Battery pack case and battery pack including same

Abstract

A battery pack case according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing that forms an accommodation space therein and a partition plate that is located in the accommodation space and partitions the accommodation space, and the partition plate includes a first member located at the outermost side and a second member that is located inside the first member, connected to an inner surface of the first member, and formed in an oblique direction relative to an outer surface of the first member.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0117479 filed on September 16, 2022 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0120704 filed on September 11, 2023, and all contents disclosed in the documents of said Korean patent applications are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery pack case and a battery pack including the same. [Background technology]

[0003] Generally, secondary batteries are classified into nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and lithium-ion polymer batteries. These secondary batteries are used not only in small products such as digital cameras, DVD players, MP3 players, mobile phones, PDAs, portable game devices, power tools, and electric bicycles, but also in large products that require high output, such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, as well as in power storage devices and backup power storage devices that store surplus generated power and new / renewable energy.

[0004] To manufacture such a secondary battery, first, an electrode active material slurry is applied to a positive electrode current collector and a negative electrode current collector to form a positive electrode and a negative electrode, which are then stacked on both sides of a separator to form an electrode assembly of a predetermined shape.The electrode assembly is then placed in a battery case, an electrolyte is injected, and the battery case is sealed.

[0005] Secondary batteries are divided into pouch types and can types depending on the material of the case that houses the electrode assembly. Pouch types house the electrode assembly in a pouch made of a flexible polymer material, while can types house the electrode assembly in a case made of metal or plastic.

[0006] A plurality of such secondary batteries are housed together to form a battery module, and a plurality of battery modules are housed in a specific pack case to manufacture a battery pack.

[0007] As such, in the process of manufacturing a battery pack, the battery pack is manufactured differently depending on the use and purpose of the battery pack depending on the specific equipment and facilities that the battery pack will be used in. Also, in order to prevent swelling, which occurs when gas is generated inside the battery pack due to overcharging, heat exposure, etc., each battery module is provided with a swelling prevention and gas release structure.

[0008] However, because battery packs are manufactured according to the product, application, and purpose, the manufacturing process for battery packs becomes complicated and inefficient. To address this issue, there is a need for a battery pack that integrates the battery pack structure and prevents secondary damage caused by swelling of the battery module. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] One problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a battery pack in which the structure of the battery pack case is modularized.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery pack including a structure for preventing secondary damage caused by swelling of a battery module. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] A battery pack case according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing that forms an accommodation space therein and a partition plate that is located in the accommodation space and partitions the accommodation space, and the partition plate includes a first member located at the outermost side and a second member that is located inside the first member, connected to an inner surface of the first member, and formed in an oblique direction relative to an outer surface of the first member.

[0012] One side of the second member may be connected to a side surface of the first member, and the other side of the second member may be connected to either an upper surface or a lower surface of the first member.

[0013] The second member includes a first inclined member connected to one side of the first member and either the top or bottom surface of the first member, and a second inclined member connected to the other side of the first member and either the top or bottom surface of the first member, and the first inclined member and the second inclined member meet at the same point on either the top or bottom surface of the first member.

[0014] The first and second inclined members may be symmetrical with respect to a center line of the first member.

[0015] The partition plate may further include a third member positioned inside the second member and supporting a portion where the first member and the second member are connected.

[0016] One side of the second member may be connected to a side surface of the first member, the other side of the second member may be connected to either the top or bottom surface of the first member, and the third member may support an inner side surface of the first member to which the first and second members are connected.

[0017] The third members may be provided in pairs, and the pair of third members may be formed to intersect with each other.

[0018] The partition plate may further include a fourth member connecting the first member and the second member.

[0019] One side of the fourth member may be connected to an inner corner of the first member, and the other side of the fourth member may be connected to the second member.

[0020] The fourth member may be formed symmetrically with respect to the center of gravity of the first member.

[0021] A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a case including a housing forming an accommodation space therein, a partition plate positioned in the accommodation space and partitioning the accommodation space, and a battery module including a plurality of secondary batteries and positioned inside the case, wherein the partition plate includes a first member positioned at the outermost side, and a second member positioned inside the first member, connected to an inner surface of the first member, and formed obliquely relative to an outer surface.

[0022] One side of the second member may be connected to a side surface of the first member, and the other side of the second member may be connected to either an upper surface or a lower surface of the first member.

[0023] The second member includes a first inclined member connected to one side of the first member and either the top or bottom surface of the first member, and a second inclined member connected to the other side of the first member and either the top or bottom surface of the first member, and the first inclined member and the second inclined member meet at the same point on either the top or bottom surface of the first member.

[0024] The first and second inclined members may be symmetrical with respect to a center line of the first member.

[0025] When the side surface of the first member is pressed by the battery module, the first inclined member and the second inclined member may approach each other.

[0026] The partition plate may further include a third member positioned inside the second member and supporting a portion where the first member and the second member are connected. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the battery pack case is manufactured with a modularized structure, thereby improving the efficiency of the battery pack manufacturing process.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, secondary damage caused by the swelling phenomenon of the battery module can be prevented.

[0029] Other effects may be included that can be easily predicted by a person skilled in the art from the configuration according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention described below, serve to further understand the technical concept of the present invention, and the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited solely to the matters depicted in such drawings.

[0031] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack case according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a compartment plate according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a compartment plate according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention is swollen; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032]

[0030] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention; however, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the following embodiments.

[0033] In order to clearly explain the present invention, detailed descriptions of parts that are not relevant to the description or related known technologies that may obscure the gist of the present invention are omitted, and when referring to components in each drawing in this specification, the same or similar reference symbols are used throughout the specification to refer to the same or similar components.

[0034] Furthermore, the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted in a limited way to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a way that is consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention, based on the principle that the inventors can appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best explain their invention.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack case 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] 1, a battery pack case 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention has an internal storage space S, which can store a battery module 11 (described later). In other words, the battery pack case 10 can block communication between the internal space and the external space while storing the battery module 11 inside, thereby protecting the battery module 11 from external factors. For example, the battery pack case 10 can protect the battery module 11 from external forces and external environments such as high temperatures and weather.

[0037] Furthermore, the battery pack case 10 can divide the interior into a plurality of spaces, and accommodate a plurality of battery modules 11 in each space. Here, if swelling occurs in a particular battery module 11 due to factors such as an external force or an internal explosion, the swollen battery module 11 may press against the partition walls inside the case 10. In this process, the battery pack case 10 includes partition walls that have a structure that absorbs pressure caused by swelling, thereby preventing secondary damage caused by the swelling of the battery modules 11.

[0038] However, the battery pack case 10 does not necessarily house a battery module 11, and the battery pack case 10 can also be used for a CTP (Cell To Pack) structure, i.e., a structure in which no modules are applied. In other words, the battery pack case 10 can house battery cells (not shown) including electrode assemblies in a plurality of spaces therein. That is, the battery cells (not shown) can be located inside the battery pack case 10. The battery cells (not shown) can include pouch-type secondary batteries, prismatic secondary batteries, etc.

[0039] Specifically, the battery pack case 10 may include a housing 100 and a compartment plate 101 .

[0040] The housing 100 may have an internal storage space S. For example, the housing 100 may include a base plate, side plates positioned along the periphery of the base plate and connected at their lower sides to the base plate, and a cover plate covering the upper sides of the side plates to form the internally sealed storage space S. In other words, the housing 100 may have a rectangular parallelepiped or regular hexahedron structure that forms an empty space therein.

[0041] The partition plate 101 is located in the accommodation space S and can divide the accommodation space S into a plurality of spaces. In other words, a plurality of partition plates 101 can be provided and arranged at predetermined intervals in the accommodation space S. In addition, the lower side of the partition plate 101 is connected to the base plate, and the upper side of the partition plate 101 is connected to the cover plate, thereby dividing the accommodation space S into a plurality of spaces and isolating the plurality of spaces from each other.

[0042] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a compartment plate 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] 2, the partition plate 101 may include a structure that relieves pressure due to swelling of the battery module 11. For example, the partition plate 101 may include a first member 1010, a second member 1011, and a third member 1012.

[0044] The first member 1010 may be located at the outermost side of the partition plate 101. In other words, the first member 1010 may form the outer surface of the partition plate 101. Specifically, the first member 1010 may form an empty space inside, and the lower side of the first member 1010 may be connected to the base plate, and the upper side of the first member 1010 may be connected to the cover plate.

[0045] The second member 1011 may be located inside the first member 1010 and connected to the inner surface of the first member 1010. For example, the second member 1011 may be formed obliquely with respect to the outer surface of the first member 1010 and connected to the inner surface of the first member 1010. Specifically, one side of the second member 1011 may be connected to the side surface of the first member 1010, and the other side of the second member 1011 may be connected to either the top or bottom surface of the first member 1010.

[0046] More specifically, the second member 1011 may include a first inclined member connected to one side of the first member 1010 and either the top or bottom surface of the first member 1010. The second member 1011 may also include a second inclined member connected to the other side of the first member 1010 and either the top or bottom surface of the first member 1010.

[0047] Furthermore, the first and second inclined members contact each other at the same point on either the top or bottom surface of the first member 1010. In other words, with one end of the first and second inclined members connected to different sides of the first member 1010, the other ends of the first and second inclined members can contact each other at the same point on either the top or bottom surface of the first member 1010. That is, based on the central horizontal line of the first member 1010, the first and second inclined members positioned on the upper side contact each other at the same point on the top surface of the first member 1010, and the first and second inclined members positioned on the lower side contact each other at the same point on the bottom surface of the first member 1010.

[0048] In this case, the points where the first and second inclined members located on the upper side contact the side of the first member 1010 based on the central horizontal line of the first member 1010 may be different from the points where the first and second inclined members located on the lower side contact the side of the first member 1010.

[0049] Furthermore, the first and second inclined members may be symmetrical with respect to the center line of the first member 1010. In other words, the first and second inclined members may be symmetrical with respect to the left and right of a vertical line that crosses the center of the first member 1010. Furthermore, the first and second inclined members may be symmetrical with respect to the top and bottom of a horizontal line that crosses the center of the first member 1010.

[0050] As a result, with such a structure of the first and second inclined members, the second member 1011 can include a structure that surrounds the inner space of the first member 1010. In other words, the second member 1011 can surround the inner space of the first member 1010 in a vertically and horizontally symmetrical manner.

[0051] The third member 1012 is located inside the second member 1011 and can support the portion where the first member 1010 and the second member 1011 are connected. In other words, one side of the second member 1011 can be connected to a side surface of the first member 1010, and the other side of the second member 1011 can be connected to either the top surface or the bottom surface of the first member 1010, and the third member 1012 can support the inner side surface of the first member 1010 where the first member 1010 and the second member 1011 are connected.

[0052] The third members 1012 may be provided in pairs. The pair of third members 1012 may be formed to cross each other. In other words, the pair of third members 1012 may be formed to cross each other so that both ends of the pair of third members 1012 support the side surfaces of the first member 1010 to which the second member 1011 is connected. For example, the second member 1011 may be connected to the side surfaces of the first member 1010 at a total of four points, and both ends of the pair of third members 1012 may be connected to the four points and support the four points.

[0053] Similarly, the third member 1012 can be symmetrical both vertically and horizontally with respect to the central horizontal line and central vertical line of the first member 1010 .

[0054] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a compartment plate 101 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] 3, the partition plate 101 may further include a fourth member 1013 connecting the first member 1010 and the second member 1011. Specifically, one side of the fourth member 1013 may be connected to an inner corner of the first member 1010, and the other side of the fourth member 1013 may be connected to the second member 1011.

[0056] The fourth member 1013 may be formed symmetrically with respect to the center point of the first member 1010. Specifically, the fourth member 1013 may be formed symmetrically with respect to the center vertical line of the first member 1010. Furthermore, the fourth member 1013 may be formed symmetrically with respect to the top and bottom of the center horizontal line of the first member 1010.

[0057] The following describes a battery pack 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Contents that overlap with the content of the battery pack case 10 described above will be omitted below.

[0058] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] 4, a battery pack 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a case 10 and battery modules 11 disposed inside the case 10, and can store electrical energy and output the stored electrical energy as needed and designed. Here, each battery module 11 can include a plurality of secondary batteries and can be accommodated in the inner space of the case 10.

[0060] The case 10 may include a housing 100 that defines an accommodation space S therein, and a partition plate 101 that is positioned in the accommodation space and partitions the accommodation space S.

[0061] The partition plate 101 is located in the storage space S and can divide the storage space S into a plurality of spaces. The partition plate 101 can include a structure that relieves pressure due to swelling of the battery module 11. For example, the partition plate 101 can include a first member 1010, a second member 1011, and a third member 1012.

[0062] The first member 1010 may be located at the outermost side of the partition plate 101. In other words, the first member 1010 may form the outer surface of the partition plate 101. The second member 1011 may be located inside the first member 1010 and connected to the inner surface of the first member 1010. For example, the second member 1011 may be formed obliquely with respect to the outer surface of the first member 1010 and connected to the inner surface of the first member 1010. Specifically, one side of the second member 1011 may be connected to the side surface of the first member 1010, and the other side of the second member 1011 may be connected to either the upper surface or the lower surface of the first member 1010.

[0063] More specifically, the second member 1011 may include a first inclined member connected to one side of the first member 1010 and either the top or bottom surface of the first member 1010. The second member 1011 may also include a second inclined member connected to the other side of the first member 1010 and either the top or bottom surface of the first member 1010.

[0064] The third member 1012 is located inside the second member 1011 and can support the portion where the first member 1010 and the second member 1011 are connected. In other words, one side of the second member 1011 can be connected to a side surface of the first member 1010, and the other side of the second member 1011 can be connected to either the top surface or the bottom surface of the first member 1010, and the third member 1012 can support the inner side surface of the first member 1010 where the first member 1010 and the second member 1011 are connected.

[0065] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the battery pack 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is swollen.

[0066] 5, when a battery module 11 swells due to factors such as an external force or an internal explosion, the battery module 11 may apply pressure to the side of the partition plate 101. For example, when a plurality of battery modules 11 are positioned in a plurality of accommodation spaces S, and a specific battery module 11 swells, the specific partition plate 101 may be pressurized and deformed as shown in FIG. 5. In this case, the partition plate 101 may relieve the pressure caused by the swollen battery module 11.

[0067] Specifically, when the side surface of the first member 1010 is compressed by the battery module 11, the first and second inclined members may become closer to each other. In other words, when the side surface of the first member 1010 is compressed by the battery module 11, the first and second inclined members may be pressed toward the inside of the first member 1010. For example, when the side surface of the first member 1010 is compressed by the battery module 11, the inclination angles of the first and second inclined members relative to the side surface of the first member 1010 may decrease. At the same time, the first and second inclined members may be deformed into a shape in which they are compressed against each other.

[0068] In this case, the pair of crossed third members 1012 can also be deformed into a compressed shape in the direction in which the first member 1010 is pressed. That is, the pair of third members 1012 can be deformed into a compressed shape when subjected to external forces on both sides.

[0069] As a result, due to the structure of the partition plate 101, even if a specific battery module 11 swells, the partition plate 101 can relieve the pressure caused by the swollen battery module 11, thereby preventing secondary damage caused by the swelling.

[0070] The battery pack may further include a cooling plate 12 for cooling the battery modules 11. For example, the cooling plate 12 may be located on the inner lower surface of the housing 100. The lower surface of the cooling plate 12 may be connected to the inner lower surface of the housing 100, and the battery modules 11 may be located on the upper surface of the cooling plate 12. The cooling plate 12 may include a cooling channel through which a cooling fluid flows and a cooling plate that maintains a low temperature, and may be designed in various forms.

[0071] The cooling plate 12 may include an insertion groove into which the partition plate 101 is inserted and coupled. By inserting and coupling the partition plate 101 into the insertion groove of the cooling plate 12, the partition plate 101 is more fixed to the inside of the case 10 and can better withstand pressure from the swollen battery module 11.

[0072] Furthermore, a vehicle (not shown) according to another embodiment of the present invention may include the battery pack 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. That is, the vehicle (not shown) may utilize the electric energy stored in the battery pack 1 as a driving force. The vehicle may include a railroad vehicle and any transportation machine that travels on a road. For example, the vehicle may include an automobile, a motorized bicycle, a train, etc.

[0073] The above description is merely an illustrative example of the technical concept of the present invention, and various modifications and variations are possible by a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains, without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention.

[0074] Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention is not limited by such embodiments.

[0075] The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted by the following claims, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1 Battery pack 10 Battery pack case 11 Battery module 12 Cooling plate 100 Housing 101 Compartment Plate 1010 First member 1011 Second member 1012 Third member 1013 Fourth member S Storage space

Claims

1. a case including a housing that defines an accommodation space therein, and a partition plate that is positioned in the accommodation space and partitions the accommodation space; a battery module including a plurality of secondary batteries and positioned inside the case; The partition plate is a first member located on the outermost side; a second member positioned inside the first member, connected to an inner surface of the first member, and formed obliquely relative to an outer surface of the first member.

2. The battery pack of claim 1 , wherein one side of the second member is connected to a side surface of the first member, and the other side of the second member is connected to one of an upper surface and a lower surface of the first member.

3. The second member is a first inclined member connected to one side of the first member and one of an upper surface and a lower surface of the first member; a second inclined member connected to the other side of the first member and one of the upper surface and the lower surface of the first member, The battery pack according to claim 2 , wherein the first inclined member and the second inclined member are in contact with each other at the same point on either an upper surface or a lower surface of the first member.

4. The battery pack according to claim 3 , wherein the first tilting member and the second tilting member are symmetrical with respect to a center line of the first member.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4 , wherein the first inclined member and the second inclined member approach each other when the side surface of the first member is pressed by the battery module.

6. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the partition plate further includes a third member positioned inside the second member and supporting a portion where the first member and the second member are connected.

7. a case including a housing that defines an accommodation space therein, and a partition plate that is positioned in the accommodation space and partitions the accommodation space; a battery cell including an electrode assembly and located inside the case; The partition plate is a first member located on the outermost side; a second member positioned inside the first member, connected to an inner surface of the first member, and formed obliquely relative to an outer surface of the first member.

8. The battery pack of claim 7 , wherein one side of the second member is connected to a side surface of the first member, and the other side of the second member is connected to one of an upper surface and a lower surface of the first member.

9. The second member is a first inclined member connected to one side of the first member and one of an upper surface and a lower surface of the first member; a second inclined member connected to the other side of the first member and one of the upper surface and the lower surface of the first member, The battery pack of claim 8 , wherein the first inclined member and the second inclined member are in contact with each other at the same point on either an upper surface or a lower surface of the first member.

10. a housing that defines an accommodation space therein; a partition plate located in the storage space and partitioning the storage space, The partition plate is a first member located on the outermost side; a second member positioned inside the first member, connected to an inner surface of the first member, and formed obliquely with respect to an outer surface of the first member;

11. 11. The battery pack case of claim 10, wherein one side of the second member is connected to a side surface of the first member, and the other side of the second member is connected to one of an upper surface and a lower surface of the first member.

12. The second member is a first inclined member connected to one side of the first member and one of an upper surface and a lower surface of the first member; a second inclined member connected to the other side of the first member and one of the upper surface and the lower surface of the first member, The battery pack case of claim 11 , wherein the first inclined member and the second inclined member are in contact with each other at the same point on either an upper surface or a lower surface of the first member.

13. The battery pack case according to claim 12 , wherein the first inclined member and the second inclined member are symmetrical with respect to a center line of the first member.

14. The battery pack case according to claim 10 , wherein the partition plate further includes a third member positioned inside the second member and supporting a portion where the first member and the second member are connected.

15. one side of the second member is connected to a side surface of the first member, and the other side of the second member is connected to one of an upper surface or a lower surface of the first member; The battery pack case according to claim 14 , wherein the third member supports an inner side surface of the first member where the first member and the second member are connected.

16. The battery pack case according to claim 15, wherein the third members are provided in pairs, and the pair of third members are formed to intersect with each other.

17. The battery pack case according to claim 14 , wherein the partition plate further includes a fourth member connecting the first member and the second member.

18. The battery pack case of claim 17 , wherein one side of the fourth member is connected to an inner corner of the first member, and the other side of the fourth member is connected to the second member.

19. The battery pack case according to claim 18 , wherein the fourth member is formed symmetrically with respect to a center point of the first member.

20. A vehicle comprising the battery pack of claim 1.

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