Battery pack

Abstract

Battery pack, including: at least one battery module comprising a plurality of submodules, and a top cover comprising the plurality of submodules, each plurality of submodules comprising a plurality of battery cells; a pack housing in which at least one battery module is installed; and a pressure element that presses on an upper section of the top cover and is connected to the pack housing, wherein the upper cover includes a boundary area that covers a gap between adjacent submodules, and The pressure element is structured in such a way that it presses on the upper cover above the boundary area.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The disclosure and implementations disclosed in this patent document generally relate to a battery pack comprising a plurality of battery cells (secondary batteries) that can be charged and discharged. BACKGROUND

[0002] Battery cells (secondary batteries), unlike primary batteries, offer the convenience of rechargeability and attract considerable attention as an energy source for various mobile devices and electric vehicles.

[0003] A battery cell can comprise an electrode assembly and a cell casing that houses the electrode assembly. The electrode assembly can be formed by stacking a cathode, an anode, and a separator, or by winding these components into a coil and then housing them within the cell casing.

[0004] A large number of battery cells can be arranged in a predetermined direction to form a cell array. The cell array can be incorporated into a battery module and / or battery pack. SUMMARY

[0005] Battery cells can experience thermal runaway, which involves the generation of gas and / or flames due to internal short circuits, overcharging, and other causes. In this case, a flame can develop within a cell array containing the battery cell and spread to neighboring cell arrays, resulting in thermal propagation.

[0006] For example, a cell array can constitute a battery module or sub-module, and thermal runaway occurring in one battery module or sub-module can spread to adjacent battery modules or sub-modules, resulting in thermal propagation. Therefore, there is a need to delay or prevent, as much as possible, the spread of flames originating from one battery module (or sub-module) to adjacent battery modules (or sub-modules).

[0007] The present disclosure can be implemented in some embodiments to provide a battery pack that can delay or significantly reduce the propagation of thermal runaway occurring in any submodule comprising a plurality of battery cells to adjacent submodules.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery pack can be provided in which the spread of a fire originating from one battery module to an adjacent battery module can be delayed or significantly reduced.

[0009] The battery pack described in this disclosure can be widely applied to devices within green technology fields such as electric vehicles, battery charging stations, and other battery-powered solar and wind energy generation systems. Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of this disclosure, the battery pack can be used in environmentally friendly electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and other products that aim to prevent climate change by suppressing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a battery pack comprises at least one battery module containing a plurality of submodules, and a top cover covering the plurality of submodules, each plurality of submodules containing a plurality of battery cells; a pack housing in which the at least one battery module is installed; and a pressure element that presses on an upper section of the top cover and is connected to the pack housing. The top cover includes a boundary region that covers a gap between adjacent submodules, and the pressure element is structured to press on the top cover above the boundary region.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the upper cover can have an area that can cover the plurality of submodules together.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of submodules can include a first submodule and a second submodule, the upper cover can further include a first area covering the first submodule and a second area covering the second submodule, and the boundary area can be located between the first area and the second area.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the first region, the second region and the boundary region of the pressure element can be formed in one piece.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the pack housing can include a base plate arranged under the at least one battery module and a transverse element arranged opposite a side face of the at least one battery module, and the pressure element can be connected to the transverse element.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the pressure element can include a pressure section covering the top cover, an extension section bent from both ends of the pressure section and extending downwards, and a support section connected to the extension section and supported by the transverse element.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, each of the plurality of submodules can include a cell assembly in which a plurality of battery cells are arranged, and a side plate that protects one side face of the cell assembly. The side plate can include a module mounting section extending from one side face of the side plate and attached to the transverse element. The support section can be attached to the transverse element above the module mounting section.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the support section can be attached to the transverse element by a fastening element that penetrates the support section and the module fastening section, and then attached to the transverse element.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the width of the extension section can have a value that is greater than or equal to a maximum value of the width of the pressure section.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the pressure section can comprise a first section located in the center of the pressure section and a second section located on either side of the first section and connected to the extension section. The width of the second section can be greater than the width of the first section.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the pressure element can have a value that is greater than or equal to the thickness of the top cover.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the pressure element can include a pressure section arranged above the top cover and a compressible element attached to the underside of the pressure section and containing a compressible material. The compressible element can be compressed between the pressure section and the top cover.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, a material of the compressible element may comprise at least one of synthetic rubber, silicone, flame-retardant foam, aerogel foam, silicon dioxide foam or mica foam.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the pressure element can include a rigid reinforcement structure with a concave-convex section to increase the stiffness of the pressure element.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one battery module can include a plurality of battery modules, and the pressure element can jointly cover top covers provided in the plurality of battery modules.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, each of the plurality of submodules can include a cell assembly in which a plurality of battery cells are arranged, and a side plate that protects a side face of the cell assembly. The pack housing can include a base plate arranged beneath the plurality of battery modules, a pack cover that covers the plurality of battery modules, and a transverse element arranged between adjacent battery modules. The transverse element can be arranged on the base plate while being connected to each battery module.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the side plate can include a module mounting section extending from a side face of the side plate and connected to the transverse element, and the transverse element can include a first transverse element arranged below the module mounting section and supporting the module mounting section, and a second transverse element arranged above the module mounting section.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the first transverse element can be arranged opposite a side plate positioned on a first side of each battery module, and the second transverse element can be arranged opposite a side plate positioned on a second side of each battery module.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the second transverse element, the module mounting section and the first transverse element can be arranged vertically between the pressure element and the base plate, and the pressure element can be structured to press on the second transverse element between adjacent battery modules.

[0029] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a battery pack comprises at least one battery module, which includes a first submodule and a second submodule, each containing a plurality of battery cells, and a top cover that jointly covers the first and second submodules; a pack housing in which the at least one battery module is installed; and a pressure element that presses on an upper section of the top cover and is connected to the pack housing. The top cover comprises a first region that covers the first submodule and a second region that covers the second submodule, and the pressure element is positioned to cross a space between the first region and the second region and presses on the top cover. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Certain aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure are illustrated by the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a battery pack according to a preferred embodiment. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the in Fig. 1 illustrated battery module. Fig. 3 is a stretched perspective view of the in Fig. 2 illustrated battery modules. Fig. 4 is a stretched perspective view of a Fig. 3 illustrated submodules. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view along line II' of Fig. 2. Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective view illustrating a section of a battery pack according to a preferred embodiment. Fig. Figure 7 is a perspective view of a printing element according to a preferred embodiment. Fig. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view along line II-II' of Fig. 6. Fig. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a modified embodiment of the printing element. Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the in Fig. 9 illustrated printing elements from below. Fig. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view along line II-II' of Fig. 6, which illustrates a structure in which the in Fig. The illustrated printing element is arranged as follows: 9. Fig. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another modified embodiment of a printing element. Fig. Figure 13 is a top view illustrating a section of a battery pack according to a further embodiment. Fig. Figure 14 is a front view of the battery pack of Fig. 13. Fig. 15 is a schematic representation that provides an example of the in Fig. 13 illustrated battery modules. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Features of the present disclosure disclosed in this patent document are described by means of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] The same reference numerals or symbols in the respective drawings attached to this specification indicate parts or components that perform substantially the same functions. For the sake of clarity and understanding, the same reference numerals or symbols may be used in different embodiments. In detail, even if components with the same reference numerals are shown in several drawings, they do not necessarily represent a single embodiment.

[0033] In the following description, the singular expression includes plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms such as "include" or "comprise" indicate the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but should be understood as not excluding the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0034] Furthermore, in the following description, terms such as "top side", "upper side", "on", "bottom side", "under", "side surface", "front" and "back" are expressed based on the directions shown in the drawings, and it should be noted that the expressions may vary depending on the orientation of the object in question.

[0035] Additionally, terms containing ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., may be used in this specification and the claims to distinguish between components. These ordinal numbers are used to differentiate identical or similar components, and their use should not be interpreted as limiting the meaning of the terms. For example, the order of use or arrangement of components assigned these ordinal numbers should not be interpreted as restricted by their numbers. If necessary, corresponding ordinal numbers may be used interchangeably.

[0036] The present disclosure is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these are merely examples, and the present disclosure is not limited to the detailed embodiments illustrated herein.

[0037] First, a battery pack 10 is assembled according to a preferred embodiment with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 described.

[0038] Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a battery pack 10 according to a preferred embodiment, Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a Fig. 1 illustrated battery module 100, Fig. 3 is a stretched perspective view of the in Fig. 2 illustrated battery module 100, and Fig. 4 is a stretched perspective view of a Fig. 3 illustrated submodule 101. Fig. 1 to Fig. Figure 4 merely illustrates the structure and shape of the battery pack 10, the battery module 100 and the sub-module 101, and the detailed shapes of the respective components thereof are not limited to the drawings.

[0039] With reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 4. According to a preferred embodiment, the battery pack 10 can comprise at least one battery module 100, a pack housing 200, and a pressure element 300. At least one battery module 100 can comprise a plurality of submodules 101, each of which comprises a plurality of battery cells 111, and a top cover 170 that covers the plurality of submodules 101. At least one battery module 100 can be installed in a pack housing 200. The pressure element 300 can pressurize an upper section of the top cover 170 and be connected to the pack housing 200. The top cover 170 can include a boundary region 170c that covers a gap between adjacent submodules 101. The pressure element 300 can be configured to press against the top cover 170 from an upper section of the boundary region 170c.

[0040] At least one battery module 100 can include a first submodule 101a and a second submodule 101b, each containing a plurality of battery cells 111, and a top cover 170 that covers both the first submodule 101a and the second submodule 101b. The top cover 170 can include a first area 170a that covers the first submodule 101a and a second area 170b that covers the second submodule 101b. The pressure element 300 can be positioned traversing both the first area 170a and the second area 170b and pressing down on the top cover 170.

[0041] The battery pack 10 is described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 4 described in more detail.

[0042] The pack housing 200 can provide a space in which at least one battery module 100 is installed. For example, the pack housing 200 can include a base plate 210 arranged under at least one battery module 100 and a transverse element 220 facing a side surface of at least one battery module 100.

[0043] The base plate 210 has a plate shape, and the transverse element 220 can be arranged above the base plate 210 and along its inner surface or edge. The transverse element 220 can include a cross-section arranged across the inner surface of the base plate 210 and a side wall arranged along the edge or adjacent section of the base plate 210. The transverse element 220 can be connected to and / or attached to the base plate 210. For example, the transverse element 220 can be connected to the base plate 210 using fasteners such as bolts or welding.

[0044] The cross member 220 can be attached to the base plate 210 before the battery module 100 is installed in the pack housing 200, but this is not a restriction. For example, the cross member 220 can be installed on the base plate 210 while it is still connected to the battery module 100 (see Fig. 13 to Fig. 15) .

[0045] If the battery pack 10 contains several battery modules 100, the transverse element 220 can be arranged between the several battery modules 100.

[0046] The Pack housing 200 can also be fitted with a Pack cover (230 in Fig. 14) include, which covers at least one battery module 100. The pack cover 230 can also be replaced by a vehicle floor, but is not limited to this.

[0047] A battery pack of 10 can contain at least one battery module of 100. While Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a battery pack 10 with three battery modules 100 arranged therein; according to a preferred embodiment, the battery pack 10 may also include one, two, four or more battery modules 100.

[0048] With reference to Fig. 2 to Fig. 4. The battery module 100 can contain a plurality of submodules 101. The plurality of submodules 101 can include a first submodule 101a and a second submodule 101b. For example, the plurality of submodules 101 can be assembled along one direction (the X-axis direction in the drawing) to form a single battery module 100. However, the battery module 100 is not limited to this structure and can contain three or more submodules 101. In the following description, the direction parallel to the direction in which the first submodule 101a and the second submodule 101b face each other is referred to as the first direction.

[0049] The first submodule 101a and the second submodule 101b, which are included in the battery module 100, can have the same structure. For example, a large number of submodules 101 of the same type can be manufactured and then assembled to form the complete battery module 100.

[0050] For example, in the following description, the first submodule 101a and the second submodule 101b refer only to one and the other of the two assembled submodules 101, and both can be understood as submodules 101 with the same structure. Additionally, submodule 101 can be understood to mean either the first submodule 101a described above or the second submodule 101b. However, in the present disclosure, the first submodule 101a and the second submodule 101b are not limited to having the same structure.

[0051] The battery module 100 can include the top cover 170, which covers the multiple sub-modules 101. The top cover 170 can have an area that can cover the multiple sub-modules 101 simultaneously. For example, the battery module 100 can cover the multiple sub-modules 101 simultaneously with a single top cover 170.

[0052] The upper cover 170 can include the boundary area 170c, which covers the area between adjacent submodules 101. For example, the boundary area 170c can be defined as an area extending between adjacent submodules 101. The boundary area 170c can have a predetermined width in a first direction (X-axis direction).

[0053] The upper cover 170 additionally includes a first area 170a, which covers the first submodule 101a, and a second area 170b, which covers the second submodule 101b. The boundary area 170c can be arranged between the first area 170a and the second area 170b.

[0054] In one example, the first region 170a, the second region 170b, and the boundary region 170c of the upper cover 170 can be formed in one piece. For example, a single, one-piece upper cover 170 can be arranged to cover the upper surfaces of the plurality of submodules 101.

[0055] The battery module 100 can additionally include a lower cover 160, which is located beneath and supports the plurality of submodules 101. A single, one-piece lower cover 160 can be arranged to cover the lower surfaces of the plurality of submodules 101.

[0056] However, the structure of the lower cover 160 and / or the upper cover 170 is not limited to the structure described above. For example, the lower cover 160 and / or the upper cover 170, each covering the plurality of submodules 101, can be provided as multiple components, and the multiple components can be coupled together to form a single lower cover 160 and / or upper cover 170.

[0057] Each submodule 101 can additionally include a cell arrangement 110, which includes battery cells 111 stacked in one direction.

[0058] The cell arrangement 110 can comprise a plurality of battery cells 111 stacked side by side. The stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells 111 and the direction in which the submodules 101 are arranged can be orthogonal to each other. For example, the submodules 101 can be arranged in a first direction (X-axis direction) on the upper surface of the lower cover 160, and the battery cells 111 contained in each submodule 101 can be stacked in a second direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) orthogonal to the first direction (X-axis direction). In the following description, the “second direction” can be defined as the stacking direction of the battery cells 111.

[0059] The multitude of battery cells 111 can be adapted to convert chemical energy into electrical energy and supply energy to an external circuit, or to receive external energy and convert electrical energy into chemical energy to store electricity. For example, the battery cells 111 can be designed as nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries or lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, which can be charged and discharged.

[0060] Each of the multiple battery cells 111 can include an electrode array comprising a cathode, an anode, and a separator. The electrode array can be configured in which the cathode and anode are positioned with a separator between them, such that broad surfaces of these surfaces face each other. The separator can be adapted to prevent an electrical short circuit between the cathode and anode and to facilitate ion flow. For example, the separator can comprise a porous polymer film or a porous nonwoven fabric.

[0061] Additionally, the electrode arrangement can be accommodated in the cell housing in various ways, such as a stacked arrangement, a jelly roll arrangement formed by winding in a predetermined direction, a zigzag fold arrangement, or a stacked fold arrangement.

[0062] Depending on the housing structure, the plurality of battery cells 111 can be bag-like, prismatic, or cylindrical secondary batteries. In a preferred embodiment, each of the plurality of battery cells 111 is provided in a bag shape, and the plurality of battery cells can be arranged side by side and connected to each other in series or parallel to form a cell array 110.

[0063] Each submodule 101 can additionally include a protective cover 150 that protects the cell arrangement 110. The protective cover 150 can include an end plate 151 and an inner plate 152 that cover at least one side and the other side of the cell arrangement 110, and a plurality of side plates 153.

[0064] The end plate 151 and the inner plate 152 can be spaced apart in a first direction (X-axis direction), and a cell array 110 can be arranged between the end plate 151 and the inner plate 152. The end plate 151 can be located adjacent to the side where the terminal section 123 is located in the sub-module 101. The inner plate 152 can be located adjacent to the side where the sensing terminal 130 is located in the sub-module 101. The sensing terminal 130 can transmit signals relating to the voltage and / or temperature of the sub-module 101 to the outside. The signals from the sensing terminal 130 can be transmitted to a battery management system (BMS) and / or a cell monitoring unit (CMU).

[0065] The side plate 153 is arranged to face the wide surface of the battery cell 111 and can protect the side surface of the cell arrangement 110.

[0066] The end plate 151, the inner plate 152 and the side plate 153 can be made of a material (for example, a metallic material such as aluminium or SUS) that is sufficiently rigid to protect the submodule 101 from an external impact.

[0067] The side plate 153 can be connected to the end plate 151 and the inner plate 152. For example, a fastener, such as a bolt, can penetrate the side plate 153 and be attached to the end plate 151 and / or the inner plate 152. Alternatively, the side plate 153 can be connected to itself and attached to the end plate 151 and / or the inner plate 152 without a separate fastener. In this case, welding can be used as the joining method, but is not limited to it.

[0068] Meanwhile, the side plate 153 can also be connected to the busbar frame 122, which is located inside the end plate 151 and the inner plate 152. The end plate 151, the inner plate 152, and the side plate 153 are rigidly connected to each other, thus ensuring the structural stability of the sub-module 101.

[0069] Each of the multiple submodules 101 can include a cell assembly 110 in which a multiple of battery cells 111 are arranged, and a side plate 153 that protects the side surface of the cell assembly 110. The side plate 153 can include a module mounting section 154 that extends from the side surface of the side plate 153 and is attached to the transverse element 220.

[0070] The module mounting section 154 can include a side extension section 154a, which extends in the second direction (Y-axis direction) from the side surface of the side plate 153, and a mounting section 154b, which is formed on the side extension section 154a. The side extension section 154a is supported by the upper surface of the transverse element 220, and the mounting section 154b can be attached to the transverse element 220 using a mounting section material, such as a bolt (B in Fig. 8). Accordingly, the module fastening section 154 can be attached to the transverse element 220.

[0071] The submodule 101 can additionally include a busbar assembly 120, which is electrically connected to the cell assembly 110, and an insulating cover 140, which is connected to the busbar assembly 120.

[0072] The busbar assembly 120 can include a busbar 121, which comprises a plurality of conductive elements electrically connected to the electrode leads 115 of the battery cell 111, and a busbar frame 122 that supports the busbar 121. Some of the plurality of busbars 121 can be connected to a terminal section 123, which may be connected to an external electrical circuit. The terminal section 123 can include a cathode terminal and an anode terminal.

[0073] With reference to Fig. 4. The busbar assembly 120 can comprise a first busbar assembly 120a, located on one side of the cell assembly 110, and a second busbar assembly 120b, located on the other side of the cell assembly 110. One of the first busbar assembly 120a and the second busbar assembly 120b can have a pair of connection sections 123, while the other can have no connection section 123. For example, the first busbar assembly 120a, which has a pair of connection sections 123, can be located between the end plate 151 and the cell assembly 110, while the second busbar assembly 120b, which has no connection section 123, can be located between the inner plate 152 and the cell assembly 110.The connection section 123 of the first busbar assembly 120a can be located adjacent to the end plate 151 and exposed to the outside of the battery module 100. The connection sections 123 can be spaced apart in the second direction (Y-axis direction) along an edge of the sub-module 101.

[0074] The insulating cover 140 can include a first insulating cover 141 and a second insulating cover 142. The first insulating cover 141 can be arranged between the first busbar assembly 120a and the end plate 151, thereby electrically isolating the first busbar assembly 120a from the end plate 151. The second insulating cover 142 can be arranged between the second busbar assembly 120b and the inner plate 152, thereby electrically isolating the second busbar assembly 120b from the inner plate 152.

[0075] The first insulating cover 141 and the second insulating cover 142 can be connected to the first busbar assembly 120a and the second busbar assembly 120b, respectively. The first insulating cover 141 and the second insulating cover 142 can contain an electrically insulating material to prevent the end plate 151 and the inner plate 152 from electrically short-circuiting with the busbar 121.

[0076] The connection section 123 can be arranged adjacent to an edge of the submodule 101. For example, the connection section 123 can be arranged on the first busbar assembly 120a between the end plate 151 and the cell assembly 110. For example, the connection section 123, which is included in each submodule 101, can be arranged on the outer circumference of the battery module 100.

[0077] The first submodule 101a and the second submodule 101b can be mounted such that their inner plates 152 face each other.

[0078] While Fig. 3 and Fig. While Figure 4 illustrates that the first submodule 101a and the second submodule 101b each include an inner plate 152, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, according to a preferred embodiment, the battery module 100 may also have a structure in which a single inner plate 152 is arranged between the first submodule 101a and the second submodule 101b. If an inner plate 152 is arranged between the cell arrangement 110 of the first submodule 101a and the cell arrangement 110 of the second submodule 101b, the first submodule 101a and the second submodule 101b may share a single inner plate 152.

[0079] During the assembly process of the multiple submodules 101, the side plates 153 contained within each submodule 101 can be connected to one another. For example, the side plate 153 of the first submodule 101a and the side plate 153 of the second submodule 101b can be connected to one another while facing each other in the first direction (X-axis direction). The side plate 153 of the first submodule 101a and the side plate 153 of the second submodule 101b can be joined by welding, but this is not the only possible method.

[0080] The upper and lower sections of the first submodule 101a and the second submodule 101b can be covered by an upper cover 170 and a lower cover 160, respectively.

[0081] The lower cover 160 can be connected to the first submodule 101a and the second submodule 101b. For example, the first fastening element 161 can penetrate the lower cover 160 and be attached to the inner plate 152, thereby attaching the first submodule 101a and the second submodule 101b to the lower cover 160. Additionally, the second fastening element 162 can be attached to the end plate 151 through the lower cover 160.

[0082] The upper cover 170 can be connected to the first submodule 101a and the second submodule 101b. For example, the third fastening element 171 on the inner plate 152 can be attached through the upper cover 170, thereby attaching the first submodule 101a and the second submodule 101b to the upper cover 170. Additionally, the fourth fastening element 172 on the end plate 151 can be attached through the upper cover 170.

[0083] When the upper cover 170 and the lower cover 160 are connected to the sub-module 101, the end plate 151 of the sub-module 101 can be arranged adjacent to an edge of the upper cover 170 and the lower cover 160. Additionally, the inner plate 152 can be arranged in the central area of ​​the upper cover 170 and the lower cover 160 in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0084] The lower cover 160 and the upper cover 170 can each be connected to the side plates 153 of the sub-module 101. For example, if the sub-module 101 is attached to the lower cover 160, the side plate 153 can come into contact with the lower cover 160 and be connected to it along the contacted section. Similarly, if the upper cover 170 is positioned over the sub-module 101, the side plate 153 can come into contact with the upper cover 170 and be connected to it along the contacted section.

[0085] In this way, the upper cover 170 and the lower cover 160 can be connected to the sub-module 101 to form the entire battery module 100.

[0086] In the battery module 100, the end plate 151 and the side plate 153 of each sub-module 101 can be exposed to the outside of the battery module 100. For example, the top surface of the battery module 100 can be formed by the top cover 170, the bottom surface by the bottom cover 160, and the side surface by the end plate 151 and the side plate 153. In this case, the inner plates 152 of the respective sub-modules 101 face each other within the battery module 100 and are covered by the top cover 170, the bottom cover 160, and the side plates 153 so that they are not exposed to the outside of the battery module 100.

[0087] In this way, according to a preferred embodiment, the battery module 100 can include a plurality of submodules 101. The plurality of submodules 101 can improve the efficiency and energy efficiency of the assembly process by simplifying the connection and assembly relationship between the submodules 101.

[0088] The pressure element 300 presses on the upper section of the top cover 170 and can be connected to the pack housing 200. The pressure element 300 can be attached to the transverse element 220 of the pack housing 200 while pressing on the upper surface of the top cover 170 of the battery module 100.

[0089] The upper cover 170 of the battery module 100 includes a boundary area 170c that covers between adjacent submodules 101, and the pressure element 300 can be arranged to pressurize the upper cover 170 above the boundary area 170c. The pressure element 300 can prevent the propagation of flames or gases between adjacent submodules 101.

[0090] The number of pressure elements 300 can correspond to the number of the respective battery modules 100, but is not limited to this. For example, the top covers 170 of several battery modules 100 can also be pressurized with a single pressure element 300 (see Fig. 13).

[0091] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view along line II' of Fig. 2.

[0092] With reference to Fig. 5. A battery module 100 can comprise a plurality of submodules 101, an upper cover 170 that covers the upper sections of the plurality of submodules 101, and a lower cover 160 that supports the lower sections of the plurality of submodules 101. As an example, the plurality of submodules 101 can comprise a first submodule 101a and a second submodule 101b. The first submodule 101a and the second submodule 101b can each comprise a cell assembly 110, an end plate 151, and an inner plate 152. The inner plate 152 can be connected to the lower cover 160 via the first fastener 161 and to the upper cover 170 via the third fastener 171.

[0093] For example, if thermal runaway, generating flame and / or gas, occurs in the cell array 110 provided in the first submodule 101a, the pressure in the first submodule 101a may increase, causing the flame and / or gas to propagate to the second submodule 101b. Specifically, the top cover 170 may lift upwards if the pressure in the first submodule 101a increases, weakening the connection between the top cover 170 and the inner plate 152. For example, the top cover 170 and the inner plate 152 are connected via a third fastener 171. If the top cover 170 is lifted upwards at the boundary region 170c due to an increase in the pressure of the submodule 101, the fastening force of the third fastener 171 may be weakened, or the third fastener 171 may become detached from the top cover 170.In this case, a space can form between the upper cover 170 and the inner plate 152, and thus a flame and / or gas generated in the first sub-module 101a can propagate to the second sub-module 101b through the space between the upper cover 170 and the inner plate 152. Accordingly, thermal runaway can also occur in the second sub-module 101b. If thermal runaway occurs in a sub-module 101, it can also progress through the space between the lower cover 160 and the inner plate 152.

[0094] The battery pack 10 according to a preferred embodiment uses a pressure element (300 made of Fig. 1) to pressurize the upper surface of the upper cover 170 at the boundary region 170c, located between the first region 170a and the second region 170b, thereby delaying or significantly reducing the propagation of thermal runaway occurring in submodule 101 to the adjacent submodule 101. The detailed configuration of the pressure element 300 is described below.

[0095] Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective view illustrating a section of a battery pack 10 according to a preferred embodiment, Fig. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the printing element 300 according to a preferred embodiment, and Fig. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view along line II-II' of Fig. 6.

[0096] With reference to Fig. 6 to Fig. 8. The pressure element 300 can pressurize the upper section of the upper cover 170. The pressure element 300 can be arranged such that it pressurizes the upper cover 170 above the boundary region 170c.

[0097] The pressure element 300 pressurizes the upper surface of the upper cover 170 at the boundary region 170c of the upper cover 170, thereby preventing the upper cover 170 from lifting upwards from the boundary region 170c when thermal runaway occurs in the sub-module 101. Accordingly, the pressure element 300 can delay or significantly reduce the propagation of thermal runaway occurring in one sub-module 101 to an adjacent sub-module 101.

[0098] The pack housing 200 can include a base plate 210, which supports the lower section of the battery module 100, and a transverse element 220, which is arranged over the base plate 210. The pressure element 300 can be connected to the transverse element 220 of the pack housing 200.

[0099] The pressure element 300 can include a pressure section 310 that covers the upper cover 170, an extension section 320 that is bent from both ends of the pressure section 310 and extends downwards, and a support section 330 that is connected to the extension section 320 and supported by the transverse element 220. The pressure section 310 can cover the upper cover 170 at a section that includes the boundary region 170c of the upper cover 170. The extension section 320 extends downwards from both ends of the pressure section 310 and can connect the pressure section 310 and the support section 330.

[0100] The side plate 153 can include a module mounting section 154 extending from the side surface of the side plate 153 and attached to the transverse element 220. The module mounting section 154 can include a side extension section 154a extending in a second direction (Y-axis direction) from the side surface of the side plate 153, and a mounting section 154b formed on the side extension section 154a.

[0101] The support section 330 of the pressure element 300 can be connected to the transverse element 220. The support section 330 can be attached to the transverse element 220 from the top of the module mounting section 154.

[0102] The support section 330 of the pressure element 300 can be attached to the transverse element 220 of the pack housing 200 by a fastening section material B. The support section 330 can be attached to the transverse element 220 by a fastening section material B that penetrates the support section 330 and the module fastening section 154 and is then attached to the transverse element 220. The support section 330 can include a fastening hole 331 through which the fastening section material B passes.

[0103] The thickness T2 of the pressure element 300 can be greater than or equal to the thickness T1 of the upper cover 170. A high thickness T2 of the pressure element 300 increases its stiffness. Consequently, the pressure element 300 can limit deformation or lifting of the upper cover 170 if thermal runaway occurs in a submodule 101.

[0104] For example, the thickness T2 of the print element 300 can be 1 or more, 1.5 or more, or 2 or more times the thickness T1 of the top cover 170. The thickness T2 of the print element 300 can be less than or equal to 5 or 4 times the thickness T1 of the top cover 170. The print element 300 can have a thickness of 1 mm or more, 1.5 mm or more, or 2 mm or more. The print element 300 can have a thickness of 5 mm or less, or 4 mm or less.

[0105] For example, the printing element can contain 300 materials, such as aluminum, steel, alloys containing these materials, or engineering plastics.

[0106] However, the thickness and material of the pressure element 300 are not limited to the above descriptions and various modifications are possible as long as the pressure element has sufficient rigidity to prevent deformation or lifting of the upper cover 170.

[0107] The pressure section 310 can include a first section located in the center of the pressure section 310 and a second section located on either side of the first section and connected to the extension section 320. The width W2 of the second section can be larger than the width W1 of the first section. If the width W2 of the second section is larger than the width W1 of the first section, the width W3 of the extension section 320 connected to the second section and the width of the support section 330 connected to the extension section 320 can also be relatively large.

[0108] The width W3 of the extension section 320 can be equal to or greater than the width of the compression section 310. For example, the extension section 320 can have a width greater than W2 of the second section. If the width W3 of the extension section 320 and the width of the support section 330 are both large, the area of ​​the section where the support section 330 is connected to the transverse element 220 can be increased. Accordingly, the compression element 300 can be stably supported by the transverse element 220.

[0109] However, the shape of the pressure element 300 is not limited to the above description and various modifications are possible as long as it has sufficient rigidity to prevent deformation or lifting of the upper cover 170.

[0110] Fig. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a modified embodiment of the pressure element 300. Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the in Fig. 9 illustrated printing elements 300 from below. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of the Fig. 9 illustrated printing element 300 along line II-II' of Fig. 6 illustrates.

[0111] Compared to the one in Fig. 6 to Fig. The 8 illustrated printing element 300 differs from the one in Fig. 9 to Fig. Figure 11 illustrates a modified embodiment of the pressure element 300, in that it additionally includes a compressible element 340. The descriptions of the pressure element 300 and the element 340 in Figure 11 are further detailed below. Fig. 6 to Fig. The 8 illustrated battery packs 10, which exclude any differences, also apply to Fig. 9 to Fig. 11.

[0112] With reference to Fig. 9 to Fig. 11. The printing element 300 can include a printing section 310, which is positioned above the upper cover 170, and a compressible element 340, which is attached to the underside of the printing section 310 and contains a compressible material. The compressible element 340 can be compressed between the printing section 310 and the upper cover 170.

[0113] If the pressure element 300 is positioned on the top surface of the upper cover 170, a gap may form between the pressure element 300 and the upper cover 170 due to tolerances or assembly steps. In this case, the pressure force of the pressure element 300 cannot be adequately transferred to the upper cover 170. The compressible element 340 can be compressed between the pressure section 310 of the pressure element 300 and the upper cover 170, thereby filling the gap between the pressure element 300 and the upper cover 170. Consequently, the compressible element 340 can transfer the pressure of the pressure section 310 evenly to the upper cover 170.

[0114] The compressible element 340 can be made of a compressible material. The compressible element 340 can include a flame-retardant material to withstand high temperatures. For example, the material of the compressible element 340 can include at least one of the following: synthetic rubber, silicone, flame-retardant foam, aerogel foam, silica foam, and mica foam.

[0115] However, the material of the compressible element 340 is not limited to the materials mentioned above. Various modifications are possible as long as it can be compressed between the pressure section 310 of the pressure element 300 and the upper cover 170 to fill the space between the pressure section 310 and the upper cover 170.

[0116] Fig. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another modified embodiment of the pressure element 300.

[0117] Compared to the one in Fig. 9 to Fig. The illustrated printing element 300 differs from the one in 11. Fig. 12 illustrated pressure element 300 by the fact that it additionally includes a rigid reinforcement structure 350. The descriptions of the in Fig. 9 to Fig. The 11 illustrated printing elements 300, which exclude the differences, also apply to the one in Fig. 12 illustrated printing elements 300.

[0118] The pressure element 300 can include a rigid reinforcement structure 350 with a concave-convex section to increase the stiffness of the pressure element 300.

[0119] The rigid reinforcement structure 350 can be applied as a structure that increases the stiffness of the surface of the pressure element 300 by means of beads or roughening, but is not limited to this. The rigid reinforcement structure 350 can be formed on the surface of the pressure section 310. In Fig. Figure 12 illustrates the rigid reinforcement structure 350 in such a way that it has a shape in which a concave-convex structure is formed only on the top side, but the concave-convex structure can also be formed on the top or bottom side, or the thickness of the pressure section 310 can also be adapted to have a shape with a constant thickness.

[0120] Fig. Figure 13 is a top view illustrating a section of a battery pack 10 according to a further embodiment, Fig. Figure 14 is a front view showing battery pack 10 of Fig. 13 illustrated from the front, and Fig. 15 is a schematic representation that provides an example of the in Fig. 13 illustrated battery modules 100 illustrated.

[0121] Compared to the one in Fig. 1 to Fig. The battery pack shown in section 8 differs in 10. Fig. 13 to Fig. Figure 15 illustrated battery pack 10 by showing that a pressure element 300 covers the top cover 170 of several battery modules 100 and that the battery module 100 and the transverse element 220 of the pack housing 200 are positioned on the base plate 210 of the pack housing 200, while the transverse element 220 is connected to the battery module 100. The description of the in Fig. 1 to Fig. The 8 illustrated battery packs (10), which exclude any differences, can also be found on Fig. 13 to Fig. 15 are applied.

[0122] The battery pack 10 can contain a pack housing 200 and at least one battery module 100. With reference to Fig. 13 to Fig. 15 includes at least one battery module 100, a plurality of battery modules 100, and a pressure element 300 can cover the top covers 170 provided in the plurality of battery modules 100 together. For example, one pressure element 300 can cover each of the top covers 170 provided on the multiple battery modules 100. Covering multiple top covers 170 with one pressure element 300 can facilitate the assembly of the pressure element 300.

[0123] With reference to Fig. 13 to Fig. 15 together with Fig. 2 to Fig. 4. The battery module 100 can include a plurality of submodules 101. Each of the plurality of submodules 101 can include a cell assembly 110 in which a plurality of battery cells 111 are arranged, and a side plate 153 that protects the side faces of the cell assemblies 110. The pack housing 200 can include a base plate 210 positioned under the multiple battery modules 100, a pack cover 230 that covers the multiple battery modules 100, and a transverse element 220 positioned between adjacent battery modules 100.

[0124] The cross member 220 can be positioned on the base plate 210 while being connected to each battery module 100. If the cross member 220 is pre-attached to the base plate 210, assembly tolerances are required to position the battery module 100 in the space between the cross members 220, resulting in dead space within the pack housing 200, which can reduce the energy density of the battery pack 10. Conversely, if the cross member 220 is pre-attached to the battery module 100 and then positioned on the base plate 210 of the pack housing 200, the dead space between the battery module 100 and the cross member 220 can be reduced, thereby increasing the energy density of the battery pack 10.

[0125] The side plate 153 can include a module mounting section 154 that extends from the side surface of the side plate 153 and is connected to the transverse element 220. The module mounting section 154 can extend from the side plate 153 in a second direction (Y-axis direction) and be provided for connection to the transverse element 220.

[0126] The transverse element 220 can include a first transverse element 221, which is positioned below the module mounting section 154 to support the module mounting section 154, and a second transverse element 222, which is positioned above the module mounting section 154.

[0127] With reference to Fig. 15 The first transverse element 221 can be positioned opposite the side plate 153, which is located on a first side of each battery module 100. The second transverse element 222 can be positioned opposite the side plate 153, which is located on a second side of each battery module 100.

[0128] For example, in a battery module 100, a first transverse element 221, connected to the underside of the module mounting section 154, can be arranged on one side, and a second transverse element 222, connected to the top of the module mounting section 154, can be arranged on a second side. The first transverse element 221 and the module mounting section 154 can be fastened by welding or bolting, but this is not limited to this method. Likewise, the second transverse element 222 and the module mounting section 154 can be fastened by welding or bolting, but this is not limited to this method.

[0129] With reference to Fig. 14 If a plurality of battery modules 100 are arranged in series, the module mounting section 154, to which the second transverse element 222 is attached, can be located on the top of the module mounting section 154 of the adjacent battery module 100, and the module mounting section 154, to which the first transverse element 221 is attached, can be located on the bottom of the module mounting section 154 of the adjacent battery module 100.

[0130] A second transverse element 222, a module mounting section 154, and a first transverse element 221 can be arranged vertically between the pressure element 300 and the base plate 210. The pressure element 300 can be designed to press against or exert pressure on the second transverse element 222 between adjacent battery modules 100.

[0131] For example, the space between the pressure element 300 and the base plate 210 can be configured such that the second transverse element 222 and the module mounting section 154 are in contact with each other, the module mounting section 154 is in contact with the first transverse element 221, and the first transverse element 221 is in contact with the base plate 210. In this case, the compressive force exerted by the pressure element 300 can be applied vertically between the second transverse element 222, the module mounting section 154, and the first transverse element 221.

[0132] However, the structure in which the transverse element 220 is connected to the battery module 100 can be modified in various ways. For example, in the Fig. 14 and Fig.Figure 15 shows that the module mounting section 154 is formed on both the side plates 153 located on the first and second sides of the battery module 100, but the module mounting section 154 can also be positioned only on the side plate 153 located on either the first or the second side. For example, if the module mounting section 154 is not provided on the first side of the battery module 100, the first transverse element 221 can be directly connected to the side plate 153.

[0133] As outlined above, according to a preferred embodiment, the propagation of thermal runaway occurring in a submodule containing a plurality of battery cells to adjacent submodules can be delayed or significantly reduced.

[0134] According to a preferred embodiment, the spread of a fire occurring in one battery module to neighboring battery modules can be delayed or significantly reduced.

[0135] Only specific examples of implementations of certain embodiments are described. Variations, improvements, and enhancements of the disclosed embodiments and other embodiments can be made based on the disclosure of this patent document. For example, it can be implemented by deleting some components in the embodiments described above, and each of the embodiments and modified examples can be implemented in combination with one another.

[0136] A battery pack comprises at least one battery module containing a plurality of submodules, and a top cover that covers the plurality of submodules, each submodule containing a plurality of battery cells, a pack housing in which the at least one battery module is installed, and a pressure element that presses on an upper section of the top cover and is connected to the pack housing. The top cover includes a boundary region that covers a gap between adjacent submodules, and the pressure element is structured to press on the top cover above the boundary region.

Claims

[1] Battery pack, comprising: at least one battery module comprising a plurality of submodules, and a top cover comprising the plurality of submodules, each plurality of submodules comprising a plurality of battery cells; a pack housing in which at least one battery module is installed; and a pressure element that presses on an upper section of the top cover and is connected to the pack housing, wherein the upper cover includes a boundary area that covers a gap between adjacent submodules, and The pressure element is structured in such a way that it presses on the upper cover above the boundary area. [2] Battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the upper cover has an area that can cover the plurality of submodules together. [3] Battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of submodules includes a first submodule and a second submodule, the upper cover further includes a first area that covers the first sub-module, and a second area that covers the second sub-module, and the border area is located between the first area and the second area. [4] Battery pack according to claim 3, wherein the first region, the second region and the boundary region of the pressure element are formed in one piece. [5] Battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pack housing includes a base plate arranged below the at least one battery module and a transverse element arranged opposite a side surface of the at least one battery module, and the pressure element is connected to the transverse element. [6] Battery pack according to claim 5, wherein the pressure element comprises a pressure section covering the top cover, an extension section bent from both ends of the pressure section and extending downwards, and a support section connected to the extension section and supported by the transverse element, wherein preferably each of the plurality of submodules includes a cell arrangement in which a plurality of battery cells are arranged and a side plate that protects a side surface of the cell arrangement, the side plate includes a module mounting section that extends from a side surface of the side plate and is attached to the transverse element, and the support section is attached to the transverse element above the module mounting section, wherein the support section is particularly preferably attached to the transverse element by a fastening element which penetrates the support section and the module fastening section and is then attached to the transverse element. [7] Battery pack according to claim 6, wherein a width of the extension section has a value greater than or equal to a maximum value of a width of the pressure section, and / or wherein the pressure section comprises a first section located in the middle of the pressure section and a second section located on both sides of the first section and connected to the extension section, and a width of the second section has a value greater than a width of the first section. [8] Battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the thickness of the pressure element has a value greater than or equal to the thickness of the top cover. [9] Battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the pressure element comprises a pressure section arranged above the top cover and a compressible element attached to a bottom of the pressure section and comprising a compressible material, wherein the compressible element between the pressure section and the top cover is compressed, wherein preferably one material of the compressible element comprises at least one of synthetic rubber, silicone, flame-retardant foam, aerogel foam, silicon dioxide foam or mica foam. [10] Battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the pressure element includes a rigid reinforcement structure with a concave-convex section to increase the stiffness of the pressure element. [11] Battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least one battery module comprises a plurality of battery modules, and the pressure element covers upper covers provided in the plurality of battery modules together. [12] Battery pack according to claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of submodules comprises a cell arrangement in which a plurality of battery cells are arranged and a side plate that protects a side surface of the cell arrangement, and The pack housing includes a base plate arranged beneath the multitude of battery modules, a pack cover that covers the multitude of battery modules, and a transverse element arranged between adjacent battery modules. the transverse element is arranged on the base plate, while it is connected to each battery module. [13] Battery pack according to claim 12, wherein the side plate includes a module mounting section extending from a side surface of the side plate and connected to the transverse element, and the transverse element includes a first transverse element arranged below the module mounting section and supporting the module mounting section, and a second transverse element arranged above the module mounting section. [14] Battery pack according to claim 13, wherein the first transverse element is arranged opposite a side plate positioned on a first side of each battery module, and the second transverse element is arranged opposite a side plate positioned on a second side of each battery module. [15] Battery pack according to claim 13, wherein the second transverse element, the module mounting section and the first transverse element are arranged vertically between the pressure element and the base plate, and the pressure element is structured such that it presses on the second transverse element between adjacent battery modules.

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