Battery pack with improved safety

Abstract

A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a cell module assembly including a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; an electrical connection unit including a connector for electrically connecting the battery pack; a pack case having an open top and housing the cell module assembly and the electrical connection unit therein; and a fire tank covering the top of the pack case, wherein the pack case includes a first connector through-hole portion shaped like an opening on the bottom surface of the pack case to allow the connector to pass through, and the fire tank includes a second connector through-hole portion shaped like a pipe that penetrates the fire tank and protrudes upward from the top surface of the fire tank, and the connector is positioned through the first connector through-hole portion and the second connector through-hole portion to electrically connect the plurality of stacked battery packs.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0179749, filed December 20, 2022, Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0179750, filed December 20, 2022, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0181724, filed December 14, 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, and more particularly to a battery pack configured to facilitate stacking of multiple battery packs and to strengthen electrical and mechanical connections between the stacked battery packs. [Background technology]

[0003] Currently commercially available secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries. Of these, lithium secondary batteries are attracting attention because they have the advantages of almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, free charging and discharging, a very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0004] Such lithium secondary batteries mainly use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively, and include an electrode assembly in which positive and negative electrode plates coated with the positive and negative electrode active materials are disposed with a separator between them, and an exterior material, i.e., a battery case, that hermetically houses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0005] Generally, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into can-type secondary batteries, in which an electrode assembly is housed in a metal can, and pouch-type secondary batteries, in which an electrode assembly is housed in a pouch made of an aluminum laminate sheet, depending on the shape of the exterior material.

[0006] These secondary batteries are widely used not only in small devices such as portable electronic devices but also in medium- to large-sized devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS), and their range of applications is rapidly expanding. In addition, there has been a recent trend toward using residential battery packs for storing power.

[0007] Various battery packs, including these household battery packs, include multiple battery cells (secondary batteries) to increase capacity and / or output. In particular, to increase the energy density of the battery pack, the multiple battery cells are often arranged densely in a very small space.

[0008] One of the most important issues in such battery pack configurations is safety. In particular, if a thermal event occurs in one of the multiple battery cells included in the battery pack, the propagation of such an event to other battery cells must be suppressed. If thermal propagation between battery cells is not properly suppressed, this can lead to a thermal event in many battery cells included in the battery pack, resulting in larger problems such as a fire or explosion of the battery pack. Furthermore, a fire or explosion in a battery pack can cause significant damage to the lives and property of those in the vicinity. In particular, in the case of a battery pack for residential use, a fire or explosion can endanger the safety of the residents in the home and can spread to a fire in the home, causing even greater damage. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack and the like having an improved structure that facilitates stacking of multiple battery packs and strengthens the electrical and mechanical bonds between the stacked battery packs.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack having an improved structure that can ensure the stability of stacked battery packs against external physical shocks.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack or the like having an improved structure that can appropriately control thermal events that occur inside the battery pack.

[0012] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a cell module assembly including a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; an electrical connection unit including a connector for electrically connecting a plurality of stacked battery packs; a pack case having an open top and housing the cell module assembly and the electrical connection unit therein; and a fire tank covering the top of the pack case, wherein the pack case includes a first connector through-hole portion having an opening shape on a bottom surface of the pack case so that the connector can be electrically connected to the battery pack stacked below, and the fire tank includes a second connector through-hole portion having an opening on an top surface of the fire tank so that the connector can be electrically connected to the battery pack stacked above.

[0014] The second connector through-hole portion has a tubular shape that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the fire tank, and in the multiple stacked battery packs, the second connector through-hole portion of the fire tank of the battery pack stacked at the bottom can be inserted into the first connector through-hole portion of the pack case of the battery pack stacked at the top.

[0015] The second connector through-hole portion of the fire tank further includes a guide member, which protrudes outward from the outer surface of the second connector through-hole portion, extends in the vertical direction, and has a chamfered top portion, and in the multiple stacked battery packs, the second connector through-hole portion of the fire tank of the battery pack stacked at the bottom can be slid along the guide member and inserted into the first connector through-hole portion of the pack case of the battery pack stacked at the top.

[0016] When the battery pack is viewed from above or below, the first connector through-hole portion of the pack case and the second connector through-hole portion of the fire tank may be provided in a line at positions corresponding to each other.

[0017] The connector may include an upper connector for electrically connecting to a battery pack stacked on top and a lower connector for electrically connecting to a battery pack stacked on bottom, the upper connector and the lower connector being electrically connected to each other, the upper connector being positioned toward the opened upper surface of the second connector through-hole portion of the fire tank, and the lower connector being positioned toward the first connector through-hole portion of the pack case.

[0018] The electrical connection unit may further include a connector housing, the connector housing including a protrusion on an upper surface thereof, the upper connector being provided on the protrusion of the connector housing, the upper connector and the protrusion of the connector housing being positioned within the second connector through-hole portion having a pipe shape protruding upward from the upper surface of the fire extinguisher tank, and the lower connector being provided on the lower surface of the connector housing.

[0019] The protrusion of the connector housing further includes a rib extending in the vertical direction, and the second connector through-hole portion of the fire extinguisher tank further includes a rib receiving portion that protrudes outward from the outer surface of the second connector through-hole portion and has an extending shape in the vertical direction, and the rib can be coupled to the rib receiving portion so that the connector and the connector housing are fixed within the second connector through-hole portion.

[0020] A plurality of pairs of the rib and the rib receiving portion may be provided.

[0021] In order to facilitate stacking of the plurality of stacked battery packs, the pack case may further include a pair of male and female guide members, and the male guide member of one of two adjacent battery packs in the plurality of stacked battery packs may be coupled to the female guide member of the other of the two adjacent battery packs.

[0022] The male guide member may be a plate-shaped member protruding upward from the upper part of the pack case, and the female guide member may be provided on the lower part of the pack case and may have a notch, opening, or recessed portion to receive the male guide member.

[0023] The upper portion of the male guide member may have chamfered edges on both sides.

[0024] The pair of male and female guide members may be provided on at least one of the front and rear surfaces of the battery pack.

[0025] The pair of male and female guide members may be provided on each of the opposing side surfaces of the battery pack.

[0026] The pack case further includes a pair of male and female fastening members for fastening the plurality of stacked battery packs, and the male fastening member of one of two adjacent battery packs in the plurality of stacked battery packs can be coupled to the female fastening member of the other of the two adjacent battery packs.

[0027] The male fastening member may protrude upward from the upper part of the pack case, and the female fastening member may be provided in the lower part of the pack case and may have a notch, opening, or recess shape to accommodate the male fastening member.

[0028] The male fastening member includes an engaging claw, and the female fastening member includes an engaging portion in the shape of an opening, and the engaging claw of the male fastening member can be engaged with the engaging portion of the female fastening member.

[0029] The plurality of stacked battery packs may be stacked vertically.

[0030] In order to realize various voltages of the stacked battery packs, the battery packs may be electrically connected in series.

[0031] In order to realize various storage capacities of the stacked battery packs, the battery packs may be electrically connected in parallel.

[0032] To achieve the above object, an energy storage device according to another aspect of the present invention includes one or more of the above-described battery packs according to the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0033] According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery pack having improved thermal safety and mechanical stability, and improved electrical connectivity can be provided.

[0034] In particular, according to one embodiment of the present invention, even if a thermal event occurs inside the battery pack, such a thermal event can be quickly controlled.

[0035] Furthermore, if an issue such as thermal runaway or fire occurs in some of the multiple battery cells included in the battery pack, it is possible to effectively prevent such an issue from spreading to other modules.

[0036] In particular, according to one embodiment of the present invention, since it is not necessary to add a new part for adding a fire extinguishing agent, it is possible to provide a battery pack that is easy to manufacture and economical.

[0037] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is no need to design a special waterproof and dustproof structure.

[0038] According to one aspect of the present invention, by stacking a plurality of battery packs of the same type, it is possible to provide products with a variety of voltages and / or storage capacities.

[0039] In addition, various other additional effects may be achieved by various embodiments of the present invention. Such various effects of the present invention will be described in detail in each embodiment, or a description of effects that can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art will be omitted. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0040] 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 therefore the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited solely to the matters depicted in the drawings. [Figure 1] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration for discharging a fire extinguishing agent in the battery pack of FIG. 1. [Figure 3]FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A4-A4′ in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a cell module assembly included in the battery pack of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 6 is a perspective view of a blocking member included in the battery pack of FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a pack case included in the battery pack of FIG. 5. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a top view of the pack case of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the pack case of FIG. 8. [Figure 11] 9 is a diagram illustrating a case in which the cell module assembly of FIG. 8 is housed in a pack case. [Figure 12] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a fire extinguishing tank included in the battery pack of FIG. 5. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the fire tank of FIG. 12. [Figure 14] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an outer cover included in the battery pack of FIG. 5. [Figure 15] 6 is a perspective view of an electrical connection unit included in the battery pack of FIG. 5. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a rear view of the electrical connection unit of FIG. 15. [Figure 17] 16 is a perspective view of a battery pack in which all of the components of the battery packs described above are combined, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 15. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the battery pack of FIG. 17 with the outer cover removed. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing FIG. 18 rotated 18 degrees. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a bottom perspective view of FIG. 19. [Figure 21] This shows a case where a plurality of battery packs as shown in FIG. 19 are stacked vertically. [Figure 22] FIG. 18 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. [Figure 23] 20 is a view of the battery pack of FIG. 19 as seen from another angle. [Figure 24] 24 is a partial enlarged view of a guide member of the pack case of FIG. 23. [Figure 25] 24 is a partial enlarged view of a guide member of the pack case of FIG. 23. [Figure 26] 24 is a partially enlarged view of a fastening member of the pack case of FIG. 23. [Figure 27] FIG. 21 is a perspective view schematically showing the battery pack of FIGS. 1 to 20. [Figure 28] 28 is a view showing an embodiment in which the pack cases shown in FIG. 27 are stacked in different numbers. [Figure 29] 28 is a view showing an embodiment in which the pack cases shown in FIG. 27 are stacked in different numbers. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, the terms and phrases used in the specification and claims should not be interpreted in a limited manner based on their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a manner that is consistent with the technical concept of the present invention, based on the principle that an inventor can appropriately define the concept of a term in order to best describe his or her invention.

[0042] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical idea of ​​the present invention, and that there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace them at the time of this application.

[0043] In order to clearly explain the present invention, parts unnecessary for the explanation have been omitted and the same reference numerals have been used throughout the specification to refer to the same or similar components.

[0044] In addition, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for the convenience of explanation, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those shown in the drawings. In the drawings, thicknesses are exaggerated to clearly show multiple layers and regions. In the drawings, thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated for the convenience of explanation.

[0045] Furthermore, when a layer, film, region, plate, or other part is said to be "above" another part, this includes not only the case where it is "directly above" that part, but also the case where there is another part in between. Conversely, when a part is said to be "directly above" another part, it means that there is no other part in between. Furthermore, being "above" a reference part means being located above or below the reference part, and does not necessarily mean being "above" in the direction opposite to gravity.

[0046] Furthermore, throughout the specification, when a part is said to "comprise" a certain element, this does not mean that other elements are excluded and that other elements may also be included, unless specifically stated to the contrary.

[0047] Also, throughout the specification, "on a plane" means when the subject part is viewed from above, and "on a cross section" means when the subject part is cut vertically and viewed from the side.

[0048] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 1, a battery pack according to the present invention includes a cell module assembly 100, a pack case 300, and a fire tank 400.

[0050] The cell module assembly 100 may include one or more battery cells 110. Here, each battery cell 110 may represent a secondary battery. A secondary battery may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a battery case. In particular, the battery cells 110 included in the cell module assembly 100 may be pouch-type secondary batteries. However, other types of secondary batteries, such as cylindrical batteries and prismatic batteries, may also be used in the cell module assembly 100 of the present invention.

[0051] A plurality of secondary batteries may be stacked on one another to form a cell module assembly 100. That is, a battery cell stack may form the cell module assembly 100. For example, a plurality of battery cells 110 may be stacked in a horizontal arrangement (X-axis direction) with each battery cell 110 standing vertically (Z-axis direction in the drawing). Each battery cell 110 may have an electrode lead, which may be located at both ends or one end of each battery cell 110. A secondary battery with electrode leads protruding in both directions is called a bidirectional cell, and a secondary battery with electrode leads protruding in one direction is called a unidirectional cell. FIG. 1 illustrates a bidirectional cell. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific type or shape of such a secondary battery, and various types of secondary batteries known at the time of filing of the present invention may be used in the cell module assembly 100 of the present invention.

[0052] The pack case 300 may be configured to have an empty space formed therein to accommodate the cell module assemblies 100. For example, the pack case 300 may be configured in a box shape as shown in Fig. 1. The box-shaped pack case 300 may be integrally molded or may be manufactured by connecting at least one surface to an adjacent surface.

[0053] The fire tank 400 may contain a fire extinguishing agent. In particular, the fire tank 400 may have an internal space and may contain the fire extinguishing agent in the internal space. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the fire tank 400 may include a lower tank 410 and an upper cover 420. Here, the lower tank 410 may be configured in the form of a box with an open top, and may provide a space in which the fire extinguishing agent can be contained. The upper cover 420 may be configured to cover the open top of the lower tank 410 and seal the fire extinguishing agent-containing space of the lower tank 410.

[0054] The fire tank 400 may be housed inside the pack case 300. In particular, the fire tank 400 may be disposed on the upper side of the cell module assembly 100 in the internal space of the pack case 300.

[0055] According to this embodiment of the present invention, a thermal event in the cell module assembly 100 can be more easily controlled by discharging the extinguishing agent from the fire tank 400 located on the upper side of the cell module assembly 100. In particular, the extinguishing agent discharged from the fire tank 400 can easily move downward by gravity. Therefore, the heat and fire in the cell module assembly 100 can be more easily suppressed by the extinguishing agent.

[0056] In particular, when the cell module assembly 100 includes a plurality of battery cells 110 arranged horizontally, i.e., in the left-right direction (X-axis direction), as shown in Fig. 1, when fire extinguishing agent is discharged from the fire tank 400 located above, the fire extinguishing agent can be easily supplied to all of the battery cells 110. Therefore, according to this embodiment, a thermal event can be more effectively suppressed for the entire cell module assembly 100.

[0057] The fire extinguishing tank 400 may be configured to discharge a fire extinguishing agent toward the cell module assembly 100 when heat is applied from the cell module assembly 100. This will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

[0058] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration for discharging a fire extinguishing agent in the battery pack of FIG.

[0059] 2, a fire tank 400 is located above the cell module assembly 100. Among the multiple battery modules stacked in the left-right direction (e.g., the X-axis direction in the drawing), a thermal event such as overheating, fire, or thermal runaway may occur in a specific battery cell 110, as shown by the portion A1. In this case, the heat generated in the battery cell 110 may be applied to the fire tank 400, for example, the portion A2 in FIG. 2. Then, a fire extinguishing agent may be discharged from the fire tank 400, as shown by the arrow A3.

[0060] In particular, the fire tank 400 may be configured to melt at least a portion thereof due to heat applied from the cell module assembly 100. For example, in the configuration of Fig. 2, the portion of the fire tank 400 indicated by A2 may melt due to heat. Then, the extinguishing agent may be discharged through the melted portion as indicated by arrow A3.

[0061] For this purpose, at least a portion of the fire extinguishing tank 400 may be made of a material that can be melted by heat applied from the cell module assembly 100. For example, the fire extinguishing tank 400 may be entirely made of a plastic material. In particular, the fire extinguishing tank 400 may be made in the form of a plastic injection molding.

[0062] The fire tank 400 may be configured to melt due to heat or venting gas emitted from the battery cell 110. For example, if thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell 110 and venting gas is emitted, the venting gas may be at a high temperature above a certain temperature. The fire tank 400 may be configured with a material and / or shape that can melt due to such high-temperature venting gas. Alternatively, if thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell 110, the battery cell 110 may be at a higher temperature than normal even if no venting gas is emitted. The fire tank 400 may be configured with a material and / or shape that can melt due to heat applied from the battery cell 110 in such an abnormally high temperature state.

[0063] In particular, the fire tank 400 may be configured so that the base plate 411 melts due to the high temperature of the heat and / or gas generated during an event in the battery cell 110. In this case, the fire extinguishing agent may flow into the melted portion at the bottom of the fire extinguishing tank 400 and be discharged downward. Therefore, the fire extinguishing agent may be quickly injected toward the cell module assembly 100.

[0064] According to this embodiment of the present invention, the extinguishing agent is injected in a manner that melts the projectile, effectively suppressing the thermal event inside the battery pack while minimizing the propagation of the thermal event between the battery cells 110.

[0065] The fire tank 400 may contain a liquid fire extinguishing agent. In this case, the fire extinguishing agent may be referred to as a fire extinguishing liquid. For example, the fire tank 400 may contain water or other coolants as a fire extinguishing agent. The fire tank 400 may also contain antifreeze as a fire extinguishing agent. In particular, when a battery pack is used in cold seasons such as winter or in cold regions such as polar regions, the fire tank 400 may contain antifreeze as a fire extinguishing agent, which does not easily freeze even at low temperatures. Furthermore, in the case of a residential battery pack, which may be located outdoors, antifreeze may be provided as a fire extinguishing agent.

[0066] The fire tank 400 may be configured such that the thickness of the base plate 411 varies depending on the position, which will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.

[0067] Figure 3 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. For ease of explanation, some components are shown transparently in Figure 3. Also, Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A4-A4' in Figure 3. Regarding various embodiments included in this specification, including this embodiment, detailed descriptions of parts that are the same or similar to those described in other embodiments will be omitted, and differences will be mainly described.

[0068] 3 and 4, the fire extinguishing tank 400 may include a base plate 411 and a side wall 412. Here, the side wall 412 may be configured to protrude upward from the edge of the base plate 411. The bottom and sides of the fire extinguishing tank 400 are defined by the base plate 411 and the side wall 412, forming a space capable of holding an extinguishing agent. At this time, the top of the fire extinguishing tank 400 may be sealed by the pack case 300. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the pack case 300 includes a lower case 300a and an upper case 300b, and the top of the fire extinguishing tank 400 is covered by the upper case 300b, thereby allowing the extinguishing agent to be held inside the fire extinguishing tank 400. Alternatively, the fire extinguishing tank 400 may be configured to include an upper cover 420, as shown in FIG. 1, to seal the top of the extinguishing agent holding space.

[0069] In the fire tank 400 having the base plate 411, the base plate 411 may be formed to have different thicknesses in different parts. In particular, the fire tank 400 may be configured to have a thinner thickness in a specific part, such as the part indicated by reference numeral 411a in Figures 3 and 4. For example, the base plate 411 of the fire tank 400 may be formed in the form of a plastic injection molding having an overall thickness of 1 mm, but the part indicated by reference numeral 411a may be configured to have a thickness of 0.5 mm.

[0070] In particular, the thinned portion of the base plate 411 of the fire tank 400 can function as the weak portion 411a. That is, when the temperature rises in the cell module assembly 100, the weak portion 411a can be damaged first. When the weak portion 411a is damaged, the extinguishing agent stored inside the fire tank 400 can be discharged to the cell module assembly 100 side through the weak portion 411a.

[0071] A plurality of the fragile portions 411a may be provided. For example, the fragile portions 411a may have a narrow width and a long length. That is, the fragile portions 411a may be linear and arranged parallel to one edge of the fire tank 400, and the fragile portions 411a may be arranged parallel to each other.

[0072] According to this embodiment, when venting gas or a fire occurs due to thermal runaway in the cell module assembly 100, there is no need to provide a separate structure for injecting a fire extinguisher such as coolant. Therefore, a structure for injecting a fire extinguisher into the battery pack can be realized with a simple structure. Furthermore, in this configuration, when an event occurs, the fire extinguisher can be discharged through the thin, weakened portion 411a, so the portion from which the fire extinguisher is discharged can be specified in advance.

[0073] 4, a plurality of fragile portions 411a may be provided in one fire tank 400. Furthermore, the plurality of fragile portions 411a may be arranged on the base plate 411 of the fire tank 400 at predetermined intervals along the stacking direction of the cell module assemblies 100. For example, a plurality of battery cells 110 may be stacked in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) in the cell module assembly 100, and a plurality of fragile portions may also be arranged in the left-right direction at intervals on the base plate 411 of the fire tank 400 located on top of the cell module assembly 100.

[0074] In particular, the fire extinguishing tank 400 may be configured such that a weakened portion 411a having a relatively small thickness is located in the center portion between horizontally stacked cells.

[0075] For example, in the configuration of FIG. 4, two battery cells 110, B1 and B2, are arranged adjacent to each other in the left-right direction on the left side of the cell module assembly 100. In this case, the leftmost weak portion 411a among the multiple weak portions 411a may be arranged between B1 and B2 in the left-right direction. In other words, the weak portion 411a is located above B1 and B2 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), but is located between B1 and B2 in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction). Furthermore, for battery cells 110 other than B1 and B2, one weak portion 411a may be configured to be located in the space between every two adjacent battery cells 110 in the horizontal direction.

[0076] According to this embodiment of the present invention, when a thermal event occurs in a specific battery cell 110 and heat is applied to the upper vulnerable portion 411a, the vulnerable portion 411a may be damaged. Then, the extinguishing agent may be discharged through the damaged vulnerable portion 411a and flow into the space between adjacent battery cells 110 as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 4 .

[0077] Therefore, this embodiment can more effectively prevent the transmission of a thermal event between battery cells 110. Furthermore, this embodiment of the present invention can inject a fire extinguishing agent intensively around a battery cell 110 where a thermal event such as overheating or ignition has occurred, thereby enabling more effective cooling and fire extinguishing operations. Therefore, this embodiment can inject a fire extinguishing agent at the right time and place when a fire or other event occurs inside the battery without the need for any other components other than the fire tank 400.

[0078] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 5, the battery pack includes a cell module assembly 100, a blocking member 200, a pack case 300, a fire tank 400, an outer cover 500, and an electrical connection unit 600.

[0080] In FIG. 5, the cell module assembly 100 may also include a plurality of battery cells 110 (see FIG. 1) stacked in a manner that they are arranged horizontally (e.g., along the X-axis direction in the drawing) with each battery cell 110 standing vertically (e.g., along the Z-axis direction in the drawing). In this case, the length direction of the battery cells 110 is, for example, along the Y-axis direction in the drawing. For ease of understanding, the illustration of the battery cells 110 is omitted in FIG. 5. If the battery cells 110 are, for example, pouch-type or prismatic battery cells, the battery cells 110 are arranged alongside (parallel to) the blocking member 200.

[0081] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a cell module assembly 100 included in the battery pack of FIG.

[0082] For reference, in order to more clearly show the components included in the cell module assembly 100, Fig. 6 shows the remaining components excluding the plurality of battery cells 110. The plurality of battery cells 110 may be ordinary pouch-type battery cells or prismatic battery cells.

[0083] 6, a pair of busbar housings 130 are disposed on the front and rear surfaces of a stack of multiple battery cells 110. Each of the busbar housings 130 is disposed in a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the battery cells 110 (for example, in the X-axis direction in the drawing).

[0084] A pair of end plates 120 are provided on both ends of the outermost portion of the stack of the plurality of battery cells 110. The end plates 120 are arranged parallel to the battery cells 110. The pair of end plates 120 connects the pair of bus bar housings 130, respectively.

[0085] At least one strap 140 may be included on each of the upper and lower sides between the pair of end plates 120, connecting the pair of end plates 120. The strap 140 strengthens the binding of the cell module assembly 100. More specifically, it strengthens the binding of the pair of end plates 120 and the stack of multiple battery cells 110 disposed therebetween. This makes it possible to prevent the stack of multiple battery cells 110 from becoming misaligned.

[0086] Other details regarding the cell module assembly 100 overlap with those described in FIG. 1, so please refer to what was described above in connection with FIG.

[0087] Meanwhile, as shown in Fig. 5, a predetermined number of battery cells 110 may be grouped and stored. Also, as shown in Figs. 5 to 7, a blocking member 200 is provided between a group of a predetermined number of battery cells 110 and an adjacent group of a predetermined number of battery cells 110.

[0088] 7 is a perspective view of the blocking member 200 included in the battery pack of FIG. 5. The blocking member 200 may be configured to be interposed between adjacent battery cells 110 to block heat. For example, if a thermal event occurs in some battery cells 110 and heat or high-temperature venting gas is generated, the blocking member 200 can suppress or block the generated heat or gas from being transferred to adjacent battery cells 110. In addition, the blocking member 200 can play a role in blocking flames, sparks, etc. that are emitted from a specific battery cell 110.

[0089] The blocking member 200 has a generally plate-like shape. The blocking member 200 may be configured in the form of a plate that stands vertically. Furthermore, the blocking member 200 may have a height that is the same as or similar to the height of the battery cells 110 that also stand vertically. The height of the blocking member 200 may be smaller or larger than the height of the battery cells 110.

[0090] The number of blocking members 200 may correspond to the number of battery cells. As described above, the blocking members 200 may be stacked together with the battery cells 110 to form the cell module assembly 100.

[0091] According to this embodiment of the present invention, in a battery pack including a plurality of battery cells 110, the insulating member 200 can effectively prevent thermal runaway propagation between the cells.

[0092] The blocking member 200 may also have a large triple-layer structure. For example, a pair of swelling pads 220 is provided on each side of a support plate 210. The support plate 210 maintains the shape and rigidity of the blocking member 200 and blocks flames or sparks erupting from the battery cells 110 between the battery cells 110. The support plate 210 may be made of, for example, a metal material. The swelling pads 220 reduce the pressure applied to the battery cells 110 by the support plate 210 when the battery cells 110 expand. The swelling pads 220 may be made of, for example, a silicone material or a soft plastic material.

[0093] Meanwhile, the support plate 210 includes a plurality of through holes 230 formed to penetrate the support plate 210 in the vertical direction, and the plurality of through holes 230 are arranged along the length direction of the support plate 210 .

[0094] When a fire extinguishing agent (fire extinguishing liquid) is poured into the cell module assembly 100 from the fire tank 400 located above the cell module assembly 100, the fire extinguishing agent (fire extinguishing liquid) also enters the plurality of through-holes 230. In other words, the fire extinguishing agent (fire extinguishing liquid) remains in the plurality of through-holes 230, thereby more effectively cooling and extinguishing the battery cell 110 in which a thermal event has occurred.

[0095] The plurality of through holes 230 may be open on both the upper and lower surfaces of the support plate 210. Alternatively, the plurality of through holes 230 may be open only on the upper surface and closed on the lower surface so that the extinguishing agent (extinguishing liquid) can remain for a longer period of time within the through holes 230. In the former case, if the support plate 210 of the blocking member 200 is disposed so as to be in close contact with the lower inner surface of the pack case 300, the extinguishing agent (extinguishing liquid) can remain for a longer period of time within the through holes 230, as in the latter case.

[0096] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of pack case 300 included in the battery pack of Fig. 5. Fig. 9 is a top view of pack case 300 of Fig. 8. Fig. 10 is a bottom view of pack case 300 of Fig. 8.

[0097] 8, the pack case 300 may be configured in a box shape. The box-shaped pack case 300 may be integrally molded or may be manufactured by combining at least one surface with an adjacent surface.

[0098] The pack case 300 includes at least one vent port 320. A filter is attached to the vent port 320. When a thermal event occurs in a battery cell 110 housed inside the pack case 300, vent gas generated in the battery cell 110 can be discharged through the vent port 320. The vent gas discharged from the vent port 320 travels through a venting passage formed in the space between the pack case 300 and the outer cover 500 (see FIG. 5 ) and then can be discharged to the outside of the outer cover 500.

[0099] In this case, a partition wall 330 having a structure that protrudes outward from the outer surface may be provided on the outer surface of the pack case 300. The partition wall 330 increases the distance that the venting gas travels in the venting passage, and flames contained in the venting gas collide with the partition wall 330 and are naturally extinguished. As a result, the flames contained in the venting gas are not discharged to the outside of the outer cover 500. Furthermore, the partition wall 330 can reinforce the rigidity of the pack case 300.

[0100] The partition walls 330 are formed in at least one direction on the outer surface of the pack case 300. In the embodiment of Fig. 8, the partition walls 330 are formed in the vertical direction (longitudinal direction) and the horizontal direction and intersect with each other, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that the partition walls 330 are formed so as to intersect with the movement path of the venting gas.

[0101] 9, there are two main storage spaces within the pack case 300, based on the partition wall 380. One is a space S1 in which the cell module assemblies 100 are stored, and the other is a space S2 in which the electrical connection units 600, which are electrical components of the battery pack, are stored. The storage of the cell module assemblies 100 will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0102] 9 and 10, the space S2 in the bottom surface of the pack case 300 includes a connector through-hole 370 into which the connector 610 (see FIGS. 15 to 21) of a battery pack stacked below can be inserted for electrical connection between vertically stacked battery packs, as will be described later. As a result, when multiple battery packs are stacked vertically, the connector 610 of the battery pack stacked below is connected to the connector 610 of the battery pack stacked below, as will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 21. Similarly, the connector 610 of the battery pack stacked above is connected to the connector 610 of the battery pack stacked above. The connector 610 allows electrical connection between the vertically stacked battery packs and between the battery packs and a battery management system (BMS).

[0103] Referring to FIG. 11, the placement of the cell module assembly 100 inside the pack case 300 will be described. FIG. 11 is a view illustrating the placement of the cell module assembly 100 of FIG. 8 in the placement space S1 of the cell module assembly 100 in the pack case 300. As shown in FIG. 11, the cell module assembly 100 shown in FIG. 6 can be placed in the internal space of the auxiliary case 310 and then attached to the pack case 300. By temporarily placing the cell module assembly 100 in the internal space of the auxiliary case 310 and then finally placing it in the pack case 300, the rigidity of the cell module assembly 100 can be enhanced and misalignment of the stack of multiple battery cells 110 in the cell module assembly 100 can be prevented. The auxiliary case 310 can be made of, for example, metal or stainless steel.

[0104] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the fire tank 400 included in the battery pack of FIG. 5. FIG. 13 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the fire tank 400 of FIG. 12, taken along line A5-A5' of FIG. 5. As described above with reference to FIG. 1, the fire tank 400 includes a lower tank 410 and an upper cover 420. The lower tank 410 and the upper cover 420 may be manufactured separately and then hermetically coupled, or may be manufactured as a single unit. The upper cover 420 may further include an inlet 430 through which a fire extinguishing agent can be injected. The inlet 430 may be closed with a cap to seal the fire tank 400.

[0105] A thinner portion of the base plate 411 of the lower tank 410 can function as a weak portion 411a. That is, when a thermal event occurs in a battery cell 110 of the cell module assembly 100, the weak portion 411a, which is relatively thinner, can be damaged first. When the weak portion 411a is damaged and an opening is formed in the base plate 411, the extinguishing agent held inside the fire tank 400 can be discharged to the cell module assembly 100 side through the weak portion 411a.

[0106] A plurality of fragile portions 411a may be provided. The fragile portions 411a may have, for example, a narrow width and a long length. That is, they may have a linear shape and be arranged parallel to one edge of the fire extinguisher tank 400, and the fragile portions 411a may be arranged parallel to each other.

[0107] 12, the length direction of the battery cell 110 (e.g., the X-axis direction in the drawing) and the length direction of the vulnerable portions 411a (e.g., the X-axis direction in the drawing) can be perpendicular to each other. That is, a plurality of vulnerable portions 411a are arranged intersecting the length direction of the battery cell 110. This allows the extinguishing agent to be supplied simultaneously through the plurality of open vulnerable portions 411a throughout the entire battery cell 110 along the length direction of the battery cell 110 in which a thermal event has occurred, thereby more efficiently and quickly extinguishing the fire in the battery cell 110 in which a thermal event has occurred.

[0108] 13, the base plate 411 of the lower tank 410 has a step. More specifically, the base plate 411 is roughly divided into a portion A7 where the fragile portion 411a is located, a portion A8 that abuts against the strap 140 of the pack case 100, and a portion A9 that is located on the side of the electrical connection unit 600. Of these, the height of the base plate 411 at portion A7 where the fragile portion 411a is located is the lowest.

[0109] By arranging the weak part 411a of the lower tank 410 as close as possible to the battery cells 110, when some battery cells 110 overheat or catch fire, it is possible to more effectively prevent dangerous situations such as secondary explosions caused by heat or flames being transferred to adjacent battery cells 110 through rapid initial suppression.

[0110] 6 of the cell module assembly 100, the height of the cell module assembly 100 is not uniform due to the location of the strap 140 and the location of the bus bar housing 130 (the connector 610, fuse, etc. are located outside the bus bar housing 130). Regardless of this, if the height of the base plate 411 of the lower tank 410 of the fire tank 400 were uniform overall, a space would be created between the base plate 411 of the fire tank 400 and the upper surface of the cell module assembly 100. In such a case, the space would hinder the transfer of heat from the heated battery cells 110 to the weak parts 411a, delaying fire extinguishing accordingly.

[0111] When the battery cell 110 overheats, the weak part 411a is arranged immediately adjacent to the battery cell 110 whose temperature has risen, so that the weak part 411a is immediately broken, allowing the battery cell 110 to be quickly cooled and the fire to be extinguished.

[0112] In summary, the lower surface of the base plate 411 of the fire tank 400 and the upper surface of the cell module assembly 100 have shapes that are approximately the same. As a result, the fire tank 400 is disposed in closer contact with the cell module assembly 100, which allows the battery cells 110 that have experienced temperature increases to be cooled more effectively and allows fire extinguishing agent to be injected more quickly into the battery cells 110 that have experienced overheating or ignition. In addition, more fire extinguishing agent can be efficiently stored in the fire tank 400. In other words, if the height of the base plate 411 of the lower tank 410 of the fire tank 400 is uniform overall, the fire tank 400 will store less fire extinguishing agent due to the empty space.

[0113] The extinguishing agent provided in the fire extinguishing tank 400 may be in the form of, for example, a fire extinguishing liquid, and a duplicated description will be omitted and reference will be made to the above.

[0114] In addition, the fire tank 400 includes a connector through-hole 440. This will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS.

[0115] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the outer cover 500 included in the battery pack of FIG.

[0116] The external cover 500 is coupled to the pack case 300 and covers at least one side of the pack case 300. Figures 5 and 14 show the case where the external cover 500 covers the front and both side surfaces of the pack case 300. A front cover 500a of the external cover 500 covers the front surface of the pack case 300, and a pair of side covers 500b of the external cover 500 cover both side surfaces of the pack case 300.

[0117] 8, venting ports 320 are provided on the front and both side surfaces of the pack case 300. Accordingly, an outer cover 500 is also provided to cover the front and both side surfaces of the pack case 300.

[0118] Meanwhile, the present invention is not limited to the above, and it is sufficient that the outer cover 500 can cover the vent hole 320. For example, it is possible to cover all four sides of the pack case 300, i.e., the front, rear, and both side faces, or to cover only some of the four sides excluding the top and bottom faces of the pack case 300. Various modifications and variations are possible.

[0119] The front cover 500a and the pair of side covers 500b of the outer cover 500 may be integrally formed, or may be separately manufactured and then joined together.

[0120] The outer cover 500 covers the vent opening 320 of the pack case 300 at a position spaced a predetermined distance from the vent opening 320. This prevents the battery cells 110 inside the pack case 300 from being directly exposed to the outside through the vent opening 320.

[0121] 14, the upper and lower sides of the outer cover 500 each include a flange 520 that protrudes from the body of the outer cover 500 toward the pack case 300. The inclusion of the flange 520 further enhances the function of covering the vent hole 320. The flange 520 may have a width equal to the separation space between the outer cover 500 and the pack case 300, or may have a width smaller than that.

[0122] In addition, since the outer cover 500 is coupled to the outer surface of the pack case 300 at a predetermined distance, the venting gas discharged from the vent port 320 of the pack case 300 can travel through the venting passage formed in the space between the pack case 300 and the outer cover 500 and then be discharged to the outside of the outer cover 500, as described above.

[0123] The flange 520 has a plurality of venting holes 521 arranged in a row along the flange 520. The venting gas that moves through the venting passage formed in the space between the pack case 300 and the outer cover 500 can be discharged through the venting holes 521 of the outer cover 500.

[0124] Meanwhile, a partition wall 510 formed in at least one direction may also be provided on the surface of the main body of the outer cover 500 facing the pack case 300. The partition wall 510 increases the travel distance of the venting gas in the venting passage, and flames contained in the venting gas collide with the partition wall 510 and are naturally extinguished. As a result, the flames contained in the venting gas are not discharged to the outside of the outer cover 500.

[0125] The partition walls 510 are formed in at least one direction on the outer surface of the outer cover 500. In the embodiment of Fig. 9, the partition walls 510 are formed in the vertical direction (longitudinal direction) and the horizontal direction and intersect with each other, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is sufficient that the partition walls 510 are formed so as to intersect with the movement path of the venting gas.

[0126] On the other hand, the partition wall 510 can also reinforce the rigidity of the outer cover 500 .

[0127] Furthermore, by covering the outer surface of the pack case 300 with the outer cover 500, it is possible to impart aesthetic functionality to the external shape of the battery pack.

[0128] 15 is a perspective view of an electrical connection unit 600, which is a component for electrically connecting a battery pack. FIG. 16 is a rear view of the electrical connection unit of FIG.

[0129] The electrical connection unit 600 includes connectors 610, connector housings 620, various cables 630, and other components such as fuses that perform electrical connections between vertically stacked battery packs and between the battery packs and the battery management system (BMS). The electrical connection unit 600 is housed in a storage space S2 (see FIG. 9) inside the pack case 300 and is disposed in front of the cell module assembly 100. A partition plate is provided inside the pack case 300, which divides the internal space into compartments into which the electrical connection units 600 and the cell module assemblies 100 can be housed.

[0130] The connector 610 connects the battery pack and the battery management system. The connector 610 electrically connects the battery packs to the power cable 630a and the signal cable 630b, respectively, and electrically connects the battery packs stacked one above the other in a manner to be described later. The connector 610 is connected to a power cable 630a to transmit power. The connector 610 is also connected to a signal cable 630b to transmit signals for monitoring and managing the battery packs.

[0131] The connector 610 includes an upper connector 610a for electrically connecting with a battery pack stacked on top and a lower connector 610b for electrically connecting with a battery pack stacked on bottom. For example, the upper connector 610a may be a male (protruding) connector, and the lower connector 610b may be a corresponding female (recessed) connector. For each battery pack, the upper connector 610a located on the top and the lower connector 610b located on the bottom are connected by a cable 630 or other electrically conductive structure, and the cable 630 or other electrically conductive structure is housed in a connector housing 620.

[0132] The connector housing 620 contains the connector 610, various cables 630, and other components such as fuses etc. A more specific structure and shape of the connector housing 620 will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0133] The cable 630 includes a power cable 630a for transmitting power between the battery pack and a battery management system (BMS) and a signal cable 630b for transmitting signals for monitoring and managing the battery pack.

[0134] Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a battery pack in which all of the components of the battery pack described above with reference to Figs. 5 to 15 are combined. Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the battery pack of Fig. 17 with the outer cover removed. Fig. 19 is a perspective view of Fig. 18 rotated 180 degrees. Fig. 20 is a bottom perspective view of Fig. 19. Fig. 21 shows a case in which a plurality of battery packs of Fig. 19 are stacked vertically.

[0135] 17, the upper connector 610a of the electrical connection unit 600 passes through the connector through-hole 440 of the fire tank 400 and is disposed within the connector through-hole 440. The upper connector 610a is disposed facing the upper opening of the connector through-hole 440 so as to be electrically connected to the battery pack stacked on top. The upper connector 610a is exposed when viewed from the upper opening of the connector through-hole 440 (top view). In this case, the upper connector 610a protrudes above the top surface of the fire tank 400. In addition, the connector through-hole 440 protrudes upward from the top surface of the fire tank 400, thereby surrounding the side of the upper connector 610a protruding from the top surface of the fire tank 400.

[0136] The connector through-hole 440 passes through the fire tank 400 in the vertical direction. More specifically, the connector through-hole 440 passes through the upper cover 420 (see FIG. 12) of the fire tank 400. The upper cover 420 of the fire tank 400 covers the upper surface of the storage space S1 of the cell module assembly 100 and the upper surface of the storage space S2 of the electrical connection unit 600, as described above in FIG. 9, while the lower tank 410 (see FIG. 12) of the fire tank 400 is located on the upper surface of the storage space S1 of the cell module assembly 100. As a modified example, although not shown in FIG. 12, the connector through-hole 440 may pass from the base plate 411 of the lower tank 410 to the top surface of the upper cover 420. In any case, the connector through-hole 440 also forms the outer surface of the fire tank 400 so that the extinguishing agent does not leak to the outside through the connector through-hole 440.

[0137] For example, the connector through-hole 440 of the fire tank 400 may have a substantially rectangular cross section and a pipe shape that protrudes upward from the top surface of the fire tank 400. The connector through-hole 370 of the pack case 300 may have a rectangular opening shape, for example. The dimensions (width and height) of the connector through-hole 440 of the fire tank 400 are the same as or smaller than the dimensions (width and height) of the connector through-hole 370 of the pack case 300. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples, and the structures and cross-sectional shapes of the connector through-hole 440 of the fire tank 400 and the connector through-hole 370 of the pack case 300 may be variously modified or changed to suit the specifications of the battery pack to which the present invention is applied.

[0138] 20, the lower connector 610b is disposed facing the open connector through-hole 370 of the pack case 300 so as to be electrically connected to the battery pack stacked below. The lower connector 610b is located near the connector through-hole 370 of the pack case 300, and is exposed when viewed from the open connector through-hole 370 of the pack case 300 (bottom view).

[0139] 21, when multiple battery packs are stacked one above the other, the upper connector 610a exposed to the top through the connector through-hole 440 of the fire tank 400 is electrically connected to the lower connector 610b of the battery pack stacked on top. In other words, even if the fire tank 400 covers the top of the pack case 300, the connectors 610 of the stacked battery packs can be interconnected through the connector through-hole 440. The upper connector 610a of the battery pack stacked on the bottom can be inserted into and coupled to the lower connector 610b of the battery pack stacked on top.

[0140] When the battery pack is viewed from above (or below), the connector through-hole 440 of the fire tank 400 is positioned in a line corresponding to the connector through-hole 370 of the pack case 300. That is, the connector through-hole 440 of the fire tank 400 and the connector through-hole 370 of the pack case 300 are positioned to be aligned with each other in the vertical direction of the battery pack. As a result, when multiple battery packs are stacked one on top of the other, as shown in Fig. 21 , the connector through-hole 370 of the pack case 300 of the battery pack stacked at the top corresponds to the connector through-hole 440 of the fire tank 400 of the battery pack stacked at the bottom (i.e., the open portions are connected to each other).

[0141] 21, the protruding connector through-hole 440 is inserted into the connector through-hole 370 of the pack case 300 of the battery pack located in the upper layer, thereby preventing the vertically stacked battery packs from shifting from one another and ensuring that the electrical connection between the connectors 610 of the vertically stacked battery packs is securely connected to one another without being broken.

[0142] 15 again, the upper surface of the connector housing 620 includes a protrusion 620a at the portion where the upper connector 610a is located. The protrusion 620a of the connector housing 620 may be formed integrally with the connector housing 620. The upper connector 610a is located on the protrusion 620a of the connector housing 620. The protrusion 620a of the connector housing 620 and the upper connector 610a are both disposed within the connector through-hole 440 of the fire extinguisher tank 400. The lower connector 610b is located on the lower surface of the connector housing 620.

[0143] Meanwhile, the protrusion 620a of the connector housing 620 further includes a rib 621. The rib 621 has a shape that extends in the vertical direction. This will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0144] Fig. 22 is a partially enlarged view of Fig. 17. Referring to Fig. 22, the connector through-hole 440 of the fire tank 400 further includes a rib receiving portion 441 protruding outward from the outer surface of the connector through-hole 440. The rib receiving portion 441 of the connector through-hole 440 of the fire tank 400 is positioned to correspond to the rib 621 of the protruding portion 620a of the connector housing 620. Like the rib 621, the rib receiving portion 441 has a shape that extends in the vertical direction.

[0145] When the protrusion 620a of the connector housing 620 and the upper connector 610a are inserted into the connector through-hole 440, the rib 621 of the connector housing 620 is inserted into and coupled with the rib receiving portion 441 of the connector through-hole 440 of the fire tank 400. This allows the connector 610 and the connector housing 620 to be fixed without shaking within the connector through-hole 440 of the fire tank. A plurality of such pairs of rib 621 and rib receiving portion 441 may be provided.

[0146] The connector through-hole 440 may further include a guide member 442 protruding outward from the outer surface. The guide member 442 also extends vertically and has a chamfered upper end. When the connector through-hole 440 of the lower stacked battery pack enters the connector through-hole 370 of the upper stacked battery pack, the connector through-hole 440 slides along the chamfered upper end of the guide member 442, facilitating stacking of the battery packs. A plurality of such guide members 442 may be provided.

[0147] 21, when multiple battery packs are stacked vertically, the connector through-hole 370 of the pack case 300 of the battery pack stacked at the top is passed through the connector through-hole 440 of the fire tank 400 of the battery pack stacked at the bottom, thereby connecting the connector 610 of the battery pack stacked at the top and the connector 610 of the battery pack stacked at the bottom to each other.

[0148] Figure 23 is a view of the battery pack of Figure 19 from another angle. It shows the guide structure and fastening structure between pack cases when stacking multiple battery packs vertically. Figures 24 and 25 are partial enlarged views of the guide members of the pack case of Figure 23. Figure 26 is a partial enlarged view of the fastening members of the pack case of Figure 23.

[0149] 23 to 25, the pack case 300 includes at least one guide member 340. When a plurality of battery packs are stacked vertically, the guide member 340 facilitates stacking between adjacent battery packs, and also aligns adjacent battery packs (vertically stacked battery packs) to prevent misalignment.

[0150] The guide member 340 includes a first guide member 340a and a second guide member 340b. The first guide member 340a may be disposed at an upper portion of the pack case 300, and the second guide member 340b may be disposed at a lower portion of the pack case 300. This facilitates stacking of multiple battery packs in the vertical direction and strengthens the bond between the stacked battery packs.

[0151] The first guide member 340a is a male guide member and may have a plate shape that protrudes upward from the upper section of the pack case 300. The first male guide member 340a may be, for example, generally rectangular with chamfered corners on both sides of the upper section, making it easier to stack battery packs. That is, although each battery pack contains multiple battery cells and therefore is quite heavy, the chamfered shape of the first male guide member 340a makes it easier to stack battery packs one on top of the other.

[0152] In addition, the male first guide member 340a has a protruding plate shape, and the inner surface of the plate-shaped first guide member 340a is coupled to the second guide member 340b, which is a female guide member of the battery pack stacked on top, so that the outer surface of the battery pack stacked on top can come into contact with the inner surface of the plate-shaped first guide member 340a. As a result, the first guide member 340a supports the outer surface of the battery pack stacked on top, preventing the alignment of the stacked battery packs from becoming distorted.

[0153] The female second guide member 340b may have an opening shape through which the male first guide member 340a passes, as shown in Fig. 24, or a notch shape as shown in Fig. 25. In this case, the male first guide member 340a is coupled to fit into the notch-shaped female second guide member 340b. Alternatively, it may have a recess shape (not shown) that entirely surrounds the male first guide member 340a. The male first guide member 340a of the pack case 300 stacked below is coupled to the female second guide member 340b of the pack case 300 stacked above.

[0154] The dimensions (width) of each of the male first guide member 340a and the female second guide member 340b may be smaller than the dimensions (width) of one surface of the pack case 300 on which the male first guide member 340a and the female second guide member 340b are provided.

[0155] A pair of male first guide member 340a and female second guide member 340b may be provided on at least one of the front and rear surfaces of pack case 300. Alternatively, a pair of male first guide member 340a and female second guide member 340b may be provided on both side surfaces of pack case 300.

[0156] 23 and 26, the pack case 300 includes at least one fastening member 350. The fastening member 350 firmly fastens the stacked battery packs together when the stacked battery packs are stacked vertically.

[0157] The fastening member 350 includes a first fastening member 350a and a second fastening member 350b. The first fastening member 350a may be disposed on the upper side of the pack case 300, and the second fastening member 350b may be disposed on the lower side of the pack case 300. As a result, the first fastening member 350a of the battery pack stacked at the bottom and the second fastening member 350b of the battery pack stacked at the top are fastened to each other, thereby firmly fastening the battery packs stacked one above the other.

[0158] 26 shows an enlarged view of an example of fastening member 350. First fastening member 350a is a male fastening member and includes a protrusion that protrudes from the outer surface of pack case 300, while second fastening member 350b is a female fastening member and includes a notch. That is, first male fastening member 350a, which has a protrusion shape, is inserted into second fastening member 350b, which is a female fastening member with a notch shape, and they are coupled to each other in a mating shape. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated example, and various modifications and variations are possible, such as second female fastening member 350b being formed in an opening shape through which first male fastening member 350a passes or a recessed shape that surrounds the protruding portion of first male fastening member 350a.

[0159] In addition, the end of the first male fastening member 350a further includes an engagement claw 350a-1, and the second female fastening member 350b further includes an engagement portion 350b-1. This allows the engagement claw 350a-1 of the first male fastening member 350a to engage with the engagement portion 350b-1 of the second female fastening member 350b. The right side of Figure 26 is a view of the first male fastening member 350a in the left side view rotated 180 degrees, showing the engagement claw 350a-1.

[0160] The present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications and variations are possible, such as, for example, the first fastening member 350a and the second fastening member 350b each having a hook shape, and the hook-shaped first fastening member 350a and the hook-shaped second fastening member 350b mesh with each other to fasten.

[0161] 23 shows a case in which fastening members 350 are provided at two locations on each of the opposing sides of pack case 300, for a total of four locations, and first fastening member 350a is coupled to second fastening member 350b. The present invention is not limited to the method of coupling fastening members 350 shown, and can be embodied in various modified and altered ways.

[0162] In addition, where the description of the battery packs of FIGS. 5 to 26 overlaps with the description of the battery packs of FIGS. 1 to 4, reference should be made to what has been described above with reference to FIGS.

[0163] A plurality of pack cases 300 may be provided as described above and configured to be stackable in the vertical direction. The function of the stacked battery pack will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 27 to 29.

[0164] Figure 27 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of at least a portion of the battery pack of the present invention shown in Figures 1 to 17. Figures 28 and 29 are drawings showing an embodiment in which a plurality of pack cases 300 shown in Figure 27 are stacked. For ease of understanding, Figures 27 to 29 illustrate the battery packs schematically, and the detailed configuration of the battery packs is described above with reference to Figures 1 to 26.

[0165] First, referring to FIG. 27, the pack case 300 may have a bottom and sidewalls. The cell module assemblies 100 may be housed in the internal space of the pack case 300, and a battery pack is constructed by covering the top of the cell module assemblies 100 with a fire tank 400. For reference, in FIG. 27, the height of the upper side of the pack case 300 is shown to be higher than the height of the upper surface of the fire tank 400. However, FIG. 27 is a schematic view and merely an embodiment, and the present invention is not limited to what is shown in FIG. 27. In other words, various modifications are possible, such as the opposite, the height of the upper surface of the fire tank 400 may be higher than the height of the upper side of the pack case 300, or the height of the upper surface of the fire tank 400 may be the same as the height of the upper side of the pack case 300.

[0166] A plurality of pack cases 300 shown in Fig. 27 may be provided to form a stacked structure of battery packs as shown in Fig. 28 or 29. In this case, the battery pack of Fig. 27 may be one unit pack. A plurality of such unit packs may be provided to form a modular stacked overall battery pack as shown in Fig. 28 or 29.

[0167] More specifically, for example, the configuration of Fig. 28 shows a configuration in which three unit packs D are stacked vertically, and the configuration of Fig. 29 shows a configuration in which five unit packs D are stacked vertically. The present invention is not limited to those shown in the drawings, and the number of unit packs D can be changed in various ways to suit the environment in which the present invention is embodied.

[0168] For example, when the present invention is embodied as a battery pack serving as an energy storage system (ESS), the voltage and / or storage capacity of the energy storage system can be tailored to the environment by adjusting the number of unit battery packs. According to this embodiment of the present invention, a single unit pack having a common structure can be stacked in various ways, enabling products with various voltages to be manufactured depending on the number of stacks. For example, by adjusting the number of stacks of the same unit pack, it is possible to realize a low-voltage product as shown in FIG. 28 and a high-voltage product as shown in FIG. 29. This can improve economy and compatibility compared to products limited to a specific voltage standard. Furthermore, this embodiment can also realize products with various storage capacities depending on the number of stacks.

[0169] In other words, when stacked unit packs are connected in series, products with various voltages can be realized depending on the number of stacked packs, and when stacked unit packs are connected in parallel, products with various capacities (storage capacities) can be realized depending on the number of stacked packs.

[0170] In particular, each unit pack D may include a cell module assembly 100 therein. Also, as described above, each unit pack D includes a connector 610 so that the cell module assemblies 100 can be electrically connected to each other when stacked. In particular, such connector 610 may be configured to couple the unit packs D to each other by stacking them one above the other.

[0171] In addition, in the above embodiment, each unit pack D may house a fire tank 400 together with the cell module assembly 100. That is, each unit pack D includes the fire tank 400 on top of the cell module assembly 100, as described above. A battery pack formed by stacking multiple unit packs has a stacked structure of fire tank 400-cell module assembly 100-fire tank 400-cell module assembly 100 from top to bottom. The stacked battery pack of the present invention having this structure can be configured by increasing (expanding) the number of cell module assemblies 100 to increase the power storage capacity, while also safely preparing for thermal events such as a fire in the cell module assembly 100. Therefore, this embodiment of the present invention can further improve the safety of the battery pack.

[0172] Referring again to FIG. 27, another example of a coupling method between vertically stacked battery packs (pack cases) 300 is shown below. The upper end of the side wall of the pack case 300 may have a step recessed inward, such as the coupling step C1. For example, this step may be a portion where the thickness of the side wall of the pack case 300 is thin. Also, although not shown in FIG. 27, the bottom of the pack case 300 may have a coupling recess into which the coupling step C1 of the side wall is inserted. That is, when different pack cases 300 are stacked vertically, the coupling step C1 formed on the upper end of the side wall of the lower pack case 300 may be inserted into the coupling recess formed on the bottom of the upper pack case 300. As a result, when multiple pack cases 300 are stacked vertically and coupled, the outer surfaces of the pack cases 300 may have an overall flat shape.

[0173] Meanwhile, the coupling method for the fastening structure between the vertically stacked battery packs is not limited to that shown in FIG. 27 and / or FIG. 8, and various other coupling methods can be modified or changed and applied to the present invention.

[0174] The battery pack of the present invention may also be connected to a battery management system (BMS, not shown). The battery management system monitors and manages the battery pack(s). The battery management system may be located on the top layer of a stack of battery packs. However, the location of the battery management system is not limited to the above and may be variously modified or changed to suit the manner and environment in which the present invention is embodied.

[0175] In addition to the above-described components, the battery pack according to the present invention may further include various other components included in the battery pack. For example, the battery pack according to the present invention may include many electrical components for controlling or managing the charging and discharging of the battery pack, such as a battery management system (BMS), relays, fuses, and current sensors.

[0176] Furthermore, according to the present invention, stacking of a plurality of battery packs can be facilitated and electrical and mechanical connections between the stacked battery packs can be strengthened. Furthermore, since each of the stacked battery packs is provided with a fire extinguishing tank, thermal events occurring inside the battery packs can be more quickly and effectively controlled.

[0177] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be embodied by partially modifying the above-described embodiments or by combining the above-described embodiments, and can be modified and changed to suit various environments in which the present invention is embodied.

[0178] An energy storage system (ESS) according to the present invention includes one or more battery packs according to the present invention. In addition to the battery pack, the energy storage system according to the present invention may further include other general components included in an energy storage system.

[0179] Meanwhile, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, and right may be used in this specification, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such terms are used merely for convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the position of the object of interest, the position of the observer, etc.

[0180] As described above, the present invention has been described using limited embodiments and drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and it goes without saying that various modifications and variations can be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains within the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims set forth below. [Explanation of symbols]

[0181] 100: Cell module assembly 110: Battery cell 120: End plate 130: Busbar housing 140: Strap 200: Blocking member 210: Support plate 220:Swelling pad 230:Through hole 300: Pack case 300a: Lower case 300b: Upper case 310: Auxiliary case 320: Venting port 330: Bulkhead 340: Guide member 350: Fastening member 370: Connector through hole 380: Compartment wall 400: Fire tank 410: Lower tank 411: Base plate 411a: Weak area 412: Side wall 420: Upper cover 430: Inlet 440: Connector through hole 441: Rib receiving part 500:External cover 500a: Front cover 510: Bulkhead 520: Tsuba 521: Venting Hall 600: Electrical connection unit 610: Connector 610a: Upper connector 610b: Lower connector 620: Connector housing 621: Rib 630: Cable

Claims

1. A battery pack, a cell module assembly including a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; an electrical connection unit including a connector for electrically connecting a plurality of stacked battery packs; a pack case that houses the cell module assembly and the electrical connection unit therein and has an open top; and a fire extinguishing tank covering an upper portion of the pack case; the pack case includes a first connector through-hole having an opening shape on a lower surface of the pack case so that the connector is electrically connected to a battery pack stacked thereunder; The fire tank includes a second connector through-hole portion on an upper surface of the fire tank, the second connector through-hole portion having an opening for electrically connecting the connector to a battery pack stacked thereon.

2. The second connector through-hole portion has a tubular shape that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the fire tank, 2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, in the plurality of stacked battery packs, the second connector through-hole portion of the fire extinguishing tank of the battery pack stacked at the bottom is inserted into the first connector through-hole portion of the pack case of the battery pack stacked at the top.

3. The second connector through-hole portion of the fire tank further includes a guide member, the guide member protruding outward from an outer surface of the second connector through-hole portion, extending in the vertical direction, and having a chamfered top portion; 3. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein, in the plurality of stacked battery packs, the second connector through-hole portion of the fire extinguishing tank of the battery pack stacked at the bottom slides along the guide member and is inserted into the first connector through-hole portion of the pack case of the battery pack stacked at the top.

4. 2. The battery pack of claim 1, wherein when the battery pack is viewed from above or below, the first connector through-hole portion of the pack case and the second connector through-hole portion of the fire extinguisher tank are arranged in a line at positions corresponding to each other.

5. the connector includes an upper connector for electrically connecting with a battery pack stacked on an upper side and a lower connector for electrically connecting with a battery pack stacked on a lower side, the upper connector and the lower connector being electrically connected with each other, The upper connector is disposed toward the open upper surface of the second connector through-hole portion of the fire extinguisher tank, The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the lower connector is disposed toward the first connector through-hole portion of the pack case.

6. The electrical connection unit further includes a connector housing; a protrusion on an upper surface of the connector housing, the upper connector being provided on the protrusion of the connector housing; The upper connector and the protrusion of the connector housing are disposed within the second connector through-hole portion, which has a pipe shape and protrudes upward from the upper surface of the fire extinguisher tank, The battery pack according to claim 5 , wherein the lower connector is provided on a lower surface of the connector housing.

7. The protrusion of the connector housing further includes a rib extending in a vertical direction, The second connector through-hole portion of the fire extinguisher tank further includes a rib receiving portion that protrudes outward from an outer surface of the second connector through-hole portion and extends in the vertical direction, The battery pack according to claim 6 , wherein the rib is coupled to the rib receiving portion so that the connector and the connector housing are fixed within the second connector through-hole portion.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7 , wherein a plurality of pairs of the rib and the rib receiving portion are provided.

9. the pack case further includes a pair of male and female guide members to facilitate stacking between the plurality of stacked battery packs; 2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the male guide member of one of two adjacent battery packs in the stacked battery packs is coupled to the female guide member of the other of the two adjacent battery packs.

10. the male guide member has a plate shape that protrudes upward from an upper portion of the pack case, 10. The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein the female guide member is provided in a lower portion of the pack case and has a notch, an opening, or a recessed portion for receiving the male guide member.

11. The battery pack according to claim 9 , wherein both sides of the upper step of the male guide member are chamfered.

12. The battery pack according to claim 9 , wherein the pair of male guide members and female guide members are provided on at least one of a front surface and a rear surface of the battery pack.

13. The battery pack according to claim 9 , wherein the pair of male guide members and the pair of female guide members are provided on each of opposite side surfaces of the battery pack.

14. the pack case further includes a pair of male and female fastening members for fastening the plurality of stacked battery packs together; 2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, in the stacked battery packs, a male fastening member of one of two adjacent battery packs is coupled to a female fastening member of another of the two adjacent battery packs.

15. the male fastening member protrudes upward from the upper portion of the pack case, The battery pack according to claim 14 , wherein the female fastening member is provided in a lower portion of the pack case and has a notch, an opening, or a recessed portion shaped to receive the male fastening member.

16. The male fastening member includes an engagement claw, The female fastening member includes an engaging portion having an opening shape, The battery pack according to claim 14 , wherein an engaging claw of the male fastening member is engaged with an engaging portion of the female fastening member.

17. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of stacked battery packs are stacked in a vertical direction.

18. The battery pack of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of stacked battery packs are electrically connected in series so that the voltages of the plurality of stacked battery packs can be diversified.

19. The battery pack of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of stacked battery packs are electrically connected in parallel so that the storage capacity of the plurality of stacked battery packs can be variably realized.

20. An energy storage device comprising the battery pack of claim 1.

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