of the first region relative to the horizontal direction.

9. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein, When the direction perpendicular to the first direction and the vertical direction is referred to as the third direction, the imaginary plane passing through the connection area and perpendicular to the third direction is referred to as the reference plane, and the cross-section obtained by cutting the heat-resistant member along the reference plane is referred to as the reference cross-section, then... When the reference section is viewed along the third direction, the inclination of the end of the connecting region on the second direction side relative to the horizontal direction is less than or equal to the inclination of the upper end of the second region relative to the horizontal direction.

10. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein, When the direction perpendicular to the first direction and the vertical direction is referred to as the third direction, and the imaginary plane passing through the end of the connecting region on the first direction side and perpendicular to the third direction is referred to as the first reference plane, and the imaginary plane passing through the end of the connecting region on the second direction side and perpendicular to the third direction is referred to as the second reference plane, All regions of the connection region at the end on the first direction side are located on the first reference plane, and All regions of the end of the connection region on the second direction side are located on the second reference plane.

11. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein, The first region includes: Region 1-1, wherein region 1-1 forms any part of the first region and is disposed below the upper end of the second region; and Region 1-2 extends from region 1-1 along the first direction and has a shape that protrudes upward relative to region 1-1.

12. The battery pack according to claim 11, wherein, The height of the upper end of region 1-2 and the height of the upper end of region 2 are the same.

13. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein, The first region, the second region, and the connecting region are each composed of separate components.

14. A method of manufacturing a battery pack, the battery pack comprising at least one battery module, a first housing housing any portion of the battery module, a second housing housing another portion of the battery module, and a heat-resistant member configured to block heat generated in the battery module from being transferred to the first housing, the method comprising: The first preparation step is to prepare a first region that forms any part of the heat-resistant component; The second preparation step prepares a second region to form another part of the heat-resistant component; The third preparation step is to prepare the connection area for forming the remaining part of the heat-resistant component; as well as The connection step connects the first region and the second region through the connection area to form the heat-resistant component.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising an adhesive step, the adhesive step bonding the heat-resistant member formed in the connection step to the inner surface of the first housing.

Images