Battery pack

Abstract

A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a pack case having a first inner surface, a second inner surface facing the first inner surface, and an internal space between the first inner surface and the second inner surface, and a plurality of modules, each of which is arranged in the internal space of the pack case and includes a plurality of secondary batteries, each having a first end having a vent portion and a second end in the opposite direction to the first end, wherein each secondary battery is arranged such that a virtual center line passing through the first end and the second end is parallel or perpendicular to the first inner surface and the second inner surface, respectively, and in each module, when at least one secondary battery is positioned with its first end adjacent to the first inner surface more than its second end, the other secondary batteries are positioned with their first end adjacent to the second inner surface more than their second end.

Description

Technical Field

[0007]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack, and more particularly, to a battery pack including a plurality of cylindrical secondary batteries, and relates to a battery pack capable of preventing chain ignition in the battery pack.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0014553 filed on January 31, 2024, and all the contents disclosed in the document of the Korean patent application are included as part of this specification.

Background Art

[0003] A secondary battery is a battery that can be repeatedly used by charging. Depending on the capacity and output of an electronic device, the secondary battery can be manufactured in the form of a battery module and / or a battery pack. A battery module is a plurality of secondary batteries connected in series and / or in parallel. A battery pack is a plurality of battery modules connected in series and / or in parallel.

[0004] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the direction of flame transmission when a secondary battery ignites in a conventional battery pack.

[0005] Referring to FIG. 1, the battery pack (1) includes a plurality of battery modules (2, 3, 4). The conventional battery pack (1) adopts a structure in which a plurality of battery modules (2, 3, 4) are connected such that the positive terminal of any one secondary battery faces the negative terminal of another adjacent secondary battery.

[0006] For the sake of convenience of explanation, the plurality of battery modules (2, 3, 4) are referred to as the first module (2), the second module (3), and the third module (4) in the order of arrangement.

[0007] For example, when the first module (2), the second module (3), and the third module (4) are electrically connected in series, the positive terminal (21) of the first battery (20) of the first module (2) can be positioned opposite the negative terminal (32) of the second battery (30) of the second module (3), and the positive terminal (31) of the second battery (30) of the second module (3) can be positioned opposite the negative terminal (42) of the third battery (40) of the third module (4).

[0008] When the first battery (20), the second battery (30), and the third battery (40) are cylindrical secondary batteries, the direction in which the flame is discharged during internal ignition is in the direction in which their respective positive terminals (21, 31, and 41) are open to the outside.

[0009] For example, if the first battery (20) ignites, the internal pressure of the first battery (20) will increase due to the flame (50). When the positive terminal (21) of the first battery (20) separates from the first battery (20) due to the internal pressure, the flame (50) inside the first battery (20) will be expelled in the direction that the positive terminal (21) of the first battery (20) was opened.

[0010] In a conventional battery pack (1), when the first battery (20) catches fire internally, the positive terminal (21) of the first battery (20) opens towards the negative terminal (32) of the second battery (30), potentially damaging the negative terminal (32) of the second battery (30).

[0011] The flame (50) inside the first battery (20) may be transmitted in the direction that opens the positive terminal (21) of the first battery (20), that is, to the negative terminal (32) of the second battery (30), potentially causing the second battery (30) to ignite.

[0012] When the second battery (30) ignites, the positive terminal (31) of the second battery (30) opens and the flame can be transmitted to the negative terminal (42) of the third battery (40). The positive terminal (41) of the third battery (40) opens as it ignites, and the flame (50) of the third battery (40) is transmitted to the surrounding area.

[0013] The flame (50) of the first battery (20) starts at the first battery (20) and is sequentially transmitted from the first battery (20) to the second battery (30), and then from the second battery (30) to the third battery (40).

[0014] In conventional battery packs (1), when an internal fire occurs in the secondary battery, the flame (50) may propagate in the direction that opens the positive terminal, potentially causing a chain reaction of fire. Chain reactions in secondary batteries (20, 30, 40) can cause the flame (50) to spread quickly to the periphery of the battery pack (1), potentially triggering a large-scale fire. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0015] The present invention was devised to solve the aforementioned problems, and aims to provide a battery pack that can prevent the transmission of flames to the other adjacent secondary battery in the event of a fire in one of the secondary batteries by arranging the negative terminals of two adjacent secondary batteries to face each other.

[0016] Furthermore, the objective is to provide a battery pack in which the vents of each secondary battery are not arranged to face adjacent secondary batteries, but are instead arranged diagonally to face the inner surface of the battery pack.

[0017] Furthermore, the objective is to provide a battery pack in which the positive terminal of the secondary battery is positioned to face the inner surface of the pack case, so that when the secondary battery catches fire, the flame is discharged to the inner surface of the pack case, thereby preventing the flame from spreading to adjacent secondary batteries and / or modules.

[0018] Furthermore, the objective is to provide a battery pack that can secure a flame escape space between the positive terminal of the secondary battery and the inner surface of the pack case.

[0019] Furthermore, the objective is to provide a battery pack in which multiple modules are arranged at an angle within the internal space of the pack case, and reinforcing parts can be attached to the empty space between the inner surface of the pack case and two adjacent modules, thereby reinforcing the rigidity of the pack case.

[0020] Furthermore, the objective is to provide a battery pack that has a flame passage in the reinforced portion, which can guide the flame to the inner surface of the pack case when the secondary battery ignites.

[0021] Furthermore, the objective is to provide a battery pack that can prevent flames in the flame passage from being transmitted to adjacent modules by attaching a heat-resistant sheet to the reinforced portion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0022] To solve the aforementioned problems, according to one aspect of the present invention, a battery pack is provided which includes a pack case having a first inner surface, a second inner surface facing the first inner surface, and an internal space between the first inner surface and the second inner surface, and a plurality of modules, each module containing a plurality of secondary batteries, which are arranged in the internal space of the pack case and each module has a first end having a vent portion and a second end in the opposite direction to the first end.

[0023] Furthermore, each secondary battery is arranged such that the virtual centerlines passing through the first and second ends are not parallel or perpendicular to the first and second inner surfaces, respectively.

[0024] Furthermore, in each module, at least one secondary battery is positioned such that its first end is adjacent to the first inner surface more than its second end, and the other secondary battery is positioned such that its first end is adjacent to the second inner surface more than its second end.

[0025] Also, in each module, the plurality of secondary batteries can be arranged in multiple rows such that the first ends of the secondary batteries in the first row adjacent to the first inner surface and the first ends of the secondary batteries in the second row adjacent to the second inner surface face in different directions from each other.

[0026] Also, in each module, the plurality of secondary batteries can be arranged in parallel along a diagonal direction in which the virtual center line is inclined with respect to the first inner surface and the second inner surface, respectively.

[0027] Also, in two adjacent modules, the secondary batteries in the first row of one module and the secondary batteries in the second row of the other module can be arranged such that their respective virtual center lines are coaxial.

[0028] Also, the second ends of the secondary batteries in the first row of any one of the modules can be arranged to face the second ends of the secondary batteries in the second row of the other module.

[0029] Also, the two adjacent modules can be arranged to form a first empty space between them and the first inner surface, and a second empty space between them and the second inner surface.

[0030] Also, each module can be provided such that when a secondary battery in the first row ignites, the flame is discharged toward the first empty space, and when a secondary battery in the second row ignites, the flame is discharged toward the second empty space.

[0031] Also, the battery pack can include a first reinforcing portion having a first flame passage arranged in the first empty space and configured to receive the flame generated when a secondary battery in the first row ignites, and a second reinforcing portion having a second flame passage arranged in the second empty space and configured to receive the flame generated when a secondary battery in the second row ignites.

[0032] Furthermore, the first reinforcing portion can be positioned so that the first flame passage faces the first end of the secondary battery in the first row of an adjacent module, and the second reinforcing portion can be positioned so that the second flame passage faces the first end of the secondary battery in the second row of an adjacent module.

[0033] Furthermore, the first reinforcement portion may include a plurality of first flame passages partitioned by the first ribs. The first flame passages can provide flame escape spaces.

[0034] Furthermore, the first reinforcing portion may include a first heat-resistant sheet placed within the first flame passage.

[0035] Furthermore, the first heat-resistant sheet may include a mica sheet having an alumina silicate component.

[0036] Furthermore, the second reinforcement portion may include a plurality of second flame passages partitioned by the second rib.

[0037] Furthermore, the second reinforcing portion may include a second heat-resistant sheet disposed within the second flame passage.

[0038] Furthermore, the second heat-resistant sheet may include a mica sheet having an alumina silicate component.

[0039] Furthermore, the first end may include a positive terminal, and the second end may include a negative terminal.

[0040] Furthermore, a battery pack related to yet another embodiment of the present invention includes a pack case having a first inner surface, a second inner surface facing the first inner surface, and an internal space between the first inner surface and the second inner surface, and a plurality of modules, each of which is arranged in the internal space of the pack case and includes a plurality of secondary batteries having positive and negative terminals, wherein each secondary battery is arranged such that a virtual center line passing through the positive and negative terminals is parallel or perpendicular to the first and second inner surfaces, and in each module, at least one secondary battery may be arranged such that its positive terminal is adjacent to the first inner surface more than its negative terminal, and the other secondary batteries may be arranged such that their positive terminal is adjacent to the second inner surface more than its negative terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0041] As described above, at least one embodiment of the present invention and the associated battery pack have the following effects.

[0042] The battery pack is configured such that the negative terminals of two adjacent secondary batteries face each other, preventing the flame from spreading to the other adjacent secondary battery in the event of a fire in one of the secondary batteries.

[0043] Furthermore, the battery pack is arranged so that the positive terminals of the secondary batteries face the inner surface of the pack case, so that when a secondary battery catches fire, the flame is discharged to the inner surface of the pack case, preventing the flame from spreading to adjacent secondary batteries and / or modules.

[0044] The vents of each secondary battery are not arranged to face adjacent secondary batteries, but rather are arranged diagonally to face the inner surface of the battery pack. This allows flames expelled through the vents to be directed towards the inner surface of the pack case in the event of a secondary battery fire.

[0045] Furthermore, a flame escape space can be secured between the positive terminal of the secondary battery and the inner surface of the pack case.

[0046] Furthermore, the battery pack can be reinforced by attaching reinforcing parts to the empty spaces created by the inclined arrangement of multiple modules within the internal space of the pack case, thereby enhancing the rigidity of the pack case.

[0047] Furthermore, the battery pack has a flame passage coaxial with the virtual centerline of the secondary battery adjacent to the reinforced portion, and when the secondary battery ignites, the flame is guided to the inner surface of the pack case connected to the flame passage, thereby preventing the flame from being transmitted to adjacent modules.

[0048] Furthermore, the battery pack can be configured to prevent flames in the flame passage from being transmitted to adjacent modules by attaching a heat-resistant sheet to either the inner surface of the reinforced section including the flame passage or the outer surface of the reinforced section outside the flame passage, or to all of them. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0049] [Figure 1] This diagram illustrates the direction of flame propagation when a secondary battery in a conventional battery pack ignites. [Figure 2] This diagram illustrates a battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which the reinforcing portion is not attached. [Figure 3] Figure 3(a) is a diagram showing the configuration of a secondary battery, and Figure 3(b) is a diagram illustrating the process by which the vent section where the positive electrode terminal is located is opened by the flame when the secondary battery ignites. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates the direction in which the flame from a secondary battery that has ignited in a battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention is transmitted. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates the arrangement of adjacent first and second modules, and the arrangement of first and second reinforcing parts, in a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This diagram illustrates the arrangement of multiple secondary batteries provided in the first module according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and the arrangement of the first and second reinforcing parts relative to the first module. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates the direction in which the flame from a secondary battery that has ignited in a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention is transmitted. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0050] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention and a related battery pack will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0051] Furthermore, regardless of the reference numerals used in the drawings, identical or corresponding components will be assigned the same or similar reference numerals, and redundant explanations for them will be omitted. For the sake of clarity, the size and shape of each component shown in the illustrations may be exaggerated or reduced.

[0052] Figure 2 is a battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a battery pack without reinforcement parts; Figure 3(a) is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 3(b) is a diagram illustrating the process by which the vent section where the positive electrode terminal is provided is opened by the flame when the secondary battery catches fire.

[0053] Referring to Figure 2, a battery pack (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a pack case (110) having a first inner surface (111), a second inner surface (112) facing the first inner surface (111), and an internal space (115) between the first inner surface (111) and the second inner surface (112). For example, the first inner surface (111) and the second inner surface (112) can be arranged in parallel.

[0054] Furthermore, the battery pack (100) is arranged in the internal space of the pack case (110) and includes multiple modules (200, 300) each containing multiple secondary batteries (210, 220, 310, 320). Each module (200, 300) contains multiple secondary batteries (210, 220, 310, 320). Referring to Figure 3(a), each secondary battery (210) has a first end (210a) with a vent portion (215) and a second end (210b) opposite to the first end (210a).

[0055] Referring to Figure 2, the direction from the first inner surface (111) to the second inner surface (112) of the pack case (110) is the y-axis direction, and the x-axis direction, which is perpendicular to the y-axis direction, can indicate the arrangement direction of the multiple modules within the pack case (110).

[0056] For example, the first end (210a) may include a positive terminal (211), and the second end (210b) may include a negative terminal (212). In such a structure, the battery pack (100) may include a plurality of modules (200, 300) which are arranged in the internal space (115) of the pack case (110) and each module contains a plurality of secondary batteries (210, 220, 310, 320) having positive and negative terminals.

[0057] The modules (200, 300) may include a module case (201) and a plurality of secondary batteries (210, 220) arranged inside the module case (201). The module case (201) may have a housing space capable of accommodating a plurality of secondary batteries (210, 220), and the module case (201) may have a structure in which both sides are open so that the first end (210a) and second end (210b) of each secondary battery (for example, secondary battery 210) are exposed to the outside.

[0058] Within each module (200, 300), multiple secondary batteries can be arranged in multiple rows. For example, secondary batteries can be arranged in a first row adjacent to the first inner surface (111) of the pack case (110), and secondary batteries can be arranged in a second row adjacent to the second inner surface (112) of the pack case (110). Multiple secondary batteries can be arranged to form multiple rows along the direction from the first inner surface (111) to the second inner surface (112).

[0059] Furthermore, each secondary battery (210, 220, 310, 320) can be arranged such that the virtual centerlines (L1, L2) passing through the positive terminal of the first end and the negative terminal of the second end are not parallel or perpendicular to the first inner surface (111) and the second inner surface (112) of the pack case (110), respectively. Referring to Figures 2 and 3(a), the secondary battery (for example, 210) can be arranged such that the virtual centerline (L1) passing through the positive terminal (211) of the first end (210a) and the negative terminal (212) of the second end (210b) is not parallel or perpendicular to the first inner surface (111) of the pack case (110), and can be arranged in a diagonal direction. Furthermore, the secondary batteries (for example, 210) can be arranged such that the virtual center line (L1) passing through the positive terminal (211) of the first end (210a) and the negative terminal (212) of the second end (210b) is not parallel or perpendicular to the second inner surface (112) of the pack case (110), and can be arranged in a diagonal direction.

[0060] The aforementioned virtual centerlines (L1, L2) can be divided into a virtual first centerline (L1) and a virtual second centerline (L2). For example, the virtual first centerline (L1) is a virtual centerline connecting the centers of the positive terminals (211, 311) and negative terminals (212, 312) of the first row of secondary batteries (210, 310), and the virtual second centerline (L2) is a virtual centerline connecting the centers of the positive terminals (221, 321) and negative terminals (222, 322) of the second row of secondary batteries (220, 320).

[0061] The plurality of secondary batteries (210, 220, 310, 320) can be arranged parallel to each other along diagonal directions (F) that are inclined with respect to the first inner surface (111) and the second inner surface (112), respectively. The diagonal direction (F) may be the direction in which the virtual first center line (L1) and the virtual second center line (L2) are inclined with respect to the first inner surface (111) and the second inner surface (112), respectively.

[0062] In two adjacent modules (200, 300), the plurality of secondary batteries (210, 220, 310, 320) can be arranged in multiple rows such that the positive terminals (211, 311) at the first end of the secondary batteries in the first row (210, 310) and the positive terminals (221, 321) at the first end of the secondary batteries in the second row (220, 320) face in different directions. As an example, in two adjacent modules (200, 300), at least one secondary battery (210, 310) may have its positive terminals (211, 311) positioned closer to the first inner surface (111) than the negative terminals (212, 312), and the other secondary battery (220, 320) may have its positive terminals (221, 321) positioned closer to the second inner surface (112) than the negative terminals (222, 322). In other words, the plurality of secondary batteries (210, 220, 310, 320) can be arranged such that the positive terminals (211, 311) at the first end of the secondary batteries (210, 310) in the first row are positioned adjacent to the first inner surface (111) in a direction facing the first inner surface (111), and the positive terminals (221, 321) at the first end of the secondary batteries (220, 320) in the second row are positioned adjacent to the second inner surface (112) in a direction facing the second inner surface (112).

[0063] In this embodiment, for the sake of explanation, two adjacent modules (200, 300) are referred to as the first module (200) and the second module (300) according to their arrangement order in the module arrangement direction (x-axis direction).

[0064] Referring to Figure 2, the first module (200) refers to a module located on the left side of the pack case (110) (also referred to as the front side along the length of the pack case). The secondary battery provided in the first module (200) is referred to as the "first secondary battery (210, 220)". The first secondary battery (210, 220) may include a first row of first secondary batteries (210) and a second row of first secondary batteries (220).

[0065] On the other hand, the second module (300) refers to a module located on the right side of the pack case (110) (also referred to as the rear side along the length of the pack case), and is a module adjacent to the first module (200) and located at the rear end of the first module (200). The second module (300) has the same structure as the first module (200). The secondary battery provided in the second module (300) is referred to as the "secondary secondary battery (310, 320)". The secondary battery (310, 320) may include a second secondary battery (310) in the first row and a second secondary battery (320) in the second row.

[0066] When each module (200, 300) is arranged at an angle within the pack case (110), multiple empty spaces can be formed between each module (200, 300) and the first inner surface (111) and the second inner surface (112). These empty spaces can function as flame escape spaces in the event of ignition of the secondary battery.

[0067] In the first module (200), the positive terminal (211) of the first row of first secondary batteries (210) can be positioned adjacent to the first inner surface (111). In the internal space (115) of the pack case (110), the positive terminal (211) of the first row of first secondary batteries (210) is positioned facing the adjacent first empty space (120a).

[0068] The positive terminal (221) of the second row of first secondary batteries (220) can be positioned adjacent to the second inner surface (112). In the internal space (115) of the pack case (110), the positive terminal (221) of the second row of first secondary batteries (220) is positioned facing the adjacent second empty space (130a).

[0069] The second module (300) can be positioned such that the first row of first secondary batteries (210) of the first module (200) and the second row of second secondary batteries (320) of the second module (300) are located on a virtual coaxial axis. As an example, the second module (300) can be positioned at the rear end of the first module (200) such that a portion of it is in contact with the first module (200).

[0070] For example, the first secondary battery (210) in the first row of the first module (200) and the second secondary battery (320) in the second row of the second module (300) can be arranged in a straight line along the diagonal direction (F).

[0071] Furthermore, the negative terminal (212) of the first secondary battery (210) in the first row of the first module (200) can be positioned opposite the negative terminal (322) of the second secondary battery (320) in the second row of the second module (300).

[0072] Furthermore, the positive terminal (211) of the first secondary battery (210) in the first row of the first module (200) can be positioned on the opposite side from the positive terminal (321) of the second secondary battery (320) in the second row of the second module (300).

[0073] The positive terminal (311) of the second secondary battery (310) in the first row can be positioned to face an adjacent first empty space (120b). The positive terminal (321) of the second secondary battery (320) in the second row can be positioned to face an adjacent second empty space (130b). In this document, the multiple first empty spaces (120a, 120b) refer to the spaces located between the first inner surface (111) of the pack case (110) and each module (200, 300), and the multiple second empty spaces (130a, 130b) refer to the spaces located between the second inner surface (112) of the pack case (110) and each module (200, 300).

[0074] Multiple first empty spaces (120a, 120b) can be provided in the internal space of the pack case (110) by arranging the first and second modules (200, 300) at an inclination with respect to the first inner surface (111). In this case, each of the first empty spaces (120a, 120b) may be individual spaces that can be partitioned into different regions of the first inner surface (111). Each of the first empty spaces (120a, 120b) may be a closed space separated along the module arrangement direction.

[0075] One of the first empty spaces (120a) may be adjacent to the positive terminal (211) of the first secondary battery (210) in the first row of the first module (200). The other first empty space (120b) may be adjacent to the positive terminal (311) of the second secondary battery (310) in the first row of the second module (300). Referring to Figure 4, the first empty spaces (120a, 120b) may have a triangular cross-section that includes a portion of the first inner surface (111).

[0076] Multiple second empty spaces (130a, 130b) can be provided in the internal space of the pack case (110) by arranging the first module (200) and the second module (300) at an inclination with respect to the second inner surface (112). In this case, each second empty space (130a, 130b) may be an individual space that can be partitioned into different regions of the second inner surface (112). Each second empty space (130a, 130b) may be a closed space separated along the module arrangement direction.

[0077] Each of the second open spaces (130a, 130b) can be separated from each of the first open spaces (120a, 120b) along the diagonal direction (F).

[0078] Either of the second empty spaces (130a) may be adjacent to the positive terminal (221) of the second row of the first secondary battery (220) of the first module (200). The other second empty space (130b) may be adjacent to the positive terminal (321) of the second row of the second secondary battery (320) of the second module (300). Referring to Figure 4, the second empty spaces (130a, 130b) may have a triangular cross-section that includes a portion of the second inner surface (112).

[0079] The battery pack (100) may include, in each module, a plurality of first busbars (410) that electrically connect the secondary batteries (210, 310) arranged in the first row, and a plurality of second busbars (420) that electrically connect the secondary batteries (220, 320) arranged in the second row. The first busbars (410) and the second busbars (420) have the same structure.

[0080] The first module (200) and the second module (300) can be configured such that the secondary batteries are electrically connected in series.

[0081] As an example, the first busbar (410) may have a positive terminal connection portion (411) that is connectable to the positive terminal of any one of the secondary batteries arranged in the same row of the first module and the second module, and a negative terminal connection portion (412) that is electrically connectable to the negative terminal of another secondary battery adjacent to it.

[0082] The first busbar (410) may have a bending portion (413) between the positive electrode connection portion (411) and the negative electrode connection portion (412).

[0083] The first busbar (410) has its negative electrode connection portion (412) bent at a predetermined angle relative to the positive electrode connection portion (411), thereby electrically connecting the negative electrode terminal (212) of the first secondary battery (210) in the first row of the first module (200) to the positive electrode terminal (311) of the secondary battery (310) in the first row of the second module (300).

[0084] The second busbar (420) can electrically connect the positive terminal (221) of the second row secondary battery (220) of the first module (200) to the negative terminal (322) of the second row secondary battery (320) of the second module (300).

[0085] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the direction in which the flame from a secondary battery that has ignited in a battery pack according to the first embodiment of the present invention is transmitted. Figure 4 is a diagram of the battery pack (100) in Figure 2 with the first busbar (410) and the second busbar (420) omitted, and shows the direction in which the flame is discharged.

[0086] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the direction in which the flame (50) of the first secondary battery (210, 220) is discharged is in the direction in which the positive terminals (211, 221) are opened.

[0087] In the first module (200), the positive terminal (211) of the first row of first secondary batteries (210) is positioned to face an adjacent first empty space (120a). When the first row of first secondary batteries (210) ignites, the flame (50) can be discharged along the first direction (F1) into any one of the first empty spaces (120a).

[0088] The first direction (F1) is a direction inclined toward the first inner surface (111) toward the front side of the pack case (110).

[0089] When the first secondary battery (210) in the first row of the first module (200) ignites, the flame (50) from the first secondary battery (210) in the first row can be discharged along the first direction (F1) into one of the first empty spaces (120a). For example, the flame (50) can also damage a portion of the first inner surface (111) of the pack case (110) and be discharged to the outside of the pack case (110).

[0090] The positive terminal (221) of the second row of the first secondary battery (220) in the first module (200) is positioned to face the adjacent second empty space (130a). When the second row of the first secondary battery (220) ignites, the flame (50) can be discharged along the second direction (F2) into one of the second empty spaces (130a). For example, the flame (50) can damage a portion of the second inner surface (112) of the pack case (110) in one of the second empty spaces (130a) and be discharged to the outside of the pack case (110).

[0091] The second direction (F2) may be the opposite direction to the first direction (F1).

[0092] The direction in which the flame (50) of the second secondary battery (310, 320) of the second module (300) is discharged is in the direction in which the positive terminals (311, 321) are opened.

[0093] The positive terminal (311) of the second secondary battery (310) in the first row of the second module (300) is positioned to face the adjacent first empty space (120b). When the second secondary battery (310) in the first row of the second module (300) ignites, the flame (50) of the second secondary battery (310) in the first row can be discharged along the first direction (F1) into the other first empty space (120b). For example, a portion of the first inner surface (111) of the pack case (110) can be damaged and discharged to the outside of the pack case (110).

[0094] The positive terminal (321) of the second secondary battery (320) in the second row of the second module (300) is positioned to face an adjacent second empty space (130b). When the second secondary battery (320) in the second row ignites, the flame (50) can be discharged along the second direction (F2) into another second empty space (130b). For example, the flame (50) can be discharged from the other second empty space (130b) into a portion of the second inner surface (112) of the pack case (110) and into the outside of the pack case (110).

[0095] With the above-described structure, the battery pack (100) ensures that when a secondary battery catches fire, the flame (50) is discharged to different areas of the first inner surface (111) and the second inner surface (112) of the pack case, thereby preventing the flame (50) from spreading from the ignited secondary battery to other adjacent secondary batteries.

[0096] Furthermore, the battery pack (100) is arranged such that the positive terminals (211, 221) of the first secondary battery (210, 220) and the negative terminals (312, 322) of the second secondary battery (310, 320) do not face each other, thereby preventing the flame (50) ignited in the first secondary battery (210, 220) from being transmitted to the second secondary battery (310, 320).

[0097] In this document, all secondary batteries may have the same structure.

[0098] As an example, referring to Figure 3(a), the first secondary battery (210) may include a battery case (213), an electrode assembly (214), an electrolyte (not shown), a positive electrode terminal (211), and a negative electrode terminal (212).

[0099] The electrode assembly (214) is formed by winding a positive electrode (not shown) and a negative electrode (not shown) in a roll shape with a separation membrane (not shown) as a mediating element. The electrode assembly (214) together with the electrolyte (not shown) is housed in the internal space (115) of the battery container (213).

[0100] The battery container (213) has a cylindrical shape with an opening (218). The negative electrode terminal (212) can be provided on the bottom surface of the battery container (213). The negative electrode terminal (212) is electrically connected to the negative electrode (not shown) of the electrode assembly (214).

[0101] A vent portion (215) on which the positive electrode terminal (211) is provided is attached to the opening (218) of the battery case (213). The vent portion (215) is provided to seal the opening (218) of the battery case (213). The vent portion (215) is provided integrally with the positive electrode terminal (211). The positive electrode terminal (211) is electrically connected to the positive electrode (not shown) of the electrode assembly (214).

[0102] Referring to Figure 3(b), when the first secondary battery (210) ignites internally, the pressure in the internal space of the battery case (213) increases due to the flame (50). The high internal pressure pressurizes the vent section (215) where the positive electrode terminal (211) is located. The vent section (215) where the positive electrode terminal (211) is located can be separated from the battery case (213) by the high internal pressure.

[0103] The flame (50) inside the battery can (213) is discharged to the outside through the opening (218) of the battery can (213), which is the part where the vent (215) on which the positive electrode terminal (211) is provided is opened. The flame (50) can be discharged from the battery can (213) in a direction in which the high internal pressure pressurizes the vent (215) on which the positive electrode terminal (211) is provided.

[0104] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of adjacent first and second modules, and the arrangement of the first and second reinforcing parts, in a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of a plurality of secondary batteries provided in the first module and the arrangement of the first and second reinforcing parts relative to the first module, according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the direction in which the flame of a ignited secondary battery is transmitted in a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] Referring to Figures 5 to 7, the battery pack according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described as follows.

[0106] This embodiment is an example in which a first reinforcing part (600) and a second reinforcing part (700) are additionally installed on the battery pack (100) shown in Figure 2 in order to reinforce the rigidity of the pack case (110).

[0107] In this document, in order to clearly explain the first reinforcement section (600) and the second reinforcement section (700), and the direction of flame discharge, the diagrams of the busbars that electrically connect the secondary batteries are omitted in Figures 5 and 7.

[0108] The first reinforcement section (600) and the second reinforcement section (700) will be described below.

[0109] Referring to Figure 6, the first module (200) includes a plurality of primary secondary batteries (210, 220) and a module case (201). The primary secondary batteries (210, 220) include one or more primary secondary batteries (210) in a first row and one or more primary secondary batteries (220) in a second row. The module case (201) is for protecting the plurality of primary secondary batteries (210, 220).

[0110] For example, if the first module (200) includes four first secondary batteries (210, 220) arranged in a 2x2 configuration, the four first secondary batteries (210, 220) can be housed in a module case (201) such that two positive terminals (211) are located on the front end side (200a) of the first module (200) facing the first inner surface (211), and two positive terminals (221) are located on the rear end side (200b) of the first module (200) facing the second inner surface (112). However, the number of first secondary batteries (210, 220) used can vary depending on the capacity of the first module (200), and is therefore not limited to the structure illustrated in this document.

[0111] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the first reinforcing portion (600) is attached to the first inner surface (111) in the respective first open spaces (120a, 120b), thereby reinforcing the rigidity of the pack case (110) on the first inner surface (111).

[0112] The first reinforcing portion (600) has a first flame passage (610) provided to guide the flame (50) discharged along the first direction (F1) to the first inner surface (111).

[0113] The first reinforcing portion (600) can be positioned in the first empty space (120a, 120b) such that the first flame passage (610) is coaxial with the virtual first centerline (L1) of the first row of secondary batteries (210, 310) of the adjacent module.

[0114] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the first flame passage (610) can be positioned opposite the positive terminal (211) on the front end side (200a) of the first module (200).

[0115] The first reinforcing section (600) includes a plurality of first flame passages (610) demarcated by first ribs (630), and each first flame passage (610) can be positioned coaxially with a virtual first centerline (L1) of each secondary battery arranged in a first row of adjacent modules.

[0116] The first rib (630) is for reinforcing the rigidity of the first flame passage (610). The multiple first flame passages (610) partitioned by the first rib (630) can be arranged so as to face each of the secondary batteries arranged in the first row.

[0117] Furthermore, the first reinforcing portion (600) may include a first heat-resistant sheet (620) for blocking the transmission of flames (50) in the first flame passage (610) to adjacent modules.

[0118] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the first heat-resistant sheet (620) can also be attached to the outer surface of the first reinforcing portion (600) exposed in the first open space (120a, 120b). The first heat-resistant sheet (620) can also be attached to the inner surface of the first flame passage (610).

[0119] The first heat-resistant sheet (620) has heat resistance sufficient to withstand a flame (50). The first heat-resistant sheet (620) can be a mica sheet. The mica sheet is a heat-resistant sheet having an alumina silicate component. The mica sheet has mica material.

[0120] For example, referring to Figure 7, when the first secondary battery (210) in the first row ignites in the first module (200), the positive terminal (211) of the first secondary battery (210) in the first row is opened in the first direction (F1) by the flame (50).

[0121] When the positive terminal (211) of the first secondary battery (210) in the first row is opened, the flame (50) can be discharged into the first flame passage (610) along the first direction (F1).

[0122] The first reinforcement portion (600) is positioned such that the first flame passage (610) is aligned in a straight line with the virtual first centerline (L1) of the first row of first secondary batteries (210), and when the first row of first secondary batteries (210) ignites, the flame (50) can be guided to the first inner surface (111) of the pack case (110). The first flame passage (610) can block heat transfer with adjacent modules (200 or 300) by the first heat-resistant sheet (620).

[0123] The second reinforcement section (700) is described below.

[0124] Referring to Figure 5, the second reinforcing portion (700) is attached to the second inner surface (112) in the second open space (130a, 130b), and the rigidity of the pack case (110) can be reinforced on the second inner surface (112).

[0125] The second reinforcing portion (700) has a second flame passage (710) provided to guide the flame (50) discharged along the second direction (F2) to the second inner surface (112).

[0126] The second reinforcing portion (700) can be positioned in the second empty space (130a, 130b) such that the second flame passage (710) is coaxial with the virtual second centerline (L2) of the second row of secondary batteries (220, 320) of the adjacent module. For example, the second reinforcing portion (700) can have the same structure as the first reinforcing portion (600).

[0127] The second reinforcement section (700) includes a plurality of second flame passages (710) demarcated by second ribs (730), and each second flame passage (710) can be positioned coaxially with the virtual second centerline (L2) of each secondary battery arranged in the second row of the adjacent module. The plurality of second flame passages (710) can be varied according to the number of secondary batteries in the second row of each module.

[0128] Furthermore, the second reinforcing portion (700) may include a second heat-resistant sheet (720) for blocking the transmission of flames (50) in the second flame passage (710) to adjacent modules.

[0129] The second heat-resistant sheet (720) has heat resistance sufficient to withstand a flame (50). The second heat-resistant sheet (720) can be a mica sheet. The mica sheet is a heat-resistant sheet having an alumina silicate component. The mica sheet has mica material.

[0130] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the second heat-resistant sheet (720) can also be attached to the outer surface of the second reinforcing portion (700) exposed in the second open space (130a, 130b). Alternatively, the second heat-resistant sheet (720) can be attached to the inner surface of the second flame passage (710). The second heat-resistant sheet (720) can prevent the flame (50) moving along the second flame passage (710) from being transmitted to the surrounding area.

[0131] For example, referring to Figure 7, in the second module (300), when the second secondary battery (320) in the second row ignites, the positive terminal (321) of the second secondary battery (320) in the second row is opened in the second direction (F2) by the flame (50).

[0132] When the positive terminal (321) of the second secondary battery (320) in the second row is opened, the flame (50) can be discharged into the second flame passage (710) along the second direction (F2).

[0133] The second reinforcement section (700) is positioned such that the second flame passage (710) is aligned in a straight line with the virtual second centerline (L2) of the second row of second secondary batteries (320), and when the second row of second secondary batteries (320) ignites, the flame (50) can be guided to the second inner surface (112) of the pack case (110).

[0134] With the above-described structure, the battery pack (100) is provided with first reinforcing parts (600) in each of the first empty spaces (120a, 120b) and second reinforcing parts (700) in each of the second empty spaces (130a, 130b), thereby reinforcing the rigidity of the pack case (110).

[0135] Furthermore, the battery pack (100) is provided with a first flame passage (610) and a second flame passage (710) in the direction in which the positive terminal is open, thereby preventing the flame (50) from being transmitted to surrounding secondary batteries and surrounding modules. The first flame passage (610) and the second flame passage (710) are spaced apart along the diagonal direction.

[0136] The preferred embodiments of the present invention described above are disclosed for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the art, having ordinary skill with the present invention, will recognize that various modifications, alterations, and additions are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention, and such modifications, alterations, and additions should be considered to fall within the scope of the following claims. [Industrial applicability]

[0137] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention and a related battery pack, when one secondary battery catches fire, it is possible to prevent the flame from spreading to another adjacent secondary battery. [Explanation of symbols]

[0138] 100 Battery Packs 110 Pack Case 111 First inner self, 112 Second Inner Surface 115 Interior space 200, 300 modules 210, 220, 310, 320 secondary battery 210a 1st end 210b 2nd end 215 Vent section

Claims

1. A pack case having a first inner surface, a second inner surface facing the first inner surface, and an internal space between the first inner surface and the second inner surface, A plurality of modules, each containing a plurality of secondary batteries, are arranged in the internal space of the pack case and have a first end with a vent portion and a second end in the opposite direction to the first end. Includes, Each of the aforementioned secondary batteries is arranged such that the virtual centerlines passing through the first end and the second end are not parallel or perpendicular to the first inner surface and the second inner surface, respectively. In each of the modules, at least one secondary battery is positioned such that its first end is adjacent to the first inner surface more than its second end, and the other secondary batteries are positioned such that their first ends are adjacent to the second inner surface more than their second ends.

2. In each of the aforementioned modules, the plurality of secondary batteries are arranged in multiple rows such that the first ends of the secondary batteries in the first row adjacent to the first inner surface and the first ends of the secondary batteries in the second row adjacent to the second inner surface face in different directions from each other. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein in each of the modules, the plurality of secondary batteries are arranged parallel to the diagonal direction in which the virtual center line is inclined with respect to the first inner surface and the second inner surface, respectively.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein in two adjacent modules, the secondary batteries in the first row of one module and the secondary batteries in the second row of the other module are arranged such that their respective virtual centerlines lie coaxially.

4. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein the second end of the first row of secondary batteries in any one of the modules is arranged to face the second end of the second row of secondary batteries in the other module.

5. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein two adjacent modules form a first empty space between them and a second empty space between them and a second inner surface.

6. Each of the aforementioned modules is, When the first row of secondary batteries ignites, the flame is discharged toward the first empty space. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein the battery pack is configured such that when a secondary battery in the second row ignites, the flame is discharged toward the second empty space.

7. A first reinforcing section is provided in the first empty space and has a first flame passage that is designed to receive flames generated when the first row of secondary batteries ignites, A second reinforcing section is provided in the second empty space and has a second flame passage that is designed to receive flames generated when the second row of secondary batteries ignites, The battery pack according to claim 6, further comprising:

8. The first reinforcing portion is positioned such that the first flame passage faces the first end of the first row of secondary batteries of an adjacent module. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein the second reinforcing portion is positioned such that the second flame passage faces the first end of the second row of secondary batteries of an adjacent module.

9. The battery pack according to claim 8, wherein the first reinforcing portion includes a plurality of first flame passages partitioned by a first rib.

10. The battery pack according to claim 8, wherein the first reinforcing portion further includes a first heat-resistant sheet disposed within the first flame passage.

11. The battery pack according to claim 10, wherein the first heat-resistant sheet includes a mica sheet having an alumina silicate component.

12. The battery pack according to claim 8, wherein the second reinforcing portion includes a plurality of second flame passages partitioned by a second rib.

13. The battery pack according to claim 8, wherein the second reinforcing portion further includes a second heat-resistant sheet disposed within the second flame passage.

14. The battery pack according to claim 13, wherein the second heat-resistant sheet includes a mica sheet having an alumina silicate component.

15. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the first end includes a positive terminal and the second end includes a negative terminal.

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