Battery packs and automobiles containing them

Abstract

A battery pack and an automobile including the same are disclosed. A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of battery modules, each having a plurality of battery cells stacked on top of each other; a pack case housing the plurality of battery modules; and a fireproof cover covering the plurality of busbars to prevent abnormal phenomena of the busbars electrically connecting the plurality of battery modules in the event of a thermal event.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack and an automobile including the same, and more particularly, to a battery pack capable of preventing an abnormal phenomenon of a bus bar inside the battery pack and an automobile including the same.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0090614 filed on July 12, 2023, and all the contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the application are incorporated into this application.

Background Art

[0003] As the technology development and demand for mobile devices increase, the demand for secondary batteries as an energy source is rapidly increasing. Nickel-cadmium batteries or hydrogen-ion batteries were used as conventional secondary batteries, but recently, lithium secondary batteries that hardly cause a memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, can be freely charged and discharged, have a very low self-discharge rate, and have a high energy density are often used.

[0004] Such lithium secondary batteries mainly use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material, respectively. A lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate each coated with such a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material are disposed with a separator interposed therebetween, and an exterior material, that is, a battery case, for sealing and storing the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0005] A lithium secondary battery consists of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator interposed therebetween, and an electrolyte, and is classified into a lithium ion battery (LIB), a polymer lithium ion battery (PLIB), etc. according to the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material used. Usually, the electrodes of these lithium secondary batteries can be formed by applying a positive electrode active material or a negative electrode active material to a current collector such as an aluminum or copper sheet, mesh, film, foil, etc. and drying it.

[0006] Lithium-ion batteries have attracted attention due to their advantages such as high operating voltage and significantly higher energy density. However, because they use organic electrolytes, overcharging can induce overcurrent and overheating, potentially causing explosions or fires.

[0007] Various types of rechargeable batteries include battery modules, in which multiple battery cells are stacked and housed in a case that can protect the battery cells, and battery packs, in which multiple battery modules are housed.

[0008] Here, a battery pack may have busbars that electrically connect multiple battery modules housed inside the battery pack. However, if a thermal event such as a flame occurs in at least one of the battery cells inside a battery module, the heat may warp the busbars, causing a short circuit or insulation failure. Since such abnormal phenomena in the busbars can damage the battery modules or the battery pack, it is necessary to prevent such abnormal phenomena in the busbars. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a battery pack and an automobile including it that can prevent abnormal phenomena of the busbars inside the battery pack when a thermal event occurs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, the present invention may include a plurality of battery modules, each having a plurality of battery cells stacked on top of each other; a pack case for housing the plurality of battery modules; and a fire-resistant cover that covers the plurality of busbars to prevent abnormal phenomena of the busbars electrically connecting the plurality of battery modules in the event of a thermal event.

[0011] In one embodiment, the pack case includes a lower frame on which the plurality of battery modules are mounted, a side frame extending upward from the edge of the lower frame, an inner frame extending upward from the inside of the lower frame and coupled to the side frame, a partition frame coupled to the inner frame and interposed between the plurality of battery modules, and an upper frame coupled to the side frame, wherein the fireproof cover may be coupled to the inner frame and placed on the partition frame.

[0012] In one embodiment, the fireproof cover may include a first cover portion that covers a first busbar connecting a plurality of battery modules arranged on one side of the inner frame with respect to the inner frame, a second cover portion that covers a second busbar connecting a plurality of battery modules arranged on the other side of the inner frame with respect to the inner frame, and a connecting portion that connects the first cover portion and the second cover portion.

[0013] In one embodiment, the inner frame has at least one coupling groove, and the connecting portion can be coupled to the coupling groove.

[0014] In one embodiment, the coupling groove may be formed in a slit shape across the upper and side surfaces of the inner frame.

[0015] In one embodiment, a pair of coupling grooves may be formed, and the pair of coupling grooves may be formed in parallel.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first cover portion and the second cover portion may be symmetrical with respect to the connecting portion.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first cover portion may be provided so as to cover the first busbar from above, and the second cover portion may be provided so as to cover the second busbar from above.

[0018] In one embodiment, one of the refractory covers may be configured to cover four battery modules.

[0019] In one embodiment, the four battery modules may be arranged such that the busbars provided in each battery module are positioned close to each other.

[0020] In one embodiment, a protrusion may be formed on the partition frame, a groove may be formed on the refractory cover, and the protrusion of the partition frame may be sandwiched in the groove of the refractory cover.

[0021] In one embodiment, the refractory cover may be formed in a shape including an H shape.

[0022] In one embodiment, it may include a blocking cover provided on the upper part of the refractory cover.

[0023] In one embodiment, the blocking cover may be made of mica.

[0024] In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, an automobile including the battery pack described above may be provided.

Advantages of the Invention

[0025] Embodiments of the present invention can prevent abnormal phenomena of the busbars inside the battery pack when a thermal event occurs.

[0026] In addition, the safety of the battery module can be ensured.

[0027] In addition, assembly becomes easy, and costs can be reduced by omitting fastening members.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] [Figure 1] It is a partially exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of the battery module included in the battery pack shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a partial perspective view showing how the fire-resistant cover is connected to the inner frame in a battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the fire-resistant cover in a battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a partial plan view showing how the fire-resistant cover is connected to the inner frame in a battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a partial perspective view showing the fire-resistant cover separated from the inner frame in a battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' in Figure 5. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' in Figure 5. [Figure 9] This is a partially exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a diagram illustrating an automobile including a battery pack according to each embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and in the claims should not be interpreted in a manner limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but rather in a manner consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention, in accordance with the principle that the inventor himself may appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe the invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entirety of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and that there may be a variety of equivalents and modifications that can be substituted therein at the time of this application.

[0030] The size of each component or specific part of a component in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or shown schematically for the sake of clarity and ease of explanation. Therefore, the size of each component may not fully reflect its actual size. Specific descriptions of known functions or configurations related to the present invention will be omitted if they are deemed to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the invention.

[0031] As used herein, the terms “joining” or “connecting” include not only cases where one member is directly joined or directly connected to another member, but also cases where one member is indirectly joined or indirectly connected to another member via a connecting member.

[0032] Figure 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module included in the battery pack of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a partially perspective view showing how the fire-resistant cover is connected to the inner frame in the battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the fire-resistant cover in the battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is a partially plan view showing how the fire-resistant cover is connected to the inner frame in the battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is a partially perspective view showing how the fire-resistant cover is separated from the inner frame in the battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along A-A' in Figure 5; and Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along B-B' in Figure 5.

[0033] Referring to Figure 1, the battery pack 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a plurality of battery modules 100, a pack case 200, and a fire-resistant cover 300.

[0034] The battery module 100 is provided in multiple units and arranged in various ways. For example, as shown in Figure 1, it can be arranged horizontally and vertically, but is not limited to this.

[0035] Referring to Figure 2, the battery module 100 may comprise a plurality of battery cells 110 and a module case 120.

[0036] Multiple battery cells 110 can be stacked on top of each other. The battery cells 110 have diverse structures, and multiple battery cells 110 can be stacked in diverse ways.

[0037] The battery cell 110 may have a structure in which multiple unit cells arranged in the order of positive electrode plate / separator / negative electrode, or bi-cells arranged in the order of positive electrode plate / separator / negative electrode plate / separator / positive electrode plate / separator / negative electrode, are stacked according to the battery capacity.

[0038] The battery cell 110 may be provided with electrode leads. Electrode leads are a type of terminal exposed to the outside and connected to external devices, and may be made of a conductive material. Electrode leads may include positive electrode leads and negative electrode leads.

[0039] The positive electrode lead and the negative electrode lead may be positioned in opposite directions along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 110, or they may be positioned in the same direction relative to the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 110.

[0040] The battery cell 110 may be provided with a plurality of cartridges (not shown) that house the battery cell 110. Each cartridge (not shown) can be manufactured by injection molding of plastic, and a plurality of cartridges (not shown) with a housing for housing the battery cell 110 can be stacked. The cartridge assembly formed by stacking the plurality of cartridges (not shown) may be provided with connector elements or terminal elements.

[0041] The connector element may include various forms of electrical connection components or connection members for connecting to, for example, a BMS (Battery Management System, not shown) that provides data related to the voltage or temperature of the battery cell 110.

[0042] The terminal element includes a positive terminal and a negative terminal as the main terminals connected to the battery cell 110. The terminal element is equipped with terminal bolts and can be electrically connected to the outside. On the other hand, the battery cell 110 can have a variety of shapes.

[0043] Referring to Figure 2, multiple battery cells 110 are stacked and housed in the module case 120. The module case 120 encloses the multiple battery cells 110, thereby protecting them from external vibrations or shocks.

[0044] The module case 120 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of a stack of multiple battery cells 110. For example, if the stack of multiple battery cells 110 is formed in a hexahedral shape, the module case 120 may also be formed in a corresponding hexahedral shape. However, it is not limited to this. Here, the module case 120 may include an upper module case, a lower module case, and a side module case.

[0045] Furthermore, the module case 120 can be manufactured, for example, by bending a metal plate, thereby allowing the module case 120 to be manufactured as a single unit. When the module case 120 is manufactured as a single unit, the joining process becomes simpler and easier. Alternatively, the module case 120 can be provided as a separate unit and joined by welding or other means. However, the material of the module case 120 is not limited to metal.

[0046] Referring to Figure 1, the pack case 200 houses multiple battery modules 100. The pack case 200 may be composed of, for example, a lower frame 210, a side frame 220, an inner frame 230, a partition frame 240, and an upper frame 250.

[0047] The lower frame 210 is configured to accommodate multiple battery modules 100. The lower frame 210 may, but is not limited to, be formed in the shape of a rectangular plate. The lower frame 210 forms the bottom of the pack case 200.

[0048] The side frame 220 may be configured to extend upward from the edge of the lower frame 210. The side frame 220 defines the height of the pack case 200 and forms a predetermined space between it and the lower frame 210. Multiple battery modules 100 are mounted in the space between the side frame 220 and the lower frame 210. The side frame 220 may include a long side frame 220a with a relatively long length and a short side frame 220b with a relatively short length.

[0049] The inner frame 230 extends upward inside the lower frame 210 and connects to the side frame 220. There may be more than one inner frame 230, and multiple battery modules 100 may be arranged facing each other with respect to the inner frame 230. The inner frame 230 is oriented in the same direction as the short side frame 220b.

[0050] The partition frame 240 is connected to the inner frame 230. Here, the partition frame 240 is positioned in the same direction as the long side frame 220a. The partition frame 240 is interposed between multiple battery modules 100. In Figure 1, one partition frame 240 is positioned between two adjacent battery modules 100, but this is not limited to this configuration.

[0051] The upper frame 250 is connected to the side frame 220. The upper frame 250 may, but is not limited to, be in the shape of a rectangular plate.

[0052] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, Figure 3 shows that the fireproof cover 300 is configured to cover multiple busbars 400 in order to prevent abnormal phenomena of the busbars 400 when a thermal event occurs.

[0053] Referring to Figures 1 and 3, the fire-resistant cover 300 may be configured to be connected to the inner frame 230 and placed on the partition frame 240. For example, as shown in Figure 4, grooves 340 may be formed in the fire-resistant cover 300.

[0054] As shown in Figure 6, a projection 241 may be formed on the partition frame 240. As shown in Figure 3, it may be provided sandwiched between the projection 241 of the partition frame 240 in the groove 340 of the fire-resistant cover 300.

[0055] With this configuration, the fire-resistant cover 300 can be attached to the bulkhead frame 240 without fastening members, making assembly easy and resulting in cost reductions due to the omission of fastening members.

[0056] The fireproof cover 300 can cover multiple battery modules 100. For example, referring to Figures 1 and 3, four battery modules 100 can be arranged such that the busbars 400 provided on each battery module 100 are located close to each other. That is, with respect to the inner frame 230, two battery modules 100 can be placed on the left side of the inner frame 230 (referencing Figure 3), and the remaining two battery modules 100 can be placed on the right side of the inner frame 230 (referencing Figure 3).

[0057] Here, the busbar 400 connecting the two battery modules 100 is located close to the inner frame 230. That is, the two battery modules 100 on the left side of the inner frame 230 and the two battery modules 100 on the right side of the inner frame 230 can be arranged facing each other.

[0058] Thus, when the two battery modules 100 on the left side of the inner frame 230 and the two battery modules 100 on the right side of the inner frame 230 are arranged facing each other, the first bus bar 400a connecting the two battery modules 100 on the left side of the inner frame 230 and the second bus bar 400b connecting the two battery modules 100 on the right side of the inner frame 230 may be located close to the inner frame 230, as shown in Figure 8.

[0059] With the first busbar 400a and the second busbar 400b positioned close to the inner frame 230, one fireproof cover 300 can cover both busbars 400a and 400b, as shown in Figures 3 and 8. That is, one fireproof cover 300 can be configured to cover all four battery modules 100.

[0060] This structure reduces overall manufacturing costs. Specifically, in the case of the battery pack 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, only one fireproof cover 300 is required to cover all four battery modules 100, thus reducing the number of fireproof covers 300 and thus saving costs.

[0061] Referring to Figures 4 and 8, the fire-resistant cover 300 may be configured to include a first cover portion 310, a second cover portion 320, and a connecting portion 330.

[0062] The first cover portion 310 covers the first bus bar 400a, which connects a plurality of battery modules 100 located on one side of the inner frame 230 (the left side in Figures 4 and 8), with respect to the inner frame 230. In other words, the first cover portion 310 is configured to cover the first bus bar 400a from above.

[0063] As mentioned above, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 110, the heat may cause the busbar 400 to warp, resulting in a short circuit or insulation failure.

[0064] If abnormal phenomena such as a short circuit in the busbar 400 occur, the battery module 100 or battery pack 10 will be damaged, so it is necessary to prevent abnormal phenomena in the busbar 400.

[0065] The first cover portion 310 is configured to cover the first bus bar 400a from above, protecting the first bus bar 400a even if a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 110, thereby preventing abnormal phenomena caused by the first bus bar 400a.

[0066] The second cover portion 320 covers the second bus bar 400b, which connects a plurality of battery modules 100 located on the other side of the inner frame 230 (the right side in Figures 4 and 8), with respect to the inner frame 230. In other words, the second cover portion 320 is configured to cover the second bus bar 400b from above.

[0067] Furthermore, just as the first cover portion 310 protects the first busbar 400a from thermal events of the battery cell 110, the second cover portion 320 protects the second busbar 400b from thermal events of the battery cell 110, thereby preventing abnormal phenomena caused by the second busbar 400b.

[0068] The connecting portion 330 is configured to connect the first cover portion 310 and the second cover portion 320. The connecting portion 330 may be formed integrally with the first cover portion 310 and the second cover portion 320, or they may be manufactured separately and then connected in various ways.

[0069] The connecting portion 330 can be connected to the inner frame 230. There are various ways in which the connecting portion 330 can be connected to the inner frame 230. For example, as shown in Figure 6, at least one connecting groove 231 may be formed in the inner frame 230, and the connecting portion 330 (see Figure 4) can be connected to the connecting groove 231 as shown in Figure 3.

[0070] Here, the coupling groove 231 can be formed in a slit shape across the top and sides of the inner frame 230. Of course, the shape of the coupling groove 231 is not limited to this. Furthermore, the coupling grooves 231 can be provided in pairs so that the connecting portion 330 is more stably connected to the inner frame 230. The pair of coupling grooves 231 can be formed parallel to each other. However, there may be one coupling groove 231, or there may be three or more. Also, they do not necessarily have to be formed parallel to each other.

[0071] Referring to Figures 3 and 8, the first cover portion 310 and the second cover portion 320 may be formed symmetrically with respect to the connecting portion 330, but are not limited thereto. Referring to Figure 8, the first cover portion 310 may be provided to cover the first bus bar 400a from above, and the second cover portion 320 may be provided to cover the second bus bar 400b from above.

[0072] On the other hand, referring to Figures 3 and 4, the fire-resistant cover 300 may be formed in a shape including an H shape, but the shape of the fire-resistant cover 300 is not limited to this.

[0073] Figure 9 is a partially separated perspective view of a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] The second embodiment of the present invention differs from the first embodiment in that it is equipped with a shielding cover. The parts common to the first embodiment are described in the description of the first embodiment above. Furthermore, parts of the second embodiment that are applicable to the first embodiment can also be applied to the first embodiment.

[0075] Referring to Figure 9, the blocking cover 500 may be provided on top of the fireproof cover 300. In Figure 9, the fireproof cover 300 is not shown because it is obscured by the blocking cover 500, but the fireproof cover 300 of the second embodiment is the same as the fireproof cover 300 of the first embodiment.

[0076] The shielding cover 500 is configured to withstand temperatures higher than the fire-resistant cover 300 in case the fire-resistant cover 300 melts due to high temperatures, and is installed to cover the fire-resistant cover 300. Here, the shielding cover 500 can also be attached to the bulkhead frame 240 without fastening members, similar to the fire-resistant cover 300.

[0077] The shielding cover 500 can be made from a variety of materials, for example, from mica, a fire-resistant material, but the material of the shielding cover 500 is not limited to this.

[0078] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating an automobile including a battery pack according to each embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Referring to Figure 10, an automobile 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs 10 according to the embodiments described above. Here, the automobile 20 includes various types of automobiles that use electricity, such as electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles.

[0080] In this specification, terms indicating direction such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used. However, such terms indicate relative positions and are used only for the convenience of explanation. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that these positions can change depending on the position of the object in question, the observer's position, etc.

[0081] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and of course, various modifications and variations are possible within the equivalent scope of the technical concept of the present invention and the claims below by persons with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be considered from an explanatory rather than restrictive viewpoint. That is, the true technical concept of the present invention is shown in the claims, and all differences within the equivalent scope thereto should be interpreted as being included in the present invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0082] The present invention relates to a battery pack and an automobile including the same, and is particularly applicable to the secondary battery industry. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0083] 10 Battery Packs 20 Automobiles 100 Battery Modules 110 battery cells 120 Module Case 200 pack case 210 Lower frame 220 Side Frame 220a Long side frame 220b Short side frame 230 Inner frame 231 Connection groove 240 bulkhead frame 241 Protrusion 250 Upper Frame 300 Fireproof Cover 310 First Cover Section 320 Second Cover Section 330 Connection part 340 groove section 400 Bus Bar 400a First bus bar 400b Second bus bar 500 Barrier Cover

Claims

1. Multiple battery modules, each consisting of multiple battery cells stacked on top of each other, A pack case in which the aforementioned multiple battery modules are housed, A battery pack comprising: a fire-resistant cover covering a plurality of busbars to prevent abnormal phenomena of the busbars electrically connecting the plurality of battery modules in the event of a thermal event.

2. The aforementioned pack case is The lower frame on which the aforementioned multiple battery modules are mounted, A side frame extending upward from the edge of the lower frame, An inner frame extending upward from the inside of the lower frame and connected to the side frame, A partition frame connected to the inner frame and interposed between the plurality of battery modules, Includes an upper frame connected to the side frame, The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that the fire-resistant cover is coupled to the inner frame and placed on the partition frame.

3. The aforementioned fire-resistant cover is A first cover portion covers a first busbar that connects a plurality of battery modules arranged on one side of the inner frame with respect to the inner frame, A second cover portion covers a second busbar that connects a plurality of battery modules arranged on the other side of the inner frame, with respect to the inner frame, The battery pack according to claim 2, characterized by including a connecting portion that connects the first cover portion and the second cover portion.

4. The battery pack according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one coupling groove is formed in the inner frame, and the connecting portion is coupled to the coupling groove.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4, characterized in that the coupling groove is formed in a slit shape across the upper and side surfaces of the inner frame.

6. The battery pack according to claim 4, characterized in that a pair of coupling grooves are formed, and the pair of coupling grooves are formed in parallel.

7. The battery pack according to claim 3, characterized in that the first cover portion and the second cover portion are symmetrical with respect to the connection portion.

8. The battery pack according to claim 3, characterized in that the first cover portion is provided so as to cover the first busbar from above, and the second cover portion is provided so as to cover the second busbar from above.

9. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that one of the fireproof covers is configured to cover four battery modules.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9, characterized in that the four battery modules are arranged such that the busbars provided on each battery module are located close to each other.

11. The partition wall frame has a protrusion formed therein. The aforementioned fire-resistant cover has grooves formed in it. The battery pack according to claim 2, characterized in that the projection of the partition frame is sandwiched in the groove of the fireproof cover.

12. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that the fire-resistant cover is formed in a shape including an H shape.

13. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes a shut-off cover provided on the upper part of the fire-resistant cover.

14. The battery pack according to claim 13, characterized in that the shielding cover is made from mica.

15. An automobile comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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